SHAYLA'S POV

I had a problem. A problem that started when I got called to compete in the Hunger Games, and my little sister volunteered. Kayleen is only 13. I'm 18. Why would she do that?

I can only assume she was thinking that I was the only one that could take care of the family. But she's wrong. I can't cook, Mom's not great either. Mom pretends she can, but I know it's all Kay.

She acted all tough, walking onto the stage. While I screamed and cried, as did May, one of her best friends. Her other best friend, Rory, had a huge crush on her but he never told her…. Now it's too late. Later when I went to see her, I told her she could win. She doubted it. I knew she could, she was capable of more than she thought. But could she really kill people? Other kids?

That I doubted. But maybe she could. My parents didn't even go to visit her, I asked why.

"She would get too upset and emotional. And it's not like we care that much." That was their terrible excuse for not seeing their youngest daughter.

"But she's your daughter," I insist, not getting it. Then their next words hit me like a ton of bricks.

So? You're better than her anyway, she was always disappointing. We're so relieved that she volunteered.

I gasp, and feel as though someone had punched me in the stomach. "What?"

My mom rolls her eyes. "We're better off without that annoying little b****. She was just an extra mouth to feed."

"How dare you!" I scream at her. "That's my sister, your daughter!"

My dad groans. "One of the worst mistakes we ever made. We should have just stopped after you."

I look at both of them. They seemed so innocent before….. how had I never noticed? When I heard them crying last night, I thought they were worried about both of us but it was just the fear of losing me. They smiled when Kay volunteered, I just realized that! Kay has to make it back, so that I can tell her she's perfect to me, and we can live in the Victor's Village, away from my parents.

I'm not the perfect amazing girl my parents think I am. Kay is.

BACK TO KAYLEEN POV

After I finished crying, I was a little embarrassed.

"Oh thanks, Nik," I sniffed, rubbing my nose on my shirt sleeve.

He smiled. "You're welcome. And I guess you can call me Nik."

I finally realize the time. "Oh wow! It's 9:30 already, let's eat some dessert then go to bed."

He nods in agreement. "Sounds good to me. Want some ice cream?"

I nod happily and we go and get brown ice cream this time, on a white cone.

In my opinion, its even better than the white ice cream. Finally, I have to go to bed. And so does Jenik.

"Good night Nik," I smile at him.

He smiles back. "Good night Kay."

And I go to my room, undressing and showering. After a five minute shower, I step on a panel that instantly combs and blow dries my hair at the same time.

My milk chocolate curls fall a little below my shoulders. I put on a giant red shirt and velvety black pants and go to sleep.