~Cato~

I stood in my room with my brother, today is Reaping day. The day that I volunteer to go into the Hunger Games with Clove, my best friend. I should feel proud of this moment, because I am going to do what I've been waiting to do for years now. But I don't for some reason. Is it because I wish I could see Spitfire once again before I go in? Maybe. I just know that I have to win. Then maybe if she really doesn't volunteer for the Games, I could win, and I could find her and explain everything to her. I could tell her why I had acted the way I did back in the Academy. After long talks with my mom, dad, brother, and with Selima, I have come to realize that I do in fact like Spitfire, maybe even love her. That's why I have to win, for her. She may not love me back, but she has to know.

"Are you sure you want to do this?" Citch asked as I adjusted my tie. "You don't have to volunteer you know." he reminded and I shook my head.

They're expecting me to. And you know what happens when someone whose supposed to volunteer doesn't." I reminded back and he nodded knowingly. If you're supposed to volunteer but don't, they hurt your family in some way.

"But what about Spitfire? What are you going to to if she volunteers?" he asked, concern showing brightly in his eyes. I sighed as I looked down at my feet.

"She won't volunteer. They can't make her because she isn't from here. If she doesn't volunteer they can't touch her. Besides she'll only volunteer if she absolutely has too, and that'll only happen if her sibling gets reaped." I explained.

"If her sister gets reaped, you know she'll do whatever she can to win."

"Sister?"

"Oh come on Cato. She can only volunteer for a female Tribute, not a male, so she has to have a sister." he explained and I'm shocked at myself for not putting it together sooner.

"There's hardly a chance of her sister getting reaped anyway. It's her first year, only one entry. What are the odds?" I asked and he sighed.

"The odds are never in anyone's favor." he commented, as the bell rung for us to get to the Town Square. My family and I made our way into town, mom had tears in her eyes, knowing that there was a chance that I might not return.

The only thing that runs through my mind as I walk to the Town Square with my family at my side is Spitfire. And how I am doing this for her. So when the Escort, who's name I can't remember calls a girls name, and Clove volunteers, I know that I have to be ready, to volunteer before anybody else that wants to take my spot from me.

"Havo-" the Escort starts but I interrupted.

"I volunteer!" I shout with my hand raised high in the air.

"Another volunteer, come on up." she says. I do as I'm told and make my way through the crowd up to the stage. Clove gives me a death glare as I pass her. "What is your name son?"

"Cato Hart."

"Excellent! Let's hear a round of applause for our District Two volunteers, Clove Sinistra and Cato Hart!" she shouts into the microphone and everybody cheers. This is what I am here for.

~Katniss~

I stood in front of the mirror of my home in District Twelve. My mother was pinning my hair up in a mess of braids. She put the last pin in and rested her hands on my shoulders.

"There, now you look beautiful too." she said to me with a soft smile.

"Wish I looked like you." Prim said from behind me. I turned and looked at her.

"Oh no, I wish I looked like you Little Duck." I complimented, trying to ease the nerves.

"Quack." she said as I reached behind her a tucked in her shirt.

"Wanna see what I got you today?" I asked and she nodded. I took out the Mockingjay Pin I had gotten in The Hob and held it out to her. "Its a Mockingjay Pin, to protect you. And as long as you have it, nothing bad will ever happen to you. Alright? I promise." And at that moment, the bell had rung, signaling that all kids of age must head to the Town Square for the Reaping. I clutched Prim's and Mother's hands in my own as we walked to the Square. I saw Peeta, Gale, and Madge as I checked in. Prim was scared and nervous but after trying to settle her down and checking in, there was nothing I could do about it. I stepped in line with the other girls my age and waited for the Capital Escort to walk onto the stage, and to my surprise it was Effie dressed in all pink.

"Welcome, welcome, welcome. Happy Hunger Games, and may the odds be ever in your favor." she says in her very peppy voice, as she always is. "Now before we begin, we have a very special film, brought to you all the way from the Capitol." she says gesturing to a big television screen where a video has started to play, it's the same thing every year.

"War. Terrible war..." the President's voice rang through the Town Square. I have heard this for the past four years, I could recite it by heart. So I tune it out but perk back up when Effie begins talking again.

"I just love that." she says. "Now the time has come to select one courageous young man and woman, for the honor of representing District Twelve in the 74th annual Hunger Games. As usual, ladies first." she finally finishes. She strides over to the bowl of girls names, swivels her hand around the top of the bowl before digging her hand down into the center of the bowl and pulling out a name. She walks back over to the microphone and fiddles with the small piece of paper, mumbling while she tries to open it.

"Primrose Everdeen!" she reads and her face goes from a look of happiness to shock as she recognizes the last name, my name. My whole body is numb, I can't feel a thing. She regains composure and calls to her. "Come on up my dear." she says, knowing that I would volunteer for my sister. Prim slowly makes her way up to the stage, not getting half way there before my voice rips out of me.

"I volunteer!"

~Until Next Time~