I know it's been forever... I do alot of writing, and apparently pulled some bones out of place. So my chiropractor said I couldn't write for a couple weeks. :-( It was terrible, but it really did hurt to type, so everything had to go on hold.

District One Apartment

Silk pulled her legs into the couch, her fingers tapping her pad impatiently. Heath sat on the other end of the lounge, flipping channels. Capitol voices mixed with electronic music, the sounds grating on Silk's ears.

"Can you turn that off? I can't focus." She tilted her head slightly, hoping he'd listen to reason, "We can watch tv after we win."

Heath's lips curled, eyes glinting in amusement, "After I win, doll." He pressed on the remote, turning up the volume.

Silk sighed loudly, but Heath ignored her. She reached for a vase of flowers, plucking out the fake rosebuds. The TV continued to blare, Heath wasn't looking her direction, unable to hear Silk. She hurled the vase at his head, the glass shattering as it struck him.

Heath jumped up, howling in pain, "What the devil was that?" Glass littered the carpet, the shards embedded into Heath's hair, ear and face. He doubled over yelling, his fingers touching his bloodied ear

Radiance crossed the threshold, her forehead wrinkled, "What's the matter?"
"She attacked me," Heath shouted, his fingers now red with blood. He was practically prancing, the pain unbearable.

Radiance sent Silk a sharp glance, but refused to get sidetracked. She pressed a button on the wall, summoning medical help.

Tears began to well up in Heath's eyes, his howling more incessant. Odyssey appeared, his face contorting in anger when he realized Silk had something to do with the mess.

Paramedics appeared, immediately sedating Heath and rushing him to the med unit. Odyssey followed, instructing Radiance to stay behind.

Radiance stepped around the chards of glass, reaching for the remote. The screen faded, the apartment settling into a chilling quiet.

"What were you thinking, Silk?" Radiance pulled at her blonde hair, nervously untying her neat braids. Her tone was sharp, "Are you trying to kill yourself?"
Silk picked at her nails, rubbing at the golden polish still on from the tribute parade. "I couldn't concentrate. I didn't know it was going to hurt him that badly."

"It was glass," Radiance sighed, exasperated at the stupidity, "Couldn't you have just gone to another room?"

"I was in here first. Heath was being a pain, anyway."

Radiance decided it was useless to argue about it. "What were you working on?"

Silk held up the notepad, "I've listed the tributes we should eliminate first. Ones I think we all hate or are just easy to pick off."

"You don't think it's a bit early to already be putting that kind of list together?" Radiance leaned over the couch, reading the names.

Silk shook her head, "I need to get feedback from the rest of the alliance tomorrow morning. I know Alex hates the brat from 12, so I put her on the top."

"Why does it matter who Alex hates?" Radiance struggled with her words, "You need to only focus on the ones who will actually try to kill you."

"I need to be on Alex's good side." Silk brushed the suggestion off, "None of these tributes are going to try to kill me, I mean, they don't even know the first things about weapons."

District 11 Apartment

Robin rubbed her wrists, wondering what she had done to hurt it. A servant began setting the table, savory smells filling the room.
Bells tinkled as the escort walked into the room, her heels clicking as she approached the table, "How did training go, Robin?"
Robin smiled, a bit taken aback by the escort's outfit. Her hair was braided into several twists, with bells hanging from ribbons. She wore several sets of silver earrings, the longest of the trio touching her bare neck.
"I guess it was okay. My wrist is bothering me, I'm not sure what I did."

The escort's face wrinkled, "I hope it's nothing serious. But I have heard one's muscles need a chance to get used to using weapons." Roran stepped in as the escort was speaking, pulling out a chair.

The escort pulled out the chair next to him, "Tell me about your training, Roran."

"It was alright, I guess." Roran shrugged, "Kind of disappointed in some of the other tributes, but I'm learning a lot."

Robin sat across from the escort, pouring herself a cup of warm tea. She tuned out Roran as he continued to chat about what he'd learned.

"Make any friends, Robin?" Roran tapped the table with his fork, "Or are you going to ignore everyone else, too?"

She didn't even meet his gaze, "Not sure why you care. But it's not like I should become friends with the people trying to kill me next week."

The escort set her glass down, her voice chirpy, "Don't be so dismal, Robin. Remember that other tributes can be very beneficial as allies."

"I can help you out tomorrow if you want," Roran smiled, "I talked to a lot of people today, I can introduce you to a few of the better ones."

Robin's faced remained passive, her voice cold, "I can manage without you, Roran."

District 12 Apartment

The kid was just playing with his food, his fork occasionally scraping the porcelain. Raquel set down her stemmed glass. "Oliver, you need to eat."

His eyes turned her direction, his slim shoulders shrugging. "I'm noth hungwey."
"He didn't do anything today," Sadira spoke up, her voice tinged with concern. "He just sat there the entire time."

Raquel struggled to suppress a sigh. Snider tried to catch her attention but she ignored him. An avox started to remove an empty dish. She held up her hand, stopping the mute servant, "Oliver, see this Avox?"
His head nodded, while Raquel continued, "He can't talk at all. Yet he continues to do his best to survive. At least you can talk."

Oliver didn't appear too impressed, "Sthill gointh to thie."

"You're small, Oliver. Haven't you realized you can hide out? Avoid enemies and make it to the end?" Raquel hoped her tone didn't reveal how desperate hew own idea was.

Snider cleared his throat, "Raquel," His tone held a bit of warning. She sent him a sharp glance.
The avox still stood behind her chair, "You can go," Her grey eyes focused on Oliver. "You've made it this far in life, district life is no picnic. I imagine you're stronger than you think."

Oliver still hadn't taken a bite of food. He continued to push the mashed potatoes around on his plate, turning the creamy white pillars into mushy brown as he mixed in the gravy.

Snider noticed that Sadira shoulders were slumping, her eyelids drooping. Oliver looked half-asleep as well. "Ok, kids. Head on to bed, we'll talk more strategy in the morning."

Sadira suppressed a yawn, "Thanks, Snider. Goodnight, Oliver." She pushed back her chair, "You should listen to Raquel, at least try to live."

Oliver nodded, as he stood up. He crossed his arms, fingers pressing into his ribs. He hated to talk, he hated reminding everyone he was deformed.

Snider waited till both kid's doors were shut. "Raquel, why in the world did you bother that Avox? Are you trying to anger our boss?"
She threw her napkin down, "I don't care. I was just trying to motivate him."

"Just let him be," Snider pulled out a cigarette, sticking it in-between his lips, "He's hopeless anyway."

She poured herself some brandy, "Thanks for the vote of confidence." She chugged a glass down, "Aren't you going to light that thing?"

He raised an eyebrow, "Have you ever seen me light?"

"No." She poured a third glass, her hands shaking as she drank from the almost empty bottle. "You're just too superior."

District 10 Compartments

The sheets were so soft, the bed felt like she could bury herself into the mattress. Virginia collapsed into the comfort, trying to block out the awful reality of the day.

She was standing outside, the wind tangling her red hair. Her dad was right there, smiling at her. He held out his hands, a lamb looked into her eyes. Virginia felt herself smiling, she picked up the lamb, burying her nose into his face. The black eyes blinked at her, Virginia felt so loved.

Her mom's hands touched her shoulders, a voice asking if she loved the new pet. Her mom held out a ribbon with a bell, Virginia slipped the collar around the little lamb.
Eunice was standing beside her; Virginia was so excited to show her the lamb. Eunice was smiling, her eyes bright, so happy. Her fingers moved as she signed a question, "What will you name him?"

Virginia hugged the lamb, thinking of the perfect name. The lamb's nose touched her face, his voice crying into her ears. She opened her eyes, clutching the lamb closely. His face, the tv host, Augustus held out his arms.
The command was clear, "Give me the lamb." Tears streamed down Virginia's face as she handed the lamb over. The lamb cried loudly as Augustus showed him to an audience. Capitol faces leared, laughing, pointing, screaming at her pet lamb. She tried to push her way to him, screaming for her lamb.
Hands held her back, strong fingers digging into her arms. The lamb cried louder, his wails filling her head.
Suddenly Augustus pulled out a knife, the metal glistening in the spotlight. The audience laughed, the sound bouncing off the walls. Virginia screamed, begging for her lamb.

The lights turned on, a voice calling her name, "Virginia, time to wake up," The escort pulled back the covers, "Good morning!"

Virginia blinked, rubbing at her crusty eyes. Tears still stained her cheeks, she shivered at the dream.

Presidential Mansion

Hadrian settled into the padded chair, his stomach too tense to think of the food set before him. He glanced down at his watch, uncomfortable with the gold plating, his name etched on the back. It was a gift from Augustus, though Hadrian thought it was strange. He was always on time. He would be late today, however. This unexpected breakfast was wrecking havoc with his schedule. He glanced down again, it was a little after 7 am.

The president sat across from him, seasoning his eggs. Hadrian picked at some fruit, forcing himself to take a bite of kiwi. The tangy flavor bit at his lips, his throat seemed to close around the food.

"Interesting interview," The president commented, "For her first year, Radiance seems to have a lot of opinions."

Hadrian fiddled with the tablecloth, how should he respond? "Everyone has opinions, sir."

Snow nodded, "Of course, though I've experienced that most people's opinions are remarkably similar." He cut a sausage in half, "It's my understanding that we don't tend to ask the mentor's their opinions on live air."

What did the man want? Hadrian took a sip of water, the President spoke again, "Augustus tells me the interview was all his idea." His eyes met Hadrian's gaze, "But I have trouble believing that."

"I thought up most of the questions, sir." Hadrian knew Augustus would be furious he just admitted this, but he couldn't stand lying. Especially when it meant his boss would get in trouble.

Snow chuckled, "I figured as much, especially since I'm the one who asked you to question the victors. I'm guessing you couldn't find another way to dig up information?"

His lips were so dry, "Well, not exactly sir." He rubbed his fingers on the tablecloth, "But it was a very effective method to win their trust."

Snow leaned back in his chair, thinking through Hadrian's statement, "I suppose you're right. Now they think you're on their side." The President rubbed at his face, proud of the beard he was growing. His grandfather, Coriolanus Snow had a face full of hair by the age of 45. Theopholis snow was only 38, but he hoped to match his grandfather's record.

Hadrian could have breathed a sigh of relief. Instead, he nodded slowly. The president spoke again, "You had breakfast plans, before my men escorted you here. At least, that's what I've been told."

"Yes, sir." Hadrian pulled at a loose thread in the tablecloth, "But thank you for inviting me."

"You've hardly eaten anything." The president rang a bell, "I still think you have time to make it your commitment."

Hadrian stood, giving the president a slight bow. Guards escorted him from the mansion, leading him to a waiting limousine. Hadrian glanced at his watch as the car sped away from the mansion. Maybe his schedule wasn't as ruined as he had originally feared.

Gemini walked into victory center café, ignoring the paparazzi who trailed her. Camera's flashed, voices calling out questions. The waiters closed the glass doors, one pulling the blinds down. Several apologized for the lack of security. Gemini accepted their apologies, but she didn't really care. The paparazzi was just part of the price of life.

She scanned the café, smiling as she saw him. Hadrian sat at a corner booth, standing as she approached. His brown hair was curly, if slightly unruly. And Gemini thought his brown shirt could have used an iron.

"Morning," He smiled, his eyes betraying his utter weariness, "You like this table?"

She took his hand, leaning in to kiss him lightly on the cheek, "It's wonderful." They settled down, "You look awful, Hadrian. What's the matter?"

He placed his hands around the menu, "Just got some people breathing down my neck," He swallowed, "I'm not cut out for this type of career."
"Nonsense," Gemini placed her fingers atop his hand, "Whoever it is, remember you're the best, Augustus is nothing without you."

"There's so much expectation," Hadrian sighed, his voice strained, "I can't do what they're wanting."

The waiter appeared, setting down a mug of coffee and a pitcher of orange juice. Gemini smiled up at him, "I'll have the mountain omelet, sauce on the side."

Hadrian glanced at the menu, "Um, the fruit parfait." He dropped the plastic as the waiter collected the menus. Gemini now held both his hands, her eyes searching his face.

"What are they wanting?" She massaged his tense fingers.

Hadrian leaned forward, his voice barely above a whisper, "It's the President, he wants me to gather information."

Gemini's eyes widened, her grip on his hand tightening, "Oh, Hadrian." The words were hushed, suddenly serious, "You aren't giving him anything?"

He bit his lip, "I don't have anything. Besides, I have no clue how to work with the man."

"You should have come to me before," Gemini's tone was reproachful, "We'll need to work on this together."

Hadrian shook his head, pulling a hand free, "How can you help me? I mean, I don't want you to get hurt, and I need to deal with this. It is my problem. You shouldn't have to worry about this."
They stared at one another for a long moment. The waiter appeared with their food; they began to eat. Hadrian's stomach was still tight, but the fruit soothed his agitation.

Gemini finally spoke, her voice quiet and tense, "We work together, Hadrian. Please, trust me on this one. I don't want anything to happen to you."

District Two Apartments

Loki swirled his coffee, reading the messages from Annora. Another message popped up from Odyssey, updating them both. Alex and Felix walked into the room together, Felix silent as Alex rattled on about her plans for the day.

"The coffee here is so good," Alex picked up a mug, "I didn't expect coffee could change in flavor so much." Her voice grew accusatory as she spoke to the mentor, "Loki, you should have brought some of this back to the training center."

Felix pulled out a chair, loading a plate with some eggs. Loki waited till they both were seated, "I have some news from your District One allies."

Both of them looked up, surprise on their faces. Alex spoke first, "Do you normally hand out news the second day of training?"

"No," Loki chuckled, before swallowing down some coffee, "Heath and Silk apparently didn't agree on something last night. Silk threw a vase at him, and now the boy has lost his hearing in one of his ears."

"What the," Alex's eyes grew large, "How in the world?"
"How did a vase deafen him?" Felix was slightly confused, "I'm assuming it just hit his head."

Loki nodded, "Yes, but it shattered. Some of the glass went into his ear canal."

Alex's lips pursed together, she let out a low gasp. Loki continued, "He must have pressed his hand against his ear, agitating the situation. It drove shards into the eardrum, destroying it."

Felix shook his head, still processing the news. "Can't they just do some surgery on him? Give him a fake eardrum or something?"

Loki sipped on his coffee, "Astute observation. But the Capitol doesn't want to waste money on a tribute who may die."

Alex shrugged, ready to move on, "Do we keep him in the alliance? I mean, he's going to be a handicap."

"It's not his fault," Felix replied, a bit upset, "We can't just kick him out."

"He doesn't even like me," Alex's tone grew a bit sharp, "He has some special girlfriend back home."

"That's no reason to throw him out," Felix pushed his plate away, "We have to focus on other things, get over these stupid arguments."

Alex rolled her eyes, sighing loudly, "And who are you to judge? Being all perfect won't win you any points."

Any Ideas you'd love to see included in the story? Alliance, potential love interests, plot twists? I'm trying to make things as un-ordinary as possible. :-)

And hope everyone is off to a great summer, too!