A/N: Thanks to Scoobycool9, Angelina Roongta, and Anonymous for their reviews. And I know I've been slow on the update. It's been how long now?

Chapter 2

Katniss was a couple steps behind the rest of her family. With this being Prim's first year, their parents decided to walk her as far as they could to the Reaping. They had done the same with Katniss, but she hadn't been as terrified of what could happen. She continued to follow them until they reached the multiple sign-in tables that were used by the Capitol in order to make sure every eligible child was there for the Reaping.

"Give me your hand," the woman said, her voice monotone and her eyes set forward, not looking at her face. Katniss put her arm forward and didn't flinch when she felt the quick prick on her finger. She glanced down to see that she was signed in via blood, registering her as already being eligible to die.

"You may go." Katniss walked away into the large area set aside for those who can be Reaped. It's not like any of those girls should be worried. I'm going to be reaped. That's what I've been told for so long. I always do get reaped, and I always win. She waited for Prim, knowing her sister was more scared of what'd happen to her than of her own fate.

"You sure it'll be fine?" Prim asked, slipping under her sister's arm.

"Yes it will, Prim. I need you to be strong. For Mom and Dad. Be strong for them." Katniss watched as her sister nodded, wiping back her tears. She gave her a reassuring smile before being separated by the Peacekeepers. The crowd of children was separated into twelve different groups, separated by age and gender.

Katniss found herself way back with the other 16 year olds while Prim was at the front with the 12 year olds.

They all watched as the town mayor, the Capitol's emissary – the Doctor, Katniss noticed after spotting his usual bowtie – and the District escort emerged from the Justice Building. The two men stood off to the side as the escort, garbed in a hideous pink dress with a lighter shade in her hair, approached the microphone.

"It's time for the Reaping for the 74th Hunger Games. And remember, Happy Hunger Games and may the odds be ever in your favor." Two large bowls filled with paper slips slid across the stage, coming to a rest next to the escort. Katniss vaguely remembered her name being Effie.

Before she could reach for the first bowl, the District's only Victor, Haymitch Abernathy, emerged from the Justice Building, late. And also drunk, as he had been ever since Katniss could remember. He stumbled around on stage, saying something very crude to Effie before stumbling too far and falling off the stage.

Effie turned away from the collapsed drunk and hovered a hand over a bowl. "I think I'll start with the girls." Katniss sighed, closing her eyes. She already knew what name was going to be called.

"And the first tribute is…Primrose Everdeen!" The crowd murmured, shocked a 12 year old had been picked. Katniss opened her eyes in shock. I'm supposed to be the one that gets Reaped, not her. Not Prim. She looked to the Doctor, who appeared to have been waiting for her to look up at him.

"I volunteer as tribute!" It took a moment for Katniss to recognize her voice echoing across the crowd. The other girls her age opened a small path to the outside where two Peacekeepers waited. One of them had a blank face. The other, a female, looked concerned.

They waited for Katniss to make her way out to them. Once there, they took an arm and led her up to the stage. Prim was being led away to their parents, quieter than expected. Father told her, didn't he? Did he tell her everything? She had no time to ponder more as she was led onto the stage, Effie holding a hand in her direction.

"What is your name, dear?"

"Katniss Everdeen." She found her father in the crowd.

"I bet that was your sister." Katniss read Joseph's eyes.

"She is," she said, turning to Effie. "I have a little thing I want to say." The crowd, watching, became silent.

"I'm going to win the Hunger Games." They all stared until someone in the male section held up his hand in the three-finger salute used in District 12. More hands came up, using the same salute. Soon enough everyone had their hand in the air.

They're supporting me. Effie took back center stage and moved to the second bowl. "Time to pick the male." She rolled her hand around in it, stirring the papers up. Katniss watched as grasping fingers found a name and brought it out. Biting her lips, she waited for the name of the dead man walking.

"Peeta Mellark."

A breath caught in Katniss' throat as she watched the blonde approach the stage. He was the last person she would wish to have come with her to the Capitol. Effie said nothing about the earlier comment about winning the Games when Peeta came up. His eyes were only on the other tribute, who looked away.

"I present the Tributes of District 12 for the 74th Hunger Games," Effie said. "Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark. May the odds be ever in your favor!"

Peacekeepers swarmed them and led them inside the Justice Building, separating the tributes within seconds. Everything blurred until Katniss found herself inside small waiting room. She had heard stories of family and friends getting to have farewells before the tributes were shipped off to the Capitol.

First in were the Doctor and the female Peacekeeper, no longer in uniform.

"Good to see you again Katniss," the Doctor said. "This here is Clara, my companion. Roy and Amy are…retired from traveling with me. It gets rather stressful, especially when signs point towards some rather nasty business that may bind up my hands." Katniss relaxed and noticed the smile on the Peacekeeper's face. Clara's face.

"So why are you visiting me?"

The Doctor smiled. "I forgot how much you like to get down to business. First off, don't worry about Peeta. He usually survives the Games. Don't ask how; I won't tell you. Secondly, your father told me that you're ready. I'm not surprised, but then you always win, no matter what."

"Doctor. Answer her question." Katniss looked at Clara, but the Doctor continued on.

"I'm here to give you a message." He pulled out a folded piece of paper and handed it to Katniss. She opened it up.

"This is my handwriting."

"Yes, it is." The Doctor rubbed his face, looked to the side, and sighed. "I've talked with twenty different future yous. I know, it's confusing but trust me on this one. Each one of them had figured out their mistake, and as such compiled some suggestions for you. I've traveled through barriers of time and space I probably shouldn't."

"'The Games is the easiest part'. 'Trust Peeta with everything'." Katniss looked up at them. "I don't understand. I thought this was all so I'd survive with ease."

The Doctor revealed nothing. "The storm is coming, Katniss. You must be prepared." He glanced back. "We need to get going. We'll see you soon. Well, soon for you." Clara led the Doctor out of the room while Prim and their parents slipped in.

Prim rushed up to Katniss, imbedding herself in the older sister's arms. "I'm so scared for you, Katniss."

A hand propped up Prim's chin as a thumb wiped away a tear. Katniss smiled down at her, trying not to appear weary.

"It's going to be fine Prim. I'll come home and everything will be fine." Katniss knew the second part was a lie. The Doctor made it sound like everything would change after her victory.

"Bu-bu-but what about Peeta?" Prim asked, the tears coming back. "For you to come home, he has to die, and he's so nice."

"Don't worry about Peeta," Katniss said, pushing away tears again. "I'll find a way to bring him home with me. Alive." It hit her. I change everything when I save Peeta. And since it's my fault, I become the focus of the Capitol.

"We're proud of you, Katniss," her mother said. She stepped forward, setting a hand down on her shoulder. "You will make everyone in District 12 proud when you come home."

"Except for that Mellark witch," her father said. "She'll rage and rant against you. Already started when we passed by the Mellark's on the way here." He looked down, rubbing the back of his head with the old cap he had. "I feel bad for that boy, but we've all heard the Doctor."

"And he made it sound like I can bring him out," Katniss said. "The Doctor has been withholding much." Her eyes darkened and her features appeared hard. "He's surrounded in half-truths."

"He's a strange man, Katniss," her father said. "Replacing Roy and Amy with that girl Clara is probably the tip of the iceberg with him." He rubbed his face, closing an eye. "Trust your teachings." His hand dropped down to her shoulders as he squatted. "They will keep you alive. Remember what the Doctor has said. There will be times when you doubt you'll survive, but you must push through."

"Thank you. Dad." He smiled and stood up. Katniss watched as he led her mother and Prim out of the room. Gale came in once they were clear.

"That was quite the speech, Catnip."

Katniss glared at him. "Whatever you say, Gale. With this being your last year, try to ask about getting a hunting job."

"Why? So I don't get killed by a Peacekeeper?" He leaned in towards her. "I'm not afraid of them."

"Do you want to die in the mines? Your father did and mine almost did. It's terrible work and we both know you can barely stand staying in your house most Sundays." Gale stood up straight and rubbed his mouth.

"If that's what you think." He reached into his back pocket. "Madge gave me this to give to you. Her father didn't want her visiting you." He put his fist to her hand and opened it, letting a metal object fall.

Katniss already knew what it was, but still acted surprised when she saw the Mockingjay on the pin. Staring at it, there was a bad feeling in her stomach, as if a thousand bad choices had just been made. She ignored them, looking up to thank Gale.

He was already gone.

Fiddling with the button, she ignored whoever walked through the door. It wasn't until there was a soft cough that Katniss looked up.

"What are you doing here, Mr. Mellark?" The baker smiled at her, a brown bag underneath his arms.

"My wife will be angry with this, but she's been full of hot air recently." He walked over and placed the bag on her lap. "These cookies were actually done by Peeta this morning. He's scared, but I think you've inspired him a bit. We don't expect him to come home unfortunately, but you've given him the courage he hasn't had in years."

"It was my fault he lost it," Katniss said. "He asked me to go on a date, and being so scared I ran off."

"You expected this, didn't you." Katniss closed her eyes hard, emotions brought on by Mr. Mellark's insight. She suppressed the tears.

"Yes, and that was why I ran. However, I never expected this." A reassuring hand touched her shoulder and Katniss looked up at the baker.

"You're a wonderful young woman, Katniss Everdeen. I only regret that Peeta never got to spend the time he wanted with you." He stepped away and paused at the door, opening it.

"Please don't say 'good luck'," Katniss said. He laughed and passed through the door. Peacekeepers barged in right after and she stood. They led her out of the room and past stone busts of the different mayors of District 12. They exited the backside of the Justice Building to find the train waiting for them. Haymitch, Peeta, and Effie all emerged from different doors.

When they all reached the door on, the Peacekeepers broke off. Effie turned to the tributes, grinning.

"We're heading to the Capitol. Tomorrow is going to be a busy, busy day!" She climbed on board first. Katniss go on before Peeta and their mentor brought up the rear, taking a long sip from his flask.

"I hate this part."

A/N: pumped out the majority of this post 4th of July. Blame Roongta for returning this to my attention. Or thank her.