James Isaac Rivers' POV

"James! Get up! You're going to miss the reapings!", I heard a call coming from downstairs,

"Coming, Mom!" How could I forget? Today is the day I had been dreading for a year, time for the Hunger Games. And a Quarter Quell, too. Since I'm twelve, my name is in the reaping ball onlynonce, since my older sister, Crystal wouldn't let me take the tesserae. The odds weren't exactly in her favor. I hopped out of bed, even though I wanted to go back under the covers and hibernate through the entire day. Don't get me wrong, I love the Hunger Games, they're very entertaining to watch, I just don't actually want to be in them.

I walk over to my full length mirror and fix my blond hair. Since we in District 4 do a ton of swimming, my hair began to take on a greenish tint. I like it though, it's really interesting. What if I get chosen for the reapings? Then, I would have to leave Crystal and my youngest sister Sofie to take care of themselves, because Mom and Dad are always out fishing. I try not to think about that as pull on some tan khakis and button up my white shirt. On my way downstairs, I bump into Crystal who is dressed in a turquoise dress, her long blond hair curled so that it ended at her shoulders.

"You ready for the Reapings?", she asked.

"As ready as I'll ever be.", I respond. When we arrive downstairs, I see that my parents have already left for work. The fishing companies here really overwork everyone, they won't even let the parents have the day off on Reaping Day. I glance at the clock, 8:45.

"Crystal, we have to go! Reapings start in fifteen minutes!". We rush out of the house and down the street as fast as our feet would carry us. No one wanted to be late to the town square, not after what happened last year. My friend, Cedric, was only two minutes late and was beaten to the point where we thought we lost him. It was even worse when he was chosen for the games in that condition. He didn't even survive the bloodbath.

Finally, we reach the town square, exhausted and out of breath. Just in time, too. The District clock strikes nine just as I reach the twelve year olds section. Right on cue, as usual, the District 4 escort, Amelia Zahr struts up to the podium. Every year, Crystal and I bet on the color of wig she's wearing this year. Green, ha! I've won again! I look over at Crystal, shooting her a triumphant grin. She gives me a playful glare in return.

"Helloooo District 4! Happy 125th Hunger Games and may the odds be ever in your favor! As you all know, this year is a Quarter Quell! Exciting, isn't it? I bought a special dress just for the occasion!", she twirls around showing off her bright purple dress that probably cost more than both my parents' yearly salaries combined. Amelia always, shows off her newest wardrobe at the Reapings, and to us, it's getting really old. As usual, she goes into her yearly spiel about the Dark Days and the Rebellion, blah blah blah. When she's done, finally, she walks over to one of the Reaping balls.

"This year, since it's a Quarter Quell, we're going to shake things up, a bit. So, I will be starting with the boys." Well, that's new. Amelia reaches her hand into the jar and fiddles around for a moment and then snatches up a name.

"James Rivers!", she calls out! No, but my name's only in there once! But how?

"James? Come on up here!" That's all I remembered before everything went dark.

Crystal Ocean Rivers' POV

"James!", I call out, but it's no use. The Peace Keepers have already dragged him onto the stage. After a few tedious minutes, he finally comes to. I can't believe it! His name was only in the Reaping once! It should be me up there!

"Well, that was interesting, wasn't it?", says Amelia. Oh, I hate her so much! With her large wigs and foot high heels. I had lost the yearly bet on which color Amelia's wig would be, saying it would be bright orange.

"Without any farther ado, let's choose who our female tribute will be!" Her hand dances around and picks up a name.

"Oh my, what are the odds of this?" no, it can't be me, "Crystal Rivers!" No! Who will take care of Sofie? This means one of us will die! I'll let James win, I will! My mind races as I make my way onto the stage.

"It looks this will be a very interesting year, ladies and gentlemen. This year's District 4 tributes!" James and I shake hands as we both share a look of terror.

A/N

I hope you're enjoying the story so far! Thank you Isaac Reid for submitting James and McKenna Laabs for sending in Crystal. We still need more escorts, mentors and tributes so please send some in! Here is the trivia question that is worth 20 sponsor points:

What is the name of Primrose's cat?

Thank you and don't forget to leave a review!

~angelofmusic4ever