I've been thinking about doing it for a long time now since fall. I saw them building the houses, the houses where the Victors would live if they won the games. And it was so tempting. We would be filthy rich if I could win the games. My mother and father, even if they don't admit it, are tired of working all day, and I don't want this for them. I just want them to live a good and happy life, and if I win the games, my whole family will never have to work again. These thoughts flash through my mind in a few seconds and then suddenly, I'm back to reality. "MAGS? WHAT ARE YOU DOING?", screams Grace. Lynn's face is pale white, she's still in shock. "I have to Grace. I have to.". The crowd parts as I walk to the stage. I see Marine and she gives me a thankful smile. Suddenly, she gives me a hug, which catches me by surprise, but I return the gesture.

"My oh my!", Octavia mused. "Our very first volunteer! And from District 4!". I step in front of the microphone and an awkward silence settles the room, so quiet that you could hear a hairpin drop. I search in the crowd for someone, anyone. And I see Asherah crying, Pearl wiping a tear off her cheek, my brothers looking down, and my father comforting my mother. It hurts to hurt them like this. But if I manage to win, we'll live a life of happiness. And at least I don't have to worry about being reaped anymore. There is still a tugging sense though. What if I die? What if I don't survive? No. I can't afford to think like that.

"What is your name, darling?", Octavia asks. I don't say anything though, just look at the wide sea of people. Octavia lets out a polite cough to gather my attention. "What is your name, darling?", Octavia repeats. I look at her with ice cold eyes and then open my lips. "Mags Flanagan, darling.", I say, in an almost mocking tone. Octavia is clearly annoyed by this but then moves to the names for the boys. She shoves her hand into the fishbowl with anger, and some people snicker. Octavia pulls a name from the bottom and opens it. "Concher Cohen.". Concher? Not Concher. Seriously? He comes up to the stage and gives me a small grin. All of the girls say he's trouble. But they're the same girls giving him kisses at the beach. I don't see anything in him. Just another shallow and very annoying boy. As he reaches his hand out, I grasp it tightly and shake it.

We are escorted into The Justice Building and I sit in a room full of velvety chairs and cushions. I pace around the room, thinking about my strategy. Do I hide? Do I attack? I wonder what the arena will look like this year. Suddenly, my family burst through the doors. A Peacekeeper stands behind them. "You only have five minutes.", he says. Everyone gives me a hug and then we sit down. My sisters are in a state of shock, while my parents are visibly shaking. But its Turbot who speaks first.

"Why did you do it Maggie? Why did you volunteer?"

I look at him with tears in my eyes and suddenly, my words all spill out.

"They're changing the prize for the Victors. If I win, we'll have a new big house and so much money, we won't ever have to work. All of you work so much, and maybe I have a chance to win, so we can have a better life."

My mother gives me a hug. "Oh Maggie, you're such a good kid. But I'm okay. As long as you and your siblings are safe, I'll be happy."

"Well, there's no turning back now.", I say.

Turbot looks me in the eye. "Maggie. In that arena, run. Run, as fast as you can. And for the interviews, perform. People love a show. Try and come up with an image. Maybe kind, maybe fearless. Tell them how you volunteered for us."

I nod, but then it hits me. I'm probably going to die.

A stream of tears come out of my eyes.

My father gives me a long and strong hug. My sisters come rushing too. But I notice one thing. Cove isn't saying anything. And then I realize how emotionally taxing it must be for him. His girlfriend died in the games. And now his sister might too.

"I'm so sorry Cove.", I whisper.

He just looks at me with tears in his eyes. "Maggie, try to win. I know you can."

A peacekeeper bursts through the door. "Your time is up."

My mother nods and they all walk out of the room.

The peacekeeper still stands there. He then pulls out some type of communication device and then puts it back in his pocket. "You have three other visitors. A pair of them are coming first." Grace and Lynn burst through the door and I explain everything. They're shocked at first but now, they're determined to help me win.

"You're strong Mags.", Lynn says.

Grace nods in agreement. "Lynn's right. You're good with a fish rod. Maybe there will be water to fish. And you can make your own! Remember how you used to make fishing hooks with us after school?".

I nod. Then, Lynn gasps, like she just had a revelation. "Mags, a fish rod's hook is sharp. You can use it to attack someone!".

I look at Lynn. "I guess... but I only want to attack someone if they're trying to attack me.".

"Ok, but if you're going to win, you need to be willing to kill.", Lynn replies.

"I know, but I don't want to turn into a monster."

Grace gives me a hug. "Oh Mags, you could never be a monster."

I give a weak smile before the peacekeepers tell them to leave.

And my final guest slowly steps through the door. A man, with blonde hair and a smart white shirt.

"Who are you?", I ask.

"I'm Marine's father. I want to thank you for volunteering for my daughter. Saving her. How can I repay you?"

I'm about to say that no payment is needed until I realize I could use this to my advantage. "Can you just make sure that my family is well fed?"

He nods. "Of course, that's the least I can do."

"Thank you."

Marine's father then walks out of the door.

Octavia comes into my room. "Now darling! Time to board the train.". I walk out of the room and see Concher right beside me. We walk a few steps to the station. He tries to grasp my hand but I move it away. I roll my eyes and step onto the train, with a heavy heart but an even heavier mind.