I lied… I did try to finish the chapter the next day but I had no time… I'm up late enough finishing it tonight as it is.

Yes, I know it's fun but I'd feel guilty if I skipped a part. Woo, still winning!

I decided to make Sean and Kaya acquaintances, although not quite friends, because I think it would make the Games more interesting if some of the tributes knew each other.

Sean's Reaping is a touchy subject so please tell me if I've over-stepped the line, some of it is meant to be social commentary on Panem at its worst but if I've gone too far please warn me.

District 7: Sean Dorsin

District 7 wakes up at 5 am, whether it's Reaping Day or not. I know some of the other Districts start work in factories and mines later in the day when it's light but that doesn't matter much in District 7. All that matters is working.

For the District 7 kid who isn't great with an axe, that's not all that much fun.

Since my aunt and uncle still don't seem to have changed their opinion that I'm a random moocher in their house instead of their nephew. I don't really mind, they've got a son already and they can't be expected to stretch money, which is already tight, further than letting me sleep in their little wooden cabin.

Even though we chop 100% of Panem's wood in District 7, we still have to pay to get the wood sent to District 5 and then sent back as a cabin. Like the Capitol cares about our welfare; they just want the money. Not that I'm complaining, if paying a lot for a house means the Peacekeepers don't look at me twice I'm fine. You hear… stories about the Peacekeepers.

I'm also fine with having to get a second job if it means I can buy food for myself, it's just tiring sometimes.

So even though I get to spend most of my day with Graia, I still have to traipse across town to another lumberjack for my evenings. Sure Kaya's nice enough and she covers for the fact that I'm not really great with an axe, but if I'm too shy to start a conversation it gets awkward.

In my day job Elm, the overseer, learnt that giving me an axe was a waste so I'm the hunter of our logging group, anything comes in a ten metre radius and we eat it for dinner.

With the smaller lumberjack across town I'm just another logger and that's where I'm headed this morning.

It's mostly the adults working today since it's Reaping Day but they need even pairs working on each tree so I volunteered while Kaya and the other kids get the morning off. It's not a huge deal because I need the money but it means I'm going to stink out the square whenever I finally get there.

I'm cutting down an enormous pine tree with Yew, my mind on the Reapings and hoping that I won't get Reaped this year combined with the fact that I'll have 4 more years after this and my chances will only get worse, when suddenly he sticks his head out from around the other side of the tree, "Hey, Sean! Shouldn't you be going to the Reapings?"

"Yeah, sorry!" I shout to my boss as I sprint back towards the main village. I feel horrible for running off on him, I want to apologise properly and then go to Reapings but I'm too scared.

I'd rather get Reaped than face whatever punishment the Peacekeepers have in store for anyone who doesn't go to the Reapings.

Anything but the Peacekeepers.

District 7: Kaya Lambert

For one day of the year I don't have to get out of bed until after 5 am. It's a total conflict of interest because it's Reaping Day but I love sleeping in so much that it almost makes it worth it.

Almost.

Nothing can make it really worth it.

Nothing can make watching kids sent off to their deaths, hoping against hope it won't be Sophie or Alana, worthwhile.

I'm not afraid of me having to go to the Games. I'm not scared of facing the Games myself. That isn't my problem.

My problem is everyone else that I can't be brave for.

Still, at least the sleep in can provide some sort of light to a day of darkness. I feel sort of sorry for Sean, he's quiet and a bit weird but he's nice enough and volunteered to get up early and help out instead of me. At least I know he needs the money.

Now, I have to get up and all the joys of getting a few hours more sleep are lost as I yawn and smash my head on the wall as I realise I've been woken up by Alana leaning over my bed.

I've heard that other Districts have houses with several rooms, different ones for different people. I wish; our house is basically a one room hut smelling strongly of pine needles with bunk bed shelves screwed into the walls. There's zero privacy as I switch into the only skirt I own and a shirt that I'm yet to shred to pieces on the trees where I work.

Despite Alana doubling over with laughter at my reaction to her waking me up, breakfast is a sombre affair. Sean donated most of a bush turkey from the forest since he doesn't need a whole turkey to eat alone before the Reapings. As I said; weird kid. Not in a bad way, he's just overly kind and doesn't have too many friends or human interaction other than his 'just a friend' Graia and myself. I can't see him in the Games; he'd probably try to give people weapons when he fought them if he thought the fight was unfair.

It didn't make breakfast any less depressing as Alana wears an old skirt of mine and my mother glances at us anxiously while Zoe seems to be trying to comfort Alana despite being 5 years younger; she shouldn't even have to worry about the Games.

Mother apologises profusely when she has to go to work; she runs a tiny store which sells paper and notebooks to the logging firms. Some days I help but days like today it's impossible.

When I point out to Alana that we can't wait it out any longer I stand up and walk out the door she follows reluctantly as we send Zoe off to the shop to help Mother. Father died 4 years ago so that's all we have to do as we lock up. It occurs to me that this might be the last time I ever lock up the house with Alana as we meet Sophie along the way.

As I watch them talk, their words rolling past my ears without really being picked up, I can't help but wonder; would they be able to deal with it if I was Reaped? Would they even notice the absence of the quiet Kaya if I vanished?

I would volunteer for them without a second thought.

Still I think; does everyone wonder what would happen if they died on Reaping Day?

Sean:

Despite breaking into a dead sprint to reach the square in time I can see the Peacekeepers closing the book to sign even as I'm within five metres of it.

I'm terrified of so much as touching the Peacekeeper as I snatch up a pen and manage to sign the final book before sprinting into the 14s area and almost skidding to a halt beside Graia as she raises a single eyebrow, still standing stock still and facing towards the stage. Nether of us wants to attract the attention of the Peacekeepers.

"Nice timing," she mutters under her breath before adding, "You stink."

I just smile slightly as our escort blathers on about the fantastic opportunities provided by the Games and how we should all be proud to represent our District.

My thoughts are distracted by the feeling of Graia next to me, making me feel slightly happier even if it is dulled by eau-du-Sean, as the mayor begins his speech listing our victors including our most recent, a young man named Blight who is leaning on his hand with a slightly frustrated expression.

Finally, the escort returns to draw the female name from the huge glass bowl, "Kaya Lambert."

If I could volunteer for females I would… but I just can't. I couldn't bring the ire of the Peacekeepers on myself and I'm just not allowed to.

So instead I have to watch as my tree-lopping partner walks towards the stage and ultimately her doom. I have to try and convince myself not to hope for volunteers because I don't want anyone else to die either. I have to watch as the escort shakes her hand cheerily and she looks stoically out at the assembled kids.

"Bark Liefs," the escort calls and you can physically feel the sighing of the audience.

Barking Mad Bark. The mentally disabled kid who doesn't even seem to understand what's happening and he claps when his name is called. I believe that an older kid will volunteer to try and save the poor crazy kid who can't save himself.

No one does.

In a way it seems that they're happy that the disabled kid is going to get Reaped. It deals with him without any one actually doing anything, no more worrying about him as he dies in some strange arena; better him than one of the 'normal' people.

When he doesn't go to the stage the Peacekeepers drag him into the aisle so he fights back.

So do they.

I can't stand watching the kid get beaten up; knowing I could save him from being the mentally disabled boy who was beaten to death on Reaping Day.

So I volunteer.

It seems so simple but as I walk towards the stage it seems so complicated. I can't imagine killing another person, least of all to save myself. Having to fight against Kaya, my tree-felling buddy. Seeing Graia's face as I walk towards the stage next to Kaya and the escort. I can see the shock in Kaya's eyes but I also know that I had no other choice. I couldn't live with myself if I did anything else.

Finally, Kaya and I shake hands and we turn and get pushed into the Justice Building.

Seeing Bark with his family at least makes me feel a last small burst of warmth.

Kaya:

The walk to the main square might be pretty to someone from another District. Towering pines, little cottages made of huge logs stacked to create walls and the smell of fresh, burning wood but all it makes me think about is how long it's going to take me and Sean to cut down one of those pines tomorrow.

All the same, it's home and I never want to leave it.

When Alana breaks off to go to the 15s section, Sophie and I are left but before we try and squeeze into an over-packed 16s area we're met by Liam. Tall, dark and handsome he's the son of the lumberjack I work for with Sean. He grins as he sees us but it's his grin at Sophie that brings back my question; would they really miss me as much as anyone else if I died?

Still, he wishes us luck as he heads off to the 17s as Sophie and I shuffle into the 16s as I push some kids out of the way to make room for us.

As the escort is approaching the stairs I hear thundering footsteps, sprinting up the beaten dirt path near the entrance Sophie and I are standing next to. Sean comes sprinting in, sliding into place as the escort reaches the podium. Probably out saving puppies from trees or apologising for not being at work.

Sophie is giggling at our escort's habit of bouncing every few words and I'm holding in a smirk as he draws the girl's name.

"Kaya Lambert."

Everything freezes for a second before I put my foot in front of me to step towards the stage. The jolt of my foot making contact with the ground breaks into my reverie slightly as I try to compose myself on the way to the stage. Some part of me is relieved that it isn't Alana or Sophie and I somehow hold on to that tiny shred of happiness as I climb the steps.

I can feel hundreds of eyes on me but I ignore them as I try to wipe my face of emotion as I shake the hand of the escort. The only cohesive thought I have; at least it isn't Sophie or Alana.

That wasn't the only thing on my mind as the next name was drawn, "Bark Liefs."

The mad kid.

In some sick way I can understand why no one volunteers. It's just… easier this way, no matter how horrible it's what our society has come to just to survive.

Then I hear the voice that calls, "I volunteer."

It isn't Liam.

That doesn't make me much happier because it's Sean.

Always playing the hero.

He walks up to the stage with his head held high and the martyr expression I know all to well etched upon his face.

I want to protect everyone- Alana, Liam, Zoe, Mother, Sophie and even my logging partner Sean.

So how am I meant to do anything when I have to kill him to survive?

Sean:

I wasn't expecting to see anyone for the goodbyes so I'm surprised when the door first opens.

Graia is sobbing, her tears wetting my stinking shirt as she hugs me like a sloth to a tree. "Sean…" she whispers through sobs. Nothing else, just my name through a sheen of tears.

I wonder whether I should tell her about my feelings as I hold her, to tell her that I'm really in love with her.

When she leaves five minutes later I wonder if I'll regret that time.

Not because of what I said; but because of what I didn't.

I didn't tell her. I just held her as she cried and tried to tell her that it would be all right and that I would come home nice and safe in a few weeks. I let her lean on me through her tears, held her until the Peacekeepers were about to drag her away.

Then I just let her go.

I've seen 'girls back home' done so many times before and yet all I know is that it makes it infinitely worse when they don't come back. Dewira Gris is… was my next door neighbour and she fell in love with Bramble Stien.

He never came back and nor did her mind.

I try to visit her and keep her company but apparently I remind her of him and every little thing sets her off. So much as a step outside will cause her to drop into a ball and rock until someone puts her back inside.

So I didn't tell Graia and she may never know, but that's the way I want it to be.

My next surprise visitors are my aunt and uncle.

They know we're not close and that I don't respect them like parents but still, it's nice to know they came. Another person might think they want to reap the spoils if I win but I don't believe anyone would do that.

My aunt passes my glasses and says, "Here, you need a District token and you never know when you might need to be able to see a bit better in the," she gulps, "In the arena."

I just nod in thanks. I don't know what to say to the family I haven't talked to in years and I'm too shy to say anything in case it makes them upset so I just accept a hug from each of them and we part awkwardly to say the least.

Finally, when I don't think the doors are going to open again until I'm being led out, they swing one last time to reveal the parents of Bark Liefs.

"Thank you," his mother whispers, almost as if she's already at my funeral, "I don't know what I'd do without B-Bark and everyone else just watched."

She breaks down and is held by the man, her husband, as he finishes, "We can never thank you enough for this, so all we can do is wish you good luck. We'll be cheering for you."

When they leave, I'm finally alone.

Clearly Kaya still has visitors because I have enough time to think.

How am I meant to win the Games for Graia, my uncle and aunt and even Bark's parents so they don't feel guilty that I died for their son?

I've killed animals while hunting without much thought; I need food for myself since my uncle and aunt never exactly stretched themselves to help me out. People are different though. People you can talk to. Laugh with. Get to know them, their history and their families.

How am I meant to kill someone when I can't so much as pass someone a knife by the blade?

Kaya:

First up is Liam and Sophie and I can see from the way that they come in that Liam was holding her only a second before they entered the room.

I can tell they think that they think holding hands will make me feel unhappy but on the contrary it's nice to know that me going to the Games instead of them means that they'll be able to hold hands for the rest of their hopefully long and prosperous lives.

"Come on guys, it'll be okay. I'd rather it was me than you," I try and console Sophie as she grips onto me in the roughest bear hug I've ever had and Liam joins in to make it one big group hug.

"D-d-don't die Kaya, I don't want you to go," Sophie chokes, "How will you handle being all alone in the arena?"

That's problem number 1: fear of being alone. Problem number two? I can't bear the thought of not coming back to them, even if I'm willing to go into the arena and kill rather than let one of them do it instead. "I won't leave you guys, I promise. Someone needs to be here to protect you and I'm not going to let it be anyone but me."

Liam smiles weakly at me as the two of them hold hands to be led out of the room.

When my family enters the room, I'm not sure what's worse; Zoe, Alana or Mother.

Zoe hugs my leg and tries to convince me not to go, "Please, Kaya, tell them you can't go. I need you to take me to school and teach me how to chop down trees. You can't go to the Games…"

Yes I can Zoe. But I can't tell my 10 year old that her big sister can't notgo and she might not make it back and I refuse to let myself believe for a second that I won't be able to come back for Zoe.

She won't let go of my leg as I hug Alana and try to tell her it'll all be okay but no matter how much she seems like my best friend, she's a little sister too and she doesn't want to let me go. I can see tears building in her eyes as she turns away from me and tries to hide them and disguise the sadness in her eyes but it's too late; I've seen it.

I can't bear the thought of my family shedding these tears again; of me not coming back and of my family sobbing over my broken body.

Finally I turn to my mother. She hasn't been the same since Father died but this s only making it worse. I can see the turmoil in her eyes as she gives me a quick hug and then dashes out of the room when the Peacekeepers open the doors, clearly distraught and I have a strange mental image of my mother and Dew drinking their sorrows away.

Crap…

I want to be still here to protect them; I don't want to be so far away, to be unable to reach them.

I don't want to be away from them… forever.

Once again sorry this is late, I had no time during the week but I can maybe make up for it by doing District 8 now.