The Hunger Games: Peeta's POV

Chapter 2

I wish I were as lucky as Primrose, having a sibling to take my place. But that won't happen. Clyde is the last person I expect to volunteer in my place.

I walk up to the podium, trying to seem as natural as possible, maybe even intimidating. But I know there is alarm in my eyes, because the truth is, I am petrified. I, like Haymitch, could fall of the stage any second now. But I don't.

Effie asks for any volunteers. I try to meet Clyde's eyes, but he is looking at the ground, almost happy. I hate him.

The mayor reads the Treaty of Treason, as I become absorbed in my thoughts. I wonder what it would be like, having the girl of my dreams kill me. I steal quick glances at Katniss, who seems mortified that I was chosen. Maybe she was expecting the boy she hunts with to step up. What was his name again? It doesn't matter. I never talked to him before, and I won't get the chance now.

When the mayor finishes reading the Treaty, he tells us to shake hands. I take Katniss's hand, and look her straight in the eye. She doesn't seem scared anymore, she seems as if she's accepted her death. She probably doesn't understand her high chances of survival.

I squeeze her hand, in reassurance and comfort. She doesn't return the gesture. It doesn't matter, because soon, my dead body will be shown live on the Capitol's big screen TV. The odds are never in my favour.

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The Peacekeepers shepherd us into the Justice Building. Katniss is sent into one room, and I into the other. This is the time for our friends and family to wish us luck. For 23 of us, this will be the last time to see our loved ones.

First, Clyde and Glenn enter. Instead of the sad faces they should have, their faces portray relief. I would even guess they were happy.

"I just want you to know, Peeta," says Glenn. "We will always miss you."

I feel angry, and I think my face turns red, as I respond, "What do you mean, miss me . Don't you think I have a chance of making it. Maybe I can come home, and supply us all with a big house, and tasty food! Don't you even think that's possible!"

Glenn looks at Clyde, before they crack up laughing as loud as they possibly can. I feel hurt, that my own brothers don't think I have a chance of making it. I suddenly want to win, just so I can prove them wrong.

A Peacekeeper signals them out, while they are still laughing at me. Next my mother comes in. I know she hates me, but I will have to listen to her pretend love for me. It's all an act, but I value her efforts.

But instead of the fake love I thought I would receive, she takes another approach. "Never liked that girl, Everdeen. But I think it's a good thing she volunteered. District 12 might finally have a winner. Well, at least someone who's hobbies aren't drinking themselves unconscious."

With that, she leaves, even before the Peacekeeper ushers her out. My last guest then walks in. My father. He is the only one who may supply me with at least an ounce of comfort.

He clamps a hand on my shoulder, and says, "I'm sorry it was you, son, I really am. No one should have to endure that kind of... well whatever word can be used to describe the Hunger Games."

"Ya, I understand." I simply reply.

"Well, before I came to you, I gave Katniss some cookies. Promised to take care of the little one too." I never knew my father carried around cookies with him. Why didn't he bring me any?

"Offley nice of you. I'm sure they'd appreciate it." I reply, feeling the awkward tension.

He gives me a stiff handshake, before he is taken away by the Peacekeeper. And that's it, the last time I'll see my family, before I turn into a savage killer.