Plenty of Fish in the Sea. (Hunger Games)

Chapter 3.

The District 4 plaza was filled with people, as I looked across the square from the podium. There was none of the nervous chattering that went on in previous years. Everyone was silent. But we four victors had to keep up appearances, so we did what we usually did for the Capitol cameras. We smiled and waved. Not long ago, during Katniss and Peeta's victory tour, District 4 had proved themselves to be a rebellious district. The crowd had pushed and screamed in riot, yelling at the poor Victors to tell them what they really thought. Which caused many to be beaten by the Peacekeepers trying to maintain control.

The crowd showed how discontent they were with the situation. Refusing to celebrate the Games at all. Even though the Capitol was watching. To be honest, I couldn't be more proud, watching them defy the Capitol, and doing the opposite of what was expected of a Career District like us to do.

"Welcome, welcome."

Elainia Greensby, our District Escort, spoke into the microphone. She looked just as strange as ever, in her eccentric blue themed wig and outfit. However, she looked less than her usual cheery self, as she looked down the line of Victors, all of which, she had worked with before, and grown close to.

"Well," she continued, her voice cracking, "As you all know, for our 3rd Quarter Quell, we are to select this year's tributes from our Victors of previous games. I'm sure you are all familiar with th- them."

As she spoke, I watched my family standing in the crowd, their identical deep blue eyes, clouded with sadness, but a small amount of hope. Next to them stood Finnick's family, eyes wide open in horror, fully knowing that their son and brother will be forced to return to the arena.

"Now," Elainia said firmly, obviously putting on a brave face, "How about we start with the male tribute." She walked over to the men's reaping bowl, and placed her dainty hand inside it. She twirled her fingers around the bowl, evidently taking longer than necessary to pull out the one, folded up piece of paper, that contained Finnick's name. Finally, she plucked the paper from the bowl, and unfolded it slowly, hesitant to make it official.

"The male tribute of District 4 for the 3rd Quarter Quell is, Finnick Odair."

Immediately, Finnick threw his hands in the air, plastered on that well known smirk of his, and waved at the crowd, just as he was expected to, even though I could see the despair in his eyes, hidden by his smirk. I glanced at his family, and saw his mother collapse into her husband's arms in a fit of tears, as she and her two other sons were led out of the Plaza. It broke my heart, and yet I forced myself to smile.

"And now for the ladies."

Elainia announced. Instantly, the nervous fluttering in my stomach, bubbled up into my throat. I couldn't move. I couldn't breathe. All I could do was stand there and smile. Before I knew it, Elainia had a piece of unfolded paper in her hands, and then, she said the words.

"The female tribute of District 4 for the 3rd Quarter Quell is, Annie Cresta."

Annie shrieked, her face fell from her usually dazed expression, to one of utter terror. She broke down into uncontrollable tears, Finnick caught her before she fell to the ground in a crumpled heap, whispering into her ear. I stared at the outraged crowd as they shouted and screamed along with her, waving their arms in protest. No- not Annie, anyone but Annie, when suddenly,

"No! No!"

I shrieked, surprising even myself. The entire district looked up at me, eyes wide and expectant. I did the last thing I was expecting to do when I first walked onto this stage.

"I volunteer as Tribute!"

Mags grabbed my arm, her hand calloused and warm, I looked into her eyes and saw a clear question- Are you sure? I nod once, giving her a sad smile, and then walked to where Finnick was standing, waving and smiling at the cameras and the crowd, as well as of course, the Capitol. I joined Finnick at the centre of the podium where we grinned and embraced each other, as if we were over the moon. I can hear the crowd's distressed whispering, as Elainia congratulates us.

"Serena!"

My father's voice echoing through the Plaza, as my mother clutches his arm tightly, tears leaking down her cheeks, as she mouths an 'I love you,' toward me. Finnick and I are then quickly shoved toward the doors of the Justice Building, and just before the doors shut behind me, I mouth an,

'I love you too."