I wait in a room in the Justice Building. I've been told that I'll get to say goodbye. The door opens, and my parents rush in. I embrace them and feel the tears return. "I'm so sorry, Lightning," my mother says. I remember that her close friend was reaped when they were just thirteen. Now, she has to lose another of the people she loves most to the Hunger Games. "I'm so sorry."

"It's okay, Mom," I manage. I know that it isn't. She knows that it isn't. We silently agree to pretend that I'm right.

"I believe in you, honey," my father whispers in my ear. "If anyone can win, you can."

I can't tell if he's being sincere or just hopeful. Perhaps he really means it. Perhaps, just perhaps, I really can win this. "Yeah, Dad," I agree halfheartedly.

It seems as if no time at all has passed when a Peacekeeper opens up the door and tells my parents that it's time for them to leave. I give and receive a few last, furtive kisses for luck and love, and then my parents are carted away. I stand in the middle of the room, feeling exceedingly empty. It feels like forever before the door opens again, and Ian comes in. His smile is false, but it is still a comfort. He's still trying to make me feel better. This is who I must be for the sake of that small boy very nearly at death's door.

"Ian," I say, relief flooding my voice. I hadn't been sure they'd let me see him before I left.

"You can do this, Light," he says to me as we hug. We hold each other tightly, threatening pain but only delivering assurance. "You're so smart; you can win this if you really try."

I nod, if only for his benefit. "I'll try."

There is silence again. "You better come home to me. I mean-" he cuts himself off. "I mean you better come home to me. Okay?"

"Okay," I agree.

He pulls back a little and inspects my face. At first, I think it's just so that he can memorize it, just in case. However, I decide otherwise when he kisses me on the forehead. Perhaps he was deciding what part of my face was the most appropriate. The forehead is good, I agree silently. I smile, donning my mask of confidence and assurance. He comes in for one more tight hug as soon as he hears the door opening. He ignores the Peacekeeper's pleas for a few moments before he lets me go and leaves the room, looking over his shoulder with a smile on his face.

I nod to him as the door shuts, and once again I'm left to myself. Luckily, it isn't for long, because the Peacekeepers call for me and lead me to a small car. Ambrosia is already waiting, and Cal is being led there too. The escort slides in to the middle seat, and Cal and I take the two window seats. I make sure that my face never falters. I will be strong for this boy.

Sitting is not comfortable, as the skirt of Ambrosia's dress is poofy and spilling over on to both of our laps. She chatters idly, and I think again that she may see through the mask of the Capitol. She doesn't say anything that makes me hate her or think her ignorant. She merely discusses what will happen to us. She doesn't offer private congratulations. She doesn't talk about how lucky we are for this honor. She doesn't praise the glamor and excess of the Capitol. She is frank in content but holds on to her gaudy appearance. I look into her eyes and try to ask this question of her. I'm not sure, because I can surely never be certain without a direct response, but I think she nods to me, confirming every unasked question that my eyes have dared to venture. I can see that she is beautiful underneath the ridiculous Capitol make-up and surgeries.

The train is large and expensive, and we are ushered on to it with the same rapidity that has accompanied the whole day. There in grandeur there that almost makes me sick. The Districts struggle for survival and the Capitol has this excess at its disposal. On the train, we are met with the previous victors. Teho Current steps toward us. "Congratulations," he says sarcastically. "Happy Hunger Games." He is large and strong with a square chin and large shoulders. His hair is short and brown, and his eyes are a similar color. He looks tired, though, and quite a bit older than he is. That seems to be a theme with Victors. I try not to notice.

I think that I can see Cal shaking beside me. "Thank you," I say, keeping my voice steady.

He raises an eyebrow. "Now, we'll be at the Capitol by noon tomorrow. When you're there, your real training will start. Every victor here will be able to give you advice and help you train, but you're allowed one main 'mentor' to help you. You can choose, or we can draw straws."

I look around and scrutinize all the victors sitting or standing in this car. My eyes fall on Joule.

"You're so smart; you can win this if you really try."

Ian was right. I was smart; it had always been my strongest attribute. Joule Osbourne had won her games by outsmarting the competition. I walk over to her tentatively. "If you'll do it, I'd like you to be my mentor," I say.

She looks into my eyes, appraising. She's looking for what I can do already. She's already assessing what she thinks will be my weaknesses and strengths. Perhaps she can see that I know what she's doing because she smiles down at me. "I'd be happy to." However, her voice tells the truth. She's tired. She's been a victor for too long. She's seen children come in year after year and never come out. Her advice isn't always enough. I suddenly find another person to win these games for. I don't want her to have to lose another tribute.

I turn my attention back to Cal. He looks around, but he turns quickly back to Teho. "Will you be my mentor?" he asks, and I can hear the shake in his voice.

Teho nods, knowing that it will be a useless cause. He knows that the best that he can do is to stall Cal's death. I raise my voice. "Is the footage available for us to watch the other reapings? Get an early view of our competition?"

I see a smile creep up on Joule. "I like this one," she says to her fellow victors.