Thanks for all the views! I didn't expect it to get so many so soon! Enjoy!

I swung my legs over the side of my bed, expecting to feel my pink shag carpet with the district logo (power lines) under my feet. No such luck. My current situation sinks in again. Not just a dream. This was my reality now. I groggily get out of bed and stumble into the shower. I take the same shower as I did last night. I head to the dresser to find a suitable dress to meet the capital citizens who will hopefully sponsor me.

I find a red skirt and a silver blouse. After I dress, I head down to breakfast. Angel, Demetri, and Gemma are already there. Alabaster is still in bed. Go figure. But I'm not in the mood to criticize someone who I will be separated from in such a short time.

"Finally! A tribute with a sense of style!" Gemma cuts through the silence, "Most girls are fierce and boring. Though you could get a more interesting hair-do or makeup job." Whatever. I won't let their bratty ways get to me. So instead I manage a "Thanks, Gemma. I hope I can learn some capital style," which left her very flustered and proud of herself. I settle down with a pile of food and a mug of hot chocolate.

Demetri goes off to wake Alabaster. "Let's talk strategy," Angel says. "Without Alabaster?" I countered. "You can be allies if you want, but you need some strategy on your side," Angel responded. "Fine, but I refuse to kill him," I said. Angel responded gently, "I don't expect you to. I was in the Hunger Games too, remember? I had to watch my district partner die, just out of my reach." "He wasn't your brother though," I mumbled. "I know," she said. That ended our strategy conversation.

After breakfast, we watched a replay of the Reapings that we had been too frustrated last night to watch. Quite a few people catch my attention, including a girl named Ginger from District 8. This would be tough to win. Right when the District 11 tributes (neither big competition) were shaking hands, the windows went dark. "What's going on?" I asked. I was panicking. We couldn't be going to the arena yet right? The tributes didn't go to the arena until after chariots, training, and interviews! Did we do something wrong? "Relax, we're just in a tunnel under the mountains around the capital," Gemma said reassuringly. Only then did I realize I was on my feet, hovering next to Alabaster's chair. "Oh," I said hopelessly, making my way back to the couch.

Suddenly, the windows blazed with light. I made my way over to the side of the train, ignoring the District 12 reapings. I could see them later. The capital was amazing. I loved the bright colors and ferocious patterns. The citizens were looking up and pointing, recognizing a tribute train. I waved shyly, then got more into it. These people might be betting on my death, but they could also be my bridge to survival.

Alabaster soon joined me, creating more cheers from the crowd. As we were ushered off the train, I answered a few interviewers' questions. "How do you like the capital?" "Do you like the clothes they gave you? They look stylish!" "What's your strategy?" "How do you feel about your brother being with you?" I refused to answer that one. They were truly bloodthirsty after all.

We got to the training center. The elevators were clear and I could see the lobby rushing away from me as we traveled up to floor 5. I wish we could go higher. Silly District 11 and 12. Simple weaklings who get the penthouse!

The Hunger Games are awful, but the attention is fun! When I went to my room, it looked the same as the one on the train but bigger. It's time for my prep team to prepare me for the cameras. Apparently, I'm revolting with all my hair. Well there's no reason to shave in the districts. My stylist comes in. He introduces himself as Sulla, named after some ancient ruler I guess. He's nice, only early twenties. I think we'd be friends in the district if he were just younger and in different circumstances.

It's a little longer and hopefully more interesting. Make sure to keep reading, because the chariots are next! Please take a little time to review too. I'd really appreciate it. -Theuglyduckling492