Chapter 2

This can't be happening. My name was only in there 7 times, how could she have drew my name?! I gulp and step out in the open. Slowly, I make my way up to the stage. 

"The mayor's daughter, am I right?" I nod solemnly. "Any volunteers?" Effie shouts through the microphone. I glance around. No one. A single tear rolls down my cheek.

"Ok then! On to the boys! Our boy tribute is.." She digs out one quickly, unlike the girls. 

"Rory Hawthorne! Come to the stage please." I gasp, not Rory! I spot him coming out of the crowd, pale and stricken with fear. As soon as he starts walking towards the stage, Gale runs up behind him. He is being held back by peacekeepers until he shouts,"I VOLUNTEER! I volunteer as tribute!"

NO! I clench my fists in anger. I finally like a guy, and I have to kill him! More tears fall as he makes his way to the stage, paler than I've ever seen him. He looks at me with guilt, probably for his comment this morning. I see a tear run down his face. I've never seen him cry before..

"What's your name then?"

"Gale Hawthorne," he said in a hushed tone.

"Brothers? How sweet," she admired. "Give a big round a applause for your tributes of the 74th annual Hunger Games, Gale Hawthorne and Margret Undersee!"

No one claps, I mean who would? Me and Gale are lead to different rooms for visitations. I pace around the roomcomes. I stifle a sob when Katniss walks in.

"Madge.." 

I run up and hug her. We've been friends for so long and I can't take it anymore. 

''I'm sorry," she says.

"Sorry for what?"

"Not volunteering for you, I should have. You're my best friend, Madge! I can't lose you!" We hug again. I feel like telling her about my secret crush on Gale, but we are interrupted.

"Times up," the peacekeeper commanded sternly.

"But sir, just a few more min-"

"Times up!" he repeated. He dragged a crying Katniss out of the room, leaving me alone. 

How can this be happening to me?