Katie slowly stabbed at her salad with her fork.

Salad was a very common meal in district ten, and it was one of her favorite foods. She had no trouble scarfing down like meat. As if it were something she rarely got. She never got tired of it; as long as she put the right toppings on.

Her dad called her a rabbit, considering how she could pick the lettuce pieces out of the mix. When her parents were preparing dinner, she would sneak a cut piece out of the bowl. Being a rabbit had nothing to do with her name, but her nickname stuck. Her dad had proceeded to call her bunny. Even though she was older now, and he called her the name, less, he still did it at times.

Listening to the silverware hit against the glass plates and bowls was the only sound in the air. Katie could hear the train going over the tracks. It was so quiet, she could hear the awkwardness in the air. Nobody knew the other here, which only fired her nerves to a whole new level.

The boy beside her was eating soup, carefully blowing on the steaming stew. He reminded Katie of a softie. He made her think of the cuddler in a relationship. He was tall with broad shoulders, and his buzz cut kept his hair out of his eyes. His large hands were wrapped securely around his spoon.

His name was Frank Zhang. He got elected by President Saturn, and Katie didn't know how to feel about him. He seemed nice enough, and when he walked onto the stage, he looked quite nervous. His face had been cherry red, while his eyes searched the crowd. Even now, his eyes went back and forth between the escort and mentor as they whispered amongst each other.

"Three or thirteen would be the best options," Triptolemus reasoned, facing his business partner.

The escort rolled her eyes, flicking her pink ponytail behind her back. She sipped at her water. "Your suggestions wouldn't team with these two," Her voice was laced with disgust, making Katie wound her salad harder. "I do think four would work."

Sighing in annoyance, Triptolemus poked at Persophone's shoulder. "That would end in disaster. As long as Annabeth deemed the two "worthy" in her eyes, she'll accept."

Oh my God. They were trying to get them to team up with another district. Katie was far off from being a career tribute. Let alone a tribute who would get lots of love from the Capitol citizens. Katie didn't believe she was easy to love, so it'd be tough to get sponsors, even a team in the arena. If anything, she'd be on her own or with Frank.

Frank seemed like a partner that she'd want to work within the games. Even though he seemed as frightened as a cat at times, he had a body build that could scare others off. She would use him but might be able to find a friend in the process. He didn't seem all that bad, so a good-looking guy wouldn't be the only thing she'd be earning.

Katie didn't mean to sound like a bitch, but she wanted to live. She had a little family to go home to. It wasn't that Frank didn't, she saw his siblings and father leave the room, but if she wanted to continue, she had to win. That meant using others for her benefit, hoping it wouldn't blow up in her face.

"You think Annabeth will let Katie work with her?" Persephone was just a ball of joy. She chuckled lightly, dabbing at her green lips with a napkin.

"Yes," Triptolemus began, pushing his empty plate into the middle of the table. "Katie will be just fine."

Huffing, Persophone crossed her arms. Her ruffled dress followed her movements, puffing out at her chest. "Perseus will accept her without a second thought. He's also far more powerful than Miss Chase."

"Annabeth knows more,"

"Perseus would also clash well with Frank."

"Both Malcolm and Annabeth have amazing brains," Triptolemus argued.

The pink-haired escort bit her lip. Katie's head had whipped back and forth like she was watching an intense sporting event. Finally, her neck received a grateful rest.

"They're book smart, Triptolemus." Persephone uncrossed her arms and smoothed over her dark outfit. "Perseus would survive on his quick thinking and battle skills. He would help Katie get much farther in the games."

The winner of the ninety-sixth Hunger Games shook his head. "Nope. I still stand in my answer. With Annabeth's extensive… background knowledge, she'd lead these Katie farther than that boy in district four."

As the leaders continued to fight, Katie's food began to appear less appetizing. Her chunks of salad reminded her of the time she got sick, her hurl being a nasty shade of green. The smell of ranch in her nose made her nudge her plate away, instead of bringing it closer.

She slammed her fork onto the table, slumping back in her chair. She brought forward her glass of water and drank it quickly, her cheeks puffing out like chipmunks. She had to keep her mouth shut, and that was the only way.

Her ears picked up on every little chirp that produced from their mouths and she wanted it to stop. They were arguing over things that didn't even matter! If they wanted to see who she worked the best with, why didn't they just wait and see? They had one week from today she'd get unwillingly forced into the annual games. Every single one of those days, other than the last, was used to train. Over that time period, both she and Frank would have time to make alliances. Did they not see that?

Although, long ago she had learned to keep her pie hole closed. Her step-father wouldn't have it whenever she opened her mouth when it wasn't needed. Well, the crusty old man wasn't her step-father anymore, but his policies always lingered inside her head.

"Why can't you agree with me?" Persephone shouted, standing out of her chair. The chair, squeaked on the floor, making Katie wince.

"Because your reasons are terrible!" Triptolemus yelled, pointing a finger at her. "Would it be any different of an argument if Katie hung around Nico and Bianca?"

"That's different!"

"Thanks for confirming, Captain Obvious!"

It was no longer easy to think. The whistling air outside of the train on top of Triptolemus and Persephone's screaming was making her ears bleed. She got used to the sounds of mooing cows and baaing sheep after a while.

Normally, it was peaceful and quiet in district ten. Sometimes the butchering and animals made the smells around the factories rise, but nothing more. The air was more than clean, and the sounds of the birds and farm animals were peaceful. It was like living in the country, escaping from the reality of Panem and how much it sucked.

The arguing was not something most people outside of families did. Everyone was nice to everyone, all because you never knew the fate one or the other could get. You all live in the same ratchet society that no one other than the rich applause. Everybody could relate to something. That made group projects at school a hell of a lot easier.

"Katie would fit much better with Annabeth!"

"Both of them would have better chances with Perseus. A good survival rate, good friendships, and a light-hearted environment!"

"You need to open your eyes!" Triptolemus shouted, stomping his boot on the floor.

"You need to gain a brain!"

Katie clenched her fists, fisting her shirt. She tapped her sandals on the ground, the slapping not loud enough through the yelling. Her heart pounded in her chest as her face reddened in anger. She couldn't hear anything else other than the high-pitched reasons from Persephone and the low calls from Triptolemus.

She knew that she wasn't the expert in the room with corn plants, but she was ready to turn both the victor and escort into one. She knew that was for Triptolemus, but making him shut up sounded just lovely at the moment. Maybe he could teach her how to make it in return? Then, in the meantime, she can show him out to be quiet.

The brunette had become an expert over the years.

The yelling continued, and her head thumped in pain. She began to feel dizzy, and her eyes got dotted with black. In this state, she would've figured the voices would become fuzzy too, but they only got louder. They gained volume, climbing a mountain that they could never come back down from. Katie's stomach turned, and she felt bile climbing up her throat.

She had to get them to stop. How was Frank dealing with this? Was he feeling the same way as her?

"SHUT UP!" She screamed at the top of her lungs, standing up with newfound force and strength.

Her fists were clenching and unclenching at her sides, her chest heaving up and down. All three of the figures in the room stared at her. Frank's eyes were wide. Persephone's mouth had dropped open, while Triptolemus had a smug smirk on his face. She was still pissed so one of the reactions did not please her one bit.

Persephone's dress hung around her knees, the dark pink ruffles still. Her matching heels rubbed against her feet, the edges where foot met shoe red. Her baby pink-dyed hair softly swung back and forth. The monarch butterfly hairpieces throughout her hair swayed along, giving it the illusion that they were smelling flowers in the spring.

The escort's green nails, lips, and eyeshadow popped out from the rest of her outfit. Katie had to guess it's based on spring colors, but she would never be sure.

She pointed at the older lady, steam blowing out of her ears as if she were in a cartoon. "Why don't you let Frank and I decide who we're most compatible with while training?"

"And you," She faced the cowboy. "Why don't you let both Frankand I decide who we work best with while training."

Triptolemus's grin dropped.

"Now," She clasped her hands together and put a sickeningly sweet smile on her lips. "How about the both of you, shut the fuck up."

With that, Katie bumped her chair into place, storming off to another train car that held peace and silence. She ignored the gaps from her district partner, escort, and victor, stomping off towards her side of the train. The doors to her room slid open, revealing the softest looking bed Katie had ever seen.

Thank God. Maybe she could get some rest.

She rummaged through her drawers, opting for the tank top and short, finally relieving herself of the sundress she wore. She slipped on the top and shorts, finally feeling at home. The fabric of the material was much softer and smoother than her dress. The feeling alone already made her tired.

She jumped onto the blankets, sighing at the feel. Her anger seemed to drain out of her with the simple exhale of air. She could feel the heat in her body drain, which was the nicest feeling of the day. She had gone through many of those today.

Katie closed her eyes, the soft pillows blocking out any noise. Her head's pounding slowed, which made her twisting stomach feel one thousand times better. She could finally think, finally rest her mind and limbs. She could prepare herself for the hell she had ahead of herself.

The more she got thinking, the more she realized that she didn't keep her mouth shut. Her ex-step-father would've been so disappointed, but for once, Katie didn't find herself mad or upset. She felt glad that she spoke her mind. If not, she probably would've exploded on the spot, and that would not have been a fun mess to clean up. She felt released from her step-father's restraints that were held onto her so tightly.

The brunette figured she could bask in the quiet the rest of the day, but alas she could not. A soft knock came at her door followed by a blushing Frank. She had peeked one green orb open to face him but closed it soon after. The boy wouldn't bother her much in a conversation.

"Do you want to be left alone?" That was the first question he asked. He sounded sheepish when he said it.

Sitting up, Katie pulled her knees to her chest. "No, you're fine." She patted the spot next to her. "Have a seat."

He raised a thick eyebrow. "Are you sure?"

She nodded.

Frank was soft-spoken. Or at least what she knew of him was. At school, she never heard much more than a peep come out of his mouth when he got called on in class. She never really noticed him at school. She shouldn't be manipulating such a good guy. A punch of guilt passed through her chest. Friends first, life later. He was such an amazing guy. There was no way she could do that to him.

While he strolled over, he smiled tentatively. The bed groaned under the added weight as Frank pulled himself in next to her. He just let his long legs hang out loosely in front of him. His khakis were wrinkled and his brown boots made his feet look as big as a giant's.

"Sorry for my outburst. I was pissed."

"Didn't notice." Frank smiled but winced right after. His smile dropped as he shook his head. "Sorry I shouldn't have said it like that."

"No, no! You're fine."

They sat in silence. It was right in the middle of awkwardness and not having anything to say. Katie was in her pajamas and Frank was a big guy that could take her out any minute if he wanted to. They were opposites, inside and out. Something just felt off to her.

It didn't take long for the hum of the train to get boring. The ringing in her ears was deafening, despite her aspiring for silence just a few minutes ago. Now that she was in a room with another sane person, she felt as if something had to be said.

"So…"

"I'm sorry! I can leave if you want!" The boy jumped off the bed but tripped over his big boots in the process. He crashed with a loud thump onto the floor, grunting.

Katie laughed, a sound she'd never thought she'd hear for the rest of the time she mangled up with The Hunger Games. She figured she'd be in misery for if not today, until her possible death in the arena.

She saw a cherry red erupt on Frank's neck, his back shaking. He sat up off the ground, showing off his pink face as he rubbed the back of his neck. His chuckles were quiet and soundless, but with the grin on his lips, you could tell he was laughing.

When their laughs died down, Frank settled back onto the bed. His face was still bright, but it was easy to tell he didn't mind much anymore. Although he repeated, "Sorry."

Before Katie could stop herself she asked, "Why do you apologize so much? I understand being polite, but you didn't have to. You did nothing wrong."

A bitter laugh found its way through Frank's throat. Katie watched as his deep eyes darkened. "It's a long story."

"I have time," Or maybe she didn't. But she wasn't about to say that.

Frank slapped his shoes together, the sound echoing in the quiet room. He fiddled with his hands in his lap, but none of this Katie minded. She studied his nervous face, seeing the way his eyes narrowed as he thought. His eyebrows scrunched together, and his nose wrinkled. His forehead formed lines, showing just how hard he was thinking.

Running a hand through his hair, Frank slowly sighed. "My dad's a little strict. He loves winning, war, so many bloody things."

Katie winced at that. She couldn't imagine having a parent that way. Her step-father was that way, but it wasn't too bad. He enjoyed making people abide by his rules, but never to the extent where a fight broke out. But he was a fan of winning. Who wasn't? But the way Frank said it with such exhaustion made her rethink.

"He expects me to be as violent as my siblings, but…" Frank's fist closed around his arm as if needing something to squeeze.

She wasn't stupid to figure that out. Just by the way he acted at the reaping, Frank wasn't that violent. He was a clutz, and very soft. He was the exact opposite of what his father wanted him to be. Katie could almost find a way to relate, but with her mother back in her life and her step-father gone, it was tough too.

What Katie could feel was the pressure to be something you weren't. She felt that way so much with her step-father bossing her around it was unreal. The way she would listen to him instead of rebelling. Now thinking about how easy it had been to speak her mind made her wonder why she never did that in the past. She came off as weak when she was anything but.

Katie brushed a loose piece of hair behind her ear. "I understand, in a way." With the expectant look from the boy, the long-haired girl continued. "My ex-step-father, he demanded me around in a way no parent should. When I spoke my mind just then, I felt as if I had broken something lodged inside of me."

Nodding, the boy smiled softly at her. "Should I not be violent, or try to be violent? Your ex-step-dad seems terrible, but… he's my dad. He's not enough of a jerk to dream of disappointing him, ya know?"

"Hey," Katie grabbed his arm, giving it a comforting squeeze. "Don't try to impress anyone. Do what you can do, Frank. If you're best isn't what your father likes, then that's his problem, not yours. Don't change to fit in."

"Yeah, but-"

Katie made an impulse move and grabbed his chin, making him face her. His chocolate orbs peered into her olive ones. She needed to give Frank confidence. She couldn't let his father bring him down. Their faces were close enough that she could feel his sharp intake of breath.

Yanking him a bit closer she put on a forceful voice. "Listen to me. He's your father. He'll learn to be proud of you. Tell him you did your best and don't give it another thought. He'll learn to love you the way a father should after you show less interest in trying to impress him. Don't give him as much regard. Do things your way and see how he reacts."

Frank gulped, nodding quickly. His cheeks were pink, so pink, that Katie thought they'd get as colored as Persephone's dress. "You're, you're… not gonna, like, like, kiss me, right?"

Smirking, Katie winked and whispered, "Maybe,"

At his reaction Katie bubbled with laughter, she let go of him and shoved his shoulder. "Of course, not. And I mean that in the nicest way possible!"

"Sorry-" A nervous chuckle came out of his mouth before he could finish.

"Hey!" She scolded. She laughed and pointed a finger at her district partner. "Stop that!"

"Sor-oops."

Katie knew for sure she wasn't going to use this boy for her good. She would rather be his friend than make him feel less than he already did. If Katie didn't manage to have this conversation with Frank, the tables might have turned. She wouldn't have known that he was already insecure. In that case, she wouldn't have known what he would have done.

She made the right decision.

Words: 3,315

Sorry it's been a while! I had a small case of "which POV to choose" crisis. Next chapter will show how on point my designing skills are! ;) I hope you enjoyed the way I made Katie. She was more of a character I could change to my image because of her small roles and mentions. I honestly love her. This chapter may have seemed irrelevant, but it shows how Frank and Katie's relationship is going to be, and how they connect when they seem so different.

[ALL RECONGNIZABLE CHARACTERS GO TO RICK RIORDAN]

[SUZANNE COLLINS OWNS THE HUNGER GAMES]

-Bookworm-2026