The train pulled into the Capitol and it was easy to hear the large cheers of the people. It made me sick that they all still thought that this was some sort of game. They didn't realize that they were playing with peoples' lives, that they were taken lives. Even if they did realize that, they probably didn't care. Why would they? The people of the Districts meant nothing to the Capitol; if we did, perhaps we would be treated better.

The doors slid open and Wiress and Aven were the first ones out. It didn't surprise me that at Aven's appearance there were a lot of screams. In many ways, he and Finnick were alike; both known as the heartthrobs of the Capitol. The only difference was that as far as anyone knew Aven had never had any relations with people in the Capitol while Finnick did; although he had told us it wasn't by choice. Then Beetee stepped out of the car. There were still a lot of cheers but not as many as there had been for Aven. I hovered inside the train my heart pounding in my chest before ducking my head and stepping onto the platform. Beetee seized my wrist, drawing me to his side in what I recognized as a comforting gesture.

Flashes of cameras went off and the screams were nearly deafening. It took all of my willpower to not place my hands over my ears or run to the nearest elevator to get away from the chaos. Through the crowd I could barely discern the shapes of other tributes being ushered away and I thought I could see Cato's hulking figure but I wasn't too sure. The people crowded us in on all sides as our escort, Sugar, led us toward where we would be prepped for the chariots. The chariots were always something that I dreaded. It was like they were presenting us as lambs for the slaughter, which in a way they were. It was something that couldn't be helped, but it didn't mean that I disliked it any less.

Like last year, the stylists plucked every piece of hair off of our bodies. I could feel the thick brush combing through my unruly hair, and my skin burned as they practically scrubbed it raw as if they were trying to rid it of the scars that littered my back. Scars that the Capitol even with all of its medicine couldn't seem to get rid of. My stylist from last year came in, Palla, and I smiled gratefully at her pleased that I was able to see her again. But the smile quickly evaporated when she narrowed her eyes at me and pursed her lips.

I hadn't been expecting a warm welcome but I had at least thought I would get a smile. Instead, it seemed that Palla was mad at me if the glare on her face was any indication.

"You are a stupid, stupid girl," she chided me. "Being in the Hunger Games, honestly," she huffed shaking her head.

"It wasn't like I had a choice," I answered good-naturedly but my façade of calm didn't fool her because she just arched an eyebrow unimpressed and huffed again. I sighed, "So what are you dressing me in this year?"

"Something spectacular that will undoubtedly be overshadowed by Cinna and District 12," Palla rolled her eyes. "But I shall endeavor to do my best."

"That's the spirit."

She slapped the back of my head, "Hush and let me work in peace."

Obediently I fell silent. My relationship with Palla had always been unorthodox, and I regarded her as a friend rather than just a Capitol stylist. I closed my eyes, concentrating on my breathing. I knew that as soon as I stepped onto the chariot, that I would begin to get overwhelmed and I couldn't afford to have a panic attack in front of the Capitol. That would count me out as a contender in the Games altogether and expose my weaknesses to the other competitors. That was assuming that they didn't know already.

Fabric slithered over my sensitive skin making me shiver and goosebumps arise on my flesh. Gently Palla tapped me on the arm, murmuring something in a soft, lilting tone as to not startle me and reluctantly I allowed my eyes to flutter open. Giving me an uncharacteristically gentle smile, she helped me to my feet. My feet slipped into the gladiator sandals that she had left on the floor and she slowly turned me so that I could see my reflection in the mirror. Soft fabric in the form of a bandeau covered my chest, and wiring came from the front and the sides to connect to a hi-low skirt that was primarily teal in color but was webbed and outlined with wiring. I felt uncomfortable with my stomach being so exposed but I couldn't deny that while the outfit was unusual, it was beautiful and I couldn't hope for anything better. Palla had done her best.

Elegant curls tumbled down my back, and my eyes were outlined in black to make them look even more striking. I ran my hands down the front of the skirt, my fingers almost catching on the wiring.

"You did well Palla."

"Of course, I did, Larka. I'm not an aamateur." Palla sniffed, sounding offended but I knew that she really wasn't. Her eyes softened, "The chariots will be starting soon."

"I know."

But I made no move to get up. Palla gave me a pointed look and slowly I trailed after her out to where the chariots were waiting. Compared to last year, the atmosphere was more somber and tense. Any voices that spoke were quiet, and instead of milling about, the tributes stuck close to their chariots. Well, except for Finnick but he was an exception to most rules or societal constraints. Finnick leaned his hip against the wiring of our District 3 chariot, popping a sugar cube into his mouth.

"You look great," Finnick told me sincerely, a genuine smile appearing on his tanned face. "Do the wires light up?"

"I have no idea," I shrugged while Palla gave a noncommittal shrug. "And your outfit is certainly interesting."

Carefully placed netting that covered his groin, was all that he wore and while it normally would have made me flush I found that I didn't care all that much. Finnick smiled cheekily, "It is, isn't it? Just the outfit I wanted, too. I wonder how they knew."

"It's because you are Finnick Odair," I rolled my eyes, stepping forward and wrapping my arms around his middle.

He laughed returning the hug before releasing me and gently shoving me toward Beetee. "You two talk. I've got a little birdie to charm."

I turned, watching him head over to Katniss and Peeta who looked much more terrifying than the rest of us. No doubt, Cinna had something up his sleeve for the outfits that would outshine the rest of us like Palla suspected. But it didn't matter. We weren't new tributes to the Games, we were all Victors and we were bound to have some hardcore supporters that wouldn't change to another tribute.

I turned away as Finnick began talking to Katniss, and my eyes drifted toward Cato who was leaning against District 2's chariot, his arms crossed intimidatingly over his chest and his icy blue eyes locked on me. While his disposition looked intimidating, his gaze held nothing but warmth as he gazed at me and it made my entire body tingle and thrum. He arched a blond brow, amusement heavy on his face when my cheeks colored. I looked away from him down at my feet as Beetee gently seized my wrist and helped me step up onto the chariot.

"Ready?" Beetee asked me.

I smiled wanly as the cheers of the Capitol reached us. "No. I don't think that I ever will be."

Then we were rolling forward to the cheers and exultations of the Capitol. I plastered a fake smile on my face and raised my hand up in a semblance of a wave. You can do this Larka, I thought. Just fool the Capitol for a little longer and then we'll be in District 13. Fake a smile and don't get killed; that was all I could hope to do. As I looked toward President Snow, I knew that it wouldn't be that easy. The old man was a lot smarter than he appeared. He had to be, to stay in power for so long.

The chariots jolted forward, and I momentarily lost my balance but Beetee quickly wrapped an arm around my waist, steadying me. The roars from the Capitol grew loud as the chariot rolled out into their sight and I paled, the previously healthy flush on my cheeks giving way to a white pallor that made me look sickly.

"Breathe," Beetee whispered into my ear, waving carelessly in the direction of the people.

I took a steadying breath. "Okay."

I can do this.