Hey guys welcome to chapter 3 of Shattered Promises! If you guys have stuck around to read this, I'd like to thank you all. You guys gave me ideas, inspiration and happiness! So thanks! Also thanks to Miss M Cricket (author of the amazing Lady of the Lake) for replying to my pm! This one's a bit shorter and again not much action but is quite an important chapter.

Chapter 3

I awaken in Lot's arms which were holding me gently, as if I was fragile and precious. I snuggled in to my sweet, muscular teddy bear. We were in the same love seat as before so I knew I was out for not longer than a few hours. Haymitch was sitting opposite us on a couch with 'Effie' by his side. The two were talking in harsh whispers, never raising their voice above a murmur. It was clear they were arguing. I listened closely, trying to pick out information from their conversation.

"You knew about her didn't you?"

"Not personally, however the Capitol has their ways-"

"They want her… Don't they?"

Then silence fell between the pair.

"We both know the answer to that…"

"Why? Why her?"

Silence…

"Aristylla… Tell me why?"

Silence…

"WHY WOMAN?!"

Haymitch exceeds his (short) patience and shouts. Aristylla seems taken aback at first but then a whisper barely a mutter

"I don't know…"

I never thought I'd see the Capitol. Then again, I never thought I'd have to take part in a sick, twisted game where I'd have to watch 23 kids die… Yet here I am, in the belly of the beast. The skyscrapers emerge, proud and strong, high above the Districts as if reminding them who's in charge. But I can't deny that it's beautiful. I can't deny that it's elegant, almost graceful. As I emerge, a riot of colour sweeps me up off my feet. Even Aristylla's turquoise and hot pink number looks normal in amongst the peacocks and zebras of Capitol fashion. It's crazy. But maybe crazy was the new happy, maybe crazy was a way to hide the horror and the bloodshed. People swarmed around us like wasps to sugar, buzzing all around

"Silvana, why did you-"

"Silvana, darling where did you-"

"Silvana, over here please!"

I must have looked like a rabbit caught in headlights at first because Lot leaned over to me and whispered

"Just smile and wave boys. Smile and wave."

I laughed happily and Lot grinned at me. Feeling my confidence boost, I waved a little and the crowd went mad, the cameras lapped it up and both the paparazzi and the press were happy. I felt… Good. It was weird. I never liked attention back at District 12. I tried to keep my head down and keep on walking. The more attention I brought to myself, the more I had to talk about Claus. The more I talked about Claus, the deeper I sank into depression. So either friends or `happiness`, it's a lose-lose situation. So I chose the one that would hurt less people. No friends. No one other than family to feel sorry for me, which was probably for the best because no one should have to listen to my screams and sobs in the middle of the night, no one. No one except my parents, the ones that truly understand my depression over losing Claus, my brother. I feel tears threatening my eyes but I manage to plaster on a fake smile and throw a few winks at those garish beings that are cheering my name.

As I step into the limo, I hear them shout a different name

"Alkandros!"

"We love you, Alkandros!"

I turn and see a tall, muscular man. He managed to make Lot, the strongest guy I know, look like a small, insignificant weed which surprised and scared me. He had platinum blonde hair and bright blue eyes. Like my own. He saw me looking at him and threw me a wink and a sinful smile. I flushed scarlet and looked away, slightly disturbed and uncomfortable. As the door slams, Haymitch sits beside me and whispers in my ear

"Alkandros DuGrey. Eighteen years old. Tribute from 2. Good with knifes, bad with girls. Don't get your hopes up."

"I won't. I'm not stupid."

I wasn't going to become the newest member of his 'fandom'. I'm not going to be one of those broken hearted girls, crying on the street corner where he'd left me. But I still look out of the window, watching him as we drive away.

Haymitch rubs his hands together, looking around at all of us.

"Right! Let's begin this meeting. Topic: first impressions!"

I groaned. Haymitch was talking about meetings on the train with different topics each time. This one was going to be… Interesting.

"Lot, that was… sweet. The way you smiled at Sil in encouragement, touching. Like a big brother, they'll lap it up." I could tell he was eager to get Lot over with. He stared at me.

"Sil… How the fuck did you pull that off?"

I looked at him, confused.

"What d'ya mean?"

"You just pulled off the shy, sweet, beautiful nymph of your namesake, after being an over confident, sassy, sexy bitch at the reaping."

I blush fuchsia.

"I-I don't know what you mean…"

"I hate to say it but he's right. You just did a complete character change in less than 24 hours. How?" Now both Lot and Haymitch were staring at me, arms folded waiting for an answer. Sometimes help comes from the most unexpected places…

"Now, now boys leave the poor dear alone! She's so confused, bless her."

Aristylla tsked, patting my hair gently.

"Maybe you mothering her made her soft…" I heard Haymitch mutter making me giggle. He gives me a look and I shut up

"Ok… If you must know, I think realisation just hit me. I could die in less than a month's time. I remembered what you said about sponsors and their importance so I decided to give sweet, little girl a go. At the interview, I'll blame the speech on my temper and vulnerability, claim I'm now showing my true colours when it's in fact the other way around. It'll be like taking candy from a baby."

They all looked at me in utter disbelief.

"You've really thought this through, haven't you?"

"Yes."

Haymitch laughs

"You're definitely Katniss' one!"