Robin's POV

I sit in a fluffy bathrobe on a plush couch, staring out of a window. The 'prep' was painful, and i imagine Athen and Austen cursing through the whole thing. I smile slightly.

"Something funny?" I jump at the voice. a young man who is the spitting image of Cinna, right down to the gold eyeliner, stands against the wall. he smirks and says, "Do i get to hear what's so funny?" I shrug.

"It's just, i'm thinking of what my friends are going through, and how they would react." He smiles.

"Ah. I'm sorry, i never introduced myself. I'm Lecole." he holds out his hand, and i shake it.

"Robin."

"Well Robin, are you hungry?" i shake my head, and he shrugs. "food can wait. In the meantime. i need to talk to you about your chariot appearance." I close my eyes and wait for it. It's going to involve flames, or coals or something stupid like that. "i'm going for a katniss-look, but not in the way you're probably thinking. you remember her wedding dress?" I nod in confusion. "I'm thinking, burning white lace into black feathers." My mouth drops.

A few hours later i stand in the stables next to Justin, and a white lacy dress, him in white robes. Meggie Grace from 1 sneers at me.

"What happened to the coal miners? I thought you were so proud of your flames and embers."

"Be glad i'm not allowed to hurt you until the games start, or you would have a lovely bruise on your cheek." i mutter. She rolls her eyes. Definitely the bratty type. the two other girls with her snicker. they are the girls form 3 and 2 Verity and Alexis. Brats. Athen walks over to me, and gives me soft hug, before hugging Austin.

"Good luck out there." He says.

"You too." I say. I walk over to the horses, stroking them. i love the strength they hold back, the way they move their heads, and snicker, as if watching humans humiliate themselves is the best thing ever. someone taps my shoulder. I turn. Brooks Jacobson, district four's male tribute, stands munching on a sugar cube. it seems Finnick has created a signature move.

"Hey. Want one?" he asks.

"Sure." i take one from his outstretched hand and pop it into my mouth, savoring the sweet taste of sugar.

"So, what do you think?" he asks, gesturing around. The three brats giggle and gossip, while everyone else mills about not sure what to do. Ale Martel from district 2 is flirting with a Barberry Ashford from seven, and he almost falls on his face. she looks away red faced, trying not to laugh.

"I don't know. I'm not used to the capitol." i flick my gaze around the stables.

"I am." he crunches another white cube.

"How?"

"Finnick Odair's my uncle. More like my dad though. my real dad's a hopeless drunk."

"Sorry."

"It's fine. i mostly live with Finnick. Nowadays, i just live in his apartment. Finnick disappeared after the quarter quell."

"What was that like? Living with him?" I snicker. he shivers.

"Women everywhere, him flirting with them, but after they all leave, he was serious, you know, like he didn't care anymore."

"I wonder what it's like-"

then the anthem starts, and we have to move. i hold my arms out, and press the button my sleeves. Austin does the same, and gives me a quick smile. then we are moving, and i catch Katniss's eye before the stands go dark, and the road is spotlighted. i feel the tingle of the flames licking the white away, and smile as the gasp travels around the stadium. black glistening feather, gleam in the light, and the charcoal leftover blows off of them. on the elevator, Barberry compliments me by saying,"i wish i was a campfire, not a tree."

the next day training is hard. i can't tie a knot, i can't start a fire, and i can't throw a stupid knife. i give up at lunch, and slump into a seat next to Austin. he grins.

"How is the lady?" he says.

"Wanting to go home." I mutter. he laughs, rubbing my arm. Finnick Odair's nephew sits at the knot tying station, working magic with the ropes, teaching the girl who came with him, Tatiana.

"I'll be right back." I say, and stand up. the girl hugs him, and moves onto another station. i sit down next to him.

"Hi." I say.

"Hey. You were saying yesterday,"he starts.

"Oh, that. I was going to ask what's it like to live in the capitol."

"Strange. But not really, you know?"

"No, i don't." i make a suck-y attempt at a snare, and groan in frustration.

"Stupid knot!" i mutter to myself, working to untie it and start again. Brooks' arms go around me, and quickly untie the knot for me.

"here, it's like this," he shows me the right way, and finally i get it right.

"Thanks. Do you want to make an alliance with me?" I ask thinking quickly.

"Oh. Sure. I'll see you in the arena then?"

"See you."

I stand. Athen sits next to Austin, watching me, and eating a roll. i sit next to him.

"Hi."

"What were you doing with four?"

"Brooks? He was teaching me how to tie a knot." i casually pull a bowl of soup towards me and take a sip.

"I don't like him."

"Of course you don't." Austin laughs, and i smile.