It was settled. They had allies, and their plan was slowly forming in Dipper's mind. They left Katniss and Peeta to mingle with other tributes while they talked.
"What do we do now? How do we win?" Mabel asked, knowing that this game was kill to survive.
"I don't know, but at least we have the latest Victors to help us." He told her, not wanting to make eye contact because he knew Mabel would start crying.
"All Victors, take your chariots!" An announcer yelled over the speakers. It was time to present District 7 to the Capitol. The chariots ran in order taking them from the Remake Center through the Capitol to the Training Center. There they would spend three days training before the Games. Dipper took his sister's hand and guided her to their chariot that was green as moss.
"It was time for the Tribute Parade in the Capitol. This was a time to show Panem that you were ready. Dipper and Mabel silently awaited their turn as each chariot came before them. Finally District six's chariot passed and their horses began moving them on."
"Mabel, the lady said not to smile!" Dipper frantically whispered toward his beaming sister.
"But, this is how Katniss and Peeta got sponsors in their last Hunger Games. Put on the charm Dipping Sauce!" She whispered back, blowing kisses to the audience and waving. Dipper gave up on his attempts and began waving. He even smiled and threw leaves on his costume at the people in the audience.
"District 7! The twins are showing some love for our Capitol!" Yelled the announcer, he made it sound fun to be waving their goodbyes. Dipper looked at the big screen and saw his and Mabel's faces. He couldn't help but let out a small chuckle at how they looked. The ride ended shortly after and he and his sister got off the chariot.
"That was so fun!" Mabel squealed, her smile disappearing when she remembered what came next. She even began crying a bit.
"It's going to be alright, Mabel. We'll get through this." Dipper told his now shaking sister, pulling her into a hug.
"The twins were sitting in the reception hall watching the last of the tributes in their chariots. Soon it was time to see Katniss and Peeta's District 12 chariot. The voice of the crowd rose into one universal scream as they rolled into the fading evening light, but neither of them reacts. Katniss simply fixed her eyes on a point far in the distance and pretended there is no audience, no hysteria. They were not just beautiful, they were dark and powerful. Suddenly, Mabel felt like smiling and waving was not the best choice."
"We should have stood serious, Dipstick!" She said, practically screeching into the young boy's ear.
"You were the one who said we should be all happy," Dipper said, still staring at the screen as Katniss and Peeta finally reached their destination. Katniss and Peeta walked into their room, and Mabel nearly ruined their outfit trying to hug them both.
"You two were spectacular!" Mabel screamed.
"Thanks, you two looked adorable in your tree costumes," Peeta told them lightly hugging Mabel, so as not to ruin his jumpsuit. Katniss came over to Dipper and whispered in his ear.
"Must be hard falling asleep with the most exuberant sister ever," She told him, making him chuckle again.
"Cinna makes the most beautiful clothing," Mabel said stepping back and taking a mental photo of them both.
"Yeah, he's the best. Anyway we have to get back to our Mentor. We'll see you tomorrow at the training." Katniss said, as her and Peeta left the room. Mabel sat down with a depressed look on her face.
"What is it?" Dipper asked her.
"After the next three days, we are going to have to kill each other to win." She said.
"Don't worry. Katniss and Peeta both won last year's games. The same will happen for us." He said, as they began walking to their mentor waiting at the elevator to take them to their room.