Hello anyone who is reading this story!

Sorry for not updating for a few days, busy schedule and inspiration has not been very kind to me :P

But I'm here with another chapter for all you guys, and I hope you will continue to read and enjoy this story.

Please let me know if there is anything you would like to see in the story, any ideas I could add to the plot, what you think about it, and pretty much anything, I like adding idea's that people give me if they work for the story, and some people like to see their idea's actually put into writing :)

Please review! Seriously, 72 views and only 3 reviews? That means there are 69 people who have read and not reviewed. (you know who you are.) It really doesn't take long and I really do appreciate it a lot!

So with that in mind here's the chapter!

Chapter Three: The Capitol.

I realize I must have dozed off, because I start awake as a loud knock sounds on the door.

"One minute!"

I call towards the door as I rub the sleep from my eyes and run in the bathroom. I look in the mirror and thankfully see that sleep has wiped away most of the signs of my crying. I quickly rinse my face in cold water and dry it off with a towel. Straightening out my clothes I walk to the door and open it.

I'm greeted by a tall and very thin middle-aged man, he has black hair and strange gold eyes, he's wearing a red uniform that tells me he works on the train.

"Yes?"

I ask as he just stands there. He points down the hall, towards the dining car.

"Dinner?"

I say slowly, he nods, and I realize he must be an avox, someone who is deemed a traitor of the capitol, they have their tongues cut out and are forced to work as servants.

"Are you an avox?"

I ask carefully, not wanting to offend him. He nods briefly, and turns to walk away.

"Thank you."
I call after him, he pauses and turns slightly, giving me a smile and a small nod. Then he disappears down the hall.

I close my door and walk back into the bathroom, I find a brush and run it through my hair several times. To my great surprise, it vibrates slightly and my hair curls where I brush it. Pleasantly surprised, I quickly brush all of my hair and am left with my whole head covered in loose curls.

I decide to stay in the dress I'm wearing in since it's only slightly wrinkled, and quickly walk to the dining car, hoping I'm not late. I'm not, and I smile as I see Will sitting in one of the strange green chairs at the large glass table. He turns around when he hears me walk in, and gives me a large smile.

"Hey Mags, what happened to your hair?"

I laugh slightly and run my fingers through the loose curls.

"I wanted to smooth my hair out, but the brush in the bathroom had other ideas."

He giggles and shakes his dark curls.

"Now you look more like me!"

I ruffle his curls and sit next to him.

"Sort of. Where did you get your curls and dark hair anyway? I look like mom with straight blonde hair and green eyes, Leroy has dad's light brown hair and brown eyes, and you, well you have almost black curly hair and blue eyes. Care to explain that?"

He shrugs with a grin and brushes his hand over my loose curls.

"I don't know, I'm just special I guess. Maybe I'm like Felix, his skin is really tan all the time, and he has black hair. People say he got it from someone way back in his family, maybe I got my dark curly hair and blue eyes from someone way back in our family too."

I kiss his forehead and shrug.

"Maybe."

He realizes something and says quickly.

"Mags I'm sorry for bringing up Felix...I didn't mean too...I didn't even think about it..."

I shake my head and put my arm around his shoulders.

"No, don't be sorry, I like talking about Felix. You mention him all you want."

"And who might I ask is Felix?"

Will and I both look up as a deep voice cuts in on our conversation. I can't help looking surprised when I see a young man with chocolate-colored hair that falls around his ears in thick waves. It's hanging slightly in his eyes, and with a small flick of his head he flips it to the side, exposing his bright grey eyes.

He flashes me a grin that shows his perfectly straight, shining white teeth.

"You must be Will and...Will's sister."

He sits down across from me and relaxes back in his chair crossing his arms as he continues.

"Pixie tried to tell me your name but I gave up trying to pronounce it."

He flashes us another grin.

"Probably because her variation of your name changed everytime she said it."

I shoot him a glare.

"It's Mags."

He raises his symmetrically arched eyebrows.

"Really? I thought it was longer...and much more complicated."

I continue to glare at him, not appreciating his casual and a little flirty attitude.

"Nope, just Mags."

He shrugs.

"Whatever. You didn't answer my question; who's Felix?"

I'm about to tell him that it's none of his dang business, but Will who has been silent all this time speaks up.

"He's Mags boyfriend."

I turn my glare to Will, but when he turns to look at me I can't stay mad at him. Especially not now.

"Oh?"

The young man says raising his arched brows, as he looks at me with an amused grin.

"You didn't tell me you had a boyfriend."

He says with the slightest hint of humor in his voice. I give him a glare and say coldly.

"It's none of you business."

He continues looking at me with that infuriating look of amused indifference as he replies casually.

"Actually, everything about you two is now my business."

I'm about to ask why when Pixie walks in, dressed in a completely different outfit that is just as outrageous as the last.

"Oh! I see you've met Dash, he's going to be your mentor!"

She trills happily as she sits down at the head of the table. I turn to the young man with a disbelieving raised eyebrow.

"Dash? Really?"

He clicks his tongue and winks at me as he replies.

"Short for Dashing."

I roll my eyes and make a point to ignore him. I turn to Pixie and ask.

"Is dinner going to be here soon? I'm starving."

Pixie turns to press a small button on the wall as Dash continues to stare at me.

"I don't suppose you'd tell me what your name is short for? Now that I've told you mine I think you owe me the right to know yours."

I turn to give him another glare and reply in a voice that clearly indicates 'back off'.

"I highly doubt your name is 'Dashing', and I don't owe you anything."

He keeps up his nonchalant attitude as he rests his elbows on the table and leans forward, dropping his voice until it's casually low.

"Actually, you and your little brother owe me your lives if you want me to get you out alive."

I lean forward slightly and stare straight into his grey eyes, lowering my voice so Will can't hear.

"Well in that case I still don't owe you anything."

Something flashes in his eyes for a moment, that looks like confusion or disbelief. I lean back in my chair and turn my attention to Will who has thankfully been paying no attention to Dash or I.

"Hey Will, what are you looking at?"

I ask nudging him with my elbow. He turns to look at me with wide eyes and points. I follow his finger and my jaw drops as I see servants walking into the dining car laden with trays that are overflowing with food.

As tray after tray is set on the table, everything else that was on my mind instantly vanishes, and now my brain is focused on one thing. Eating.

There are so many decadent and glorious culinary creations, most of which I don't even know what to call. There are many things placed before Will and I that we have never seen let alone heard of before.

Pixie notices our wide eyes and hanging jaws, and she giggles as she remarks.

"Isn't it wonderful! Only the best for our tributes!"

I notice that for once the grin is vacant from Dash's face, and although he appears indifferent, there's something in his mood that suggests he dislikes something. Could it be the fact that the capitol citizens gorge themselves on more rich food everyday than a family of five could feast on for a week back home? Maybe he just doesn't approve of tonight's menu, although I can't see how you could dislike all the different meals laid out before us.

The next hour or so Will and I spend eating as much as our stomachs can hold, and then some. Pixie eats very little, saying something about not wanting to gain weight. Silly capitol people, why would you ever not want to gain weight? Dash consumes a huge amount of food with ease, and if he eats that much for each meal it's a wonder he's not fat.

As this thought passes through my head I can't help observe his tall muscular form, coming to the conclusion that he must work out to maintain his figure.

After eating more food than I thought possible, Will and I are both feeling a little ill, and I know I want nothing more than to go to bed and fall into a food coma, but Dash has other plans.

"We need to watch a re-cap of the reapings, you need to get a feel for the other tributes."

Will innocently asks why, and Dash's face turns grim as he answers.

"You need to see what you're up against."

This scares Will, and I hold his hand tightly before shooting Dash a look. Will cheers up after a minute and runs into one of the many lounge cars, immediately falling into a giant round pillow that is lying on the floor. He sinks into it slightly and crows his delight. Pixie smiles and explains that it's called a sandbag, and that like its name implies, is filled with sand.

I sit on a plush light blue couch facing the giant screen on the wall. Dash saunters over and plops down on the same couch, sitting uncomfortably close to me. I slide over until I'm leaning against the arm of the couch, and pick up a fluffy pink pillow, hugging it protectively. I catch Dash's amused grin out of the corner of my eye, and tell myself to ignore it.

Dash picks up a small rectangle of glass, and I watch fascinated as it lights up. He taps one of the lights and the screen on the wall flickers to life. The games are a huge event, and it's all the capitol talks about from a week before the reaping until a month after the victor is crowned. Dash quickly finds the channel that is dedicated solely to the games, and we are just in time to watch a re-cap of each districts reapings.

I look with mild surprise at the interview host, a man named Estevan Gypsy. He has black hair that sticks up in sharp spikes, and silver tattoos lacing down the left side of his face, starting above his eyebrow curving down his cheekbone, following his jaw line and ending at his chin where he has a goatee that ends in a curl. It is the same color as his tattoo, creating the illusion that the tattoos leave his skin and form the beard. His suit is a shiny black with silver accents, and as he starts talking I notice that his two canines are inlaid with silver. I think I can guess what his favorite color is.

"Ladies and gentleman!"

He begins with a one-sided grin, as he pauses to wait for the cheers to die down, I make a note on how his voice sounds normal, unlike the usual squeekyness of the capitol citizens.

"Welcome to the first broadcast of the eleventh hunger games! Tonight we will be watching the reapings of each district, and catch a glimpse of this years tributes!"

The crowd bursts into more cheers, and this cue's the screen to switch to the reaping footage.

"Pay close attention to everyone, sometimes the tributes everyone writes off first are the ones with the most to hide."

Dash tells Will and I as District one flashes on the screen. I listen to what he says and observe each tribute carefully.

The two from District one both volunteer, and I realize that as far back as I can remember the tributes from Districts one and two are almost always volunteers.

The girl from District one's name is Ruby, she has flowing red-gold hair and intense honey hued eyes. She's tall and lithe, moving almost like a cat up onto the stage, she is going to be a big threat.

The boy from one is named Champion, and he looks like he could be just that with his sinewy figure and dark piercing eyes.

Both tributes from District two are also volunteers, and if at all possible look more deadly than the two from District one.

The girl is so muscular, it looks almost unnatural. She has short, choppy hair the color of dirty straw and her eyes appear to be a dark brown, although they are so dark they look almost black.

The boy form two is huge, and not just tall, which he has to be around six and a half feet, but wide, his shoulders and chest are broad and muscular, his legs look as thick as my waist, and he shakes the stage as he stomps up the steps. His short hair is almost white and his light blue eyes are ice-cold.

The tributes from District three are both thin and small, and they both look terrified.

The girl is only thirteen, and her curly red hair and shy green eyes make my heart ache.

The boy isn't much better, he's the same age as Leroy, but about a half a foot shorter. His shaggy brown hair falls past his ears, and his eyes look even larger behind small round glasses.

Then it's our reapings, and I flush with embarrassment as the screen pauses and Estevan makes a short commentary.

"Before we continue I would like to say something about this next reaping. I think we were all surprised with the way this particularly unusual reaping played out."

The screen starts again, and I blush darker as Pixie calls out my name.

"May-jar-ita?"

She calls unsure of herself. The cameras zoom in on my face, and I watch myself as I realize that I was the one who was reaped. My face registers surprise, then it levels out to almost indifference. I watch myself walk quietly on stage and stand next to the microphone, looking calm and confident. My eyes scanning the crowd for my family. I look over at Will as Pixie picks his name and reads it out. His face betrays nothing, and he looks at me with a grin.

"No! It can't be him!"

My attention is returned to the screen as I shout out on stage. I can feel Dash's eyes on me, and this succeeds in deepening my blush further.

I watch myself stare in complete shock at the small piece of paper, shaking my head slightly as I manage to choke out.

"No..."

The paper slip falls from my hands, and I'm frozen in shock, staring at the small paper on the stage.

"I volunteer!"

The cameras have zoomed in on Felix's face, showing the desperate determination on his face. A peacekeeper moves to stop him going towards the stage, and the scattered shouts crush any idea he had. The cameras switch back to my face, and I watch my expression change from confusion to realization, to fear and back to hopeless shock again. Will walks up to the stage, looking carefree and easygoing like always, like he's just taking a walk on the beach.

I watch him give me a smile, and pain registers on my face, then I manage to straighten up and return his smile, determination on my face now. Pixie inquires about our last name being the same, and I'm glad my response, although shaky, sounded stronger and more confident.

Dash chuckles as Will rolls his eyes and replies sarcastically to Pixie's comment about us not looking alike.

"That wasn't very nice you know."

Pixie says poutily. Will gives her a smile and Dash says quickly.

"No, no, it was smart."
He turn and looks at Will.

"Good thinking Will, the capitol love humor, and what you did there is already getting you fans."

Will's eyes brighten up.

"Really?"

Dash nods.

"Yup, I promise they're going to love you."

Will returns to the screen with a happy smile. Dash looks over at me and I refuse to make eye contact. While I am grateful for him boosting Will's spirit, I am not going to put up with his attitude.

The screen freezes again, and Estevan begins talking about the reaping.

"There you have it. A lot more action than we usually get in all the reapings! Think about it, a brother and sister reaped, a desperate volunteer attempt which is shot down due to the fact the boy had turned nineteen that day! Imagine if the reaping had been a day before? Yes folks this is indeed a tragedy. The two Flint kids will have a lot more to face before this is all over. I wonder if they will face it together? Or will this be the time that they don't discriminate between family?"

I snort in disgust at the thought of Will and I turning on one another. Will looks back at me with a smile.

"He's silly to think we'd ever hurt each other."

I return his smile and wrinkle my nose.

"Yeah, he's crazy."

Dash watches us closely, and I wonder briefly what he's thinking.

The rest of the reapings aren't that memorable. District five, six, eight, nine, eleven and twelve's tributes didn't really make an impression, I do remember that the girl from eight was only twelve, and her tiny frame looks like you could break her with a hug.

District seven's tributes both look strong, the girl is my age, and I think her name is Patricia. The boy is eighteen and he's covered in scars from I assume working in the forests. I don't remember his name, but his stoney face is hard to forget.

The two from ten were puzzling. The girl was sixteen, but she was so tiny. Her blue-grey eyes looked like they could hypnotize you, and there was something about the way she moved onto the stage that made me think of a cat stalking it's prey. The boy wasn't much better with his black hair and nasty scar across one eye, causing the normal brown to turn into a milky white. This gives him a sinister appearance, and somehow I don't think his injury will be a disadvantage in the arena.

After the reapings were all done, Estevan made a few remarks on the different tributes, and expectations for the coming games. Dash switches the television off and asks Will and I our opinions about the other tributes.

I tell him briefly what I thought, and then he turns to Will.

"What about you?"

Will is strangely quiet, and after a long pause he says.

"I wish I could help Lola."

I frown.

"Who?"

Will glances at the blank screen then looks at me.

"Lola, the girl from District eight."

My heart aches as I remember the tiny girl with large brown eyes and wavy auburn hair.

"Why do you wish you could help her?"

Dash asks with more gentleness then he's shown so far. Will shrugs.

"She's just so...young."

Dash nods.

"She's your age."

Will nods, glancing at me.

"I know. But she doesn't have anyone to help her..."

Dash sighs and hesitates before saying.
"Listen Will, I know it's hard. It's probably one of the hardest things to do, but you have to forget about Lola. You can't feel sorry for the other tributes if you want to go home."

Will glances at me again, and drops his eyes.

"I...I know."

Dash stands up and ruffles his curls.

"Getting attached is probably the worst thing in the arena. One year this girl helped a little boy until the final five, the little boy turned on her, and stabbed her to death in her sleep."

Will looks horrified.

"Who would do something like that?"

Dash shakes his head.

"Someone who has lost all their morals, and lost their humanity."

Will's face turns determined and he says.

"I would never do something like that. It's wrong."

Dash smiles sadly at him.

"Sometimes you don't have a choice. The arena will do things to you...it messes with your mind."

Will shrugs and stands up.

"Well I'll try not to get attached to anyone. Okay?"

Dash smiles and pats his back.

"Thata boy! Now you should go get some rest, tomorrow we arrive in the capitol."

Will's eyes light up and he smiles.

"Is the capitol really as wonderful as everyone says?"

Dash pauses a moment, contemplating this question. Finally he grins and nods.

"It's unlike anything you've ever seen before."

Will yawns and then says.
"I can't wait. Goodnight everyone."

He walks over to me and gives me a hug and kiss.

"Goodnight buddy, I'll see you in the morning. Love you."

He smiles and waves as he walks to his bedroom.

"Love you too. See you in the morning."

He disappears into the other car, and I glance at the screen before saying.

"I think I'll turn in as well. Goodnight."

Pixie chirps a goodnight with a scattering of our schedule for tomorrow. I smile and reply quickly.

"Sounds great, I'll see you tomorrow."

Dash remains silent, sprawled on the couch and flipping through random channels. I don't wait for him to say anything, walking through the different cars until I reach my room. I open the door and walk inside, feeling drained after everything that's happened today.

I look through the large dresser to one side of the room and find it is full of wonderful clothes. I hardly pay attention to any of them as I find a drawer dedicated solely to sleep wear. I pull out a camisole and pair of soft shorts. I quickly change, laying my dress carefully on top of the dresser, wondering what will happen to it.

I walk the the bathroom and finding a normal brush, smooth out all the curls in my hair. I brush my teeth, the whole time thinking of Felix, my father and Leroy. I think about how much Felix loves me, and how now we'll never be able to get married or have a family. This brings tears to my eyes, and I swallow the lump in my throat. I can't have that, but I can give that to Will.

I rinse my mouth out and spit in the sink, reminding myself that Felix will be alright without me, and hoping that someday he will fall in love again.

I jump in surprise as a knock sounds on my door. Confused, I walk to the door and pause before opening it. I start when I see Dash standing in the hall, suddenly becoming incredibly self conscious about my sleep wear.

He turns to face me when he hears the door open, and tries a grin. I give him a look and the grin fades, he clears his throat.

"Um...I wanted to talk to you. Do you mind if I come in?"

I hesitate before swinging the door open and walking over to the bed. Dash walks in and closes the door behind him. I sit on the foot of my bed and cross my arms.

"What did you want to talk about?"

I ask slightly curious. He shrugs, suddenly becoming very interested in the carpet.

"Nothing much...just a few things..."

I raise my eyebrows questioningly, and wait for him to continue.

"Do you want to sit down?"

I ask after a moment of silence. He thinks about it, before sitting down next to me.

"Earlier, when I said you owe me your life if you want me to get you out alive? Well you said that you still didn't owe me anything."

I nod, keeping on guard, unsure of what he's doing here.

"Does that mean you aren't going to try and win?"

I glance at the door, knowing that acrossed the hall my little brother is probably asleep, hopefully dreaming of home and happy things. Dash follows my gaze and realization dawns on his face as I turn to look at him.

"You're going to try and get Will out alive."

I nod slowly, staring at my hands.

"Mags...you can't write yourself off first thing."

I frown and look up.

"Yes, I can. It's my life and I can decide what to do with it."

He holds up his hands defensively as he replies.

"I didn't mean it like that, of course you have the choice. I meant to say, what happens if Will doesn't make it?"

I shake my head.

"That's not going to happen, Will is going to go home to my father and Leroy."

He looks confused for a moment and I explain quickly.

"My other little brother."

Dash nods slowly.

"No mother?"

I shake my head, irritated that he's asking me all these personal questions.

"She died giving birth to Will."

"I'm sorry."
"It's okay."

There's an awkward pause, then finally Dash says.

"The kid who tried to volunteer...was he your boyfriend?"

I look down at my ring, twisting it slowly around my finger.

"Yes, Felix turned nineteen the day of the reaping, and I turned seventeen."

He looks up in surprise.

"Today is your birthday?"

I laugh bitterly and nod my head slightly.

"Some birthday huh?"

He doesn't say anything, glancing at the ring.

"You weren't just boyfriend and girlfriend were you?"

I look up and snap at him.

"It's not really any of your business."

He raises his eyebrows and shrugs.

"Sorry, I just don't think two kids should get involved seriously when they're still eligible for reaping."

I feel tears building in my eyes, and I refuse to cry in front of him.

"Kids? You can't be that much older than Felix."

He shrugs.

"How old are you exactly?"

I ask, changing the subject. He pauses a moment before answering.

"Twenty. It seems odd to think I was right where you are five years ago."

I look at his eyes.

"You won the sixth hunger games?"

he nods.

"I'm the first District four victor."

There's silence for a long moment.

"Was that all you wanted to talk about?"

He shrugs.

"Yeah."

Then he stands up.

"I'll see you in the morning miss Flint."

I roll my eyes and sigh.

"My name's Magarida if you really want to know. Please just call me Mags, everyone does."

He flashes me his grin.

"I knew I'd get the full name from you."

I point to the door.

"Goodnight."

He chuckles slightly, and walks to the door. As he opens it, a thought strikes me and I call after him.
"Hey Dash?"

He pauses with the door half-open, and turns to face me.

"Yeah?"

I hesitate, then ask quietly.

"You were the boy weren't you? The one who stabbed the girl in her sleep."

Pain flashes in his eyes briefly, before his face hardens and he turns around.

"Goodnight Mags."

He walks out and closes the door behind him. I stare at the closed-door for a little while. Thinking of a fifteen year-old Dash, all alone in the arena, then the girl helps him, keeping him alive until the last few tributes, where Dash stabs her to death in her sleep. I'm not fond of Dash in the least, but I can't see him doing something like that. Maybe he's right, maybe the arena does change you.