A/N: Hello everyone! Welcome to our newest chapter!

Enjoy!

Prim woke with a slight groan to tapping at her door by nine other than Effie. She sat up running her hand through her hair and looked to her side finding Katniss still asleep. "Give me a minute." The knocking stopped and Prim gently shook Katniss. "Katniss, come on wake up." She groaned but didn't quite. "Please I need you." Prim begged. That had woken her up almost instantly. "We are nearly there." She said.

"Right, sorry, Prim."

"It's okay."

"Let's just get ready." Prim nodded stretching as she woke. Katniss got up and left the room so they could both get ready.

Prim showered, which was easy for her. So she finished very soon and got dressed in a black shirt and pants. She took a look in the mirror as noticed Katniss was behind her. "I guess some things you never grow out of." She said tucking in Prim's duck tail in.

"I guess not sorry about that." She said.

"It's okay. It's still kind of cute. Might start a new trend in the Capitol once you're victor."

She smiled a little at that. "That would be an interesting sight." Prim said.

"Would not surprise me."

"Wouldn't me either. They are crazy like that."

"You have no idea, you'll see though."

"Yeah, in mere minutes."

"Yeah, I know. Any advice for today?"

"Keep your head down and no comments to press and no matter what they do to you just let it happen." Prim gulped but nodded. "We'll be okay."

"Okay, I trust you."

"Good, now food." Prim nodded and they headed to the dining car.

Measel was already there. "Hey Measel," Prim said awkwardly sitting down.

"Hello, Prim." He said.

Haymitch, who was there as well looked between them and said, "Brr… what happened here?"

"What do you mean?" Prim asked.

"Between you to."

"Nothing really happened." She said.

"Well, whatever it is you both have some warming up to do before this train stops."

"Why?" Prim asked.

"Because this," He pointed between the two of them. "Is not going to impress any sponsors."

"Fine, I suppose."

"Exactly, so at least make an effort."

"Okay, sorry." Measel said.

"Now eat though as well." Katniss said seriously. "You were both well fed already but you'll still need whatever you can get." They nodded digging in, but still not speaking.

A very short while later the train had stopped at the station. "We're here." Katniss said nervously. They both gulp swallowing their last bites of food and getting up. "Remember what I said?" Katniss asked Prim.

"Yes I do."

"I don't. What did you say?" Measel asked again bringing it to their attention that he was their tribute as well.

"Keep your head down and no comments to press and no matter what they do to you just let it happen."

"Got it." He said.

"Good, you two ready?" They both nodded as the doors opened.

About a million cameras flashed as the crowd right outside roared. They did as they were told keeping their heads down and not commenting despite the many questions. Mercifully soon though, they made it to the Remake Center.

"Well that was exhausting."

She realized from seeing Katniss' team at home before the tour that the worst was yet to come. When the doors closed they were lead to separate rooms and told to wait. Prim sat getting somehow even more nervous.

In came Katniss' prep team, or now she supposed her prep team. Though not as much as in canon for these games, they did seem sad that she was here. "Hello, Primrose." Octavia said as they paced around her.

"Hello Octavia, Venia, Flavius."

"Sorry to see you here of all places."

"Clearly a place no one wants to be." Prim pointed out.

"Yes, but we especially do not want you here."

"You care that much?"

"Of course we do, you were so kind to us when we met, and you mean the world to Katniss which makes you even more important to us."

"Well, thank you."

"It is our pleasure." Venia said.

"Shouldn't we be getting started though?"

"Yes, and lucky for you there is not much to be done." Flavius said.

"That's good." Prim said a little relieved.

"Yes, so let's begin strip please." Octavia said. Prim sighed but did remembering what Katniss said. They set to work scrubbing her with several odd smelling baths. They had to wax her too but not as much not having as much to start with.

Then a few more baths before finally... "You are ready for Cinna."

"At least it's still Cinna." Prim noted.

"Why would it not be?"

"Don't know but that definitely is good."

"Yes, now take the robe and wait."

"Thank you," She said taking it and putting it on.

"Our pleasure, see you soon."

"See you soon," She said as they left. Left alone, Prim began to think about Measel again this morning had been odd. One important question had presented itself though. If they weren't going into the Hunger Games would she have wanted that? Unlike Katniss Prim had always wanted to be a mother, and had thought of these things. Yet she could honestly say she had never thought seriously about it. She tried to wonder about Measel specifically though. Did she like him that way?

He was cute enough, and apart from that he was kind, smart, and had been a friend to her even before their sister's started to hang out with each other unlike most her current 'friends' from outside the Seam who had only begun to be nice after she moved to the Victor's Village. Maybe she does but that still wouldn't help now.

She sighed unsure of everything as Cinna came in. "Hello Cinna." She said not sure what else to.

"Hello Primrose, how are you?"

"Not good."

"Well, these games do that to people, but is that all that is troubling you?"

"No," Prim sighed.

"So, what's on your mind?" He asked leading them over to chairs in the corner.

She sighed and told him about the thing with Measel.

"Oh, wow, poor girl." He said.

"Yeah," Prim sighed.

"You don't like him like that do you?"

"I'm not really sure."

"Well, that complicates things."

"Yes, it does."

"I suppose there is not much I can tell you."

"No one can."

"You could try asking Haymitch."

"You think he'll know what to do?"

"Surprising as this is, he usually does."

"Actually don't find that too hard to believe."

"Most people do." He said.

"That I could see why though."

"Yeah, he does not seem wise most times.

"I know better though."

"Well then yes, he might be able to help."

"Okay, I will tonight."

"Good now on to your outfit."

"Right, so, what's the plan?"

"Well, we will build off your sisters look last year."

"Well, it was such a big hit last year."

"Exactly, so as I say we build on that."

"Alright, I can trust you."

"Good then." He said.

"Katniss trusts you. That's about enough proof for me."

"Alright." He said going to the nearby closet and pulling out the canon outfit.

Prim immediately noticed the power pack on the back. "So, what does it do?"

"How about you try it on and I can show you." She slid it on, it was lighter than she had expected. Cinna took the trigger remote pushing the button. It came to life as fire, and glowed softly in different colors.

Prim was stunned to say the least looking it over. "Cinna, this is incredible!"

"I'm glad you like it."

"I love it!"

"I figured you would."

"It's so beautiful."

He nodded and turned it off. "We need to save the power though for the actually parade."

"Okay." Prim nodded.

"Now to make up then." Prim nodded and held still. He took out a kit and set to work. "You know, liking the boy may not be so bad." He said.

"Only one can live." Prim pointed out since he was on her eyes.

"Yes that is true, but still you could be happy."

"Well… I guess."

"I am just saying you will never gain anything without a little risk."

"That's a fine line though in a place like this."

"Well true, but still."

"You really think it would?"

"I think it might be good for you both."

"Well, alright…"

"Alright what dear?" He asked putting on the final touch on her eyes.

"I guess you're right."

"So, you have decided what to do?"

"Well, first I have to figure out if that is what I want."

"That would help yes."

"Okay," She nodded.

"Talking to the boy may help." He said finishing up.

"Maybe but now things are just really awkward."

"Well, honestly Prim I think on some level you must like him a little in return."

"Well… I guess I do."

"I only say that because if you did not you would have just dismissed it like your sister did with Peeta when he first confessed."

"I don't think I would have but thank you."

"My pleasure and you're ready." He said stepping aside.

She took a look back in the mirror and had to admit Katniss had been right Cinna did magical work. "Amazing," She breathed.

"Glad you like it." He said.

"How could anyone not?"

"Some may not." He shrugged.

"I find that hard to believe."

"Well don't, the other stylists hate me."

"That's because you off stage them."

"Thank you for saying so dear."

"You're welcome, it's only true."

"You're a good girl."

"Thank you. I guess as a healer you have to be."

"I guess you do, now we have some time before we must go down so, eat, think, talk to me whatever puts you at ease."

"Everyone's been telling me to eat."

"Then you should." He said. She sighed but nodded. "You'll need it."

"I know."

"So, eat and I am right here if you need to talk."

"Okay, I will." Prim agreed. He nodded as a table with food came up from the ground. Prim went over looking over the options. She sighted chicken and decided on that. She took some and ate. She let her mind drift to all her current problems. She set it down feeling more than a little uneasy.

"Prim?" Cinna asked approaching carefully.

"This is just all too much, Cinna."

He sat by her and let her hug him. "I know," He muttered.

"I'm pretty sure Snow did this on purpose."

"It would not be surprising."

"Yeah, just seems to perfect for him to be a coincidence."

"Of course, but we can't do anything about it."

"I know that." She sighed.

"So, why dwell on it?"

"Because I can't figure out how not to."

"I see," He sighed.

"Any idea on that?"

"No, worry is natural."

"I figured but there's nothing that could be done?"

"Well, what normally relaxes you?"

"Buttercup but he's not here."

"Anything else?"

"Well, I liked to go look at the cakes."

"We have some here I can order."

"Could you please?" He nodded typing something into a wall computer. Soon a beautifully frosted multitier cake came out of the table. It was very well detailed. "Wow!" Prim gushed looking it over.

"Yes, it's 12 based on what we have seen."

"Seems that way." She said with a smile. "Since I was little I loved to go to the bakery to see them since they're one of such few beauties in 12."

"Yes, it did not seem happy there." He said.

"Yeah, it's a very depressing place to live."

"I can imagine, must have been a little better being a Victor family?" He asked.

"It was for a while but then things got much worse for everyone."

"Why?"

She told him all about Thread and the others.

"That sounds terrible." He said.

"It really was. Being the district's healer, mother and I never had any shortage of the sick, injured, and of course starving."

"Of course." He sighed.

"Yeah, things were and I'd definitely have to say still are extremely rough to say the least."

"Yes, well they will improve."

"I doubt that." Prim sighed.

"We'll see."

"Well, I really hope you're right."

"I do too dear."

"At this rate there won't be anyone to save by next Hunger Games."

"Prim, be calm; you will be okay."

"It's not me that I'm stressing over at the moment."

"You cannot save everyone, Prim."

"I know but there must be a way to save at least some."

"Maybe there is."

"How?"

"I am not sure right now."

"Of course not," Prim sighed.

"I feel confident though." He said.

"You're the only one."

"No, I would bet I am not, but Prim we have to go,"

"Right," She said getting up. He offered his hand to her which took though surprised by that.

"Sometimes, people just need a hand to hold." He said.

Prim nodded, "Thank you, Cinna."

"It is my pleasure." He said.

"Not when we get there though. That would look bad to the other tributes." Cinna nodded as they headed down.

He let go a short while before they got to the stables. Prim stood up straight and put on a brave face. She took a deep breath and headed in. They were there, well everyone but Measel and 4. She immediately found that Cady was sitting on top of the front part of District 12's chariot instead of up at her own. "What are you doing here?" She asked.

"Just scoping out my prey." She answered WAY too casually.

"I am not your prey." Prim muttered.

"We'll just see about that won't we?" Cady smirked.

"Yes, we will but not here."

"Of course not. That doesn't mean I have to leave though."

"This is not your chariot."

"There's plenty of time."

"Why will you not leave me alone?"

"Didn't you see, Primrose Everdeen?"

"Your little threat?"

"It's not a threat. It's a promise. Your sister needs to learn what true pain is."

"Your brother needed to die; it was the whole point of the games. To survive."

"He didn't deserve to die like he did. Every single person your sister killed in that arena died slowly and horribly."

"Marvel was dead quickly."

"He was shot in the neck and left to drown in his own blood."

"He was dead in seconds and even so, he made Rue suffer."

"What gave you the sudden idea that it's Marvel I care about?"

"Nothing I was making a point not all her kills suffered."

"My point and promise still stand."

"I figured they would, but she did nothing outside what the games demanded of her."

"She left him to be eaten alive for HOURS!"

"And he would not have done the same to her?!"

"No, he wouldn't have."

"That's a lie and you know it."

"You don't know that. You don't know him."

"And you don't know her any more than I know him."

"I know enough."

"That just makes you a hypocrite."

"That's completely different."

"No it's really not. You are passing judgment on someone based on what you saw in the games but telling me not to judge someone else based on what I saw in the games. That makes you a hypocrite."

"I'm simply stating what DID happen. You're assuming what MIGHT HAVE happened."

"Fine you say none of the people your brother killed or helped kill suffered? What about the girl from 8?"

"I never said that."

"You said he would not have made Katniss suffer!"

"Not that much."

"Doubtful," Prim said.

"Again, you're just assuming things."

"Still, you are taking a fight for survival personally."

"In which case the same could be said about you." Cady said and hoped down gracefully and headed back to her own chariot.

"What an odd girl."

"What was that about?" Measel asked coming over.

"Just a grudge." Prim sighed.

"That 2 girl?" He asked glancing over at her.

"Yeah her." Prim sighed.

"Just try to ignore her until the arena."

"Hard when she makes a point of waiting for me. She was on our chariot when I got here."

"Wow, that's an unhealthy obsession."

"Yes, it is but you know; what can you do?"

"Yeah, I suppose so."

"It's still pretty terrifying." Prim whispered.

"I can imagine."

"I guess we'll see tomorrow what she can do."

"We, will how are you feeling?"

"Nervous,"

"Me too, hard not to I guess."

"At least we do have a chance."

"Yeah, could be much worse."

"Yeah, just look at any of the previous years."

"Yeah, good point."

"Yeah," Prim sighed.

"Sorry not much help am I?"

"No, you're fine. It's just hard."

"Still sorry."

"I forgive you."

"For what I said last night?"

"Well, I think…" He waited for her to finish. "I think I like you, too."

"Y...really?" She just nodded slowly. "That's amazing."

"So, what do we do then?"

"Well we could try to be open with it."

"You mean like… that?"

"It's just an option."

"You think we should?"

"I would like too and it did help with sponsors."

"I agree."

"Prim, before we do this I have to ask do you really like me or is this like Katniss and Peeta's 'love'?"

"I really think I do." He smiled a little and offered her his hand which took smiling back.

"I never thought that you would."

"Because before Katniss won the mayor's son and some girl from the Seam looks perfectly normal." Prim pointed out sarcastically.

"You make a good point, but you are just so amazing."

"Well, thank you, Measel." She blushed.

"Just stating the fact; you, to me, are not just some girl from the Seam."

"What did you see then?"

"I saw and amazing girl, who did her best to save everyone, someone who never gave up when most people would have. You somehow managed to always smile even when things in your own life were not great. You were easily the smartest girl in our classes, and probably one of the smartest in 12. On top of all that you are beyond pretty."

"I guess I never really looked at it that way."

"I did, you underestimate yourself."

"Well, I guess you do have a point with those."

"You should never underestimate yourself."

"You do."

"I do, but I meant you specifically, Prim. Besides in spite of what Haymitch said, I get the impression they will focus more on you then me. As they should."

"You deserve to live though."

"So do you and if 12 losses you they lose a great healer in the making with me they just lose the mayor's son."

"You're better for other things."

"I don't really see it."

"Well, to me you are."

"Thank you Prim." He said hugging her.

"You're welcome, Measel."

"We should get into place."

"Right," She said getting up. He helped her up and climbed up beside her. "How much time do we have anyways?"

"Not much longer." Cinna said walking over.

"Okay," They said taking the triggers.

"Now, remember you are serious." He said.

"I was never told that." Measel pointed out.

"Oh! I thought you had been?" Cinna asked.

"Most people haven't been telling me anything."

"That is troubling."

"I had pretty much come to expect it at the reaping."

"We will talk more later." Cinna said.

"Okay, what exactly am I supposed to do here then though?"

"Be serious make it seem like these people are not worth your time right now.'

"That should be easy actually then."

"Good, now eyes front." They nodded and looked forward as the music started to play. "Good luck." They nodded but put on as they were told.

There were gasps and cheers as they emerged. They both ignored them though just looking forward which made them more excited. "It's working." Prim whispered keeping her gaze forward.

"I know it's amazing." He whispered back. There was no more exchange until they arrive in the circle.

"Snow is watching us."

Prim looked up seeing that and corrected, "He's watching me."

"Why?"

"Because Katniss had angered him with what her and Peeta did. You know it's certainly no coincidence that I'm here right?"

"I suppose not."

"That would be why then." Prim sighed.

"Sorry," He said.

"Not your fault. Really nothing that can be done about that."

"Still if I can help let me know."

"I will if I can think of anything."

"Good."

They just ignored Snow as he gave his usual speech.

"Wow, does this speech ever change?" Measel asked.

"I don't think so."

"Well, that's boring."

"Yes it is but be careful."

"For saying it's dull?"

"Even that's dangerous."

"Alright, I see your point." She nodded and the chariots begun to head back.

Soon they were inside and got off the chariot. "Well, that was… something." Measel said.

"Yes it was." Prim said.

"They did really seem to like us though."

"Of course how could they not?" Katniss asked coming over to them.

"True with Cinna and Portia's designs." Prim said.

"Well, you wore them well."

"Hard not to."

"Still you looked wonderful and I mean that to both of you."

"Sure, thank you." He said smiling a little.

"You're welcome. You both made an impression."

"We did?"

"Definitely,"

"That's great."

"Yes it is. Haymitch and I can definitely work with this."

"I hope so." Prim said.

"We will be able to, I promise."

"Okay." Prim said cautiously taking both Katniss and Measel's hands.

Katniss noticed that and smiled, "Let's to our floor then." They both nodded the day had worn on a while and sleep and food sounded great. "Follow me then."

"That girl is watching again." Prim muttered.

Katniss looked over to see that indeed, Cady was glaring at them. "Head upstairs." Katniss said.

"You're staying?" Prim asked.

"Yes, I will be up soon. 12th floor." Katniss added. "They're always by district number. Just trust me."

"Okay." They said. They headed to the elevator seeing no use in arguing with her.

Katniss turned and walked toward the girl. "Alright, what's your problem?" Katniss demanded right off the bat.

"You are my problem."

"Still about Cato?"

"Of course! You made him suffer!"

"The Gamemakers did that. All I did was free Peeta and shot him in the head to STOP that."

"You let him suffer for hours!"

"Well, excuse me that my only arrow was busy keeping Peeta alive!"

"You should have let him die anyway!"

"Why should I have prioritized Cato over Peeta?"

"You could have killed them both and won alone the way it should have been! The other boy was useless anyway."

"I wasn't thinking about that at the time."

"Well, you should have."

"You'll find out in a few days that it's harder than you might think once you get in there."

"Not if you think before you act."

"Also harder than you'd think."

"Sure it is." She sneered.

"You'll see." Katniss huffed. She glared and stomped off.

Katniss sighed and headed to the elevator. 'She really is just a little girl' she thought. No matter how crazy this girl might be sending someone that young into the arena is pushing it way too far. 'Not much I can do' she got in it arriving and hit the button for the 12th floor. 'Focus on Prim.' She thought. "She's top priority." Katniss whispered watching the ascending numbers. "She has to be."

The elevator soon arrived at the top floor. She got out and went to find Prim. She found her and Measel over in the dining room. "So, is there something you two want to say?" She asked.

"Well, first of all, how did it go with 2?" Prim asked.

"About as well as could be expected."

"Of course,"

"Yes, she is a stubborn girl."

"I'm scared."

"I can see why, but try not to be."

"You make it sound easy."

"It's not going to be no."

"Any idea how?"

"Keep your eyes on her."

"Okay, she was on my chariot when I got down though."

"She was?"

"Yeah, said she wanted to scope out her prey."

"That is a typical career line." Haymitch said as he entered.

"It sounded that way." Prim noted.

"Pay it no mind; everyone from 2 says that to someone."

"Do they usually hang out on others' chariots and refuse to move?"

"Not often no."

"Well, she did."

"That is threatening."

"Any idea what to do there?"

"Keep an eye out for her is the best bet."

"Okay, I will try."

"Good." He said.

"You clearly know what you're doing."

"I do, and we are trying to make sure things will be okay."

"I know and thank you for that."

"You're welcome, now how are you both?"

"Nervous," Measel said.

"That is to be expected, but you seem less tense with each other.

"Well… yeah… about that…" Prim started awkwardly.

"What about that?" Haymitch asked.

She told him the whole thing starting from last night.

"So that is what the problem was."

"Yeah, so, what do you think we should do?"

"Use it." He said.

"That's what we figured we should."

"Good, because they love couples." He said.

"Yeah, I saw that last year."

"Exactly so let's use that."

"Without the double suicide."

"Yes without that. In fact, I should have warned Katniss and Peeta about this but generally avoid anything that has even a remote chance of angering the Capitol."

"Got it good to know."

"You sound like you speak from experience." Measel observed.

"I do trust me."

"Okay," He said, realizing it was best not to question any further.

"Good, now food and then sleep." They nodded and started eating. "Good,"

There was no more until they were done. "Now what do we do?"

"Try to get some sleep." Katniss said.

"Okay." They both said leaving.

"Haymitch, what happened?" Katniss asked carefully, once they were gone.

"You don't want to know."

"Since this is Prim here and Snow already hates me I most certainly want to know."

"It's with how I won my games," Haymitch sighed. "I had been disarmed in the final battle so I tricked the girl from 1 into throwing her ax into a force field a short while after the arena was intended to end she didn't know what there which sent the ax flying back to her and implanted right into her skull. At the time it was just an improvised weapon against her but apparently it was somehow viewed as a weapon against the Capitol. So, about four weeks after I was crowned victor: my mother, my little brother, my girlfriend; all dead."

"They just killed them?"

"Yes they did. They needed a living example to the future victors."

"That's still sick."

"Of course it is."

"It's just them. Guess I can't really blame you then." She sighed also thinking about that list with how he never forgets a tribute and just the games themselves. Anyone would have had to turn to SOMETHING.

"Yeah, so now you know."

What neither of them knew is that Prim had overheard the whole thing. 'Poor Haymitch' she thought. 'No one deserves that.' She thought, sitting back down on her bed. Now she could see why Haymitch preferred to be alone.

That whole thing only made her more scared. She of course didn't want the same thing to happen to her. 'What do I do?' She thought. She knew she couldn't ask either. Then they'd know she was listening.

She sighed, she needed help. 'From who though? I could try Measel.' She got back up and headed to his room.

A/N: We hope you liked it. Please review! See you next chapter!