Rue's POV of the hunger games.

Just so you know, i've made it so it's Rue's second time in the reapings, not the first.

My bad.

Disclaimer; The Hunger Games belongs to Suzanne Collins. I, unfortunately, am not Suzanne Collins.

Okay?

Gooood ;)

When my name is called out, the only thing going through my mind was relief, strangely. Relief that it was me, and not my oldest younger sister, Lila.

It was Lila's first time in the reaping. Thank whoever just had pity on my family.

Then horror rushes through me. How will my family manage without me? I'm the one in the highest trees because i'm small enough to reach.

I'm the one they give more food to, because sometimes I bring in double load to what they gather.

I'm the one who had to take the tessarae, not Lila. Not Lila.

The one who looked after my family, when my mother died and my father crumbled.

I can't do this. I can. I need to stay strong, strong so I can win and help my family through this.

But I know, deep in my heart, I will not survive my next fortnight.

Later, i'm on the train, having just eaten the hugest meal of my life. Lamb and plums. I'm even tempted to ask if they can send some home to my family, but I know, even if they say yes, it will never reach them.

I've stuffed myself as full as I can, and not because of the richness of the food.

Last time I was weighed was a year ago, by the traveling nurse, after there was a scandal in the capitol about the malnourishment about the country's children.

When I was on my way there, I got drenched in a monsoon that opened the heavens and poured right on down.

I didn't realise it then, but that was no ordinary storm. It was designed to get all those kids drenched and make us look like we weighed just that little bit more.

It didn't work. I was measured at 24 kilos. Soaking wet. It's just another reminder that I will have no chance in these games.

Later, we are watching -me and Thresh, and our trainer, Melv, - the re runs of the reapings.

All of a sudden, there I am, stoney faced, determined. I am surprised, plesantly. I was not holding it together inside.

Then there are the tributes of 12.

The boy looks okay, like he couldn't harm a fly. The others will kill him, if it comes to it.

Oh my God, I cannot believe I just thought that. I'm not a killer. Or at least I never used to be able to even hit a wayward younger sister. And now look at me. My stomach crumples unpleasantly, and it's not just the rich food.

That's when the last girl is called. Prim Everdeen. She reminds me of myself more than I would know, even with the facial differences. I decide right then, I need her as an ally.

But then a girl, about sixteen, is calling for her to voulenteer. I can bet that's her sister, even with the physical differences. My heart plummets. I can tell she's a contender, just on sheer determination.

Katniss Everdeen, the ridiculous Effie Trinket calls her.

Well, then, Katniss Everdeen, I think. I have just found the perfect ally, if I can prove it to her. And to myself.

What d'you think? I'll update if I get a review or two so I know i'm not wring this for no point whatsoever ;D

Thanks :)