Chapter 1: Alliances Formed

Haymitch Abernathy kept a strong grip on the chariot. He could not believe, after 25 years, he was once again a tribute, and in another Quarter Quell, no less. He had only been a teenager when he had won the Second Quarter Quell against double the odds. Now, he was back in the Third Quarter Quell with Katniss Everdeen, the Girl on Fire, beside him, one of his only two tributes to have made it out of the arena alive, and only last year. Her district partner, Peeta Mellark, would be their mentor.

Haymitch's uniform burned as brightly as Katniss' as they were paraded into the City Circle. President Snow welcomed the victors who would be entering the arena for a second time, per the Quell's twist, before the 24 tributes were whisked to the Tribute Training Center. Peeta met them by the entrance.

"Hey," he greeted Katniss with a hug and a kiss (they were lovers and engaged to be married), before giving Haymitch a handshake. "You guys were great!"

Haymitch nodded his thanks, though he was no longer paying attention. He spotted somebody across the room, wearing a burning crown that identically matched his, a crown with the words "Quarter Quell Victor" emblazoned in its gold…

Indigo Weaver. District 8, and victor of the First Quarter Quell a half-century before. A common thief, betrayed to the arena by his own neighbors, only to then win. Haymitch figured that his and Indigo's reapings had been rigged especially to ensure that they met in the arena. Hell, he wouldn't be surprised if the Gamemakers manipulated the whole damn event so that it came down to the two of them for the most dramatic showdown in Hunger Games history - even more dramatic than last year's Star Crossed Lovers from District 12.

Indigo had now spotted Haymitch and began to walk over. Haymitch found himself closing the gap. The two Quarter Quell victors regarded each other.

"Hello, Haymitch."

"Hello, Indigo."

The two men shook hands, both ignoring the flurry of cameras as reporters snapped the historic shot that could well be headline news in a matter of minutes. Haymitch felt Katniss's presence behind him.

"Indigo, this is my protégé, Katniss Everdeen. Katniss - Indigo Weaver, First Quarter Quell victor, District 8"

Indigo smiled and took Katniss's hand. "At your service, my lady." He kissed her hand, and Haymitch swore he saw Katniss blush. Peeta gave a throaty and deliberate cough.


In training, Katniss and Haymitch stuck with Indigo and his district partner, Cecelia Sanchez. Katniss seemed to like both of them, which pleased her former mentor. Peeta had been encouraging them both to find allies for this time around, and though Katniss had been non-plussed at first, at least this was a start. At the end of the third day, Haymitch pulled Indigo aside.

"Allies?"

The former thief smirked. "You have to ask?"

"I just want to be sure. We have to protect her. She's become a symbol in the districts and if she can win again…."

"Relax, Abernathy. I understand. I promise to help in any way I can. Besides, what better protection could Katniss have from the Careers than by teaming up with two Quarter Quell victors? Cecelia will come with us, too, and she is very useful."

Haymitch nodded. "Good. That's settled then."