AN: Another chapter, finally! Now this is the very last chapter before the Trainings, the next three chapters will be focusing on the days of training and it will be featuring all of the characters. Basically you will see 16 character's POV in each chapter, so I hope you're excited, because I am. Training days are my favourite part from the 'Before Hunger Games' section, so I'm really looking forward to it. I still haven't figured out the alliances and romances in this story, so I will have to write those down so that I won't get lost. Naturally in the next chapters you will see a lot of interactions between the tributes, possible love interest, possible allies and even possible enemies.

As for this chapter, I'm only going to say that I am not entirely content with it, but I really wanted to give you a chapter to read. My slow updating shall be excused by the load of latest exams and school projects. Thank you all for patience, you are the best.


Vera Bellevue, Australia

Finally it was over. It seemed that no one from the Capitol cared about the fact that most of the tributes were still under age and staying up until midnight because of party, was not something we were used to. At least not me. I am eleven and the latest hour I've ever been up till, was half past ten and only because I had to wait for my mother to come back from her part-time job. She works as a maid in the mayor's house, while my father is all day gone working, doing I don't know what. But I'm used to the situation at home, after all, it's the only thing I have left.

"Vera?" I heard soft voice from behind my back and I turned around to see to who belongs that voice. I met the greenish gaze of my stylist, Martin. His swarthy skin contrasted with bright white clothes and his face showed concern for me. I tried to enchant the warmest smile on my face to reassure him that I'm alright.

"Yes?"

"I will be leaving shortly; I was wondering whether you needed anything." I was at least a head shorter than him, therefore I had to really tilt my head to have a proper view on him. It was apparent that he's tired just as well as I am. My district partner had already gone to bed and the escort excused herself to bathroom, therefore, not counting my beautician, I was the only person left in this large living room, covered with sky blue blankets and pillows. It was meant to resemble the sea our country was surrounded with however to me it looked like unavailing joke.

"Could you help me with my make-up?" I asked him circling with my index finger around my face, pointing at the flawless make-up that was decorating my face.

"Of course I can." He nodded his head and I sat on the large sofa, crossing my legs under me and resting my hands next to my hips peacefully. Martin sat beside me and placed his blackish case on the table in front of us. He picked up small bottle of clear water and poured some on piece of cotton. Then with slow smooth moves he started removing the light make-up from my face.

"Do you think I made impression?" I asked quietly, even though I knew that I didn't. There were other 47, much more interesting tributes than eleven year's old girl with short pitch black hair and scarred face. But I didn't want to hear that. I wanted to hear a comforting lie that would assure me that I had at least slight chance, that someone maybe will support me while I'll fight for life in the deadly arena.

"I'm sure you did." He replied in comforting voice. I closed my eyes, so that he could remove the black mascara from my eyelashes. When I opened my eyes, I glanced to my right side at the pocket mirror and I was myself again. The long scar travelling from my cheek all the way to my neck was now showing off again, making me wonder whether that made me look dangerous or weak. I hoped for the first alternative.


Kauri Pintoln, New Zealand

I wasn't sure what to think. The party was over and my head felt heavy from the make-up I've received from my so called beauticians. As much as I resisted, they insisted on putting powder on my cheeks and that's the reason why I'm not bending over the sink, trying to remove all of the chemicals from my face. I hated this perspective of Capitol, why couldn't they just leave us be? As if it wasn't enough that we had to kill each other for their own sadistic joy and amusement, they had to parade us around like silent puppets that are supposed to silently play their game.

I hear the loud high-pitched voices and laughs from the next door. Our escort, stylist and her assistants, heck even our mentors are now enjoying themselves over late glass of wine. I consider joining them. I despise our entire team, after all they are nothing else than couple of superficial fake and spineless creatures, but I must admit that after this night, I crave some kind of distraction. While my brain screams at me, telling me to go to sleep, I know that if I slipped under the blankets right now, I wouldn't be able to fall asleep, so I do what I will most likely regret in the morning. I put on a shiny and joyful mask on my face, approaching the next room and eventually the long table with the New Zealand's team loudly seated around.

"Look who decided to join us." Pia Hollowbrooke, my district partner, greeted me with smile on her red lips. I must say, I didn't expect to see her there. I didn't interact with her much and when I did, all I got as a response from her was some unnecessary sarcastic and witty comment. I figured that she decided to seek out distraction as well, since I could smell the red wine all over her. Not smart, pouring yourself with alcohol the night before the first day of reapings, I thought, but didn't say out loud. Instead I replied her with smile and quick nod, placing myself on the chair in front of her and on the left side of my main beautician. She seemed a bit disappointed that her consistent work made on my face was gone now, but she didn't scold me for it.

"As I was saying, I really think that the sponsors will remember you after today, you all looked stunningly beautiful." Evanna, our stylist, stated, circling finger around thin strand of her strawberry blonde hair. One would see it as a lovely compliment, but I knew better. Evanna was simply pointing out what a marvelous job she has done on us.

"Thanks to you, Evanna. We couldn't wish for a better stylist, right Kauri?" Pia replied her with pretended gratefulness and overly sweet voice, turning her blonde head at me.

"Of course." I might not have liked Evanna or her ways, but the truth remains that she changed us from ordinary children of sea, to beautiful tributes that cannot be overlooked.

"Oh, stop it." Evanna giggled, gesturing with her right hand at us. I could see that she enjoyed when someone complimented her. The escort, who's name I still cannot remember, offered me wine, but I lifted my hand in refusal. It seemed that here in Capitol everyone was forgetting our real age. No wonder, when they expect us to do things which children shouldn't be supposed to even know of. The night continues like this, compliments, strategies for training, talking about food and all the small chit chat. Eventually I excuse myself, entering my very own room with cool air conditioning. I jump into my bed, burying my face into fresh pillow that smelled of roses and lilies. My eyelids start feeling heavy and I find myself closing my eyes, while my thoughts drift away to the image of tomorrow.


Isabella Hugget, Fiji

It takes me over half an hour till I finally remove all of the bobby pins from my complicated hairstyle, strands of my hair falling down on my shoulders with each pin I take out. My head hurts and curly raven black hair are now resting in unnatural position, deformed from being in a tight bun the entire evening and night. I actually tried to impress the Capitolans, back at the party. I was starting the conversations, throwing smiles and waves at them, but it seemed that everyone had already found their favorite. It made it quite difficult for me to associate with any potential sponsor and therefore I ended up sitting on a high chair with non-alcoholic drink in my hand, observing others and after an hour or so, I even started talking with the waiters and barmen.

"You know, this is the first time I actually saw you resting." I spoke to the dark-skinned barman who didn't stop the entire evening. He was always fulfilling someone's wish or listening to the Capitolan's snarky comments. Now he was sitting quietly, observing the situation. Pretty much what I was doing until now. He lifted his gaze to my direction and offered me a brief smile.

"You know, you are the first person to start a conversation with me that doesn't begin with 'I want…' or 'Bring me…'." I chuckled at his comment and extended my hand.

"I'm Isabella. Fiji." I introduced myself, stating my country with pride. He shook my hand lightly, bending over the counter to reach me.

"I'm Alaric. The only person who isn't an Avox in here." I never heard much about Avoxes before, only that they were servants of Capitol, rebels that were punished by having their tongue cut out. It was quite painful to even imagine it.

"What does it feel like?" I asked, not caring that I was probably not being the most polite person right now, but Alaric didn't seem to mind it and answered my question honestly.

"Frankly, it's a tad depressing. Whatever these people have done, they don't deserve what the Capitol has done to them. But don't say I told you that. Canada is pretty strict about any sign of possible rebellion." I nodded my head, understandingly.

I now saw that Canada has no mercy with anyone, not even with people of their own. I knew that us, the states and countries, are under Canada's influence and therefore we are not safe, but I always thought that once you live in Canada, you have everything and there's no reason to be afraid. I can't believe I was wrong all this time. Call me naïve, but I always consoled myself with the thought that somewhere, there are people who don't need to feel in constant fear, who can live their lives without worries or doubts. But while the Capitolans don't need to be afraid about being chosen for the Hunger Games, they weren't safe before the government either. No one was safe from them and that's probably what scared me most.


AN: As usual, I crave your opinion and ideas, so please express them in reviews! :)

- Who was your favourite from this part?

- Who is your favorite overall?

- Any ideas, improvements that this story needs?

- What type of arena would you like to see mostly?