Koralina Jornimos POV

My fingers fumble to connect the wires, I know that one false move could blow this place sky high. I need to focus, but how can I? It's almost time for the reaping after all. I'm wearing my dress under an oversized apron to keep it from getting dirty.

"Do you need help Kora?" asks my fellow worker Alda.

"No I think I'm fine, thanks anyways!" I reply.

I finally manage to connect the wires correctly and rise to my feet brushing the sweat from my forehead. I need to hurry up and get home to help Hailin and the others get ready for the reaping. After all Hailin has done for me ever since she pulled me out of the fire that killed my parents, the least I can do is give her a hand once and a while.

I got dressed early so I could get to the reaping before the massive crowd. I told Hailin we would leave after work.

On my way home, I notice a bunch of guys laughing. When I look closer I find them surrounding a younger boy. Hailin can wait a little longer I'm sure. I approach the group and push them away. The younger boy seems to be crying.

"Hey," I say to the boys, "What do you think your doing to this boy here?"

They laugh at me, "What you going to do about it girly?"

Before thinking, I punch one of the boys in the stomach and he pushes me into a puddle of mud. Their laughs grow louder and I rise with my filthy dress. I raise my fists and take another swing at a different boy, knocking him over onto the ground. Then I kick the boy behind me knocking him over as well.

I grab the little boys hand and flee. I pull him down the street turning every chance I get in hope of losing the others. We duck behind a corner and watch as the boys go the opposite way. I turn to the little boy who is breathing heavily and I smile.

"You alright bud?" I ask. He nods. I get up and pat him on the head, "Stay out of trouble. If those guys every bug you again let me know. See you later!" I take off to Hailin's.

"What happened to your dress Kora?" exclaims Hailin.

"Some kid was getting picked on so I helped him out. Do you have a dress I can borrow by any chance?"

"Oh Kora... Your kindness is going to kill you one day. Go clean yourself up and I'll find you a dress."

After a while of scraping the mud off my face, we finally all head out to the square. We didn't manage to avoid the crowd, but we all find our way to our spots. Torrin and Hazzy at the front and me somewhere in the middle of the crowd. I look up at my sister and brother who stand proudly at the front. Knowing they might be reaped.

It's as if they already knew, because Torrin's name is drawn. She makes her way to the stage. I can't take it, after all they have done for me. Now Torrin was going into the games! I couldn't let it happen.

"I volunteer as tribute!"

I make my way to the stage getting a quick glance at Torrin who usually would reject to me doing this sort of thing. Why is it she doesn't? Does she actually want me to go into the games? I decide not to think about it. Then I realize something. I just did it again. I acted without thinking. Now I'm going to die.

Calvin Lutz POV

"How are you feeling dad?"

"Same as usual, do you think I'm aloud to skip out on the reaping?"

"Not unless you want to be whipped."

"Guess, I'll have to find my way out of bed then."

My mom and my sister died last year, and I have a feeling my dad is next. His medicines very expensive. I've been cutting back on buying useless things and I haven't been eating as much as I use to, but I still need money to keep him alive.

I hear my stomach growl. I look up at dad who looks at me in concern. "Get something to eat Calvin."

"But there is nothing to eat dad!"

"Then go buy something before you starve to death."

"But, that money is for your medication."

"Go."

I head out the door clutching the money in my hand. I don't intend to use it of course. I'm sure I can get something to eat some other way. Are you allowed to get tesserae on reaping day? I don't think you are. Very disappointing.

That was one of the last things I need right now. The reaping. I have TONS of names in there. I'm pretty sure I'm going to get reaped this year. I can't leave my dad like this! Without me he is surely going to die. Then I'll be an orphan, and surely die. Wherever I go I'm going to die. Oh well, at least it doesn't matter that much if I'm reaped then!

I have to stay positive in these situations. Being negative never gets you anywhere does it? What if i actually won the games? Then I'd have enough money to take care of dad AND eat! Wouldn't that be great?

After a while I come back home with the money hiding in my pocket where dad can't see it. It's time for the reaping! We slowly walk together to the square in silence, except for when my dad coughs. He is looking paler and paler each day. I'm worried about him. Yet I manage to smile and reassure him it's alright.

'Happy hunger games! And may the odds be EVER in your favour!"

That speech is the same EVERY YEAR. I love to hear about the dark days as much as the next guy but I would change it once and a while. You know, spice it up! Here comes the name drawing. Some girl named Kora with a giant scar under her left eye volunteers. I think I've seen her around a few times.

As I expected, when the boys name is drawn, the man shouts out "Calvin Lutz!" Here we go. Standing tall next to Kora on the stage on live TV. The capital is feasting their eyes on the district 3 tributes. I manage to smile. Always remain optimistic!