The sun was hung low, the air thick with tension. Calypso woke up early, not being able to sleep. Today was something that happened every year but never got easier. Today was a reaping day. District 6 was usually the forgotten district, in the 66th years of the hunger games there has only been one victor, even district 12 has had 2 victors. But that's besides the point, Calypso is a 15-year-old girl, orphan, her parents were killed by peacemakers when she was just 5. After that her brother started to take care of her, he was 15 when their parents died and 18 when he was reaped for the games, he didn't survive the blood bath, at the age of 8 Calypso was on her own, she had learned how to survive all by herself. She didn't have money, she couldn't get a job, so the only thing she could do was steal, and every time she stole her name was in the bowl more times. By the time she was 13 her name was in there 20 times, by the time she was 14 her name was in there more than 30 times. She knew the odds were never in her favor and she knew it. Today was no different, except her name was now in the bowl over 50 times.

She made her way to the square of distinct 6, she went into line.

"Next" a peacemaker called

Calypso walked up and put her hand out, she didn't flinch when her finger was pricked, she just

went through the motions. She was motioned into the group of other 15 year old girls of district 6.

The mayor walked out along with the escort, Marcellus Vane, a flamboyant and overly enthusiastic Capitol official with a sharp, practiced smile and a voice like silk, dressed in extravagant suits with shimmering fabric, and the last district 6 victor, Titus. Both the mayor and Titus sit down, as Marcellus Vane steps onto the stage, his gleaming suit catching the sunlight as he spreads his arms wide, flashing a practiced smile. His voice is smooth, almost musical, as he begins.

"Welcome, welcome, citizens of Panem, to the reaping for the annual Hunger Games! What an honor it is to stand before you today as we uphold the great tradition that ensures peace and prosperity in our beloved nation. Today, we gather to choose two brave tributes from District 6, two shining examples of courage who will have the opportunity to bring glory to their district!" He pauses, letting the moment settle before continuing.

"This is not just a day of duty it is a day of possibility! A chance for one lucky victor to rise above, to join the esteemed ranks of those who have conquered the Games before! And so, without further ado, let us begin the selection. May the odds be ever in your favor!"

With a dramatic flourish, he steps toward the glass bowls, ready to seal someone's fate.

"As always, Ladies first"

He sticks his hand in the bowl, making it as dramatic as possible,

"And the girl tribute for the 66th annual hunger games is… Calypso Vargas"

Her heart stopped, she was never hopeful but she never thought what would happen if her name was ever called. She snapped out of it, she has been watching these games her whole life, she watched her brother die in the games, she knew how to play these games. She kept her head high, as she walked up to the stage, fake confidence flying off her, she couldn't act like the sacred 15 year old girl she was, she needed to be someone the capital wanted to see. After she made it to the stage, she didn't dare look scared, she kept her face stoic.

"Now for the male tribute"

Calypso was in her own words, not fully paying attention, she had to keep the act going, she couldn't let the tears fall.

"Ash Savage"

She didn't know that name, relief washed over her.

"Ladies and gentlemen, districts 6 tributes for the 66th annual hunger games, Calypso Vargas and Ash Savage, let's give them around of applause"

There were some claps but like every year, they were not happy. After the awkward clapping Ash and Calypso were forced into the Justice building. Calypso didn't have any family to say goodbye to, so she asked one of the peacemakers to get her guitar, lucky she asked a kind peacemaker and he agreed to get it.

After waiting an hour She was rushed to the train, she kept her neutral face as cameras and reporters were everywhere. She knew her act had to continue, she had to keep pretending none of this mattered to her. Once on the train Calypso was in awe. She's never seen anything like this, she was shown to her personal room so she could change, then come out for dinner. She got out of her run down dress she wore every year to the reaping, and put on a forest green shirt, cargo pants and army boots. She walked out of the room and sat at the table next to Ash and Titus. She looks at her mentor.

"So how do we win the games?" she asks directly, causing Titus to laugh.

"Well, what you did before kid, acting like you're above all this, that was good." Titus leans in looking at us both "if you want to win this, then get the citizens to like you, get sponsors. If you have something that'll make you stand out, use it, if you don't, then act how they want you to be."

Calypso looked into Titus's eyes. They looked tired, and like he had lost hope long ago. If remembered correctly, he had won the 52nd Hunger games, so he had seen 28 kids, he had mentored, died, murdered, and he couldn't stop it. Calypso knew that had taken a toll on him, she could see it. She got up, and walked to her room stopping for a second.

"Thank you" she said softly.

She then walked into her room, she looked around and in the corner she saw her guitar and for the first time since her name had been called she felt happy. She picked it up and started strumming, when her door opened.

"So, music, that'll make you stand out" Calypso looked over at the door and saw Ash, she smiled.

"Yeah, I guess so, what about you any hidden talents?" she asks him while still strumming.

"No, not really," he laughs. "I guess you'll have to carry me in before the games, huh?" he jokes with her. Calypso laughs and nods "I'll see you tomorrow, will probably be in the capital by then."

Calypso nods "yeah, i'll see you at breakfast" once she says that Ash walks out, and Calypso continues to strum until she is tired enough to go to bed.

After only a couple of hours of sleep, Calypso wakes up, she looks around in a panic forgetting where she was. "Oh yeah" she said when she remembered. She went out and found Titus sitting on a couch.

"Couldn't sleep?" Titus said not bothering to look up.

"Um not exactly" Calypso said, going to sit down near him, "why are you awake?"

He looked up at her "I can never seem to sleep after reaping day" he chuckled "I don't know if it's because of my own games or the 13 other ones" he said in a light voice.

Calypso nods "I'm sorry, it's probably hard to mentor a district that's only won once in 66 years" she said not really knowing how to comfort him.

He laughed, "Yeah, maybe now we'll make it 2 victors in 66 years" he smiled at her.

Before she can reply, she sees the capital and her eyes widened in awe, as she runs to the window. "It's beautiful" she says to herself

"Yeah, i've never seen anything like it" Calypso jumps a little at the voice not realizing someone other than her and Titus were here.

"Ash?" she yelps "you scared me" she says making him laugh and softly say sorry.

"Listen up, people" a voice to chipperly came yelling, Marcellus, Calypso rolled her eyes.

"We are just outside the capital, once we are in you must be on your best behavior." he said demandingly, causing both Calypso and Ash to look away, which in turn caused Titus to laugh.

"Marcellus, relax" Titus said, turning back to us "listen kids, once we stop, they are going to rush you off to your stylist, they are going to give you clothes and make you desirable to the capital, you may not like what they give you," he paused thinking about what they made him wear, "but that doesn't matter, you wear it. You understand?"

Ash nods, looking a little uncomfortable

"Yes, sir" Calypso says jokingly, making both Ash and Titus smile.