Here is the second chapter to Here It's Safe. I hope everyone enjoyed the last chapter. Thanks for reading and enjoy! I do not own Percy Jackson or The Hunger Games.

-Rooney1077

Percy awoke to a sharp banging on his door and a blaring sound next to his ear. His eyes shot open, and he scrambled out of bed. Percy's green eyes darted around the spacious, bare room. He was completely alone. Percy relaxed and headed toward the door. He swung it open, irritated with the incessant knocking.

"What?" He groaned, rubbing his eyes sleepily.

"Oh, this one's nice," a heavily accented voice said. It was unfamiliar to Percy, so he opened his eyes and was bombarded with different colors. A short, plump woman stood in front of him with orange hair with stars cut into it. Behind her was a dark skinned man and silver and bronze patterns carved into their skin. He had long silver hair that went down to his waist. There were two more women behind him, just as weirdly dressed as their friends.

"Maybe just tweak the hair," the silver haired man said. Percy frowned at them, but remembered he was meeting with his stylist team today.

"Er, hi?" Percy shuffled his weight to each foot, feeling exposed as his team looked him over. They started whispering to each other.

The plump, orange haired woman stepped into Percy's room, giving him a large, toothy smile. She stuck out her hand to Percy. He took her small one in his larger one hesitantly. "I'm Idum and this is Maximus behind me. The other woman is Sylvia and the other man and Luvius. We are your stylist team." Percy nodded, and before he could say anything, his team dragged him out of the room and to the Remake Center. The next thing he knew, Percy was lying naked under a thin, paper gown on a metal slab. He was waiting for his head stylist. His team had removed all the hair from his body, except the hair in his head and eyebrows. His team also gave him a little haircut, trimming his bangs and cutting his hair at his neck shorter. Percy wondered why the Capitol had a problem with hair.

Percy didn't have to wait too long for his head stylist, Clio. About ten minutes after his team was finally finished with him, she entered the cold, clean room. She looked semi-normal. She was a pretty woman with slanted grey eyes and tan skin. Her dark, purple hair was long and wavy. Her teeth were as white as whites of her eyes. She had tiny tattoos darting her arms and neck. She smiled softly at Percy, making him feel at ease.

She set down her clipboard and stuck her hand out. "Hello, Perseus. I'm Clio, your head stylist." Her voice was gentle, but still had the regular Capitol accent. Percy shook her hand.

"Percy is fine," he said referring to his full name.

Clip nodded and stepped closer to Percy as he sat on the metal slab. She held up his arm and pinched it, grabbing at his skin. Next she moved onto his legs and chest. She then, ran her small fingers through his messy-wavy black hair. Her face was close to his, as she looked into Percy's sea green eyes. She nodded and then tapped on his high cheekbones. She backed away and started writing on her clipboard. Percy look confusedly at her. Clio glanced up, seeming to remember that she hadn't told him what was going on.

"Tonight is the Tribute Parade. This is your first real impression. I need to make you stand out," Clio explained. Percy readjusted himself on the metal slab nervously. Percy remembered the parade costumes from years past. They were either fish or fisherman, none of which ever made a very good impression on the Capitol. One year, the tributes of District 4 were forced to hang dead fish on their chests and backs. It was utterly disgusting. Clio sensed his nerves. "No need to be afraid, Percy. I don't plan on embarrassing you or Amelia. You won't be wearing any fish," she laughed. Her laugh was so familiar, so much like Annabeth's laugh.

Percy nodded. "I'll wear anything but fish," he grinned.

Clio smiled at him and patted him on the cheek. "I already have the best idea, one suited for your strategy," she winked. Percy raised an eyebrow. "I've conversed with Finnick and Mags and we have the perfect costume for you."

She picked up her clipboard, and headed for the door. "Do I get a hint?" Percy asked.

Clio turned back to him with a devilish smile. "The Capitol adores pretty things, Percy."

Percy looked at himself in the mirror of his room with an irritable look. Now was the first time Percy wished Annabeth was with him. He needed someone to get him through tonight. Percy wasn't sure if he would be able to look confident or cocky in what he was wearing. He was sure Finnick would be able to, but Percy wasn't as confident in himself as his mentor was.

Percy's hair was pushed up from his forehead, looking a wave sweeping over the shore. His cheekbones and jaw were contoured sharper. Percy's eyes were outline in gold. He wore no shirt or pants like everyone else most likely would. Just a golden net draped over his butt and bunched up over his crotch. Clio didn't want the entire world to see too much of him too soon. Percy asked her if this was too much and she had told him it was tasteful in the Capitol; usually Capitol models showed much more. Blue-green waves were painted in detail on his back and flowed down to his thigh. It curled over his shoulder and to the base of his neck. Percy had initially asked Clio if he could wear a shirt or something, but she had replied, "we don't want to cover the goods, Percy" nodding at his abdominal muscles.

Percy had never been so exposed so far away from home. Terrified, he stepped out of his room and made his way down to where Amelia and him were supposed to meet Finnick, Mags, Orchid, Clio, and Amelia's stylist, Ajax. They were all there talking amongst themselves. Percy noticed Amelia was thankfully not as naked as he was. Her net was made into a brown dress, ending just below her knees. Her hair in waves with blue streaks in it. She had a blue-green wave painted over her left eye. Finnick was leaning against the wall, holding a tall, golden trident. Once he saw Percy, his eyes widened and he burst out laughing. Percy rolled his eyes and continued down the steps less confidently.

Mags waved Finnick off with a sweet smile and took the trident from his hand. She shuffled over to Percy and gave him the trident wordlessly, her eyes twinkling. Percy offered her a smile. Mags squeezed his shoulder and led him over to the group. Finnick's laughter had died down by the time Percy had joined them. The boy gave him a glare.

"What?" Finnick asked innocently. Percy rolled his eyes at him, his tanned skin turning pink. "What, are you nervous?" Percy didn't reply, giving Finnick his answer. They all starting walking down to the lowest level of the Remake Center.

"Well, I think I have the right to be. I'm going to be practically naked in front of thousands of people. It's not really my idea of a good time," Percy quipped as they walked into the bottom level of the Remake Center. It was large, spacious, even with all the tributes (and their teams) and the horses.

Finnick pulled him to a stop before they got any closer. "I'm sorry. I get it, okay? This is new and scary, but you gotta snap out of it, Percy. The Capitol, the tributes will devour you if you keep this nervous, scared thing up." Percy grit his teeth, looking down at his shorter mentor. Percy nodded. "From this point on, you have to be me, alright?" Finnick clapped him on the back and then ushered the rest of District 4's team away, giving Percy a moment.

The 17 year old let out a large breath. He closed his eyes, chanting, "Just be Finnick," in his head over and over again. He squared his shoulders and gripped his tridents. Percy slightly strutted toward his team waiting for him at their chariot. He only glanced over once, seeing eyes on him. He found them, light grey eyes and olive skin. Her brown hair was braided down her back, laying on the black leotard she wore. The volunteer from 12. She stood beside her mentor and Percy guessed her stylist. She caught his eyes, holding his gaze before flitting away, her cheeks turning pink. Percy saw her mentor looked behind him, also catching Percy's gaze. Percy gave him a nod and turned his attention to Clio who was explaining something to Finnick and Mags.

Katniss Everdeen was not in the mood to be burnt to death right before the Games even started. She wanted a fighting chance–not to go out before she got the chance to fight for her life. Comma had explained to her many times that the flame wasn't real, just synthetic, but Katniss couldn't help but feel anxious. Her, Peeta, Haymitch, Effie, Cinna, and Portia all head down to the lowest level of the Remake Center. They entered the large room and watched as tributes, teams, and horses scurried around, trying to get ready. Katniss glanced around at every pair of tributes. She noticed the two from District 1 spray painted silver, wearing clean, white tunics. Her eyes darted to District 2's tributes, both of them wearing what looked Roman-esque. She saw the little girl from 11 dressed as a farmer, and her mind immediately wondered to Prim. She felt a sharp tug in her gut remembering her sister.

Cinna started telling her something, but Katniss let her eyes drift until they hit something that startled her. A boy, a very tall boy with large and lean muscles and black hair, stared at her intensely. Katniss looked closely at his bright green eyes that looked almost like the sea. And then she saw the rest of him. A bare chest with waves painted on his shoulder and muscular thigh. A small net barely covered his butt and crotch. Katniss caught his eye, and held it as long as she could without flustering. Haymitch frowned and looked behind him. They looked at each other for a bit before the black haired boy nodded at him and turned away.

"Is that the boy from District 4?" Peeta asked from beside Haymitch.

"Yeah..." Haymitch trailed off.

Peeta nodded, looking at the male tribute from District 4. "He doesn't look much different," Peeta quipped. He shrugged his shoulders before going back to listen to Cinna. Katniss noticed the boy glance back at them ever so often.

Cinna lit a match of the synthetic flame just before their chariot was to start moving. "This isn't real fire. These suits are built so you won't feel a thing. I promise, you're safe."

Peeta gave him a nod. "Looks pretty real to me."

Cinna glanced over to him. "Well, that's the idea. You ready?" He asked as the two tributes but their headpieces on. Katniss and Peeta nodded. Cinna touched the flame to their capes and then their headdresses. Katniss flinched, ready for the pain of the heat, but only felt a small tickling sensation. Cinna jumped down from their chariot. "Remember, heads high, smiles. They're going to love you!" He yelled as their chariot entered the parade.

Percy immediately plastered on his most charming grin as soon as they entered the parade. He raised his left hand and began waving, winking, and laughing. The women and some men of the Capitol were falling over their feet to scream his name, throw him flowers, or try to get his attention. Percy saw himself on the screen above them until District 12's chariot came into view. The crowd roared seeing the two tributes on fire. Percy grinned larger, looking up at the screen. He had to admit, 12 looked pretty amazing. Percy couldn't help but admire every inch of Katniss's face. She looked up at the screen in wonderment, a small smile creeping into her face. She started to wave and smile more. She was truly incredible.

When President Snow came into view, the horse began to make a semi circle surrounding him. Snow got up from his comfortable looking chair and walked up to the podium slowly, looking down at the tributes. He held his hands up, to signal the crowd to die down. "Welcome. Welcome." His voice boomed over the crowds roar. "Tributes, we welcome you." His smile was sickly. Percy had to remind himself not to scowl. "We salute your courage and your sacrifice." The crowd began applauding at this. "And we wish you...Happy Hunger Games. And may the odd be ever in your favor." With that the chariots jolted forward and the crowd of Capitol citizens roared.

When their chariot finally came to a stop, Percy jumped down and carefully helped Amelia out. Finnick, Mags, Orchid, Clio, and Ajax were already walking toward them. Finnick clapped Percy on the back with a large grin. Clio gently patted Percy on the cheek.

"I thought you did great for your first appearance, Percy," Finnick started. "But you're going to have to step it up. Up until the day of the interviews with Ceasar Flickerman, we are going to practice every single day. And.." Finnick trailed off, following Percy's gaze behind him. District 12 had just rolled in and were now getting out of their chariots. Percy gave the two tributes a large grin before looking back at Finnick. His mentor raised an eyebrow at him.

"What?" Percy asked, running a hand through his hair, messing it up. Finnick just shrugged and led them through the crowd of horses and tributes. Percy caught the eyes of the tributes from Districts 1 and 2. They nodded at him, and Percy nodded back without a second thought. As soon as they made it up to their floor of the Training Center, Finnick and Mags gathered Percy and Amelia.

"Get some rest tonight. Tomorrow is you first day of training. Percy, stick with the other Careers for the first few days to show that you're loyal to them. And if you want to branch out or find another alliance, do it subtly. Amelia stick with Percy, he's your lifeline." The two nodded and left their mentors to go to bed.

Percy was starting to get irritated with all the knocking and waking him up. Percy got up slowly and opened the door. Orchid stood in front of him with a pile of clothes and a large pair of black boots. Percy raised an eyebrow.

"I've been knocking for 5 minutes!" She said exasperatedly. Orchid shoved the clothes and boots into Percy's chest. He gave her a confused look. "It's 10:00..." she waited for him to catch on. "Your first day of training!" She raised her voice.

"Oh..."

"Now, get dressed. You have 2 minutes before I send Finnick to drag you down," she ordered. Orchid turned her back and walked slowly down the stairs. Percy looked out the door and into the foyer where Mags and Amelia were waiting. He sighed and dressed quickly, not wanting to deal with a angry, sleepy Finnick Odair. The top part of the uniform was black, grey, and red. It was very tight, hugging every inch of Percy's torso. On the back, there was a black 4. Luckily, his pants weren't as tight. Percy laced up his boots before heading down the stairs and and to the foyer. He smiled down at Mags as she patted his cheek silently. Orchid looked down at her watch, 9:07. She gasped, and pulled Percy and Amelia into the elevator.

Percy wasn't as nervous as he was yesterday in front of 100,000 people. He calmly leaned against the wall of the elevator. Percy was actually kind of excited for the first training session. He was excited to see the tributes, close-up and in person. Percy was also anxious. He was anxious to start making alliances and gaining sponsors and for the Games to start. All he wanted was to be home with his mother, Grover, and Annabeth. Annabeth. "Annabeth," Percy said aloud, her name feeling weird on his tongue. Orchid's head snapped to the side to look at Percy.

"What's Annabeth?" She asked, pushing open the down button on the elevator.

Percy look startled. He hadn't meant to say it out loud. Percy wiped his face clear of emotion. No–Percy would not tell them about Annabeth.

Percy had told them enough. They couldn't take Annabeth from him. "Oh...just...the name of my trident back home," Percy lied. Percy Jackson was not a talented liar. He could tel a fib with ease if he had thought enough about it, but lying on the spot was not Percy's strongpoint. Amelia raised an eyebrow at him, scoffing. Percy shot her a look.

"You named a fishing tool?" Orchid seemed horrified at this. Percy gave her a shrug as the elevator door opened, and they exited the small, silver room.

Amelia followed him out, looking back at their team standing in the elevator. She frowned. "Are you not coming with us?" She asked, quirking her head to the side like a puppy.

Orchid gave her a very fake laugh and waved her off. "Oh no, dear. We aren't allowed any further until the private training sessions. And I wouldn't go in that room then either. Too many weapons," she explained with a disgusted look on her face. The green haired woman pushed the elevator button, closing the doors. Amelia scowled at the closing door, crossing her arms.

She tilted her head to look up at Percy. "Well, are we gonna go or what?" Percy sighed, but nodded. The boy turned to the large, heavy-looking doors. Percy placed both hands on the doors and pushed.

They were not the first ones there, but not the last. The tributes from District 1 and 2 were standing in a group by the rack of swords, whispering to each other and looking hungrily at the other tributes. Most of the other tributes were spaced about, only sticking near their fellow tribute. As soon as the doors opened, everyone looked at Percy and Amelia, going silent. Percy easily steeled himself, plastering on a small grin. He held the door as Amelia ducked under his arm and entered the large, weapons-filled room. Amelia seemed to gravitate toward the dark skinned, 12 year old from District 11. Percy's eyes softened watching them make small talk. Percy trained his eyes on the other tributes.

The pack of Careers glanced at him and started whispering again. The male tribute from District 11, a large dark skinned boy, stood beside his District partner as she spoke to Amelia. District 5's tributes stood not too far from them, standing around awkwardly. The tributes from District 6 and 10 were in a deep discussion that Percy didn't feel like interrupting. Districts 7, 8, and 9 had not arrived yet. District 3's tributes were sitting next you each other silently on the ground. Percy's eyes caught a pair of semi-familiar grey ones trained on him. She stood beside her District partner, a blonde haired boy, uncomfortably. They didn't look at each other or speak. Percy had been wanting to talk to the volunteer from 12.

Percy hid his smirk as she looked away when he started moving toward them. The girl looked away, gritting her teeth, and turning to her District partner. This didn't deter Percy, though. Once he reached them, he turned to the boy tribute of 12. He seemed friendly, as he stared up at him through his blonde hair. Percy stuck out a hand.

"You two looked incredible last night at the Tribute Parade," Percy began, flitting his green eyes to the girl. She sent him a small glare.

The boy grinned welcomely. He shook Percy's hand. "Thank you. You looked..." he trailed off.

Percy smirked, chuckling a bit. "Naked? Yeah, I don't know what my stylist was thinking," Percy husked. The boy laughed. "She seems nice, but I don't think she knows much about District 4 besides fish and Finnick Odair."

The blonde nodded with a small smile. "We actually have a pretty great stylist team. I'm Peeta Mellark," he added as an afterthought. Peeta pointed to the girl beside him. "This is Katniss Everdeen." Katniss rolled her eyes at Percy's infectious grin. "You must be Perseus." Percy hid his flinch at his full name.

"I prefer Percy." Percy turned himself to look more at Katniss, who had her arms crossed against her chest. "You looked truly amazing, Katniss. You should wear flames more often," Percy hesitated, catching her eyes. "They suit you." Katniss seemed taken aback. She couldn't hide as her face turned red at his intense stare and smile. What the hell was he doing?

Amelia ran up excitedly and grabbed Percy's hand. "Percy, come on. You have to meet Thresh and Rue," she said glancing up at Peeta and Katniss. She pulled Percy along.

"I'll be seeing you later, Girl On Fire," Percy winked after her and turned to Amelia. She stared at him with a raised brow.

"Now isn't the time to flirt, Jackson."

Percy rolled his eyes. "I'm building alliances. I'm also doing what our mentor told me to do," he reasoned.

"Flirt with the enemy?"

"What? No. I'm being Finnick, alright?" Amelia rolled her eyes and pulled him along to the tributes from District 11. She introduced Percy, and they got to talking just when a tall, athletic-looking woman with short, brown hair walked in. She walked with authority to the center of the training room. She began to explain the training schedule.

"Experts in each skill will remain at their stations. You will be free to travel from area to area as you choose. Some of the stations teach survival skills; others, fighting techniques. You are forbidden to engage in any combative exercise with another tribute. There are assistants in hand if you want to practice with a partner," she finished before reading down the list of stations available to us. Percy glanced down at Amelia, whom was listening intently. Percy realized he hadn't retained a single word the woman said.

"Er, I hope you're paying attention, because I have no idea what she said," Percy whispered. Amelia gave him a roll of her eyes and looked back up to the trainer. When she's done reading the list, the trainer released the tributes to visit the stations. All of the other Careers head straight for the dangerous weapons. Percy remembered Finnick telling him to stick with the Careers, but Percy can't help the pull he feels toward the tributes of District 11 and 12. Amelia had no problem following Thresh and Rue straight to the big net hanging from the ceiling. Percy told them he would catch up later and headed to the fire making station.

At the Academy, Percy was taught many things about survival. He thrived in almost every area except the fire making and bow and arrow shooting. If Percy had matches he could start a fire, but what if there were no matches? What if he was stranded on an iceberg and there weren't any obvious supplies to use? Percy was fine on the fighting aspect. He needed tutelage on the surviving aspect. Percy didn't seem to be completely alone in that thought as Katniss sat next to the expert. She watched intently as he easily started a fire with two rocks and grass. Percy rose an eyebrow in amazement at that. The expert looked up and gave him a welcoming smile, ushering Percy to sit down next to him and Katniss. Katniss merely pretended he didn't exist. Percy smirked at her behavior. The expert gave Percy flint and two pieces of wood. He showed Percy how to rub the sticks together to light the flint on fire. Percy grinned, feeling the warmth on his face.

The instructor set him off to start by himself and went to go talk to the camouflage instructor. Percy rubbed the sticks together quickly, his eyes lighting up when he made a small spark, and sighing when the spark went out. Katniss glanced at him from the corner of her eye. She clenched her jaw and went back to her own fire, trying to ignore Percy's groans and irritable sighs. After a few minutes, she couldn't take it anymore.

"Trying rubbing the sticks together faster and blowing on the spark lightly," she muttered.

Percy glanced over at her, smirking slightly. He rubbed the two pieces of wood together quickly over the flint. After a minute, there was a spark. Percy lightly touched the flint to the spark. The ember started to fade, so Percy began blowfly lightly on it as Katniss said. It was barely hanging by a thread. Percy was about to give up, when the tiny flame grew. Percy backed away from the growing flame with a grin. He cocked his head over at Katniss who was staring at him. She blinked and looked back down at her fire.

Percy wasn't sure how much longer he could take her silence. Percy wasn't usually a quiet person, so he never liked silences, comfortable or awkward. He usually was the one to fill it. "Where did you learn to start a fire like that?" She held an old battery to a small pile of steel wool. Percy watched in awe as it quickly caught fire. Katniss didn't answer him for a while. Percy sat patiently, tending to his fire.

Katniss gave him a sideways look. She was hoping that Percy had gotten bored of her not answering him and left like most guys would. But Percy sat right across from her with his legs crossed. He stared at her expectantly. Katniss sighed exasperatedly. "In District 12, you have to make do with whatever you have," she conceded with a clench of her jaw.

Percy chuckled, earning a sharp glare. He widened his eyes, realizing she might've thought he was laughing at her answer. "Oh, no. I just find it funny how you can reply with something that gives me absolutely nothing about you. At least I can tell that you're very closed off," Percy explained with a small smile.

"What? You expected me to divulge every little secret I've ever had to you? I don't even know you," Katniss sneered, setting down her battery in the pile of steel wool. "Not to mention that in a week, you'll be trying to kill me."

Percy laughed, which did nothing but annoy Katniss more. "Of course I didn't expect you to tell me every last thing about you, Katniss. That's what the arena's for."

The olive skinned girl frowned at him. "No, the arena is for murder, not chatting random girls, whom you don't even know, up."

"Oh, I'm not here for the glorious killing, Ms. Everdeen. I'm here to make friends. Life long friends." Katniss rolled her eyes and felt an uncomfortable sensation on her leg. Katniss looked down at the flames on her pant leg. Before she could freak out, two large hands patted it out quickly.

Percy hissed as he through his hands back, sickly burns on the palms. The instructor ran over just in time to see Percy put the fire out on Katniss's leg. He doused the battery and steel wool in a bucket of water. Percy looked down at his hands angrily, and that was the second time Katniss saw the side of Percy Jackson that wasn't completely irritating. Katniss heard a soft slur of curses roll off his tongue. After a second, Percy composed himself and plastered on a cocky smile.

"Be more careful next time. Wouldn't want the Girl On Fire to burn to death," he husked and got up, brushing his pants off with the not scorched part of his hand. Katniss looked up at him in shock as he walked away to God knows where. Percy hadn't saved her life, no. But he had saved her from a particularly painful burn. Katniss was grateful, but she would never let him know that.

For the rest of the training session, Percy hung out with the other Careers, whom he came to know as Marvel (District 1), Clove (District 2), Glimmer (District 1), and Cato (District 2). Percy recognized Cato as the burly boy to volunteer. Cato seemed to be the leader of the Careers at the moment. Percy had hated Cato the minute he met the boy. He was arrogant, viscous, and flat out annoying. Marvel was stuck up and followed Cato around like a lost puppy. Clove was just as viscous as Cato, but also intelligent. Glimmer hung onto every sound, move, facial expression Cato made. Thy were the Career Dream Team.

Percy ducked a swing of a sharp sword at Percy's head and swept the instructor's legs out from under him, winning a hard fought spar. The instructor laughed, and congratulated him. Percy gave him a small thank you and helped the man up.

Katniss had been watching Percy for the rest of the day, analyzing the way he moved, looked, spoke, his facial expressions. It was as if Percy was the prey and Katniss was the predator, but in reality, it was the other way around. Percy had almost everything on Katniss; he was tall, incredibly strong, likable, handsome, charming, and skilled with almost every weapon. All but a bow and arrow, Katniss's go to weapon. And he wasn't that great with fire.

Katniss could tell by the looks he casted toward the other Career tributes, that Percy disliked them. Katniss could tell that Percy actually disliked almost all of them, but Thresh, Rue, his District partner, and she guessed her and Peeta. Katniss often caught Percy stealing glances at her, but she ignored him. He was just trying to get inside her head. Katniss would not allow her downfall to be from some stuck up, rich, pretty boy from District 4.

The trainer they had talked to this morning called them back to the center and told them to meet here at the same time tomorrow. She released them back to their floors. Katniss saw Peeta walk over to Percy. They both started laughing heartily. Katniss narrowed her eyes as she boarded the elevator with Peeta, Percy, and Amelia. Peeta and Percy were whispering to each other in the back of the elevator, occasionally breaking out into small giggles. Katniss never thought she could see a man like Percy giggle. When they quickly reached District 4's level Katniss saw what must be their team waiting for them.

She recognized Finnick Odair and Mags Flanagan, both past victors. A tall woman with dark purple hair stood beside a dark skinned woman with buzzed green hair. Finnick Odair raised an eyebrow at Percy as he clapped Peeta on the back with a laugh and exited the elevator, along with Amelia. Peeta waved a goodbye before the elevator doors closed. Katniss scowled over at him.

"What?" Peeta asked innocently. Katniss scoffed–as if he didn't know.

Finnick Odair watched the passing Capitol residents in hidden disgust. All they were talking about were the Games, past and present. He looked impatiently at the expensive watch on his wrist–11:39. He was late.

Finnick was beginning to think he was getting stood up by 11:45. He had specifically said to meet at 11:30. Finnick was just about to head back to the elevator and go to bed when he heard a cough behind him. The bronze haired man turned, meeting bright grey eyes, glassy from alcohol.

Finnick grinned. "Haymitch, good to see you," he greeted, shaking District 12's mentor's hand. Haymitch gave him a stiff smile and sat down in the chair beside Finnick.

"So, Odair. What's this plan of yours?"