"Flirty, fierce or fabulous?" Charon asks, holding three cards out in front of me, each of those three words written on one in a different font. I take the card titled 'flirty', flip it over and laughter erupts from my lungs.

"'Oh, Augustus, you look utterly delectable tonight!' You can't seriously imagine me saying that, can you?" I say, giggle-ridden tears welling up in my eyes. Piccolo chuckles at my side.

"Now that you mention it, no, I can't." Our escort, and mentor, takes back the card with a sheepish expression, "My apologies, dear. Try the fierce one, that would suit you more."

I take it from him and read it before deciding upon something more fitting.

"I don't think so. This is too... ferocious. I'd rather just use my own words."

"Really? What did you have in mind?"

"You'll see, later. What about you, Pic?" We're on a nickname basis now. I had a think this morning and decided that if we're to ally I might as well be nice. Not friendly, just nice.

"Well I was considering a similar approach, if that's alright with you Char?"

"That's just fine," he replies with a smile, "I love how confident you both are! What a fabulous pair for my first year."

We turn to one another and smirk. We've still not told him about our decision to ally after the bloodbath, in hopes of him being surprised, thus more impressed and willing to get the both of us more sponsors. Speaking of which...

"Any news on the sponsorship front?"

"Oh, yes! Eulalia informs me that you've both garnered a lot of attention, particularly you, Mags," he says, turning to me, "and Piccolo, you certainly have quite a hefty female following. Each of you have both already received offers for gifts and aid whilst in the arena!"

"That's great! Thanks so much, Charon."

"No need to thank me, it was the two of you who did all the work. You should be congratulating yourselves."

We get back to working on interview techniques, even though we're pretty much sorted. Charon goes over various seating positions, because he says, and I know, body language is important in determining one's intentions. There are also some pleasantries he talks about, because the Capitol is "much more refined and polite when compared with the districts". I take this opportunity to inform him that my parents brought me up to have manners, so I'll need no help there.

A few hours later and the both of us are up to Charon's standards. I have a feeling it wouldn't have taken so long if Piccolo hadn't kept tripping over his words and stuttering.

"Fabulous! We're all sorted. Now, I'll just go make calls to Solon and Detra and let them know that you're ready." He skitters off and I take this opportunity to question my district partner about the reaping.

"Pic?" I say, turning to face him.

"Yeah?"

"You know the reaping?" He nods, I mean, duh, "Why did all those boys move out of your way so quickly? It's like they were scared of you something. I've got to be honest, you don't seem all too terrifying now."

"That's because they were. I'm kind of a bully." Knew it. "But not just because I want to be."

"Oh?"

"My little sister, Caterina, is sick. She has been for a couple of years now. I scare the kids occasionally and take their money because it helps pay for her medicine. It's not because I want to hurt them at all. If there were an easier way of getting the money, I'd do it, but since jobs have been pretty sparse that wasn't exactly an option. I started swimming more the day she was diagnosed, and eventually I was big enough to intimidate them into just handing me the money. I don't enjoy it, but if it'll save her, I've got to do it."

I can't help it, the tears are already coming. I told myself not to have feelings in this place and this stupid, stupid boy has brought them all back. He's made my volunteering look like the most selfish act I've ever seen a person undertake, and he doesn't even know it. Rather unwillingly, I put my hand on his. My 'no friends' policy has just been tossed out the nearest window.

"I'm sorry, Piccolo."

"Don't be. Hey, if I win I can save her," he says with a weak smile. That's when it hits me, I can do something for him.

"If I win, I'll do the same. I'll get her as much help as I can. I promise." I really do.

"Thank you, Mags," he pulls me into another hug, still an alien act to me. My tears stop flowing as I embrace him.

"But you have to promise me something." I didn't intend on having a catch, until I remember this one thing.

"What's that?"

"If you win, I want you to train my brother, Thaddeus." If the Capitol is disgusting as I've thought them to be, there's a good chance my brother's going to be reaped if I don't make it. Although, even if I do survive there's the possibility that the same fate could become him.

"Okay, I promise." His eyes focus on my own and I know he's telling the truth.

"Thank you, too."


Tiberius curls the final few locks of my hair as Eulalia paints my left thumbnail a pale blue.

"Done! They'll be dry in three... two... one! Now, wave them."

I lift my hands up to my eye level and let them glide about in front of my face. My eyes widen immensely while the waves gush from my nails, disappearing into vapour a second or two later.

"How the..."

"Capitol couture, baby-doll!" Eulalia chirps, presenting her surgically whitened grin.

"Aaaand, we're done!" Tiberius informs us.

"We'll just go fetch Solon, sweetie. Come on, Tibs."

I wait in patience and anticipation, eager to see what Solon has come up with for my interview attire. I'm not alone for long, because in about twenty seconds Eulalia is leading my stylist into the room, holding a bagged piece of clothing on a hanger. The dress is slipped out and held up for me to admire, as was the case with my chariot outfit.

"You want me to cut this one up, too?" I ask, sarcastically. Solon cracks a smile.

"Only if you desire it, but there's only beauty in this design, no double/triple/quadruple-entendres."

"No hidden meanings, dear." Eulalia says, noticing my confused expression. I nod in thanks.

"Now, would you like to try it on?" Solon takes the dress from Eulalia and holds it out to me. It's a petite blue number with a tight bodice, like the previous precarious outfit I wore, with pleats down the bottom half. It is also belted around the waist with various shells in shades of blue and green. I'm lucky, really, since this dress only just covers my dignity. I unzip the Invisizip – one of the more discreet Capitol inventions – at the back and step into it. Eulalia fits me into it nicely and zips it back up. The inside is made of something called silk, and it feels like soft, cool waves against my skin.

"It's beautiful. Thank you, Solon."

"My pleasure, darling. Now... walk."

I do as he says and the sound is chilling. I can hear the ocean instead of a rustling dress, and the tears start to well up. Eulalia notices and hurries to comfort me.

"Honey, sweetie, darling! Don't cry, please, please, you'll mess up your make-up!" She squeaks, tissues at the ready. I don't know what's happening lately but my emotions are on overdrive. Maybe it's the possibility that I could actually be dead in just a couple of days, or – dare I say it – twenty-four hours.

Solon steps in to take the wheel and grabs my shoulders. There is serious concern in his endless gaze.

"I'm sorry, my dear, I didn't mean to upset you."

"You didn't, it's just..." I don't even have a thinkable reason for the tears.

"Don't worry. Emotions are a human necessity and inevitability." I smile at his wisdom and hug him. Seriously, I'm becoming so used to doing this now it just feels right. His arms hold me in and stroke my styled hair. It's like being in my father's arms again.

"Right, we must finish getting you ready. Slip these shoes on and we'll lead you downstairs." He takes the footwear from Eulalia and hands them to me. They're simple, cerulean strapped heels with a small line of decorative shells down the outer sides. I slide my small feet into them and we leave the room and head towards the elevator to meet with our companions.

"You look amazing," Piccolo is first to greet us. He's wearing a fitted, deep indigo suit with matching tie and white dress shirt.

"So do you," I reply with a blush and a smile. He smiles in return and we all pile into the elevator.

"You both look simply divine," Charon babbles on with a hoard of compliments and appraisals for the two of us, "Splendid, absolutely."

The interviews are held on a stage outside the Training Center so we don't have far to go. When we reach the floor of the lobby, the other tributes are lining up ready to be presented to the Capitol citizens. All the boys look rather dapper in their suits, in various colours significant to their district; the girls match them with auras of beauty in a multitude of dresses.

Piccolo and I leave our posse and join our soon-to-be competition, between the kids from Three and Five.

"They're doing it again." I look to see what my district partner is indicating and find my supposed allies in a heated discussion yet again. Cadmus turns to see if the tributes from Three are listening, which from what I can tell, Beta is, and spots me as well. His eyes narrow and he rotates back into the conference with his allies. I've a feeling they're talking about me, and I don't like it. Luckily the conversation is killed by the signal for us to go onstage, and we sidle out of the lobby into the City Circle, assaulted by the cheers from the citizens as we each take our seats.

Augustus Flickerman, the interviewer and pretty much the face of the Games for the last eleven years sits on a comfortable armchair to the front of the stage. His hair is dyed lilac, with eyeshadow and his lips painted to match; strange, really, how his colour tradition has stuck for so long. He stands to welcome us and turns to greet his 'fabulous audience' as well as the rest of Panem, who are forced to watch what could potentially be the final words some of these children ever say. Augustus tells a couple of jokes for the audience, none of which are particularly funny or clever, and sits back down to begin.

Liza struts up to him with a disgusting grin on her face. She looks, I'll say it, like a common whore. Her laced gloves and tiny crimson dress give nothing but the impression that she's a representation of sex itself. She might have been nice in training but I've no real reason to like her. Especially after the sneakiness between her and the others.

I don't bother to listen to her dribble on about District One crap, nor do I pay attention when her three minutes is up and Malachi takes his place on the stage.

My mind is badgered by thoughts of what, exactly, those four were chatting so agitatedly about. Perhaps that weasel from Three told them about my conversation with Piccolo in hopes that they'd keep her alive. I doubt they would, but such vital information alone is enough to spare anyone in the Games for, at least, a couple of days.

Cadmus and Jean declare that each of them is as confident and vicious as the tributes from Two seem to be, every single year, even trying to belittle one another. I zone out again when Beta takes the stage and turns into, surprise surprise, a scared little girl again. Her district partner is taking his seat next to me before his buzzer has even sounded, too distraught to continue with his interview.

I'm still uncertain of exactly what to say, even as I sit down opposite my pale-and-purple interrogator.

"Wow! Your dress is gorgeous, props to your stylist!" I know the cameras will flick to Solon, so I scan the crowd and find him smiling, nodding appreciatively at the praise and applause.

"Now, my dear," Augustus turns back to me, "we're all curious to know why you volunteered, it seems, so happily, for the Games?"

Strange, I don't remember him asking the Ones or Twos why they volunteered. Then again, if what Liza told me is true then I'm assuming President Rook told him to keep his mouth shut on the 'training in the districts' front. Nonetheless, I present my answer, or lie, if you will.

"I couldn't stand to see another twelve year-old slaughtered in the first few minutes. Also, I figured that since Four is yet to have a victor, susprisingly, that I'd give it a shot."

"Ah yes! We saw your touching moment with little Naia. Do you know her personally, then?"

"No I do not."

"I see," he seems disappointed by the lack of relation between us, as it probably would've spiced up the interview a little. "Now, Mags – can I call you Mags?"

"Why yes, everybody does!" I say, repeating my introduction at the reaping.

The audience bursts into unharmonious laughter and their squawks offend my ears.

"Brilliant! But yes, moving on, Mags," he winks to more giggles from the babboons in the crowd, "what do you think of the Capitol?"

I despise the place.

"Oh it's amazing! The people are so nice and the food is delicious. Oh, and the décor is fabulous. Much better than half the run-down old sea shacks back in Four!" I lie, depreciating my district unwillingly to another bout of cackles. I've got to win over this audience if I'm going to get any sponsors, though.

"Excellent. Now let's discuss your training score. I have to say, I and a number of other people, were shocked to see not one, but two twelves in this year's runnings. Any detail on how you attained such a high score?"

"Now, now, that would be telling. Besides, I'm sure you'll all see tomorrow."

"I do hope so! Well, your time is almost up, my dear. I have the utmost confidence that I'll be seeing you very soon," of course you do, you say that to all of the tributes, "and I'm sure I speak for everyone when I say that you're welcome here in the amazing Capitol whenever you please!" He takes my hand, we both stand up and he nods politely as the buzzer sounds. I sidle back to my seat as Piccolo is leaving his, and he smiles to me on the way.

My district partner becomes the playful, flirty type, complimenting Augustus' suit as well as various other aspects of the atrocity at the front of the stage.

I take barely any notice of those who follow Piccolo, partly because I just don't care enough, but more so because I'm relieved that my final part in the pre-Games is done. All I have to worry about now is killing 23 other children, which, I'll be honest, doesn't bother me much. It's the thought that they'll be in pain that's the problem.

The only other interviewee who leaves an impression on me is Moira from Twelve, who seems to intimidate Augustus, as he appears to be shaking in his seat. Given his normal air of bravery and emotionless state, I know now to watch this girl, because she could, as much as it pains me to say it, be the death of me.

Eventually, the anthem plays and myself and the other tributes file back into the lobby. We get into the elevator in groups of eight, which, coincidentally, makes for an awkward ride back up to the fourth floor with my meant-to-be allies, the snidy bitch from Three and her shaky partner. Self-evidently, we travel in silence.

Our escort, stylists and prep teams are ready to congratulate us once again on our 'magnificent performances'. We go straight the dining room to enjoy what could be our final moments of Capitol pleasure. A number of Avoxes come in and present us with a luxurious bounty of food and an array of multicoloured drinks, but the sight of it all just makes me miss the simplicity of my home again. Regardless, I take a seat next to Piccolo and munch on a stick of asparagus wrapped in bacon.

The conversation is large and loud, particularly between the prep teams, so I take the opportunity to pose a question to Piccolo.

"Do you think we should tell Charon?"

"Tell him what?"

"That we're going to team up."

"No, I still don't think it wise to let him know. I mean, like you said before, it's best that we continue to impress whilst in there because it'll give us a better chance of getting sponsors."

"I suppose so, but I just think we needn't let him worry longer than he should."

"I don't think he will worry. He's got confidence that we'll be fine, I'm sure of it."

"Okay, we'll keep this to ourselves then."

We turn back to our food and listen to the others have discussions about pointless Capitol things that are of no real interest to either of us, but we nod and smile to seem courteous anyway.

It's almost midnight before Charon dismisses us off to bed, reminding us what a big day tomorrow is. Well, it's not likely we'll forget anytime soon.

I bid my partner goodnight and good luck, in case anything goes wrong tomorrow and one of us does wind up dead within the most vicious part of the Games. He returns this favour and we retire to our rooms.

Thankfully, I sleep rather well. I dream only of times past, happy memories with my brother and a number of days I'd spent on the boats with Eri. My father also appears in my dreams, once or twice, but fades as quickly as he came, reminding me eerily of the one word that has haunted me since I was three years-old.


Charon knocks on the door three times and my eyes fly open.

"Mags, dear, time to go."

I get up, with somewhat of an awkward smile on my face. I don't know why it's there, it just is. I throw on the clothes laid out on the dresser – black tank top and fitting khaki trousers – slip into some comfortable sneakers and brush my teeth. Weirdly, I don't remember any tributes brushing their teeth at all during their time in the Games, and I'm intent on maintaining at least some level of personal hygiene whilst in there – wherever there may be.

Upon leaving the room, I find that my partner is all ready in a similar get-up and waiting for me with Charon, as well as Solon and Detra.

"Good morning, I hope you're excited," says Charon, seeming rather sullen.

"To tell the truth, I am," I remember that my odd smile must still be showing,

"Lovely. Now, you'll be transported to the arena via hovercraft, and your stylists will accompany you. This may be the last time I see each of you, so I'd like you to know what a pleasure it has been to be your escort. I have quite enjoyed our time together, and I hope to see you soon." Then he leaves. I notice the tears building as he walks away. Maybe he does care. Maybe he really does hate the Games.

Within minutes, myself, Piccolo, Solon and Detra have taken the elevator to the roof of the Training Center, awaiting our transportation. A ladder falls from the air as a hovercraft materialises at the other end, and I hold onto one of the rungs. I find myself stuck by a slight current of electricity, but I can't say I'm too worried. I wouldn't like to fall from such a great height anyway. Once inside the hovercraft, I remain on the ladder as a Capitol attendant dressed all in white takes my arm and pierces the underside with a needle. I can't speak to ask, but I realise that this must be my tracker, so the Gamemakers can keep an eye on my location and health at all times during the Games.

The ladder releases me from its pull and I take a seat on the hovercraft. Solon arrives within the next couple of minutes, closely followed by an Avox carrying a few trays of food. I don't think, I just eat. I'm going to need as much energy as I can get if I don't manage to attain enough supplies at the Cornucopia.

I realise only now that Piccolo and Detra must have been taken on another hovercraft, but don't question it.

The hovercraft glides away from the Capitol and over forests and what I can only assume are other districts I must have passed on the train, but failed to notice. It's about an hour into our journey before the windows are blacked out, and Solon explains, as well as my logic suggesting, that we're close to the arena, and nothing is to be given away.

Soon enough, we land, and the ladder takes us down into the catacombs underneath the arena. I remember that I forgot to shower before leaving my room this morning, and am surprised to find a shower in the Launch Room. Solon encourages me to have one, because there may not be the opportunity to do so in the arena. I agree, and follow his instructions. The water is somewhat of a relief to me, and as hot as it is, I still try to take gulps of it. From what I remember, pure water is hard to find in the Games, and I don't intend on missing out on what may be my last taste of it.

I dry off and Solon presents me with my arena clothes when I approach him. They're simple enough, similar to the clothes I threw on this morning, but all black with a thin windbreaker jacket and brown boots. They don't, however, give any indication to what the arena may be, which I suppose was the intention of the Gamemakers.

He tells me to turn around, and something cool is placed around my neck.

"My token, how on earth did I forget this?"

"I don't know, but I made sure to look after it for you." He says, smiling sympathetically. "Do your best, darling. All my faith is in you."

"Thank you, Solon."

A voice overhead begins to count down until the circular plates rise, and I step onto my own. Three, two, one, darkness.

I'm only immersed in pitch black for a few moments before a faint light hits my eyes, but bright enough to make me want to cover them at first.

It dims, and I open them, only to find that I'm surrounded by a dense fog. I can just make out the faces of the boys from Five and Nine on either side of me about a metre and a half away, and I remember that I never did bother to learn their names. The fact that I can't see the Cornucopia dawns on me, but I know it's directly in front of me, so that's where my eyes focus.

I hear a few nervous mutters, a scream, then a whimper, before the voice of Arabella Templesmith is emitted from every angle.

"Ladies and gentlemen, let the 11th Hunger Games begin!"

The second countdown I've heard today starts, and I ready myself for what will happen in sixty seconds. My eyes continue adjusting to the fog, which seems to sting a little, but I disregard it and remain concentrated on the newly visible faint golden glow ahead of me.

I wonder if my 'allies' will recognise me here, realise that I'm one of them. I wonder if Beta will turn out to be more deadly than she makes people believe. I wonder if the boys to my left and my right will try and take me out together.

The gong sounds, and I leap off my plate.

Well, I guess there's only one way to find out.


A/N: No hints for the arena, but I promise you'll find out in the next chapter :D I hope you like everything up to this point, and I'm so excited to present you all with the Games. Thanks for sticking with me, and keep reading and reviewing!