One the National anthem is finished. We are taken into custody. But not like in handcuffed but peacekeepers take us into the Justice building were we are kept. A tribute tried to escaped my first year when they were taken into the building but shot dead before getting off the steps. that year we only had one tribute, a girl, Ashley.

But once inside we are directed to a room. Usually, a tribute is alone but since Devan an I are brothers were together. Looking around the is the richest place we have ever been. Deep rugs and nice couches. A deep red one Devan has curled up on and is crying. I take a few deep breaths. Crying is not an option for me. I cant afford to leave this room with puffy eyes and a red nose. I need to be strong. I cant be seen as weak. Plus, Devan needs me to be strong for him. We have an hour to say good by to basically our lives.  

"Mom is going to be alone. Its not fair. First Dad now me. At least you have a chance to survive this." He looks up at me with puffy eyes. Than it hits me and a few tears fall. He is right. He doesn't stand a chance unlike me. If I survive how am I going to live with a guilt that my brother died in the same arena as me.

"Collins, promise me that you will try to win this. Not for me but for mom. She needs someone. And your that person. For my last wish." He gets up and comes over. We just embraced each other. But he must know in his heart I cant survive.

"Yes I promise you Devan." Quickly looking over as Mom comes in. She comes over to us and we just hold onto each other.

"Mom, you be okay. Mio will bring you game and what ever you need. And you will be able to sell the cheese and milk from Devan's goat." Brushing her hair back. "if you don't want to go to the Hob than Mio will." She should be able to get by on the Milk and cheese and the apothecary she does for the people of the seam. Mio shouldn't have to difficult with the herbs as she learned over the years. 

"Mom, I know its just you but please don't check out there is no one there to keep you alive."
She looks up and nods. I bring her in for another hug.

"I love you mom." This sadness is something we cant afford.

And with that a Peacekeeper is at the door, signaling that our time is over. Devan and I watch her back out and close the door. Devan collapses on the couch. I go over and Let Devan cry into my chest.

The door opens again and I'm surprised to see the baker. He has no business here. His son will be fine another year.  

"Im not going to stay long. I just want you to have this." He passes over some cookies and bread. "I will look over your mother." He must have seen my confusion. "I knew your Mother when we were kids and I knew your father before he died. He was a good man. But had a lot of secrets." And on that note he leaves. But it just confusing me more. He knew my father before he died. How do I not know that.    

My next guest is unexpected, Alex. 

"They let you take one thing into the arena I would like you have this. I realize its the last thing on your mind. A token from the district." He leans in and pins it on my shirt.

"Promise you will were it in the arena?"  

"Yes." And with that he leaves.

Mio comes in and we hug. There is nothing romantic between us. She has a girlfriend. And she is perfect for her.

"Okay, You need to get a bow. A knife will be easy but you need a bow to help keep you and Devan safe as long as possible."

"What I going to do. They don't always have bows." I say thinking of the spears they had one year.

"Then you make one. Even a weak one is better than not having one." She says. I know she is right.

"But I don't even know if there will be wood." One year the sent them in a desert. I hated that year. Many died by snake bite or thirst.

"There is always some form since that year that everyone froze to death." Its true. That year was very anticlimactic. Everyone just was curled up in balls.

I nod in agreement.

"Collins its just hunting. You're the best I know." Mio says.

"Its not. They are armed. And they think." I say.

"So do you. You had real practice. I know its people but how different is it." She grimly spoke.

The peacekeepers are back to soon. Mio asked for more time but is pushed out. I start to panic, "Pleas don't let my mom starve." I Cry out holding on to her hand.

"I won't. Don't worry." As the door slams shut.

"Are we going to die Collins?" Devan spoke quietly.