Haymitch groans as he attempts and fails to lift himself off the ground, and slips back over into the mess on the floor. I glance over at Bannor, and for a moment we lock eyes. Intimidated, he quickly shifts his gaze back to our mentor.

"Bannor. Help me." Once we're in the arena he's all we've got, so we have to help him so hopefully he will help us.

We both grab an arm, and then we half-drag half-carry Haymitch down the hall back to his compartment. After hauling him into the bathtub, Bannor retreats silently from the room.

From his spot in the bathtub, Haymitch guffaws. "He's scared of you." He hiccups. "I've seen it before."

I roll my eyes. "Let's get you cleaned up." I turn on the shower. Haymitch's head rolls to the side, but other than that he shows no reaction.

Behind me, Effie's shrill voice rings out. "Don't bother yourself with that, you should be getting rest! You have some very big days ahead of you!" A man dressed in all white steps out from behind Effie, one of the men who helped serve our dinner earlier.

I stand and nod, then retreat from the room back to my compartment. Leaving Haymitch for the man to deal with is a small form of revenge. It satisfies me.

When I get back to my room, the train is stopped, most likely refueling. I open the window for some air, and my breath catches in my throat when I spot a patch of dandelions by the track.

A few months after Peeta had saved my life with the bread, there was a day I wasn't able to bring home any game to trade. I showed up on Peeta's doorstep anyways, hoping to get to visit with my new friend.

Visits with Peeta had begun to edge away at the gnawing loneliness I had been plagued with ever since my Father's death.

We sat on the edge of the meadow when I realized the meadow was completely spotted with the golden weeds. Excited, I had rushed back to my house, Peeta right on my heels.

I grabbed a bucket and Prim's hand and together the three of us rushed back to the field where we harvested the weeds for a good mile along the edge of the fence.

Peeta didn't understand my excitement until I set a plate of dandelion salad in front of everyone at the table for dinner.

"What else can we eat Katniss?" Prim's small voice filled with newfound hope as she looked excitedly back and forth between Peeta and I.

"Lots of things, I just have to remember them all." Her eyes had filled with tears at the realization that she wouldn't have to starve any more, even if I wasn't able to bring home game.

I spent the rest of the night digging through my mother's old apothecary supplies. Inside a box my father had organized, I found a book from her family's shop. My father had added entries of his own, plants for eating, not just for healing.

The three of us studied the pages for the next hour, but even after Peeta went home and Prim went to sleep I stayed up and pored over the pages.

The next day was the first day Peeta went into the woods with me. At sunrise, I got ready to head out. Peeta had been waiting for me at the edge of the fence, insisting to go with me.

Having Peeta with me filled me with confidence. For the first time since my father's death, I had an extra set of eyes to help me scan for danger and game.

Peeta proved useful too, his aim was weak and he was jumpier than I was when we heard a howl or a branch break, but he was determined. He would gather plants and fish, and anytime we heard something that startled us he made sure I reached the fence first.

Eventually, we got braver. We didn't flee as much, instead we would climb the thick trees to avoid a pack of dogs or wolves.

That May, I signed up for my first tesserae. Peeta fought me on it, but neither of us could deny that even with all our efforts we still weren't bringing back enough to live on.

I learned how to trade at the Hob. That was the only place Peeta wouldn't follow me to at first, for my sake. No one would've agreed to haggle with me if I had an outsider accompanying me.

As the months passed, I grew even braver. I started selling and trading at the back doors of the wealthier clients of my father's. My mother slowly came back to us. Prim had gained weight, and she had lost most of her sharp boney edges. Peeta and I's friendship was stronger than ever.

I sighed, my thoughts shifting to the present. I watched the stars as they blurred, I hadn't even realized the sun had gone down.

Slipping under the plush comforter, I drift off to sleep. It feels like only a moment has passed before Effie is calling to me from outside my door. "Katniss! It's another big day, wake up!"

My clothes are wrinkled from having been slept in, which pleases me since I know Effie won't be amused. Her comment from last night's dinner is still bothering me.

I enter the dining car and take in the scene before me. Effie is clutching a cup of steaming black liquid, which I assume to be coffee. We only had enough to get coffee a few times when my father was still alive, but my parents had loved the stuff. Haymitch is chuckling from his side of the table, watching Effie pace and mutter. Bannor is sitting across from Haymitch, his plate full.

I take a seat next to Bannor, who stiffens as I slide in. Immediately, a platter is placed onto the table in front of me. There's enough food on my plate alone to feed the inhabitants of the Hob for a week.

After I've had my fill, I turn my attention to Haymitch. I scowl, he's already downed a glass and he's pouring another. "So, when are you going to help us?"

He bursts into laughter. "You want some help? Here's all the help you need." He downs his second glass in one mouthful.

I shake my head. "No. I mean some advice. You've been through this before and made it home. I have to get back home too."

Haymitch laughs harder. "You want some advice? Stay alive." He reaches for the bottle to pour another glass, but I make a split second decision and pick up my knife off the table. I drive it down into the wood, almost cutting his finger.

Bannor gasps next to me, but I'm furious. I want to survive and the only man who could make that possible doesn't see a point in trying. I have to try, I promised Prim that I would.

Haymitch locks eyes with me. "Did I actually get a fighter this year?" He chews on his bottom lip for a moment, lost in thought. "Can you hit anything else with that knife?"

I yank the knife out of the table, grip the blade, and then arc it towards the wall across the room. It lodges in a seam between the panels of wood, which looks a lot more impressive than what I was going for.

I look back at my mentor, and I'm pleased to see his eyebrows raised. He nods. "I'll make you a deal. Don't bother me about my drinking, and I'll stay sober enough to help you. You have to do exactly as I say, understand?"

After I nod, Haymitch retrieves the bottle off of the table. "When we get to the station, you will be swept away to your stylist. You won't like what they do to you, but don't resist." He turns and exits the train car, leaving Bannor and I alone.

I'm buzzing with newfound hope, though it was slim. I was grateful to have come to some sort of agreement with our mentor, but I hoped he would keep his word.

The train begins to slow and light floods into the compartment as we exit the mountain tunnels. I rush to the window as the Capitol comes into view. The colors rushing by are far too vivid and almost hurt my eyes, but soon we are rolling slowly towards the station.

I step away from the window, sickened by the crowds of people ecstatic to watch us all die. On the other hand, Bannor steps up to the window. He waves and smiles, fueled by their excitement.

After we pull into the station and their view of us is blocked, his shoulders drop and he turns to me for the first time. Seeing the confusion on my face, he sighs. "Haymitch doesn't believe in me like he does you. I have to work the only angle I've got."

I shake my head, confused. "What do you mean?"

"I'm not strong like you are." He glances quickly around, and then his voice drops. "I know you're good with a bow. I'm not good with weapons. But maybe if I can get people to like me, then Haymitch will help me too."

Suddenly, the train jerks to a stop and before I get a chance to question him, the doors slide open and Capitol servants begin leading us away.

The servants take me directly to my prep team. The three introduce themselves as Venia, Octavia, and Flavius. They waste no time, almost immediately I have been lathered head to toe in a sticky film, which I soon very painfully find out is used to remove body hair.

After finishing with the wax strips, they circle my naked form with tweezers. My skin tingles and I don't like the intense vulnerability, but I am determined to keep my side of the deal with Haymitch.

Venia encourages me, thrilled by my cooperation. "You're doing fantastic! You almost look like a human being now!"

I force a smile. "This is the nicest I've ever looked. In District Twelve we have no reason to look nice. I feel beautiful!"

Venia and Octavia squeal with delight, they bounce lightly on their feet as they clasp their hands together.

Flavius beams, his orange corkscrews bouncing as he retreats to the door, the girls close behind him. "You have been a dream, I quite hate it when they whine. We will call Cinna for you!" They dart out of the room.

I shiver as I fight the urge to throw the thin robe over my shoulders. I'll just have to remove it again.

The door slides open and Cinna enters. I'm shocked at how normal he is. The only alteration to his natural look is the bright metallic gold eyeliner.

He smiles warmly at me. "Hello Katniss, I'm Cinna, your stylist."

"Hello." I smile at him, cautious. I'm nervous to be naked and alone in this tiny room with a man.

Cinna circles me, but doesn't touch me. For that I'm grateful.

His deep voice cuts the silence. "Your hair is beautiful. Who styled it?"

"My mother."

He compliments her choice. "It's a perfect balance for your profile. Not too elegant, but just enough to give you a delicate charm."

"Are you new? I don't think I've ever seen you before." Most stylists have been around my whole life, but I've never seen Cinna.

He smiles. "Yes. This is my first year."

I scoff. "I bet you were thrilled when you found out your assigned district." New stylists were practically guaranteed to get us, as we are the least desirable to end up with.

Cinna's expression softens. "I asked for District Twelve. Put your robe on and follow me, let's sit for a moment."

Sliding the thin robe over my shoulders, I follow him into a sitting room. It's very luxurious, two plush couches encircle a deep mahogany table, and one of the walls is entirely glass. It's a beautiful view but it almost makes me sick at the sight of it all.

We both take a couch and as I adjust down into the cushions, Cinna hits a button on the side of the table. The top splits open and a second table holding our lunch rises up, and there isn't an empty spot on the entire surface.

It disgusts me. It would take days of hunting and trading to recreate everything on the platters in front of me and even then it would be a poor substitute.

"How despicable we must seem to you." Cinna's voice shakes me out of my trance.

I look up to see his gaze locked on me. His tone isn't accusatory, but I don't correct or reject his statement.

"No matter. We have much to discuss." His hands clasp together. "So Katniss, are you afraid of fire?"

A few hours later, I am dressed in a simple black ankle to neck unitard. Shiny black leather boots are laced tightly all the way up to my knees. I also have a floor length cape, with streams of orange and red that trail out behind me, with a matching headpiece.

Cinna and Portia have explained the synthetic fire they've created, and if it will really work Bannor and I are about to have the most memorable costumes.

My makeup is simple, and my hair is in its usual braid down my back.

"I want the audience to easily recognize you when you're in the arena." Cinna sighs, his tone soft and dreamy. "Katniss, the girl who was on fire."

Bannor and I are led to our chariot, and Cinna and Portia both fuss over our capes before stepping away to converse.

I glance over at my district partner. "I'll rip off your cape if you rip off mine."

Bannor makes a small sound in the back of his throat, but I can't tell if it's laughter or terror.

The opening music begins and one by one our chariots are led out into the streets.

Cinna appears behind us with a lit torch. "Here we go." Before we can respond he sets both our capes on fire. I flinch and prepare myself for the pain, but there is only a faint tickling sensation. Cinna grins, then lights our headdresses as well.

"It works!" He sighs. "Good luck you two! Remember, heads high and smile! They're going to love you!"

Cinna jumps off the chariot just as it starts rolling forward. I look over at Bannor, and it hits me right in the chest when I realize he's shaking so hard he can barely stand up straight.

"Bannor." He looks at me, his lip trembling. "We're in this together." I grab his small hand and clasp it tightly.

The crowd almost deafens me as we enter the city, and the volume increases as they all catch sight of us.

We pass a television screen and my breath catches in my throat, we look breathtaking.

I realize how much of an advantage our stylists have given us. We are memorable, recognizable, and attractive. Everything the Capitol looks for.

For the first time, I feel a small flicker of hope rising within me and I smile. The rest of the chariot ride I spend eating out of their hands, I blow kisses and wave for the entire duration of the ride and the crowd is going crazy for it. As we pull into the City Circle, I can make out my name being chanted.

I'm still gripping Bannor's hand as our chariot slowly comes to a stop in front of President Snow's mansion.

After the speech, the chariots roll forward again and I catch sight of the screens, we are getting more than our share of airtime.

After the chariots disappear from view into the Training Center, the doors shut behind us and we are immediately engulfed by our respective prep teams, who drown us all in babbling praise. Glancing around, I notice some of the tributes, especially the Careers, are shooting daggers at us.

The Careers aren't used to being in the background. I shiver to imagine what they're thinking of doing to us as payback in the arena.

Cinna and Portia help us down from the chariot, carefully removing the flaming pieces of material before extinguishing them.

Bannor gives me a timid smile. "Thank you. I think I might've fallen out if you hadn't held onto me."

I nod in response, returning his smile. I wish things were different, Bannor is so kind and reserved. He is just as terrified as I am, only difference is I'm determined to do whatever it takes to win, or go down in the fight of my life trying.

I made a promise, and I don't intend on breaking it.

Hey guys, I know it's been literally years and I'm sorry about that. The last seven years of my life have just not been great, but I'm finally in a place where I can use writing as an outlet again. I'm not sure if any of you are still following this story, but if you are thank you :)

With all that being said, I'm thrilled to finally post this chapter! It's been sitting in my documents, halfway finished, for over a year. Hopefully you all like it!