Chapter 4

In the hallway, the two girls' crashes into the girl they were looking for.

"Rue," Alex whispers, "We need to talk to you."

"I need to talk to you too." Rue whispers.

"Let's go this way." Katniss cuts in, gently taking Rue's hand in her's.

The three girls walk down the hallway and at the end of the hallway, Katniss opens the door. Alex and Rue steps out on the balcony.

Alex gives Katniss a questioning look.

"First year." Katniss explains with a smile.

"Good point."

"So what do we need to talk about?" Rue asks as they sit down on the ground, looking over the city.

"This Hunger Games is a replay from our first one. The dudes from District 1 and 2 are exactly like Marvel and Cato. The girls from District 1 and 2 are exactly like Glimmer and Clove. Each and every person is like someone from the 74th. History is repeating itself." Alex informs them, "But the target is different. Kat," Alex looks at Katniss, "You used to be the target. The target changed. It's me."

Rue looks at Alex in shock.

"You're right." Rue whispers making Alex and Katniss to look at her, "You are the target this year. But just like before, we will be protecting you. You have no say in it." Alex nods with a small smile.

"I love you both." Rue and Katniss stay silent and hugs Alex tightly.

"We love you too."

~K&A~

It is the interview the night before the 76th Hunger Games begin. Everyone but Alex have gone on and Katniss and Rue are both standing in their dresses as Alex walks on in a blue dress with her hair half up and half down.

Alex sits down on her chair after giving Caesar a hug.

"So Alex..." Caesar starts as Alex looks at him with her face showing no emotion, "How did you react when you got a perfect score?"

"I was shocked. I'm used to getting an 11 like the last two years. But this year I got 12. It was unbelievable." Alex answers honestly.

Caesar nods with a smile.

"Are you ready for tomorrow?"

"Well, I'm terrified but learning everything again in the Training Centre, I'm ready. But emotion wise, no." Alex shakes her head.

"So what are you upset about?"

"I'm upset that I have to fight for my life. I'm upset that my two best friends and I are fighting against each other. And I'm upset that James and I are against each other." Alex puts on a heartbreak face like Coin told her.

That day that Alex asked what Coin wants the two of them to do, she told them to play star-crossed lovers. Just like Alex said, history is repeating itself.

"What's wrong about that?"

"Well..." Alex closes her eyes groaning inwardly, "James and I are... dating."

Caesar awws with the crowd.

"So you both are star-crossed lovers."

"I guess that's a good term for it. But boyfriend and girlfriend fighting against each other... that's not a good feeling. It hurts and is upsetting."

Caesar nods.

"Well good luck in the arena Alex. May the odds ever be in your favour." Caesar stands up and takes Alex's hand in his, "District 13's Alex Russo!"

~A&K~

That next morning, Alex is using the cell phone Coin gave her to make her phone call to her family. Coin knows she is breaking the rules, but she has taken a liking to Alex, after being stuck with her for 3 years in a row.

"Hey dad." Alex greets after Jerry picks up the phone.

"ALEX!" Jerry shouts in relief, "Are you ok?"

"Ya dad. I'm doing well." Alex smiles.

"Great job on getting a 12 honey."

"Thanks dad. I just wanted to call to say I love you."

"I love you too honey. Just keep your feet ready, heartbeat steady, keep your eyes open, and keep your aim locked, as the night goes dark. Just keep your eyes open." Alex nods knowing Jerry can't see her.

"I will daddy." Alex whispers and takes a breath, "Can you tell Max, Justin and Cinna that I love them?"

"I will baby girl. Just a heads up, we are planning something on this end that will help you, Katniss and Rue. Just stay together and take shifts. All of you survived the 74th and 75th Hunger Games. You all will survive this one."

"Are you sure?"

"We all KNOW you will. Even Peeta. And Peeta knows you and that jackass are not really together. He knows you love him, we all do. Max and Peeta are always together in the spot. They talked and Peeta spent the night last night in your room."

Alex could hear the smile on Jerry's face.

"Thank you." Alex whispers and looks at Coin to see her giving Alex the look, "Well daddy. I have to go. It's time."

"Ok. We love you."

"I love you all too."

Alex hits the end call button and hands Coin her phone. Alex feels the fear and tears arrive.

Coin puts her cell phone in her pocket before pulling Alex into a hug.

"I'm meeting you in the room where you enter the arena. I have something important to tell you there."

Alex nods letting her tears fall.

"I'll see you there."

And just like that, Alex walks to the aircraft that is taking the tributes to where the arena is held.

~K&A~

Alex walks into the room where Coin is standing with Boggs, waiting for her. Alex walks over to them and Boggs puts the coat on Alex. As he zips it up, he unbuttons and Alex looks down to see her Mockingjay pin. Alex smiles as Coin unbuttons the other side. On the other side is a pin that Coin always wears.

"It represents that you are a fighter and it gives you hope." The pin is gold and with the number 13. On the 13 is little red diamonds, "It was my mother's and I want you to have it Alex."

Alex looks up at coin shocked.

"What?" Alex whispers.

Coin puts her hands on both sides of the girl's face.

"You are keeping it plus you are going to win this."

"How are you so sure? What if my luck has finally run out?" Alex asks beginning to panic.

"Give her water Boggs."

Boggs nods and steps out of the room quickly to get Alex a glass of water.

"I want to tell you a secret Alex." Coin informs Alex. Alex looks at Coin directly, "Boggs, your father, Max, Justin, Cinna and I are going to break you, Rue and Katniss out of the arena."

"You guys are going against Snow?" Alex whispers just as Boggs walks in with a glass of water.

"Yes. There is a war raging on outside. The war is going to happen as you guys fight in the arena. All you guys have to do is stay hidden and when have to, kill. We will come get you as soon as the Districts attack the Capitol. They all know Boggs and I are on their side. They know we are not for the Games, they know we don't like Snow.

"Now all I want you to do is go into hiding and stay safe." Coin finishes strictly, "Just get a bag close to you and get out of Cornucopia."

Alex nods.

"Ok." Alex whispers feeling a little bit better. Boggs hands Alex the water with a smile.

"10..."

The countdown has begun as Alex drinks the water.

"9..."

Alex finishes the water before giving Boggs a hug.

"8..."

Alex turns to Coin and gives her a hug.

"Thank you." Alex whispers.

"7..."

"You deserve to be happy Alex. We will see you, Rue and Katniss soon." Coin smiles giving Alex a kiss on the cheek.

"6..."

Alex kisses Coin and Boggs both on the cheek before stepping into the tube.

"5..."

In the arena Alex sees Katniss next to James and Rue next to Alexander.

"4..."

Katniss and Rue both smiles at Alex before winking, telling her the plan is in motion.

"3..."

Alex takes a breath and watches the clock tick down.

"2..."

Alex silently prays for a miracle in her mind.

"1..."

As soon as the clock hits zero, Alex takes off with all the other tributes to the weapons. Alex side steps and grabs three spears and three bags before taking off into the forest.

And so the games begin again. : )

Please review.