Disclaimer: I do not own the Hunger Games or any of the characters. I only own Azari Trestin and any other character that doesn't seem familiar. Any of the story line that seems familiar, I most likely do not own. However, this is my own creation. This does relate to the Hunger Games, but in a different story line.

Azari POV

After the parade, we were rushed back up to our floor. We were undressed and were allowed to slip into more comfortable clothes to watch the parade recap. I was wearing a long sleeve black shirt that went over my hands and some tan board shorts. I had found my token on my bed, Tigris must have had someone put it there after the Tribute parade. I closed my eyes and breathed out, thanking her for her thoughtful personality. If I didn't have the stylist that I had, I don't know what would become of me. One of my mentors was constantly checking out, and my other hadn't been in the Games in years. Finnick was my best chance at survival, but as of now, that chance of survival seemed very, very slim to me.

Steeling my nerves I left my current 'room' and headed to watch the parade recap, knowing that if I didn't head out now, one of the Avoxes would've come and got me. Actually, it probably would've been one of my mentors. Even though they were my best chance at surviving the Games, every time I saw Finnick I was tempted to turn and smack the smirk off of his face. Mags greeted me when I walked into the room. I smiled and nodded my head, sitting as far away from everyone else as possible. The parade recaps started.

I wasn't really paying attention until Finnick announced that training would begin tomorrow. After he stated that, I turned around to start and actually listen to his words.

"Is there anything you'd recommend for us?" I asked.

"Don't work with what you're best at. Don't let the other tributes know what you're good at. Make alliances. But be careful with District's One and Two. If you form that alliance, watch your back in the arena. Stabbing other tributes in the back is what they're known for." Finnick informed us.

"Literlly."

Finnick smirked at me. He went to go sit down on one of the chairs. Mags turned to me and reached out for my hair.

"I love your hair." she mumbled.

"Thank you."

I turned around a bit more to let her play with my hair, then she started to tug and weave. I tensed, ready to panic.

"Relax." Finnick called, "She's braiding your hair."

Slowly, I eased up a bit. But could you really blame me? I was in a place where children killing other children was viewed as entertainment. Mags finished braiding my hair and secured it on my head.

"Thank you." I mumbled.

The announcement to go to our bedrooms couldn't have come soon enough. As far as I was concerned, I took off at a full sprint to my room. Once I changed into something baggy and comfortable, I began to pace, thoughts invading my already crowded brain.

I won't survive.

But I have to, my siblings need me.

The other tributes though! There's no way someone like me, of my size and stature, could win something as deadly as the Games.

You have your talents. You can throw knives, weave nets and baskets.

Oh yeah and weaving nets and baskets is really going to solve my problem!

"Great." I muttered under my breath, "Now I'm arguing with myself. This couldn't get any worse could it?"

Knocks came from my door. The raps were quick and light. Not Finnick, nor Mags. An Avox maybe?

"Come in."

The trembling figure of my District partner stood in my doorway.

"Hey, kid. What's wrong?"

"I can't sleep." West informed, voice cracking.

"C'mere."

West quickly sped over to me and wrapped his arms around my torso.

"Azari I'm scared." he whimpered.

"I know kiddo. I know."

I held him tightly to me as he shook like a leaf, sobs wracking his body. I shushed him and ran my fingers through his honey blonde hair. He didn't deserve this. He was only fourteen!

"Come on, let's head to your room."

The small boy sniffled and nodded. I grabbed his hand in my own and led him back to his room.

"Will you stay with me?" he asked, glassy, wide eyes staring up at me.

"Of course I will."

I tucked him in, feeling my own tears trying to emerge. Laying down next to him, we started to swap stories until he got sleepy.

"Good night kid. Sweet dreams." I kissed him on the forehead and made my way back to my own compartment.

I threw myself on top of the bed. Once comfortable, I stared up at the ceiling as the thoughts plagued my mind. I couldn't help but think about Rosie and Lily. Were they okay? Was my mother taking care of them? Did they miss me? I wanted to go home just as much as the next Tribute, but I thought about how selfish that was. I wasn't the only one who wanted to go home. Everyone here did. Looking around at the faces in the Capitol made me woozy. Every face I saw just didn't have a care in the world. No children starving, no families lost. Even District's One and Two suffered.

Images of my father and brother began to bubble up to the surface.

"Daddy! Daddy! Catch me!"

"I'll never let you go."

"Come on Azari! I'll teach you! It's not that hard!"

I shook away those memories and brought a hand up to wipe my face, only to pull back in surprise.

I didn't notice the tears, I guess crying was becoming second nature.

"No." I whispered to myself, "Don't be weak. You have to stay strong. You just have to. Crying's not an option anymore."