Hi everyone, thank you for all the reviews. They've been so helpful so please send me more :) I've been struggling to get names for Escorts so please send me an escort for any district. The list of available districts is on my profile.

Veronika Slaton, 14

"V, get up. You're late," cries mother.

Oh crap. It's Reaping Day and I'm going to be late. I've never over slept before, even when I was ill, I was still up for work. Shame, we never get time off if we're ill. It's work 'till you die these days. I've heard that if you're late, you get executed. No-one I know has been executed and I'm hoping the whole thing isn't true. I get up, change into my already-laid-out reaping clothes - thanks mum, and rush downstairs. I cram a bread roll into my mouth and before I head out the door, I give my mum a kiss on the forehead.

"See you in a bit, mum," I give her a smile and I'm out of the door, like a fox getting frightened and running away. On the way over to the signing-in desk, I stop in my tacks. The fact that I may get reaped slaps me around the face. I consider what might happen if I'm actually reaped. Would somebody volunteer to take my place? District Four usually have at least one volunteer per year. Maybe I will get reaped... I've taken out a number of tesserae for the past few years, adding on to my three mandatory slips. There may be an actual chance I have to go in the games. I didn't even say goodbye to my younger sister, she was already out the house before I even woke up. All I said to my mother was "see you in a bit," how pathetic. I feel so bad. Although, I may not get reaped. I can't get my hopes up but I really hope the odds are in my favour.

I get to the signing-in desk and the peacekeeper pricks my finger. Ouch! I spot my 12 year old sister cradling her best friend. I really hope neither of them get reaped. I love them both so much, even her friend is like a sister to me. I go to the 14 year old section and talk to some crying girls before the escort comes out. Thalia Aldjoy, her name is. I swear, no-one in the Capitol has the same first name. They're all so weird, anyway. I can say the same about their looks, as well. She looks like the Capitol threw up a rainbow and poured it all over her. Disgusting, I know, but it's the closest thing to describe her.

"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the choosing of the two tributes representing District 4 in the 125th annual Hunger Games," her high voice squealed, "and may the odds be ever in your favour." Like I haven't heard that phrase before. "Now, we all know this year will be very exciting so, let's change the order for the choosing of the tributes. Is there anybody, in the girls, who would like to volunteer this year?" Wow, that's new. Maybe someone will volunteer and I won't even get reaped. There's no answer. Brilliant. Thalia walks over to the female bowl and reads out a name. "Veronika Slaton."

I can't seem to move. What's wrong? I've just been reaped, that's what's wrong. I'm going into the Hunger Games, and I'm going to die. I hear a scream and look over, my sister is telling me not to go. "I have to go! Run to mum and go home. I don't want you to see me like this," and as I say this, my best friend picks her up and takes her away. This day is just getting worse and I'm not seeing it getting any better.

Reggie Elliam, 18

Right, today is Reaping Day and I feel like I'm going to throw up. The look of the escort doesn't help, either. She's just picked the girl: Veronika Slaton. Good luck to her, she's only 14, bless her. She decided to change things around for the girls as it's a Quarter Quell and she's doing the same for us. She asks for volunteers and, again, there aren't any. The look on her disappointed face makes me laugh internally. She seems really embarrassed.

Before what looks like her about to cry, Thalia goes over to the male's bowl and picks out a slip. "Raff Keene," she booms, "where are you Raff?" A little 12 year old boy steps onto the stage. Before I can contain myself, I do something I instantly regret.

"I volunteer!" What have I just done?

"I asked for volunteers beforehand but no-one replied," answers Thalia.

"I know, but I don't believe a 12 year old boy should deserve to be put up against people older than him in an arena where people fight to the death. It's inhumane," I shout, making sure the whole district can hear. I'm so happy I've got that off my shoulders. The Peacekeepers and Capitolites look shocked - so they should be. I'm one of the only one's to take a stand against the Capitol. Although, looking back, everyone who did take a stand was executed. I go up on stage and Thalia goes to the microphone.

"What's your name?" she hisses, I've annoyed her. Great... Just what I need, an escort who hates me, who is supposed to help me through the games.

"Reggie Elliam," I say, in a very clear voice, so everyone can learn my name. I stand proud after what I said. I want to make an impression on Panem. Who knows? Maybe the odds will be in my favour this year.

"Ladies and gentleman, your tributes this year: Veronika Slaton and... Reggie Elliam," she mumbles the last part. Surprised? No.

I'm escorted to the Justice Building and wait in the room. My parents walk in first. There's smiles on their faces. What's up? It turns out they're proud of my stand against the Games. They said it makes me look tough, and will intimidate others. That is true, I guess. They tell me to stay strong and don't look weak. No pressure. My parents leave without even shedding a tear. I wait to be escorted to the train but I'm disturbed by the door opening again. Who could this be? I don't really have any friends and I don't keep in touch with any family members. I look and it's a young couple. I don't recognise them.

"Reggie? We are Raff's parents," the woman says, what's she doing here? "I wanted to thank you for taking Raff's place. We are forever in your family's debt. We will do what we can to get you through the games and get you home. Your stand against the Capitol was influential. Thank you so much!" With that, she leaves without saying another word. The man gives me a smile. I feel better now, knowing I have sponsors. Maybe this will be my year. Maybe I'll come home.