Wow this was hard to write… Darn you school. Anyhow enjoy!

(District nine reapings Stacey Mark's P.O.V)

I groan as my father shakes me awake. I bury my head and mutter "No five more minutes."

I can hear him laugh. "Hon you said that an hour ago. Now get up you have to get ready."

"For school?" I ask not remembering for one blissful moment.

"No Stacey it's the reapings." He said without a trace of humor.

"Oh right…" I say and pull myself up sighing. "I'll be right out."

He nods and leaves the room. I stroke my teacup poodle, Mimi who had nuzzled her way under my hand. I swear sometimes she's more like a cat than a dog.

I gently pick her up as I stand. I lean down and set her on the ground and she runs out tail wagging. Dad peeks back in "Oh and happy eighteenth birthday." Yep that's right my birthday is on reaping day and my name is in the bowl forty eight no sorry forty nine times now. It's always the worst birthday.

I swallow. It was even worse last year. My twelve year old sister was reaped. They tore her apart piece by piece. I can still hear her screams as I was forced to watch it. I shudder. Bad thoughts on your birthday, now let's go eat.

I walk downstairs where I get simple happy birthday from each of the five members of my family.

My mom kisses my cheek "We'll do presents after the reapings." She promises and I know it's her silent way of praying I won't get picked.

I nod "Sounds great." I sit down at the table with the rest of my family and take a small slice of bread.

My little sister Anna cocks her head. "Is that all you want on your birthday?"

I smile and nod ignoring my growling stomach. My family needs the food more. I eat the bread then get up silently.

Since last year everyone in my family has been quieter out of the way. I know the worry gnaws at them more than it does at me. I smile at my two year old brother. He's too young to understand the games and has blissful ignorance. I envy him for that.

Sometimes I think the only reason I haven't gotten reaped is because bad things can't happen on your birthday. I guess that theory will be tested or proved today.

I look in my closet and take out the one nice dress I own. It's a pale baby blue summer dress that's tied with a pink ribbon. I gently slip it on and tie the ribbon.

Then I walk to the bathroom and look in the mirror. I take the worn old hairbrush that we all share and run it through my chocolate brown hair. Then I look back at my silver eyes. Yes silver. There is no other way to describe them. No one who's ever seen them can say they are blue with a straight face.

I sigh and splash some water on my face before walking down the stairs to the rest of my family. Everyone's dressed for the reapings and I kiss all my family goodbye and head out the door.

(Roketi Mauluga's P.O.V)

I wake up with a groan and a stretch. When I remember what day it is a slow grin creeps up on my face. Today is the day I finally escape. I either die in the arena or come back to a safe house in victor's village away from my father. Doesn't matter to me.

I hear my fathers shout and inwardly flinch. Deciding I'm not in the mood to deal with that bastard right now I climb out my window. I scale down the side of the house and pray he won't see me. My luck runs out and I see him waiting outside the front door.

He grabs me by the shirt collar and growls. "Where do you think your going boy?"

I manage to keep my voice calm refusing to let him get to me. "I was going to go steal some food."

He lets go of me and gives a grunt of approval. "Just make sure you get enough. Or else."

He leaves the threat hanging in the air but I know what it means. Inside I scoff I can barely feel the beatings anymore. But I nod and try to act worried. I turn and run off eager to get away.

I creep silently into the square and look at the merchants that are still setting up seeming groggy with sleep. I wait until one turn his back at a bread stand and knick a loaf taking off before they can see who it is.

I hide in an ally way and eat the bread leaning against a wall. While I do I absent mindedly trace the long scar from the field accident on my arm.

Then I hear trouble. I finish the bread and stand up a small twisted grin on my face. The fighting makes the pain go away if only for a little while.

The three boys round the corner and I push myself up. The leader sneers "Hey there scum why don't you give us your pretty little bracelet."

I tighten up. The bracelet was a gift from my mom. "Why don't you make me?"

"I think we will. Get him boys." They all start approaching me and I turn and swing hitting one in the face sending him staggering. The other one rounds me and I kick him in the gut. I grit my teeth as the third one hits me from behind but I just grab his shirt collar and swing him into a wall.

I whirl around to face the other two who have recovered by now and are spitting mad. I quickly finish them off sending them fleeing their tails between their legs.

Crap. I cuss mentally as the clock strikes eleven thirty. I have to hurry to volunteer.

I start running and full out sprint to the check in table pushing all the people out of my way. I get my finger pricked not even feeling it. It's been a long time since pain as small as that affected me.

I walk over with the other boys who all give me a wide berth and tap my foot impatient to get this thing started before I get a chance to chicken out.

They start the long and boring treaty of treason and I wipe the dust and blood off my clothes. Might as well look presentable to get sponsors, though I doubt anyone will help me.

When it's finally done our escort clears her throat. "Gentlemen first." She draws a name and the boy takes his place. I step up. "I volunteer as tribute."

Everyone looks shocked and they quickly clear me a path. "Well, well, well. District nine's second volunteer! What's your name young man?"

I smirk "I'm Roketi Mauluga." I take my place on the stage and she claps her hands together. "So exciting!"

(Stacey Mark's P.O.V)

I gulp as I regard the boy on stage. Everyone knows him. He beats up the other boys and is scarred from fights with peacekeepers. Now I really hope I don't get reaped.

Her long green nails reach into the bowl for the girl's name. I swallow my legs growing weak under me. Bad things can't happen on your birthday. Bad things can't happen on your birthday. I take up my silent chant in my head as if it will save me even though in my heart I know it won't.

Time seems to slow down as she unfolds the name and I can hear my heartbeat in my ears.

"Stacey Mark."

Everyone looks at me with pity and the peacekeepers have to practically carry me up there. I manage to regain my composure and blink back the tears pooling in my eyes. I guess bad things can happen on your birthday.

I allow her to raise my hand in the air with my vicious opponents. Her voice announcing our names sounds like a death sentence. "I present you with your district nine tributes Stacey Mark and Rocketi Mauluga!"

Awww poor Stacey such a horrible birthday, and she's my tribute so I can't blame anyone… Anywho Read and Review!