Adam woke up, feeling panicked. He sat up, rubbing his eyes, trying to remember where he was. He glanced about the room, and fumbled for his glasses. He stumbled from the bed, trying to recall where he had placed them. As his toes touched to plush carpet, he was overcome, realizing exactly where he was, and what had happened yesterday.

He jerked as he heard their escort's voice coming down the hall. She wasn't coming in here, was she? He rushed on his clothes, relieved that he was dressed when his door was thrown open. "Good morning!" the red dyed escort smiled brightly, "It's so good to see that you're already awake! Now we arrived at the Capitol very, very, very, early this morning, so come eat, so you can meet everyone!" She clapped loudly, making Adam jump.

"Okay, I guess I'm ready."

The escort frowned, her yellow lips puckering, "Aren't those the clothes you wore yesterday?"

Adam shrugged, "Yeah, but I'm still clean."

The escort gasped, "Of course not! Hygiene is very, very, very important, you must shower and change clothes, young man!"

"It's alright," a voice spoke from behind them, a tall man stepped in, "Don't let Valentine scare you, I don't think anyone can shower enough to make her happy."

Valentine pursed her lips some more, placing her hands on her hips, "I'm going to go check on our female tribute." She lifted her head, and swept past the mentor, clearly annoyed.

Adam nodded, "Thanks, I, um, wasn't sure about whether I really need to change,"

"It doesn't matter that much, By the way, I'm Bren." Adam nodded. He should have met Bren last night, but had been so upset that he had disappeared into his room, just wanting to hide.

As if reading his thoughts, Bren spoke, "It's okay, don't worry about your hiding out last night." He ran his fingers through his thin blonde hair, "Guess you know Myrica died of old age, so it's just me."

"Yeah," Adam followed Bren as he headed down to the dining car. Adam kept stopping to stare at the windows, in awe of the view. Bren laughed as Adam continued to gawk, hardly watching his steps as he entered the dining car.

"Yep, nice view right?" Bren chuckled, "Enjoy it while you can, but come on to breakfast."

Adam turned, seeing the table for the first time, "This is a lot of food!" He sank into a chair, a bit overcome. He felt bad, wishing he could let Elise and Luna try out some of this feast.

Bren smiled, picking up a spoon, "Eat up, chocolate pudding is my personal favorite." Adam nodded, before picking up a spoon, and trying to decide where to start.

"I met your partner, Abby." Bren looked up from his bowl, "She's a nice girl, a bit tough, but she'll be a good ally."

"Ally?" Adam felt his voice squeak.

Bren smiled, "Don't worry, you can always find someone else."

Adam swallowed some water, trying to not appear nervous. He had been too distraught after saying goodbye to Luna to pay attention to his partner. As if on cue, the doors swished open and Valentine and Abby walked in.

"Now, Abby dear, eat, the crowd's will be coming any moment to see us!"

"Crowds?" Adam asked.

Abby glanced his way, "Nice to know you're finally around." She loaded her plate, filling up on scrambled eggs, bacon, and the weird fluffy fruit salad.

Bren spoke, "Abby and I talked after you went to your room, Adam. I'm afraid she didn't quite understand your emotional state."

Abby brushed back a strand of hair as she sat down. Bren had way understated her feelings. It made her angry how upset and emotional this guy had gotten. Come on, it was like he had already given up. You couldn't get so sappy and just shut down like that.

Focusing on her food, she realized the guy was watching her. "What? You need something?"

"No," Adam stuttered, "Just wondering on your plan for the games." He looked down at his plate, suddenly enamored with his french toast.

Abby glanced at Bren, who just shrugged. "I'm not sure yet," her voice softened, "But I'm certain Bren will help us come up with something good."

Valentine clapped, "That's the spirit! We'll have a marvelous strategy, with loads of sponsors!" Adam looked at her, could he really win any sponsors?

Bren pointed with his fork,"See? Folks are really starting to gather."

Adam and Abby looked in the direction he had pointed. Sure enough a rainbow of colors had appeared, as a large crowd pushed and shoved towards the train entrance.

"They expect us to come out in about 15 minutes," the escort beamed, "It's going to be so fun!" She stood, tiptoeing over to the mirror to check on her hair and make up, "Now, children eat quickly! You need to brush your teeth and get ready to go, go, go!"

Only have time for these two today, lots of homework, and catching up.

And it's going to be 77' tomorrow...you might not be able to tie me down to my computer when I can go enjoy TX January! Really, my next update may take awhile

Sorry! :-(