"Crystal, it's time," Granite announced.

His daughter nodded firmly. "I'm ready."

Crystal watched Julius Raine parade onto the stage, all smiles and vibrant colors.

"Welcome!" he roared, addressing the silent crowd.

The citizens of District 1 didn't respond.

Gulping, Julius shook his magenta curls and placed an immaculately manicured hand into the female Reaping bowl.

"Ladies first!" he giggled.

Crystal's eyes glimmered in anticipation.

"Velvet Ashby!" Julius Raine declared.

A gasp sounded rows before Crystal. She didn't bother to register who it was.

"I volunteer!" Crystal exclaimed, prancing out of her row. "I volunteer as tribute."

"My, how wonderful!" Julius squealed.

Crystal smiled confidently and strutted over to the stage. A pristine white sun-dress swayed around her knees. Her luscious, dark curls bounced around her delicate shoulders. District 1 roared with applause. This is what they were hoping for. What they were praying for.

As the crowd settled, Julius turned to Crystal.

"So, dear, what's your name? Tell us a little bit about yourself!" he gushed.

Crystal raised her chin with pride. "My name is Crystal Onyx-Platinum, daughter of Granite, victor of the fourth Quarter Quell."

More cheers erupted from the citizens.

Julius Raine looked ecstatic. "Oh, what an exciting surprise! Look at this beautiful young lady, hoping to continue her family name!"

Crystal flashed him a dazzling smile. "I plan to."

Julius regained his composure and tottered over to the male Reaping bowl.

"And now for the gentlemen," he continued.

Swiping a name, Julius unfurled the paper.

"Bronze Valor!" he boomed.

District 1 was thrilled. They shouted cries of encouragement as Bronze whooped and jogged over to join Crystal.

Little did people know that this was the plan. Granite, having a high, secure place in the District 1 council, had hand-picked his daughter and Bronze as this year's tributes. The Capitol approved their favourite districts requirements. The District 1 council informed the Capitol of their yearly choice.

Bronze and Crystal were destined to enter the Games.

"You ready for this?" Bronze whispered with a broad grin.

Crystal winked. "As ready as I'll ever be," she laughed.

"Ladies and gentlemen, give a huge round of applause for the tributes of the 136th annual Hunger Games!" Julius Raine bellowed.

As a traditional sign of respect, Bronze and Crystal joined hands and raised them in unison.

Crystal felt a smile touch her lips. For her whole life, she had been waiting for this moment.

.

An icy chill jolted up my spine. No, she didn't choose me. She couldn't choose me.

"Harper, dear!" Topaz trilled, stumbling across the stage in her ridiculously high stilettos.

I gulped and shakily stepped out of line, making my way to the stage, trying to keep my breakfast down.

This couldn't be happening.

"There you are!" Topaz squealed. "Come on up, pumpkin!"

My head pounded. Was this a dream?

I barely heard Topaz announce the male tribute, but when he bounded onto the stage, I felt a sharp pang in my chest.

No, not Linnet. Wasn't it enough I was to be punished? Now my best friend must join me in Hell?

"District 4, have a cheer for this year's tributes!" Topaz cried happily.

As the citizens responded, I felt Linnet slip his warm hand into my clammy one.

"It'll be fine," he murmured into my ear. "I promise."

I wanted to believe him, but that was impossible.

One or none of us were making it out alive.

As we were filed into the grand Justice Building to say farewell to our families, Serena, my eldest sister, pressed a rope bracelet tearfully into my palm.

"Please accept this as your token," she whispered brokenly.

Racked with sobs, I threw my arms around her neck.

"I'll try, Rena, I really will," I swore. Serena hugged me close.

"I know you will, Harpie," she replied softly. As the Peacekeepers hauled her away, I allowed Topaz to push me and Linnet onboard the train. A huge, silver machine that could apparently move at the speed of light.

That was were the nightmare began.