I watched the trees whizzing by out the large window from the outer bounds of the districts. They were so beautiful at twilight with the darkening silhouettes and the dark blues consuming the yellow, pink, and orange sunsets. My knees pulled to my chest as I sat on the large couch that rested against the window in the back of the train. I was alone in the back left with my own thoughts while Arken. the other Victor and our escort Rizzel and our mentor Tacitus were in the main dining room no doubt gorging on food. I saw no need to stuff my face, to give the capitol satisfaction in giving me such a luxury that was worth killing people over.

As the sky grew darker I could see myself in the reflection and I was a mess. My hair in a loose and untamed low pony hair poking every which way with twigs and leaves sticking out. My face smeared and splattered with caked on mud. I looked like I had just woken up from a month of hibernation. Then again… in a way I had.

After three years of lonely isolation and peace, ease of not having to worry about the games about death. It was all being thrown back at me, throwing me through a whirlwind. We were told if we won it be over. That we'd never have to go back, never have to worry about the games. Yet here I was on the train back to the capitol being forced back in there game of life, or maybe I should call it death.

You'd think knowing about the reaping, knowing I was the only female victor alive in district 11 that I'd be on camera for all of Panem to see. That I would have gotten dolled up, washed up, that I would have done my hair cleaned under my nails scrubbed off the mud. But no, I stayed in the garden all morning until it was time for the reaping then I followed the crowds to where my life was once more going to be taken away. I knew Rizzle would be angry with me, but I didn't care. Why should I? It wasn't like their lives were on the line.

I guess that's why I was sitting alone at the back of the train once more, secluded from everyone. Instead, of mingling with them, talking game and strategy. Well that and the fact my so called mentor Tacitus was a sexist, arrogant, misogynist prick. His first words when he saw me where "Women are weak, little girls are pathetic and powerless. Go back to the kitchen where you belong and bake me a cake," then strode off like he was Mr. Incredible. Even though it hurt I tried to ignore him; I'd just have to figure it out on my own. I would prove him wrong.

Slowly I slid down the back of the couch into a lying position. My eyes got heavy having my body relax. I turned to face the back of the couch so I wouldn't have to see anyone. Curling myself back up, I let my eyes close fully as I laid there allowing darkness to consume me. I took long and slow deep breathes as I laid there. I had to admit the sound and movement on the train were rather soothing. Before I knew it I was lulling off to sleep.

"All right, that is enough of that. You look like you've been living among pigs the last three years, now get up!" Rizzle shrill voice rang through my head

I let out a muffled groan of protest shoving my head into the couch more. I knew this was a battle I wasn't going to win, but I was still as Arken put it in a "Rebellious" mood. Which really just translated into, I wasn't the happy go lucky innocence the Capital knew me as. I was the polar opposite to Katniss, the district 12 winner who seemed to oppose the capital in some ways that were unknown to the watchers. All except myself and President Snow as far as I was concerned. Even I could tell that girl was a rebel in the making.

"Pascale Talladesco, get up right now young lady. We will be in the capitol any moment I don't want my victor looking like she crawled out of some pit," Rizzle voice was more demanding this time

I rolled over onto my other side, squinting my eyes open from the sun. Sure enough Rizzle had the only what I could describe as the "mom" look going on. Hands on her ridiculously colorful and ruffled dressed, her head tilted down. Her momentous classic capitol couture pastel green wig towering over her. I was amazed at how she stayed on her feet with that thing on, I knew under that horrible skirt she was wearing minimum five inch heels. The more I gawked at her and her stern look I knew it was better to get up and do as she asked even if she was exaggerating, about the being in the capital anytime soon at least.

Sitting up, I swung my legs over the edge of the seat before forcing myself up. As I stood up Rizzel straightened herself up a triumphant look on her face. I couldn't help but roll my eyes at her giving her a small grin. She clapped her hands together with a peaceful sigh before waving me over and motioning toward the door as she walked out. I followed closely behind her as we walked down the train to the bathroom. Passing the lounge room, sure enough Arken and Tacitus were talking strategy and how to win the games once more. They were both foolish and smart; they games were full of surprises. Arken should've known that better than anyone and known that plan A never went the way he wanted.

Reaching the bathroom door, Rizzel pivoted cause me to jolt back slightly from surprise. She grinned at me as she opened the door. I had to admit the shower on the train were much more extravagant than back home. Then again, that was seemingly the recurring theme of the games. The capitol's way of reconciling for killing us. "Here's a basket of extravagant treat's while the districts are starving, no hard feelings right? Oh yeah try to die interestingly for our entertainment." They were pathetic in their attempts to woo us.

"I set you out a beautiful dress. Take your time make sure you get every inch clean," Rizzle informed, and she shooed me into the bathroom closing the door behind me. "I swear you won't even make it to the games if I find even a speckle of dirt on that dress."

Stepping into the room, I looked around at my surroundings. Sure enough, hanging next to the towel was a dress; a pastel green one to be exact. It looked like the child toned down version of Rizzle, apparently once more we were playing the "Let's dress you like me but less crazy" game. The first time I was in the games Rizzle had me wearing everything she was wearing just more innocent and less than I call it "Capital Couture" looking.

Turning to face the mirror I had to admit I did look pretty bad, even I wasn't a fan of the grungy natural look. I at the least needed to fix my hair. It looked like humming bird was ready to shoot out of it. Reaching back, I pulled the elastic from the hair. Turning to face the shower I undressed myself tossing my dirty laundry into a corner. Fully undressed, I stepped into the shower the door automatically closing behind me. I played around with the setting for a couple moments before turning the water on. It blasted down onto me like cool refreshing water fall.

Tilting my head up, I closed my eyes letting the water wash down over my face splashing down my back and shoulders. I ran my fingers through my hair, tugging out the knots and a sticks. It was harder than I thought but I got the kinks out. I gently rubbed my fingertips against my scalp, scrubbing off the dirt. Picking up the bottle of shampoo off the shelf, I squirted a large dollop onto the palm of my hand before putting the bottle back. I massaged the liquid over my scalp and hair. When my hair was fully lathered up and filled with foam I tilted my head back, rinsing the soap out leaving my hair clean and dirt free. Turning back to face the stream I started lightly rubbing my face scrubbing the dirt from it. I had to admit, the one good thing about the Capitol was their showers and bathtubs.

When I felt I had finally scrubbed the last bit of grime off me I stood in the water for a few more minutes before shutting the water off and opening the shower door. I stepped out onto the bath mat reaching for a towel I wrapped one around my body before tipping my head forward letting my dark hair hang in front of me before wrapping the second towel around the back of my head twirling my head up into the towel wrapping it on top of my head. I took my time drying myself before slipping into the dress Rizzel picked out. I had to admit the colour was nice and not the worst thing she's had me in.

Digging through the drawers I got out everything I needed to do my hair. I pulled myself up onto the small counter getting comfortable I set myself up and dried my hair. Once it was finally dry I pulled and played with the pieces, placing them in certain spots. After a while I finally gave up trying something fancy I took a chunk of hair on one side braiding it then doing the same on the other side before crossing them over on the top of my head in a half up do. I pulled a few stray pieces out giving it a messy elegance before smiling at myself in the mirror happy with my look. Sliding off the counter, I picked up the heels Rizzel had laying on the floor to wear and strode out of the bathroom. I swayed lightly walking towards the dining room. Reaching it, the other three were already there eating the lunch that was set out for all of us.

"Rizzel, I'm not wearing these" I told her handing them to her as I sat down

"Well, they are all we have, what are you going to do, go barefoot?" She giggled at her own comment

I put out my lower lip tilting my head back and forth smiling to myself then turning to look at her. I could see the instant regret forming in her eyes. She would regret giving me the option of not wearing shoes.

"That sounds like a wonderful Idea Rizzel," I grinned at her

"Oh dear…" She mumbled to herself Aken let out a small chuckle

I giggled lightly, turning back to the table placing a plate in front of me. I picked at the various food that had been laid out. As Arken talked about strategies Tacitus shot me a dirty glare. I rolled my eyes dramatically at him. Tacitus was getting on the last nerves I had at the moment. He was just a pain in the ass with his women being weak. Honestly, why was he still here if he hated me that much? I shot him a smile acting as if it didn't bother me. In reality it was something minuscule in the big scheme of things. He took mere seconds to stand up from the table, Arken following closely behind him. I watched as they started to exit the room, leaning back in my chair I smiled at them.

"Bye-bye boys" I said giving them a slightly flirtatious wave

They both rolled their eyes at me, Arken shaking his head while Tacitus had a look of disgust spread across his smug face. After the door closed behind them I giggled to myself turning back to the table and snacking on my lunch. Better to have appetite while dealing with the Capitol.

The past six hours went by a lot faster than I had expected the rest of the train ride whizzed, most of the time spent arguing with Rizzle about my bare feet while the boys were on their own talking game. When we finally reached the capital I still refused to put my heels on. Causing Rizzel to make snippy unhappy comments in my ear the entire way into the building and to our room. We got little time to settle in before our designers were coming in and dressing us. Which Rizzle was not impressed with considering the fact, the Marcellus, our designer, agreed that bare feet were total district 11 couture. He had even got the make-up artists to put real mud on our faces and arms to look more authentic. So now here I was waiting with carriages and some of the other victor's for Arken and Tacitus to come back.

I walked around the carriage admiring the work that had been done on it. I stopped at the side of the horse smiling mostly to myself as I lightly stroked his side. I had always loved horses there was a few back home in district 11 but I never got to get close to them. I was so entranced with the horse I didn't hear the footsteps coming up behind me.

"Pascale" an unfamiliar voice spoke my name in a way the sounded like they had known me for years.

Turning around, my hair flicked behind my shoulder as I turned to face the mysterious voice. I was in a slight state of shock to see Finnick O'dair, Standing there in what looked to be a skirt made of netting shirtless, it revealed his muscled body. The blonde locks, and beauty that could rival a god, Finnick was dressed in a very revealing outfit that surprised me. If that hadn't turned me already into a stunned fangirl, his toothy smile forming on his face causing his dimples to show sure did. Not only that but his twinkly eyes that seemed to suck me in and swirled like water pools.

"Sugar cube?" He asked kindly

Holding his hand out, he unclutched it, revealing a small pile of sugar cubes in hands. A genuine smile formed on my face as I pulled myself out of gawking trance. Really, with my gaping mouth I might as well tell him I'm pretending to be a fish. I moved my eyes from the sugar cubes up to look at him.

"Aren't they for the horses?" I questioned

"Well the wa-"

"Don't forget you need to be cold you're better than all the others," Tacitus voice interrupted us as he and Arken stepped between us.

"I know" Arken said simply

"You got this," Tacitus said firmly before turning away.

"Any words of wisdom for me?" I asked with a grin, fully knowing he'd be rude, but I knew acting like it didn't bug me would bug him.

Tacitus didn't say a word instead he shot me a dirty look over his shoulder sneering at me. He then proceeded to walk away. The grin on my face grew wider, and I shook my head turning to face Finnick once more. His mouth was slightly open with a look of shock on his face. He snapped out of it quickly. It wasn't very often when two people appeared out of nowhere, especially ones telling them to be unkind. It was most likely a rare feat in itself for Mr. O'dair.

"that was rather rude don't you think."

"I think he still has the childhood mentality that girls have cooties" I joked.

Finnick gave a small chuckle as the horn blew and we all got onto our chariots to be strutted around in front of the capital and all of panem. I took my spot next to Arken, looking much like a young child standing next to him with our height difference. I was nervous I could feel my heart thumping in my chest. I lifted my head up at Arken who was looking straight ahead, his body stiff and straight. I couldn't help but think he look constipated and even though I knew almost every other victor would look much like he did I decided to go a different route. I looked forward taking another deep breath before giving out the biggest smile I could manage. They all remembered the happy go luck innocent girl from district 11 and that's what they would get. Whether I liked it or not, it was a roll that could be the death of me.

The next morning was day one of 14 for training, something I wasn't a fan of but had no choice of being there. I decided instead of jumping into it showing off what small talents I had that I would sit back and watch. It was great tactics and it also allowed me to see what I could best others in. I'd observe for the first while get a feel for the other Victors I had seen all their games, but what you see on screen is different in real life. I knew I was smaller and weaker than most, I also knew that teaming up and forming allies was one of the only way I'd make it through the first hour. The fact that measly ol me made it through the first games had to have made the producers proud for such a twist.

I watched Arken as he was immediately drawn to the career pack. It was shocking to see that. In many ways he himself was a career, he trained most of his life to be a victor of the games to seek out his brother's revenge. He was brutal aggressive and showed no mercy. He now that he'd had the opportunity to go against Blight the victor from district 7, the one who killed his brother.

I knew much like the careers, Blight would have the biggest target on his back, so gaining an alliance with them was going to be a bad idea. Honestly, I'd be a fool to team up with Blight when my own mentor wanted to shove a knife in that man's back.

I let my blue eye's roam around the training room, many Victor's showing off their skill. It seems redundant to say the same thing over but there wasn't much else the Victors were doing. None really talked among one another. I had to admit, watching Johanna was Katniss, Peeta, and terrifying all at once. Her short black hair moved flawlessly as she whipped her axe around in her hand effortlessly. I knew I could never attempt something like that and with my luck I or god forbid someone else would lose a limb.

Next, I noticed Beetee and Wiress crouching in the small wood enclosure. Beetee had been trying to attempt a fire. I knew the two of them would make great allies; they were smart resourceful and no one saw them as a threat. Katniss apparently had the same idea as she crouched beside them assisting them with their fire and seemingly getting some knowledge from them in return. I could of just as easily gone and sucked up to Katniss but really, she had her beloved Peeta and I wasn't about to get in the way of that. She didn't seem much of a team player and I didn't want to be the next Rou.

She was smart, a hunter, she had true survival skills. Peeta knew how to camouflage like a morphing without the unpredictable mindset and self-medication. Peeta was also strong, stronger then he left off. To add to all of that they were also capital sweethearts, their romance whether you believe it or not had all of panem worshiping them. Which in way's made them just as big of a target as the others. Who wouldn't want to watch as either Katniss or Peeta died in the ring, making the other easy pickings.

Sitting there more so in my own world contemplating how I would go about all this, I didn't notice anyone had come up behind me as I was playing with the bracelet my brother had given me our first games. This whole thing brought back so many memories, the painful ones as well and happy ones. He was the only reason I was still alive. He had sacrificed himself in the arena to save my life, he was the only family I had and he was gone. The handmade woven bracelet he had made me before the reaping day; the only thing I had left of him.

I felt something yanking on my wrist pulling me out of my daze. I didn't have time to react as my hand raised and dropped. My eyes darting up quickly to see Cashmere holding my bracelet up as she examined it with a look of disgust. I felt my heart drop, a lump forming in my throat the smile that was once forcefully glued to my face dropped. There was no way I could stand up to her; I'd be a fool to even try.

"How can you wear this hideous thing" she scoffed

I stumbled to my feet trying not to let her see how upset it had made me. I would not show weakness in front of my future enemy. I swiped my hand trying to take my bracelet back from her she just held it up higher out of my reach, laughing at my poor attempts to get it back. I straightened my back looking up at her with a firm look.

"Please give me my bracelet back, Cashmere," I asked her calmly not letting her know I was upset.

"Take it from me, come on." She taunted

Really? Fighting among Victors before the games was a big no no. Cashmere pushed me harshly with her free hand, causing me to stumble backwards and trip on the matt. To others who had been watching, it caused them to pause their training, wondering where this would lead to. I fell onto my back lightly gasping for air. This was humiliating. My head slightly missed from hitting the matt and I could feel hand sliding behind my back, helping me sit up, I raised my hand lightly, rubbing the back of my head. Katniss and Peeta had walked over to the situation and neither looked impressed. They held more morals than the other victors.

"Give it back to her," Katniss demanded

"Girl on fire defending the weakling how pathetic, Katniss" She hissed. "You don't scare me, little girl. You're nothing without your precious bow and arrow."

"Save it for the games and give it back" Johanna snapped from her spot on the towered mats. "You're making more enemies than needed already, Cashmere. Is that really a wise decision?"

"Ha!" Cashmere laughed. "You think I'm afraid of you? As if. I'll laugh and spit in your face before I slit your throat in the arena."

Now I really felt weak but if I could have some allies it was better than nothing. Three people against one didn't seem to deter her. Cashmere simply rolled her eyes, completely ignoring what Johanna was saying. She acted so fearless. It made me wonder if it was all a façade. This situation was like school times all over again; everyone picking on me for being the smallest. The person who was behind me started helping me to my feet. I looked over my shoulder to see Finnick had been the one helping me up. I honestly thought it would have been Peeta since he was usually near Katniss. We rarely said anything to one another but it made me feel good knowing that someone had helped me. I gave him a half smile, turning back to face Cashmere. She had a vicious smirk on her face her eyes filled with mischief. As her long slender fingers started picking my bracelet apart the thread, pulling them to unravel the bracelet. My. Heart. Dropped. Shattering into a million pieces at seeing my one true treasure so easily broken.

It felt like she was ripping my heart out I could feel my body shaking, I knew I couldn't take her. I was weak and powerless towards her and she knew it, even if we weren't supposed to harm another victor until the arena. If only I had gotten stronger in my time after surviving the first games. I felt Finnick's hand on my shoulder as he walked around me, gaining back Cashmere's attention. Stepping in front of me he yanked the bracelet from her grip rather forcefully as he leaned in, whispering something in her ear before turning back to face me. His face went from serious with a darkness in his eyes to his typical charming, heart melting grin and twinkle ocean eyes. He lifted his hand up, letting the bracelet dangle from his fingers.

"I believe this is yours, darling" He said softly

I reached up gently taking it from him, his hands gently wrapping around mine holding them for a moment before letting them go. As I gave him a soft smile, I could just see Cashmere over his shoulder. Her eyes were no longer raging and fierce only she had a look of fear of terror. She seemed to have paled a couple of shades making me wonder whatever he had said to her had scared her.

"Thank you," I mumbled softly slightly embarrassed of the event. Thankfully others resumed their training.

Finnick just gave a nod, shooting me another grin before going back to training, as did Katniss and Peeta. I watched as they left me a small true smiling forming on my lips as I gently gripped my bracelet. It seemed even in death my brother was watching out for me. Showing me that even though I had felt alone in all of this, there were people who cared. I seemingly really did have friends or at the very least allies in Katniss, Peeta and Finnick. Something that gave me a sense of calmness matched with safeness. Maybe, just maybe I might survive this game.