CHAPTER 2: Journey to the Capitol

Cato and I shake hands on Isis' command. I give him a stony look. Nothing to friendly, yet nothing that reveals my fear of him. Afterwards, we are congratulated by the crowd and ushered into the Justice Building, where we sit in separate rooms to say our goodbyes.

My first visitor is my mother. She runs in and embraces my tightly, breathing heavily. You'd think she was this years tribute from 2. My first instinct is to push her away. But I don't. I just wriggle away from her after a few seconds. Her eyes are puffy, but no tears escape her. I'm so angry at her. Does she not believe I'll make it back? My own mother doesn't believe I'm good enough! I can just hope the Game makers don't have the same impression.

Quick Authors Note: Clove's mom and dad divorced when she was 3 and she hasn't seen her dad since which is why he isn't in the story.

"Mom! I'll be fine!" I bark at her.

"I-I know. B-but I just...Cato is so b-big! A-and he...I'm scared he might come a-after yoouu!" she blubbers.

I roll my eyes, "I promise you I'll be okay." I tell her more soothingly.

The Peacekeepers bang on the doors. My mother pulls me in one last hug and this time I hug her back, just in case I don't make it home. She kisses my cheek and I give her a reassuring smile. Then the Peacekeepers are pulling her away and I am left alone.

I have no other visitors.

After a few minutes, I am taken to the train station to be transported to the Capitol, where Cato and I will be prepped for the opening ceremonies.

The station is buzzing with cameras and reporters. I walk by, with my head held high, not giving them any attention at all.

I embark the train and feel the train give a lurch. Then, I feel nothing. At this speed I won't feel the movement of the quick train.

Isis walks up to Cato and I with a big grin on her face,"What a pleasure to meet you! I'm Isism as you know. We're going to have a good time to together during our short time until the Games. I'm sure you'll both do well." she tells us.

Cato and I both nod, not knowing what to say. Isis picks up our hesitation and says, "I'll get someone to show you to your rooms and then you can change and come down to lunch."

She motions for some people to come over and I am escorted to down a hallway. Neither of us talk and I wonder why my escort hasn't said anything yet. I thought people in from the Capitol talk nonstop...

We enter a room and I look around in awe. A fluffy, warm bed, a silky carpet, a shiny mahogany dresser, a big TV. These all sit in my room and more. The door slams behind me and I whirl around in shock. My escort has left, not only without saying a word, but also slamming the door. How rude!

I change into a red t-shirt, black pants, and black boots. I decide to leave my ponytail up and then walk out the door. Isis, Cato, and Lotus sit at a table, but Braxton is nowhere in sight. I sit down next to Cato and he gives me a small smile. So small I almost don't catch it. But I don't return it. I'm sure this is some trap.

"So, Lotus. Any advice for when we get to the Capitol?" Cato asks, taking a spoon of his soup that just arrived.

"Yes. When we reach the Capitol, you will be put in the hands of your stylist and prep team. Believe me, you won't like what they do to you. But please do not resist. It will be better for you and them. Then follow whatever directions they tell you for the chariot ride." Lotus says.

Braxton then enters the room and glares at Lotus, "Already started giving advice have you, Lotus? Already trying to make yourself the favorite mentor?" he asks with a smirk.

"Not my fault you weren't here earlier" Lotus responds promptly.

We all eat in silence for the rest of the train ride. It's clear to me: my mentors don't get along. I just hope it doesn't affect me in the arena.