Finally caught up enough to write. Several of my favorite people in my series are in this chapter. There are two scenes from the Capitol.

A Capitol Estate

An avox poured another full glass of Bourbon as the guests toasted the year's games.

"Where does this come from again, District 9? Why can't they parade dressed as wine bottles?"
Another less drunk guest explained, "It's actually grown in several of the districts, but processed just outside the Capitol."

"Who are you betting on so far?" The conversation swirled around the tribute parade, as bets were placed. A bell chimed midnight, and someone stood on a stool,

"Ladies and gentlemen, our Gamemakers are arriving as promised. Remember, they've only promised to be at our party for an hour before moving on to the next event."

Several Gamemakers entered, and the crowd surrounded them, pressing desired forms of bribes into their hands. The guests plied them with the names of their favorite tributes, hoping to deck the odds in their favor.

Gemini, as assistant Head Gamemaker was at the front of the pack, smiling graciously at the swarm of Capitolites. Of course, she accepted all the dozens of diamonds and sapphires pressed into her hands. And of course, she would do absolutely nothing to protect their favored tributes.

An avox handed her a glass of wine, but she set it on a nearby stand. This was how she survived this bevvy of parties, by completely avoiding alcohol. She needed a level head to navigate this world. And another dose of stimulants.

A young girl scooted besides her, hand pressing subtly against Gemini's left hand. "I'd be thankful if you take notice of the girl from 12." To anyone, it appeared as just another bribery exchange. The girl stepped away as quickly as she appeared, lost in the depth of the drunk partygoers.

Gemini smiled to herself, fingering the token. It was time to take a trip to her country estate.

District Six Compartments

Lucina tugged at her gloves, stepping into the dining room. The smells assaulted her nose, and she enjoyed the flavors for a moment.

"Great job out there," Hadley stirred a spoon, "From the mentors booth you were lovely, a nice diversion."

"Yeah," Maxwell spoke from behind her as he entered, "I think the crowd adored us."

Lucina struggled to ignore him. He had humiliated her, why did he have to make this so much harder than it already was? She crunched the gloves in her fist, "I'm not hungry. I'm just gonna go to my room."

Hadley eyebrows furrowed, his eyes mirroring compassion. "You need to eat, my dear. Maybe your appetite has disappeared, I'll send some up to you later."

"See you." Maxwell's voice followed Lucina out. For his part, Maxwell settled at the table, perusing the dishes piled high with succulent delicacies.

He picked up a fork, cutting at a slice of lamb. Picking up a tureen, Maxwell poured on some of the steaming gravy.

"So, you plan to woo the crowd, lowering Lucina's defenses, then dispense with her as quickly as possible?"

The fork paused halfway to Maxwell's mouth. "Of course not."

Hadley's lips curved, dark blue eyes turning hard. "I've not lived 27 years to let some half grown up prick think he can outsmart everyone. Either you work with me or I make your life miserable."

"How can you just say that about me?" Maxwell's hand gripped his fork, "Why do you care about my methods?"

Hadley shrugged, "Just warning you, that not everyone was deceived by a kiss on the cheek. Lucky for you, Lucina didn't slap you."

Maxwell snorted, "Lucina doesn't have the guts to do anything."

"You sure?"

"Positive."

Lucina snuggled into the covers, munching on the strange white puffs the attendant had brought her. They were crunchy and kind of salty.
A knock sounded on the door, and Lucina sighed loudly, "Not talking to you, Maxwell."

"It's not Maxwell, It's me Hadley."

Lucina pulled back the silky covers, hand smoothing down her hair, "Come on in." She rubbed her other hand on the bedspread, trying to get the oiliness off as her mentor stepped in.

"Enjoying the popcorn?" Hadley pulled up a chair, sitting directly in front of her.

Lucina nodded, "It's interesting. Never heard of it before."

"Thought a light snack might work the best."

Lucina's tongue brushed at her teeth, trying to get rid of the hulls stuck in her gums. "I'm sorry I walked out like that, I know it may seem like I'm a failure of a tribute."

Hadley shook his head, "You are not a failure,"

"Of course I am," Lucina interrupted, "I can dress well, but that's about it."
Hadley cracked his knuckles, "I think you can do more than that."

"Like what?" Lucina rolled her eyes.

"Like outsmart Maxwell." He cocked an eyebrow.

Lucina jerked, wondering if was making fun of her. "Your kidding, right?"

"No, I know he's playing to the crowd. We both know he plans on killing you as soon as possible.'

"He hates me," Lucina blurted, her frustration overwhelming her as tears threatened.

"Which is why you should turn his act against him."
She rubbed at her eyes, the mascara smudging, "What do you mean?"
"Maxwell is trying to earn the crowds empathy by playing up a relationship. But if you get the crowd on your side as opposed to his, he can't turn on you without dire results."

Lucina's hands knit together, "Play the crowd against Maxwell?"

Hadley snapped his fingers, "Exactly. Now we have just a few hours to get the perfect plan together."

District 2 Compartment

"Can you believe that brat from Three dared to threaten me?" Alex fussed as the group gathered around the table. "I can't wait to cut off her head. But first I'll chop of her limbs one by one. Then pull out her tongue. Make her eat her own words."

Loki sipped some hard cider, "I take it you enjoy a good sword."

Alex snorted, "Who doesn't? The arena's blades are bound to be the best. I've had to practice with these stupid cheap stuff all my life."

Felix turned slightly towards his partner, "I would try not to obsess over the girl. It'll ruin your peace of mind."

"Why would I care about peace of mind?" Alex shot him a short glare, "Anyway, you can't have peace with people like that girl around."

Felix smiled sympathetically. "There will always be people hurting your feelings. What's important is to stand above them."

"You stand above them by killing them. Not real hard to understand, Felix."

Loki chuckled, "We all have different ways of dealing with tough relationships. There is merit in both of your ideas."

Felix nodded at his mentor, wondering if Alex had ever let a slight offense go unnoticed. But right now, he had other things that needed attention. "What are your thoughts on this year's alliance?"

Loki glanced at Rhea, who was battling the flu and wasn't much help right now. "Rhea and I have put some thought to it. I think things are relatively normal."

Alex licked her fork, "Think we'll lead the pack this year? I'm tired of the dogs from One outshining us."

Felix felt his frustration growing, "People don't outshine each other. It's only when you choose to not do your best that another appears better."

"Seriously Felix," Alex slapped the table, "They killed both of our tributes last year. They are lying sneaks. It's too bad Radiance can't go into the arena and face me."

"Hold on," Loki leaned forward, "If you expect to emerge from this arena as a victor, you absolutely must treat each and every victor with utmost respect."

Alex scowled, anger for Odile's death filling her. "There's no way. She killed my best friend last year."

Loki shrugged, "Then you won't be getting my help."

"But you'll help me," Alex turned to face Rhea, appealing to the second mentor.

Rhea took a long drink of water, "I completely agree with Loki. I don't care how you treat people in the games, but you can't threaten another victor."

Felix shifted uncomfortably. "Mind if I go on to my room? I want to be really prepared for tomorrow."

Loki waved his hand, "Goodnight. I'll speak with you more in the morning."

Alex pressed her hands together, "If I become a victor,"

"Listen, you can't plan on that. I don't want to hear about your revenge status again." Loki stood, throwing his napkin down. "I suggest you go to bed as well."

District Nine Compartments

Alena laid the knife on the sink, pulling her hair down from a bun. She had snuck the blade from the dining table. She looked at her reflection in the mirror, green eyes, pointed chin, long straight brown hair.

"Won't be needing this." She grabbed a handful, then started sawing. Away from her face, she didn't want to accidentally nick herself. Letting go, she dropped the hair into the trashcan.

Another handful, more cutting. Shorter, choppier. She set down the knife, touching her bare neck.

Someone knocked on the door. Alena stepped from the bathroom, flipping off the light switch.

The escort began rambling as she opened her door, "I'm waking everyone up by 9," A slight pause, then a change in pitch, "What have you done to your hair!"
Alena leaned against the door frame, "Why do you care?"
The escort waved her hands, jewelry clanging together, "It's all gone! Your crowning beauty, what is to be done!"
Alena closed her eyes, forcing herself to take a breath.

"What's the matter?" Rust spoke as he opened his door.

"Her hair, she ruined her hair!" The escort continued to screech, "I need to contact your stylist right now."

The escort scurried off, crying about calling the stylist while Alena let out a sigh. "No big deal, creep. Go back to bed."

Alena turned, pressing the door shut. But Rust had stepped out, blocking it from closing. "I'm not a creep."
"No, you're a jerk who insists on not letting me close my door."
He rolled his eyes. "If that's your definition of a jerk. But seriously, I like your haircut."
"Right," Alena let go of the door, folding her arms across her chest. She fingered the fabric, "I don't want to get close to someone only to watch them die. I'm not a mean person, but we're not going to be friends."

District Five Compartments

Larret tossed, the pillow falling to the floor. The room was so quiet, it was like a weight of calm. She rubbed at her eyes, trying to push thoughts of tomorrow away. Everyone was just so big, and mean. What in the world was she supposed to do?

She sat up, her fingers searching for the switch. She pushed up, shielding her eyes. It was the bright one, she flipped it down, pushing on the next switch. The room was now dusted with light.

A pair of slippers sat on the floor, a robe resting on the chair. Larret fumbled for them, it was nice to have everything you could ever imagine needing right at your fingertips.

Opening her door, Larret slipped into the hallway. She was curious what was playing on tv. She tiptoed, hoping not to wake anyone up. She was pretty sure the media area was far enough away no one would hear it.

She turned the corner, surprised to see the screen was already on. Josu sat curled on a couch, head resting on his knees. He turned slightly as Larret stepped in.

"You woke up?"
Larret shrugged, "No, I couldn't even go to sleep."

"Yeah, you got a lot of sleep on the train." Josu settled back into staring at the screen.

Larret felt her frustration grow at the boy's comment. The only reason she had gotten so much sleep on the train was because the doctor had put her to sleep. "Are they saying anything about us?"

"Us in particular?" Josu glanced her direction.

"Duh, anything about us at the parade?" She plopped on the couch beside him.

Josu shook his head, "No, we aren't even on the betting charts. These guys aren't the main people who comment on tributes."
"So Hadrian isn't on?"

"You mean the guy who partners with Augustus Flickerman?"
"Yeah, he's like, the cutest guy ever."
"Nah, he's not on."

Larret frowned, "Don't you think he's cute?"
"I'm not a girl." Josu muttered, "And I don't tend to watch the capitol shows if I don't have to. I didn't even know his name."

"He is the cutest." Larret smiled, remembering conversations with her girlfriends. "And he's single. One of the Capitol magazines rated him in the top ten most eligible young guys. If I win these games, I bet he would date me."

Capitol Apartment

Hadrian pulled his blinds, grateful he could block out the glaring city lights. He fluffed his pillow, before pulling off his shirt. Running his hand through his hair, he leaned against the fleece sheets.

It was a relief to turn off his bed side lamp, and attempt to forget about the day's events. Forcing himself to be bright, smile, and engage an audience wore on his chest.

He rubbed at his eyes, realizing he hadn't taken the mascara off. He was bone weary, but he couldn't rest knowing his makeup was still on.

Slipping from the sheets, he made his way in the darkened apartment to his vanity. Pulling a cloth down, he ran some water over it. The coolness against his face was refreshing. What a relief. He was glad that he could take his celebrity cover off each night. That's why he resisted the pressure to get a tattoo or piercings. He wanted to be able to pull the veneer off.

He heard the buzz as he tried to settle back into his bed. Close your eyes. Ignore it, but then it might be his boss. Duty ruled, and he picked up the tablet. Never mind that it was 2:30 in the morning, Augustus has messaged him.

"Mentor interview tomorrow 10:30. Studio prep 9:45."

Why me? Hadrian nearly slammed his fist into the screen. One on one interviewing was bad enough. But with the President's request, he knew he would have to file an intelligence report. Hadrian didn't dare breath his frustration out loud, he was sure the apartment was bugged.

Touching the screen he typed back, "Which one?"

He closed his eyes, resting his lids till Augustus answered. The tablet buzzed, and he checked.

"Found a girl?" Hadrian nearly swore at the captioned photo of Gemini and him. The message was from some tabloid, hoping for a comment on a photo they had taken of his recent dinner with the Gamemaker.

He blocked the number, ignoring the message.
Another buzz, "Annora, possibly w/ Rad."

Finally an answer. "Thanks. Silencing messaging for the night. See you tomorrow."
Hadrian pressed send, waiting for the reply. Once it came in, then he could press the magic switch.

"Ok. What if Gemini messages and u'r sleeping ;-)"

Hadrian grinned, still pressing the silence. Gemini wasn't a girlfriend yet. Until then, he would enjoy the freedom to block her calls.

Training starts tomorrow! So excited =) Here's some questions:

1) What question would you want Hadrian to ask Annora and Radiance?

2) Should Hadrian and Gemini be an item? (My favorite two characters =)

3) Who are your favorite characters in the entire series. Any tribute (dead or alive), Capitolite, mentor

4) Your new years' resolution? Mine... to save more money and write more often =)

Silly questions, but it is midnight!