DAWN

In the second of twelve districts, a girl exists.

She doesn't live, not anymore.

She just exists.

The girl's name is Aurora, and her father has been diagnosed with cancer for... maybe half a year now. She's not sure how long, exactly. She used to be known for her sharp memory, but now the days just blur into each other.

All she knows is that it's a losing battle.

And she must say goodbye.

Consumed by the solitary war that she has waged against depression since her father's diagnosis, Aurora yearns for an escape. For something to finally bring her slow spiral into the abyss to an end. What better way is there to make an exit that won't raise questions than to volunteer for the 60th annual Hunger Games?

Aurora plans to go down in the history books as one of the nameless tributes who dies in the bloodbath. Ironic, really, given that she's classic Career material. But then the currents shift, and suddenly, the only one standing between Aurora and her long-awaited end is Severus.