Here you go another chapter. And wow no crazies this year! At least before the arena… mawhahahhahahaha!

(Star Melody)

I'm back in the ally way of the church. I see my mom and dad and run to them. Then suddenly as it happens every time the pack of dogs swarm and I'm frozen in place with fear. They snarl and attack my mom killing my dad when he tries to defend her.

After the peacekeepers shoot the dogs I run to my mom's side tears blurring my vision. "No mom… you have to be ok!" I sob my voice rising.

Her voice was weak as blood stained the ground. "I'm sorry baby take care of your sister for me."

"No, No, No!" I mutter tears streaming down my face.

She takes my hand and presses her wedding ring into my hands. "Hang onto it…" She murmurs then closes her eyes for the last time.

I jerk myself awake at this point like I always do. I sigh and rub my face trying to get the tears off. I glance over at my still sound asleep sister and flip my pillow over. She doesn't need to know my nightmares.

She's only eight and she's seen way too much for her young age. It's hard to believe I was eight only six years ago but it's true. I glance at the calendar and sigh yet again. It's reaping day. I know that if I get drawn someone in the district will take care of Anabelle but still.

She shouldn't have to grow up with no family at all. Maybe I can get one of the town people to take her in but she will know. I sigh and take the meager food we have from the kitchen. A small loaf of bread, and a bird I caught.

I cut them up and put them on a plate giving Anabelle more than I give myself. She needs it more than I do. I reason to myself and hum the funeral song under my breath.

The whole district practically knows me for singing it and I'm friendly with most of them. My only real friend is Stella Koretravia. We've known each other forever.

I hear stirring from the bed and realize Anabelle is up. She walks over and runs a hand through her sticking up hair. "Morning."

"Good morning." I reply and hand her the plate.

"Thanks." She looks at me with eyes that seem too old for an eight year old. "It's reaping day."

I nod wordlessly and take a bite of my bread. She hugs me "Don't get picked."

A small grin escapes my face. "I'll do my best." She sits down and eats apparently satisfied. After us both finish eating she puts on a blue dress and I braid her hair.

Then I go to my half of the room and pull out a white and purple frock. I slip on some black flats and take her hand. I lead her to the square and hand her over to the priest who wishes me luck. Then I go to check in.

(James Carter)

I wake up groggy. It's reaping day. I have to go outside. But I'm not afraid. Oh no I'm not afraid. I'm going to show that capitol who's boss. I'm going to volunteer and be the most feared victor in all of Panem!

I get up a twisted smile on my face. I haven't been the same since my mother died. Understandable for a little while, everyone says. But after a year you need to go outside. No I will go out now but only to show up the Capitol.

They killed my mother! I better explain. My mother was always a brave one. She hated the games and everything about them. One day she made a bow and arrow in the woods and brought it into town.

She walked around with it in full sight and shot it at peacekeepers. She never hit them off course but she was trying to get a message across. Trying to say how it was wrong. But they killed her for her trouble! They dragged her to the square and shot her in front of her own children!

Angrily I knock a glass figure off the dresser then rub her wedding ring on its chain around my neck to calm down. But today I will show them up. I will volunteer. I can deal with it. I might die but that's ok. This thought runs through my head with an eerie sense of calm.

I won't kill the other tributes only if I must. I will not play the games the way they want me to. No I play by my rules and my rules only. I swallow trying to calm my nerves that seemed to have snuck in.

I walk over to the dresser and pull open a drawer. Slowly I take out an old pair of jeans and a red t shirt. I play by my rules I won't dress up. I put it on and head down the stairs.

My older sister, Rosey, rears back in shock. "You're out of your room? I figured I would have to drag you out of your room."

"Nope. I'm ready for the reapings." I don't tell her my plans figuring she would try to stop me. The last thing I need is her encouraging me to stay back or not letting me volunteer. I mean come on.

I sit down at the table with my dad and ignore his attempts at conversation. I am so not in the mood. I eat my food slowly thinking of other things to keep any doubt far far away.

After I finish eating I stand up and walk to the door. Shoving on a pair of old ratty shoes, I pull open the door and blink in the bright sunlight. I put a hand on my forehead shielding my face from it. You forget how bright it is after a year inside.

I walk to the square with shaking legs the place bringing back very bad memories. This was where they shot my mother. This was where I swore revenge on the capitol. They think I retreated with grief. They were wrong. I was plotting. I will become the most feared victor by playing by my rules I will not play by theirs.

I sign in and sit with the other males plugging my ears at the treaty of treason. No reason for me to listen to it. It shows the rise of the capitol and a disgusting thing.

The Capitol escort with her annoyingly perfect voice and cat like eyes draws the boy's name. "Kent Woodmore."

A twelve year old starts to walk up and I step forward in a bored way. "I volunteer as tribute."

The words roll off my tongue as I step up beaming with pride. A ripple of shock runs through the district. Most recognize me; they think I volunteered for the boy. Well I suppose that does add to the effect.

"Well what's your name young man?"

"James Carter." Those who didn't recognize me do now.

She smiles "Well congratulations, and now for the girls!"

(Star Melody's P.O.V)

My hands shake at my sides as our escorts long slender hands reach into the reaping dish. Time seems to be moving slowly, oh so slowly. She unfolds the slip it seeming like molasses dripping then clears her throat. The sound echoes with the beating of my heart.

"Star Melody."

Stella faints at my side. I think I was her only friend. I force myself up to the stage, and then look out at the audience. I see the priest holding Anabelle back who's throwing a fit trying to save me.

Suddenly as if it was planned the district starts singing the funeral song I always sing. "Star in the sky, star oh so high, when our loved ones
fade away, give me the strength to stay, Star in the sky, star oh so high,
help us when we try, to say our last goodbye."

Tears fill my vision but I refuse to let them drop. I know in my heart that this is their way of saying goodbye. Everyone knows I won't come home.

Our escort titters going on and on about how cute that was then raises our hands in the air.

"I present you with your district ten tributes James Carter, and Star Melody!"

*sniffle* that chapter almost made me cry. Almost to the goodbyes! I am so pumped! Now for a question, Would you rather know if your tribute is a bloodbath or just be surprised? R&R!