Disclaimer: I do not own the Hunger Games or any of the characters. It is property of Suzanne Collins.

Sorry for the long delay in updating. Finals were coming up fast, so had to concentrate on studying. Now with finals done, on with the story!

And now what you all have been waiting for! May the 74th Annual Hunger Games begin!

Enjoy!

Chapter 11:

The Volunteer

The morning of The Reaping started like any other. Katniss was out of the cottage at dawn to hunt, kissing Prim and me goodbye before she left. Unlike Prim who went right back to sleep, I was wide awake. This was the first day I wouldn't be training all day, either with someone else or by myself. It was unnerving to know that all my training over the last year and a half had been leading up to this moment. Katniss knew I would do everything I could to prevent Prim from participating in the Hunger Games. I refused to let President Snow's threats to Prim come to pass.

Prim turned over on her side to my right, whimpering in her sleep. My hand rubs her back, trying to comfort her to the best of my ability. With a sharp cry, she sits up screaming, hysterically crying at she clutches my arm. I hum and murmur softly, hoping to calm her down as I pull my little sister close to me. "It's ok Prim. I'm here, little duck." The use of Katniss's nickname for her seems to work as Prim quieted down.

Her cries break my heart, wishing there was something more I could do for her. I embrace her tightly, resting my chin on her head. The last time we went through this was almost two years ago when Katniss was in the Hunger Games. Forcing down my own tears, I softly try to get her attention. "Prim, are you alright?"

She sniffles, her hands clutching my nightshirt. It was one of Father's old work shirts, although it no longer smelled of him. It made me feel close to him after all these years, almost like he was still with us. Prim's grip on me tightened, her words coming out mumbled. "It was me, Lock. They picked me for the games."

Fear grips me, making it hard for my voice to remain steady. "Oh Prim…" My vision blurs as tears threaten to overcome my weak control. Why did my deepest fears have to haunt my little sister's dreams? It wasn't fair to her. Stroking Prim's hair, my own tears fall as I give in to my emotions. "I promise you, Prim. I won't let them take you." I bury my face in her hair, just holding my baby sister for what might be the last time. The capitol was cruel to make us sacrifice our loved ones for their entertainment. I refused to allow them to take our little duck away from us, even if I had to take her place.

I rocked Prim until she fell asleep, laying her gently on the pillows. My body was too awake to go back to sleep even if I wanted to. Sighing, I climbed out of bed and dressed in some of Katniss's old clothes. She didn't mind that I still wore her old hand me downs, actually encouraging it. Katniss always offered me her capitol clothes to wear, since we were similar sizes, in hopes she could get rid of them. I usually refused, feeling more at home in her old Seam clothes, despite my amusement at her having to wear capitol fashion. The Seam clothes made me feel more like my old self, not just the younger sister of one of District 12's victors. Just Nightlock Everdeen, daughter of Darroch and Cameron Everdeen.

Walking down the stairs, I notice sunshine streaming in through the windows of the living area. It casts shadows on the floor, which seemed to be amusing to Buttercup. He was chasing the shadowy branches from the trees across the floor, yowling every time he misses one. "You silly cat," I giggle, wondering what provoked his adorable behavior. He mustn't have seen Katniss this morning. Feeling silly, I decide to ask the cat. "I wonder if Katniss threatened to cook you this morning." A hiss is his response, the distinct tail flick testifying his outrage at hearing Katniss's name. I guess that was a yes.

Grabbing my light jacket to throw over my shirt, I open the front door and step outside. It's a beautiful day today much to my disappointment. This thought doesn't sit well with me. Was this an indication that the reaping isn't going to go well? I shake my head, not liking the route my thoughts are heading in. Maybe it would be better if I focused on something else. Like what my destination will be for my stroll. Not having a set course of direction, I decide to let my feet take me where they will.

The streets of the Merchants quarters were emptier than usual. This wasn't much of a surprise to anyone on a Reaping day. People did their best to keep their minds off the morbid time that the capitol loves to celebrate, choosing often to work or stay inside. Families dreaded having to offer up their children ages 12 to 18 for sacrifice to the capitol, devoting much of their time to saying goodbye this morning. I sigh, knowing it would be pointless to try to be social with anyone. Prim and I were already going to be spectacles today, rather not give them a chance to start gawking early.

I had been walking around for a while now, lost in my thoughts. With nothing else to do, I decide to check out the Hob. There was a good chance I might run into Katniss or Gale there. It would be nice to walk back with her, knowing this might be the last time I see her for a while. Pushing open the door, I am immediately assaulted with various smells and noises. The Hob is as busy as ever, people trading and haggling on food for their families.

Almost immediately, I catch sight of Katniss. She is talking to Greasy Sae, trying to trade three squirrels for some food. I run over to greet her, happy to see her in a better mood. She had been quiet last night, barely speaking a word to us as she packed for the capitol. She looked livelier now, smiling and laughing at something Greasy Sae said. I catch the tail end of the trade as I reach them.

"Very well, Katniss. Here you are." Greasy Sae hands over the food, grasping the three squirrels by their tails and a rabbit by its ears in her hand. "Good luck to those sisters of yours. One Everdeen in the games is enough for me." This elicits a giggle out of me before I can stop it.

At the sound of my giggle, Katniss turns to realize I had heard Greasy Sae's comment. I smile innocently at her, knowing that teasing her would be a very bad idea right now. She rolls her eyes, not buying my little act one bit. "What you get?" I ask, wondering what was worth the squirrels and the rabbit.

Katniss holds up some fruits and crackers, along with two apples. My mouth waters at the sight of the apple, realizing I missed breakfast this morning. The growling of my stomach brings a chuckle from behind me, making me turn around to see Gale. A blush floods my cheeks, showing my embarrassment at being caught drooling over an apple. This day is turning out to be quite the humiliating ordeal much to my annoyance. Wasn't The Reaping enough to make this day horrible? It's bad enough that we have to go offer ourselves up for murder. Now I have to deal with this?

Glaring at him for laughing at me, I turn away from him in a huff. If he is going to laugh at me, I'm not going to pay him any mind. Gale seemed to catch up on my game as he snuck up behind me without my notice. I squeal as I feel arms wrap around my waist, pulling me close to him. My face turns red as I sputter in protest. "Gale! Let me go!"

"No way, Goldilocks. Not until I get a kiss hello." His teasing tone infuriates me even more, causing me to elbow him in the ribs. This causes the breath to leave his body quickly, making him lean forward slightly in pain. "That hurt Lock."

His arms are still wrapped around me as I crane around to look at him. "Will you let me go Gale?" My pleading tone seems to get through to him as his grip on me loosens. Using this to my advantage, I spin around and pull away from him before he can stop me. I spot Katniss at the door, a smirk on her face. Must she take delight in my embarrassment? Deciding that I can annoy Katniss and Gale in one go, I quickly kiss Gale on the cheek on my run over to Katniss.

A dazed smile forms on his face as he realizes what I just did. Giggling, I wave to him as I reach Katniss. "There is your kiss Gale. See you in the square!" An annoyed look greets me from Katniss, making me smile sheepishly in response.

"Behave Lock." Her scolding tone doesn't match the laughter in her eyes as she speaks. I shrug, still smiling up at her. She seems to understand that I kissed Gale mostly to annoy her. She studies my face, before shaking her head. "Now come on. We have to get you ready for The Reaping."

I groan, not looking forward to having to wear a dress again. Over the last year, I realized how restricting dresses were for my movements. If I ever had to fight in a dress, my opponent would be able to kill me no problem. Katniss seems to take delight in my misery as she opens the door to the Hob. Gale's voice calls after to us as the door closes behind us.

"Wear something pretty, Goldilocks."

We hurry back to the cottage, knowing we both had very little time to get ready. Katniss pushes the door open, rushing in to store the traded goods in the kitchen. I am greeted at the door to Mother's angry glare, which means we had less time than I thought. Smiling guiltily at her, I run upstairs to scrub down and change. After what seems like forever to get all the dirt off me, I notice a dress lying on the bed in Prim's and my bedroom. It is one of my Mother's old dresses when she lived in the Merchants quarters, blue and a little too frilly for my liking.

Donning the dress quickly, I realize it is almost a perfect fit. I catch a glimpse of my appearance in the mirror, shocked at how much I look like my Mother. Was this what she looked like at my age except for the grey eyes? It was unnerving how well the color suited me. Did Mother mean this as a peace offering between us? Our relationship had been rather rocky over the last year and I kept meaning to talk to her about it. If this is her way of calling a truce between us, I'll take it.

I rush downstairs to spot Katniss admiring Prim's reaping outfit, an old blouse and skirt she and I once wore a long time ago. Giggling at Prim's blush at Katniss's praise, I walk over to Mother and hug her. "Thank you for the dress." I whisper sincerely, hoping she understands that I know how hard it is for her to let me wear it.

"You're welcome, Nightlock." She returns the hug, kissing my forehead affectionately. Despite our differences, Mother and I did care for each other. It was just on a different level than say Prim's or Katniss's affection for her.

"You look so pretty Lock! You too, Katniss." She pouts, a frown marring her face. "I wish I looked like you two." Her tone upsets me, making me wish she wouldn't put herself down so easily.

"No, look at you. You look beautiful." Katniss smiles sweetly at Prim, bending down in front of her. "But you better tuck that tail in, little duck." She emphasizes her point by tucking in Prim's shirt, eliciting a smile from Prim. Katniss's gesture makes me smile, happy to see how she can cheer Prim up with just a few words.

Katniss suddenly focuses on me, gesturing to the door with her eyes. I gasp, realizing we are all going to be late if we don't hurry. "Mother, can you do my hair for me quickly?" She nods before quickly braiding different sections of my hair, keeping it down for once.

"All done."

As soon as Mother finishes with my hair, we all head down to the square together. Prim is clutching my hand as we walk, refusing to let go of me for anything. Katniss looks hurt that Prim is relying on me, making me shoot her an apologetic look. I knew Prim was only clinging to me because Katniss had to go on stage. We reach the square, stopping to hug Katniss goodbye as she heads over to the Justice Building. After we say goodbye to Mother, Prim and I quickly get in line.

The inquisitive and deplorable glances people keep shooting our way grates on my nerves. Prim has noticed them too, her anxiety of her first Reaping increasing by the minute. Don't they have anything better to do than stare at us? So what if our older sister won the Games two years ago. This doesn't mean we are going to be part of the Games this year, though the rumor of disastrous happenings that haunt the victors' families worries me. If the rumors have some truth to them, wouldn't that mean that the Capitol was waiting for the perfect time to put Katniss in her place.

My face pales as the truth dawns on me. They were waiting for Prim to reach Reaping age to illustrate their power over us. The Capitol must have realized from the interviews that Primrose is precious to Katniss. Kit-Kat always spoke lovingly about Prim, never able to find a fault in our little duck. My grip on Prim's hand tightens as we reach the front of the line. I refuse to let the capitol take her. If they want a tribute from Katniss's family, I will willingly volunteer for their entertainment.

They count us in with a blood sample, Prim trembling as they grab her hand. I frown at their rough treatment of her but hold my tongue. She is quickly accounted before she is ushered into the square, urged to go towards her age group. Letting them quickly take my blood, I rush after her. "Go to your roped section Prim. I will collect you after the Reaping." Prim nods her head, still trembling as she runs to the front of the square where the twelve year olds are grouped.

Quickly finding my place among the other fifteen year olds, I search the crowds for someone I know. Gale is easy to spot in the boys eighteen group, talking to his neighbor. He seems angry about something, what I'm not sure. It wasn't unusual to see Gale angrily awaiting the start of the Reaping. His feelings for the Capitol were obvious to those who knew him. I can only hope he is able to hold his tongue until this 'willing' charade is done.

"Welcome. Welcome. Welcome. Happy Hunger Games everyone. And may the odds be ever in your favor." Effie's voice over the loudspeakers rouses me from my thoughts, making me jump. Did that woman have a keen sense of when to scare me?

I look towards the stage, spotting the colorful peacock of a woman easily. Her hair was purple this year, stiff in an outrageous updo. Donned in fuchsia suit and hat, I wince at her colorful display among the dull dusty colors of our district. Was she intentionally trying to stand out? Being from the capitol was enough to catch our notice, add to the fact her bright and colorful wardrobe, was a little too much to stand. I don't know how Katniss can tolerate her in large doses.

"Now before we begin. We have a very special treat. Brought to you all the way from the capitol." The uppity tone in her voice causes me to the cringe, wondering what horrors the capitol has come up with for us this time.

A video comes over the screens, displaying images of the Dark Days and the destroyed District 13. The content held little interest to me, knowing that it was all a demonstration of their power over us. The capitol disgusted me, enraged me because of their impertinent ways. After what they put Katniss through, how could I not want revenge against them. If only there was a way the districts come put the capitol in its place.

As if sensing my thoughts, I feel Gale's eyes on me. Flinging a quick glance in his direction, my hunch is proven correct. Gale's gaze unnerves me, causing an uneasy smile to be my response to his lingering attention. Why was he staring at me like that? Did I do something wrong? His lips form words, asking me if I'm alright. Not wanting to worry him, I nod with the still uneasy smile that won't leave me. What was that all about?

"I just love that." Effie's voice flows over us again as the video ends. Her enthusiasm towards the capitol's propaganda that promotes the necessity of our sacrifice disgusts me. I do my best to hide it as she continues. "Now the time has come for us to select one courageous young man and woman for the honor of representing District 12 in the 74th Annual Hunger Games." Her prideful tone chills me, making me wish I could take Prim out of here and run.

"Now then, our mentors that will train our tributes." She turns and indicates towards the door behind her with her hand. "We have our most recent District 12 victor, Katniss Everdeen." She claps as Katniss walks through the door, a solemn expression on her face. Dressed in a tasteful green dress, Katniss keeps her eyes adverted to the floor as she takes her place on stage to the left of Effie. "And of course, the District 12 victor of the Second Quarter Quell, Haymitch Abernathy." Haymitch drunkenly walks on stage, his gait unsteady and wobbly as he tries to maintain his balance. I watch as he pathetically tries to strut in front of Effie, falling off the stage in the process.

Chuckles arise around me as we watch our only male mentor take a dive off the stage. I groan, covering my face with a hand. If District 12 wasn't already the laughing stock of the Games, we surely were now. My eyes catch Katniss's as she grimaces, her annoyance at Haymitch evident to everyone in the crowd. Now he has done it. I shake my head, knowing Haymitch is going to get an earful on the train. It serves him right, showing up to the Reaping drunk.

Effie seems undeterred at Haymitch's display of coordination. Maybe she is blatantly ignoring him on purpose? "Now onto the selection." Her voice is shriller than usual, much to my distaste. "As usual, ladies first." The satisfaction I hear in her tone makes my stomach churn. How could she be so callous about this?

She walked across the stage, her arrogant display making me sick. The slips waited for her in the bowl, with our fate in her hands. If this was a fair selection, than the odds would be in Prim's favor. With the capitol out to reprimand Katniss for her actions, Primrose didn't stand a chance. My eyes followed her, watching her grab a slip before returning to the center of the stage. Effie leans forward, her lips smiling as she utters the name of the unlucky individual.

"Primrose Everdeen."

No. Damn it. No. Why did our suspicions have to be correct? My feet are frozen in place, fear consuming me as I realize I can't move. I have to get to Prim before they took her from us. Frantically I search for my little sister, spotting her edging towards the center aisle. She is shaking, terror splashed across her face. I bet the capitol is getting some sick satisfaction out of this. I watch as Prim reaches the aisle, a group of Peacekeepers waiting to escort her to Effie.

"Looks like we have another Everdeen this year. Let us give the brave girl a round of applause." Effie proudly announces, clapping loudly amongst the murmurs from the crowd. My hatred for the capitol woman grows as I watch her blatant disregard for my little sister's feelings. Does she care at all for anyone besides herself?

These words seem to send Prim over the edge, her eyes locking with mine as she approaches the group of Peacekeepers. Their intimidating presence does nothing to prevent her attempt to try to push past them. They grab her forcibly, pushing her forward towards the stage despite her various protests. I watch as my little sister starts to fight them, blue eyes pleading with me to help her. "Nightlock! Nightlock!"

Primrose's cries give me the strength to move. Forcing my way through my section, I knock people over in my rush to reach her. The dirty looks and complaints that people give me mean nothing when Prim was shouting for me. Prim needed me and I had to get to her. Finally reaching the center aisle, my breaths come out in short gasps. I hadn't realized how much energy I had expended in trying to reach my little sister. "Prim! Prim!"

I run towards Prim, not caring if I was making a scene. They would not take my sister with them. I refused to let the capitol control our lives anymore. As I reach out to my little sister, a burly Peacekeeper blocks my path. His menacing glare stops me in my tracks, enraging me even more. "Get out of my way!" I whisper angrily, not liking that he was preventing me from reaching Prim.

He grabs my arm roughly, almost throwing me to the ground. I wince at the strength of his grip, glaring up into his green eyes. A gasp escapes me as I recognize him. It was the same jerk that manhandled me two summers ago. What was his name again? I search my memory desperately, trying to remember the name the other Peacekeeper shouted out. Pierce, I think he said.

"Let me go, Pierce." His grip on me tightens as I address him informally. Such disrespect could get me killed on a normal day. However, I was beyond caring at this point. I was planning on sacrificing myself for my sister, ensuring my death at the capitol's hands. If I could rile up a few Peacekeepers along the way, it might make the experience a little more interesting.

"You again!" He utters, hatred gleaming in his eyes. Well, I guess he recognizes me too. Pierce pushes me away from him, nearly knocking me off my feet. "Get back in line, girlie."

Catching my balance, I stand defiantly in front of him. "I volunteer!" My words echo in the square, people around me gapping at my foolishness. Ignoring them, I glance towards the stage at Katniss. Her sorrowful stare pulls at my heart strings, knowing it was killing her to watch me throw my life away. We both knew I had to do it. My tongue feels like lead in my mouth as I shout again. "I volunteer as tribute!" Prim was worth it. She would always be worth it.

Pierce begrudgingly steps aside, casting a fierce scowl in my direction, as Prim is revealed to me. My sister's shocked expression kills me, knowing that her worst nightmare has just happened. She was chosen as tribute and I was willingly taking her place. Prim catches sight of me and launches herself into my arms, crying hysterically. I pull her close to me, kissing her hair affectionately as I brokenly whisper. "You need to get out of here. Go find Mom. I'm so sorry Prim. I'm so sorry."

"No! No!"

Her muffled shouts chill me to the bone, knowing there was nothing I could do to comfort her. I can only watch as arms pull her away from me, carrying her far from harm's way. Gale doesn't say a word as he grabs her, his heartbroken expression telling me exactly what he is thinking. This is hurting him as much as it is hurting me. I swallow, trying my best to appear strong in front of the man that I was just beginning to understand my feelings for. Now, I would never know what Gale Hawthorne means to me.

"A dramatic turn of events, here in District 12." Effie's voice comes over us, her excitement at my surprise actions easily heard. How I hate that woman.

"No. No! No!"

Prim's screams echo in my ears as I am escorted by Peacekeepers to the stage. I can feel the crowd's eyes gawking at me, their shock at my actions evident to all. Was it really that much of a surprise that I would volunteer for my little sister?

"District 12's very first volunteer." Effie exclaims, the chipper tone in her voice grating on my nerves. I wonder if I could hit her when I can talk to her in private. Would they kill me if I did?

All of these conflicting emotions were driving me crazy. Was I in shock after everything that happened? I suppress the urge to giggle as I reach the stairs of the stage. Effie is reaching her hand towards me from up top, an expectant look on her face. She was even more colorful up close, if that was even possible.

"Come on dear." She grasps my shoulders as I reach the top step, escorting me in front of the microphone. Can't I get some breathing room? "What's your name?" She utters, her voice barely containing her excitement.

Seriously? She knows who I am. We have only seen each other the last few years since my older sister won the Games. Deciding it would be in my best interest to play along, I force myself to behave. Licking my lips, I lean over towards the microphone. "Nightlock Everdeen."

"Well I'll bet my hat that was your sister, wasn't it?"

"Yes." My voice is barely above a whisper, the horror of my situation finally dawning on me. I was the female tribute for District 12. Fighting the urge to turn around to glance at Katniss, I scan the audience for my sister. She is hugging my mother in the back, her face hidden from my view. Mother on the other hand is crying, her terrified expression making my stomach churn. I'm sorry, Mom.

"Let's give a big hand for applause for our very first volunteer, Nightlock Everdeen." Effie claps, her eyes scanning the crowd for a reaction. What did the crazy woman expect? Cheering?

What the crowd does next shocks even me. With an almost unanimous reaction, the crowd raises three fingers to their lips and then holds the fingers up for all to see. The District 12 sign for goodbye to a loved one greets me from the stage. Tears threaten to spill as their emotional response, not believing they deemed me worthy of such actions. I did nothing special. Just volunteered to save my little sister from certain death.

Effie twitches nervously beside me before she speaks. "And now for the boys." I can only watch as she walks to the opposite end of the stage and grabs a slip from the boy's bowl. She returns to where I am standing, the anticipation for the male tribute's name killing me.

Please don't let it be him. Please don't let it be him. Please don't let it be him. My relentless chant does nothing to alleviate my fear of waiting, knowing that the boy's fate was in Effie's hands. Literally.

"Gale Hawthorne." Effie proudly announces, her voice echoing over the crowd.

No. No. No. Why, damn it. Why? I shake my head, not willing to believe that life could be this cruel. That the capitol knew our plans and how to punish Katniss and me if we went through with it. Tears start to fall, staining the collar of my dress. I don't have the strength to stop them. The horror at Effie's words stabs at me, constricting my heart in a vice grip. Was there no winning against the capitol?

Unwillingly, my eyes scan the crowd and rest on Gale. His blank expression at hearing his name causes more tears to escape me. Why? Why did they do this? He was so close to the end of the Reaping. Being eighteen meant this was his last chance to be chosen. He was so close to escaping from the capitol's grasp. Why, damn it. WHY!

I can only watch as Gale begins the long trek to the stage, his face remaining blank. I knew how strong Gale was. He would put on a brave front, refusing to let his family worry about him. To anyone watching, they would believe him indifferent to his name being called. To us that knew him best, his eyes told of his fear at hearing his name called. Gale's grey Seam eyes lock with my own, the pain in them shaking me to the core. We both knew the truth. Both of us would be going into the ring and only one of us would be coming out.

Gale is halfway to the stage when a voice cries out, "I volunteer." Shocked, Gale stops dead in his tracks looking around for the boy who uttered those words. I tear my gaze away from him, scanning the crowd for the mysterious volunteer. Who would be willing to give up their chance of freedom for Gale? Who was brave enough to save him?

I watch horrified as the boy who volunteered steps forward, walking confidently past Gale. Gale is frozen in shock, not believing his eyes, just like me. No. No. It can't be. The boy reaches the stage as Effie makes a big deal about District 12 having two volunteers. I can't seem to shake my shock as he speaks his name and waves towards the crowd. Why would he do this? Why would he give up everything for Gale? There was nothing that I could think of that would prompt him to do this.

Effie's words snap me out of my shock. "And here we are our tributes for District 12." Her sickeningly cheerful voice still manages to aggravate me, despite the horror that is still lingering. She gives me a pointed look as she indicates towards the male tribute. "Well come on you two, shake hands."

I stare into the deep blue eyes of the male tribute, not having the strength to think or utter his name. It felt like if I named him, it would make everything that is happening real. I just couldn't deal with that right now. Forcing a tense smile across my lips, I grasp his hand with my own. The strength of his grip surprises me as his gaze bores into me. It was like he could read my thoughts.

Trying my best to force my question into my eyes, I can only hope he can understand what I'm asking. Why did he do it? Why? A shrug and calm smile are my only response from the boy who sacrificed everything to keep my heart from breaking but in the process, he broke it anyway.

"Happy Hunger Games and make the odds be ever in your favor." Effie's final words stay with me as our hands drop and we are escorted inside the Justice Building to await our fate.