The tribute parade started and we wore outfits with diamonds. I always disliked the part of the games that you're not on the arena. It feels so unnecessary for me.
I looked over the District 2 boys. William and Ethan wore silver and golden outfits. William didn't seem like someone strong but he did seem like someone dangerous. Ethan was very muscled and had this dangerous look in his eyes. I heard that they are friends from a long time. It's stupid to go with someone you love on the games.

The parade started and I couldn't be more annoyed by it.
"Try to smile." Ryan told me.
"Shut up." I answered.
Ryan rolled his eyes and continued waving to the crowd.
After that we went back and I immediately started taking this whole outfit off.
"You both did good." Silver said.
"Mason showed his dangerous side and Ryan the open one. Both of these are important." She added.
"Let's go rest, tomorrow is the training." Stefan replied.
I used that moment to talk alone with Roman. I took his arm and he turned around.
"Can we talk?"
"Yeah sure." He answered.
"It's about your sister, isn't it?" He smirked.
"Yeah. Can you tell me about her in the games?"
"Well, Tris was pretty brave but she wasn't heartless which is a rare thing for a career. She survived the most of the games and I was almost sure that she will win when I met her." Roman started, I could see the tears in his eyes.
"When it was just me, her and that District 4 girl, I wasn't planning to kill her. I didn't even got a chance to think about it and then that spear got in her  back. I'm still having nightmares of that moment." He explained.
"I miss her." I answered.
"I know, Mason. You're had been trying so hard to win these games."
"If I win, none from my family will die again."

...

The training began and I got to meet with District 2 boys. As soon as we met them I could feel that we won't be friends.
"So Mason, what are your skills?" Ethan asked.
"I'm strong, I specialize in hand to hand fighting. I also can use a spear and knives." I replied.
"Cool, what about you, Ryan?"
"Bow." He answered.
"Should we team up with District 4?" I asked.
"Nah, they're a waste of time."
I looked over at District 4 boys, 12 year old Dylan and 18 year old Lachlan. Neither of them volunteered for this.
I kept an eye on other tributes and none of them seemed to be a bigger threat. Angus from 11 seemed to be quite dangerous as he was very fast and strong.
I tried to focus on spear throwing and don't get distracted by others having fun and laughing.
"Hey, Mason." Ryan walked up form behind me.
"What?"
"Why can't you join us? We're having fun." He started putting his hands on my back, I was blushing my wanted to ignore it.
"I'm training." I answered.
"Yeah but remember, we gotta build trust with those two so we can later, you know." Ryan whispered it to my ear while putting his arms around my neck.
"I guess..."
"Trust me." He smiled and walked away.

...

The final performance came, I was after Ryan. I feel like he had changed after the parade or maybe now he isn't stressed? He came out of the room smiling with pride on his face.
"Good luck." He said and I got to the room.

I took the spear and threw it at the mannequin's chest. I did couple of other shots and hit perfectly in.

...

Some time later we were about to see our scores. It turned out that Ryan had shot mannequin's hand at it. I wish I saw that.

The scores were kind of satisfying.

Mason District  1 - 10 points
Ryan District 1 - 12 points
William District 2 - 10 points
Ethan District 2 - 10 points
Dylan District 4 - 7 points
Lachlan District 4 - 9 points
Adam District 7 - 6 points
Callum District 8 - 8 points
Ryder District 10 - 8 points
Angus District 11 - 9 points

"Nice, Ryan!" Roman said.
Everyone started cheering, couldn't blame them. 12 is a lot.
"Hey, you were good too." Ryan smiled to me.
"Yeah, thanks."

...

My least favourite part of the games, the interviews. The time when everyone pretends like no one dies, 23 people who sit on that chair and talk on that stage die every year. Only one person will get there again.

I remember my siblings' interviews. Jeanette wearing a white dress with small flowers, Alvin talking about his girlfriend and Tris about her archery skills. I miss them all.

Ryan was very chill, he talked how this games are going to be easy.
"What about your District partner? What are your thoughts on him?" They asked.
"He is great. A little shy but great."

I almost felt nice, I wonder if he said that only for cameras.

Then it was my turn, I got to the stage. I didn't even bother to force a smile, I just want this to end.
"Hello, Mason!"
"Hello."
"Tell me why did you volunteer for the games."
"Because I had to."
"Why?"
"I just had to."
"Alright. I heard that your family members had been in the games."
"Yes."
"Can you tell us about it?"
"No."
The awkward silence came, no one was expecting that answer.

After a some time, I got off and Silver approached me immediately.
"What happened?" She asked.
"What do you mean?"
"Why didn't you tell him? You could have such a good opportunity to get sponsors!"
"If they want my story, they will have to wait for it."
"Playing mysterious. I like that." Ryan again put his arms around my neck, this time from the front.