What if Katniss didn't Volunteer? (Complete) (2013 Watty Award WINNER:)

Part 2

Everything from the past 30 minutes is a blur. I held back the tears while I was on stage, but as soon as I was behind the doors of the Justice Building, I broke down. Effie actually had to call a guard to carry me to my waiting room. I remember standing on stage, feeling like my knees were going to give out. Effie looked thrilled as she said,

"Well, what an honorable young lady we have for this year's games!" She then walked to the bowl of the boys. I remember Katniss saying something about Gale having his name in there 40 something times. I was still in shock to even consider thinking about it. She walked to the microphone and said loud and proud

"Peeta Mellark!" Peeta Mellark? I have heard his name before. He looked very familiar as he walked up the stage. He was very strong, with ashy blonde hair, and also looked in shock. He wasn't from the seam. He was from town so most likely, his name was only entered the minimum number of times. Our chances were so slim but it still happened, and we couldn't do anything about it. We were going to die for the entertainment of the Capitol people.

I sat in my room full of fancy furniture and refreshments. I was too nervous to eat even though the games were like a week away. In just a few moments would start my hour of visitors. My family and friends would come and basically say good bye for the last time. The last thing I would have of district 12, except my token. I won't have one though. You are expected to wear it with you and since I didn't think I was going to be picked, I didn't wear anything but the clothes on my back. What was happening? I couldn't believe this. I closed my eyes and tried to relax- though I knew I wouldn't- but was interrupted by a loud knock at the door. I was on my feet in 2 seconds and was in the arms of my mother and sister in another. We had 15 minutes together from the lack of visitors I had. I looked up and saw Gale had come too. 15 minutes to make sure my family was going to be ok. 15 minutes.
"Prim, I am so sorry! I don't know what happened. I heard your name and then everything just went dark, like I had no control. I didn't even wake up until they had taken you away and then it was too late. I didn't have time to step forward and take your place and you were gone." She looked like she was holding back the tears, though few had escaped. I couldn't let her feel like this, it wasn't her fault. It was the Capitol's.

"Katniss, don't feel like that. It wasn't your fault. What is important now is that you don't leave. You can't be depressed like mom was when dad died. She won't survive and neither will you." She was still hugging me when she whispered in my ear.

"When you get In there, hide. If you can stay away long enough you may be able to last until the final kill. Maybe, just maybe you can make it home." A tear slipped through my eyes too, but I fought back the others. I would save those for the train. I hugged Katniss and looked at my mom.

"Mom, I love you, but please, You can't go away again. If you do, then so will Katniss. Use Lady for milk and cheese. Sell it. You are the medic of the town, so keep yourself busy. Just not too busy okay?" I kissed her on the cheek and gave her a big hug.

"Prim." She whispered in my ear. "Don't give up on yourself, we won't stop believing until..." I hugged her tighter; I couldn't let her know I already gave up. I would try, but I knew I wouldn't win.

I felt like an adult. Making sure everyone was taken care of before myself. I had one more person. Gale. He was like a brother to me. Katniss and him always shared the days catch and made sure each other's families were fed. I loved Gale to. I let go of my mom and went and stood in front of him.
"Gale," I said, my voice already shaky. "Please, make sure they stay alive. Don't let them die, please Take care of them." That's all I could say. I heard his big husky voice suddenly go soft.

"Prim, nothing will happen to them. I promise." He got on his knees and gave me a big hug.

"If anything happens to you, I swear... Prim?" He let go and looked me in the eyes. "Listen to your sister. Hide, but move around. Learn to climb a tree in training and do that in the arena.

Then the door opened, time for my family to go. I know it's useless, but I ran to Katniss and hugged her tight.

"I love you! Stay alive please! I love you Katniss." She started crying again and I had to let go. The peacekeepers had to drag them all away. I started crying and fell into the couch. No one else is going to want to see me! Why can't they stay longer? Why can't they be here the full hour? Then I knew why. There was another knock at the door. My school teacher walked in. What is he doing here? We had always gotten along but he wasn't my favorite and I wasn't his. He didn't even hesitate; he went right down to it.

"Listen Prim, everything I have taught you in class. None of it is true. The capitol isn't a great place just trying to keep the districts in order with these Games. They want power and they know nobody will try to prove them wrong. Nobody will stand up to them. Be that person. Show them something they don't want to see. If you are going to die," I cringed at his last sentence. "Do something to make the districts take action. Make the Capitol mad. I've been your teacher all year and there is something different about you." I just stared at him. Didn't he know this room had to bugged!? That everything he was saying was being heard by Capitol officials!?

"Mr. Tester I-"He cut me off.
"Don't say anything; you know they can hear us just as well as I do. I will be going now." He got up and left. Nothing was making sense right now. All I know is I'm not coming back and my teacher wants me to activate the districts. He was right, if I'm dying, may as well try to change everyday life for Katniss and Gale and my mom. But how?