Paul, answering your reviews in order:

1. I'm touched to be compared to those authors! Really, most of those are some of *my* favorite HG writers. To be placed beside them makes my day.

2. Jordano naturally has a long life. Much to the chagrin of Panem.

3. Dolores was Jordano's district partner. Enrique mentored her. He didn't put much stock in her as she was a pretty bad Tribute.

4. Mags had a hand at mentoring both 2nd QQ Tributes but she wasn't their only mentor. She had lived through the 1st Quarter Quell and her 'Last Talks' were well known at that point. Her fellow Victors thought her guidance would be invaluable to the girls.

5. Fixed the mistake in 'THNP'. Originally had Burgundy win before Essence. Thanks for catching that.

Chapter 18: Woof

Mercury Rising. Issue 213. September 305th Y.O.P.

REBELS OF THE HUNGER GAMES: THE OUTLIERS OF PANEM

Melpomene: Welcome readers! I'm Melpomene Fonda for Mercury Rising, your number one source for entertainment news. Today I will be giving you an exclusive behind the scenes look at the cover story snatching all the headlines. Each guest will sit in the hot seat for a short interview to catch up on the lives of our favorite outlier Victors. Gossip will be answered, rumors will be put to rest. What will happen is anyone's guess. Oh the drama! Let's bring out our first guinea pig.


Redwood Martin, Victor of the 8th Hunger Games

Redwood: Hello Melpomene. Great to see you.

M: Great to see you too! Let's get right to it. You were the first outlier Victor to win The Hunger Games. A lot of pressure huh?

R: [laughs] It was certainly a challenge. I was grateful to have the other Victors show me the ropes. They welcomed me with open arms.

M: Hm...that's not what I heard. You had quite the rough start, no? Ransacked Capitol apartment, tampered booth in the control room for the Games. Let's face it: no one was happy to see a rebel district win the Games. I certainly wasn't! [laughs] Rumor has it Roman would have killed you during your stop in District Two had it not been for Maximus and Viridi. True or false?

R: False. All that is silly talk. I have nothing but nice things to say about my fellow Victors. One, Two, and Four are professionals when it comes to The Hunger Games, but there is no bad blood between Careers and non-Careers. Also, let's move away from the term "rebel". We're in a new era now. It's a bit dated.

M: As you wish. I see your surgeries are finally complete. Ten years! They sure did drag their feet with that one.

R: Things take time. I am one man in an entire country. The wheelchair I've been given is cutting edge technology from District Three. Even has a shower option. I barely notice the lack of function in my legs. [chuckles] My new home and earnings are secured as well. Life couldn't be better.

M: Awesome. One last question before you go. You are the only outlier Victor to bring home a Tribute so far, and a female Tribute at that. Anything lurking in the forest between you two?

R: Excuse me?

M: You know: trimming the bush, plucking the petals. I can go on and on with the D7 innuendos.

R: [blushes] It is an honor to have two Victors represent District Seven. Maple is like a sister to me. A rowdy, can-drink-me-under-the-table sister. I can assure you the relationship between Maple and I is strictly professional. Unlike some of my colleagues.


Juan Miguel Ibarra, Victor of the 9th Hunger Games

M: How are you Juan Miguel? So nice to see you again.

Juan Miguel: Same here.

M: How is the prosthetic holding up? I can barely tell it's fake.

JM: That's the point! [laughs] The prosthetic works wonders. The pain is gone and I am walking like normal.

M: Seems like you and Redwood greatly appreciate your surgeries. You have quite the friendship with Victor Martin. Out to lunch, chatting at Showcase. You two seem the closest of all the outlier Victors.

"I can speak for everyone to say that we are grateful for the Capitol's efforts."

JM: When I won my Games, Redwood helped me understand life as a Victor. Two nobodies who squeezed our way out of the Games. We had to stick together. So yes, we are close. Plus, it gave the other person someone to gripe with about injuries and stuff.

M: And the Cripple Coalition was born!

JM: If you want to call it that.

M: Redwood made a statement on how we should move away from the term 'rebel'. Your thoughts?

JM: I agree. 'Rebels of The Hunger Games' is a radical way to describe us, no pun intended. We won the Games fair and square, just like the Careers. I can speak for everyone to say that we are grateful for the Capitol's efforts. Through their mercy and prosperity, I have been given a better and ultimately happier life. We follow the laws, we pay our taxes. We're your typical Panem citizen. Nothing rebel about us.

M: What a sentiment. Sad your sisters don't feel the same. Last time, we meet were under...unfortunate circumstances. It's safe to say those circumstances have led your siblings, particularly the younger two, to televised events that appear to be anti-Games in nature. Care to explain Victor Ibarra?

JM: [straightens posture] Teenage angst. You know how it is when you're a kid. All those hormones will make you crazy. Told me they want to become big-time actresses in the Capitol. They have such imaginations. I think Faraday is ready for his interview. It's been a pleasure. Goodbye.


Faraday Leopold, Victor of the 11th Hunger Games

Faraday: [shuts flask] Thanks for throwing me to the lions Juan Miguel. Jeez.

M: Faraday. Never a dull time when you're around.

F: Melpomene. Never a happy time when you're around. I'll take that as a compliment.

M: You and your jokes. [smiles] You've quite the reputation in both The Big City and District Five. A regular at some of the hottest Capitol clubs and a staple at the social functions hosted by upper-class Five citizens. Dare I pronounce you the king of nightlife? Giving Jordano and Roman a run for their money! For someone from such a tame district, what gives?

F: Stress. Being a Victor is tough. I don't want to smile for your photo. I don't want to pose with your brat. Mentoring. Oh, that is the worst. Nothing beats two starving children begging you to save them only to meet the end of a Career's sword. So yes, stress. Lots and lots of stress.

M: I take it you hate the Careers.

F: Putting words in my mouth dear. I don't hate the Careers. I don't not hate the Careers either. Take that how you wish. Also, those two twats from Two and Four can't hold a candle to my antics. Too busy kissing sponsors' asses I say.

M: Is this how you developed that drinking habit of yours?

F: Yes. And before you say it: yes, it is a problem, no I am not going to fix it. The harder the problems, the harder the liquor.

M: Never heard that piece of wisdom. Jumping topics: congratulations on your recent nuptials. Your wedding photos looked lovely. Children on the way?

"Being a Victor is tough...Nothing beats two starving children begging you to save their lives…"

F: Goodness no. The broad practically dragged me to the Justice Building. [cackles] All seriousness, my wife is my sunshine (and that's saying something cause Five gets, like, zero sunlight). Knew her before the Games, so no grimey Elite after my money. But no kids. Not interested.

M: Fair enough. Final question, and this is a fun one: if you were selected for The Hunger Games for a second time, who would you want to face and why?

F: Hm...Brilliance. So I can punch his perfectly symmetrical face in and get away with it.


Kelso Parkesine, Victor of the 12th Hunger Games

M: [sighs] Kelso, good to see you.

Kelso: [plays with shiny objects] Hi.

M: So. How are you?

K: Good.

M: What are you fiddling with there?

K: Magnets.

M: Ah. Let me get a look see-

K: [slaps hand away] No.

M: Well!...um...how is life?

K: [stuffs magnets into pockets, lights cigar] Fine.

M: Could you not do that? I'm sensitive to smoke.

K: [blows puff] No.

M: [coughs, signals for water] I heard you held a small part creating the weather manipulation machine taking the country by storm. Genius! What was your role and how did you gain the skills for such a daunting invention? I mean, upon first glance you aren't too impressive.

K: Designs. Talked to people. I know stuff.

M: That's it?

K: Yes.

M: [deep sigh] You seemed preoccupied Victor Parkesine. Let's wrap this up. If you were selected for The Hunger Games for a second time, who would you want to face and why?

K: You, so you could stop talking. [walks away]


Maple Kramer, Victor of the 16th Hunger Games

M: Finally, some estrogen!

MK: Ha! Had enough of the boys? Don't get your hopes up. I'm not very ladylike.

M: Anything will do at this point. Oh I must ask: Who are you wearing? Your look. So fash!

MK: Uh...some Capitol designer? They tell me what to wear, I put it theme of the photoshoot was 'fashionable Rebel Army during The Dark Days'. I wish I was kidding.

M: Brilliant idea! You look just like Sgt. Walker from District Seven. So I must know: how do you stand being surrounded by so many men? You must feel smothered at times.

MK: Not at all. Most girls from Seven grow up in the paper mills. My mother didn't, so neither did I. Being the only girl in a group isn't new to me. I'm pretty much one of the guys. Seriously, no one else can outdrink me. We tried. Twice. It's certainly still a boys' club, don't get me wrong, but us girls are coming up.

M: Four female Victors.

MK: Four indeed.

M: Do you ever think you're not pretty enough? As women, we often pick at ourselves for what's in the mirror. Let's be honest: you have quite the look to you. It must be hard coming after Essence.

MK: Beauty is [Essence's] niche. Not mine. I won my Games clawing my way home. She won her Games flashing her smile, among other things. I'm more than happy to let her have that responsibility.

M: Fair enough. About your Games, your alliance with your district partner went far. You seemed friendly. Have you had any contact with his loved ones since?

MK: I have. Edison's family drops by my place regularly. My parents and Mr. Pine Cone love all the activity around the house, and Edison's folks can't get enough of the weird gadgets and gizmos in our mansion. I'm so thankful we have a relationship with them. Honestly, they're like family. Went from an only child to eight siblings. Talk about crazy. [laughs]

M: That's great to hear. So, anything going on between you and Redwood? He's quite the looker, even if he's in a wheelchair. A Brilliance and Essence situation perhaps?

MK: [blank stare] 1. Ew. 2. You've compared me twice to Essence. 3. Seriously. Ew.


Bernard "Woof" Tailor, Victor of the 18th Hunger Games

M: New kid on the block! Fresh out of the arena!

W: That's me.

M: Before we start, I have to know: how in Panem did you get that nickname? It's so...quaint!

W: [chuckles] The Hunger Games premiered when I was one. Story has it my dog barked at the screen the whole time and I joined in. My parents couldn't stop laughing. It was the most hilarious thing apparently. Ever since then, they've called me Woof and the name stuck. Guess you could say I was never a fan of the Games.

M: [nervous laughter] Silly boy. You're funny.

W: Am I?

M: [shuffles notes] Your time in the arena was pretty remarkable. How did you develop your strategy to victory?

"We're a threat. Plain and simple. We aren't going down without a fight."

W: Survival instincts and male pride. [light chuckle] My competition was too soft. I made cuts when necessary and never held back. I knew District Eleven and Twelve were weak links. That's why I joined their alliance. I used them as I saw fit and disposed of them when the time came. I'm not proud of what I did. What I said during my stops in [their] districts I meant. The Hunger Games just calls for you to do things you wouldn't do under normal circumstances. Seriously. I come from a family whose most violent act is stabbing a needle through fabric.

M: Calculating.

W: Nothing the Careers don't do. I'm a strategic person. I see an opportunity and I take it.

M: That must explain the recent Games. We can't deny that there have been a rise in outlier Victors. People have their opinions on that, but the root cause is a mystery. What are your thoughts?

W: We're a threat. Plain and simple. We aren't going down without a fight. Plus, the element of surprise. At the end of the day, The Hunger Games is just that: a game. Who wants to see the same three districts win year in year out? That's why sponsors are looking our way. That's why we're winning, and will continue to win the Games.

M: You're confident Woof.

W: I am. I'm District Eight's first Victor. I have my work cut out for me. The others seem a bit of jaded. Been playing the game for too long. Not me. I'm fresh. I'm new. I'm ready to make this the best experience it can be.

M: You don't get along with the others?

W: Never said that. We get along great. Just different opinions.

M: I've posed this question to the some of the others so I'll ask you as well: if you were selected for The Hunger Games a second time, who would you want to face and why?

W: How about Kelso? That would be a show. Who knows what's cooking under that hat and cigar. Either him or one of his future protégés. xx


The camera crew pack up their things and usher out of the studio. Melpomene, already scheduling her next assignment, signal a hand wave goodbye.

"Well," Faraday plops down in front of Woof, scrunching up his nose to Capitolite's lingering perfume. "That was exhausting. Let me grill you on every little thing so I can get you killed. Drink newbie?"

Woof puts a hand up. He's trying to stay away from alcohol. He hasn't mentored yet. "No thanks. And stop calling me that."

Faraday finishes his flask and makes a face. The others have joined them. "Suit yourself newbie."

Laughter erupts from afar. Everyone turns to see what the commotion is all about. Coming through the doorway of the studio is a sight to behold: Maple, linked arm and arm with Mags and Burgundy. An outlier Victor with two Careers. Laughing. Enjoying themselves.

They're stopped by the posse before they can take two steps further. The outlier Victors look at Maple expectantly. The trio shift awkwardly in their stance, waiting for the other to speak.

"Hey guys," Maple breaks the silence. "Brought some friends."

At that last word, a collective gasp is emitted from the posse.

"Friends?" Juan Miguel.

"Friends." Redwood.

"No." Kelso.

"I need more vodka." Faraday.

Giving each other a look, Mags and Burgundy take a step back. "Maybe this isn't the best time," Mags speaks.

"No, no, no. This is a perfect time." Faraday swoops in and puts a hairy arm around each of Careers. "The Girl With A Guilty Conscious and The Boy Who Can't Stop Smiling. Let's get to know each. Friends."

"Knock it off Faraday," Redwood tells him. Faraday eases off, not before squeezing Burgundy's backside. The handsome blond lets out a yelp.

Arms fold across his chest, eyebrows furrowed, Redwood studies his Tribute. "Maple. What's the meaning of this?"

Maple clears her throat. "Mags called me wondering if they could check out the set. See how the photoshoot was going. I said yes."

Juan Miguel's eyes fall on the girl from Four, then the boy from One. "I've been a Victor for nine years and not one word from you two. Now we're supposed to be friends? And I'm kin to the Snows. Did Westley and Essence send you two? Get information out of us for next year? Wouldn't put it past your districts."

Burgundy puffs up at the mention of Essence. "That glitterhead is not my handler. And I'm not "The Boy Who Can't Stop Smiling". It's all for the cameras."

"I can barely stand Westley and I'm not guilty."

District Five sneers. "Whoa. Big words from the "nice" Career Victors."

Maple huffs. "They're not that bad of people once you get to know them."

Redwood raises an eyebrow. "You know them?"

"Sorta. We've hung out."

'What?', 'Hung out?', 'No.', 'Seriously. I need more vodka.'

Mags whispers something in her comrade's ear, which makes the posse shout even louder. Maple folds her arms together. Her patience is wearing thin with these idiots. Why can't they trust her? Clearly they're good people if she bothers with them. They always do this to her. Second guess everything she does. Just because she's a woman. She opens her mouth to give them a piece of her mind when Burgundy stops her.

"Look, I know this is unexpected," he starts, eyeing Mags. She nods her head in support. "We haven't made the best impression and we're sorry."

The posse agrees with him, not holding back their comments. The brashness irks him. He swallows his anger.

Mags steps in to get back on-topic. "The only time we get to interact is during Games season, and we know how stressful that is. So, we have a simple request: dinner at The Café. Nothing more, nothing less. You don't have to say yes. We're all adults here," she looks at Faraday, then back to the posse. "But we would love if you could join us in a more casual setting. Victor to Victor. District histories aside."

Faraday and Kelso immediately reject the idea. Redwood and Juan Miguel talk it over then politely decline.

Maple, dejected, sighs. "Well, that just leaves you, newbie."

All heads turn toward the boy from Eight. Woof has been quiet the entire time. Sizing up Maple, the Careers, the posse, himself. Staying with the outlier Victors would show much-needed loyalty as they don't yet trust based on principle. But getting to know two Victors from Career districts...worst-case scenario there is more fuel for the gossip mill. Best-case scenario: friends in high places. Plus, Mags is pretty hot. He is only eighteen.

Woof glides over to Mags' side, patting her on the lower back. The girl gives a polite smile. The posse, jaws dropped in shock, are without words.

"Two months out and I've yet to visit The Café. Isn't that place like a rite of passage as a Victor?" He smiles at Burgundy. Burgundy smiles back. "Let's eat. I'm starving."

The newest Victor of Panem heads for the exit, the other three following. Faraday's gruff voice and Redwood's soft words can be heard on the way out.

"The newbie's a turncoat! Traitor! The both of ya! Traitors!"

"Oh hush. It's just dinner. They'll be back."


Capitol slang: Fash- Short for 'fashionable'. Quaint- How Capitolites describe district living. Usually used as a backhanded compliment.