Today is reaping day. Today, as my name is called up I will be the seventy-four hunger games victor. This is my time to shine and I have prepared myself for these games that if I am not picked, I will volunteer. Today my parents will be proud of me. Today the whole of Panem will see me for the first time and the betting will be already in my name.

Stand proud I tell myself as we all wait for Incuras Rea to appear out of the Justice Building. All of Panem will be watching this later today and they'll see me rise up the steps, taking my first steps into the victorship. In the huge crowd we look like snowed rocks with our slight Peacekeeper outfits on. If we do not get to be a contestant it's straight off to being a Peacekeeper, which is something I cannot think off. I must be chosen. The huge fish bowl shines and I hear it call out my name.

Incuras Rea, District 2's escort, appears out of the building and the whole square cheers hoping that they or their child will be picked. He's not very old, can't be older than me, and has only become our escort for the past few years. His rat like face smiles as he waves out towards us. Foot long white whiskers stretch out from his cheeks. His auburn hair is perfectly placed into a huge quiff where a top hat happily sits at the back of his head. His allure penetrates each girl's heart as he's gaze falls onto each and every one of them. Incuras wears a white metallic suit with only a black cravat around his neck. Shiny black clog-like shoes make a sound as he approaches the mic shouting "Happy seventy-fourth Hunger Games and may the odds be ever in you favour," exploding the crowd into more cheers, screams and wails.

"Today one of you lucky ladies or gentlemen will become a tribute in these hunger games." His unusual squeaky Capitol accent flows through the crowd where every allegeable tributes nod their heads waiting for their name to shine. "But first a little message from our beloved President."

Every year it doesn't change that I could recite it now. Nor has President Snow changed. Bright white hair, cheerful eyes and those big lips are his character: without them he would be no one. He isn't like the citizen's in the Capitol who wear elaborate colours and costumes. He's the sanest person there. Snow has never had to be in the games but the brilliance that he's created puts fear into the weaker districts and triumph in the more able districts. District 2 is the region most priced by the Capitol because we accept these games, we love them and we trained for them. This is my year!

"Thank you," everyone in the audience cheers clapping, whooping, screaming.

"Now, let the fun begin!" Incuras smiles. "Ladies are first." I try to pin point girls who I think would be a good match for me and those who wouldn't. All of the girls below the age of 14 wouldn't have a chance: they would scream, cry, plea to be kept alive. Freia Pole would be a good match as she is good at being quiet and at camouflage. Who else? There's Kylee with her traps, Una can shoot and "Clove Tyne." Incuras shouts. The little girl races up the stairs before anyone can volunteer. She even shouts "No one volunteer." I have worked with Clove before in our training school. She is amazing with knives, she can throw them large distances away from her target and they always end up in kill areas. Even when I first met her, I was 9 she was 8, I was impressed by her aim and use of knives. For a small innocent looking girl I would not want to be against her.

"Now to the men of District-"

"I volunteer." I yell, interrupting him, pushing my way through the crowd. No one holds me back nor does any reach the steps before me. No one will mess with me here or in the games. It is me. I am already the victor. I can picture the tributes from district 5 onwards quacking in their hand-me down clothes as they look at me later tonight on their pathetic TV screens.

"Well isn't this chap eager to be the victor." Incuras laughs. "What's your name?"

"Cato." I smile down onto everyone. "Cato Stark."

Like the other districts we are escorted into our justice building and put into different rooms. I stand at my window looking out at the beautiful district that is mine. The Control Mountain stands proud to the north, where my dad works, like I am. No one will be able to take it down like no one will be able to me in the games.

"You have a few minutes Mr and Mrs Stark." The Peacekeeper outside my door speaks letting my dad in.

I don't turn around to greet him but I hear them walk over to me. His hand rests on my shoulder. "We are very proud of you, Cato."

My mother turns me around and gives me a hug. This is not what I need. I don't need to be sugar coated; I don't need to think of people back home who will worry. I don't need her hugging me! "Oh Cato, please come home to us." She sighs pulling away from me understanding my hesitance. My mom starts to brush off pretend dust or creases and fixes my tie. "Be the victor."  

"I will be the victor." I smile, brushing her off. "Stop doubting my skills. You've seen me work for this. You saw no one volunteering after me because they fear me."

"We know how good you are, son." My father comments standing in front of mother. A little snicker escapes me. Does he really think I'm going to hit her? Is he too scared of me? "But Cato the tributes from District 1 or 4 could be a match. Hell, even 12 could be better than you!"

"Don't even say a low life district like 12." I shout my anger rising. Please District 12 couldn't even fight a fly and win. They always die in the first few minutes or hours. No way are they going to win this year yet alone any other year. "Their mentor Haymitch got lucky and his pissed to the sky, I doubt he'll be able to help them. He hasn't for the past forty nine years."

"Be glad you have Lyme, Brutus or Enobaria then." I turn back to the window wishing they would just disappear. "Don't just shun us out, son. We want to help."

"You helped bringing me into this world now, leave me to it!" I sigh letting my head rest.

My mother reaches out to me but my father pushes her back. "He doesn't want to know us anymore or want our help but no matter what just remember we are proud of you." The door clicks open and the Peacekeeper even says they still have time but all I hear from my father in a stern controlled voice, "My son doesn't realise how emotions can be his strongest attack."