Greetings readers!

So sorry for the late update, I've been dealing with the procrastination monster lately and the battle has not been going well :P

Plus the story I was supposed to update next was one I had SEVERE writers block on, so I put off updating ANY of my stories and...well you get my drift.

Anyway!

So in this chapter we are going to be showing the reaping, and then Mags, Dash, and whatever unlucky girl and boy are chosen, are going to be heading to the Capitol for the Twelfth Hunger Games!

I won't be going through the Games in detail, I'll hit the highlights and then bring Dash and Mags (and one of the tributes if they win) home.

After that I will be skipping around in Mags life, most likely going forward a year or so in between chapters.

I don't know, we'll see.

Anyway, reviews are always appreciated, blah, blah, blah, you know the drill.

Here we go!

Chapter Eighteen: Two more sentenced to death.

I wake up with a scream, gasping in short breaths as my heart beats frantically. Leroy is at my side in an instant, crawling up onto the bed and wrapping his arms around me tightly.

"Mags, it's okay, it was just a dream."

I sob into his shoulder, trying to get my shaking body to calm down, my adrenaline fueled heart refusing to slow down.

"I-I c-can't calm d-down...reaping."

I manage to choke out, holding onto him tightly. He's still eligible, he will be for another two years.

"Mags it's going to be okay, I promise it will."

Promise. Promises don't mean anything. I promised Will that it would be okay. I'm a mentor this year, I'll have the lives of two children in my hands, and the worst part is...I'll have to choose one, and condemn the other to death.

"I can't go...I can't, I just can't."

He rubs my back soothingly, but he doesn't say anything. There's nothing he can say. I'm going to the Capitol, I'm going to witness the games in close detail, and I am going to relive every horror I went through just one short year ago. Has it really been that long already? Every night when I wake up screaming from the nightmares...I feel like I'm still in the arena.

"I'm going to go call Felix, okay?"

I don't respond, curling up into a ball and hugging my knees to my chest as he leaves the room. I stare blankly into space, tears silently building in my eyes, finding their way out, rolling down my cheeks and dropping off onto my knees.

Felix appears in the doorway, quietly coming over to the bed and gathering me up in his arms. He just sits with his back resting against the headboard, holding me in his arms, quietly humming our song.

Slowly, my breathing and heart rate resume their normal pace, and I stop shaking.

"Hey."

He says quietly, gently rubbing my back and brushing the hair out of my face.

"Hey."

I reply, my voice low and slightly shaky.

"You can make it through this."

I shake my head.

"I can't do it Felix..."

He tilts my chin up and wipes the tears off my cheeks.

"Yes, you can. I believe in you."

I sniff and curl up to him, resting my head against his chest as I let out a sigh. We just sit there for a few minutes, silent. Finally, he pats my shoulders and straightens up.

"Dash will be over here any minute."

My heart sinks as I remember that I'm required to be at the reaping early, to take my place next to Dash and the Mayor on the stage, watching the hundreds of potential tributes file into their marked section, left to wonder which two will be sentenced to death, which two children's blood I will get on my hands.

"Hey,"

I snap out of it and meet Felix's eyes.

"None of this is your fault Mags, you can't hold yourself responsible."

I nod slowly.

"Leroy is going to be fine."

"You can't promise me that."

"No I can't, but I have hope. Come on, get dressed and freshen up, I'll be downstairs with coffee."

He plants a kiss on my forehead and exits the room. The smallest hint of a smile passes across my face as I think about how well Felix knows me. He didn't mention breakfast because he knows I wouldn't be able to stomach anything.

I wash my face and pull my hair up, setting it with pins before walking to my closet and pulling out the dress Pixie gave me to wear. Apparently we're supposed to wear Capitol fashioned clothes to the reaping, just another reminder that they own us.

I pull on the dress with slight difficulty, and survey myself in the mirror.

Its an ocean green mermaid style, crissed and crossed with geometric lines of a darker, glittery green. It has spaghetti straps, and a scoop in the front and back. There are area's where the fabric is sheer, exposing small patches of skin on my sides, thighs and back. The bottom tapers off into tiers of the same sheer fabric.

I return to the bathroom and pull out the strange device Pixie gave me, she told me to hold it over my face, stand very still and press the button. I'm more than a little apprehensive about this, but with a deep breath, I do it.

There's an odd tingling sensation, and then something just barely brushes over my entire face. I look up in the mirror, and my eyes widen as I see the results.

Full makeup. Glittering green eyes, dark lips and tinted cheeks.

Great, now I hardly look like myself. I wasn't aware this was all required for victors, but then again, Dash is the only victor we have, and he's a guy...all he has to do is style his hair and wear a nice suit.

With a sigh, I grab my black flats, and head downstairs.

Felix's eyes widen and his mouth drops open when he sees me. I just shoot him a glare and grab the coffee mug out of his hand.

"Don't say a word."

He shuts his mouth and gives me a smile.

"I was just going to say that you look beautiful."

I roll my eyes and take a sip of the steaming coffee.

"Mhmm, sure. When did you say Dash was coming?"

"Can't wait to see me? I'm flattered, Mags."

I roll my eyes and turn to see Dash just entering the dining room, I half cross my arms and sip my coffee as I lean back against Felix's chest.

"Flirting in front of my boyfriend? I'd watch my step if I were you, Dash."

He grins and shoots Felix a wink.

"You don't mind if I flirt with her a bit, do you?"

Felix laughs and presses his lips against my temple.

"I'm not the one you have to worry about."

I frown and turn to face Felix.

"Where's Leroy?"

He slides his hands into his pockets and nods towards the door.

"Off to meet with Becky. I think they were planning on going together."

I nod, and then glance at Dash, taking in his appearance.

He's wearing a sea-foam green shirt with a black vest. His sleeves rolled up to his elbows, and the top two buttons are undone. Black slacks and shoes complete the outfit, along with his styled wavy brown hair.

"When do we have to leave?"

He glances at the clock.

"Soon."

I nod and take another drink of my coffee for lack of anything better to do. Felix must notice my trembling hands because he gently wraps his arms around my waist and rests his head on my shoulder.

"Everything's going to be alright."

He murmurs into my ear, placing a gentle kiss against my cheek before straightening up, leaving his arms wrapped loosely around my waist.

"You'll have time to say goodbye to everyone while the tributes are..."

Dash trails off, his eyes traveling to the floor. He doesn't have to say it.

"Alright,"

I turn to Felix and give him a tight hug.

"I'll see you soon."

He holds me tightly, and kisses me before nodding.

"See you soon."

With a deep breath, I walk over to Dash, and follow him out into the sun.

He's quiet as we walk to the justice building, not bothering to try and encourage me, knowing it wouldn't help. The pit in my stomach grown deeper with every step I take, and as I catch sight of the stage and camera crews lurking around, my hands begin to tremble.

"It's going to be alright."
Dash says quietly, not taking his eyes off the stage.

I laugh anxiously and cross my arms to hide my trembling hands.

"Why does everyone keep telling me that?"

He doesn't answer, and I don't pursue it.

We reach the justice building, and mount the stairs onto the stage. A few of my nerves relax as I catch sight of Pixie, and my worries are temporarily forgotten as I run to her.

I don't care that the cameras are on, I don't care who is watching, I've missed her terribly and I'd rather rush to her and throw my arms around her than keep up appearances for the sake of the Capitol.

"Pixie!"

She turns at my call, just in time for me to throw my arms around her neck and hug her tightly.

"Goodness!"

She squeaks, her Capitol accent in full swing. She giggles and hugs me back, whispering in my ear.

"Oh I've missed you!"

I blink back tears and hug her tighter.

"I've missed you too."

She releases me and holds me at arm's length.

"Look at you! You're absolutely fabulous darling!"

I laugh and strike a pose.

"Isn't it lovely? Sent straight from the Capitol, I'm so spoiled."

I add with a giggle, shooting a flirty look at the nearest camera. Time to play my part to keep everyone safe. Fun, flirty Mags is back.

"Only the best for our victors!"

Pixie says, tapping the end of my nose with a delighted smile.

Dash saunters up and gives Pixie a suggestive wink.

"Well, well, don't you look absolutely stunning today miss Cuff."
She giggles and smacks his arm playfully, and I feel a hollow grow in my chest at the whole charade.

"Oh Dash, you flirt!"

He wraps his arm around her and pulls him against his side for a hug, muttering into her hair.

"It's good to see you."

She smiled in reply, then gestured for the chairs set up at the back of the stage.

"Time for us to sit and wait for the mayor, and the citizens to file in."

I don't miss the tinge of sadness in her voice under the Capitol trill. We walk over to the chairs and take our seats. Pixie on my left, Dash on my right. A moment later the mayor shows up, greets us with tight smiles and cordial words, then takes his place.

I can feel the tension coming off Dash in waves as each potential tribute signs in and takes their place, growing in intensity with each new child.

"Do you see Pearl anywhere?"

He shakes his head stiffly.

"She'll arrive towards the end, my mother likes to keep her away as long as possible."

I nod and return my attention to the crowd, a sick feeling comes over me as I realize that two of these young, scared faces will be coming to the Capitol with us, will face horrors beyond imagining, and if we're lucky, one will make it back.

My thoughts broken as Dash nudges my shoulder and nods his head towards the back of the crowd. I turn and see Felix walk up, his eyes on me, his face grim. Leroy and Becky are with him, their hands linked together tightly. Becky looks terrified, but Leroy appears calm and collected, so different from the boy standing in the same crowd only one short year ago.

Felix says something to Leroy, claps him on the shoulder, gives Becky a quick hug, and then makes his way to the spectators. Leroy and Becky sign in, he gives her a long hug and a quick kiss before walking her over to her group, and then joining his own.

My eyes return to the check in table, and my heart sinks as I see Pearls small form hold her shaking hand out to the peacekeeper. This is her first year, and she's clearly terrified.

I hear Dash's teeth grind together as the peacekeeper draws her blood and then motions to her group. She slowly walks over, glances up on stage, and stares directly at Dash with wide, fear filled eyes.

He gives her a reassuring smile and a small wave, which seems to relax her slightly.

My eyes suddenly meet Chloe's and she looks at me sadly. Does she pity me? She shouldn't worry about me, she should be thinking of herself. My attention is drawn to a tall boy with sandy blonde hair cut short, he walks up to her and says something.

"Tyler?"

I ask hesitantly. Dash just nods.

I turn back to them, wondering if she said yes, wondering what that would do to Dash. They're talking intensely, and I see Chloe hand him something, her eyes full of tears. Tyler just nods, and then kisses her forehead, moving away from her to the spectators section. So he's over eighteen.

"Welcome everyone!"

I jump slightly as Pixie's shrill Capitol accent rings out all around us. I hadn't realized it was starting.

"This is the year of the Twelfth annual Hunger Games! Isn't it so exciting?"

No answer. She carries right on though, and it amazes me at how good she is at this.

"Let's watch this lovely video from the Capitol, shall we?"

The video plays, blank looks from the crowd, silence when it ends. Pixie clips back up to the microphone and let's out a sigh.

"Wasn't that wonderful? Now, on to the main event! As you know, every year each District chooses one young man and woman to compete in the Hunger Games, this is a privilege and an honor granted to us by the grace of the Capitol, to remind us of the dark days. Let's get started!"

My heart rate triples and then seems to stop altogether as she walks over to the girls ball, and digs around among the paper slips. Dash is completely frozen beside me, his hands clenched into fists as Pixie walks back over to the microphone, and reads out the name.

"This year's female tribute is...Lisa Chapman!"

Dash lets out an audible sigh of relief, and relaxes, but I only feel worse as I see the young girl step out of the crowd. Her pale blue eyes are wide, framed by long lashes. Her lower lip trembles slightly as she pushes the chocolate-colored hair out of her face, and walks to the stage. Thirteen years old. That's how old Will would have been...She's so small, so frail looking.

"Come on over here, sweetheart."

Pixie says kindly, holding her hand out to Lisa. She takes it tentatively, and allows Pixie to pull her beside the microphone.

"Now, on to the boys!"

She picks a name faster than the girls, and hurries back over to the microphone.

"And the male tribute for this year is..."

I hold my breath, every muscle in my body tense, waiting for the name.

"Leroy Flint."

My heart stops, I stare with horrified eyes at the crowd, I see my brother step out and start towards the stage, I see a peacekeeper step forward as well, aiming his gun straight at Leroy's head. I hear the gunshot, and something grabs my hand tightly.

"Mags, they didn't call his name, it's not him. You need to calm down. Right now. Take a deep breath."

I inhale sharply and fight back the panic, staring at Leroy's lifeless body, blood pouring from the hole in the back of his head. Dash's hand almost crushes mine as he tightens his grip.

"Mags. Breathe."

The pain snaps me out of it, and I blink several times, my whole body trembling as I breathe shakily. Dash's hand loosens on mine, but he doesn't let go. I draw in another shaky breath, and force my face to return neutral as I see who the real boy tribute is.

He's older, probably sixteen or seventeen, his dark hair and eyes set him apart from the usual light hair and eye coloring of District four. He reminds me of Felix, with his lithe frame and dark coloring. Could they be related somehow? If so, it would be fairly distant since Felix's sister was the only real relative he had.

He mounts the stage, shakes hands with Lisa and turns to face the crowd.

"Ladies and Gentleman, this year's tributes from District Four, Lisa Chapman, and Ryder Haven!"

Ryder, so that's his name. The Capitol anthem plays, and the tributes are ushered into the justice building, preparing to say goodbye to their friends and family.

Dash leans close to my ear and gives my hand a light squeeze.

"We have a little less than an hour to say goodbye, I'll meet you at the bottom of the stairs in forty minutes, alright?"

I nod, and he stands up, straightening his jacket out as he descends the steps. A moment later, I follow suit. The first thing I do, is walk directly up to Leroy and seize him in a fierce hug, burying my face into his shoulder and letting out a sob. He immediately wraps his arms around me and rubs my back.

"Hey, it's okay."

I know he can feel the trembling in my arms because he tightens his hold on me slightly.

"I...I thought they called your name...I was so scared Leroy."

He strokes my hair comfortingly and kisses the side of my head.

"Hey, you can't get rid of me that easily. I'm safe Mags, I will be staying here with Dad and Becky and Felix. We're all fine."

I take a deep breath and nod, releasing him and planting a kiss on his cheek.

"Yes, alright. I was just...the stress must have gotten to me."

Leroy nods and plants a kiss on my forehead.

"You're going to be fine Mags."

I give him a tight smile and turn to Becky, giving her a quick hug.

"You look after him, alright?"

She nods and rubs my back.

"You know I will. We'll see you soon."

"Mags!"

I detach myself from Becky, and turn just in time to be swept up in Felix's arms. I bury my face in his chest and breathe him in, wanting to take as much memory of him as I can with me. He tilts my head and captures my mouth with his, giving me a kiss that leaves me flushed when he pulls away.

"That's so you remember what you'll be coming home to."

I smile and curl my fingers in his thick hair.

"I can't wait to be back already."

He laughs, and plants a kiss on the end of my nose.

"I love you Mags, you be careful alright?"

I nod and wrap my arms around his neck, resting my forehead against his shoulder. His arms circle my waist, and I feel his lips gently pressed against my neck.

"Happy birthday."

I laugh and shake my head.

"We'll celebrate when I get home."

I feel him grin and his lips move to my ear as he says.

"I'll have a surprise waiting for you."

I pull back and give him a kiss.

"Good, I'll be looking forward to it."

He nods seriously.

"Your dad said he would be at the train station to say goodbye, since he couldn't make the reaping. Had to make sure everyone who could be here was."

I nod and then Felix kisses me again, longer this time, his hands sliding down my neck and shoulders, all the way down to my hands, twining his fingers in mine as he pulls away.

"If you keep kissing me like that, I'll never leave."

He grins and rubs his nose against mine.

"I wish you could stay too. I'll see you soon okay?"

I nod.

"Okay. I love you."

"I love you too."
With a heavy sigh, I let my hand slide out of his, and turn back towards the stage. I meet up with Dash, and instantly sense something different about him.

"What is it?"

He looks at me and raises his eyebrows.

"What is what?"

I frown slightly and regard him suspiciously.

"There's something different about you."

He shrugs and motions towards the train station.

"I'm not sure what you're talking about. Time to go."

I don't question him further, following him quietly to the train station. My father is waiting there, and he smiles warmly when he sees me.

"There's my girl, you be good okay? Remember that you'll be coming home soon."

I nod and wrap my arms around him tightly.

"I love you daddy."
He kisses the top of my head.

"Love you too, baby. See you soon."

I nod and lean up on tiptoe to plant a kiss on his scruffy cheek.

"See you soon."

I turn and walk into the train, the cool air instantly raising goosebumps on my skin. I rub my arms and head straight for my bedroom, before I realize that's not where I'll be staying.

"Hey, Dash?"

I walk back in to the main car and find him looking at me questioningly.

"Um...where is my room? I'm used to the one for the female tribute..."

He nods.
"Right, follow me."

He leads me back to where his room is, and motions to the door across the hall.

"There you go, official mentor room."

I give him a small smile.

"Thanks."

He puts a hand on my shoulder as I turn, and says gently.

"Don't be too long, we've got to meet with our tributes."

I swallow back the apprehension and nod.

"I'll be there in just a minute, just going to change real quick."

He lifts his hand and walks back to the main car without another word. There is definitely something off about him, but I don't know what.

Then again, we're about to get to know two kids, and be forced to choose which one to try and save, and which one to condemn to death.