"What the…." I gasp as the last person's score appears on the TV before switching it off. Clove and I had been elated about our scores – both getting tens and that we beat all the other Careers. Wisteria didn't do too bad getting an 8, clearly not showing the Gamemakers her true potential but that's not my problem. Nothing could have beaten us down from our high - not even when the guy from 11, got the same number as I. Everything looked and felt right until 12's scores popped up.

"How the hell has that girl got that high a score?" I explode standing up. "All she could do was tie a knot and tell the difference between a few berries. How the fuck does that make her get an 11?"

Brutus and Enobaria's mouths opened, closed and opened again but they couldn't come up with an answer. "Maybe she was told to keep her best advantage secret until the end." Clove mumbles, looking straight ahead at the blank screen, shell shook at the outcome we've just witnessed. I don't know what happened to Incuras but I just hope he's gone to get an explanation off someone.

"What would that be, Clove?" I yell, really wanting to hit something. No one was meant to get a higher score than me, especially a District 12 tribute. What on earth could she have possibly done to better me? "Does she have a hidden talent of swinging a sword? Shooting arrows? Throwing something 10x her body weight? She's a District 12. They aren't meant to see the light of day because they are stuck in a mine, let alone see an eleven next to their name or even a weapon!"

Anger starts to overwhelm me. Out of all the tributes, Everdeen (and even her little blonde companion) are the ones I never assumed to be one of my biggest dangers. I'd weighted her up to be a determined tribute but not one that could get an eleven next to their name. How had I not seen it? I have no preparation or assumptions at what she is truly capable of. That scares me the most.

"Cato, maybe you should sit down." Incuras smiles, pointing to the seat next to Clove. "We have work to do."

I huffed and walked out of there. I needed to clear my head. This could not be happening. I'm sure the President is shocked as well. He would not have allowed that number to be presented!

An anger shook my body, making it tremble as I walked into my room and it reminded me of how I felt before I hallucinated. What is wrong with me!? My mother has warned me about my anger and how I black out when it overpowers me. I don't faint. I'm still up and about; I just don't remember what happens while I'm like that. Of course, I've never believed her but I'm starting to. It seems that whatever consumes me keeps me there, not wanting to let go.

"Cato, are you okay?" The escort gently knocks the door, before sitting on the sofa.

"No I'm not."

"I have asked someone, who knows someone, who is a Gamemaker and get the gossip of what happened."

That gets my attention. "Go on."

"They weren't specific on the event that occurred but Katniss has great aim and wasn't afraid to make a point."

"Arh, so she is an archer."

"You didn't hear it from me." Incuras winks, tapping his nose. "She supposedly shot an arrow straight at an apple that was in the pigs mouth, right next to Seneca Crane."

"How did you get this information?"

"People owe me favours." He smiles and for once, I could see the real person behind all the Capitol make up. Incuras has a dark side, a very mysterious side of him that unnerves me. What does this guy do when the Games are happening? Is he a head mobster? Maybe I shouldn't have judged him for being a pansy at the sight of blood - it could be a facade. "Why do you think 'the Careers' always win? We know everything about everyone before getting to the arena."

"Seriously?"

"Did that spoil your idea of everything being equal and fair? I'm sure the President has already spoken to you."

I nod, "Yes and he says you would have chosen the male tribute."

"That is true." Incuras grins, standing up and strolls over to the door. "I assume you'd like to know who I would have picked."

I nod, again.

"Unfortunately, it wasn't you."

"Who would you have picked then?"

He shrugged, "For once, I didn't have anyone in my head. Everyone knew you'd have volunteered."

"Why didn't you pick me before?"

Again, Incuras shrugs before leaving my room.

Can you believe it?! I wasn't picked. I'm always picked. Incuras knew exactly who he'd have picked. It must be someone who I don't like - well, that narrows it down. Could it have been Cannon, who can throw triple his body weight? Yves, a camouflage expert, or Otto, a great underwater combat fighter? Even the piddly little kids could have been picked over me. This is not fair - I'm supposed to be enjoying myself but instead I'm pondering whether I was truly supposed to be a Victor. Did Incuras see me being better suited as a Peacekeeper?

Get over yourself, man. You volunteered. Who cares? No one. Think about the arena, who do you need on your team. Think!

It didn't take longer to idealise the perfect pack. All I have to do it call them - I'm sure Brutus has had his hands full with phone calls on people wanting to be in the winning group. It must happen every year. Every escort must hassle the higher districts, even petty proud Katniss has asked. Probably.

I grab the phone and dial for District 12's level. The slurred lines of Haymitch Abernathy, spoke. "Hello."

"I would like to speak to the blonde guy."

"A please would be nice."

"Just get on with it, drunk."

A few muttered breathes were spoke as the phone was exchanged.

"Er, you wanted to talk to me." He comments. Everything in my subconscious was screaming at me not to make this deal - no one has ever succumb to the lower districts for help - yet he knows Everdeen. He knows the answers to why she got a high score. "So what did you want me for, Cato?"

That is the question. What do I want him for without sounding as if I'm using him? A little smile plasters on my face as I begin, "You, mister, are very clever. Very clever. Tricking us all in thinking you were weak and pathetic. Very clever. Had to keep your 'special' talent a secret from us … Careers." A light bulb has just switched on in my brain, as a superb idea comes to mind. The blonde knows things, us higher districts don't. He knows knot tying, camouflage, wild fruit that isn't poisonous and everything about Everdeen. He may just be the biggest asset to the whole Games. Befriending him will be the easiest strategy. "What do you say to being part of my group?"

"Are you sure you are talking to the right person?"

"Come on, a guy that gets an eight shouldn't be overlooked."

There was a long pause on the other end of the phone, making my patients run very thin. "I'll take that offer."

"I will see you tomorrow then. I'll get my escort to give yours the details of what will happen." I didn't wait for a farewell, who has time. "Incuras," I order, hoping his little pointy ears will hear.

His elaborate self appears at my door. His appearance, when in night attire is completely different from his normal self - he looks normal. His long whiskers aren't there anymore, showing off his very chiselled features as he tries to grow stubble. A rainbow nightgown is present on his body with the same nightcap on, covering up those hideous tattoos of his. "Yes, Cato."

"Can you arrange for a lunch meal with 1, the boy from 3, Wisteria, that sly girl from 5 and the male 12 tribute?"

"What about your interview lessons. It's a big big big day tomorrow."

"I'm sure a few hours won't hurt anybody."

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A/N I want to thank everyone that reads this. It is the best story on my fan fiction page, which I'm surprised about tbh - I thought the Disney one would have done better. My writing style doesn't change so if you like that please check out my other stories on here, even if you just comment on a chapter on why you don't like it, it is totally cool.

This part was a lot shorter. At least 1000 words shorter. I believe it has made it better and has truly started to show what the Games are like for the higher districts and how different everything is from the lower ones.