Karrie's hair color is a dyed bright red, which is shoulder-length and slightly wavy. She has scars and fun quotes/designs tattooed on her body: "no mercy", "dumb luck" "may the odds be ever in your favor" "31.2M.5.12:55." (Marks the time and details of her favourite Hunger Games kill) black thorns, on various parts of her body; her back, arms, neck. She tries to keep her weight at 123 pounds exactly. She's 5'2 and she mainly uses gold contacts. She has freakishly long nails like claws that are painted and implanted with jewels. Karrie has dyed her skin pale to make the tattoos pop. She pierced her belly button, ears, and the skin in the corner of her right eye. She's had golden scales implanted into her thighs. She also has jewels implanted along her collarbone and along the sides of her fingers

Trigger warning: Implied eating disorders (near the end of the first POV, isn't mentioned again.)

Karakaxa 'Karrie' Cataline

23rd June of 40AD, 09:57

I hate to admit it, but sometimes humans can be unpredictable. I can analyse their behaviours, try to track their thought patterns and rewatch as many episodes as I can, but I can't always be right when trying to predict who will win.

This shouldn't be possible though. The odds of something like this feasibly occurring are so low that it's near impossible. All of the inner tributes scored higher than the average inner tribute does (It's normally a 9.8, but this pack were worth a 10.4). And they actually were functional for once! The entire inner alliance surviving to the very end has only happened twice before, showing that they had beaten the astronomically low odds and they were about to pull it off until Beetee had to electrocute them all! How could I have predicted that happening? The gamemakers are meant to make it so stuff like this never happens. A little pathetic runt from the concrete cities of 3 who has never seen a tree in their life isn't meant to pull off a multi-kill of some of the strongest tributes ever seen in Hunger Games history. I mean, Beetee is only 5'4, when the average for a male tribute his age is 5'9. It'd be foolish to even imply he could win.

I calmly cross out all the notes I've made, all the graphs I've drawn and all the theories I've concocted. All that work has been wasted and all the energy I've spent on it was for nothing.

Well, I have been tempting with the ladies of luck and fate. My winning streak can't be held up forever, can it? Two correct predictions in a row is more than a normal citizen could ever wish for. But it still isn't enough for me.

Turning the TV off so I don't get more frustrated, I stand up and pull a notepad out from the draw filled with paper. It's just as organised as the rest of my room, though sometimes I wonder if I should stop taking care of it. Nobody will ever rummage around there, will they? It's not like it's the pride of my room.

Hmm...as I look over the pages, I notice that I've certainly lost a lot more money than I expected. But I should still have enough to buy some little trinkets! I think any hopes of getting my hands on most of the tribute tokens are all gone. But I've heard that Aelia from 10 brought a lovely looking pebble from home. That shouldn't be too expensive, should it? Or if not, I heard that the badges sewn onto Cali from 8's chariot ride outfit are rather cheap! There's quite a few, so maybe I could snatch more than one.

Slapping me out of my concentration however is two long knocks on the door. "Come in, Marcilee!"

In she comes, scurrying over with a somewhat worried energy to her. She scans my room, which is clean as ever. But there is a plate of a cold roast that's been left to the side. Marcilee taps me and points at it, a few times. She suddenly scribbles down on a piece of paper: "Why haven't you eaten?"

"Oh, I got so carried away with this, I must have forgotten." I say nonchalantly. It's become the norm now.

"Don't starve yourself!" She shows me, while shaking her head in disapproval. I don't really feel hungry though. Marcilee pulls a pack of crepes out and places them on the side. Was she expecting me not to eat it?

"Thank you." I smile, picking one up. I'm still not really hungry, but I guess I have to eat. I wouldn't want to be like Plume from the 35th games, who only lasted six days and eleven hours. Despite having a surplus of food, she refused to eat most of it, which eventually led to her death. It's theorised she was struggling with an eating disorder, but I wouldn't want to speculate. Unhealthy habits may lead to such problems.

She bows and scurries out the room. According to the schedule, she's allowed to go have a rest, for most of the day. I know avoxes aren't technically allowed breaks, but I felt slightly guilty when designing the plans for her. By the time I get home however, she should be working in the garden. Maybe I should visit her there.


23rd June of 40AD, 11:12

While I can cash out all my earnings online, I like to visit this casino, as it has an exuberant feel to it that sort of matches my aesthetic. The red, gold and blacks mix together to make the most pleasing looking vibe. And now I'm old enough to legally come here, I see no reason not to.

I'd rather go here anyway, rather than a betting stand at like...a pub or cafe. These stands are everywhere now. I think it's to increase the betting numbers, as the numbers had dropped dramatically recently. Something about attitudes to the games turning more negative? I never understood why.

"Err, do you have an ID or anything I can check?" The man behind the counter asks. I sigh, tired of this question. I think all the excessive body alterations I bought recently should be proof I'm old enough, as you have to be 16 to get a lot of these. How many underaged youths have you seen with golden scales on their thighs, or implanted jewels into their collarbone?

He lets me in. I briskly push past the growing crowds of people, past the roulettes, slots and table games. I rarely ever stop by them anyway. While some of the games do have patterns, it feels too luck orientated. You can't analyse a machine to see what it'll do. I'm also fairly certain the machines are rigged against the players so the casino doesn't lose too much of a fortune.

The Hunger Games corner is rather empty, especially this early in the morning. I don't really like having to deal with so many people anyway. Plus, this section is a lot less lary, the lights aren't as blinding and it's a lot calmer as alcohol is banned. I think the government decreed rules like this, as the games are an official ceremony or something? I doubt they'd want scantily clad women and drunkards roaming about.

Leaning on the smooth table, I bluntly tell the official my ID, as I don't really want conversation. "Ah, so you managed to correctly predict the first death...the training scores of seventeen of the tributes...how many would die in the bloodbath…"

He lists a few more of the achievements, which I gloat over with a proud smile. "But, you didn't predict the victor, final two, who'd get the most kills and who the fan favourite would be...which is a very large sum of money lost."

"We don't need to focus on my mistakes, do we?" My lips purse. I resist the urge to shout this at him as I'm in public.

"No, no, of course not." He coughs. "Well, your winnings have been transferred to your account."

I mutter a small thanks, as I pull my phone out. Oh...it's less than I expected...I thought the payout on a few of my choices would be larger. But it's enough to fund some of my purchases. Sighing, I dial the number.

"Glykys, can you still meet me at Fames?"


23rd June of 40AD, 13:48

Fames was always my favourite store. It's a cute little trinket shop tucked behind a gigantic mall filled with much more traditionally impressive stores, so it's always been left alone. But it feels like my own little special discovery and place that I know of, that nobody else goes too. I adore walking around the shelves and looking at all the little knick knacks. I've purchased a lot from here. Honestly, I've spent an unnecessary amount of cash should here, but my parents have yet to complain about this place specifically…

My favourite place of the store is the little corner, where the Hunger Games memorabilia is held. It's rather cheap actually, so it doesn't make any dents out of my funds, but the quality is definitely high enough.

"Ah, Karakaxa, look over here." Glykys points to the most precious ring I've ever seen. It's so shiny...I can't ever keep my hands off shiny things. I have an affinity for anything glossy, glassy, gleaming and bright.

But as I inspect it, I realise something. "It's just a replica. I'm not buying it." I snap back, feeling the disappointment and annoyance in my voice. Perhaps I shouldn't be too harsh on Glykys. He's meant to be a friend, but I'd consider him more a business partner. My mother hired him to scout out potential places I could buy Hunger Games memorabilia from and to persuade people to sell items (which he's a master at). That's all he is and he does that job well. I like spending time with him, but it's not like we talk about much else…

"Nobody would ever know though…" He says, inspecting the ring in the light. I lean over, trying not to hit the table and knock any cabinets down. Under the blue mood light, it doesn't look as impressive however.

"But I know. I wouldn't be happy having it in my collection. I want the real thing." I pout. The normally charming smell of old wood and grandma's in this shop is somewhat annoying me now.

Glykys puts it back down. "You'd never be able to afford the actual ring though. Do you know how much a ring from the girl from 1's interview outfit would sell for?"

"Obviously I know. Do you think I haven't done my research?" I shout back, too loudly for public. His words definitely feel condescending. He might be a good businessman, but he's not my superior. We're equals and he should treat me like it.

Glykys mumbles something, as he picks up a snow globe. "Ah, thank you!" I say, almost yanking it from his hands. I've been needing to finish my collection of the Hunger Games arenas snow globes! I'm only missing three now! The rocky island coast of 17, the desert filled with bones of 10 and the elusive meadow of the 1st games. I can't stand an incomplete collection! I'll hunt down the other three even if it results in a long, painful, drawn out death!

I look at this one...ah, the 23rd arena! I'm surprised it took me so long to find it, seeing as it's so magnificent! The mountains were covered in trees so red, it looked like they were stained with blood. It almost looked like something out of a horror game, though the swarms of peaceful squirrel and rabbit mutts ruined this illusion. Well, until the squirrels tore apart Sho from 6...it was a painful watch!

"Only three more…" I smile. I'm content with everything I've found so far...a globe, a sponsor parachute, a set of cutlery with some of the most famous final words uttered in the games and a wooden carved statue of Marnen from 7, from the 35th games, who placed seventh! It's definitely a good haul.


24th June of 40AD, 19:27

I flick through the calendar, which is chocked full up with as many dates as possible. Conventions, auctions, planned trips to shop and meetings with strangers to buy any Hunger Games trinkets I can. The next few weeks will be extremely busy. I'm not sure if my introverted self will be able to handle all this time socialising.

So I cross a few of the dates out, before adding some back. I need my plans to be as perfect as possible, which they clearly aren't at the moment. If I'm not happy with them, it'll constantly itch and nag at the back of my brain. And I can't ignore it for too long, or it'll tear me up.

All of a sudden the bright television screen flashes up again, in the corner of my eye. Ah, the advertisements must be over! The Hunger Games marathon run is just about to kick off. I'll probably spend all night watching it, knowing my previous actions. Ah well, I can survive with no sleep.

But when I scrounge to my bed, I see something else…

Mum? Why's her show on? I quickly flick through the TV guide. Oh, they've delayed it by an hour, due to a surprise important showing of...my mother's show...

The Diamond talk show is filled with a panel of typical Capitolites. And the head panellist herself is of course my mother. I haven't watched this show in years, since I last visited my grandparents. They'd watch every episode just to see her shining, but I've never felt that way. Why would I want to watch them babble on about some sort of cheating scandal with two celebrities I could care less about?

Mother Diasma would clearly rather talk about the latest new romances than look after me too.

I can stomach an episode though, until the marathon starts. Maybe I could clean my collection once more...it has to look perfect. There can't be a speck of dust, dirt or grime, otherwise it'll ruin the entire display.

But despite my plans, I continue to stare at the screen. They're interviewing a breathtaking lady, one who's confident and pretty and doesn't obsess over little things and numbers like who's the tallest tribute and who's most likely to die in a mutt attack. I definitely recognise her from somewhere…

Ah, she's Nimona! From...the 2nd Saturn Games! I think she won it? I went through a phase of adoring fan games a year or two ago, though I drifted out of it once I realised they're never quite as good as the actual games.

"So Nimona, it's been six years since you've won, but you're still such a well loved and known celebrity." My mother starts off the topic. "You've never really spoken about the games though, have you?"

She giggles slightly. "No, no...I should really recognise my roots more. If it wasn't for the games, I'd be a nobody right now."

My mother laughs along too. I know it isn't her real laugh, it's too perfect. Her laugh is much more ugly and unpleasant to listen to. "Well thank goodness you entered the games then!" Nimona utters some small thanks as she blushes slightly. I can see why she's so well liked. She's certainly charming. "Of course, the Saturn Games aren't the only games you've participated in though."

She nods, twirling with her hair. "Yeah. I started a bucket list to take part in as games as possible. I've entered the Juliet Games, the Hunger Survivor Games, the Amazing Arena Race...I could go on and on."

"The list is never ending! But why have you joined so many games? Isn't one enough?" Another panellist who I never bothered to learn the name of interrupts.

"Nothing is ever enough for me. It's why I wanted to become so famous! And I'm such a games fan, I couldn't help but join them all." Nimona giggles once more. Please stop giggling, my cynical ears can't take anymore.

But her saying that does raise an idea in my head. My cabinet is looking rather empty right now. I know I could fill them up with even more memorabilia, but I do need some more variety. Why don't I enter a few of these games and win some trophies to display in my room? I mean, they're all technically part of the games franchise. And it's a prize that nobody else could ever own. My very own collection, specialised to me...it's an idea that's far too irresistible.

And of course, I have to start with the biggest one of them all...the Saturn Games…


25th June of 40AD, 14:31

I quickly scribble down a few more notes on the bloodbath of the 5th Saturn Games. This is definitely one of the most chaotic bloodbaths I've seen, as 14 tributes were knocked out in the first five minutes. It's hard to watch six different tributes make a 'kill' at the same time. So I have to rewatch it multiple times to analyse each kill.

But just as I'm about to play it once more, a large notification takes up the computer screen, stopping me from watching anything. Ah, it's Tabatha!

Tabatha: have finished artwork for mock exams. want to see?

delivered at 14:37

Hmm, I should probably say yes. I weigh the options between saying yes and no, thinking about how annoyed she'd be if I said no. Suddenly deciding, I type a response.

Karrie: Sure. I'll look at it once I finish this video.

Tabatha: how long?

Karrie: Twenty minutes or so.

read at 14:38

No response. I assume that means she's fine with waiting? Hmm, if she is annoyed, I can just frame it as I was tired and anxious. We're both introverts so I think she should understand.

Ten more watches later, I decide that I probably have enough notes. I can only watch a tribute throwing a tomahawk at another tribute so many times, no matter how cool it is. I scribble one more final note before looking at the screen again:

Expect a wide variety of weapons in the Cornucopia. There seems to be an equal amount of long distance and short distance weapons, so avoiding tributes might won't be the only method you can use. Ten tributes knocked out using short ranged, four using long ranged.

Rather obvious, but it's still important to know the statistics.

Karrie: Send the painting?

delivered at 15:02

In seconds, she sends it. It's...beautiful. You can see every fine brush stroke, how the paints blend so well, how gorgeous it is to admire how much time and effort was put into it. The painting of a luscious lively garden looks almost realistic. I'd love to hang it up in my room, if it didn't clash with my collection and it wouldn't fit my aesthetic. I couldn't also ruin the perfection of my room.

Karrie: It's incredible. You're definitely going to get an A*

Tabatha: thank you. it took me too hours...hopefully it pays off uwu

Tabatha: what were you watching btw?

Karrie: Just another Saturn Games clip.

Tabatha: oh...ur obsessed with that. you really want to get in, don't you?

That's...rather obvious, isn't it? Once I set my eyes on something, I'll stop at nothing to get it. It doesn't matter if it's a small, almost ruined one pound trinket, or a spot in one of the most popular tv shows in the Capitol. I'm determined to get everything I'd ever want in life and I'll stop at nothing to get it. And that's completely fine, isn't it?


Update time! We're back on schedule. I just realised I didn't put any notes at the end of the last chapter. I'm sorry for disappearing for so long, the end of year exams and other real life stuff got in the way, but I managed to make good progress! Now I've got somewhat of a stockpile of chapters, ready to publish.

I hope you enjoyed both Baxter and Karrie! I really enjoyed writing for the both of them.