Nan: I'm baa- Oh my god! What happened here?

Me: Well, I was having some trouble writing, and...

Nan: How much candy did you eat?

Me: 6 Hershey kisses and a pixie stick.

Nan: Hang on a minute. *digs around in files* Here we are! At least she finished the chapter. Now, let's get you cleaned up...

Banter Cross' PoV

I stood in the shower, the hot water droplets pounding my back. I had never had a hot shower; in District 10, we'd never had much reason to. The next morning the dust raised by the cattle would settle back in our faces and clothes. If we did bathe, it was about once every couple of weeks in a tub of cold water. I hadn't even bothered with the many buttons in a rainbow of colors that covered one wall. It was too confusing. Finished, I stepped out of the shower and grabbed the soft fleece towel that was waiting for me. In my rough workers hands, the towel seemed delicate, like the threads would just fall apart with too much rubbing. I patted myself down while reflecting on the day's events.

I got up, fed the cattle, cleaned the stables, went inside to change into nicer clothes, went down to the Reaping, heard my name called, shook hands with the girl tribute, Charlotte something-or other, and said good bye to Ma, Pa, Charles, Kevork, and Seoras, and then I was loaded on to this train, off to the Capitol. I was the youngest of 4 brothers. Seoras was the oldest, then Kevork, then Charles, and then me. With such a big family, we had been lucky to never have someone in the Hunger Games. Until now.

I had just gotten dressed when a servant came into the room. He looked about 25, with messy black hair and glasses. He nodded for me to follow him. We went down the hall way and through a pair of ornate doors into the dining room.

"Ahh, there you are! We had to send an Avox out looking for you!" The escort, Ballmer, trilled. He gestured for me to sit between across from him, next to Charlotte.

"Avox?" I questioned as I sat and began piling food onto my plate. Cattle driving gave you a big appetite.

"Traitors to the Capitol who have had their tongues cut out as punishment," Charlotte said quietly. I got the feeling that someone had already explained it to her, and she didn't approve. I turned to get a better look at her. She had long, chestnut brown hair like mine, and big brown eyes like a baby cows. She was tall, but really skinny, undernourished. She was attacking the food like she had an appetite even bigger than mine, but she was still pretty.

Ballmer was eyeing us both. If a district doesn't have a mentor, the escort can choose if he/she wants to help the tributes. Ballmer had stepped up to the challenge. That was probably why we hadn't had any victors yet. It was no surprise that the wealthiest districts won; they had spare time to practice with weapons. The only weapon I knew how to handle was an axe, as I used one when I beheaded livestock. Axes had been in the arena before, so I guess that meant I had a chance. I pushed a lock of hair out of my eyes. I really needed a haircut. My hair was at that length where it's always getting in your face, but it's too short to make a big deal out of cutting it. Maybe in the Capitol my prep team would give me a haircut.

Charlotte Perry's PoV

This chicken is so good I thought as the lemon and garlic juices swirled around in my mouth. I'd never had this much food in front of me before. It was probably the most food I'd ever have in front of me, as I was hopeless at survival. I could see Banter staring at me, but I didn't care. I was too busy stuffing my face. Finally the escort, Ballmer, spoke.

"So, eh, Charlotte, is it?" Like he cares. Still, I corrected him.

"Lottie," I said around a mouthful of salad.

"Lottie, then. Do you have any special skills?" I swallowed so I could speak.

"I am good with a lasso, and I've learned a little bit about swords from my dad. I'm a good swimmer and I have excellent hearing."

"Wonderful!" he warbled. "And you, Banter? What are you skilled in?"

Banter didn't hesitate. It was almost like he'd been thinking about it in the silence.

"I'm strong, and I can fight. I know how to use an axe and I can wrangle large animals that might be in the arena," he said curtly. Ballmer nodded at both of us and continued eating. We went and watched the Reapings. No one really jumped out at me except for the District 12 boy. I knew as soon as I saw him. He was going to be my ally. I would make sure of it. I fell asleep on the couch. The gentle rocking of the train lulled me into slumber. The next morning I woke to see Banter's soft brown eyes waking me up.

"We're here. In the Capitol." Somewhere, in the layers of his deep voice, there was a tinge of excitement. I bounced up, hitting my forehead on his.

"Oww!" we said in unison, clutching our heads. Great, we'd have twin bruises for our first appearance in the Capitol. Ignoring this, I ran to the window and pulled up the shade. The Capitol, in all its sparkling glory, stretched in front of me. We really were here.

Bad chapter! To The Wisher: I'm really sorry about Lottie's sucky and short PoV! To make it up to you, she's gonna get an extra long PoV in another chapter, maybe Training or the Interviews.

Other notes: I've figured out all the romance stuff! We have a "Soulmates" couple, and a "One-sided" couple, so this should be interesting! One of the couples is in the Careers, and the other is normal tributes, but different alliances, so we have a bit of variety there too. If you want to know the couples, you have to review! If I get to 100 reviews before the first Training chapter, I'll tell you guys!

Remember, you are also earning sponsor points! To illistrate the importance of SP, Nan and I have prepared a little skit. Nan is a reviewer, and I am myself, the author.

Nan: Oh no, my favorite tribute just got bitten by a snake! I'll send her some medicine! Review: Great chapter! I want to send my tributes some anti-venom medicine!

Me: Okay, let me check if you have enough sponsor points. *checks files* Ooh, sorry, it looks like you only have 2 SP, and that costs 5 SP.

Nan: Dang it, now my tributes gonna die!

And that is why you should review. Thank you *bows*

Also, I have updated the Sponsoring chapter (now Chapter 1). You should check it out! I changed some prices, and added a lot of new items that you can send your tributes. I think that's it!

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