For a moment he just, couldn't think, couldn't concentrate on anything except those two words. Primrose Everdeen...Primrose Everdeen. Kaden could feel the gazes of people around him, could hear the unhappy murmurs of the crowd. But he felt disconnected from them, like he wasn't really registering it, seeing the world through a thick fog that numbed his emotions. Was this what his father had felt like – still felt like?

It was only the sight of Prim's shaking form making her way up to the stage, face drained of blood and eyes wide in fear that snapped him out of his shock. He wanted to run forward, to grab his sister and flee, just keep going until the world – the Hunger Games – was too far behind them to ever catch up.

But he couldn't. They'd be caught, he knew that, and then Prim would still be in the Games and they'd kill him, and what good would he be to her dead? But it was agonising, just...standing there, having to watch her trembling on the stage and wanting to scream why? Why Prim, why his tiny sister who couldn't bear to kill a squirrel, never mind another human being? Why punish children for the actions of men and women who lived over seventy years ago? What the hell was the point in all of this, any of it?

"Let's give a round of applause for the female tribute!" Effie said, and Kaden had never wanted to hit someone as much as he did then. Couldn't she see how wrong this was? How cruel and senseless? He'd never agreed with the Hunger Games, but every injustice hit so much harder now that it was his sister up there.

Prim was staring at the ground, desperately trying to hide her fear from the cameras even as a few tears leaked from the corners of her eyes. Kaden's fists clenched tightly, biting painfully into his palms and he was grateful for the distraction from his tremulous emotions, even if it was only temporary. He wondered how anyone else managed this; how could they handle seeing someone they loved so afraid? How could they stand knowing the chance of their survival was so narrow it might as well not have been at all?

Effie was walking over to the boy's ball when he finally caught Prim's eye. She was biting down on her lip, a habit she'd learnt from him, and her skirt was creased from where she'd been twisting it between her fingers. She looked so small standing alone in the middle of the stage, trying to put on a brave face despite her obvious fear, and Kaden had never felt so angry in his life. It curled uncomfortably in his chest, a roaring fire that just grew and grew the longer he looked at her.

They'd picked his sister, his little Primrose, and he didn't even listen long enough to hear the chosen boy's name before he started moving away from the clump of seventeen-year-olds, blue eyes routed on his sister's fearful ones. I'll keep you safe, he thought, fists clenched so hard that he could feel blood starting to drip steadily down his hand, I promise.

"Peeta Mell-"

"I volunteer." He said, voice almost a shout so that he could be heard over Effie's magnified voice. There was a dead silence after his announcement, and every camera in the square swung around to face him. He wondered what he looked like to them. Could they see his anger, see his hatred that burned so hotly it hurt? Could they see his resolution in his eyes, his promise to protect his sister no matter what happened, to tear down any who would do her harm – including them?

He made his way up to the stage, forcefully relaxing his hands once he reached the steps and ignoring the small droplets of red he left in his wake. It was obvious Effie wasn't quite sure what to do. In the Districts where teenagers would scramble for the chance to compete, they'd put the volunteers names in the ball again, and whoever was picked that time would be the tribute. No one in District 12 had ever volunteered, not as far as he was aware, since it was pretty much a death sentence to whoever was foolish enough to do so. He couldn't understand how anyone could not, how any sibling could just stand by and watch.

"Lovely!" said Effie, still looking a bit frazzled but also excited. This must've been the most interesting thing to happen at a District 12 reaping in decades; maybe she'd get her promotion to a better district. "That's the spirit of the Games! What's your name?"

But Kaden ignored her and headed towards Prim, who was looking up at him with horrified eyes. She ran the last few metres to meet him, and he scooped her up into a hug as she buried her face in his neck. He hadn't held her like this since she was a kid, since she was a bit big for it now, but he kept his balance and rubbed her back as she sobbed in a mixture of terrible fear and relief. He could still feel the cameras on them, knew they were watching his every move and action, but he didn't care as he said, "It's okay Prim, you'll be okay. I'll keep you safe. That's a promise."

He gently set her down, and she transferred her grip to his mid-section instead as he turned to look at Effie. Her eyes were ridiculously wide in her pale face, her confusion palpable. Might as well clear it up for her – and everyone else who didn't live in District 12, who already knew him. "I'm Kaden Everdeen." He couldn't remove all the heat from his voice, and Effie flinched before regaining her composure.

"You must be Miss Everdeen's brother, am I right?" She didn't wait for confirmation before continuing, "Come on, everybody! Let's give a big round of applause to our newest tributes!"

No one clapped. Some were solemn, like they had already accepted the inevitability of the siblings' deaths, whilst others looked angry. These were mostly the ones he interacted often with at the Hob, as well as few kids he was friends with at school. And then, gradually but steady, almost every member of the crowd touched the three middle fingers of their left hand to their lips and held it out to the two standing on the stage. Thank you. Goodbye. He was startled at this act of defiance, this refusal to pretend that everything was okay, and felt absurdly proud of them in that moment, enough that he couldn't help the grin spreading across his face.

Haymitch chose this moment to bring attention to himself, stumbling across the stage and throwing an arm around Kaden's shoulders, thankfully on the side opposite to his sister. "I like this one!" he bellowed, the stench of alcohol hitting the boy in the face. Kaden wrinkled his nose, and tried to stamp down on his amusement when the older man continued, "Lots of...spunk! More than you!" Releasing Kaden he stepped forward, towards the front of the stage. Then he pointed directly at a camera, "More than you!"

Was he really taunting the Capitol? Kaden desperately bit back the urge to applaud, and hoped they would dismiss it as the ramblings of a drunk instead of an act of dissent that needed to be punished. But before he could go on he plummeted off the edge of the stage, and when Kaden leant forwards in alarm he could see the older man had knocked himself unconscious. A short laugh escaped him, even as the cameras swung back around to focus on the tributes. He heard Prim giggling into his side and smiled wider, glad that she was able to be happy to any capacity despite the situation.

It was up to the mayor to get everything back on track as Haymitch was carted away on a stretcher, and he began to read the long, dreary Treaty of Treason as he was required to do so every year. Instead of listening – he'd practically memorised the boring thing by now – Kaden looked over at Blair. Her scowl was even deeper than normal, and she kept sending Prim sad glances, like she was preparing herself for the small girl's death. He gritted his teeth and wrapped an arm protectively around Prim's shoulders, gaining the old woman's attention. He couldn't see the same hopelessness when she looked at him, and he felt his anger building at the implication. But Blair seemed to read his intentions in his gaze, and though she pressed her lips into a thin line she nodded at him, and he knew that she'd help him.

Help him to save Prim. And for that, he would need to die.

But first, twenty-two tributes would fall. He'd make sure of it.

. . .

They played the anthem when the mayor finished, and then Kaden and Prim were escorted by a group of Peacekeepers he didn't recognise – must've been from the Capitol – into the Justice Building. They were separated into different rooms, and though Kaden was reluctant to let go of his sister he knew that it would be pointless to fight on this, since he would be seeing her again in an hour. Prim nodded when he explained this to her, and he was allowed to drop her off at her room before going to his.

He collapsed onto one of the velvet chairs, leaning his head to rest against the back and looking up at the shapeless patterns on the white ceiling. His body was shaking, he realized, and he had to concentrate to still his hands. Turning them over he winced at the small gashes he'd made in his palm, and the blood congealed under his nails. Hopefully no one had noticed; he didn't exactly want to be known as a masochist by the entirety of Panem.

He snorted. It was typical of him to get distracted by something so petty, when he didn't want to face the true source of his fears. No, that was wrong. He knew what was coming – or at least had a good idea – and yeah, he was scared, but he didn't want to dwell on that. Whilst fear did make you more alert, it could also cause you to freeze and fall apart, and he couldn't afford to do that.

He looked up when the door slammed open and his father stalked in. Anger and worry cast conflicting shadows on his face, and Kaden had no idea what to say. Since his mother's death they'd never been as close as they'd once been, but he still loved his father, still wanted his approval. They stared at each other for few moments before the teenager stood. "Father-" he started.

Tero interrupted, "I spoke to Prim. She said – she told me what you said. About protecting her." He stared at his son unblinkingly, grey eyes grim. "You know what that means, don't you? You can't just go saying that to her-"

"I mean it." Kaden said firmly, jaw clenching. "I'll look after her, and then she'll come home and live the rest of her life never wanting for anything. And yes," he continued when his father opened his mouth. "I know that means I have to d-die." He stumbled over the last word and cursed himself for it. For all his determination he was still afraid. He didn't want to die, but it didn't matter. He wanted Prim to live more.

His father stared at him for a few moments, before seeming to deflate. He suddenly seemed like – well, like what he was; a father who's children were being taken away, knowing that only one could return, and even then the odd weren't in their favour. Kaden walked forward and placed a tentative hand on the taller man's shoulder, saying with his usual smile, "Hey, it'll be okay. You shouldn't worry so much; you'll give yourself grey hair."

"I thought it was fright that caused that," he muttered in reply, and Kaden was glad to hear the wry tone.

"Eh, close enough." he shrugged, then turned serious. "Look after yourself, you hear? Prim's gonna need her father when she gets home."

"You've always been more of a father to her than I have," Tero said, but at the glare he received he amended with a sigh. "I'll do my best. It won't be – it won't be like last time, I promise."

Kaden searched for the honesty in his eyes for a moment before nodding, allowing his hand to drop and his body to relax. "Good," he breathed. It had been one of his worries, that even if Prim did survive – and she would, she had to – she'd be alone. The reassurance that she wouldn't took a weight off he shoulders.

Then the door opened again, and a Peacekeeper said, "Time's up." Tero gave his son one last long look before turning to leave, and Kaden waved weakly at him when he glanced over his shoulder before the door closed.

Thankfully he wasn't left alone with his thoughts for long. He couldn't stop his surprise from showing when he saw who it was; Peeta Mellark, the boy who's place he had taken. He stood awkwardly by the door, glancing at Kaden's curious face before looking away. He didn't know much about Peeta, just that he was the baker's son and so was better off than most people, and that he had a couple of brothers. They'd never really spoken before, since he was a year younger and they didn't have any classes together.

Just as Kaden was wondering if he was going to stand in silence for the rest of his visit, he pulled out a white paper package from inside his jacket and held it out. "I just wanted to say, to say thank you, I guess," he finished weakly.

"I didn't do it for you," Kaden replied, not unkindly, as he took the offering. Inside were a few cookies, and his mouth watered at the sight. The last time he had a cookie was when he managed to trade an unusually plump rabbit for a rather stale one a few years ago, for Prim's birthday. They'd shared it between them, and Kaden had declared it his favourite food.

"I know," Peeta said quickly, looking like he was berating himself in his head.

Taking pity the black-haired boy smiled at him. "Thanks, I haven't had cookies in a while."

Peeta returned the smile, looking relieved. "You're welcome." The blond hesitated, then headed for the door, pausing to say an unsure, "Good luck." before leaving. Kaden blinked at the abrupt exit, but wasn't offended. He wasn't that keen on awkward silences either, which would've been inevitable.

His next guest was just as unexpected. Madge walked determinedly into the room, and started speaking before he could even say 'Hi'. "They let you wear one thing from your district in the arena. One thing to remind you of home. Will you wear this?" She held out a circular, gold pin – she'd been wearing it on her dress earlier, he remembered. It depicted a small bird in flight – a mockingjay or something like it.

"Are you sure?" It was expensive, he could tell, and very well made. Why would Madge give it up for him to use as a token? He considered her a friend, but he hadn't known he was her friend too - until now.

"Absolutely," she said with an assurance that he didn't want to argue with. "Here, I'll put it on your shirt, all right?" She didn't wait for an answer, instead fixing the pin on the left side of his chest, just under his collarbone. It didn't weigh much, and the metal had already heated up from Madge holding it. "Promise you'll wear it into the arena, Kaden? Promise?"

"I promise," he laughed, "Thank you." Then Madge suddenly pushed up onto her toes and pressed a kiss to his cheek, spinning around with a swish of her dress and leaving before he had time to react. After a few moments of surprised blinking he murmured, "Girls are weird."

When the door swung open again he was half-hoping it wouldn't be another random visitor. Thankfully it was Gale who stepped through, and Kaden barely had time to grin at the sight of his best friend before he was pulled into a tight hug. Then Gale moved back whilst he was still frozen in surprise – the older boy wasn't big on physical contact, or at least Kaden had thought he wasn't – and said, "Listen, getting a knife should be pretty easy, but you've got to get your hands on a bow. That's your best chance."

Kaden nodded in agreement, before frowning. "But they don't always have bows, and I'm not that great at making them."

"It doesn't matter," Gale dismissed, "A weak bow is better than no bow, and there's almost always some wood for you to use. If not, I know you've been practising with your father's weapons, so you have an advantage there."

"The Careers will've been training for this since before they knew how to talk! I'm nothing compared to that!" he exclaimed, allowing his doubts to leak in front of the one person he knew he could rely on, who he could trust. He could never express this to Prim, who was counting on him, and to anyone else it would make him look weak.

But Gale just put his hands reassuringly on Kaden's shoulders, saying, "Calm down, it's just hunting. You're the best hunter I know."

"But it's not just hunting," he argued, "They're other kids, like you and me. They have hopes and dreams and families. It's not like killing an animal; it's murder."

"So you'll let them kill Prim?" Kaden stiffened, but Gale went on, unrelenting. "You'll let them hurt her, just because you don't want to be a murderer?" Images flashed through his mind. Faceless figures who stood laughing over the bloodied corpse of his sister, her glassy eyes staring up at him accusingly.

"No, I won't let anyone touch her." He said firmly, resolve hardening into something unbreakable. "I'd kill them first."

Gale sighed, and Kaden couldn't tell whether it was in relief or something else altogether. "Good." The door opened and a Peacekeeper told them that Gale had been there long enough. The older boy managed a smile and ruffled Kaden's hair, earning him a playful punch in the shoulder. "Be careful out there, Kai. I'll see you soon," he said, and Kaden understood it was because he couldn't bring himself to say the final goodbye.

"Yeah, I'll see you."

. . .

When they arrived at the train station it was swarming with reporters and cameramen, all waiting to catch a glimpse of the District 12 tributes. Prim's eyes were red from crying, and Kaden carefully tucked her against his side as they made their way towards the train, shielding her at least somewhat from the eager eyes of the Capitol. He knew he should be trying to get as much attention as possible, should be posing for the cameras and getting people to want to sponsor him, but his rage was rising again at the sight of their excitement and blatant disregard for the fact that they were sending children to their deaths. Maybe they'd been like him, a little disconnected from the Games by his lack of association with it. But now it was affecting him personally, his fear spurring on his anger.

So he glared out at the cameras whilst they were forced to wait in the doorway of the train, and felt a vicious satisfaction when a few people gained an uneasy look. It was only when Prim tugged at his shirt and he looked down at her that he smiled, able to ignore the flashing and babbling whilst he attempted to put the nervous girl at ease. "Did father come to see you?" he asked quietly, trying not to be overheard.

"Yeah," she replied, practically whispering. Her eyes gained a mischievous glint. "He said to make sure you didn't do anything stupid."

Kaden chuckled. "He would say that."

Finally they were allowed inside, and he looked around uncomfortably at the luxurious surroundings. Most of the furniture was made of a heavy-looking wood, and crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling. Then the train got going and he gaped at the speed, rushing over to the window to stare at the trees flashing by, ignoring Effie's disapproving huff.

"Come along," she said, moving to herd them along the carriage but looking reluctant to actually touch them. "I'll show you two to your chambers."

"Chambers?" Prim echoed in confusion.

It turned out that each tribute got their own set of private room, including a bedroom, a dressing area, and a private bathroom. They were right next door to each other, so the siblings didn't mind being separated for the short time it took to change clothes for supper, as per Effie's orders. Kaden didn't really see the point of it – he'd cleaned this morning, after all – but once he stepped under the hot spray of water he didn't want to ever get out. This must be what heaven feels like, he mused absently, rubbing some strange Capitol shampoo into his hair that made the locks silky smooth. Still spiky though, he noted in defeat.

Choosing a set of loose black trousers and a navy blue shirt he dressed quickly, remembering to grab Madge's gold mockingjay and pin it to his new shirt. He might not be in the arena yet but he didn't want to risk losing it. With the blue shirt he imagined it looked kind of like the bird was flying against the sky, blissfully free.

He didn't realise how much time had passed until Effie knocked on his door, and he sent Prim an apologetic look. He needn't have worried though; she'd only just finished getting dressed too, her hair still a little damp as it fell down the back of her green dress in shiny gold waves. They followed Effie down the narrow corridor, and the floor was so steady that it seemed impossible that the train was moving so quickly.

The dining room was just as impressive as the rest of the train, with a dark wooden table and matching chairs with soft cream seats. Blair was already seated, and when Effie enquired to the whereabouts of Haymitch she replied, "Gone to take a nap, last I saw. No doubt joined by a bottle or ten."

"Well, it's been an exhausting day," Effie said, choosing to ignore the Blair's comment and looking rather relieved at the man's absence.

When the food arrived the Everdeens dug in with gusto. It was more food than he'd ever seen at once; thick carrot soup, fresh salad, juicy steaks and buttery mashed potato, to name but a few. Kaden tried to take a little of everything, but his stomach wasn't used to such rich, fatty food, and so much of it at once, and by the end he was feeling a little sick. Prim was more sensible than he was, but even she filled and cleared her plate more than once. Was this what it would be like, as a victor? Never having to be hungry again, with warm showers and new clothes? Watching his sister smile contentedly, he feverishly wished so.

Seeing they were finished, Effie stood up. "This way; I'm sure you're curious to see who you'll be facing," she said brightly, and the three followed her into the cabin next door. Against one wall was a large screen, which flickered on when Effie picked up what seemed to be a small, streamlined remote control. There were three sofas and a chair, and Kaden settled on on of them, Prim hopping up beside him with her knees pulled up to her chest.

The screen showed a recap of the reapings, with the addition of commentators who add their own anecdotes and opinions. He made sure to pay attention to each district, learning their names and faces whilst trying to ignore the sick feeling of knowing that, one way or another, he was going to have to kill them. Sure, they might take each other out, or the Games itself might, but he had to prepare himself for the possibility.

District 2 was the only one other than 12 to have a volunteer – a brutish looking boy who's eagerness sent a shiver down Kaden's spine – and the rest of the Careers are the usual sort; athletic and well fed. The other tributes were mostly small and skinny, and he couldn't see them as much of a threat. The only exception was the district 11 boy, Thresh, who was taller than him and likely stronger too, judging by the powerful muscles in his arms. Kaden tried not to look at the female tribute, who was far too much like Prim with her tiny frame and wide eyes.

Finally they got to District 12, and Kaden swallowed at the sight of Prim standing alone and fearful on the stage. And then every camera was focussed on him, and he was taken aback by the fierceness on his own face, the blazing blue eyes glaring straight at the viewer. He knew that hadn't been his intention at the time, but he wondered what he must look like to the people who didn't know him as Prim's big brother. Did he look like the boy from 2, keen to try his hand at murder? Or could they see his desperation, his concern and apprehension? The commentators seemed to be in a state of shock when he hugged his sister, and told them his name. When they recovered they stared talking excitedly about how exciting the Games this year were going to be. As it turned out, his promise to Prim had been picked up on, and now they were wishing him "the best of luck!". Blair snorted at that.

The silent salute confused them, and one mentioned that 12 had always been a bit backwards. The camera panned out to show the crowd before focussing on his grinning face, the difference between his earlier expression of anger making the pride and happiness all the more obvious. It didn't help when one of the commentators decided to point out his good looks and "charming smile". Noticing the contemplative – assessing – glances Blair was sending him, Kaden was relieved when Haymitch gained the cameras attention instead. The program ended after the anthem was played, and Effie switched it off.

The Capitol woman's irritation seemed to be renewed by the sight of her ruffled self. "Your mentor has a lot to learn about presentation. A lot about televised behaviour." It was obvious which mentor she was talking about.

Kaden shrugged. "He's always drunk. I don't think he really cares about 'televised behaviour'."

Effie sniffed, folding one leg over the other. "Well, he should. Thousands of people are watching him! The entirety of Panem! How could he not care?"

Blair shot the younger woman a glare. "The same way you don't care about sending children to fight to the death for entertainment, ya damn peacock."

Effie gave a dramatic gasp and drew herself up, but before she could speak Haymitch stumbled into the room. "I miss supper?" he asked, voice slurred so much the words were near illegible, before promptly throwing up on the cream carpet and falling in the disgusting mess.

"That's it! I'm going to my room!" Effie about shrieked, jumping to her feet and fleeing the compartment in her ridiculous high heels.

Looking from his unconscious male mentor to the scowling female sitting across from him, Kaden slumped back with a sigh. "We're doomed."

. . .

Just wanted to clear a couple of things up. The short moral dilemma Kaden has whilst chatting with Gale? I'm not done with that yet – he'd not just gonna get over having to kill people that easily. I noticed they don't really go that much into it in the books, but since I've designed Kaden to be the sort of character who would care about that kind of thing I have to include it. Feels weird though; I've gotten used to writing borderline psychopaths (which I haven't all posted, mind).

Sorry if he'd coming across as a bit bipolar too. He's supposed to be cheerful, but he seemed determined to angst this chapter. Understandable, considering...

Oh, and though he is attractive he isn't going to be some sort of Finnick mark two. I don't really want to focus on it, but it seemed like the kind of thing the Capitol would mention. Plus it's kinda important with the whole sponsor thing.

I'd love to get some feedback on how I'm doing – criticisms are welcome too, as long as you tell me what I'm doing wrong – and thank you The-Mixed-Up-Girl for the review!