Hi everyone, This is my first fanfiction. I am super excited about my story and will try my hardest to update. Constructive criticism and reviews are appreciated.

Also I do not own Hunger Games or any thing created by Suzanne Collins.

Chapter 1- The new job.

He was going to make a difference.

Agrippa Lotly knew it as he took his first steps into District 6. Full of confidence, he knew he would make a change for the best. Never a man concerned with the status quo, he was immune to the demons and evil influences of his birthplace, the Capitol. At least that is what his parents had said before their untimely car accident. Perhaps it was his lack of love for the Capitol that inspired his choice of employment. Capitol escorts were generally women, or homosexual men, but it seemed to be his calling. He craved to get out of the Capitol. It was suffocating him. In hopes to impress the Districts with modest rebellion, he even refused to take part in extravagant Capitol fashion. Oh how loved he would be as soon as District six saw that he was such a different Capitol resident…

Two months later…

Shame filled his whole person. He was a fool. Despite the best of intentions, this year's Games were a complete disaster. District 6 was an awful place. Run down, dirty, and overcome by morphlings, with their yellowish skin and drug induced shaking. He was not prepared for the quality of living there.

Worst yet, no one thought him to be a savior but a grim reaper out to snatch children. He even once tried to buy their love by giving money to needy families. But they only saw that as an evil Capitol ploy. He wondered why no one told him.

"What did you think they were going to do?" Motton, the districts mentor, asked. He was an older scruffy man. He won the 35th Hunger games. Wise but rough around the edges, Agrippa clung to him for support and advice for the 62nd Games. He seemed to know what was going on. Motton liked that Agrippa would actually listen to a non-capitolist. The symbiotic relationship ran deep and dysfunctional, as Agrippa saw Motton as a father figure. He even found himself quoting Motton's opinions. Motton influenced Agrippa to be a tool for the District. However both gave the other hope. "The cameras aren't on us, son. They don't see you working your ass off for those kids. Especially when they go die on us in the first couple of days. Granted, it was damn cold. Hardly anyone survived hypothermia. I don't suspect the Game makers will be doing that arena again."

Agrippa just nodded. Next year, he vowed that District 6 would win. Would that get them to like him? A voice within him said, "Not a chance."

Motton and him parted ways until it came time for the 63rd Hunger Games. Months had passed and Motton wasn't looking well. He voice was rough from smoking and he coughed a lot. "Are you ok?" Agrippa asked not sure what to expect as an answer. Motton laughed.

"Don't tell me you are going to mother hen me now. Two months together, you thinking you need to take care of me. I might start to blush." Agrippa looked down, ashamed that his concern was apparent and unwarranted. "Let's just get this over with." Motton pats him on the back leading him to the stage.

The younger man looked out to the audience. Children. He couldn't remember what he was doing at their age, but it wasn't this. It wasn't being picked for the slaughter. No one looked happy to be here, not even him. Motton could act any way he wanted, the Games were stuck with him. However if he didn't put on a good show, he would get fired. "That's all they want, boy," Motton's words echoed in his head. So smile he would. He would leave the scowling to the train.

"Ladies First!" he announced trying to add a jovial sound to his voice. His had dipped down into the round glass. Then pulling out a name. "Rendelle Nustack." A small red head emerged from the sixteen year olds. Why did that name seem so familiar? Surly he had never met her. Then from the crowds a woman's screams could be heard.

"No! Not my daughter. You already took my son. Not Rendelle. Rendy, no!" Peacekeepers held the woman back as she reached out for the girl. Rendelle looked back and mouthed something he couldn't be sure what. Son? Wait a second…last year? Henrick Nustack? Brother? Fuck.

The woman was taken back and her wails could no longer be heard. It was all he could do to hold his facial expression to passive. "On to the boys." If he got another Nustack he'd kill someone. He'd go ballistic right on stage.

"Don't worry, I don't have anymore family," the girl beside him quipped. She had a mean smirk on her face as if to say she hoped he was tortured by the thought of her standing next to him. Could she read minds? Perhaps it was her hard glare, her bravery to say something with a cruel intent, or her apparent sixth sense, but she gave him hope. Had she seen his appearance falter? Well if he had, he didn't notice. Her keen intuitiveness would prove to be an impressive quality on the battlefield. So he took another breath and announced the next name.

"Jokom Tafferty."

When a lanky boy took his place on the stage, Agrippa had them shake hands and then he said, "Welcome to the 63rd Hunger Games. May the odds be ever in your favor."

Finally on the train, Jokom and Rendelle sat next to the other at a table full of food. They stared at Motton and Agrippa, waiting. Clearing his throat, he looked at his paper work.

"Ok well, we are heading straight to the Capitol. When we get to the hotel you will be introduced to your stylist team. They will prep you. By then you'll be released to go back to the suite and relax… or something. Eat. Do whatever. You can wreck things for all I care." He felt like putting his head on the table… or having a hard drink. He just had to get out of the room. The red head girl was looking at him. In fact her eyes didn't leave him for a second. It was unnerving. "Want to take over, Motton?" With that he left the room to his personal quarters, taking a bottle of scotch with him.

"Don't worry about him, kids. Has a larger heart than most," he heard Motton say as he left the dinner cart.

He woke up with a start. Where was he? It took a minute to recognize the room. It took a second minute for the pain in his head to process. Five more minutes to realize someone was standing in the corner.

"That's what happens when you drink in the middle of the day," a feminine voice rang out. If his head were not metaphorically splitting in two, he would marvel at how lovely a voice it was.

"Argggh" was all he could get out. She crossed the room and handed him a glass of water and two pills.

"Take them, you'll feel better." Not in the mood to fight, he obeyed. "You aren't like the rest of them. I have heard of other escorts. Flamboyant people with no conscious idea what they do. You don't seem to fit the job description."

"Hmmmm" he didn't feel like having a heart to heart with this girl.

"You don't even look like them. I mean don't get me wrong your electric blue suit is ridiculous and your hair, "she motioned to his tall platinum spikes. "At least you don't wear make-up."

"Uh huh" This girl was rambling and he wasn't feeling well. "Wait, what are you doing in my room?" He saw her mouth curve to a weird grin. He was confused. "It's bad for a girls reputation to be in a room alone with a man." He watched her hand travel from her side to his chest. What. The. Hell.

"Maybe I want that bad reputation.' Her voice was barely more than a whisper and she put more pressure on his chest for him to lean back. His thoughts were reeling. Yes she was attractive. But this was not in her best interest. He shot up, pushing her off the bed.

"This is not a good idea. What are you thinking?" The small red head sat up on the floor, eyes ablaze with fury.

"What am I thinking? I think it was pretty obvious what I was thinking!" Ugh how aggravating. Agrippa grabbed her by the arm and led her out the door.

"This is not in your best interest." Great now he sounded like a strict father telling her, she can't have some candy. "Now lets pretend this never happened."

She stopped in her tracks and looked at him, "Are you gay?" It felt like she punched him. First she attacks his honor then his manhood.

"No." His voice was clipped and his opinion of this girl was going south. "I just don't want to have sex with a child."

"Well, I don't consider myself a child anymore. If I have to kill before I have sex then I might as well die!" With that she ran down the train's hallway. What in the world? The blond man heard a chuckle behind him. Turning around he realized Motton must have seen everything.

"That made no sense. Did you see that?"

"It's a control thing. She was trying to control the one thing she could. And you are a better choice than me. However it seems that she wasn't counting on you to be a decent human being. Agrippa sighed.

"Well, she might be a freak, but she's got some spirit. She might do well this year." Motton and Agrippa could only hope. "How's the boy?"

"Scared as hell. He's young and not so impressive." Damn, Agrippa was hoping for better news. They were stuck with the green and the insane. This was going to be a long Hunger Games.

He walked into the suite with Motton, looking around nervously. "Relax boy, she's with the stylist. You yourself made the schedule." Agrippa knew he was acting crazy. She was just a kid put in an impossible situation. He was just the unfortunate soul that she channeled her aggression on. He headed to the bar. "No time for that. We need to meet up with the other escorts and mentors. Marius and Prima with take the kids back to the suite. The off time you put in will allow them to clear their heads." Agrippa nodded. Why was he acting like a victim? That girl was no threat to him. He went to his room and changed into a more Capitol friendly suit. It was a simple black but it sparkled. Marius told him to wear it with the bright pink shirt and gray tie. He was grateful. He was losing his Capitol touch.

The blonde man descended the stairs looking over the crowd. He recognized the majority of people. A few game keepers, big sponsors, mentors, and other escorts. An avox crossed his path holding a tray of champagne, he took it and downed it in one sip.

"Boy after my own heart." A man in his early thirties said in his direction. He was dressed in a dress shirt that looked like it had never been pressed and his tie was askew. Agrippa met him last year…what was his name? "Haymitch Abernathy," he said. "I can tell you forgot."

"Then you saved me from an embarrassing moment. How are you Mr. Abernathy?" the younger man responded.

"Another year to watch kids kill each other. Why never better!" he said harshly and then took another gulp of his beverage. "But you types, you guys enjoy this shit don't you?"

"Has that been your experience with other escorts, sir?" Agrippa tried his best to keep his voice neutral.

"Bah! Escorts are the worst. They are actually involved and they still love the 'excitement' of the games." He looked like he was going to continue but a shrill voice cut him off.

"Mr. Haymitch, I am so glad you are socializing however there are some really important people that we should talk to. Latonia, District 2's escort, suggested some great people."

A girl with a bright green wig strolled up to the man. She looked young. Younger than Agrippa, that was for sure.

Clearing is throat, "I am not sure that taking Latonia's advice is a good decision. She didn't get that district by playing fair." The green haired girl looked at him in shock. She then gave him a dazzling smile and extended her hand.

"I'm Effie Trinket, District 12. And this surly gentleman is Haymitch Abernathy."

Smiling back, he took her hand. "Mr. Abernathy and I actually have already been acquainted… last year. I am Agrippa Lotly. You must be new." Risking a glance at Haymitch, who was leaning on the wall spacing out, Effie visibly relaxed.

'Yes! So exciting to be so close to the action. You can imagine that this is my first year, being District 12 and all." She hestitated as if to place the name. "Oh my you are District 6, correct?" He didn't say anything. "Yes I heard about your tributes last year. Very unfortunate, indeed. They died so early on. You probably didn't even get a chance to talk to sponsors."

Already feeling disgusted, Agrippa turned to leave. "It was a pleasure to meet you. May the odds be ever in your favor."

"Thank you for your advice. I'm still new at this so every bit of advice helps," she called after him.

Turning to so quickly a squeak dropped from her lips, Agrippa needed to say one more thing, "Last bit of advice from me. Keep your eyes open. Take in everything you see and internalize it. These are the moments that let you know what kind of person you truly are." With that he left, his words still hanging in the air.

The television then announced "AND THE VICTOR OF THE 63RD ANNUAL HUNGER GAMES IS RENDELL NUCASE FROM DISTRICT 6!"

The hovercraft came down to pick up a small girl with red hair in two looped braids. She was straddling a large branch after bludgeoning the last career tribute's head with rocks from above.

"Looks like you kept your promise." Motton looked at the blond man.

"I did nothing." Agrippa was reeling in shock and a simple sentence was all he could muster.

"Sure you did, you spoke to every sponsor, paving the way for me to make the case. I have never seen you flirt more than now."

"You don't know how many promises I had to make good on before they promised to give the money." A pained expression flashed over his face. It seems that an escort was another name for a whore if you were good looking.

"Well you saved a life… doesn't that make you feel better?" Agrippa shrugged.

"I am just going up to the suite to pack. Then go to the medic room. She looks awful."

"Not bad considering she was rated a 5. No wonder you had to sleep with people to get them to sponsor her. Why she didn't tell anyone she could do voice mimicry is still a fucking mystery."

"How exactly was she going to show that talent? She certainly was vicious."

"Yeah I know. Who would have thought she would kill the tributes in their sleep or pin it on the others? Clever one, she is."

Agrippa didn't know what to say. The Games had a tendency to bring out the worst in the tributes. He hoped that whatever lasting affect the Games had on Rendelle, she wouldn't be the same girl that deliberately sliced throats in the dark. He looked over to the District 2's table. Latonia looked down but not sad enough to be mourning a person. Perhaps this wasn't the right job for him. He left the room.

The hospital was brightly lit and a sickeningly sweet smell hung in the air. Agrippa walked towards number 217, Rendelle's room. As he got closer he noticed someone leaving. That's odd. The person made a left down a corridor. The male escort quieted his steps and followed to see who it was. He followed the other man to an obscure exit. Peering out the cracked door a gasp fell from his lips.

"Right on time President Snow. Did you accomplish what you needed?"

"I always do, Iovis," the president said as he got into the car.

Agrippa didn't know what to think. What could this man want with Rendelle? As he watched the car drive off, he took off to her room.

"Rendelle. Are you ok?" as he rushed into her room. She was sitting up with an IV attached to her arm but otherwise looking calm. "What did he say to you?"

She looked at him blankly. "What are you talking about?"

"Don't mess with me. I saw the President leave your room. What did he want?"

For the first time he saw her mask crack, tears slid down her face. "He said I can't return to District 6. I am to stay here and work for him." She looked at him. His heart broke. She was just a kid. "Why does he want me? I just want to go home."

Agrippa crossed the room and sat down on her bed. Wrapping an arm around her, he put his lips to the top of her head. "I won't let you go through this alone." He wasn't sure what that meant but he would make good on the vow. She tucked her body into his and cried.

Caesar was on stage announcing Rendelle's name. Proclaiming her victory and welcoming her to the stage. Agrippa stood next to the red head, watching her every move. "Remember what we discussed, okay?" She simply nodded. He kneeled down in front of her. "I know it's going to be difficult, or even impossible sounding, but you have to pull this off. You have to make it look like this is your decision. If you don't, he won't kill you. He'll go after everyone you love."

Her eyes were becoming glassy with moisture. He wasn't helping. He didn't know what to do. Without thinking he closed the distance between them and touched his lips to hers. The kiss was over before it truly began. If it weren't for her scarlet blush, he wouldn't have been sure he actually did it. The idea scared him. He wasn't sure that his impulse move did any good. However her lips started to curve into a smile as she touched her lips.

"And now Miss Rendelle Nustack!" Caesar called out and the audience cheered. She went out with a skip in her step, waving to the people of Panem. Again, Agrippa was inspired to hope one more time.