Pre-Games: Loose Ends

Upper Capitol:

Lyra Svetlana's POV:

I lay across my silky bed as the clock ticked aimlessly in the background. In my hands I had a soft bear. His arms were irresistibly smooth as my hands moved his up and down. His flexible legs bounced in the air to the rhythm of the timepiece. His eyes were glossy amber beads and his smile was permanently stitched onto his velveteen face. He was a small companion that I knew many children would find comfort in.

After a minute of jovial dancing, I groaned and slammed my arms back onto my bed. The sun streamed in through the window, dancing off the many mirrors that lined my bedroom. I sat up and began to rub the sheer lace that covered my nightgown. It was accented with a deep blue ribbon. Soon I jumped off the bed, bear in hand, and began to walk around the room. It was so plush and charming. My new bedding had a canopy of beautiful cerulean fabric that blew like sails whenever I had the window open. Flowers lined the room. They were all violets, my current favorite. I picked one from a vase and twirled it in between my fingers.

Perhaps these weren't my favorite. In fact, I had always liked lilies.

Yes, lilies were my favorite flower. I would have to get rid of all these insubstantial violets.

Right on time, a soft knock echoed through my bedroom. It creaked open and Maurice poked his wrinkled face through the gap.

"Miss? Are you up?"

"Of course I am, Maurice," I sighed as I stamped the violet under my heel. I held the bear in front of me and began to rock it up and down, much like one would do to a child.

"Is my precious Lyra enjoying this beautiful day?" he asked as he stepped fully into the room.

"No, not in the slightest," I whined as I glared at the bear. Suddenly, I repositioned one hand around its delicate throat. With one swift motion, I tore its head from its body and tossed it across the room. I pulled out all the stuffing and squeezed the cottony mesh between my fingers.

"I don't want this stupid bear. I don't like it anymore."

I placed the stuffing into a nearby trash bin before setting the bear's lush remains on my vanity.

"Shall I buy you a new bear, or possibly a new toy?" Maurice asked as he retrieved the discarded head.

I glanced down at my new nightgown and began to giggle softly. Soon, my merriment erupted into a gale of laughter as I threw my head back. Strands of my turquoise hair fell across my shoulders and cascaded down my back. I spun around and sprinted to the other side of the room.

As I passed Maurice, he questioned, "Miss Lyra?"

I flung open my sky blue armoire and began to rifle through my dresses.

"You know what? There is something that I want."

I pulled out a sugary pink dress that I hadn't worn yet and hung it from the door. I remembered buying it quite some time ago, but never got around to actually wearing it. By the time it was tailored to my liking, pink wasn't my favorite color anymore. I suddenly had a joyous feeling that it was returning with a vengeance.

"Tell me. What is it then?"

I tore my lacy nightgown off my body and effortlessly slipped into the puffy dress. I stuck several pins into my hair, fixing the strands that had fallen out in the night. Once my hair was in a perfectly spiraled and curled cone, I pressed several jewels across my pink lids.

"A new dress, silly Maurice," I giggled as my hands skirted across the glittering swirls lining my face, "I want to look perfect for the Reaping tomorrow. I might end up on national television you know."

"Of course. Would you like me to pull up the virtual catalog? Once you make your choice, I will retrieve it immediately."

"But today is such a beautiful day," I reminded him, "I want to go shopping with you this time!"

"If that is what you wish than we shall do it," he agreed as he folded the discarded dress that had been previously pooled around my feet.

As I slipped into light ballet shoes and began to wrap the trimming around my legs, I asked, "There's nothing else I have to do today, right Maurice?"

"Your father wishes for you to join him for dinner tonight," he coughed slightly, "with Ingrain Lishband."

"Right, the singer," I spat with disdain, "I don't like her. She doesn't sound nearly as good as me."

"We can't all be born with your talents, Miss Lyra."

I smiled at his compliment as I tapped the toes of my shoes against the peach carpet. Maurice was my favorite butler. He was always so agreeable and thoughtful. I had several currently, but Maurice was the only one who had been around since before I could remember. Some left on their own volition; claiming I was inconsolable and a nuisance. The rest I got rid of simply because they bored me.

But never Maurice. He was always here to make my wishes come true.

"You're just saying that so I don't toss you out on the streets," I laughed as I sailed past him. Without even looking back to see if he was following, I raced out of my room and down the long hallway. Wherever I went, he would be one step behind me. I never needed any reassurances when it came to getting what I wanted.

"What do you think of this one?" I asked as I stepped out of the dressing room.

Dash of Charm was busier than usual. Many girls were crowding the racks of clothes, dying to swipe the newest outfit. Just like me they were preparing for the Reaping. Since this was our first and only, no one was going to show up looking half done up. Imagine the horror of if you were reaped and were wearing a dress from several months prior. Oh, how embarrassed that girl would feel! Just the inkling of the thought sent shivers down my spine.

"I've never seen anything so pretty," he commented as the shimmering textile swayed around me.

"You know, I don't think I want to wear pink," I huffed as I began to unlace myself, "I think a lovely lilac ensemble would go with my hair quite nicely."

Maurice stood up to retrieve the piles of pink clothing. I knew he would take care of it and then return with an array of light purple outfits. As he departed, I changed back into my dress and walked around the area. The squeals and laughter of teenage girls filled the air. I walked by several different groups and each time a slight hush fell over them. Some of them, particularly the younger ones, were just in awe of me. Whether they knew it or not, they wanted to be me. Who wouldn't want to be one of the wealthiest children in all of Panem?

Others were frightened, and I knew they should be. If they had something I wanted, then I would take it from them. For example, my old teddy from this morning didn't used to be mine. It was some child's I saw in the park only a few days prior. I knew I could have bought a new one, and it would have been even higher quality… But there was some hidden fun in knowing you were taking something precious from someone else. I didn't just want to have it. I wanted to make sure they didn't.

"What are you looking at?" I flippantly asked a girl who was looking at me for a little too long.

"N-nothing," she stammered as she turned around and fiddled with a blouse on a rack.

I stepped closer to her and her group of friends. They looked familiar, but I couldn't quite place them. Maybe I knew them from school when I occasionally attended, or possibly from one of my father's galas? Whichever it was, I suddenly took a great interest in these females.

"Which one are you thinking of getting?" I continued as I stepped in the middle of them. A girl to my left with viridian hair stumbled slightly as my shoulder jabbed into her.

The timid one followed my gaze to the two outfits that were hanging from her arm. One was an extravagant multicolored dress with an array of oranges, purples, and greens. It shined like polished metal, but the fabric was so light it felt like it was airless. The other was a yellow blouse that glimmered like topaz. A brown, leather skirt was next to her with matching boots.

"I don't know," she eased; suddenly relieved to be talking about something she knew plenty about, "Both are so nice. The dress is much more spirited, but refined. Yet, I feel like this blouse matched with this leather would really make me stand out; especially since most of the girls are going to be wearing dresses."

"If you maybe added some golden lining, possibly even bronze ribbons, this dress would be to die for," I commented as I held it up.

"You really think so, Lyra?" she smiled as she began to set the blouse down.

"Of course! I wouldn't say it if I didn't!" I cheered as I handed it back, "In fact, why don't I come buy it with you! Afterward, we can take it to Dressel's Tailors and find some cute ribbons and trimming!"

"Okay!" she beamed.

The other girls began to chatter normally once again. They all seemed suddenly at ease with me; as if my fashion tips proved I wasn't a threat. However, the green haired girl still seemed wary as she kept eyeing me suspiciously.

Soon, Maurice joined us but I waved him away. I didn't want any of those lilac dresses anymore. I had moved on to bigger and better things.

Once the remaining girls had chosen their outfits and accessories, we all flew towards the cashier. Each girl swiped their daddy's credit card and I couldn't help but giggle. Boy, would their eyes light up when they saw how many figures I had convinced their daughters to spend. For me, it would be like casting a single coin into a giant fountain. For them, they might has well have thrown away a large banquet filled with citrus teacakes.

We all dashed out of the scented store and out into the main outdoor pavilion. This expensive shopping center was set smack dab in the middle of the Capitol. Fountains spritzing colored water lined the sleek bricks. Each potted plant was strongly blooming in full force through the use of harsh chemicals and formulas. Even if it did rain, a golden cover would appear instantaneously. It would surround us in a golden hue and make everything seem even more perfect.

It was hilarious how much of our beauty was forced in this city.

"Lyra, I actually don't think I can afford to go to Dressel's" the girl who's name I couldn't be bothered to remember mentioned, "Not after you convinced to buy these totally cute matching bronze heels. I think I'm either going to have to go to a less expensive tailor or just leave it how it is."

"It's ok, I'm going to be paying for the services," I beamed as I flicked my hand through a stream of orange water.

"R-really?" she asked in gratitude and shock.

"Why wouldn't I? It's my dress after all."

With that statement, all small talk ceased to exist. I spun around, puzzled, to see all of the girls staring at me.

"What do you mean by that?" she asked, suddenly defensive and edgy.

"I want that dress so it's mine now," I explained slowly; treating her like a moron for not understanding.

"If you wanted it in the store, you could have said something," she hissed, "But I spent all of my Reaping money on it. It's mine."

"I didn't want it then," I sighed, "But I want it now so give it to me."

All of them glared at me in astonishment as I stood confidently in front of them. Without heels, all of them were at least a head taller than me, but I held my ground. Nothing about this situation could intimidate me.

"N-no," she stuttered.

My smile faltered slightly as I began to glare back at them for the first time. I hated that word. No. It was such a short, disgusting word. It always sounded so harsh and rude. There was absolutely nothing adorable about it.

"It would be a shame if your family's financial accounts suddenly became empty. With all that's going on, I doubt my daddy, the Treasurer of Panem, would be able to get around to resolving that issue for some time. It would take weeks, maybe even months."

The tension from our little game filled the air. I found it odd how serious they were taking everything.

"Can you at least pay me back the money I spent," she faltered as she pulled it out of the bag. She eyed it sadly as she almost cradled it in her arms. It looked like she might cry and the thought made me giggle.

"Of course not, silly. You spent the money on it, not me," I tittered.

I snapped my fingers once and Maurice was suddenly by my side. I pointed at the dress and he walked towards her. She held it out carefully as Maurice wrapped it around his arms. I smiled wide as I spun around and began to make my way towards Dressel's Tailors.

Within seconds, her now meek voice called out, "Lyra, do you want the matching shoes too?"

I looked back over my shoulder and yelled, "No, I have much prettier ones at home."

My remark seemed to sting because almost all of the girls physically recoiled. The only one who held her ground was the green haired girl as she whispered,

"I knew she would pull something like this. She always does."

Ignoring her comment because of her inferiority, I sang, "It was fun shopping with you girls! Tootles!"

I flicked my wrist once in a half-hearted way as I continued on my shopping trip. Maurice and I passed by more people and the cycle continued. Some stared at me with wonder while others seemed afraid. I couldn't help but hum with happiness because of the previous events. I had won the contest, like usual. It was always so fun winning my little games.

"On to Dressel's, Maurice. I have some ribbons and ruffles in mind that will make my Reaping outfit the best in the city!"

I poked at my food with boredom as Ingrain continued to blabber on and on about the next musical she was to be a part of. Apparently she had gotten the lead, which didn't surprise me. If you had enough money (or in her case borrowed enough) you could get anywhere in the Capitol. I would have tried out, but I preferred singing opera rather than show tunes. Plus, after one performance, I would grow tired of the storyline and move onto something else. It would have been a colossal waste of my time.

"… And then Mr. Delacrox said that I had the most spot on voice he had heard in years. Can you believe that, Adminstan?"

"Yes, I believe that," he replied coolly, "But only because I've been telling you that for years."

She laughed obnoxiously and slapped daddy's arm playfully. Everything about her voice was terribly annoying. Although we both had high-pitched voices, mine was much more like the tingle of bells… While hers reminded me of two knives being grated against each other.

"Speaking of things I can believe," Daddy continued as he turned to me, "Lyra, I saw the dress you picked out for tomorrow. Nothing else could have been prettier."

Ingrain's smile immediately left and she crossed her arms. Now that the conversation wasn't about her, she was perfectly fine reverting back to her sullen, unhappy self.

"Thanks Daddy! I wanted to look my best for the cameras," I smiled.

"Although you will look lovely if they do catch you, I'm hoping the cameras won't be seeing much of you. They should be paying attention to the two who are reaped and that certainly won't be you."

"It wouldn't be that horrible," I shrugged as Ingrain finished the last bite of her cake, "After all, it would be a once in a lifetime opportunity. What other child from the Capitol would be able to say they got live, front row seats to the actual Hunger Games!"

"I suppose you're right," he chuckled, humoring me. Although I was simply making a joke, I noticed there was some truth to my statement. Being a live spectator for the Hunger Games wouldn't be boring in the slightest. In fact, I wouldn't grow uninterested for weeks.

Ingrain coughed lightly as she spoke, "Anywho, as I was saying-"

"Actually, I believe your time for talking is up… Or, at least, your time in general is."

My father's words echoed through the large dining area. She smiled stupidly at both of us as she guffawed,

"Whatever do you mean?"

"You were supposed to have the money that you used for the down payment on your penthouse weeks ago. Then we have the cash you spent on different outfits-"

"Those were for auditions-"

"And, finally, the obscene amount of money you've spent on landing your previous two gigs. It isn't very intelligent to spend more money on a job than you are going to make from it."

"I like to think of it as an investment," she replied inanely and I rolled my eyes.

"That's how I liked to think of you, but now you're a liability. I'm afraid that means I have to cut you off."

Ingrain coughed again as she looked at us incredulously, "You can't do that! I'm famous now."

"You're not famous," I snapped, "I'm famous. You're just a two-bit starlet that simmers out just as quickly she flares up."

"That's… Ahem… That's simply…. Ahem… not true."

Instead of replying, we both just watched her as she began to cough uncontrollably. Her breathing suddenly became very shallow and her face was a deep shade of red. She tried to stand up and away from the table, but stupidly fell back against it. As everything clattered, I giggled and watched her flail about helplessly. After several minutes of gasping and inaudible pleading, she collapsed onto the table, dead.

With her final movement, my laughter became uncontrollable. My high-pitched cackles bounced off the walls as I laughed at how idiotic her corpse looked.

"Did you use cyanide or arsenic?" I asked in between chortles as my father finished his meal.

"Seeing how dessert was almond cake, you should be able to assume I chose to use cyanide this time."

"Of course, how daft of me," I choked out as I wiped a single tear from my eye.

I always loved it when Daddy invited me to these private dinners. My favorite part was always our little game of guessing which poison he used to kill his latest loose end. Sometimes, if I asked on a good day, he even let me lace the food with the poison of my choosing. Daddy was always so good to me.

"Now that the fun is over, may I be excused? I think I should get some beauty sleep before the Reaping tomorrow."

I stood up and closed the distance between us. I placed a light kiss on the top of his head as he replied, "Yes, darling. Rest is very important for someone of your age."

I gave him my biggest smile and made my way out of the dining room. Although I knew once I reached my room I would be bored to the high heavens until sleep engulfed me, I found myself not caring. Today had been a wonderful day, just like Maurice had said. Now the games were just on the next horizon and the anticipation made my very bones quiver.

Tomorrow promised to be even more entertaining than today.

Court Sterling's POV:

"I am so excited Memory Summit, Victor of the 222nd Hunger Games, recovered just in time to mentor this year's upcoming tributes!" Priscilla rang as the screen behind us cut to a scene of Memory returning home to District Five.

I watched the clip shrewdly, but kept my expression agreeable and light. Her usually fiery red hair was dulled and lifeless now, as well as extremely long and tangled. Her skin seemed almost translucent in the sun and her entire body seemed sunken in. Every bone poked out awkwardly. It looked like if you tapped her with the pad of your finger she would shatter into pieces. The only reminiscent thing of the old Memory was her stance. Even though she shuffled about, she still stood tall and confident… Defiant, even.

"I think everyone is excited," I replied in my stage voice as I smoothed back my silver hair, "We only want what is best for our victors."

"Agreed," Priscilla nodded as she repeatedly banged her foot behind the metallic desk, "But we all know what everyone is truly excited for, right Court? The first, and last, Capitol Reapings tomorrow!"

Prerecorded applause bounced around the studio. I glanced at our live audience, much smaller than usual, to see most didn't share the same enthusiasm. Although several teenage girls clapped wildly, most seemed jaded by the mention of them. The majority of the citizens weren't as happy as the people in the entertainment industry made it out to be, me included. I didn't think it was right to pool us in with the scum of the districts. It was degrading.

"It will be a moment for the history books," I agreed fervently.

"Say Court," she smiled mischievously, "You're still technically eligible for the Reapings, right? Are you maybe going to surprise us and volunteer for a slot in this year's games?"

I laughed at her joke, along with the fake audience, and replied, "As much as I would love to give everyone a show to never forget, you know I could never leave the wonderful city of the Capitol for even a second. Plus, who else would help you cover the Chariot Rides this year?"

"We could scrounge someone up," she snickered.

"No one could fill these one-of-a-kind shoes," I laughed as I placed my metallic boots on the desk, "You're stuck with me, Pris."

"Not for tonight, I'm afraid," she closed, "Tune back tomorrow evening to see our own personal recap of the Reapings. Spoilers, Court and I will be discussing which tribute we would choose to have a little soirée with, if you catch my lingo."

The shows anthem played out before someone yelled out cut. As if jumping into a different universe, everything changed. Priscilla slumped back into her chair and furiously rapped her fingers across the desk. The camera men began chatting and workers poured over the set; changing the scenery for the next show that was to air. The audience began to filter out. Usually they stayed hoping to get one of our attentions, but tonight everyone was ready to leave. Whether it was to go home and get a good night's rest or attend one of the extravagant parties that was being thrown; it didn't matter. Celebrities' affections weren't as important as spending your time wisely… Especially when it could be your last chance to do something you love.

"Did you really have to keep smoothing your hair back?" Priscilla complained, "It makes you look like a cocky bastard."

"Oh yes and bringing up the fact that I could be reaped on live television really does wonders for our image," I groaned as I grabbed her wrist to stop her from tapping.

"So does putting your 'one-of-a-kind' shoes on the desk."

"Don't be jealous that some of us can actually land modeling deals and sponsorships, Pris. Just because no one in the Capitol wants to see your mug spread across magazines doesn't mean you should be so disdainful towards the ones they do."

"I hate you," she spat as she stood up.

"I despise you," I grunted as I joined her.

We glared at each other for almost a minute before she hissed, "My dressing room, five minutes. I have a party to go to and I swear on the Capitol if you tear my blouse there will be hell to pay."

"Don't worry, I wouldn't want to see you without it on anyways," I bit back.

She huffed furiously and stomped away. As much as I disliked her I needed to get my frustration and aggression out somehow.

What better way to do that than quick and easy hate sex?

As I pushed open the doors to our manor, I swiftly began to change out of my gaudy suit. I marched across the foyer, tie already off and shirt unbuttoned halfway. Before I could reach the staircase, I heard my mother call out,

"Court?"

I stopped at the banister, looking at the clock. I was due at the party soon and was already running behind schedule. As much as I loved my mother, I just didn't have the time right now. It felt like everything was closing in on me; taunting me to hurry and tie up any loose ends. In less than a day, I might not have the luxury to do that anymore.

However, after she called out again I relented and backtracked to the day room. My mother was sitting in her favorite chair by the window gazing out at the city. She had a light shawl wrapped around her and she was stroking one of the nearby plants. From the pictures I've seen, my mother had always been a natural beauty. Growing up, her family never had the money to pay for the extensive surgeries many receive to even look half as presentable as she was. Thankfully, I inherited her superb gene pool. I had her tan skin, white teeth, and flawless bone structure. It was her genes that got my foot in the door to stardom.

Her genes and my late father's money.

"I'm just dropping in," I smiled amiably, "I promised some friends I would attend their 'going away' party."

She looked back at me and nodded. I truly did love my mother. She only had me and, in truth, I only had her. Yes, I was surrounded by friends and fans all the time but they didn't mean anything. The fans wanted my love and the friends wanted my money or fame. It was this give and take that left little to no substance in any of my other relationships. My mother was the only one I could truly count on to sincerely love me and be honest with me. She had done everything in her power to give me what I wanted out of life.

"Promise me you won't be too late," she ordered, "You have a big day tomorrow. I don't want you missing out on anything important from lack of sleep."

"I won't be. I'm just going to drop in and take care of some things. No drugs or drinks tonight."

She laughed at our inside code phrase. Like most parents, she knew you couldn't stop us from going out and partying… Mostly because the parents usually did it as well. That being said, if I was going out and getting trashed I would leave a note saying 'Drugs and drinks tonight are on me'. She would read it, leave some lights on, and not stay up waiting for me. If I left a note saying 'No drugs or drinks tonight', she would usually stay up and try to engage me in a conversation about my busy day.

"Good. You don't need those to have a fun time anyways."

I nodded and replied, "You're right, like always. Love you, mom."

As I left she called out once more, "You seem tense. Is everything all right?"

I knew her perceptive eye would catch my rigid frame and I sighed audibly. I pushed away the one thing that was truly bothering me and mentioned the smaller annoyance,

"I'm just nervous about the Reaping tomorrow, that's all."

"Don't be. The odds of anything happening to you are so miniscule."

I nodded in agreement as I turned the corner and left her sight. As I marched up the stairs, I tore at the buttons on my shirt furiously. I had worked so hard to get where I was today. I had spent years getting my name to actually mean something in the Capitol. Now, in the span of hours, two things were threatening the very foundation of my livelihood.

And the infuriating thing was that I could only control one of them.

"Court! You made it," Clio slurred as she hugged me from behind.

I laughed over the room rattling music as I yelled, "I wouldn't miss it for the world!"

In a way, I was telling the truth. Whenever Clio was at a party, it was guaranteed that you would have the best trip of your life. To this day even I had no clue where she got her mind blowing drugs. It was a secret she held near and dear to her.

"I got a surprise for you," she shimmied as she wagged a multicolored bag in front of my face.

"Not tonight, babe," I laughed as I pushed it away, "I have something I need to take care of."

She pouted shamelessly as her reptilian scaled lips puffed outwards, "That's right! Me!"

"Another night," I affirmed as I lightly pushed her away.

She flipped her sweaty bangs away from her face and shrugged. Soon, she had disappeared in the sea of bodies and I was alone once again. I personally preferred more refined parties than these types, but tonight I needed the discrepancy. I wanted to make sure that when I slipped away no one would recognize me.

I waded through the tide of sweat and heat, bee lining for the darkened doorframe. I had to meet him tonight, right around now. I couldn't afford to miss this.

I eventually slipped out of the room and into the cool, dim hallway. I passed by people having sex against walls and vomiting on the floor. They had no grasp of reality in these moments. All they could feel was the person up against them or the sweet sensation pulsing through their veins. It was poetic, in a way… Even if it did make my stomach turn.

I finally found the exit and slipped out. The alleyway was cool from the night sky. The only light was a flashing neon sign advertising a brand of beer. The alternating pink and blue cast eerie shadows around me. I walked several feet, found a nook in the wall, and waited. I counted the seconds to the drumming beat of the music pounding inside. The seconds turned into minutes and soon an hour had passed by.

Finally, a movement caught my eye.

"Court Sterling," the figure grinned.

A man, most likely in his early twenties, stepped out of the shadows. His hair was a striking golden color and his face was perfectly angular. He looked at me as if he was seeing a best buddy of his that he hadn't seen in years.

"I didn't think you would show up, seeing how popular you are and all. You must be pretty busy."

I nodded casually at his statement as he pressed his hands into his pockets. He didn't seem to know what to say, and I had nothing particular to say in return.

"I told the others you were one of us," he beamed, "but they never believed me."

"But you didn't tell them about coming to meet me," I snapped, suddenly afraid and frantic at the same time.

"No, of course not," he backtracked, "You said to keep it between us until now and I did; just like I promised. Relax."

I sighed; relieved to know the secret was still a secret.

This was all thanks to my late father. Growing up I never knew the guy. All I knew was that he was some big shot official who got my mother pregnant. Instead of taking responsibility, he disappeared out of both of our lives. The only good thing he did was leaving us was an outrageous amount of money. It was enough to move us into the pristine, perfect part of the Capitol as well as hide our past. All anyone knew about us was that there was a pretty girl who had a pretty son. My mother and I both told them that he died at a young age and, for me, that was the truth. The second that man stepped out of our lives was the second he died.

However, he had to rear his ugly head when he actually died. On his death bed, he apparently wrote a letter to me… and to all of his other illegitimate children. The reason he never took responsibility for my mother and me was because he had no accountability. My mother was just one girl in a string of many that he knocked up and left. We were nothing special.

At least, not until his death. By the time he died, I already had my name out in the Capitol. I was modeling for magazines, appearing on posters, and even beginning to make guest appearances on some lower end television networks. The success and limelight I worked so hard to get was finally shining on me and that man had to try and take it from me. If people knew about this scandal, there went everything. Not only would I be put into this group of lower end, fruitless rift raft mistakes, but they would leach off of my success. Your name, your family, and your money meant everything in this city. Some people were content in being lost in the ocean of happy little pills and parties, but I never wanted to be one of them.

And I wasn't going to let any of these parasites take me down to their level.

"You're the seventh one," I commented as I stepped away from the wall.

"The… the seventh what?" he asked.

"The first three were reporters. They wanted the big scoop on where I came from since, apparently, everyone was dying to know. They figured out that my father hadn't died years ago from some heart attack. Somehow, they knew I was part of this big scandal."

The lights flickered to pink and the man's face looked completely bewildered. I suddenly felt slightly guilty, realizing how naïve he really was.

"After that, the next three were my… I guess our half-siblings. One girl wanted instant fame, one boy wanted money, and the last one tried to blackmail me for both. You're the first one who just wanted to meet me. I don't know why, but it's kind of refreshing."

I could see the gears in his mind turning. He was piecing the information together: questions about my past suddenly disappearing, several of his siblings approaching me, and then later winding up dead. No one else believed I was related to them not necessarily because they were ignorant, but because they wanted to survive. If they didn't acknowledge it they weren't a threat.

"Look, man," he laughed unsteadily, "I don't know what you're talking about. Maybe I should just go."

He tried to brush past me but I slammed my arm into the brick wall. He ran into the stiff arm and stumbled back slightly.

"Sadly, you do know what I'm talking about and that's our problem. You seem like a nice guy, but you're a liability now. I don't do liabilities in my life. Sorry someone didn't try to discreetly give you the heads up."

He backed up, suddenly terrified. Before he could make any sudden movements, I reached into my pants and pulled out a silver object. All it took was two flexes of a small group of muscles. Bang, bang. Just like that, his body hit the ground lifeless. I sighed, pushed back my hair, and put the gun back in my waist band.

"You should have left this alone," I whispered as I walked past his corpse, "I don't need family… Especially freeloaders."

When they found him in the morning, no investigation would occur. It would be the day of the Reaping and there would be no time for that. They would just haul his carcass away and save it for later. By the time they did look into it, everything would be too late. They would have no idea who was here this evening. They would certainly never imagine that Court Sterling would have been in a dingy alley meeting some no-name loser. No, just like the others, they would never figure it out.

My secret was safe again.

I stepped back into the party and found my way to the life of it. Forgetting my conversation with my mother, I decided tonight I was going to break my promise. After several minutes of searching, I found Clio in the corner piled on top of several pillows. She was swaying hopelessly offbeat to the music. When she saw me, she practically toppled off her pillow tower.

"Court, I missed you," she purred as she wrapped her arms around my torso.

"I missed you too," I lied as I threw both of us onto the pile of cushions, "Now, where are those drugs?"

"I thought you said no? That you had something to take care of?"

"And I did," I smiled, "Now I just want to lose myself. Just a little bit… At least until the morning."

"Stellar," she sang as she pulled out the same baggie of bliss.

As she began to unwrap it, I stretched back into the comfortable velvet. I let the heat and music surround me, willing myself to become one with it. Although I worked hard for my name, the appeal of leaving it behind was at full force tonight. After everything, I could afford to be just another lost soul in the Capitol. Just for tonight I was going to be a nameless, drugged up party boy.

Then tomorrow I would go back to being everyone's idol.

And now we begin! These were quite the tributes to start out with, but I'm glad we did. Writing them both for the first time was really a blast. I haven't had this much exploratory fun in a very long time.

Anyways, I would like to thank you all for your feedback on how these Reapings should go and I've made a decision. Many of you wanted to go with the new format, but there were also many who made some good points for the old-fashioned way. So, after a PM from a certain someone, I made up my mind. They told me this is my last SYOT and that I shouldn't rush into the games. I should take my time and really enjoy this last round.

I agree with them, and I've decided to combine them! In case you weren't aware, I've always been very OCD about my reapings. They always go in the correct numerical order, and usually my days in the arena do as well. I like order. I wish I would have discovered this sooner, but there is a pattern I can do. Without further ado, here is how the reaping chapters for this SYOT are going to go.

UC: Pre-Games

CC: Reapings

LC: Goodbyes

D1: Pre-Games

D2: Reapings

D3: Goodbyes

D4: Pre-Games

D5: Reapings

D6: Reapings

D7: Goodbyes

D8: Pre-Games

D9: Reapings

D10: Goodbyes

D11: Pre-Games

D12: Reapings

D13: Goodbyes

In case you couldn't tell, there is an exact pattern to it! Even the two reapings in a row are literally smack dab in the middle! This is literally an OCD wet dream for me. Anyways, I believe this format will keep everything fresh for both you and me. Instead of reading reaping after reaping, you get something new (almost) every chapter. It still has order to it, but it changes things up and will break up the monotony of the usual 12-13 Reapings in a row, while still giving every character their time in the spotlight!

And, some of you may be thinking, that's a lot of goodbyes. At least, I did, but when I did the math it is actually smaller in total than the usual way. Also, I'll probably extend them a little bit. Maybe start from when they are called instead of starting in the room? Maybe do both. We'll see.

One last thing (if you've stuck this far) is that I will try to give every tribute the same amount of screen time. The length of these chapters will vary because, frankly, this is my first time too. Some characters are going to come very natural to me (like both of these) and their segments may end up longer than some. It doesn't mean anything except there was more to say/more that could happen in that section.

Whew, glad I got all of that out of the way. I'm so, so thrilled to be starting this story and it would mean so much to me if you would drop off a nice review.

Until next time,

Europa