Being only my family of four, I had a long while on my own while I waited on Demetrius to finish his goodbyes. Alone in a room with just my thoughts….

I still couldn't come to terms. How could I be reaped? One entry, and I was up to play in the Hunger Games? The word play shouldn't even be right.

I chocked on the knot forming from the tears I still had left holding. My fists undid themselves, my red hands throbbing from the loss of circulation. Suddenly, I was brought back to this morning's conversation with my mom. How I had told her about rebellion.

"Where did you hear that?"

"Around."

Rebellion. This could bring an end to these Games. And end to Reapings. To killings. To winning.

I shook off the thought. I wished the Hunger Games never existed. There was a small chance I'd be coming home, slim at best. My family knew that. Being part of a Career district, Demetrius and I should be strong contenders. But I wasn't. I had no chance.

I couldn't think of strategy, because I could not conjure one. I thought of my angle. I could be the likable and relatable one: like Peeta Mellark, the victor from District 12. I soon dismissed that. I wasn't very friendly, so it wouldn't work. I could be daring, and sexy: like Finnick Odair, the victor from District 4. Again, not going to work. I might be blonde, but I wouldn't consider myself sexy. Maybe just…pretty. Finally, I thought of weak, but then pulls out the survival factor during the games, surprising all the other tributes: like Johanna Mason, the victor a few years back. Once more, I realized I was only going to get to the first part- I couldn't pull out any survival factor.

Unexperienced, untrained, and unhappy, I slumped down on the couch, sighing.

I really had no hope at all.

"Snow," A gruff voice said at the door, "It's time to go."

I nodded, picking up both my pride and dignity, and leaving my ego behind.

I may be Lillianne Snow, but in that arena, I was just the female tribute from District One.

"Fancy seeing you around here."

I ignore him. Demetrius scoffs, flicking my now wavy blonde hair forward playfully. "Come on, Lilly-"

"Lillianne." I correct him, jaw clenched. I did not want to deal with him. He nodded in mock understanding. "Sorry. Lillianne." He elongated for effect. He leaned casually on the elevator wall, eyeing me.

"So what's our plan, Lillianne?" He asked cockily. I scoffed this time, looking up at him.

"Our plan? Since when did we become a team?" I reply, crossing my arms over my chest. He smirked.

"I thought you wanted to come back, alive." He answered slyly. I leaned back, putting my weight on my left leg.

"Well…yeah." I say, softening, "But-but only one wins."

"There, my dear," He interrupts, putting his finger on my lips, "Is where you are wrong."

I push his finger away, smacking his hand. "And how am I wrong? 24 tributes, one is victorious. Seems like those have been the rules for, I don't know, ever?" I say harshly. I clicks his tongue disapprovingly, shaking his head. I cock my head to the side. "What? Why are you 'tsk-tsk'-ing me?"

He puts his hands on my shoulders and nears my face, a little to close for comfort. Then he says, "We could be in love."

I stare at him, not comprehending, then my mind goes back to the 74th Hunger Games. Those two tributes from District 12…Peeta and Katniss, they both won because they couldn't live without each other. They were getting married next year….they were in love….

"No. Way." I briskly retaliate, pushing him away from me. He shrugs, smiling.

"Think about it, Lillianne," He cooed, leaning on the wall again as the elevator began to stop, "I could be your only way back home."

My eyes widen at the thought. Suddenly, I realized that my life didn't have to be at the hands of the Gamemakers.

It could also be in Demetrius's.

"Suppose I do agree to this, 'love' thing," I quietly began, "Are we guaranteed a win?"

Demetrius mulls over the idea in his head, hand on his chin. He shrugs, saying, "Most likely. Unless the odds aren't in our favor."

I nod slowly, turning away. He has a smile forming on his lips as he puts his arm around me.

"Do we have a deal?"

I freeze. Maybe, just maybe, I had a strategy in these games. My greatest enemy might just have to become the 'love of my life'. I would rather die than be in love with Demetrius.

Well, now would not be the case.

"I'll think about it."

Demetrius grins, pulling himself away from me. With the elevator's 'ding!' signaling us that we had reached the lobby, he said one last thing before we embarked on this journey.

"Love you too, Lilly."

I baby-barfed in my throat, wondering how I'd survive my own head if I went on with this.