The Tributes were gone for a very long time, getting evaluated. I braved the Sponsor Center and Betting Room to go find food for the Tributes. This year was better than last because people actually thought District 12 stood a chance. I reeled in enough people to keep us going for a few days. That is, if they didn't flock to Allis and Kelsa's side after the Bloodbath.

The betting pool was tipped in Gracelyn's favor today. Her beauty and charm had captivated the Capitol and they lusted for her.

Good. Maybe if she comes out alive, they'll lose interest in you.

Perhaps, but the more probable scenario would be a threesome and a very very rich president. I was revolted at the thought of sharing a bed with one stranger, let alone two. It made me sick, but I had to protect Juna. Of course, I'd been doing it for two years now, and my numbers were slowly trickling down, but I still had many wanton Capitolites drooling for me.

Sad how easily you can inebriate them and steal their deepest thoughts and concerns.

Finnick Odair had taught me how to deal with secrets. Vodka or whiskey was usually involved and I now had little trouble discerning truth from lie. The idiots were completely unaware of what they were telling me, and the next day, if they asked, I would simply lie and collect my payment.

I had decided to have lunch with father and tried to pry information from him.

"Father, I heard you were the Head Weapons Designer for the Games this year." Father nodded and scoffed.

"The things I do these days. President Snow allowed me to take a break from my work in the weapons field and start crafting children's toys." He stated and I raised my eyebrows.

"Nothing that catches of fire, blows up, or has radioactive particles? And are you going to grow a full beard or just let it stay like that?" I asked and he took a sip of his drink.

"Fortunately for you, no. But it will be a particularly gruesome Games this year. I heard Seneca Crane is providing very little hiding spots. They are very good hiding spots, though. No, Cato. I'm not going grow a full beard. I'm keeping it short." He took a bite of his meat.

So he got bored with the designing? That means something like swords and the regular stuff, right? And what's with the facial hair?

"I feel like you've got a curveball headed towards me." I stated and he shrugged.

"I don't know. Perhaps you should reference that quote you loved so much. What was it? 'I count him braver, who overcomes his desires, than him who conquers his enemies; for the hardest victory is over one's self.' right?" I nodded. Father rubbed his chin and ran a hand through his neat blonde hair. "Well, these Games aren't allowing self control. It will be mass chaos this year."

"Why would President Snow allow that?"

"It makes for a good show, doesn't it? How many Capitolites wait patiently for the Reapings? How many save their yearly wages so they can send their favorite Tribute a gift? More than you could ever imagine, boy."

"So, will there be food?" I asked and he looked at me with a peculiar expression.

"You realize that even though you are my son, I will not give you any more information." He smiled and I nodded.

"Is there anything else?"

"I did not enjoy making these weapons. I had President Snow directing me what to put inside them. The weapons are... Different."

~'~'~'~

"Cato! Cato!" Effie called out. "Come! It's time for the scores!" She eagerly grabbed my wrist and pulled me over. I sat next to Koltos and watched as Caesar Flickerman began announcing scores.

"Gracelyn Brilliant with a score of 10. Hermes Philip with a score of 10." I audibly groaned and Haymitch took an extra long swig.

Uh oh. The players are big this year.

"Titania Orestes with a 10 and Roland Parell with a 9! That's the first time in history we have had three 10's!" He exclaimed. I watched as the rest received everything under an 8.

Three 10's and they're all from Careers. Big big trouble.

"Mira Hainskey with a score of 9." Effie and Callig cheered. Haymitch and I looked at a blushing Mira and raised our eyebrows.

"Gymnastics." She shrugged and we diverted our attention back to the TV.

"Koltos Quinston with a score of 6. Alright, that's it for tonight, folks! Be sure to catch-" I turned the TV off and turned to the Tributes.

"We need you to come up with a game plan. You can't go into that arena without some type of plan. To begin with, I don't want either of you entering the Bloodbath. Am I clear?" I demanded and they nodded.

"With scores like Mira's and yours, Cato and Haymitch will be able to get some Sponsors for the both of you. Just... try to stay alive." Effie smiled. "Now, who's ready for the Interviews?" Callig raised his hand and received a glare from Haymitch and me.

Idiot.

~'~'~'~

Unfortunately, Roland and Titania were far from stupid. They were very smart, actually. Gracelyn and Hermes weren't too far from the genius line as well. All four were cunning, strong, and very good looking. The Capitol would have a field day.

Wonder who'll win? Roland is huge, Hermes is huge and pretty, Gracelyn is too pretty, and Titania is strong and pretty. Hell, they're all strong and pretty! Why the hell are they all fucking pretty?! We need a one legged, cross eyed Career next year.

Caesar Flickerman was yammering on stage and people began to clap. He called Gracelyn to the stage and she flounced forward in a low cut, very short, gold dress.

Wow, her designer knows women, that's for sure.

She rubbed off as the beautiful killer and Hermes did as well. Gracelyn was the fast ninja type that killed silently while Hermes barreled through everything like a hurricane.

Titania stepped forward in a short dress and wowed the crowd. I saw Kelsa glaring and Allis shaking her head. Something had gone wrong. The two women were wearing the same color and they were both very angry.

"Hey, what's wrong?" I asked and Kelsa rolled her eyes.

"Nothing is wrong, Cato. We just hope Titania and Roland restore integrity to District 2." She growled and I nodded.

"Good luck." Allis grinned.

"Good luck yourself! At least we have a chance." She winked and turned to glare full force at the stage.

"Tell me, Roland," Caesar said, "what will you do if you win?" He asked.

"I'd probably try to meet Cato Arckenson and Finnick Odair. They are supposed to be the most handsome Victors alive! I hope to knock one of them from their thrones."

Ha! Handsomest Victor alive?! That's a title?! Bet Finnick would get a kick out of that!

Kelsa and Allis were reassuring each other with numerous short sentences.

"It's fine."

"Wasn't as bad as the other kid. Tarquin."

"Heard Enobaria and Harsk had plans to castrate him as soon as he got out of the arena." I turned to Kelsa,

"Nothing will be as bad as the stuff Tarquin di-" District 9's male tribute suddenly threw up on stage. "never mind." I grinned and Allis screeched with laughter while Kelsa smirked. The Capitolites were either laughing or screaming in disgust.

That was probably the worst interview of all time. Look at Caesar Flickerman's face! He almost got covered in throw up! Ha!

Shaking his head, Haymitch rubbed his knuckles and chewed on his lip.

What's he so worried about?

Probably if District 12 will fuck up. After the vomit had been cleared, the interviews commenced and finally, Mira too the stage. Somebody in the audience whistled at her and Mira blew a kiss into the general direction of the whistler.

"Now, Mira, how are you?"

"I'm great, Caesar!" She smiled and Caesar nodded.

"Now, I understand that you are eighteen. How do you feel about the Games? Being chosen in your final year and all." He asked. Haymitch began to grumble under his breath.

"I don't know how I feel! I mean, I guess I wanted to never be picked, but I also wanted to see the Capitol before I died. I feel that someone as beautiful as me should not be wasted on this earth! Even my Mentor, Cato agrees with me." I reeled back.

You do? Ew.

"When the fuck did I say that?!" I growled and she sent a longing look towards me. I glared and Kelsa shoved my shoulder.

"I didn't know you were the soft longing type." She whispered.

"That's because I'm not! Do you believe this bullsh-"

"Just messing with you! Sheesh! Get a girlfriend!" She interrupted me and I glared at the ground.

Forever aloooonneeeee!

Shut up! I glared and Kelsa and Allis laughed at me.

"He's never going to get a wife! What are we going to tell Mr. Arckenson?!" Allis laughed and Kelsa nodded.

"Domitius will be sad to know the Arckenson line ends with Cato." She grinned and I rolled my eyes.

"I can get a girlfriend when I want to!" I whispered and they both nodded sarcastically. I raised an eyebrow as they burst out laughing.

"Oh, Domitius will be so disappointed! Ha! Juna might have to force her husband to make their children keep her last name!" Allis laughed and Koltos concluded his blurb on District 12.

I stood for the Anthem while Kelsa and Allis sang along with the music.

I really hope you find someone to make me go away. Even I'm getting tired of you, and that's not a good thing.

As soon as the Anthem ended, Haymitch and I quickly made our escape and grabbed Mira and Koltos along the way.

The interior of the car was silent on the way back to the Tribute Building. Mira played with the hem of her dress and Koltos held onto a necklace like it was his lifeline.

"What are your tokens?" I asked and broke the silence. Koltos raised his head. He held up a silver chain that had a cross on it.

Something from the Dark Ages. That's special.

"It's a family heirloom from the Dark Ages. It represents a new faith. We still believe that there is a God and that his son saved us." He stated and I was slightly stunned.

"You have a religion?" Koltos nodded and I raised my eyebrows, leaning back into the seat. Mira held a picture of her family in her hands. I nodded and looked at Haymitch. His mouth hung open as he snored and I shook my head.

"Dumbass." The car stopped and we were let off. The silent ride up the elevator was mildly awkward and I pulled the two aside.

"Tomorrow you go into the arena. Don't involve in the Bloodbath. If there's supplies near you and you're 1,000% sure you can get them, go for it. If not, run and find shelter. Haymitch and I will buy things for you. Good luck." I said and they nodded.

You should hug them.

I reluctantly pulled the two into my arms and we initiated the most awkward group hug of all time. They both looked at me hopefully and I shook my head.

"Try to get some sleep. I'll be in the Living Room if you need me." I stated and they both went to their rooms. I walked into the Living Room and pulled out the long forgotten puzzle.

It's simple. The middle represents one side. The middle doesn't move. Solve around the middle.

I began twisting the blocks and creating rows. The cube was so simple, yet so intricate at the same time.

Think of each square as a person. Each color their different categories. Match the people.

I ignored that and continued to form around the middle until I gave up and tossed it aside.

"Stupid fucking toy." I growled and stretched my legs onto the couch. The room was dark and I laid there, not thinking about anything. The clock on the wall ticked and I went to sleep at around 3 a.m.

"Cato. Cato." Someone shook my shoulder and I sat up.

"What?" I groaned and Effie fluffed her hair.

"They're about to enter the arena. I need you off the couch." She chirped and I nodded, standing up.

I went back to my room and changed into a different shirt. The dining room table was still laden with food, so I grabbed a plate and began to fill it. I wondered if the Tributes would already be in the arena. It was almost time.

Then hurry up and get to the TV!

I jumped over a chair, grabbed a fork and sat down next to Effie with a glass of water in my hand. Haymitch found the channel for the Games and the Arena came into view.

Effie dropped her mimosa and Haymitch choked on an orange seed.

"Oh shit."