Author's Note: Yes, I probably could have named this chapter better. But it's pretty short, and that's literally what it's about. Just because it's short does not mean it's not important though! Thanks for still reading, and I hope I'll continue to see you everyday, because that's how I'm trying to put out the chapters, but I'm not sure how long I'll be able to keep that up because I have Chapter Five done, but I don't know when I'll do Chapter Six...(or seven, ect.) So you'll at least see me tomorrow! Thanks for sticking with me as I try to figure this out!

I don't own any right to The Hunger Games.

Chapter Four - On The Stage of Panem

You'd probably expect a bigger reaction for me, given the fact that my whole world is quietly crumbling to the ground. But honestly? While I was walking up to the stage, I still believed someone was planning to volunteer, but they were sure taking their time. I climbed up the steps and went to stand next to Cassius, watching the audience expectantly. Not a trace of fear on my face, just raised eyebrows and probably a look in my eyes saying that I was waiting for something to happen. My expression and Cassius' probably mirrored each other quite well.

Zéle looks out at the crowd. "Well? Any volunteers for this lovely young lady?"

I watch the eighteen year old crowd, expecting someone to run up the stairs and willingly jump to her doom. But the girls is still and silent, all giving off the same emotion. Pity.

Zéle looks back at me, "Well, congratulations then, to our newest tribute, Miss Alexis Lace!"

Wait, what? No no no no, he's kidding right? Seriously? Me? Of all the years for the volunteers to wimp out, it had to be today? And not only that, but with Cassius coming in with me? Oh, that's just lovely. This just couldn't get any better.

I catch a glimpse of my face in one of the screens above the square, but the girl shown does not look like me. Who else could she be though; standing in the same spot as me, with the same eyes. There's only one other woman on stage and that's Nereida, and she certainly doesn't have those eyes.

My odd, crazy eyes don't, however, reflect what I'm feeling. It seems my face was frozen in my look of boredom, of expectancy. Good, I might as well keep it that way. If I'm going to win these Games, I need to start off looking strong. Strong enough to kill what's in my path; the other tributes.

My body shudders then, as I realize what not just losing, but winning would mean. For me to win, the boy standing in front of me, the one I've known all my life and might as well be my cousin as well as Annie's, must die.

I realize that the audience, particularly the Capitol audience, might be able to see me shaking, not exactly the picture of a victor tribute. And if they don't think I'll win, I don't get sponsors. No matter what my plan will be, sponsors are vital. With this in mind, I manage to push my thoughts away. For now.

I look over to my two friends on this stage with me to see how they are handling this. Finnick catches my eye and nods to me, trying to stay strong for me I suppose, but I can see he's biting his lip as hard as he can. I feel bad for him. His first year as mentor and I'm one of the tributes.

Cassius, on the other hand, looks even better than before I was reaped. He's completely changed from the guy I knew even last night; he's cool and confident, and definitely a bit too cocky. My head spins. This is all wrong. That's not Cass, Cass is kind, funny, and easygoing, not menacing, robotic, and cold. When Zéle tells us to shake us to shake hands, he grabs my hand and nearly squeezes the life out of it. Surely he knows that that isn't at all comforting. I look up at him, and my stomach drops to the floor. The smirk on his face tells me that the handshake was every bit as painful as he meant it to be. That he'll stop at nothing to win these Games and become victor. That he'll stop at nothing to kill me, his newest target.

Oh no.

I let go of his hand as quickly as possible but continue to stare at him, as if my gaze will knock some sense into him. But it doesn't. He looks back at me, his eyes cold and calculating, searching for weakness in my gaze.

I most certainly wasn't going to give him that satisfaction. I stood my ground, defiantly. My weird eyes for once doing me a favour of looking a bit crazy, because he steps back a little and looks out at the crowd again, face pink. That's when I frown, I didn't mean to hurt his image, I just want the real Cass back.

I look back at the audience too, and Zéle grabs my hand in one of his and Cassius' in the other. "Ladies and gentleman, I give you the tributes of District Four!"