Disclaimer: I Own Nothing.

Chapter 10: Lessons Learned and Announcements Made.

Rose was pacing more that strolling in the roof top gardens. Edward was my pillar of support, he held my hand and never let go. I decided to tell Rose about Edward and my time together. How he slept over and Demetri caught him leaving. I also told her we were in love and wanted it to be known by the Capitol.

"You're both Fools! It's your fault that poor child was abused. How could you be so stupid? You know you're being watched. You know Edward is scheduled for termination. Do you really think by acting like love sick puppies, the Kings will change the rules of the games. They won't allow it. They have the power and their not going to let you to have any control of their precious games. You've put us all in danger!" Rose fumes.

"You don't think I know that! I feel horrible about Bree. It's all my fault she was tortured by those witch twins. However, we didn't do anything that should have prompted such actions. I was going to join the Kings. We only wanted a night of normalcy. Is that really so terrible. All we did was hold each other close for one night. Yes, it was reckless getting caught! Yes, we were selfish for one night! Nevertheless, we didn't commit a crime, we shouldn't have received such harsh punishment. So, Lay off!" I say, feeling the weight of every word.

"Rose, she wasn't the one torturing Bree, and Bella, it's not your fault so stop blaming yourself. Now, you are going to listen to me for one minute before you write us all off, Rosalie! We plan on telling the Kings and Capitol we're in love. We will share our affection in public as much as possible. We are hoping to win the hearts of the Capitol's citizens. We know the royals won't pardon me. We are counting on a public outcry to dodge the only one victor rule. We think this could work. And, if not well we'll deal with that when the time comes." Edward finishes.

Rose doesn't respond. She just studies us for a few minutes. Then she takes a long deep breath, runs her fingers through her hair, and as if someone hit the reset button she begins talking in a calm tone,

"You both know the risk you're taking letting everyone know you're in love? They'll use it against you." she says sympathetically.

"We know the risks. Will you still help us?" I ask.

"I still think your fools, but I'll help. Bella, I know you didn't mean for anything to happen to Bree and it wasn't your fault." That was as close to an apology as I was going to get from Rose and I was willing to accept that. I nod in response.

We were all too emotionally drained to make any real plans. So, we called it a night. Edward walked me to my room. We shared a brief kiss and parted ways. I opened the door and was about to turn the lights on when they were turned on for me. I squeaked and jumped from fright,

"Yy..Your Majesty!" I stuttered and quickly curtsied.

Aro was sitting in a chair waiting for me,

"Sorry, did I scare you. My apologies. I needed a word and I figured I wouldn't trouble you with the journey to and from my suite. I know you had a troubling day and that is partly why I'm here." he gestures to the loveseat across from him. I sit down stiffly.

"It seems I have more than one apology to make. Demetri was to leave you alone until you made your decision. He wasn't suppose to put any pressure on you. He also, acted alone when he approached the twins from District 4. You see he was looking forward to claiming you for himself once you joined us. So, when he spotted Edward leaving your room he was a bit upset and acted irrationally. He will be leaving you alone for the remainder of your stay in the training center. I suspect you may need a little more time.

I'll let you in on a little secret. As opposed to the typical interviews we are changing things up a bit. I won't ruin the surprise, but I'm sure all the tributes will enjoy the changes. With that said I'll give you 'til the end of the interview to accept our offer." he says with a smug grin like he was giving me something extra special.

"Thank you, I was going to get back to you today but with everything that happened…" I trail off.

"Yes, yes I understand. Take the extra time I'm offering. But, know this. I have no problem with you having your fun with that boy but, any schemes you may be plotting to spare his life will fail. His life has an expiration date which is fast approaching. Accept this and move on before he brings you down with him. I'm sure Rosalie explained to you that refusing us can be detrimental. Your little meeting on the roof's garden tonight was monitored. As will all other meetings you think you can get away with. Bide your time wisely and you may just be rewarded for your loyalties." he stands.

"I must bid you goodnight. I'm sure you're tired and, I have much to plan. The announcement about the changes to the interview will be held tomorrow before the Gamemaker's judgment. Until then." he says and does a small bow of the head. He walks out leaving me stunned.

The good news is I have a little more time before I sell my soul to the devil. The bad news is they know about our plans to try and to save Edward and about our latest meeting on the roof. However, he didn't say they monitored any of our other meetings. So, they may not have caught everything we've said and the books seem to be holding our secret messages.

Aro said I could have my fun so, why not. I grabbed an outfit for tomorrow and headed for Edward's room. I knocked and had to wait a minute. Edward looked like I woke him, but seeing me woke him right up.

"What happened? Are you O.K.? Was it Demetri? Did he come and threaten you?" he rattles off question after question.

"Edward! I'm fine. Well sort of, I had a bit of a surprise back in my room. King Aro came to visit me. He wanted me to know Demetri won't be bothering me for the remainder of my stay at the training center. He also made it very clear that you weren't going to make it out of the games alive. I'm so sorry Edward there's nothing we can do." I choose my words carefully knowing everything I say will be heard.

"But, on a positive note he was fine with me spending time with you." I say trying to sound relieved.

"Let's get to bed. I know we're both tired. I brought a change of cloths so we can have a nice shower together in the morning." I say with a wink.

Hoping he got the hint, we'll talk more tomorrow. He kisses me deeply and says,

"I can hardly wait. I usually wake up a bit stiff in the morning and a nice long shower should help release some tension." he says with a wink.

Good he took the bait. We got ready for bed. I wore one of Edward's shirts. Switching off the lights I grabbed a book on the nightstand next to his bed and a hair pin from my head I pulled both under the covers. Hoping neither motions were noticed. I left a message for Rose about Aro's visit leaving no detail out. I slipped the book back into place. Then snuggled close to Edward for much needed sleep.

We both were up early. After a rather heated make-out session we decided to take our activities into the shower for some privacy. In between kisses I was able to tell everything from the night before. I felt bad for getting Edward all excited, but before we got out he switched the water to cold which seem to help. We dress and before leaving I grab the book. We have Judgment this afternoon. I am hoping Rose has a plan. We enter the dinning room and I notice Emmett sitting next to Rose again. Alice isn't here yet.

"Hey, hot stuff." Emmett says to us laughing at his little joke.

"Hi, Em." I say and place the book next to Rose.

"Good Morning." says Edward.

"So today I want you to work in the fields you know. Get a feel for the equipment and such, but no showing off. Then when you're called this afternoon no holding back. Show them what your made of. Got it?" Rose says while leafing through the book.

We both say we understand and ask Emmett what his plans are for the day, as to give Rose time to read the message, which was a bit more lengthy then our normal ones. Just then Mrs. Cope, Alice and Jay come excitedly into the dinning room.

"Oh, good you're all here. We just got word that the Royals will be making a special announcement this afternoon. But, that's not all, your stylists were give instructions to make your interview apparel more formal than usual. I have a really good feeling about this. I can hardly wait!" Mrs. Cope gushes, Alice adds,

"We have your measurements. Do you both trust our judgment?"

"Of course we do. Do whatever it is you need to do to make us look fabulous. I'm sure you won't disappoint." I say.

"You say wear it and I'll put it on." says Edward.

This pleased everyone at the table. Mrs. Cope said she was going to double check with the kitchen staff about the no alcohol and strong coffee for the Gamemakers. She also added she would be with us for the broadcast later and off she went. Alice and Jay excused themselves to work out our attire for tomorrow.

We all headed to the Gym for our last practice. Emmett and Rose will be offering advice and showing us a few tricks we might need to know. Let's hope it is helpful and let's hope for a drama free day.

I'm so glad Rose had us practice with the equipment provided. The bow was more taunt than the one my father made, and the arrows less flexible. It took a few tries to get used to. The knives were easier to get used to. They were heavier but well balanced. I tied a few snares to show Edward and Emmett was a huge help giving some additional pointers. I only quickly reviewed the plants focusing on plants not from my region. I memorized the book my parents had written and illustrated, with a few additions from what Jake and I learned.

Edward and I ran through the obstacle course. He didn't even break a sweat. He wrestled an assistant and won without making it look like it was too easy for him. He also demonstrated his camouflage technique which wasn't really a big deal without having to hide to prove how good he was at it.

Rose and Emmett seemed pleased with our skills. Then they both gave some pointers for the arena.

Rules of Surviving the Arena:

First, stay away from the bloodbath at the cornucopia, if there is something nearby grab it and run for cover.

Second, find water, no water equals inevitable death.

Third, Get as far way from the drop point as possible, the careers will make camp there.

Fourth, conceal everything, no visible fires, shelters must look like surrounding environment, make ourselves blend into the area we're in, and cover our scent this will protect us from both human and animal hunters.

Fifth, eating whenever possible. Even just a bite or two here and there will help keep your energy up.

Sixth, work as a team, there's strength in numbers. The careers are a great example of this.

Seventh, never stay in one place too long, moving often will help keep you safe from planned ambushes.

Eighth, cover your tracks, when packing up leave no evidence that you were there in the first place. It will make tracking you more difficult.

Ninth, use your instincts. If you get a bad feeling listen to it and act accordingly. Sometimes our brains aren't as quick to pick up on what's going on around us and our instincts kick in, listen to them.

Tenth, if you come upon someone who is unconscious, take what you need and destroy the rest. Leave nothing behind for it could be used against you or be helpful to their own survival.

Eleventh, trust no one but each other. This is a game of survival of the fittest. No one is going to sacrifice their life for you.

Twelfth, if it's a choice for fight or flight and your not sure you can win, RUN! Don't take the risk until it's absolutely necessary, live to fight another day. The odds may shift in your favor.

Finally, but most importantly, Don't Die!

"I've said it more than once but, I'm serious. I can get the gifts from the sponsors and give you all the pointers I know, but if you get yourselves killed by doing something stupid it will all be for nothing. Trust me if the two of you can stay alive 'til the end things may work out you never know." Rose says with confidence.

We were all directed to a small auditorium Mrs. Cope, Alice and Jay were waiting for us. We sat toward the back. I couldn't help but notice all the cameras. I'm guessing we are going to witness the big announcement live, while the rest of Panem will watch on T.V. Knowing Jake and Nessie were watching this live was somehow comforting. Like we were finally doing something together after all this time apart. Before I could dell further, Demetri climbed on to the stage.

"Good afternoon. I am proud to introduce his Highness Aro Volturi." he says and bows before backing away so Aro could address the audience.

"Welcome and Good Day! I have exciting news to share with you all. My brothers and I have decided to change the way the interview portion of the games are done. This year, instead of a sit down one-on-one interview, we will be having a Grand Ball. In which the tributes can enjoy themselves and the interviewers can mingle amongst them and get a more candid reaction from everyone there. As an added bonus we will be there, as well as some surprise guests. I know I am looking forward to dancing with a few of our lovely tributes. With that said, our tributes are being judged shortly. We should let them have their lunches, to keep up their strength, and assure the best performance possible. Good Luck Tributes and I look forward to meeting you all tomorrow evening!" Aro finishes with excitement lasting every word.

Wow! That is a surprise, a Ball really? I wonder who the surprise guest will be since he already said the royals would be attending?

"I wonder who the surprise guests are?" says Edward. Great minds think alike.

"Hopefully, not any of there friends." Emmett says with a shutter at the word friends. I wonder what that's about but, let it drop for now.

"I have to give them credit. They really are quite clever." says Rose.

"What make you say that?" asks Alice.

"Don't you see…They can cover up the incident with Bree. Avoiding having to explain why Jane and Alec aren't present and Bree's state. All the while making themselves look good by being approachable to the tributes. It's a win, win for them." Rose explains.

"They can also interfere with the interviews themselves. The three of them in different parts of the room, looking and listening for anything they don't want seen or heard. All they have to do is step in and presto they distract the audience with their presence." I say thinking out loud.

"Exactly!" says Rose.

Mrs. Cope seemed unaffected by our revelations. She and Jay were too excited about the Ball to listen to anything we had to say. I'm not surprised Alice was more into our side of the story, but still paid enough attention to the other conversation to add in a word or two.

The only good thing about the announcement was it kept me from worrying too much about the upcoming Gamemaker's Judgment during lunch. But, like all good things that too, came to an end, when all tributes and their mentors' were called to the holding area outside of the gym. Of course Felix was there waiting for all of us to arrive. He started speaking the minute the last group of tributes entered,

"You will be called in order of district. The first tribute from each district will be male followed by female. Any requests for specific equipment or assistance must be made before entering the gym. Once you enter the gym you are to stay until dismissed by the Head Gamemaker. You will leave using the rear exit. Now let me introduce you all to this year's Head Gamemaker Jasper Whitlock. The floor is yours." Felix finish and allowed the Gamemaker to speak.

Jasper was tall about 6'3", he had shoulder length wavy locks in a honey gold color, he was lean but muscular at the same time, and he appeared to be in his early twenties. Over all very attractive and had an air of confidence, which made you want to listen to what he had to say.

"Hello and welcome to judgment day. As you were all told just a moment ago, I am Jasper Whitlock the Head Gamemaker. I look forward to seeing what each of you have to offer this years games." he pauses and as if looking for someone. Once he makes eye contact with me he continues, "I feel it is elemental we approach these trials with the utmost respect. So please, hold yourselves and this facility with highest of esteem." he breaks eye contact and continues, "Now with no further delay will the male tribute from district one please step forward?"

Laurent was asked if he needed any assistance or equipment. Once everything was settled he entered the gym, followed by Jasper.

I couldn't help but wonder if the Head Gamemaker was trying to tell me something. I'll have to ask Edward's opinion about it later. I spied, Edward whispered something into Rose's ear. She looked at him like he was crazy, he then whispered something else. What ever he said convinced her to conceded because, she nodded and headed over to talk to Felix.

"What was that about?" I asked him.

"I just had a request for my trial. She's asking Felix about it. That all." he said.

I didn't see anything off with that so I dropped it.

"Are you nervous?" I ask.

"No, not really. Since I have nothing to lose, I figure I might as well have some fun." he says.

I noted he used my own words to prove his point. Time seemed to be going in slow motion. One by one the tribute were called and one by one the room cleared. By the time Edward was next to be called, I regretted eating lunch. It sat in the pit of my stomach just begging to make a reappearance. Oh, that would be quite a show to put on for them. Me puking all over the place. My thoughts were interrupted by the doors opened and Edward's name being called.

He stood tall and proud. It reminded me a lot of how he held himself during the reaping. However, this time he turned to me wrapped his arms around me and planted a passion filled kiss upon my lips before suddenly releasing me and walking directly into the gym. Leaving me no time to wish him luck or say anything at all. Which I'm thinking was on purpose.

I found myself pacing back and forth trying to form some sort of game plan for my trial. When nothing came to mind I decided to play it by ear. I know a bow and arrow waited me, which was a small comfort. Then without thinking I ran my finger over the mockingjay pin I continued to wear everyday. It comforted me. Just when I thought I had myself calmed down the doors opened and I was racked with worry all over again.

So, I did what I always do. I took a deep breath, centering myself, and said thought, 'Show no fear, show no weakness! You have people counting on you.' I straightened to my full height, squared my shoulders, and added to my internal pep talk, 'The game is on, time to show the Capitol just how lethal I can be.' and walked into the gym like owned the place.

Up Next,

Trials, Tributes, and Perfection.