Paradise: The 72nd Hunger Games (SYOT!)

by JStar14H

Every year, the Arena and the challenges within it change. This year, the Tributes will fight in an Arena that looks like a Paradise, but with challenges that will take away what they hold dear. And maybe sharks. Or maybe not sharks. Probably sharks. Will there be sharks? Read and find out! Closed SYOT, but, please, still read! This year promises to be as exciting as the past two!

21. Train Rides

Paradise: The 72nd Hunger Games

Chapter Twenty-One

Train Rides

Disclaimer: Amazingly (and sadly) I have still not acquired the rights to the Hunger Games from Suzanne Collins. It's a shame, I know. On with the story!

Aislie Dellarouse –18- -D1- POV

I board the train after leaving the Justice Building and taking the required pictures with Blaze. I head to the dining car immediately, where our mentor, Jennifer White, sits waiting. Jennifer is 23 years old, with blonde hair and blue eyes. She won her Hunger Games five years ago. Blaze, on the other hand, heads to his cabin. Hmm. I wonder why.

"Hello, Aislie," she says. "Please, sit down, have some bread."

"Thank you," I say, sitting down and grabbing a piece of bread.

"Let's wait a few minutes for Blaze," Jennifer says. I nod, taking a bite of bread. "Can I ask you some questions?"

"Sure," I say.

"Wonderful. Then, Aislie, it's question time. First, do you have a boyfriend, family?"

"Not really, yes, my parents. Although how long that'll last is questionable."

"Why are you here?" She asks.

"Because my two older brothers came in to the Games and both failed horribly. I will win and take the glory that belongs to me," I state matter-of-factly.

"Don't be so cocky, Aislie," Jennifer warns. "Cockiness is what gets you killed. Last question. Do you deserve to win?"

"Of course," I say.

"No, you don't," Jennifer says. "No one deserves to win, but they do. If you think you deserve to win, that's a quick path to dying. Understand?"

"Yes," I say, half-lying. At that moment, Blaze walks in, looking confused.

"Ah, Blaze, so good of you to join us," Jennifer says. "Please, have some bread." She offers him the basket and he takes a piece of bread, chewing it absentmindedly. "While we eat, let's take a threat assessment," Jennifer says. "Then I'll get to asking you two some questions and we'll work on our strategy. Okay?"

"Sounds good," I say. Blaze just nods. Jennifer fires up the videos of the other Reapings and starts to make observations about their Tributes.

District Two: "The girl is strong and seems smart enough. She'll probably be your ally. The boy is strong. Handsome too. I wonder if… never mind. Anyway, he's strong, but luckily he'll be your ally. It's important to remember to get the upper hand on him when he's vulnerable."

District Three: "A volunteer. Although she's strong, look at the girl she volunteered for. She's not a career, she volunteered for the wrong reasons. She probably won't want anything to do with you and you shouldn't have anything to do with her. The boy is fit, but maybe not that strong, it's hard to tell. Either way, he looks like a street munchkin. Have nothing to do with him."

District Four: "The girl is strong enough. You can ally with her, make sure to kill her when you have advantage. The boy is also strong and will be your ally."

District Five: "The girl is poor and weak, but she's determined. I would watch out for her, but don't be too worried. The boy is no more of a threat than anyone else."

District Six: "The girl is strong – a wrestler, maybe."

"How can you tell that?" I ask.

"Look at her legs and her arms. Her legs are toned and she has bigger thighs than normal, which means that she can easily support her weight and flip others. Plus, her arms are toned. Not big, just toned, and that's almost worse. She's a wrestler, be careful if you get into close-quarters combat with her. Ideally, try to shoot her in the back. Now, the boy, he doesn't look like much of a threat."

District Seven: "Neither of them look like threats. Shame. The District Seven's can be strong, if they've had time to work in the forests. Good for you though."

District Eight: "The girl doesn't look like much of a threat, but the boy could be a bit of an issue, but no more than anyone else."

District Nine: "She won't be a problem. He's strong, but that's it. Don't worry about these two too much."

District Ten: "The girl won't be a problem. I'll be surprised if she lasts long, but maybe she's smart, who knows. Now, the boy, he could be a problem. Hmm, and there's something between those two. Keep an eye out for them."

District Eleven: "She's fast, but she's pretty average otherwise. The boy won't be a problem."

District Twelve: "Bloodbath, both of them. You should be able to kill them in five minutes. They're from Twelve, after all." She snorts.

Blaze Herrscher –18- -D1- POV

After boarding the train, I head to my cabin while Aislie heads to the dining room. I sit down on the bed, then unfold the note that Glory gave me and start to read. It's her handwriting, scribbled hastily.

Blaze,

I wanted to tell you something before the Reaping, but… I chickened out. I guess that's just what I am, a big chicken. Whatever. You don't want to hear about all that and I don't have a lot of time. But what I wanted to tell you was that… I love you, Blaze. That's why I was so nervous, I… it wasn't just like I was telling a friend I had a crush on them, you know? Ugh, I have to go now. I have like five minutes until you leave. I just wanted you to know in case you don't come home. But please, come home, Blaze.

Love,

Glory

Huh. That's… new. Glory liking me? That's not what I saw coming, but… I guess it makes sense. The kiss in the Justice Building and all. But… do I like her? I don't know. I mean, she is my best friend and has been for years, but… I've never thought of her that way. Well, whatever the case, I'm not going to get all the answers now. And Jennifer and Aislie are probably waiting for me. I stand up from my bed and head into the dining car, where Jennifer and Aislie indeed do sit.

After the threat assessment, Jennifer turns to me. "So, Blaze, I have some standard questions I ask everyone. First, do you have family or a girlfriend?"

"Yes. I have two parents who are the reason I volunteered," I say, "and a wonderful little sister," I smile at the thought of Wonder. "As for a girlfriend… I actually don't know. My best friend left me a note saying she has feelings for me, but my own feelings are… more complicated."

Jennifer nods. "I understand that. I'm… never mind that. Second question: Why are you here?"

"Because my parents wanted me to volunteer," I say. "So I did."

"I see," Jennifer says. "What about you? Did you want to volunteer?"

I sigh, debating whether or not to tell her the truth. I guess I should. She is my mentor, after all. She should know everything that can help me. "No. My parents wanted me to because they both wanted to be in the Games but never were. I did it to get away from them and get Wonder away too, because they've already started training her, and… I don't want to see her volunteer for the Games."

Jennifer nods. "Noble of you. Thank you for telling me the truth. Last question: Do you deserve to win?"

"No," I say. "But I want to. And I'm strong and smart enough to be able to."

"Good," she says. "Does anyone deserve to win?"

"No," I say. "It's the Hunger Games. No one deserves anything."

"Correct," she says. "You're going to be a smart one. Now, both of you, let's talk about your strategy…"

Sabine Allaire -18- -D2- POV

I board the train with Eric after posing for our photos. He turns to me once we're inside the train.

"Who are you?" He asks.

"Sabine Allaire, didn't you hear?" I ask.

"You know what I mean," he replies. "Good one though. Why did you volunteer? You're not a career but you've clearly been training. How? Why?"

"I've been watching the people who go to BlueClaw outside and learning what I can from them, then practicing with my brother. As for why I volunteered, I don't think that's any of your business, but I guess I'll tell you anyway. I just want to provide for me, my brother and my boyfriend. Your turn," I reply.

"I don't think that's your business," he replies, "but I'll tell you anyway. Because it was time and my trainer said so."

"I see," I say. "Dinner?" I gesture into the dining car.

"Of course," he says. He walks towards the car and I follow him. As I walk behind him, I notice for the first time how attractive this Eric character is, but I reprimand myself as soon as I catch it. Sabine! You have a boyfriend! Eyes forward! Laughing at my own self, I follow Eric into the dining car where our mentor, Iron Flint, waits. Iron has blond hair and blue eyes and is now twenty-seven, having won his Games nine years ago.

"Hello," he greets us.

"Hello," I reply.

"Would you two like to train together or separately?" He asks.

Eric Torres –17- -D2- POV

"Can I see the other Reapings first?" I ask. I need to know if the other careers will accept Sabine here and if we can afford to not take her.

"Um… yes," Iron says. "Here you go," he says, handing me a tablet. I quickly skim through the Reapings. One has two careers, but three has none, four has one and another one who is on the fence, Ariadna. I guess we'll have to take both of them, if we want to have any hope of being competitive. Oh well. Sabine and Ariadna look competent, even if they haven't had any formal training.

"We'll train together," I say.

"Sabine?" Iron asks.

"No objections from me," she responds.

"Okay then," Iron says. "Please, sit down. Let's eat and discuss the details of strategy. The last few years haven't been particularly favorable to the higher Districts. So, Eric, what do you do well?"

"I'm a good fighter, I have a lot of survival skills. On the other hand, I'm not so great at swimming or stuff like bows and arrows," I reply.

"Wonderful," Iron says. "Okay then. So, you can intimidate the other Tributes with the weapons that you do well on and then show those same skills to the Gamemakers along with your survival skills, those ones that are marketable. What about you, Sabine?"

"I'm athletic and good with small, fast, weapons," she says. "But I struggle with strength and big weapons."

"I see," Iron says. "A bit harder to intimidate with smaller weapons, but you can pull it off. Find one of the bigger dummies, the ones that hit back, and tear it up with a dagger."

"Gotcha," she says. "Thanks."

"Just doing my job," Iron says.

Valencia Bisset –17- -D3- POV

I pose of the train. No Mouse is in sight, which I'm okay with. He makes me feel a bit uncomfortable, to be honest. But I don't really care. I'm still riding the Eris high and I don't think that that'll end anytime soon. And I'm okay with that. Heading into the dining car, I get the first glance at the man who will be my mentor. Jack Snow (no relation), a brown-haired, blue eyed, twenty-two-year-old man who won his Games four years ago.

"Hello, Valencia," he says. I wonder where Mouse went. Ah, no matter, I guess. "How are you?"

"I'm as good as can be, I guess," I say. "I… just had a very special moment with someone, so, all things considered, I'm actually feeling pretty happy."

"I see," he says. "Do you want to ally with Mouse?"

"No thank you," I say. "He makes me a bit uncomfortable."

"I understand," he says. "So then, before he's here, let's talk about your strategy. What is your strategy?"

"I'm not quite sure. I know that I'll want some allies," I say, "and I know that I'm good with hand-to-hand combat. I'm actually a wrestler."

"I see," Jack says, thinking. "Then I think you'll want to focus on ranged weapons in training. I know quite the longbow instructor," he smiles, evidently thinking of a happy memory, "she helped me, actually. I'll get you to work with her. Focus on learning that and then show your wrestling skills to the Gamemakers. And your bow, if you become proficient with that."

I nod. "That sounds good. Thank you. Anything else?"

"I can tell you that you could ally with the careers, maybe, if you want," he says, "but I get the sense that you wouldn't want to?"

"No," I say. "No, I wouldn't."

"Okay then," he says. "Well, let's watch the other Reapings and find some suitable allies for you, okay?"

"Okay," I say. At that moment, Mouse comes in.

"Hey," he says. "What did I miss?"

"Come, sit over here by me," Jack says, patting a seat on his side of the table. Mouse does and I silently mouth Thank you to Jack. He just gives me a small smile and a nod.

Mouse "Mo" Conen –18- -D3- POV

After the Justice Building, the Peacekeepers escorted me out the back way and onto the train through a different car than Valencia, and only after a thorough search and a promise made under the heavy suggestion of death did they let me finally enter the dining car with Valencia and Jack.

"We were just about to watch the Reapings," Jack says. "Does that sound good to you, Mouse?"

"Call me Mo," I say, "and sure."
"Of course, Mo," he says, starting the Reaping. After we finish watching the Reapings, he says, "Valencia, if you could step out for a moment, I'll talk to Mo. Then, Mo, you can leave and Valencia can come back in. Sound good?"

"Sure," Valencia says.

"Awesome," I say.

"So, Mo, why did you volunteer?" He asks.

"Because I wanted to," I say. "I figured that I had a better life if I won than the crappy life I have now. I might as well take the chance."

"I see," Jack says. "Very well then. What's your strategy?"

"I don't know," I say. "I know whatever it is, it doesn't involve other people. I don't really like them."

"I can see that," he says. "What about your strengths? What are they?"

"I can run fast," I say, thinking of all the times that skill has come in handy, "and I can take a lot of pain. I don't care about other people, so killing those other idiots won't be a problem."

"Okay," Jack says. "I can work with that. How good are you at fighting?"

"I'm good with a knife," I say, "but I'm not the strongest," I admit.

"Okay," he says. "Let's work on your physical hand-to-hand and then show off your knife skills to the Gamemakers. We can also try to get some throwing knife practice in. Sound good?"

"Yeah," I say.

"Okay then," he says. "You can leave now, and if you could send Valencia in, that would be good. And try to resist the urge to stab her with the knife hidden in the inside of your boot."

"How did you –?" I start.

"I'm more observant than you would think," he says.

"I'm not going to stab her," I say. "Why would I do that?"

"Oh, I know. I just wanted to tell you not to try to lie to me. You understand that?" Jack asks.

"Yes, I do," I reply.

"Good," he says. "Now fetch Valencia, please."

"Of course," I say. I stand up and leave the car. "Jack wants you," I tell the girl.

"Okay. Thank you," she says, walking into the car.

Valencia Bisset –17- -D3- POV

"Hello, Valencia," Jack says. "So, let's talk about your allies. I'm assuming you'll want people from more of the outlying Districts, and I can't tell you for sure until I talk to some of the other mentors, but for now I'd suggest the boy from Eight and the girl from Eleven.

"Eleven?" I ask. "Are you sure?"

"Yes, quite," he says. "Remember, Valencia, the Victor of the 70th was from Eleven."

"Oh, right," I say. "Okay then, I'll try to talk to them. Thank you, Mr. Snow."

"Jack, please," he says. "Mr. Snow makes me sound too much like the President. And I like you, Valencia. Happy to help."
"Thanks, Jack," I say.

Ariadna Starsgaard –16- -D4- POV

After pictures with Aphelios, we both board the train and hard to the dining car, where Margaret Adams waits for us.

"Hello, Ariadna Starsgaard, Aphelios Asturias," Margaret, a dark-skinned, dark-haired, dark-eyed woman who won her Hunger Games fourteen years ago says. "How are you both?"

"I'm doing fine, considering," I say.

"Yes," Margaret says. "Why did you volunteer, Ariadna?"

"I volunteered because I think that I can win and because my family needs the money," I say.

"I see," she says. "And Aphelios, I know you are a career. So, now comes the question, and before I ask this, Aphelios, District Three didn't produce any careers this year, so you only have One and Two for allies besides Miss Starsgaard here. Now, do you two want to ally?"

"Yes," I answer quickly. Aphelios looks at me, then at Margaret, then finally back at me.

"Yes," he says.

"Good," Margaret says. "That makes my job easier. Let's get started with a threat assessment of the other Districts then."

After we finish our assessment, Margaret turns to me. "So, Ariadna. What do you do well with?"

"I'm good at swimming and with a trident and throwing knives," I say. "I'm also fast and have good aim. On the other hand, I'm not that strong in a stand-up fight."

Margaret nods. "Exactly what I thought. Aphelios, what about you?"

Aphelios Asturias –18- -D4- POV

"I'm strong and fast," I respond. "And I can use every type of weapon that I know of effectively."

"Uh-huh," Margaret says. "And weaknesses?"

"I worry about myself too much, sometimes," I say.

"I see," Margaret says. "Okay. I can work with this."

Casca Ishtar –15- -D5- POV

I board the train after posing for pictures with Levi and head to the dining car to meet my mentor, Ashley Cooper. Ashley has brown hair in a side braid, tan skin, brown eyes, and is twenty-two, having won her Hunger Games at only fifteen.

"Good evening, Casca, Levi," she says. "How are you?"

"Fine, considering," I say. "I just got Reaped for the Hunger Games, leaving my blind brother at home with only my parents to take care of him."

"Right, Rollo. I'm sorry," she says. "I know how hard it is to have to leave family members behind. How about you, Levi?"
"I've left my family behind too," he says. "But I'm okay."

"Good," Ashley says. "Please, sit." We both sit across the table from her. "So, before we get to dinner and a threat assessment, let's talk about you. First, do you want to train together or separately?"

I look at Levi, and at the same time, we both say, "Separately."

"Okay then," she says. "Levi, I'll have to ask you to leave while I talk to Casca, then I'll call you back in and have her leave. Okay?"

"Okay," he says, standing and leaving the room. Once he closes the door, Ashley turns to me.

"Casca, what Games-related strengths do you have?" Ashley asks.

"I'm agile and fast, I think," I say. "But I don't really know. Maybe I'd be good with a dagger?"

"I think so," Ashley says, sizing me up. "Okay then. I would agree that you should use a dagger, maybe some throwing knives. What do you know you're bad at?"

"I'm not the strongest, I guess," I say. "I don't really know."

"That's okay," she says. "Levi?" She shouts. "Can you come in?" She turns to me. "Casca, if you could-,"

"Of course," I say, standing and leaving the room as Levi walks in.

Levi Nasue-Keenly –15- -D5- POV

"What about you, Levi? What are your strengths and weaknesses?" Ashley asks once I walk into the room and close the door behind me.

"I'm a fast runner," I say. "Apart from that, not much, I guess."

"I see," she says. "I imagine that you would do well with a dagger or a knife then. Something that can let you move fast on your feet. Try to get some throwing knives too. What are you really, really bad at?"

"I haven't had a lot of food recently," I admit.

"We can fix some of that," she says, "but you're not going to gain enough weight before the Games. You'll just have to make sure that getting food is a priority for you. Okay?"

I smile. "I don't think that'll be a problem."

"Good," she says.

Miria "Ria" Wallace –16- -D6- POV

After posing for pictures with Dante on the steps of the train, I board it with him and head to the dining car to meet Adam Kane, our mentor. Adam has green eyes and brown hair, is twenty-two, and won his Hunger Games eight years ago. He looks up at the two of us, grabbing a bottle of whiskey from the table and taking a quick swig from it.

"Another year, another couple of Tributes. One stupid, one just unlucky. Look, I don't care about you two. Take your tablets," he points to a couple of tablets on the table, "and some food, and leave me alone. I hear that if you want help, you can talk to Athena Feere once you get to the Capitol. She helped my pair last year. Take your things and leave." I look at Dante, pick up my tablet and a basket of bread, and walk out of the room with Dante right behind me.

"Well, that sucks," Dante says once we're out of the room. I sigh mentally. I guess that I should talk to him. He seems young and… very sad. I turn around.

"Yeah, it does. Athena seems like a nice enough girl from when she was her and from her Games though," I say.

"Yeah, she does," he says. "I just… this day sucks."

"Why is that?" I ask.

"Can we sit down first?" He asks. "I'm tired."

"Uh… I imagine," I say. Looking further down the hallway, I see rooms with our names on them. Opening the door to the one with my name on it, I motion him in and close the door behind us. I sit on the bed and he sits in a nice chair on the other side of the room. "So, what's wrong? Besides being Reaped, I mean. You look even sadder now than you did then. Something's wrong."

"You're intuitive," he says. Then he sighs. "You sure you want to hear it? It's a bit of a long and sad story."

"I'm game," I say. "It's a long ride from here to the Capitol."

Dante Myers –13- -D6- POV

"Okay," I begin my story. "Well, you already know that I was Reaped for the Hunger Games, which obviously really sucks. Then, the girl I really like, or… or maybe more than like, I don't know, for a long time, like years, then she tells me, directly this time, that she doesn't have feelings for me and probably never well. Then, our mentor, the man who is supposed to keep us alive, doesn't even want to work with us," I say. "So, pretty sucky. You're probably the nicest thing that has happened to me this whole day since I got Reaped. Right now, I just want to die. I guess that I'm in a good position for that to happen though."

"Wow," Miria says. "That does really suck."

I laugh without humor. "You can say that again. Honestly, Miria, right?"

"Yes," she says. "Call me Ria though, no one calls me Miria."

"Oh, okay. Anyways, Ria, I honestly feel like I'm not even sure if I want to make it home. I don't know if there's much of anything left for me there. Layna… she'll be my friend and although I can't bear the thought of not being her friend, with how I feel, never being able to be more than her friend… I don't know. I just don't know. But right now I feel like there's not much to live for."

Miria "Ria" Wallace –16- -D6- POV

I sigh. I'm going to regret this later, aren't I? "You have a family, Dante?" He nods. "Well then, that's already one thing to go back to. I'm sure they want you to come home. As for Layna, if she doesn't like you, then I'm sure that you'll find someone else you like just as much who will like you back. Is it that she doesn't like you or that she doesn't like boys or what?" I ask.

"She doesn't like anyone," he replies. "Not romantically, at least. I'm her best friend, but she thinks all she'll ever have is friends."

"And she's old enough to be interested in, you know, boys?" I ask.

"Yeah," he says. "She's pretty too. She's there, she just… doesn't."

I nod. "Well, that does suck, Dante. And figuring it out right now sucks too. But like I said, I'm sure that there are plenty of people back home who want you to come back. And I'm sure that if you do, you'll find someone else to love."

He looks at me. "Thank you, Ria. But why are you telling me this? Why are you convincing me to live? Shouldn't you be convincing me to step off my platform and end it all? Why?"

"Because, Dante, despite my instincts, I like you and I don't want you to die. Of course, I need you to die, I guess, but I at least want you to be happy. I… I'm not a bad person, and neither are you. That's all," I say.

"I see," he says. "Well, thank you, Ria." He pauses for a second. "Any chance you'd want to be allies?"

"No," I say. "Sorry, but I'm thinking of playing an alone game."

"Oh. That's okay," he says. "I'm sure I'll find some more. Thanks for talking, Ria. See you later." He stands up from his chair and heads towards the door.

"See you," I say. He leaves and closes the door behind him. I sigh. Poor kid. I guess I should watch those other Reapings though.

Dante Myers –13- -D6- POV

Closing the door to Ria's room, I walk back over to mine. Ria's rejection hurts a bit, but not nearly as much as Layna's. And I'm happy for the kind words she said. I don't feel so depressed anymore, so that's good. Maybe I can win these Games. And maybe I will come home and be able to find someone who makes me as happy as Layna does will sharing the same feelings for me. I lie back on my bed and take a bite of bread, turning on the tablet to watch the Reapings.

Luzon "Luz" Byrne –12- -D7- POV

After posing for pictures with the other Tribute, I board the train and head to the dining car to meet my mentor, Sophia O'Neill. Sophia has blue eyes and red hair, is twenty-one years old, and was seventeen when she won her Games.

"Hello, Luzon, Griffin," she says. "Luzon, is it true that you're deaf?"

I nod my head.

"So you can read lips then?"

I nod.

Luckily, I can speak sign language, she signs.

Really? Cool, I reply.

"It's sign language," she says. Griffin was asking what I was doing with my hands. "Because she's deaf. Yes, it is cool. Please, sit, both of you." We sit down. "First things first. Do you two want to train together or separately?"

Together, I sign, then quickly look at Griffin for his answer.

He hesitates for a second, then says, "Together."

"Excellent," Sophia says, and I notice that she signs as she talks. "So, Luz. Can you think of anything that you'd be good at in the Games?"

I don't know. I'm good at planning things and building them, I sign. Although they generally don't last very long.

"That could be useful," Sophia says. "After all, did you see that Andrew boy last year?"

I nod. That was cool. You think I could do something like that?

"Do you think you could?" She asks.

Maybe. If I had some help, I reply.

"Good. For you, I would focus on a small dagger or knife as your weapon of choice, along with maybe some throwing knives. Okay?"

Okay, I sign.

"And whatever you get best at during training, show that off to the Gamemakers. Okay?"

Got it, I sign.

"Okay then. Griffin, what about you?" She asks.

Griffin Jefferson –14- -D7- POV

"I don't really know," I admit. "I can hold things for a really long time, but apart from that, I'm really slow and not that strong."

"I understand," Sophia says. "Same as for her, I'd focus on small, light, weapons for you. You might not be that fast, but holding a weapon that you can't hold up straight won't be useful either. And we can work on your endurance a bit."

"Okay," I say. "Be honest. Do you think I can win?"

"I think anyone can win," she says. "Look at last year. A thirteen-year-old from Ten. The year before that, a seventeen-year-old from eleven, and the year before that, a thirteen-year-old from Eleven. So yes, I think you can win, if you're smart about it. I would recommend," she starts signing again, "for both of you, that you try to find more allies. You already have two, the more you have, the better off you'll be. Yes, you might have to kill them at the end, but you can take them when you have an advantage rather than when you're taken by surprise."

"I see," I say. "Thanks, Sophia."

"No problem," she says. "Now, let's take a look at your opposition."

Vanessa "Nessa" Vandermeer –15- -D8- POV

After posing for pictures with Ollie, I board the train and start to head to the dining car to meet my mentor, but a Peacekeeper stops both I and Ollie in our tracks.

"Hey," he says. "Look, guys. I've been on this train for the past two years, and… Ginger… she isn't exactly stable. I wouldn't go in there. She won't be of any help to you. If you want a good mentor, I suggest you wait until you get to the Capitol. I here Mrs. Feere likes to help out people like you two."

"Oh," I say, turning to look at Ollie. "Well, uh, thank you," I turn back to the Peacekeeper, then back to Ollie. "So, Ollie, right?"
"Yes," he says. "Hey, uh, Peacekeeper? Is there anywhere else we can go?"

"Of course," the Peacekeeper says. "You both have rooms, down there," he points down the hallway.

"Oh, wonderful," Ollie says. "Vanessa, right?"

"Yeah," I say. "But everyone calls me Nessa."

"Nessa it is then," he says. "Nessa, want to follow me to my room, I guess, and talk?"

"Sure," I say, following him down the hallway and into his room. He sits on the bed and I on a chair after he closes the door behind us. "So, what did you want to talk about?"

"First, I was wondering if we could be allies," he says.

I consider it for a second. He looks strong and not malnourished, he could prove to be a useful ally. "Yes," I say. "On the condition that we don't kill each other unless we're the last two people left."

"Good," he says. "And I'm hoping that once we get to the Capitol we'll be able to able to recruit some more allies. But until then, I guess we should get to know each other. What do you think you'll be able to do for our alliance?"

"I don't really know," I say, "but I'm fast and I have strong arms. I could probably lift a bigger weapon than some people, maybe a sword or an ax. I could probably also use a bow."

"Good," he says.

"So, what about you?" I ask.

Ollie Rousseau –17- -D8- POV

"Well, let's see," I say. "I have good, strong, arms too. Compared to a lot of the people I imagine we'll be allying with, I imagine that we'll be some of the strongest."

"Oh, why do you say that?" She asks.

"Because I imagine that we're mostly going to get people from the outer Districts and they tend to be weaker," I say. "My thought is to get as many people as we can, even if they're young and weak. At the very least, they can be shields. At the very best, they'll turn out to be more useful than we think. Also, I couldn't refuse a little kid."

She nods, knowing what I mean. "I see. Is there any way we can figure out who the other Tributes are?"

"I don't know," I admit. "Let me see if that Peacekeeper knows." I poke my head out of the door of the cabin, spotting the same Peacekeeper from earlier. "Hey, Peacekeeper. Is there any way we can watch the other Reapings? See who we're up against?"

He nods. "Of course. I'll be right back." He walks past me, to the back of the train, and returns a minute later with a tablet. "Here you go." He hands me the tablet, where an image of what I assume is the District One Reaping is queued up. "Just tap the center of the screen and it'll play all of them in order. Tap twice on the right to fast forward, twice on the left to go back, and once anywhere to either play or pause."

"Okay, thanks," I say, closing the door and taking the tablet back inside. I pat the bed next to me and Nessa sits down. We start to watch the Reapings together.

Alita Whicker –17- -D9- POV

After a few minutes of debating the politics of Panem with the Peacekeeper, who I've learned is Peacekeeper Jane (apparently it's a last name), it's time for me to pose for pictures with Toby. Once I re-board the train, Jane tells me, "You should probably go and meet Mr. Nemesis. He is your mentor and I'm sure that he'll be better for your survival than talking with me."

"Are you sure?" I ask.

"Yes," he says. "Besides, I have other things to do."
"Okay then," I say. "Well, it was nice talking to you, Peacekeeper Jane."

"You as well, Miss Whicker," he says.

So, I turn and head into the dining car, where Toby is already conversing with George. George Nemesis is twenty-seven. He won his Hunger Games at twelve, and has brown eyes, dark skin, and brown hair.

"Hello, Alita," he says. "Please, sit down. I was just finishing up my conversation with Toby. You should know that Toby has asked to be trained separately."

"Okay," I say. From a glance at Toby I can tell that's it's nothing personal, he just feels like he'd do better alone. I can understand that, even if I don't agree with it.

"Toby, if you could step out for a moment," George asks. Toby nods and steps out of the car. "So, Alita, do you have any Games-related skills?"

"I don't know," I say. "I guess that I can run or fight or whatever for a long period of time, but I'm not the best at moving quickly. Still not quite sure where everything is," I gesture down at my body.

"Ah, I understand," George says. "Okay, well, I'm going to invite Toby back in and we'll figure out who your opponents or allies will be by watching the other Reapings in just a minute. First though, do you want allies?"

"Yes," I say.

"Good," he says. "Successful people tend to have allies. I think that a sword would work well for you, maybe some throwing knives too. You might be able to use a bow, it would be worth trying."

"Okay then," I say. "Thanks. Anything else?"

"Not right now," he says. "I'm going to bring Toby back in now."

"Sounds good," I say.

Toby Green –17- -D9- POV

After posing for pictures by the train with Alita, who for some reason was already on the train, I go to meet my mentor.

"Hello, Toby," George says. "Please, sit." I do. "So, Toby, would you like to be trained with Alita or separately from her?"

"Separately," I say quickly.

"Okay," he says. "You think you'll do better on your own?"

"Yes," I say.

"I can respect that," he says. "Now, have you ever handled any weapons? Do you have anything that can help you in the Games?"

"Yes," I say. "I'm pretty handy with a machete from all my work in the fields."

"Good," he says. "Then don't use that. Show your machete skills to the Gamemakers. Train with a bow, or maybe some throwing knives, whichever you're better at, in front of the other Tributes. Also try to use a sword for a bit, as you might not be able to find a machete in the Games."

"Okay," I say. "Thank you. Anything else?"

"Not really," he says. At that moment, the door opens and Alita walks in. "Hello, Alita," he says.

Freya Huede Swindlehurst –15- -D10- POV

After my goodbyes and the pictures with Rudolf, I board the train. Pausing in the hallway, I consider. To my right seems to be what I'm guessing are the bedrooms, and one is clearly for me. To the left is the dining car where Kayne Lytch waits. What I want to do is fall asleep and wake up again this morning, having this all be a dream. But I know that won't happen. I still can't believe this. I'm in the Hunger Games and my crush is right here next to me.

"Freya?" Rudolf asks.

"Yes?" I reply, turning towards him.

"I… would you like to be allies?" He blurts out. "I'm sorry, but it's just that I know you and I trust you and I know that I'll need allies but I can't imagine trusting anyone else and… sorry."

I smile a bit. "Yes, Rudolf. I'd like to be your ally. And I understand about not trusting anyone else. In case you haven't figured it out, I'm a bit shy."

"Oh," he says. "So, the way you are with me in the shop… you're like that with everyone?"

"Yeah," I say, not knowing why he's asking. "I'm not really a people person." My eyes are still fixated on some point below his head, on his chest, and I start playing with a curl of hair.

"Freya," he says.

"What?" I ask.

"My eyes are up here," he says in the same tone that woman use. Realizing where I'm looking, I look up to meet his eyes, filled with humor. We both burst out laughing.

"Sorry," I say. "I'm not big on eye contact."

"I can tell," he teases gently. "So, Freya, shall we head to meet our mentor?"

"We shall," I say. I gesture for him to go first and follow him into the train car where Kayne waits.

Kayne Lytch –14- -D10V- POV

At this point, new readers may wish to skip to the end, where I've written a condensed biography of Kayne Lytch. :)

Today was Reaping day. But the day had started out well. I had slept in and woken up next to Kylie, something that never failed to please me. After watching her sleep for a few minutes, always a beautiful sight, I wake up my fifteen-year-old girlfriend/fiancee with a few kisses on her cheeks and down her neck. After we got dressed and had breakfast, it was time for the Reaping. I feel bad for the two kids who got Reaped – the two kids I now have to train. But it almost seems like there's something going on between them – like they know each other. Or maybe something more. So, when I got to the train, I called the smartest person I know – Kylie Mino.

"Hi, Kayne," she says. "Aren't you supposed to be training some Tributes right now?"

"They haven't shown up yet," I say. "I wanted to ask you something about them before they get here though."

"Yes, they're in love. And no, even they don't know it yet," she says. "Is that what you were going to ask?"
"Uh, yes," I say. "How did you know?"

"Because I figured it out from watching them onstage. And because I know you," she says. "I know you very well."

"Kylie!"

She laughs, a beautiful sound. "See? I love you, honey. Be good while you're in the Capitol. Don't annoy too many," she puts on a fake Capitol accent, "of those very important and posh people."

I burst out in laughter. "I love you, Kylie. And you be good while I'm gone. After all, I won't be around to protect you if you get in trouble."

"Like you need you to protect me," she says.

"Fair point," I return. At that moment, the door to the car opens and the Tributes – Freya and Rudolf – walk in. "Hey, honey, I have to go. They're here."

"Oh. Okay. Call me tonight," she says. "Maybe we can have some fun-"

"Kylie!" I shout, blushing.

"Oh, I'm teasing," she laughs. "If I didn't embarrass you in front of your Tributes, what good of a girlfriend would I be? Love you, honey. See you soon."

"Love you too. Bye," I say, hitting the button on the tablet to hang up. I turn to my Tributes. My goodness. What did I ever do to deserve this responsibility? I just need to remember to do my best. And as long as I've done that, I'll be fine. And hopefully they will be too.

Rudolf Urs Huber –16- -D10- POV

Freya and I stand in the doorway, trying to bite back laughter as our embarrassed mentor looks up at us, biting his lip.

"Hello, Freya, Rudolf," Kayne says. "Sorry about that. And don't worry, you can laugh. Kylie is a funny one. That's why I love her."

I look at Freya. A mistake. My eyes meet hers and we both burst out in giggles. "Sorry," she apologizes.

"Oh, it's okay," Kayne says. "Please, sit." We both do. "So, I'm assuming that you two want to train together?"

"Yes," Freya and I say at the same time.

"Good," he says. "That makes my job easier. Okay, let's start with strengths and weaknesses. First off, Freya, what Games skills do you have?"

Freya pauses, thinking for a second. "I'm really smart, good with math and logic. I can tell when people are lying and I have good stamina."

"Good," Kayne says. "Those are all useful skills. Have you used any weapons?"

"Just a small knife, occasionally. I work at a butcher's shop," she explains.

"Okay," Kayne says. "We can work with that. Rudolf, what about you?"

"I've killed a lot of things. Pigs, mostly," I say. "I can use a knife to kill easily. I'm fairly strong too, from lifting all the pigs and running all the meat down to Freya's." Whoops. I don't actually know the name of her shop, I just think of it as Freya's. I should have just said 'the shop'. "I'm also used to not getting a lot of food or water. I'm also pretty good with plants."

"That's a long list of skills," Kayne says. "Okay, last question. Are you two planning on making any more allies?"

"No," I say. "We're both not the most social."

"Okay," he says. "Then, I would recommend, Freya, that you learn some survival skills, plants, and especially healing. That way, if Rudolf gets wounded, you can heal him, and if you get wounded, you can tell him to help you. I'd suggest that Rudolf do most of the fighting for you two. Normally, in training, as you're from Ten, I wouldn't suggest for you too show off, but in this case, Rudolf, I would show off all the ways you know to kill people. Make it clear that you two are allies, and most people should steer away from you. Make sure to show those same things to the Gamemakers. Freya, at the end of training, before your Gamemaker session, we'll talk about what I want to have you show off. Sound good?"

"Yes," I and Freya say at the same time.

"Good," he says. "Now, let's figure out who your opponents will be."

Olivia Dean –18- -D11- POV

After my… unusual goodbyes and the pictures with Elias, I board the train, heading to meet Athena. When I enter the car, with Elias behind me, she stands. "Elias, could you give Olivia and I a minute alone, please?"

Elias nods. "Of course." He steps back out of the room. I turn to face Athena.

"Thank you for helping Isla," I say. "They were going to kill her, weren't they?"

"Yes," she says. "I'm afraid they were. I checked on her status on the tablet. She's in the hospital, she's doing better now."

"Good," I say. "Thank you."

"No problem," she says. "She seemed like a good person. I just wanted to tell you one thing. I don't know your opinions about the Capitol, but whatever they are, if they're anything like your friend's, I would suggest keeping them to yourself."

I nod. "I understand."

"Good," she says. "I'll invite Elias back in now, okay?"

"Sure," I say.

"Elias!" She calls. "You can come back in now." Elias walks in through the door. "You can both sit down," she says, taking her seat herself. We follow her example. "First question: do you two want to train together or separately?"

"Separately," Elias says, to my surprise, before I can say anything.

"Okay then," Athena says, a note of surprise in her voice. "Elias, if you could please step out for a moment while I talk to Olivia?"

"Yes," Elias says, again leaving the compartment. Athena turns to me.

"So, Olivia, why did you volunteer?" She asks.

"Hayden, the girl who was Reaped. She was my sister," I say.

"Ah," Athena says. "And you didn't want her to die?"

"Yes," I say.

"I understand that," she says. "I have two sisters and I know that I would volunteer for either of them. So, are you planning on winning or have you already given up?"
"I'm going to do my best to win," I say.

"Good," she says. "So, what skills do you think you have that could help you?"

I consider that for a second. "I'm really fast, so I think that I'd be able to outrun most people."

"That's certainly helpful," Athena says. "What about strength? What weapons do you think you would be best with?"

"It's not the best," I admit. "I could probably use a sword, as long as it's not too heavy. Bows are right out though."

"I agree," she says. "Okay then. Last question. Do you want allies?"

"Yes," I say. "As many as possible."

"Good," she says. "Now, I need to talk to Elias. Can you leave and send him in?"

"Of course," I say, leaving the cabin. "Elias? Athena's ready for you."

"Thank you," he says.

Elias McKellen –12- -D11- POV

"Hello, Elias," Athena says to me. "Please, sit down." I do. "So, Elias, what Games related skills do you have?"
"I don't really know," I say. "I'm not that strong, or that fast. I tweaked my ankle a long time ago and it still hasn't healed right."

"Okay," Athena says. "From your size, then, I'd recommend trying to stay out of the way. Hide and don't fight unless you need too. A dagger would be your weapon of choice, maybe some throwing knives to supplement your ranged capacity. Sound good?"

"Yes," I say.

"And I'm assuming you don't want any other allies?" Athena asks.

"Correct," I say.

"Okay," she says. "I'm going to call Olivia back in and we'll watch the other Reapings, then I'll advise you both separately on your strategies more. Sound good?"

"Sounds good," I say.

Everest "Eve" Asher –12- -D12- POV

After my goodbyes and posing for pictures with Heller outside the train, we both board it and head to the dining car to go meet our mentor, Haymitch Abernathy. Haymitch, and our escort, Effie Trinket, are waiting there for us.

"Another couple of unfortunate souls," Haymitch slurs. "What do you want to do… toogetheeer orrr separate?"

"What he means," Effie says in her posh accent, "is whether you two want to be allies or not."

I look at Heller. "I'm open to it. What about you?"

"Sure," he says.

"Outstanding," Haymitch says. "Sit down. What… you… good… ugh." He collapses face first on the table.

Heller Horvath –14- -D12- POV

I figure that any ally, even one as young as Eve, can be helpful. Besides, I want us to make a couple more allies. After Haymitch passes out, Effie shows us the other Reapings and then asks us about our strengths and weaknesses. Eve says that she's fast and, like me, can go long periods of time without food. I tell her that I think I'd be good with tying knots and with bows. She nods, tells us to make more allies, and sends us off to our rooms to change into 'appropriate Capitol attire'.

A/N: So, what did y'all think of this chapter? Are you guys excited for the chariot rides, training, and interviews, and then the Games? I hope so, because I know I am! See you soon! – JStar14H

Kayne Lytch, condensed biography: Kayne Lytch was the Victor of the 71st Hunger Games when he was only 13. He had three allies, one of whom ended up sacrificing his life for Kayne. At the finale of the Games, a girl he barely knew, Vallory Stensland, sacrificed her life for his, believing that he would have a better life at home than she would. After all that he had witnessed in the Games (including the murder of a sleeping twelve-year-old girl on the orders of President Snow), he was saddened, but eventually realized that all the people who had sacrificed themselves for him would want him to be happy. Using his Victor's request to re-establish ties with his older brother, who was held in jail in the Capitol, he also moved in with and proposed to his one year older girlfriend, Kylie Mino. His full story is chronicled in Shine: The 71st Hunger Games, by JStar14H (aka me :) ).