AN: Thank you to everyone who has read and reviewed this story so far.

I would like to draw your attention to a change that I made inside the prologue; the games have been going on for 24 years now instead of 17 like I had before.

Please note that Chapter 5 of this fic will see the change of the rating from T to M for obvious reasons. So remember to search for it under the M ratings or use the 'all ratings' category to find it in search or alert this story and be notified when new chapters are up if you want to read them.

Enjoy.

Chapter 3

The World Is Watching

Flora opened her eyes only to be greeted by the harsh reality that this was not her bed, or her room, or her house. The bed that she currently lay on belonged to Magix and the wet pillow soaked with tears belonged to them too; though she wondered if they would really want it back. The stress of yesterday had taken its toll on her body overnight and it took all of her remaining will power and strength to get to her feet and walk to the bathroom where she wiped her eyes with a wet towel and got changed.

A knock on the door made Flora alert and as she opened it she was met with the kind hearted face of her Avox servant, her blazing red hair and dazzling blue eyes made Flora smile. The girl pretended to use a spoon to eat and Flora realised what she was trying to tell her. "Breakfast?" A nod made Flora exit her room and enter the central area where she and Helia had eaten the day before. He too exited his own chambers, closely following the other brown haired Avox sister.

"Morning," he smiled.

"Morning," Flora sighed as they were both ushered to take a seat.

"Sleep well?" He questioned and Flora believed it to be genuine, though the bags under his eyes obviously hinted at the fact that he had a restless nights slumber as well. "Yeah," she replied, resisting the urge to yawn. "More or less...you?"

"More or less."

The two Avox's arrived with three plates for the morning meal, one each for the two of them and another was set at the opposite side of the table. Helia looked a little puzzled at it. "Who is eating with us?"

"I am," Faragonda announced. "Thank you girls you can leave now," both of them disappeared without a sound.

Faragonda sat down before them. "What are you waiting for? Eat, today's the big day." Helia and Flora both swallowed their cereal, floating inside what seemed like an endless pool of milk. When Breakfast was done Faragonda held her hands together and leaned forwards. "Now, today is the day of your interviews. We will be arriving in Magix in," she checked her watch. "No less than two hours from now. There are a few things that you both need to be made aware of when we enter Magix. The first is that you will both be staying inside Alfea; it used to be a school for fairies but has been made into a makeshift training area and hotel. When we get there you are not to talk to any of the tributes is that understood?"

"Why?"

"Because we like to keep the element of surprise. When I was inside the games it was the first official year and there was really no strategy. I went onto the stage inside my dress and had my interview but nothing really came of it and no one was impressed. The other tributes had already talked to me about where I was from, what I thought about the games, and by the time I ended up at the interview I had nothing to release; nothing to intrigue those watching. Sponsors want to be kept guessing and they only support the tribute that gets the most publicity, the one with the saddest story or the one with the most strength. Any combination of one or all of these will attract more gifts in the arena."

"But how did you win without sponsors?" Helia asked making Faragonda sit back in her chair.

"It wasn't easy," she admitted. "And there were many moments when I wondered why I hadn't received anything but then I realized my mistake and it was too late. I don't want you to get into the arena, look to the sky and beg me to send you something when I have nothing to send. So that's why you need to do as I ask without question, alright?" Flora nodded though wondered why Faragonda was so vague.

What was the first year of the games like? She wasn't even born but by looking to her mentor's eyes it had obviously taken its toll. They carried a strange kind of wisdom and Flora realised that truly they had no choice. Either they listed to Faragonda and went into the games with her insight or they were left on their own.

"After the interviews and during your final training sessions then you can talk with whoever you think you could align yourself with inside the arena but you need to choose carefully, some may ask you questions about your abilities do not give them any information on your strengths or weaknesses is that understood?" They both nodded. "Good," Faragonda smiled. "The man who will be interviewing you has been doing it for the last twenty years, his name is Avalon," she clapped her hands once and his image appeared on screen. "He tries to bring out the best inside each of the tributes three minute interviews and this is where your strategy comes into play."

"Do we even have a strategy?" Helia asked.

"You're strategy is to go into the arena as a team." Flora couldn't believe what she was hearing. It was bad enough that Helia had labelled themselves as friends before but now to have her mentor tell her the same thing; it was all a little hard to swallow.

Faragonda picked up on Flora's distant glaze the moment it appeared and although Helia seemed happy with the arrangement Flora definitely had her reservations. "The other tributes will, most likely, enter the arena separately; they probably believe that it will be easier for them to make the tough decisions later. At the moment all we know is that Derrick and Galatea from District 11 will also be a united front and the pair from District 3 Layla and Nabu." Faragonda clicked her fingers and they appeared. "The two of them are from Andros. She is a powerful enchantix fairy and he is a wizard, both of them strong. But the key thing to note is this," the image zoomed in on their hands at the reaping.

"Are those engagement bands?" Flora asked.

"Yes," Faragonda replied. "But we are uncertain about whether this is only for the cameras or if it's real. From the video played at the reaping it could very well be true." Faragonda mused, checking over her clipboard for anything important that she forgot to mention.

"We do not have a lot of information on the other tributes, more of that will probably surface after you enter the arena as not give you an unfair advantage but any information that you can get from the other tributes during training will be paramount to your success."

"Is there anything specific we need for the interview?" Flora questioned, hoping that she didn't end up without any sponsors during her hour of need.

"Sit tall, look confident, walk out there like you own the games and all other tributes will fall at your feet. Show that kind of strength and determination and answer all questions with confidence but at the same time you should look relaxed and natural. Some of the other tributes will play their strategies differently but you and Helia need to work the crowd."

"What do you mean?" Helia asked.

"I mean you need to get their attention, make them notice and remember you. Flora already has the advantage of taking the place of her sister, that's a talking point that Avalon will probably investigate. But you Helia have other attributes that could be put to work. You're smart and you will be able to look casual onscreen." Both of the teenagers looked sceptical, like they didn't believe what she was telling them. Neither of them looked either comfortable or relaxed at this very moment and it was only in front of her.

"The games," she began. "Don't start when they say 'let the games begin' or even when the countdown finishes and the canon fires. They start right now. From the moment we land in Magix you will be on constant show. Audiences will be tracking your progress, wondering if they should spend money to send you something inside the arena. And you need to convince them of why they should support you. It isn't just a television interview, this is what can make or break you as a tribute."

Faragonda had mentored plenty of tributes since her win in the games twenty four years ago and she had seen them all. The ones who wouldn't stop crying, the ones who were over confident in their abilities, the ones who doubted their abilities and believed that they had no chance of winning and were better off dying right on the ship. But these two, they were different. Neither of them had given up, although they didn't exactly like the situation they had been thrown in either. Heck she didn't exactly enjoy working with two kids for a week or so and then watching them in peril danger where they would, more than likely, die at the end of it.

But these two had something special, something she couldn't quite put her finger on. "The world will be watching," she finished, standing to her feet. "So I suggest you used some of these practice questions to arrange some answers..." she fished them from her clipboard and handed them out along with a pen for each of them to write down their answers. "And get ready for when we arrive in Magix, your Avox's have already prepared some clothes in your chambers and will help you get dressed for your first public appearance." With those final words she disappeared through the doors once more, leaving the two in silence.

Flora flicked aimlessly through the cards before her, all the usual questions, but one or two stood out to attention. Why did you volunteer to take the place of your sister? Flora was sure that she couldn't say 'because she'd die otherwise' or 'because these games are stupid and shouldn't even exist' but that would probably get her killed from the word go.

What is your favourite thing about Magix? Nothing. Was that an appropriate answer? She had never been to Magix before and to be honest it left much to be desired. She didn't care for it and only wanted to return home to her mother and Miele and to never leave them again.

What do you think about the other tribute from your District? Flora had to stop herself from mindlessly answering 'he's too nice for his own good and I'm sure he'll kill me as soon as he gets the right chance' so instead she settled with 'a nice guy and I wish him all the best of luck in winning.'

Helia too answered a series of questions, deciding that maybe trying to win over the crowd would be as easy as using an odd joke here and there. Not that he really wanted to joke about how he could die quickly in the games, like the other tribute from their district. Seven seconds and she was dead, how much longer would he be granted.

A sudden knock against the wall brought their heads up from their cards where they looked to the two Avox's who pointed to their chambers. The two of them smiled before making their way to their rooms.

Flora stepped into her room and saw a full outfit already laid out before her on the bed. It consisted of a pink and green long sleeved top, a hot pink shirt, pink headband and purple calf length boots with green heels. For the first time since her friendly banter with Helia she actually smiled. A sudden flash of red from her right made Flora watch her Avox point to the outfit and then give a thumb's up.

"Yes I like it," Flora smiled. "Thank you for picking it out for me." The Avox silently nodded her head before making her way to the door. "Wait a minute!" Flora called, making her turn. "Can you write down your name?" Flora handed her the back of an empty card and the pen Faragonda had given her before. The Avox shook her head at first.

"Please I want to call you by your name." Finally she conceded, taking the pen into her hand and writing down her name before handing it back to Flora. 'Bloom' she read. "That's a lovely name, Bloom." She smiled before suddenly widening her eyes and rushing to the side table of her bed and taking out her golden rose pin and placing it against the top. "I nearly forgot, thank you."

Bloom quietly left the room, closing the door behind her and allowed Flora time to get dressed. Once she had Flora looked into the mirror before her and even she had to admit that it looked great. Nothing like the outfits she was used to wearing at home, this was incredibly beautiful and yet casual at the same time. Full of bright bold colours that would make her stand out from the crowd but, at the same time, had a subtly to it that she couldn't quite figure out.

Attaching the pin to her blouse Flora took a deep breath before opening the door. This was it.

As Flora stepped outside her room she saw Helia had already finished getting ready and was writing notes on his practice questions. Deciding it was better for her to answer things on the fly she gave up on the idea and watched him scribble intently. He sat in the corner of the room on the floor, clad in his new gear. A white button down shirt with collar above his blue vest and untucked at the base, a pair of khaki casual pants that went down to just above his ankles and a brilliant pair of blue deep tread shoes. Flora had to admit that he too looked pretty cool and collected, though his hands were shaking.

"What are you writing?" She asked making Helia lift his head and smile.

"Wow don't you look good."

"Thanks, I guess this is what they wear in Magix right?"

"I suppose," he answered. "Not that I'm really used to it. Daphne wouldn't let me out of the room with my shirt tucked in; too bad she can't say why."

"Daphne?" Flora sighed.

"My Avox, her name is Daphne. I got her to write her name down for me," he held his card forwards and Flora inspected her neat handwriting. "I did the same with mine, her name is Bloom."

"Bloom and Daphne, huh," He smiled. "Well at least we know who they are now." Flora got to her knees before she sat on the floor next to him, returning the card to his possession. "So have you been answering the questions?" She asked making Helia laugh slightly and shake his head.

"No...I read them and made an answer in my head, I just think it will be more genuine if I don't look like I'm trying to remember something rehearsed before," he took another of his cards and held it before her. "I've been writing poetry instead, about everything that's happening. Thought that now is as good a time as any to start. Who knows, if one of us makes it out of here alive, it might end up getting published."

"Assuming that you write what they want people to read. They'd probably change it."

"Probably," he acknowledged. "But writing poetry is a part of me and I need them to realise that even though they have this game and they can take my life, they will never take who I am." He crossed his arms and looked into Flora's green eyes. "Can we promise each other something?" Flora didn't know why he requested it, if they were to really go into the arena as a team then she had to listen to his propositions. "What is it?"

"That no matter what happens; we'll both try our best to win." Flora nodded her head and offered a kind smile. "Of course, what? Did you think I was just going to let you win?" She joked making Helia laugh again for a while; suddenly a beeping sound filled the cabin making the two tributes stand to their feet. "Attention passengers, we are now entering Magix Airspace."

The two of them walked to the nearest window and watched as the world of Magix slowly came into view of them, and, as soon as it did, an enormous cheer erupted from below. Thousands of people lined the streets, waving and cheering them to their destination and Flora caught a glimpse of two other tribute ships landing further ahead. Their numbers pained on the wings - Districts 8 and 11, Whisperia and Rhythm, if Flora had revised the full list correctly.

Helia's own eyes weren't as cheerful as they had been just a moment before, in fact, the cards he held in his hand were now scrunched up to a pulp in his hand and his pen was digging into the other. She supposed that it was one of two things. The first being the reality of just how well acclaimed and large the games were, they had never had to watch outside of their districts and the grandeur was so very different in person. And the second was how they could all stand there, smiling and waving, when their lives were falling apart and they were being marched off to slaughter.

A television screen mounted on one of the buildings in the distance showed their ships arrival and explained that Flora and Helia would now join the others at Alfea with the other tributes.

Faragonda suddenly tapped them both on the shoulders. "Alright, here we go." Helia put the cards and his pen into a pocket in his pants while Bloom showed Flora that she had them already packed inside a wheel-o-bag she now held inside her hands.

"Come over near the door," Faragonda instructed, Flora on my right, Helia on my left, walking between me and the Avox's carrying the luggage. I want you to keep up my pace. Remember your strategy, you can wave and hold hands as you walk, admire the crowd and look comfortable just make sure that you walk with your head held high alright." Both of them nodded before Helia held out his right hand for Flora to take and she did so, interlinking their fingers and immediately feeling his strong grip. They were going in this together and they were going to put on a show.

The ship landed and the ramp descended, Faragonda stood proud, adjusting her hair as Flora double checked herself and her pin was in place while Helia wiped any form of doubt from his eyes and turned on a smile.

The first thing that Flora felt was the sun, radiating through the opening and it reminded her of home, walking through the forest, eating berries and picking flowers for her sister. Faragonda took three steps and they followed in hot pursuit. The eruption from the crowd was far beyond anything either tribute thought possible, what they heard as a dull roar from the ship now sounded like an army declaring battle.

The first thing they both did was turn on a 1000 watt smile and march forwards, waving with their free hands at children along the sides. Flora reminded herself not to cry, not to think about Miele or Lili and to just keep on smiling. 'Don't think. Just smile and wave. Enter the arena as a team' the words circled around her head, echoing from ear to ear and then she did it. She lifted their intermingled hands into the sky, just like they had in District 12 and a whole new chorus of applause resonated.

The District Games were supposed to be an ugly affair, covered in blood-shed and tributes were expected to hate each other, to ignore one another until the arena and kill them the second they had. But Flora and Helia were breaking the rules. Their hands were gripping each other's so tightly that eventually they both were numb but neither of them showed it on their faces until they walked up one final flight of stairs, past security guards, and into the administration building.

"Well, well, well," a deep female voice spoke from their left, making Faragonda turn in that direction as Flora and Helia let their grip slip and feeling return once more. "You sure did put on a show for the cameras didn't you, Faragonda?"

"You have to play to the crowd," she smirked. "But you'd know all about that, wouldn't you Griffin." Flora looked to the woman before her, clad inside a deep maroon red silk dress with a V neckline and high back collar, the length stopping just above her feet, jewellery hung from around her neck and her hair was in a strange kind of purple up-do. Looking at the two quiet, and somewhat bored tributes standing next to her told her only one thing. Helia tapped against Flora's finger 8 times, signalling that they were indeed from Whisperia - a planet of darkness and one that had brought about numerous victors in the past.

"Yes well, the crowd will do if you have no skill to back yourself with," Griffin commented though Faragonda kept her cool. "I mean look at those two, holding hands like children in need of guidance, at least my two don't need any of that kind of showmanship."

"I can assure you Griffin that both of these tributes have more than enough strength and mental power to take your two any day of the week."

"Well we will just have to see about that," Griffin lowered her voice, and it almost sounded like a death threat. Faragonda stepped towards her and smiled. "Yes we will." Before she stepped to her right and signalled them to follow.

"Nicely played," Helia commented as they continued down a long corridor before reading a set of stairs and ascending. Bloom and Daphne both let out muted laughs and Flora couldn't help but smile. Finally they reached a door labelled, 12, and Faragonda opened it using a pass key.

"This is your room." It was huge, a lot bigger than their accommodations on the ship, a central living area complete with couches and televisions for them to watch the games on and two large bedrooms shot off to either side. There were another two rooms, smaller than those, attached to each of them for Bloom and Daphne to sleep in and two private on suites. "Wow," Helia sighed.

"yes well you won't be spending a lot of time here, training sessions are held inside the great hall, it's down the stairs along another corridor and though two large doors. Your interviews will occur in the west wing, inside a new and improve facility and you can also grab your meals from there." Both nodded before Faragonda took two lanyards' from around her neck, both with card keys.

"These are your access in and out of the room, lights go out at 10pm every night, and dinner is served at 7pm on the dot. Training session times are on this sheet." Flora took a look at the timetable. "You choose which ones to go to but I suggest you attend all of them and leave your strengths until last. I will come and see you to take you to the interviews. You have two hours to get yourselves settled. I'd suggest," she paused, picking up a television remote and throwing it in Helia's direction. Luckily he caught it. "You watch a little TV."

They did, for the next hour and a half Helia and Flora watched television, taking note of which tributes looked like a unit and which ones they should be careful of. Faragonda was right about District 3 and District 11 being teams but the surprising part was District 7's tributes Musa and Jared from Melody and District 9's tributes Tecna and Timmy from Zenith had both done the same thing.

The group from Whisperia that they met inside the hall walked through the crowd without even a smile while the ones from Erakleon offered the odd smile here and there. The boy tribute from Downland waved to the crowd but the other did not, setting them worlds apart. It was only when Bloom and Daphne took the remote, turned off the TV and pointed to their rooms when they realised it was time to get dressed.

The crowds could still be heard outside her window and Flora resisted the urge to look through the window. Instead she turned her attention to getting herself ready. Carefully she pulled on her dress and admired herself inside a full length mirror before asking Bloom to zip her up, then she took a hold of her pin and began attaching it to her dress strap. Bloom turned around with her shoes when she dropped them to the floor, pointed to the pin and then shook her head.

"What?" Flora asked and she repeated the action. "I can't wear my pin?" She nodded but Flora turned on a smile. "I'm going to wear it anyway." Blooms hand movements became frantic before she tried to remove it herself and Flora held her hands still with her own. "Bloom, this is the one thing that I have that reminds me of home, the one thing that reminds me that I have to fight." Bloom's eyes softened. "So I am going to wear it, whether they like it or not."

When Flora stepped outside her room and laid eyes on Helia her heart melted. He was wearing a full three piece suit. Black jacket, black suit pants, a white long sleeved shirt with vest underneath, a satin green tie that matched her dress perfectly and shiny new black shoes.

Helia's own expression was one of joy as he laid eyes on her. The dress was stunning. A gown made of satin, straps beaded and crossed at the back and waist, a straight shirt that fell to just above her feet which were ordained with a pair of emerald green strappy heels. Flora blushed as Helia held his hand forwards and asked her to give him a twirl. "You look beautiful."

"Thank you," she smiled and, arm in arm, they walked to the door. Daphne watched the two of them leave before she pointed at her chest, then to Flora and shook her head. Bloom nodded her head, pointed to herself, then made a mouth with her hands and shrugged her shoulders making her older sister nod in acceptance. They had tried to warn her but it was no use.

Faragonda met the couple in the hallway just before the main doors to the interview room. "You both look lovely," she explained, straitening Helia's lapel when she noticed the pin. "Flora you need to take that off."

"No!" She refused. "I want to wear it."

"You will get in trouble, or Avalon might pick up on it and ask some personal questions."

"Then I'll answer them with confidence, that's what you told us to do." Faragonda nodded, realising that Flora was indeed right.

The interviews began and were a swimming success. Each of the tributes went on stage and played out their personalities, some of them flatly saying that they were going to win the games, others that weren't so sure. Flora and Helia waited their turn and sat nervously on a couch; Flora leant into Helia's arm for comfort and looked around at the other tributes still waiting their turn. Only a few of their mentors were around and they only ever spoke in whispers to their tributes. Flora didn't recognise any of them and decided that it was better that she keep to herself.

Tribute, after tribute until finally Faragonda told Flora she was up.

Flora stood to her feet and walked to the curtain before pausing. "Remember, confidence," Faragonda whispered before Flora opened the curtains and was met by a huge applause from the invited crowd. She walked to Avalon, standing before two chairs with a smile plastered on his face. Wearing the same white suit he did every year. "Welcome Flora!"

"Thank you," Flora replied, not wanting to say 'it's good to be here' when it really wasn't.

"You are wearing a stunning dress, don't you agree everyone?" The crowd agreed, making her turn to show it off before taking her seat.

"So Flora, these interviews are for us to learn more about you as a person and I suppose the first thing I wanted to ask was why did you volunteer to take your sisters place in the reaping?"

"Because my sister means the world to me and I didn't want her to enter the arena when she is so young."

"An admirable act," he smiled once more, trying to cheer the crowd into giving Flora applause which they did happily. "I see that you are wearing a rose pin of sorts, it's rather beautiful."

"Thank you, it's my token from 12, my mother gave it to me."

"How did she get it?" There it was. The reason that Faragonda and Bloom had warned her, the personal question that could have two effects. One, make her more desirable as a tribute with the sad past or two; look weak before all of the other tributes.

"My father gave it to her, as a present, it was the last thing that he gave my mum before he died."

"I'm sorry about your loss," Avalon cooed as the crowd sighed. "But I think we have something that might cheer you up," he pointed to a screen on a distant wall to Flora's left and she turned to face it. "Say hello to your sister Miele and your mother Lily!" The crowd cheered again and Flora could feel her breath stick in her lungs. They both waved and smiled and Flora desperately wished that they were standing before her in person.

"Hey Flora!" Miele called, making tears appear in Flora's eyes as she smiled, trying not to break down in front of the camera's and look weak. "We believe in you honey we know that you can win this," Lily added as Miele nodded her head in agreement. "We love you, Flora. We'll see each other again soon." Flora nodded as the happy image of them froze and they disappeared.

It was only when Flora felt a cold drop of water against her chest that she realised the tears had flowed. Avalon smiled before taking a handkerchief from his pocket and Flora used it to wipe her eyes. "I'm sorry."

"Don't apologise, you obviously love your family, you love them so much that you would risk your life in order to save there's. You sure are one of a kind Flora. Good luck in the games!" The crowd erupted in chorus as Flora smiled, waved her hand and was lead through another curtain on the other side of stage. There she saw the other tributes, sitting in silence; one of them sitting alone.

Flora took a seat as Avalon announced a commercial break before their final interview would take place. "That's a lovely dress," Flora whispered making the younger girl look to her and smile slightly. "Thanks." Her fingers aimlessly played with the material just above her knees.

"My name is Flora. You are Mirta, right?"

"Yeah that's me," Mirta smiled. "I love your pin."

"Thanks," Flora replied, offering her own smile. "I must have looked like a complete idiot before, cracking up like that."

"It's okay, everyone does with those package things."

"I noticed that you didn't get one," Flora inquired making Mirta look back to the floor and bite her bottom lip before speaking. "My parents died a long time ago..." her eyes shifted upwards slightly before returning to the floor. "It's just me now, so they didn't have to play one."

"I'm sorry, it was bad for me when my father died but both parents at once I couldn't imagine it."

"Hey do you mind shutting up, the final interview is on!" Someone barked from across the room and Flora noticed it was the boy tribute from Quantum. He was the exact opposite of kind and open Mirta, he was stern and Flora hadn't ever seen him once without a scowl. She obliged, offering a small smile that he didn't return as the District Games symbol replaced the screen and Avalon began speaking once more.

"Our final District tribute is also from 12. Please welcome to the stage Helia!" Flora heard the crowd muffled from behind the walls and curtains of the room they all shared. It felt odd, sitting inside a room with people who would eventually try and kill you but Flora had to do what she felt was right. Faragonda had told them that once they left the interview they could talk to or make alliances with whoever they chose. And, at the moment, there was something about Mirta that made her want her on her team. She didn't know anything about the girl's abilities, about her strength or guidance, but she knew that she wanted to team up with her in the arena when the time came.

She wondered if Helia would feel the same way about any of the other tributes sitting around her. The silence was unbearable but they all watched intently as Helia stalked out on stage wearing his best clothes and waving to the crowd. He took Avalon's outstretched hand into his and shook it firmly, waving once more before undoing his jacket and sitting down.

"So Helia, quite a catch you have from 12, hey?" Helia couldn't' help but laugh.

"Well I can't say the journey here wasn't with pleasant company," he looked to the camera as the crowd laughed. Flora's cheeks blushed ever so slightly and Mirta noticed it immediately.

"So what do you think Helia? Does the competition look strong this year?"

"They do," Helia replied. "I am not going to say that they are all hopeless because there are some very skilled fighters inside the arena. We all have a good chance at winning in the end."

"Ah yes but there can only be one winner," Avalon noted.

"And if I wasn't in the running then I'd want Flora to win. She'd be my bet." The crowd looked stunned, Avalon too. Flora had to stop herself from running through the curtain and asking him what he was doing. He was writing himself off, telling the sponsors to give her the gifts, to support her instead of him?

"Why is that?" Avalon choked, nearly lose for words.

"Because sometimes the strongest of people come from the weakest of packages." Faragonda, she must have been the one to tell him that. Or at least, that's what Flora thought. Those were her words. She told them to never underestimate anyone in the arena and now he was telling them not to underestimate her. Why wasn't he building himself up? Why wasn't he trying to get the sponsors? That was what he was supposed to be doing!

"An interesting statement but also a very true one," Avalon noted, "and sometimes the strongest motivations can come from the smallest of video segments." The connection was well done as a member of Helia's family appeared on screen. He had long white hair, and old and wizened face. "Ah my Nephew!" The man greeted with a smile. "I have every confidence in your abilities to fight and I know that you will be able to win this hands down. I have faith in you my boy, don't you ever forget that."

"I won't, Uncle!" Helia replied, though everyone knew it was a pre-recorded message. He looked so calm, cool and collected on the outside, but on the inside, he was cracking like an egg shell. His hands slightly trembled as they shook Avalon's for the second time, his eyes faded into a glaze, obviously trying to hide any form of emotion and the moment he stepped through the curtain Flora couldn't help herself. She stood up, wrapped her arms around his shoulders and prayed that it would all be over soon. He had just sacrificed one of the most important pieces in the game and now she wondered what he would lose in return.

"That concludes tonight's proceedings," Avalon announced. "We would like to wish all of our tributes the very best of luck and...Of course...may the odds be ever in your favour."

AN: Thanks for reading and please review and let me know what you think the next chapter should be up in a week or so, hopefully sooner.

Response to Anonymous Reviews:

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