"Ladies and Gentlemen, this is the 75th year, of the Hunger Games." President Snow's voice rang out, his figure perfectly aligned in the center of the screen, banners behind him with the familiar sigil of Panem.

The hundreds of people in the stands cheering, their voices echoing throughout the stadium.

"And it was written in the charter of the games, that every 25 years, there would be a Quarter Quell. To keep fresh, for each new generation, the memory of those who died, in the uprising against the Capitol. Each Quarter Quell is distinguished by games of a special significance. And now, on this, the 75th anniversary of our defeat of the rebellion, we celebrate the third Quarter Quell-"

More cheering and applause. Snow continued through them, bringing up his speech cards to read better. "As a reminder, that even the strongest, cannot overcome the power of the capitol. On this, the third Quarter Quell games, the male and female tributes are to be reaped from the existing pool of victors, in each district.. Victors shall pre-"

The rest of his speech fell on deaf ears as Luce stood there, eyes unblinking. Heart pounding. Clearly she had heard wrong? But those last words rang through her ears as loudly as the cannon being shot off to signal a dead tribute. To be reaped from the existing pool of victors.

Even if she did choose to talk, there were no words in the moment she could form to express the clutter of emotions she was feeling. So instead she grabbed a nearby glass and hurled it at the wall where the screen was showing President Snow still talking and smiling to the crowds. She let out an angry, pain-filled scream as she then sank onto her knees. Tears welling up in her eyes before spilling out onto her cheeks.

It had to be a nightmare, there was no way that she was going in again. Not after being told that she would never have to fight again.

Lies. It was all lies.

Her hands clutched into fists in the rug underneath her as she leaned forward. Her breath quickening and shaking with each inhale. She closed her eyes tight, fighting off the incoming panic attack. Her whole body trembled as Finnick's words slowly made their way into her head, reminding her of her mantra.

That's when she froze. Finnick. Her brother. He was the only male victor for District 4. He had no choice, he would be sent back in no matter what.

She pushed herself onto her feet, looked at the door, and ran out. She stumbled on the last step going down, but quickly regained her footing as she made her way toward Annie's. No matter how fast she ran it still felt as if she was running in slow-motion.

Within seconds she was pushing her way through the door and stopped when she saw him. Annie was crying as she held onto Mags, who Luce didn't realize in the moment was there. She could only stare at Finnick, who had his back facing her, but slowly he turned and revealed the solemn expression he wore. He could only give a sympathetic smile as he fought off his own emotions.

The tears she had minutes ago were nothing compared to the ones that were now cascading down her face. Sobs wracking her body as she closed the distance between them and leapt into his open arms. Hands clutching his shirt as if he would just disappear at any second.

Being so young during his first Games, she wasn't able to fully comprehend that she could've very well seen her brother for the last time. But here and now, having gone through it all herself, she knew all too well that these could be the last moments they ever have together.

A comforting hand sifted through her hair before rubbing soothing circles into her back. His tone firm but soft, "Shh..It's going to be ok Luce." His words falling on deaf ears as she continued to cry.

"Look at me Lucetta.."

He then pulled back slightly and lifted her chin gently until she was looking at him, a thumb wiping away just a few of the many tears on her face.

"We are going to be ok. No matter what we stick together, just like always. And we will figure it out." He reassured her with a gentle kiss to her forehead, before looking to Annie and Mags to relay the same message.

It took her a minute to compose herself as she pulled away from him. Looking around the room, seeing Annie's shared expression, she knew that everyone had to be feeling the same as her. That within the next few weeks, two of them might not be returning home again.

Luce walked over to Annie and Mags and joined them in their shared hug. Finnick's words might have calmed her for now, but deep down that sentence from Snow was still cutting her like a knife. To be reaped from the existing pool of victors. They were being sent back. Back to the Games.

As the day moved along and evening began to pass, they decided to all spend one last night together. They stayed at Annies and created a blanket wonderland in the living room. They made Mags take a bed in the guest room downstairs so she would be more comfortable. But Annie and Finnick were huddled together in the mass of blankets on the floor, Luce safely tucked in-between them.

It didn't take long for everyone to fall asleep, but Luce struggled. Even if her body was beyond exhaustion. Her fingers still trembling from time to time as her mind fixated on what horrors would await them in the days to come. It wasn't until hours later she willed her eyes closed and let the nightmares consume her.

Running. Running for her life the second the countdown hit 0. Immediately she knew she needed a weapon, anything to defend herself if she were to cross paths with another tribute later on. Digging her heels into the ground she ran as fast as she could towards the Cornucopia. Looking at what was still available she noticed a pair of daggers closest to her and reached forward. The moment her hand gripped around the handle, she felt herself being tugged on from behind. She flailed about as she stumbled backward, and the only thing she could do in the moment was grip the dagger in her hand tightly, raise it above her head, and thrust it back hoping it would meet the desired target.

There was the sound of a strangled gasp, and the weight from behind was lifted. The thumping sound of a body causing her to turn around and stare wide-eyed at the boy who attacked her, looking as though he was only a few years older than her. She then noticed the dagger, plunged awkwardly into his neck, blood running down and onto the floor. A small cry escaped her lips as she realized what she actually just did, and noticing the blood on her hands she quickly wiped them off on her pants. There was no time to contemplate her actions as a blink of light caught her eye, and glancing up just barely noticed another tribute running straight for her, a sword aimed right for her head.

Luce shot up screaming. Her hands going straight for her face to hide inside of them, fingertips gripping her hair at the same time. Fresh tears threatening to spill over.

The couple were up in an instant. Finnick knowing all too well the familiar sound of a nightmare, having had his fair share of them. As well as helping Annie through hers years prior.

Annie was the first to move and wrapped Luce in her arms bringing her against her chest so she could feel her slow breathing and try to mimic. The woman gently took her wrists and brought her hands down from her face, speaking into her ear so softly it was almost a whisper.

"Your alright Luce, your safe. It was a bad dream, your safe." She rocked Luce ever so slightly, but the girl could only shake her head because it was more than a dream, it was a memory. One that was had too many times to count.

Mags appeared in the hallway, a look of sympathy on her face. Finnick got up to help her back to bed, letting her know they were alright. When he returned he made a stop in the kitchen and got a glass of water for her. He kneeled down and looked at her straight on,

"Come on Luce, mouth it with me. Your alive, your home, your safe." He said three times, watching and making sure he saw her lips moving with his words so he knew she was repeating it in her head. Once he was satisfied he handed her the glass of water.

Nodding gratefully she took a few shaky gulps before handing it back to him. She gave them all an apologetic look to which they just brushed it off.

Outside the first rays of the sun were slowly creeping up into the sky and peering through the windows, signaling a new day was starting. Reaping Day.

There was a silent and mutual agreement that it was best to get up and be ready for what the day had in store for them. They tidied up the blankets and folded them away, pillows back in their respective places. As the morning continued on she could only wonder when their escort Zachariah would be showing.

Glancing to the clock, then getting the attention of everyone. She gestured her question to which they only shrugged.

"My best guess would be-" Finnick had started to say before he was cut off by a knock at the door.

"Now.." He finished his sentence before going to open the door. The moment it was open Zachariah waltzed right in greeting them all. Once the short conversation of catching up was over he took a seat and got straight to business.

"So as I'm sure you all heard the other day, you are all chosen for the reaping once more, and two of you will once again play in the Games. It is a tough decision that many of us don't necessarily agree with, but rules are rules."

He began, eyeing everyone in the room. His gaze lingered slightly longer on Mags, no doubt because of her age. "Unfortunately Finnick, you are the only male victor as of this moment, so you will be chosen for the arena."

All eyes turned to him and he only nodded, his expression firm. Luce bit her lip as she watched him a moment longer. She tried to catch any kind of hidden emotion, but he stayed true and it made her admire him and his strength. Here he was, being sent back to die, and he took it with courage and determination. She could only cross her fingers that he would find a way to win once more.

"Ladies, I wish you all luck." Zachariah stood with those final words and excused himself, giving them time to prepare.

Annie went upstairs to her room, surely needing some time to herself. Mags placed a gentle hand to her cheek and smiled before following Zachariah out the door and to her own home.

Finnick held his hand out to Luce, "Come on let's go get changed, doubt you want to be up on stage in yesterday's clothes." He chuckled hoping to ease any tension and make the process a bit easier on her. Nodding in agreement she took his hand and back home they went.

Looking toward the entrance of the village they could see Peacekeepers ready and waiting to escort them. Luce held his hand a bit tighter until they were back inside their own place. Finnick went off to his room and Luce to hers.

Searching through her closet she couldn't focus clearly enough to pick a proper outfit. Taking a moment she paced back and forth as she tried not to let her thoughts wander to the inevitable doom. There was a 1 in 3 chance of her being chosen. But then again, did she really have any chance? She knew Mags would never make it past the first hour, not unless it took Finnick sacrificing himself for her. And Annie. She fought her own demons just like Luce, and there was doubt in her mind that the couple could survive together as long as the two from District 12 did last year.

And how long could she survive herself? She was still the youngest amongst all the other victors. They had her beat surely on strength and their own will to win.

Then something clicked, whether it was a moment of courage or simply giving in to her inner turmoil, she knew that either way today was the day her life would change.

Setting herself straight she finally got dressed, giving herself one final lookover in the mirror there was a knock on her door before Finnick peeked inside.

"Ready?" He asked.

She was ready.