Beck Zale Conoway POV

My green eyes slowly open, trying to ignore the bright light seeping through the blinds. I groan, covering my face with my arm. I know I have to get up if I want to hang out with my friends before the reaping. My little "followers" will get upset. Seriously, it's like they can't do anything without me. But at least my two real friends, Cade and Amanda, will be there.

I've lived in District One since I was fourteen, but I'm still getting used to it. I miss District Four more than anything. I miss the sea the most. Even though life was so much harder there, sometimes it was worth it because I could be me.

To make a long story short, my father was a poor fisherman. We were homeless so I became a conman to help my parents. Everything was going okay until the man who runs the District Four Career training center caught me. Instead of turning me into the Peacekeepers, he made me join the academy. I became one of the best looking and strongest students. Because of that, District One wanted me. They offered us a house, money, and all the luxury items we wanted. So I moved here.

And I've been training since.

Now, it's my last year at the reaping. I'm guaranteed to be the one volunteering for the games this year. With my training, I'll come back without much of a problem. It's my family I'm most worried about.

I shake the thoughts from my head, assuring myself I will be the victor this year. I get up, through on a shirt, and put on my shark tooth necklace. It's the only thing I was aloud to keep from home.

I jog down the stairs quietly so I don't wake up my parents. I decide not to eat a quick breakfast since we'll probably get food anyway.

Stepping outside, anyone who was born and raised here would think it's beautiful. Fresh, young flowers are always in bloom and they don't have homeless people begging on the street. Even so, it's nothing compared to District Four's beaches.

I walk down the stone path that goes from the door to the sidewalk. I walk down the sidewalk, alone with my hands in my pockets.

Sasha Reed POV

I stand in front of my bed, inspecting all of my dresses. I've been waiting for this year for a long time.

I got my letter this morning, telling me I get to be the one volunteering. I'm sure all of the friends and classmates are going to be so shocked and jealous. If you haven't been selected for the games, you don't get to find out who goes until the selected person volunteers.

I have to make a big appearance. Especially since my district partner is going to be Beck. He's pretty popular and very skilled. If I stay on his good side, he'll let me in the alliance. I know for sure District Two and Four are going to want him.

I decide on a white silk dress. It's simple, but compliments my thin figure. I tie my long blonde hair with a matching white silk bow and head downstairs. My friends, Chyanne, Mona, Hanna, and Emily are waiting in the living room. Mona is braiding Chyanne's hair and Hanna is admiring Emily's dress.

"Wow, you look amazing!" Chyanne gasps. She sits perfectly still in front of the couch as Mona sits on it and finishes up the braid.

"Thank you." I smile.

"It's gorgeous. You're so lucky your parents got it for you. It must be so expensive," Hanna rants, "I wanted this pretty red dress but my parents said it was too expensive and-" I tune her out after that.

"Oh, we should get going. The reaping is in twenty minutes." Emily says. I look at the clock and nod.

I live in town square, so it will only take a few minutes to walk there, but even so, I want a good spot. I want to be near everyone so they can see me go up. I've kept it a secret for about a month now, I just want to shock everyone.

We all head out the door, walking on air.

Narrator's POV

The last remaining children who were entering the town square quickly hurried to their age group. Younger children, especially twelve year olds, chatter about the reaping excitedly. Of course the eighteen year olds aren't happy since they weren't picked to volunteer. Children from other districts would be celebrating this, but being from District One, all these teenagers want to do is kill and become famous. But now they saw it as they are doomed to a normal life, where they, like their parents, will grow up and have kids of their own in hopes they will be able to volunteer.

The escort waddled to the microphone on stage. She tapped on the microphone a few times with a long, glittery nail to get everyone's attention. Everyone fell silent and gave all their attention. Sasha stares with her blue eyes anxiously. In a few minutes she'd be on that stage in front of the entire county. Carter stands with his friends on the other side of the stage, making fun of the Capital woman as quietly as possible. Every now and then he winks at some random girl he saw who was staring at him too long. One of them being Sasha.

Why does it have to be him?

Why does it have to be her?

"Welcome, welcome District One to the 56th annual Hunger Games Reaping!" The escort exclaims. The crowd cheers excitedly. The escort motions for everyone to settle down. Once the town square is silent, she continues, "As usual, we will start with a video brought to you all the way from the Capital." The children groan. It's one thing to see the same boring video every year before you can get to the good part, but they have to watch it everyday in school.

But since it was the only thing standing between them and the reaping, they were quiet. Most tuned out Snow's booming voice through the speakers. Others mouth the words to try to get their friends to laugh. When it ends, the children are on the edge of their seats.

"Okay, now for the part we've been waiting for!" the capital woman squeals, "As usual, ladies first." the guys pretend to be upset by groaning. Everyone around them laughs, "Be patient, you're next." the purple haired woman teases. The capital woman, brushes her feathered purple boa away from in front of her and takes out a random card, knowing someone would volunteer, "Emerald Rosen!"

A tiny thirteen year old with fiery red hair and deep blue eyes steps out of the crowd. She is what the district would call the "prank tribute". This person has been selected carefully and their name is on every piece of paper. This person is meant to tug on the hearts of Capital citizens by looking pathetic. Then when a stronger, older person steps up, the Capital will respect that person.

"I volunteer as tribute!" Sasha yells, stepping out of the crowd and raising her hand. All of her friends' mouths drop. Sasha holds back her smirk.

"Well, looks like we have a volunteer! Come up darling." The purple woman on stage smiles. Sasha stands up straight with her shoulders back and proudly marches up on stage, "What is your name sweetie?"

"Sasha Reed."

"Ladies and gentlemen, Sasha Reed!" The escort announces. The crowd cheers excitedly. Sasha takes pleasure in the whispering going on among her classmates. Just the reaction she wanted.

"Okay, now for the boys." The escort walks over to the bowl filled with boy names, "Ivo Whishart."

A thin twelve year old boy with jet black hair and pale skin walks out among the children. Like Emerald, he was only there for show. Beck steps out of the crowd quickly.

"I volunteer as tribute!" Beck calls out. The crowd gasps like this is the first time it happened.

"My, my, another tribute? Please come up sweetie!" The capital woman says. Beck walks up, flashing a smile to the girls, making a few blush, "What is your name?"

"Beck Conoway." he smiles and winks his green eyes.

"Ladies and gentlemen, your tributes, Sasha Reed and Beck Conoway!" the escort says, taking on of their hands in each of her own and raising them up. The crowd cheers loudly, some old kids whoop, and younger kids stomp their feet. Sasha and Beck smile and wave at the crowd. The purple woman puts their hands down and let them shake hands before entering the justice building to say goodbye.

Mom, dad, I'm going to win this. Beck thinks.

I'm going to be victorious. Sasha thinks.

First chapter! I'm going to try to make chapters every Sunday from here on out. I wanted to post Monday, but it's the end of the marking period at my school so I have had six tests so far this week and a TON of homework. Hope you guys enjoyed! It's not too late to submit a character if you haven't yet, available characters are on my bio. PLEASE REVIEW, FAVORITE, AND FOLLOW!