I never really understood the games as a child and how people considered it as entertainment, but the older I got the more I understood. People watch it to get the adrenaline rush they can't get anywhere else. When I first held a weapon in my hand at the academy there was this thrill I felt. As I sparred and won matches the thrill grew. It gave you the same feeling as when a fish caught your line, but better, somehow more powerful, there was this buzz, making me feel like I was unbeatable. Years of training honed my skills but I always went for harpoons and spears, a useful weapon I used every day I was on a boat. After time passed, the thrill diminished, the adrenaline never hitting home like it once did. So at 17, when the boats and training didn't have that spark, I decided I was going into the hunger games.

The train pulling away from the station was always very symbolic for me , it's often the start of the transformation for tributes, it would be in the train where they realise that there isn't any going back the same way and the train ticket home had a high price. Part of me always thought that the mentors changed as well . For me, I changed whilst at the capitol, I couldn't just be a girl from 4 I had to be a victor. And they never told you how tiring it could be. Other mentors like Haymitch, from 12, always seem drunker than the previous year, but after 24 years with no winners, it's easy to see why. If I hadn't had Finnick and Mags and later on Annie, I could have ended up like Haymitch. It was sad really, a winner in his own right left to live out his days drunk, but that was the bitter irony, if I had said no, or wasn't valuable for the capitol, I would have been left alone in relative peace that my mind would give me.

The train journey from 4 usually lasts around 4 hours, with dinner being served around the halfway mark. Avoxes started to fill the table, small clatters being heard. Avoxes never stood right with me, the thought that one would be so cruel to cut out of the tongues always filled me with disgust. Despite being horrible, the best way to treat them is by acknowledging them when needed. It was best for all of us to avoid situations.

Hearing footsteps, I looked up to see Maxrill enter with Kai and Marina, who sat in between Finnick and I at the head of the table. There was an easy silence as we started eating with us pointing out some of the unfamiliar dishes in each course.

'So any questions so far?' I asked while buttering a grainy role from 9. Both tributes looked up but it was the youngest who spoke first ' what happens when we get to the capitol?' The question was innocent but the three adults in the room knew it was the start of the end for the tributes well at least one of them.

'Well when we reach the station we will board a car that will take you both to the remake centre, where Maxrill will stay with you both' I said, not beating around the bush. It wasn't in my nature.

'You're not staying with us?' Marina cutted in, accusation thick in the air. I grimaced knowing that we were the only home comfort that the pair had, but unfortunately I'd been informed this morning of a late night rendezvous that had been set up, but an early meeting always promised a sponsor.

' We have a meeting, you see it's one of the good things about being one of the first pairs of tributes in the capitol means Finnick and I can get early sponsors. That will make or break your first couple of days in the games, trust me we would love to be there but, you'll see us first thing tomorrow for breakfast' I explained, glancing at Finnick, willing him to step in.

' We would rather be with you guys instead of a boring meeting' he said, his signature grin sitting easy on his face. The tributes didn't need to know the nature of the meetings, the less they knew the better.

The comment was enough to settle the nerves the tributes felt, but Marina still has an uneasy expression on her face. I sent her a reassuring smile hoping it was enough.

'You'll meet your stylists tomorrow, that's always fun' Maxrill said, he did always know how to ease the tension. ' Marina darlin' your stylist is Lachlan Vill-an, don't worry he knows what he is doing he's been in the hunger games business for years. He designed this lovely coat last summer, it had all of these rhinestones and sequins , I bought it from … '

*COUGH COUGH* ' Oh I am sorry about that Maxrill, that chunk of venison went down the wrong pipe do continue' I winked over at Marina and Kai, who laughed at my antics. Maxrill was good at his job, but boy could he get distracted.

'Its okay darlin' , anyway it was lovely such a steal, but getting back to the topic. You'll be unforgettable Kai, Quillen is your stylist and I'm sure you will both get on well. It's her 3rd year but her designs we're fantastic. Between them two, you'll be the best dressed tributes in the parade!'

By now the dessert of a large cake was brought to the table.

'Why don't we have it in front of the TV, they will be showing the reapings any time'

Reapings were played in consecutive order starting from 1 up though to 12. Typically careers were reaped from 1 and 2, who would be natural allies for Marina and Kai. The boys looked strong and despite her size the girl from 2 showed promise. No one out of the ordinary were picked from the other districts until 11 where a small girl the same age as Kai was reaped alongside a massive young man, who was built like a ox.

' He would be good in the career pack' I noted, not particularly for anyone.

When 12 came on, we were all surprised. 12 wasn't known for fighters and definitely not for volunteers. In fact the last winner was Haymitch, who won just under 25 years ago. The girl volunteered presumably for her little sister and she would definitely go far, if Haymitch was convinced to go sober this year.

'Well, it's good to see your potential allies' I said ' Anyone you like the look of?'

'We're meant to go with the careers right?' Kai asked, his face paled slightly.

' Not necessarily, it's up to you, but typically Kai district 1,2 and 4 join up, but the male tribute from 11 would be a good candidate' Finnick reassured him.

Checking the time, I motioned for the tributes to follow me to the window. 'Here's your first look at the capitol guys.' The lights in the distance grew bigger and the tall buildings of the capitol came into view. Despite the darkness the capitol was still colourful, with lights dancing in the night. It was one thing about the capitol that had never dulled after the games. Pulling into the station, the platform was quiet with a handful of reporters waiting to catch the first glimpse of the tribute pair from 4.

'Smile and wave, first impressions are important' Maxrill reassured the tributes.

'Corrine and I will go first, just follow us' Finick said ushering us to the front of the doors.

As the doors opened, flashes from cameras lit up the train. The cameras waiting for a glimpse of the tributes. The thing about the games is how the Capitol expects you to show gratitude about this fantastic opportunity they gave you. The TVs always showed how privileged victors were. It showed their wealth and smiles and celebrated their wins. Rarely do they show the trauma they go through, they wipe clean the slate, ridding the victor of wounds that would scar and scratches that told their tales. They disguise the hunger and dehydration that normally occurs in the games with 'enhancements'. When in actual fact it's nothing like that. They also like you to keep the same as the games, it's easier to recognise a victor if they look the same as when you won the games. For me fishtail milkmaid braids became my representation. It made me standout, so it was suggested that during capitol trips I adopted that look.

After dropping Maxrill and the two trainers off at the remake centre, Finnick and I were chauffeured to the tribute centre. Despite no tribute present, rarely did we stop anywhere else in capitol trips. We both had separate meetings at 8, so we split ways once we got to the fourth floor. By the time I had changed into a short green dress, Finnick had already left, leaving me to ride the lift down by myself. The thing about the capitol is, often with a win comes a desire, and in my first year of mentoring I was approached by the president himself for a job opportunity in the capitol. It was an easy decision, my body and freewill over four more deaths on my hands. I became a prostitute for the Snow's inner circle and those who could pay well.

The usual car was outside, black with discoloured windows providing privacy for those in the back seats. Getting in the back, my eyes met Hanson's brown ones, his signature smirk on his face. He always looked like the cat that got the cream and in some ways he did, Hanson Crane was the younger brother of head gamemaker ,Seneca Crane. He knew everyone and everything and if he didn't he paid to know. Hanson has always been my client and is normally the first one I see. Admittedly, he was handsome for district standards, due to his normal features and lack of enhancements. The one feature that screamed capitol was his hair. His black hair was long at the top and short at the sides, with ridiculous designs shaved into the short hair, no one in the districts would have their hair like that. Being 3 years my senior, he first ventured for my company when I was 18, he acted charming and sweet but after 5 years I knew better, behind his charms was the manipulation and anger that would appear when he didn't get his own way. By now I knew what to do, agree and be compliant.

' Right on time, that's a good girl' He said, pushing a stand of blonde hair out of the way. His hand lingering on my thigh. Leaning forward he tapped on the front window the car drove away into the night.

I like to thank KatnissEverdeen2000 and the guest reviews.

KatnissEverdeen2000- thank you, your review proved to me that people would like my concept and OC

Guest- I hope I sorted out the punctuation issues.

Just a few notes - 1.I hope it's obvious the nature of Hanson's meeting, I don't particularly want to write any further than that in this chapter and others, just hint what happens.

2.I tried to keep Corrine's appearance vague so you can imagine her as you like, I see her having long blonde hair, green eyes looking like Dianna Agron. And to be honest I'm still not entirely happy with the name Corrine, I'm hoping it will grow on me.

3. The top paragraph is obviously like a flashback kinda thing. I hope it's enough, I'm gonna try and have at least a paragraph at the top explaining Corrine's game and experience.

Thank you for reading!