I know this has taken a while. I'm working at a camp in rural New Mexico for the summer, and I've been really busy packing, etc. Anyway, the camp has limited wifi, at least from what they said. So updating may take longer than normal.

I did this chapter a bit different, introducing the tributes from the first District. It's not a reaping, so I hope you guys like it.

The Capitol

At least they weren't being taped live, Hadrian sighed with relief as Gemini slipped into the cushioned chair beside his. "You ready for a great interview?" He pulled on his tie, the make-up people were trying to choke him.

Gemini smiled, "I am, are you?"

Hadrian nodded, "We're not broadcasting live, so feel free to take a break, get a drink of water, anything you need."

She nodded, "Don't worry, I've done plenty of interviews. I'm definitely ready."

"Ok," Hadrian motioned to the camera to start rolling, "We have the pleasure of visiting with Gemini Heavensbee today. Some of you may know her as our new assistant Gamemaker. Gemini, tell us, what does this position mean for you?"

"Well, for one a whole lot more work," the two chuckled, before she continued, "Lafayette and I work hard to ensure the Games are always different. With such a long history, we don't want the tributes, or our viewers to become bored, or start to feel that the Games are becoming repetitive."

"That sounds like quite a challenge."

"It is, but it's one I'm happy to work with. We are definitely grateful for all that previous Gamemakers have done, it's amazing to continue that legacy."

"Your family, especially, has done much to build that legacy."

Gemini smiled, "Yes, our creed has always been to use our talents to benefit the nation. And I'm happy to think that we have."

Hadrian glanced at his notes, "Are you eager to follow in your uncle's footsteps?"
"Oh, my Uncle Plutarch is not easily followed. I don't think anyone can ever match what he has done for the games."

"Does his style influence the way you've helped plan these games?"
She grinned, "I think my uncle's style has helped every Gamemaker in their plans. Of course no one's ever going to really catch his spirit and enthusiasm, though I won't exclude myself, since I'm a Heavensbee and all."

"You have any guesses on how long Lafayette plans on staying as Head Gamemaker?"

Gemini shrugged, "You'd have to ask him yourself, but most Head Gamemakers stay in that position about five years. Lafayette and I haven't talked about his retirement plans, but I know he enjoys his job, so I don't expect him to quit anytime soon."

Hadrian turned towards the camera, "Great insights from Assistant Gamemaker Gemini Heavensbee, folks. Be sure to send in your questions for our interview with Head Gamemaker Lafayette Thrope, live at this same time tomorrow." He waved at the cameraman, and the studio lights dimmed.

Gemini stretched back, her fingertips touching above her head, "Ya'll sure do sound like you want Thrope to retire."

Hadrian rolled his eyes, "I don't write the questions, Gem. Apparently an assistant, soon to be chief Gamemaker makes a juicy story. This stuff's no better than tabloids."

"Oh, don't be such a downer. Come on, you should come out for lunch, cheer you up with something tasty."

"I'd love to, but I promised Augustus I'd get some background details on some of this year's escorts. Apparently one of them is getting a divorce, and our studio wants to be the first to release it."

"Yeah, I saw that you guys are going to do an interview with Tempest?"

Hadrian scowled, "Yeah, district One's escort. She's recovered enough to tell her view of the terror attack in district Seven."

"I'm sure you're so delighted to talk to her." She grinned as he sighed in frustration. "Really, I'm sorry for you. But you've got to see this from her point of view, this is one of her best chances at achieving a national hero medal."

"Simply because she was standing in the right place at the wrong time." Hadrian mumbled.

District One

Radiance trailed alongside Odyssey as he set a brisk pace towards the district training center, "So tell me again, why do I need to come today?"

"Both mentors are supposed to visit the Sunday before the reaping. Give the volunteers a week to smooth things over, make sure everything's going to work out."

"You've been coming here by yourself all year, why do you need me today?

Odyssey clapped her across the back, making Radiance wince, "You're a mentor this year, you need to learn to play your part better." He waved her through the gate of the training facility. Kids stopped their exercising to wave, some even ran over and asked for autographs. Odyssey graciously declined, saying they would have to do a meet and greet with Radiance later.

"I don't need a meet and greet with these kids," Radiance muttered as he waved his badge under the scanner, alerting the staff to their arrival, "I've spent time with most of these kids last year, I know a bunch of them."

Odyssey chuckled, "It never hurts to be friendly."

Silk slipped the dagger in her sleeve, rushing to finish her prep work. She hadn't seen Radiance in a long while, and she was certain she would impress her old friend today.
"Guess you must be excited about meeting with the mentors, right?" A slim blonde winked at her, "Your chances must be pretty good seeing what good friends you and Rad girl were."

"Just 'cause she hasn't shown up lately doesn't mean she's not my friend still." Silk pulled her hair into a loose ponytail. "And, yeah, my chances are much higher than yours." She slammed her locker shut, turning her back on the blonde.
"Come on, Silk. Every one of us knows Radiance. Don't think you'll get better treatment just 'cause you trained together some."

Silk ignored her as she stalked towards the atrium where they were going to meet the two mentors. The director had only chosen 12 students to come to this meeting. The blonde was just jealous since she had been left out. It wasn't like she still couldn't volunteer, it was just expected that one of the six girls here today would end up being the tribute.

"Hello, Miss Vermillion." The Director checked her name off on a pad, "Always on time. You can go on in the room if you like."

Silk shrugged, stepping through the doorway. Radiance was standing pn the small platform, her eye's lighting up when she saw her. "Hey, Rad." Silk stepped her way. "It's good to see you."

"I didn't know you were going to be in the meeting today." Radiance tried to sound cheerful. "I guess that's a congratulations."

Silk raised her eyebrows. "We both got to meet the mentors last year, why shouldn't I still be in the top twelve?"

Radiance shook her head, attempting to laugh. "I don't know. Guess I should have come watch you train more."

Silk stared at her for a second, wondering why Radiance was so serious, "Come on, training's pretty stupid anyway. And you'll get to see me actually perform in the games, that'll be a much better show."

The director clapped her hands, "Please everyone, lets get seated." The students shuffled, Silk making sure to grab a chair closest to the platform. "I'm glad everyone could come today, and we are very thankful that our mentors could come speak to us today." A small amount of handclapping followed, but Odyssey cut it off, jumping to start the meeting.

"We should really thank you, Director Midas. Under your guidance the Academy has blossomed. Anyway, it's always nice to meet our recruits. Radiance and I are pleased to be mentors this year. Today's your chance to ask questions, and really decide if you're cut out to volunteer in one week."

Radiance settled into her chair, glad Odyssey was already slated to handle most of the meeting. She wasn't sure what she would say. Recommend none of them volunteer? That would definitely ruin her reputation.

A hand shot up from the front, a wiry girl standing, "I'm not yet 17, should I wait one more year to volunteer?"
Odyssey nodded, "I'd recommend it, I was 18 when I won my games. However Radiance was only 15 when she achieved victory last year. Radiance, do you think age plays a great factor?"
She swallowed, "Well, it was a special year, both of us had to be 15." She felt 24 eyes on her, and she wiped her hands on her jeans, "Um, I think I wish I was older. But it didn't end up hurting me."

Silk smiled to herself. She was 16, and just knew she could handle anything. If Radiance could win at only 15, she could definitely make it, especially with the added year.

A boy in the back stood up, "I want to know from Odyssey, how I become the leader of the pack. You were the leader in your games, how do I do this?"

Odyssey nodded, "What's your name?"

The kid grinned, "Heath. I know I'm going to volunteer, it's my last year."

"And you want to be the alliance leader, right?"
Heath nodded, while Odyssey continued to speak, "Well, for one thing, you have to realize the leader is the one most likely not to come home."

Radiance glanced at Odyssey, why would he say something like that? Several of the kids shifted nervously, taken aback by the statement.

"Why would that be?" Heath pressed.

"You're in the most danger, taking care of the others. Being the head isn't necessarily the best spot, Heath. It's also hard when your allies die, and you were in charge of making sure they were all right."

Heath shrugged, "I'd be alright, I mean you did it. And you have good advice for me."

Odyssey inclined his head, rubbing at the back of his neck. "It's your decision. But I would let someone else take over that role. And you can't even know who will be in charge till after training. Maybe one of the other kids will push for that position."
Heath shook his head, "Winning the games would be useless for me, unless I was in charge of the alliance. It's just my goal here, you know?"

"I know," Odyssey sighed, "We all have our goals that was just my advice."

Kind of short, but at least something. Anyway, what do you think of Silk and Heath? I know that's not too much to go on, but there will be more later, promise.