Today is the day. Launch day.

Haymitch is at breakfast. Not hungover, sober. I catch his eye to let him know that I know. He gives me a slight nod.

"You both should try to get out of the Cornucopia as fast as possible. If you think you can, try to get supplies, anything will help. But don't be stupid. The Cornucopia is pretty much suicide. Get water. The rest will fall into place. You will have sponsors and I will be looking out for you in the arena." Then, unexpectedly he pulls both of us into a big hug. "Best tributes ever."

I leave with Cinna to board the hovercraft. Something freezes me and the ladder lifts me up. I am seated with all of the other tributes. A woman comes tribute by tribute and injects something with a needle. She approaches me and I ask, "What is that?" My voice waivers.

"It's a tracker. So we know where you are in the arena." She sighs. She's probably made this speech a million times.

I feel nauseous. A few tributes down I see Peeta and suddenly feel sicker than ever. I feel a stabbing sensation in my arm and then it's over. I exhale.

As a ladder carries me down, I see Cinna waiting for me. The thought of him comforts me. He helps me get dressed. He then ties a bracelet around me wrist. The bracelet from Nim! I had almost forgotten. I look gratefully up at Cinna. I am going into the arena with a little bit of Nim and Clad.

I try to eat some food. Cinna makes me drink water. Right now, I am just going through the motions. A metallic voice sounds through the speakers letting me know that I have 30 seconds to launch.

I climb into the tube. Cinna gestures with his finger. Chin up. There are bits and pieces of Clad here today.

The tube ascends. I feel anxiety again. Deep breaths. You're ok.

The sunlight almost blinds me and I have to squint to let my eyes adjust. I look around at my surroundings. There is a forest nearby. And by my feet, there is a backpack with a knife sticking out of it. I look around to see what tributes are near me. There is the girl from 1. She's looking at me. Great. I'm her first target. Peeta is a few tributes over. We make eye contact. I look back at the Cornucopia.

3...2...1

A gong sounds. I grab the pack and start running.

Something trips me and I fall down. When I get up there is a Career tribute standing over me holding a knife. I'm sorry Nim and Clad. And Peeta and Haymitch. I hope it is quick. But it isn't. The cut is thin and then deeper. As I close my eyes I feel the Career loosen his grip. Someone is calling for him. It's the girl from 1.

"Have fun Lover Girl." He sneers.

I reel towards the woods, clutching my pack. The sky spins around and I feel myself crashing into a bush.

When I wake up I am stiff and sore. My hand instinctively goes to me neck. It is stitched up when I notice I am not alone in the bush. It's the District 1 girl. I scurry backwards and end up slamming into a tree. Her eyes are wide and she puts a finger to her lips. I hear people running.

Once they've passed, she says, "I'm Glimmer."

"But, but, why?" I stammer. I am confused. And thirsty.

"You remind me of my little sister. If she was here, i would want someone to do the same. She -" Someone is calling her name.

"Listen, I have to go. But I'll keep an eye out for you. Go now!" And with that she sprints back towards the Cornucopia.