The train ride lasts a while. I try to get some rest, but my dreams are haunted with visions of Rue getting killed over and over again in various ways. Eventually I give up, and wander into the hall. I enter the lounge and sit on a couch, watching the land zip by as the train races along the tracks.

"You can't sleep either?"

I turn around and notice Rue sitting in an overstuffed chair. Part of me is shocked to see her alright, and not mutilated in some way like she was in my dreams.

"Not really," I reply.

She looks at me with her large brown eyes and bites her lip. "Chaff thinks you can win. So does Seeder and Vivian . . ."

I glance at her, I'm not exactly sure how to answer the statement. After a few seconds I motion to the spot on the couch next to me. She pauses, and then comes over and sits with me.

"I may be big and strong, Rue, but you're quick and clever. I think you have just as good a chance as me," I say.

"Really?"

"Absolutely."

She sits silently and then leans her head against my arm. After a few minutes she falls asleep. I look down at her sleeping form, and put my arm around her tiny body. Whatever happens, I must protect her. Soon, I feel myself drift into a nightmare-free sleep.

I wake up the next morning to find myself still sprawled on the coach. Rue's already gone, and I can hear the sounds of talking from the next room. I wander over to the sounds, and discover Seeder, Chaff, Vivian and Rue sitting around the table eating breakfast.

"Morning," Chaff calls as I enter the room. He motions for me to sit. "Seeder and I have been discussing the survival strategies we're going to teach you and Rue."

Rue ducks her head, and takes another mouthful of bread. I'm surprised someone so small can eat so much, but she's been devouring any food set before her.

"And?" I ask.

Chaff shakes his head and skewers a piece of meat with his knife, he struggles a bit as he tries to cut it, since he only has one hand. He lost the other in the Games. Everyone in District 11 knows the story - he is one of our only victors, after all.

"Don't be so hasty, Thresh, these Games will likely be the death of you."

Seeder raises her eyebrow at him. "The fact is, we've got different strategies for the two of you that play to each of your strengths, and we don't really want you to know the other's plan because, well . . ."

"There's only one victor," Chaff finishes bluntly. Then adds, "Not that we don't want you two to work together."

"Chaff, just stop talking," Seeder says, shaking her head.

"Oh, look!" Vivian pipes up. "I can see the Capitol!"

I walk over to the window and stare out. The Capitol is breath-taking, with tall skyscrapers and large glass windows on every building, but there's something about it that seems so . . . fake to me. It leaves a bad taste in my mouth.

As we get closer I start to see the people. I'm so shocked by their appearances I'm not sure how to react. They look so bizarre. Some have different colored skin, strange hair teased over their heads in strange curls, and gallons of make-up plastered onto their face.

Rue's eyes are wide as she stares out the window at the people. They cheer and start waving at us. I fold my arms and stare at them, without waving back. These people are going to watch us die; we're just part of a game to them. I refuse to play along. I'm going to let them know just how much I despise them.

Rue just stares open-mouthed at them as we pass, not sure how to react. The train comes to a sudden stop, and Vivian beckons us to leave the vehicle.

As I walk through the crowd of people, I keep a stony expression on my face. Rue walks closely behind me, as if she's using me to shield her from the eyes of the Capitol people.

I hear the people making comments about my size, and how District 11 might finally have another victor. Then I hear someone comment about Rue.

"Poor girl, she doesn't stand a chance. I bet she'll die in the bloodbath."

I freeze and spin around, my eyes flashing as I try to spot the person who said it. Chaff comes up behind me and grabs my arm, pulling me forward.

"Easy, Thresh," he whispers in my ear. "Remember, you need these people."

"I don't want anything to do with them!" I hiss.

"I know, but they're potential sponsors. They're the difference between life and death."

I walk stiffly the rest of the way, squaring my shoulders and trying to look confident. The doors of the Capitol building close behind me, and I finally let my act drop.

I'm heading to certain death, and my life is in the hands of those strange bird-like people. Great.