The first real chapter is finally up! I will be changing POVs in a weird, chronological way, starting from District 12 and going up to District 1. So here's the first tribute!

Serena Crow: District 12, age 16

Birds twittered and the early morning sun shone on my eyelids, slowly drawing me from my sleep. I had accepted that I was awake, but was not quite ready to open my eyes yet. For a few moments, I enjoyed the peace of dawn, listening to the sparrow's song, before prying open my eyelids. My blue-green orbs darted around the small, simple bedroom.

My home was District 12, where nobody could afford embellishments. I made a small amount of money by hunting and selling prey, just enough for my two younger brothers and I to live off of.

I could feel myself beginning to doze off again, so sighing, I heaved myself out of bed and crossed the room to my old wooden dresser. I found my old frilly white dress laid atop it. For a moment, I was confused. Why would I have that set out for the morning? Then I remembered. The reaping. Suddenly, the sun didn't seem to shine as bright.

That year was the 25th Annual Hunger Games, which meant the first Quarter Quell. I didn't know what they would do to change it up, but I was sure the tributes to be chosen would not like it.

Reluctantly, I changed into the dress I had picked out the previous night, and ran a brush through my long black hair. As the sun's rays shone upon it, the light revealed a bluish tinge in my locks. I placed the brush back on my dresser and headed out the bedroom door.

I walked into the kitchen, and was not surprised to see that Levi and Marcus, my brothers, were not up yet. They weren't early risers like I was.

That would usually be the time where I would go hunting, but that day I had to get my brothers ready. Although they were still two years younger than the proper reaping age, they were still required to attend the ceremony.

The reaping.

I felt panic well up inside my chest, and I forced it down, taking a few deep breaths.

I didn't need to worry, because I wouldn't get picked. Only three more reapings until I was safe.

My heart rate slowed a bit, but the fear remained. I knew what would calm me down.

I stepped through the battered front door and squinted as the sun momentarily blinded me. Crouching down, I chose a large puddle from the previous night's rain, and held my hands above it.

Slowly, a mist rose from the puddle and gathered below my hands. It floated there as more particles were collected, and formed into a brownish ball about the size of my head. I furrowed my brow. I hadn't known this trick for very long.

Lifting the orb of muddy water to eye level, I eased one hand back, as if pulling a string attached to the liquid. Damp soil floated out from the orb and fell to my feet.

I smiled as all the contamination was slowly drawn from the water. I waited until it was crystal clear before guiding the orb inside the house and letting it drop into a pot.

Finally, I waved my hands over it and watched the liquid quickly come to a boil.

Pouring some oats in the pot, I stirred the contents and shouted, "Levi! Marcus! Breakfast is ready!"

One... Two... Three... Four...

I patiently stirred the oatmeal, knowing it would take exactly two minutes before my brothers would emerge. They were always punctual with their late-ness.

By the time the two stumbled out from their bedroom, wearing their finest clothes but still under the fog of sleepiness, the oats had transformed into a steaming goop that I spooned into their bowls.

"It's too hot!" Marcus complained. His brother nodded in agreement, and I waved my hand over their bowls, forming a thin layer of frost over the breakfast.

"Are you two ready?" I asked between mouthfuls. "The reaping starts in ten minutes." It actually started in twenty minutes, but I knew it would take exactly ten minutes longer than anticipated to get there.

I found myself often obsessively checking my watch, my most valuable possession. Luxuries like that were rare in the Seam.

"Serena?" Levi spoke up, a quaver in his voice. "You're not going to get picked, are you?"

I lowered my gaze. I had been avoiding the question all week.

What would I do if I were picked? What would happen to my brothers?

"Don't worry about me," I choked out. "I'm not going anywhere."

I hoped with all my heart that it was true.