It was the day of the reaping ceremony. Everyone in the district was on edge as they watched in the town square as the 3 previous victors walked onto the stage ready to be reaped again for the second time in thier lives. You were standing beside Simon, a victor who you'd grown close to over the past couple of years. You were both traumitized from the horrors that you suffered during the games.

It was the 50'th Hunger Game, which meant that the rules were changed in order to keep things interesting.

And this year, the Capital decided that all previous victors were going to be Reaped.

You took your spot on the stage, heart slamming in your chest as you stared out at the large crowd. Somewhere in the back, you heard a mother crying and you wondered if it was your mother crying for the unfairness of it all. She'd already almost lost you once, and now you were going back into the games, being the only female victor from your district.

Simon stood on the other end of the stage, a scowl on his face. Most people thought he was always scolwing, but you were the only one to see past his gruff exterior. Youd grown close over the past few years since you were both mentors. You get to know someone pretty quickly if youre forced to be around them long enough. But you didn't mind, You liked being around him. He made you feel seen. Safe.

The ceremony began, and unsurpisingly, your name was called. You took your place on stage, just like last time.

"Now onto the male tributes." The announcer plucked one of the two pieces of paper and read off the name. "Theo Finch,". There was a gasp from the crown and a commotion on your left as Simon stepped forward

"I volunteer! I volunteer as the male tribute," Simon said as he looked at you, eyes wide with an emotion you couldn't read. He pushed past Theo and came to stand beside you.

The crowd went wild clearly not expecting this turn of events.

"What are you doing?" You hissed.

Simon leaned down to where only you could hear him. "Theo couldn't protect you. Not like I can."