I wake up with the light streaming through my curtains, the sun already well into the sky. I debate with myself, trying to decide if I should roll over, if I should try to sleep a little longer. The fight in my mind is no use, I'm simply too excited about today to do so. Today marks the start of the 72nd Hunger Games. The reaping will take place in a matter of hours and I find myself eager.

My name is Quinn Fabray, I come from District Two, the second out of twelve in Panem. I've trained my entire life for this day, for my chance to enter into the Games. I lie in my bed, my eyes focusing on the ceiling, staring at nothing in particular. My mind flashes forward, and I find myself wondering who will join me on that stage after I volunteer for Tribute.

I find myself thinking of Stefan, an ally of mine, a friend- if you will, for many years. I think back to growing older with him, going to the training center and spending the afternoons together, learning how to throw a spear or some other random weapon towards a dummy. My stomach feels like it's doing flips, all of a sudden.

I push Stefan to the back of my mind and sit up, feeling the warm air hit my shoulders and arms, as I push the blanket off of my body. I climb out of my bed, stretching my limbs, the stiffness leaving them slowly. I rub my eyes and walk towards my bedroom door, opening it to make my way to the kitchen.

My mother has breakfast on the table already, I can smell the warm bread and as I inhale a bit deeper, I swear I can smell something I can only hope is bacon. I smile as my mother looks up at me, and I tell her good morning. She returns the smile, confirming my thought as she places a plate of bacon on the table, completing the breakfast spread. I realize it's not much, but it's more than the other districts, and for that, I am thankful.

I close the gap between the table and I with a few footsteps. Pulling a chair out, I sit down, instantly reaching for a roll. I see the bacon, and I don't even bother using a fork to move some onto my plate. I grab a few pieces with my fingers, placing all but one onto my plate. I look up to see my mother staring at me, a slightly amused look on her face.

I fight back the urge to let out a light laugh and I just shrug at her, bringing a piece of bacon up to my lips, taking a bite. I manage to chew and swallow it down before I speak. "It's Reaping day, I need the food for energy." She just looks at me, rolling her eyes. I let a quiet chuckle leave my lips.

After breakfast, I make my way to the bathroom, taking a shower with the lukewarm water we have left after my mother's shower for the day. I wash my hair, and my body, wanting to look my best for today. After, I wrap a towel around myself and make my way towards my room.

I grab my brush from the table, next to my bed. I lightly pass it through my blonde hair, combing the knots out as best I can. It doesn't take long with my hair, it's not even to my shoulders. I grab a pink ribbon, tying it around my head, having it act as a headband, keeping my bangs back. I let out a sigh, moving towards my closet .

I grab a dress, almost the same pink as my ribbon, and I slide it on with ease. I find my off white flats, slipping them on my feet. Once I decide I am finished getting ready, I glance at the clock, hearing the slow ticks pass by. I realize I still have some time to pass before everyone must gather in the town square. I am anxious, ready for the reaping to begin.

I sigh, deciding to go for a walk. Walking out of my room, I make it to the front door, opening it and stepping out before my mother has a chance to ask me where I'm going. Not many people are out, I only see a few walking around our District. I look up in time to see Stefan exiting his house. I can only assume he's doing the same thing I am, trying to make the day go by faster.

I whistle his way, watching as he glances up, a wide smile on his face when he sees me. I smile back, picking up my pace until I reach him. "Hey, there, Blondie." he says to me. I crinkle my nose at him, not fond of the nicknames he throws my way. "Hey, yourself." I reply. His smile widens even more, and I just laugh.

I lock eyes with him for a moment, before I turn away, glancing at nothing in particular. I already know his answer to the question that's on the tip of my tongue. I have to ask, though. "So.." I begin, my voice is low, not quite a whisper, but not a normal volume. "Are you planning on volunteering?" I glance up, watching his face.

He gives me the answer I expect, and I have nothing to say, so I just nod. I can understand his answer. This is what we were trained for, it's an honor to fight in the games. I nod my head to the side, signaling him to walk with me. He follows and we stay silent for a while.

A part of me is glad he wants to do this, as I do. Another part is worried, scared for the moment when we can no longer be allies, but enemies. When we'll have to take each other out, just to win. I brush this thought off as we near the square.

"Want to just sit? We can watch them set up for the Reaping?" I ask. He nods in reply. And that's what we do until everything's set up, and the people in our District start pouring in, eager for it to begin.

After I sign in, letting the peacekeepers prick my finger, I file in with the other girls from my district. I glance over, locking eyes with Stefan, a smile full of excitement plastered on his face. I bite my lip to keep from laughing, just as our Mayor walks out, tapping the microphone twice, feedback pulsating through the speakers. I fight the urge to cringe at the sound.

He introduces our 'handler', if you will. She is the same one we've had for years. Her name is Ariana. Her skirt is the same color as her hair, a bright vibrant green. Her shirt is a slightly duller hue in the same family. She says a few words, then directs our attention to the screen, introducing the video talking about the past of Panem.

The video ends and she greets us again, this time with "Happy Hunger Games!" She says a short speech, something about honor and ends it with the same phrase as always. "May the odds be ever in your favor." She then, walks over to the bowl, containing all the names of the girls in my district. Before she can read the name off the slip, I make my way to the pathway and volunteer.

I can feel the eyes of everyone on my back, I can feel the envy. I walk towards the stage, climbing the steps and taking my place next to her. She asks my name and I reply, "Quinn Fabray." She grins and walks towards the bowl full of the boys. It's like deja-vu, only this time Stefan volunteers and before I know it, he's on the stage with me.

I glance over at him, a smile on my lips. I hope he can't tell that underneath my smile, I am afraid for this. He returns my smile with one of his own. I know we can make it to the final two, it's then that I realize I might actually want to die instead of taking his own life. My best friend, my Stefan.

Before I can even blink, I am ushered, alongside Stefan, into the Justice building. I can't see the doors closing behind me, but I know they are shut once I hear the clang of the metal doors and the sunlight disappears.