Thank you to all those who favorited this story and put it on alert. I decided to go ahead and post the second chapter to give you guys an idea as to what the relationship between April and Cato would be like, and from now on, I'll hopefully be sticking to the every Saturday post.

Disclaimer: Sadly, Suzanne Collins owns the Hunger Games and everything involved with it, but I own my characters. So, don't steal them. Please? Thank you.

This is ten percent luck, twenty percent skill
Fifteen percent concentrated power of will
Five percent pleasure, fifty percent pain
And a hundred percent reason to remember the name

Chapter 2: On the Wrong Foot

My mother immediately wrapped her arms around me, and I finally let a tear drop from my eye. I wasn't going to look weak in front of the cameras, but my parents were upset, and I hated seeing that. I could let my guard down around them, let myself feel all the anguish and the hurt and then anger before putting on the façade for the Capitol and the rest of the country. My father put his arms around us as my mother cried into my shoulder. I looked up, pulling away from them slightly, so I could see them all. Wade was still standing in front of us, looking shocked, and I didn't blame him.

Mother held me tightly, and the soothing brush of her hand down my back was coaxing more and more tears to the surface. The fact that there were no cameras around made it easy to let them fall. This was the only chance I would get to let myself break down and actually feel all the things any normal person would feel when faced with a life or death situation. Once I was on the train to the Capitol, I would I have to be strong no matter what happened. I had to make it back home at any cost.

Finally, after what felt like a lifetime and a second all at once, my mother let me go, but I squeezed her once more before walking over to Wade. "Wade, listen…I…I know I haven't been the best sister in the world, but…" Wade cut me off by pulling me into his arms and hugging me. It wasn't what I had expected. Wade and I didn't express our relationship in a good light very much. Honestly, we fought a lot, but we both knew at the end of the day that we were family, and we loved each other.

"Don't you say that, April, don't you dare say that." He pushed me away. "You're going to come home, so don't say that like it's a goodbye." I was shocked at his words. He sounded mad. "I wish I could go into the Games to make sure you came home, but I can't… So, you'd better take care of yourself!"

I bit my lip, slightly shocked into silence but managed to nod my head. Looking to the three of them, I was met with the same look I had given Merrick all those years ago when he had been reaped. There was a desperation in their eyes that told me that did just want me to come back; they needed me to come back.

"You're going to make it home, April," my father said, his hand on my shoulder helping lift the weight off of them for a moment. "I know you will."

At that moment, the Peacekeepers came through the door and began pulling them from the room. Mother tried her best to give me one last hug, but it ended up being a small caress of my shoulders. My father and Wade managed to give me a small smile, giving me an image that I would hold on to and remember for my duration of the Games. I was fighting to get back to this family that loved me with their entire beings.

The doors were only closed for a few moments before they opened again and there stood Nixie. She ran in and hugged me tightly and I returned it with as much enthusiasm. We'd been friends since we were six when she'd stopped the seven year olds from picking on me. I had been more delicate in my younger years, but Nixie had brought out the tough in me. She'd been with me through everything, so I wasn't surprised to see her come tell me goodbye.

"I was going to volunteer!" She sobbed into my shoulder.

"I know you were, but I couldn't let you do that for me. You have a whole big life ahead of you," I replied, soothingly. I hated seeing her upset, and it just gave me another reason to hate the Capitol. No one made my best friend cry.

She pulled away harshly. "And you don't? You don't have your whole life ahead of you? You didn't have the possibility of having a family or a normal life?" Nixie furiously wiped her eyes and turned toward the door, staring at it. She turned back to me, determination in her eyes. "You still do. I know you. I've seen you train with spears and tridents. I mean your fucking name is basically trident. Merrick has taught you so much, and he'll help you even more now. You will win this, April."

I didn't have near enough time with Nixie before the Peacekeepers were dragging her out kicking and screaming. I sighed, dropped onto the couch, and put my head in my hands. I heard the door open, but I didn't look up and felt the couch sink down next to me. I removed my hands from my face to see another hand in front of my face, holding out a piece of saltwater taffy. I didn't even need to look up to know who was sitting next to me. Ever since he returned from his Games, Finnick had always had a bit of a sweet tooth.

"Want it?" He asked, nonchalantly.

I shook my head, not really in the mood to eat anything. He shrugged and popped it into his mouth. He was acting like nothing was wrong, which, honestly, I was grateful for. No hugging, no crying, just sitting here on the couch, like any other day. I wondered what he was doing here, saying goodbye to me. I knew we'd grown close over the years, but I didn't know it would merit a visit.

"You know, a lot of people have a lot of faith in you, saying the Hylet family has another victor on their hands." I scoffed at the thought of starting some Hylet family legacy. "I agree with them. I've watched you train. I've helped you train, which, is probably the best training you'll ever get." At that, he winked, trying his best to lighten the mood.

"And they say you aren't humble," I joked, chuckling at his arrogance. It felt nice to laugh, even in the dire situation, and I found the strength to wipe the last of the tears from my eyes. It would be time for me to leave soon, and I couldn't go out there looking as if I had had a breakdown.

"You're from one of the wealthier districts. Think wisely before you decide to join the others or not. I wish I was taking your brother's place, so he didn't have to go through this, but I can't. So do your best and come back."

I took a deep, shuddering breath, holding back the last of the tears that threatened to spill. I was going to have to put an act on for the entirety of the nation soon. "I don't know what I'm gonna do, Finnick. I wasn't prepared for this. Merrick always spoke as if I would never be in this position."

"You're going to be strong." I felt Finnick rummage in his pocket and pull something out. "Your mother gave this to me as I passed her. She didn't get a chance to give it to you while she was in here." I looked though my wet eyelashes to see my mother's locket in his hand. I quickly wiped at my eyes again and took it from him, opening it quickly. On the left, I saw our family picture, my father and mother behind us three kids. On the right, was a picture of Merrick, Wade, and myself 'stacked' on top of each other—Merrick having to support all our weight on his hands and knees.

I smiled and hugged Finnick quickly. "Thank you so much, Finnick, for everything you've done." He returned the hug generously. I would miss him dearly while I was gone. "I'll try my hardest to come back to you guys."

Finnick stood up. "You'll do fine, April. We all believe in you. You just have to do the same." He walked to the door, opened it and turned back to me. "Don't do anything I wouldn't do," he said, winking again. I had to chuckle again. He then stepped outside and closed the doors, leaving me in the room alone with only my thoughts.

I got up, looked at the mirror on the wall and tried my hardest to make myself look like I hadn't been crying. The whites of my eyes were slightly pink, and the normal light blue irises had changed to a dark shade, like they always did when I cried. Peacekeepers came in and took me to a vehicle that already held Cicero and Crest inside it. I stepped in when the door was opened and looked over at Crest. I scanned over his stern face, trying to find an ounce of regret, but there was nothing to find. If he was regretting his decision, he wasn't showing it. Had he planned to volunteer before Wade's name was drawn? Did he just decide to do it? I would find out later. I can't help but wonder how his goodbyes went. I hoped my family had gone to thank him. Wade now owed Crest his life.

We arrived at the train station fairly quickly and the train was already there waiting for us. There was a rather large crowd, even though some of the families of District Four were already mourning for my and Crest's families. I climbed onto the train, not wanting the cameras to catch any weakness that might have been showing in my eyes. I tried not to think about what was going to happen over the next few days. My brother would be training me for what could very well turn out my last few days on Earth, a week or two if I was lucky. I dreaded this. I didn't want my parents to watch another child go through the Games. I didn't want my brother to have to send me to my death. I didn't want to die. That left me with one option. I would fight with everything that I had in me.

Cicero stepped ahead of Crest and me, babbling about what the train would be like. I wasn't listening. I was just trying not to think about anything, trying to make myself numb, but it wasn't working. I barely registered the magnificant train car, filled with enough food to feed an army. I heard Cicero say something about another car before leaving the one we were in. I took a seat in one of the chairs, no more emotion showing on my face. It surprised me that I even managed that with the raging storm of emotions I could feel swirling around in my brain.

Crest sat in the seat next to me. There was something I had to know. "Why?" I asked outright.

Crest looked over at me. "Why what, April?"

"You know what. Why did you volunteer for Wade?"

He barely took a second to answer. "No one should have to fight their family like that. Your father has done a lot for me over the years, and I couldn't let him lose a child. At least this way, you can go back without worrying about your brother dying."

The sentiment almost brought tears to my eyes. I cleared my throat, trying to talk around the lump of emotion that sat there. I had never seen such a selfless act before, and the fact that I had never taken the time to really get to know Crest made me upset. He was willing to sacrifice his life for my brother, and I didn't even know if he was leaving any family behind.

"So…you're just going to…die?" I finally managed to say, the lack of shaking in my voice surprising me.

Crest opened his mouth to speak but a second later, Merrick quickly entered the car. I launched myself out of the chair and ran into his open arms. I let my emotions flood over me again, but I couldn't cry. Just feeling my brother's arms around me was enough to make me feel safe for the moment. I felt him stroke my hair, keeping me calm until I let him go. As soon as I did, his attention was on Crest

"Thank you so much for volunteering for Wade," Merrick said, extending his hand for Crest to shake.

Crest took it without question and said, "I don't expect a lot from you, sir. April is your sister, and I wouldn't expect you to train someone other than her." He turned to me. "I'm trained well enough that I'll help you as long as I can, but I don't expect to be going home."

My heart broke and I pulled Crest in for a hug. "Crest, don't give up that easily."

He tensed at the hug before returning it and chuckled. "I don't have much back home. You have a lot more to lose than I do. Your family has now had to go through this twice. I'll do my best to make sure they have a second victor."

I smiled sadly at him. He was willing to die for me. He sat back down and I turned back to Merrick. I wanted to lie down, needed to lie down. Merrick understood and walked me to the sleeping car for us. This train had to be huge. We walked through a couple of cars before Merrick opened a door in one of the cars, revealing a nice, quaint sleeping compartment. I smiled at the bed. I turned and hugged Merrick, smiling at him, trying to stay positive. He smiled back, not wanting to show his sadness, but his eyes betrayed him. I stepped into the sleeping compartment and Merrick closed the door. I lay down on the bed, barely able to register how soft the pillows were before drifting to sleep.

I was woken up by Cicero pounding on the door, telling me District Five was going to begin their Reaping very soon and that I needed to watch it. My body didn't want to get up and protested even the smallest movements I made. It felt like I had only been asleep for a few moments, and all I wanted was to sleep and never go back to the nightmare that was currently my life. I didn't want to see two more lives ruined. Worst of all, I didn't want to see the other tributes that had already been reaped. I was afraid my confidence would drop when I saw the rest of the wealthier tributes that had trained most of their lives.

A groan escaped my lips as I reluctantly got out of bed after the third pounding. I checked myself in the mirror, making sure I didn't look like death after the nap I'd just had. I didn't look any different than I had at the Reaping. I took a deep breath. You are strong. I left the compartment and followed Cicero through the cars before entering one with more kids my age.

My eyes immediately fell on a perky blonde girl and an awkward looking boy. They were talking excitedly with each other, not aware of my presence just yet. Cicero told me he might be back after the Reaping, but if not, I could show myself back to my room. He left and I suddenly felt like I had been thrown into the lion's den. I tried to keep in mind that I was safe, that they couldn't do anything to me until we were in the arena, but that thought only helped so much. The blonde and the awkward boy gave me a one over look before going back to their conversation. As my eyes scanned the rest of the car, a dark haired girl that was just in a conversation with someone was now glaring at me. Two seconds around the other tributes and one already looked like she was ready to kill me. I had to wonder what in the world I could have done to warrant such hatred this fast but tried not to linger on the thought as I saw the person I assumed she was talking to before I'd come in.

This guy was strongly built, built even more than Crest, had sandy blonde hair and blue eyes that were icier than mine. His face was annoyingly handsome, I had to admit. He was tall, too. He was at least a foot taller than I was. I immediately knew he was either from District One or Two. His strong, muscular arms were crossed over his chest and he was no longer paying attention to the girl he had been talking to. I then realized that he was staring. He was staring at me, and he was smirking arrogantly. He was sizing me up, and I would be lying if I said I wasn't intimidated. I was also intrigued and determined not to let myself be underestimated.

I started to walk over to the couch in front of the television. Crest was already seated there, talking to a girl tribute. My foot caught the edge of the rug on the floor. I started to fall, but caught myself on the table next to me. The perky blonde and the awkward boy laughed. The dark haired girl smirked at my clumsiness. I didn't look at the handsome boy but for a second. The smirk hadn't moved from his face. I sat down quickly to Crest's right, trying not to let my disappointment in myself show. It was just a small trip; I could recover from that once we got into training. Then I would show them just how deadly I could be.

On the television, the officials, previous victors, and the escort from District Five stepped out onto the stage. The other tributes in the car took their seats around the television. The handsome boy took the seat on my right and I couldn't help but tense when he outstretched his arm on the couch behind me. I didn't like being this close to him, no matter how handsome he was.

"Move over, Cato," the perky blonde said, flirtatiously smiling as she said it. I had to resist the urge to vomit. How the hell could someone be flirting with the person who they might eventually have to kill or be killed by?

Cato. He looked up at her before moving over, making him move closer to me. The blonde sat down and tried to get closer to him, but that just made him get even closer to me. I was starting to get uncomfortable. I looked up at Cato, trying to convey that he needed to move away. He caught my glance, leaned down and whispered in my ear, "Just go with it." I looked confused. Then, he leaned back and spoke.

"How's life been, April? I haven't seen you in a while," Cato said, giving my shoulder a squeeze.

The statement had me extremely confused. It didn't click with me at first that he'd heard my name during my Reaping, but I wasn't about to make this guy mad. Even if I was strong, he could snap me like a twig. I looked up and smiled, going along with his act. "I can't complain. Business has been the same. It feels like ages since I last saw you. How have you been?"

Cato looked forward toward the television as people continued to file onto the stage. He looked calm and collected with a slight edge of confidence in his face. "I'm ready to get this show on the road. I've got a game to win."

It was hard, acting like I knew this guy, when, in reality, I'd never spoken to him before in my life. "Same old Cato. A little too eager to get into the Games. You're still so sure you'll win?"

He laughed, but there was no malice behind it. It was actually rather pleasant sounding, which was surprising coming from a guy like him. He looked as if his laugh would sound menacing. "You've fought with me. You know how strong I am. I could easily win with my eyes closed."

I rolled my eyes. I didn't have to know him to know that was a stupid statement to make this early. There were still eight districts to be reapead, and there was no way of knowing what surprises were in store from the other districts. "Not all the districts have been reaped yet. There could be some legendary tribute come along and wipe the floor with you. Arrogance can lead to demise."

He smirked down at me. "Oh, I'm not scared. These Games are mine." He leaned down and whispered to me, allowing only me to hear, "Just like you."

My body grew tense next to his, and I had a feeling that was the reason for his comment. Goosebumps rose on my skin, but I managed to keep my face schooled, hiding the fact that his words left me uneasy. If he wanted to beat me in the Games, he was going to have to fight his hardest. I was sure I had a lot more to fight for than he did. "I guess we'll see, won't we?" I said back, and was glad that my words seemed to surprise him.

The blonde girl looked around Cato, a scowl thrown in my direction before she spoke. "How in the world do you two know each other?"

Cato spoke up first, as my head was reeling with worry, because I had never been good at lying on the spot. "April's family and my family have been trading for years, since District Two is right next to District Four. I'd travel with my father when he'd go to trade with them. April was always there, helping her father."

So, he was from District Two. His excuse was good and entirely plausible idea. While generally travelling between districts was not allowed, sometimes the Capitol would allow inter-district trade, especially with districts that they were fond of. The part of District Four I lived in shared a border with District Two. I was still confused as to why he was doing this, until the blonde got up and moved to a seat behind the couch, huffing as she went. Cato leaned down again and his voice came out as a growl. "Don't read into it, Four. I just needed Glimmer off my back. Now laugh."

I didn't question him and did the best fake laugh I could muster. Cato smirked at me before returning his attention back to the television and I did the same, trying not to feel worried when it came to the boy next to me. He was built to charm the Capitol and win the Games. His face said handsome and charming, but his attitude said arrogant and lethal. I tried not to let him intimidate me, but it wasn't completely working. There was a part of me that told me not to mess with him, while the other part of me told me not to put up with his shit. I had a feeling the latter would win out. I had a hard time keeping myself in check with arrogant people.

There was a jab in my ribs, and I looked over at Crest. His brows were furrowed in question, and I gave him a slight shake of my head, telling him not to say anything. I didn't need any reason for Cato to hate me before we even made it to training. Even if he was full of himself, I had to remind myself that I could very well end up in an alliance with him should all the wealthy districts team up together.

The escort announced the name of the girl tribute for District Five. A little girl walked out, looking so tiny that she had to be twelve. I sighed, leaning my head back as a boy of the same size was announced. My head hit Cato's arm, and I immediately removed it.

After the two tributes were announced, the television was turned off and everyone began to filter out. I got up and was about to leave when Cato stepped in front of me, blocking my path to the door. I was shocked at first, but then gathered my composure.

"Can I help you with something?" I asked, confidence radiating from my voice. I wasn't going to let him get to me. He was just another person keeping me from getting back home.

His smirk was still plastered on his face, and his arms were back across his chest. He started circling me, like a shark getting ready to strike. He was looking me up and down, sizing me up once again. He'd immediately dismissed me as nonthreatening, and I knew it. I was short, my body only showed some evidence of the strength I knew it possessed, and I was wearing a dress. I probably looked as nonthreatening as a fly. He was trying to make me nervous, but I held my ground. With every pass around me, I could feel my resolve growing stronger. He was not going to get to me, and I was going to prove it.

All of a sudden, I felt him up against my back. I tried to step away, but his arms caught mine and he pulled my back to his chest again. His lips caressed my ear, and I felt a shudder race down my spine, shocking me for just a moment before I decided to ignore it. Invading my personal space was another tactic to get me to crumble, but my walls were holding steady.

"Better watch your step, little girl," he said, referring to my trip as I had entered the cart. The little girl comment made me turn my head and glare at him over my shoulder. "We wouldn't want that pretty face messed up before the Games," he said, with a teasing hint behind his voice.

He let go of my arms, slid around me, and walked into the next car. I stood there for a few more moments, trying to let all the emotions I had swirling in me fade away again. The thought crossed my mind that being around the brute from Two might actually work to my advantage. If I could show all the other tributes that one of the biggest threats didn't scare me, I could have a shot at being one of the top tributes.

I took one last deep breath before walking out of the cart.

CATO OC CATO OC CATO OC CATO OC CATO

There's chapter two. I decided to add the bit where they're all on the train together to help the relationship along with Cato and April. For what I have planned, having them meet at the tribute parade would make their relationship more rushed than it already is. I'm glad you guys like the story so far! I'm already excited to show you guys the rest. Review as much as you can and I'll see you guys Saturday!