Crystal sat down on the leather, three-piece suite and reminisced. She had said farewell to her family. Her mother, Arista Onyx-Platinum, had been her usual brisk, elegant self. Granite, however, was warm and beaming with pride.

Bronze noisily munched on an apple, and Crystal quirked a perfect eyebrow in amusement.

"Do you always eat like that?" she asked.

"Are you always so picky?" Bronze countered, smirking.

Crystal rolled her stunning, golden eyes and gazed out of the window.

Endless forests and meadows blasted by as the Capitol train powered ahead. It really was a masterpiece.

"So, what's your specialty?" Bronze inquired, tossing the apple core carelessly. "If I'm allowed to ask."

"Well, if we're going to form an alliance, then you have the right to know," Crystal replied.

"Who says we're going to form an alliance?" asked Bronze, his piercing blue eyes dancing with humor.

"My father," Crystal snapped. "Strength in numbers, he says."

"Keep your hair on, beautiful," Bronze laughed. "I was teasing. So, returning to my previous question."

"I'm an archer," said Crystal. "The best in One."

"That's hot," Bronze replied, impressed. "Say, isn't it about time for them to air the Reapings?"

Crystal crossed the lounge and swiped a remote.

"Let's watch," she decided, flicking on the plasma TV.

District 1's Reaping was first, then 2's.

Crystal leaned forward eagerly in her seat.

2 was a Career district, just like hers. They could prove useful allies in the Arena.

The female was named Garnet, a confident, feral girl with wild, burgundy hair and rich, chocolate-brown eyes. She was pretty, but her stance was intimidating. The male caught Crystal's eye. He was tall, muscular and tanned. He had short, blonde hair and striking emerald eyes. Crystal noticed the determined gleam in those eyes, and it captivated her.

"They could be useful," Bronze noticed, repeating Crystal's earlier thoughts.

"Yes, we'll speak to them as soon as we arrive," Crystal declared, taking charge.

"You're a bossy one," Bronze chuckled.

"Hey, someone has to take charge," Crystal replied with a laugh. "And it may as well be me."

The rest of the Reapings were insignificant. The female from 4 was pathetic, trembling and jumpy. The male from 6 seemed dangerous, though. Crystal noted to keep an eye on him. The girl from 8 seemed horrified, yet she never uttered a word. Strange.

Bronze jumped up and stretched, already bored.

Crystal took the opportunity to get a good look at her ally.

Standing at almost six foot, Bronze was golden and glorious. He had flawless skin, and had the classic good looks of District 1. Like Crystal, he was dark-haired, with was considered a rarity in District 1.

"Checking me out?" Bronze teased, catching Crystal's approving gaze.

Crystal winked and smiled charmingly. "Don't flatter yourself, Zo."

Suddenly, their escort, Julius Raine, bustled in.

"Dinner is served, my lovelies!" he trilled.

.

"Harper, breathe," Linnet murmured, gripping my hand.

I gulped down my fear and stepped into the carriage holding our lunch.

It was spectacular, foods ranging from vibrant cocktails to rich, earthy soup.

"Wow," I remarked, sampling a broth. "Delicious!"

Linnet smiled, seemingly relaxed at my recovery.

Our escort, Topaz, was discussing tactics with out mentor, Maelstrom. A tough, powerful, middle-aged man who had won his games by using brute force alone.

In some unexplainable way, his very presence intimidated me.

Linnet seemed to sense my uncertainty and threw me a reassuring glance as we joined them at the table.

"So, any talents?" asked Maelstrom gruffly.

"Uh, I can fish?" Linnet suggested.

Topaz huffed. "Figures!" she sneered in her haughty, ridiculous accent.

I fought the urge to glare at her.

"I can paint and sing," I said weakly.

Maelstrom chortled. "Oh, they will definitely help you out in the Arena," he said sarcastically.

"Well, big man, what do you suggest?" I hissed, irritation creeping into my blood-stream.

"Stay together," Maelstrom replied immediately. "I can tell there's trust between you. Use it. It's a large advantage in the Arena. Trust me."

Topaz laughed raucously, assuming Maelstrom was joking. He threw her a blank look.

Linnet sighed. "That was already going to happen, right, Harpie?"

I nodded vigorously. "Right."

There is no way I could lose Linnet. He was my rock.

Ever since the horrific sailing accident which took my parents, Linnet had rarely left my side. We shared the same interests, and spent every inch of spare time together. Losing him would be the end of me in the Arena.

It was then a sense of determination cursed through my veins. I would do whatever it takes to defend Linnet in the Arena.