Victor of the 100th Quarter Quell Ashby McKnight's POV

The first thing that Ashby did when her alarm went off bright and early was ready herself to go to the Capitol jail. It was later into the day than she would've liked, but it was expected of Mentors to all sit through the bloodbath together, which is why she was sitting as the lone representative for District 10's mentors.

"God fucking damn it." One of the mentors for District 9 slammed their notebook down on the ground angrily. The other mentor, the one that Ashby actually knew since she was fairly new, patted them on the back. Her name was Avena, the victor of the 97th games, and was only a few years older than Ashby.

Ashby didn't notice that she had been staring, drowning in her thoughts of her brother rather than paying much attention to the games themselves. Heat travelled down her neck as she offered a sheepish smile. "I'm sorry."

"It's okay. It happens." Avena smiled back, but it was a more mournful smile. "I just wish it got easier."

Ashby averted her gaze in discomfort. How could watching kids get slaughtered ever get easier? She was surprised that both of her tributes were still alive, but as if it was a cruel smack from the hand of fate, Ashby's gaze caught one of the cameras to see an arrow whizzing across the garden into Avril's back. She watched as the girl fell, only to be helped up by Raul as the whole group ran away.

"I hate getting little ones. They never last. They're not strong enough." The other mentor muttered, steam practically shooting from their ears. Avena offered her arm to them, which they begrudgingly took.

"Good luck to your tributes." Avena said over her shoulder as the pair rose to leave.

"Thanks."

Ashby sighed. Avril was surely a goner, but she couldn't even pretend that those kids were the first thing on her mind. Were other people leaving yet? She had no idea how long she was expected to stay and watch the cameras since it was her first time as a mentor.

Elken should be here. She thought to herself bitterly, biting the inside of her cheek. He would know what to do and how to respond. He always did. Elken was her rock.

Ashby moved her gaze to the Career Victors, who almost all had some sort of alcohol in their hands. The bloodbath wasn't tragic for them - they were laughing and making bets and having a grand time. It meant nothing to them that kids were dying because their kids never were the ones taking their last breaths. They were the thieves stealing them.

Despite her negative feelings, she headed over to the group, beelining right for Osiris. She could tell that they were surprised that she was there - even Asher's mentor had chosen to stay away and his kid was in the alliance. Osiris, however, had his lips curl into a grin.

"Ashby." He murmured, rising to offer his seat to her. She tried to smile, but she couldn't help but feel intimidated by the dazzling smile of the victor women around her.

"Ashby! So nice to meet you. My name's Myera, won the 93rd games." One of the women, from District 4 if Ashby remembered correctly, offered her a hand. Ashby took it and shook, but was taken aback by her squeal-like laugh. It reminded her of the piglets back home when kids squeezed them too hard. "Girl's got a grip! No wonder you won the quell."

"Um, thanks." Ashby replied awkwardly, pulling her hand back. "Your tributes seem good this year. I think I saw Kukla was the most highly projected Victor, right?"

"Oh, I don't mean to brag, but they're both projected to top 5." Myera replied, flipping her dark hair over her shoulder and showing off the turquoise ombre that she had probably paid a pretty penny for.

"You've got a solid tribute this year in that boy." One of the other career victors added, flashing a more genuine smile. "Raul, is that his name? I like him. He's got that farmer boy sort of charm."

"Shut up Valor, you like him because he's a twink and he's way too young for you." One of the other men snickered, earning a gasp from Valor. He and Osiris did a high five as they laughed, but Valor crossed his arms in annoyance.

"Osi, bold of you to say when your little toy comes over here to talk to us." Ashby's back burned in a fire of embarrassment. A toy? She fought the anger away and kept her face neutral. Osiris, however, didn't seem to take to the comment, shooting a glare his way.

"Think before you speak," He growled. "She's welcome here because I said so."

Nobody argued with his statement, and Ashby watched as their small talk built right back up as if nothing had happened. Osiris was clearly the leader of the sort of victor pack that they had created.

"I, um, actually was just wanting to see when you were ready to go." Ashby kept her voice low, her eyes locked on Osiris. He gave a small nod of his head in understanding.

"We can go - just don't forget that you owe me, Jade." He told one of the girls, who rolled her eyes.

"Yeah, yeah, fuck you." She responded.

Osiris and Ashby left the room quickly, and she let him lead her to the parking garage where his car was parked. Ashby tried to brush her discomfort over the socialization away. "Nice friends you got."

"Friends is too strong a word." He answered, opening the car door for her. "You want to pick up breakfast or anything?"

"No. I've already wasted enough time." She shook her head and he shrugged his shoulders as he closed the door. The car smelled new and fancy - probably worth more than her entire house back home. It didn't take long for Osiris to take his own seat, start the car and the two were off.

The drive was quiet, with neither victor knowing quite what to say or do. Ashby kneaded her hands together in worry, and was surprised when she felt Osiris reach over and take her hand.

"It'll be okay." He said, glancing her way to give her a quick smile.

"Don't you think hand holding is a little much for your 'toy'?" Ashby said, not interlacing her fingers in his despite how she wanted the comfort of it. His grip tightened.

"They were just trying to rile me up."

"Is that what I am?"

"No."

"Then what am I?"

He paused. "You're Ashby McKnight. Strong, stunning, intelligent… Even if your temper is almost as bad as mine."

"I don't have a temper." Ashby snapped. Osiris snorted.

"Okay, okay." He put the car into park. "We're here."

Ashby didn't hesitate a minute longer before darting out of the car and into the building, walking straight up to the workers chatting behind a reception-like desk. They turned to see her and seemingly every single one of them on edge. "I'm here to see my brother."

"Miss McKnight!" One of the men scrambled to the computer. "As you surely understand, we're limiting contact with your brother to people approved by the president and-"

"I'm here to see my brother." Ashby repeated, a steeliness and finality punctuating each word as she said it. The eyes of the worker darted from her to Osiris, who quickly came up beside her.

"Let President Lancaster know that she's with me. He'll understand."

Ashby turned to look at him with an eyebrow raised. What difference did it make that he was there? Did she need some sort of babysitter to go see her own damn brother?

"Down that hall, take the stairs down two flights. He's the only prisoner on that floor. You know the code."

"I do." Osiris answered.

Their walk kept a brisk pace. Unease filled Ashby's stomach. "Why do you know the code to the top level prisoner containment?"

"It's complicated."

When they reached the door, Osiris pushed his thumb to a black scanner. A green light travelled up and down the length of his print before a number pad popped up. He tapped a four digit code in so quickly that Ashby didn't even have the time to realize she should try to remember it herself.

The large metal door made a few sounds as the locks undid themselves. When the clanking stopped, Osiris pushed open the door. Ashby pushed back him to get into the room, crying out when she saw her brother laying on a bed behind a thick layer of glass.

"Elken!"

Victor of the 101st Hunger Games Dove Blanchette's POV

The day of the bloodbath was considered almost a holiday in the Lancaster house. Dove had been ushered to the dining room, where a giant brunch was laid out on the table. There were pancakes, french toasts, meats of all varieties, croissants and muffins and donuts, and a large fruit bouquet charmed the center of the table.

It was… it was a lot. Dove slipped into her seat quietly, which she chose as the seat farthest from the large television where the games were on. Kids were dying and she was expected to smother her chocolate chip pancakes in syrup as if nothing was wrong. Beauregard took the seat next to her - as he always did since his job was to keep an eye on the children seated to Dove's other side.

"Morning." He chirped. Dove nodded in response. She had left her talkie in her room, since she had been practically pulled out of bed by the maids to make it in time for the bloodbath. She let her eyes travel over to Abbot, at the head of the table. He was speaking with some of the higher up gamemakers that were all gathered near his seat at the king's chair. Dove was grateful he had other company to keep his attention.

"Did you sleep okay?"

Dove nodded once more. Bo knew that she had gotten to bed very late, since he had been guarding her door he had surely heard her sobbing throughout the day after the ordeal she had been through. She had been able to do seemingly nothing else; every time she tried to rise from the bed, she felt as if she were gaping wide open from the inside. She felt tarnished and dirty,

Bo hadn't asked any more questions. He had simply come in every few hours to stroke her hair and let her know he was there if she needed anything.

"You must hate the bloodbath." He said softly. Dove exhaled through her nose. Hate was an understatement. Before becoming a Victor, she had never watched it. Every home with a television had to have it on, but it was hard for it to be enforced for every citizen to have to watch it. Dove's first bloodbath had been the one she ran from.

"I… I hope you're feeling better today." Bo continued. Dove felt her body tense up. She didn't want to think about the prior day for even a second longer. Dove took her fork and traced letters into her syrup, each word being engulfed soon after she wrote them. I do.

It was only partially a lie. She didn't feel any physical pain anymore, just felt sad. Her answer didn't seem to convince Bo either, though. He pursed his lips, reaching for one of the fruit kabobs.

"I wanted to know if you were ready to talk about it." Dove shut her eyes tightly. "I-It's okay if you aren't. It just... It makes me feel awful to think that you're hurting and I'm not doing anything. I was hired to protect you after all."

His words caused her to crack a smile. When she did, his whole face lit up too, bringing a blush to her cheeks. He reached a hand over to hers under the table and gave her a reassuring squeeze.

The softness of his gaze made her feel like she could trust him… But with how much? He was doing his job by keeping her safe, but choosing to talk to her meant that he cared in some way, right?

The chatter in the room heightened as the first life of the bloodbath was taken. A few of the guests clapped, some laughed, others swore that their gambling hadn't paid off. Dove kept her face towards her plate. She didn't want to see the death and destruction of the games. Some people might question her lack of attentiveness, but even Capitolites often understood that it took time for most Victors to adjust to the Games after their win.

"Hey, after this… I was wanting to talk to you about something." Beauregard spoke softly. "Alone, if possible."

Dove eyed him wearily. She trusted him, but being taken somewhere alone… The thought made her skin crawl. She took a deep breath before nodding slowly.

Bo smiled. "Thank you. I'll look forward to it then."

Dove picked at the food on her plate. She didn't know what he wanted to talk about, but she did know one thing: at this point, it would be hard for him to make her life any worse.

Victor of the 95th Hunger Games Elken McKnight's POV

The sight of his sister falling to her knees and crying out his name was one of the most painful things Elken had ever endured. Right up there with when her name was pulled for the Quell just two years prior.

It took little time for Elken to find himself crouching in front of her at the glass. He smiled weakly. "Ashby."

"Tell me you didn't do it." Her eyes were full of tears, but they held the same stubborn hardness that they usually did. "You didn't kill the Head Gamemaker."

Elken chose his words carefully. "It's a bit more complicated than that."

"It's really not. You either shot her or you didn't." Ashby argued. "But I know you couldn't have. We were together that whole night… I don't know why they would think it was you in the first place. I could be your alibi. I could tell them."

He shook his head, "Ashby, I don't want to drag you into this anymore than you already are."

"Too bad, you're my brother and so I'm a part of this." Ashby's lip trembled despite her hardened words. "I know you couldn't have done this. I know it."

Watching his sister fight for her words broke him. Guilt poured through his veins, causing him to look away from her for a moment. "I didn't shoot her, if that's what you want to know."

"Then you're innocent."

He registered another person in the room, so he moved his gaze over. It was Osiris Galel - although Elken couldn't say much else about him other than knowing the name. Career Victors were always the least trustworthy, in his opinion. "You brought a friend."

"It doesn't matter. What matters is that I'm here and I'm going to get you out of here." Ashby pushed herself to her feet. Osiris stepped forward to stand next to her. "Osiris can vouch for you too. I know you couldn't have murdered the Head Gamemaker."

Elken took a moment to look the elder victor up and down. Was this Ashby's mystery boy..? A man that was almost a decade older than her? "Why is he here?"

Ashby's face twisted as she opened her mouth to speak, but Osiris answered for himself. "I'm here to make sure she stays out of trouble."

His answer immediately rubbed Elken the wrong way. Elken could protect his own sister - she didn't need some boyfriend pushing her around. "Ashby, please tell me this isn't the guy you've been seeing."

"Why's that?" Osiris heated up. "You got a problem with it?"

"I can speak for myself." Ashby jutted in angrily. "He is the guy I've been seeing. But right now that doesn't even matter - what matters is that he can help me get you out of here."

"Ashby, I never agreed to that." Osiris' voice was low but Elken still heard it.

Ashby shot a glare at Osiris before speaking, "Fuck do you mean you never agreed to it? My brother is innocent."

"The murder isn't his only charge." Osiris kept his eyes on Elken instead of even looking at Ashby. It was Elken this time that could feel the anger boiling on his skin.

"What do you mean?" Ashby turned her head, her blonde hair falling over her face as she looked up at Osiris.

"I mean that there's more to this than just the murder, and I can't help you get him out. I brought you here, I let you see him. That's the best I can do." Osiris seemed to have a more gentle tone when he spoke to her, the ashes of his fire barely kindling.

"I wouldn't trust this guy if I were you." Elken told his sister, the heat in his own voice feeling unnatural to him. "He betrayed his allies in the arena and he'll betray you too."

"You're not my dad, Elken. I can make my own decisions."

"I'm just trying to protect you-"

"I don't need protecting!" Ashby finally burst. "You always made it seem like I couldn't take care of myself, but you know what? I can. I'm a grown ass adult and I fucking won the Hunger Games. I don't need you to decide who I can be with and who is too dangerous. Just for once, I'm helping you. I'm going to save you, and you're going to have to trust me that I can do it."

Elken had never seen his sister this upset, much less at him. They were usually two halves of a whole - always squabbling but having each other's backs. He felt his heart thudding in his chest, slowly and deliberately. "Ashby, there's something I need to tell you."

She seemed confused, but Elken knew he needed to tell her. He couldn't keep hiding this secret from his sister - especially if she was going to jump down the hole he had dug himself. "Grandioselle and I… we were sleeping together prior to the quell."

She scrunched her face up, "Um, okay, a little bit too much information, brother."

"No, let me speak." Elken took a deep breath. "I told her that I would be with her under one condition. That you stayed alive. And to stay alive, you had to win."

Understanding flashed through her eyes, but Ashby started to shake her head. She took a wobbly step back. "No…"

"I… It's not that I didn't think you could win on your own. It's just that I wanted to protect you." Elken said quickly, but his sister was already starting to tremble.

"It was rigged the whole time..?" Her voice was a hoarse whisper.

"You would've won those games no matter what. I made sure of it."

Ashby's knees buckled from beneath her. "I cheated."

"No, Ashby, you had no idea, I-"

"All those kids died. All of those families lost their loved ones because of me."

Osiris crouched next to her, but she didn't move other than her entire body shaking. "Ashby, don't think like that. There's no way you could've known."

"You lied to me." She spat at Elken. His eyes widened in surprise.

"I wanted to protect you."

"I should've died in there. All this time, I thought I… I thought I earned that." She whimpered. "But it was all a lie. I didn't do anything."

Elken was at a loss for words. He knew she'd be upset, but … he had no idea it would hit her so hard. "I wanted to tell you, really I did. But I knew it would put you in danger. Whatever happens to me, I need you to stay out of this."

Ashby's trembling finally stopped. She rose to her feet, tears streaming down her cheeks but her face suddenly void of any emotion. "I always thought it'd be you and me until the end. But I guess I was wrong. You really can't trust anyone in the Capitol."

"Ashby, wait, I-"

"Osiris, I'm ready to go home."

"Ashby." Elken's voice followed her, but she was already turning to leave. His voice landed on the door that shut behind her. "I just wanted to keep you safe."


AN: Dropping a teeny tiny bomb on y'all for our Capitol subplot. Hope you enjoyed it! Make sure to leave me a review on if you saw the twist coming - I've been really excited to reveal it. Next few chapters will be back in our arena!

Confirmed Alliances:

Career Pack: Bethany Joy, Arius, Milo, Kukla, Lachlan, Asher
Team Clip Clop: Raul, Gillian, Alina
Hackers4Lyfe: Raven, Quark
Tough Girls: Viola, Emmeline