I am SOOOO sorry all of these chapters are so late and so short. I've been, uh, "busy" (coughcough lazy). I hope these will satisfy you for now. Review please! Criticism is appreciated. (I bet you don't hear that often…)

"They won't like it. You and I both know they wouldn't. And Snow- Oh! Aliena! You're still here!" Year was saying until he noticed my presence. I sat up and nodded.

"Aliena, are you hungry? There's food in the next car," Darwin informed me.

So they want to talk without anyone listening, I thought to myself. Not happening, boys.

"Nah, I'm not actually that hungry. My mind's too much of a blur to eat right now," I replied.

Year looked uncomfortable, but Darwin nodded. "I understand. It's hard. And I'm sure you know that I am experienced and am not just saying that," Darwin said earnestly.

Year glanced quickly at Darwin, as if trying to glare but didn't want to make it obvious. Darwin wasn't even looking at him.

"Year, why don't you go rest. Or fix your hair. It's looking a bit lopsided," Darwin suggested.

Year looked taken aback, but turned and left the room none the less.

Darwin came and took a seat next to me. "Aliena, I need you to understand something. These Games really aren't a game. Life isn't a game. I don't mean to speak against the Capitol, but to act like 23 kids' lives are toys is inexcusable. But they make it so no one can fight back or argue. Year and I have pressing matters to discuss that you couldn't understand and we really don't want you to understand," he told me.

I tried not to gape. He was half talking of treason. Victors never talk treason. They're too happy with their lives.

"The Reapings of the other districts should be just about up for our viewing. Why don't you go find you're room and watch them?" he asked. It was more of an order than a request. I didn't budge.

"Aliena," he warned. "I need you to listen to me." Malice slipped into his tone, although it was clear he was trying to hide his anger.

For a moment I thought I should be scared. He had killed kids in the past. He could definitely could do it now, no problem. The feeling passed as I realized he couldn't hurt me. He wasn't allowed. It'd result in his death.

I fingered the charm on my bracelet without thinking. It was my mother's and one ofthe only things I had left of her. The only thing I had now. I closed my eyes and wished I was with Falem.

Darwin had noticed my nastolgia when I opened my eyes.

"I know she would've wanted you to listen to me," he stated flatly.

I thought I felt my jaw hit the floor when he said this.