Hello readers!

(I'm starting to hate my opening line...I really should come up with something different)

Well, anyway. Here I am with the next chapter!

I'm feeling a little confused and distraught because I just went to see Catching Fire for the second time last night and OH MY GOSH! Was it just as amazing the second time as it was the first? Oh yes, it was.

*spoiler if you haven't read Catching Fire*

But seriously? Seeing Mags as an old woman has kind of thrown me off...and then DYING! I'm so...I don't even know how to process that...

It's like, "Oh I just watched the end of her life, now I'm going to go write about when she's young. But I'll have her death looming over me as I do it."

Plus the fact that at one point Dash had comforted her by saying "you're safe, you never have to go back in the arena"

Ha, ha, yeah right. (but you know, Dash was already dead by the time she volunteered for Annie so...)

*screams*

Sorry, it was just so amazing.

Alright! So in this chapter I'm going to focus on District...Two? No, District One, yeah D1, Ruby's District. And the Capitol!

District Two I'm thinking I'll just hit the highlights and an important scene I have planned, and then I'll be really focusing in detail on the Capitol visit.

Mwahahahaha! *rubs hands together like the evil schemer that she is*

Be sure to leave a review! I'm not sure if the emails are being sent to your spam again, but I have been recieving a greatly decreased amount of reviews of late...

So! Make sure to tell me what you think! ;)

Chapter Fifteen: Fighter.

I stand at the window looking out at District One.

It's definitely the District most similar to the Capitol, but it's still a District. There is still a fence surrounding the land, still Peacekeepers roaming the streets, still under the Capitol's thumb.

There doesn't seem to be much of a lower class here, everyone seems fairly well fed and living comfortably. But then I remember what Ruby told me, and my eyes flash with anger.

I've made it this far. I made it through all the other Districts, facing all the other Tribute's families. I made it through looking into Troy's little sister's eyes, standing there instead of her big brother. I made it through the sleepless nights full of nightmares, the restless days wandering the train. I made it through watching Dash slink into the train after each District, head hanging, eyes haunted. With each knew "date" he grows more and more damaged, avoiding me and Pixie, putting up his mask and pulling his Capitol act whenever he does talk to me. I made it this far by being angry. Angry at the Capitol, at the President, at the Games. My anger is fueled at each knew District, hardening me more, securing my rage.

I am a fighter, and I will not be broken by the Capitol.

They wanted a Victor? Well, they've got one. I have built a wall of hatred, and it has made me fierce, fearless, defiant. I glare at Peacekeepers, I speak my mind to the citizens of each District, I stare into the camera's as I recite the speach I'm forced to say, my voice dripping with malice.

"Mags?"

I glance over my shoulder to see Paula, or Pixie as she now is. She's looking at my stony face sadly. I should smile, but I don't. I can't.

"Yes?"

My voice is cool, undertoned with danger.

She motions towards the main car.

"We should be at the station any minute."

I nod stiffly, and walk past her, heading towards the main car.

"Where's Dash?"

I ask indifferently.

"He's waiting for us."

She replies shortly.

Once we enter the main car, I take in his appearance quickly. Classic black suit, diamond cufflinks, silk shirt. He turns and grins widely at me, taking in my "sexy" black dress. Clingy and uncomfortable. My diamond jewelry, and smokey eyes.

He whistles and raises his eyebrows.

"You look smoking hot."

I roll my eyes and ignore him. I won't talk to the Capitol him. My hatred for the Capitol extends to what they make him become.

"Brrr, is it cold in here, or is it just me?"

I shoot him a glare. He takes the hint and quickly shuts up. The train slows to a stop, and we are swept into a waiting car. I do little to hide my disgust at the Capitol wannabe's that stare up at me on the stage. I recite my speech, give a mocking salute to the cameras and return to the train to wait until the dinner party at the Mayors this evening.

I grow more and more restless in the train, and after getting permision from Pixie, dress in black pants and a large gray sweater, black boots and a dark gay scarf and exit the train.

I pull up the large hood on the sweater, partially disguising myself as I walk around the town. I've been out for a little over an hour, when a voice calls to me.

"Mags Flint."

I stop, take note of the empty street, and then turn around. Peacekeeper, tall, middle aged. I notice the signet ring on his left hand. Head Peacekeeper. I plant my feet firmly shoulder length apart, and cross my arms, staring him down as he walks closer.

"I thought that was you."

He says, his voice low. His mannerisms remind me of a spider. Creepy and sneaky.

"You caught me."

I say mockingly, my eyes never leaving his face, although his eyes have no qualms about trailing over my body in a perverted manner.

"What would the Lady of the Sea be doing wandering the streets of District One alone?"

I stare back evenly as he stops a foot away from me, his eyes finally meeting mine.

"What makes you so interested?"

He smirked, his muddy brown eyes boring into my green ones.

"I'm the head Peacekeeper, it's my job to know what goes on in the District."

"But it's no concern of yours how I spend my free time."

He takes a step closer, bringing him uncomfortably close. But I don't flinch, staring straight up into his face. His eyes rake my body again, and his voice is low as he says.

"I'd like to make your free time my concern."

He leans closer and whispers in my ear.

"I'm sure we could find some way to make the time go by together."

I feel the constant rage in my chest flare into a wildfire, causing my muscles to tense and my eyes to burn fiercely.

"I'll make you feel like you've never felt before. You won't be disappointed...trust me."

He lifts his hand, reaching for my neck.

"Now that Ruby's gone, I need a new play thing."

He has no idea what hit him as I grab his arm, kick between his legs and slam him into the ground, dislocating his shoulder as I twist it behind his back savagely. I'm kneeling beside him, one knee digging between his shoulderblades, pushing him down into the ground. One hand is holding his arm behind his back, the other a knife to his throat. I lean down and hiss into his ear.

"Listen here you despicable peice of scum. I have been through things you couldn't imagine in your worst nightmares. I've watching people die, I've killed people. I was forced to fight for my life, and I will always be fighting for my life. I've dealt with bastards like you before, and the only reason they're still walking is because I didn't want to take care of their bodies. If you think that you can get what you want from me because you're the Head Peacekeeper, you are sadly mistaken."

I dig my knee harder into his back as I put presure on his wrist, pushing it almost to the breaking point as I continue.

"I was a tribute, I became a killer, and now I'm a victor. And don't you ever think that you can push me around. I could slit your throat right now and do the world a favor. But I won't."

I release his arm, and stand up, sheething my knife in my boot. He winces and pushes himself up with his good arm, struggling onto his feet, he turns to face me, cradling his arm.

"You'll pay for that."

I step forward, watching him flinch slightly as I get right up in his face, my voice cold and savage.

"You would have to explain why I attacked you, and I don't think you want people to know how you take advantage of defenseless girls. And I swear, if I ever hear of you doing it again, I will burn your whole world to the ground. I know Ruby's story, and I will use it to destroy you."

I pull back, and straighten my sweater out, giving him one final warning before I walk back to the train station.

"Never mess with a Victor. They're damaged beyond imagining, making them the most dangerous people you will ever meet. We have been trained to kill, you might want to think about that before you approach one of us again."

Back in the train, I run into Dash on the way to my room. I try to walk around him, but he steps in my way.

"Mags, listen, about earlier..."

I cut him off.

"Whatever Dash, get out of my way."

He frowns and reaches for my face, I pull back, staring coldly at him.

"What happened to you?"

He asks in a hushed whisper. I narrow my eyes.

"What happened to you? All of a sudden you start treating me like you do the Capitolites? You think you can act like a arogant ass and get away with it?"

His face grows guilty.

"Mags...I'm sorry, It's just...it's easier to put up a wall, to distance yourself."

"Well then, I guess you have your answer."

"I may act like an ass, Mags, but at least I'm not pushing away the people who care about me. Think about that."

He pushes past me and vanishes into another car. I try not to let his words affect me, but they stung. I focus on the dinner tonight instead, the last District before the Capitol.

I lay in bed, dressed in tank top and shorts, staring at the ceiling. Everyone at the Mayor's house were so fake. Just like the Capitol, which is where we're going.

I glance at the door. We've been on the move for a little over an hour, and I haven't seen or heard from Dash since he disappeared during the dinner. I guess I'll be facing the night alone.

I roll onto my side and slide my arm under my pillow, fingers curling around the cool handle of the knife I keep with me at all times. I don't need Dash. I took down a head Peacekeeper today, I was in the arena, I can handle a few bad dreams.

"Mags please stop!"

I ignore Will's tearful plees as I grab a handful of his dark curls and pull his head back, exposing his small, pale neck. His electric blue eyes are full of tears as he looks up at his big sister, knife in hand, staring down at him.

"You're a killer."

His voice sounds so diappointed, so sad. Then his eyes turn angry.

"I hate you!"

I scream in fury and slit his throat, watching the bright blood stain his pale neck. He gasps, his eyes glassing over as the life leaves him. As he slumps lifeless at my feet, I look around, my eyes landing on every dead body lying around me. Leroy, Dad, Becky, Dash, Felix, Pixie, Will, Lola. I killed them all, their blood is covering me.

I don't feel remorse, or sadness, only rage. Hatred. I hear something behind me and I whirl around, staring in shock at the boy in front of me. He has blonde hair, deep brown eyes, and tan skin. He can't be more than four years old.

"What...who are you?"

I stammer, bloody knife still gripped in my hand. He blinks and looks up at me with those big doe eyes.

"Why don't you recognise me?"

He looks over at Felix, and tears leak out of his eyes, trailing down his round cheeks.

"Why did you kill Daddy?"

He scrubs at his eye with one small fist.

"Are you going to kill me too mommy?"

I feel like someone punched me in the gut, and as one tear escapes my eye, I throw the knife. Just before it buries itself in his small chest, I scream.

I sit up screaming, throwing the knife across the room as I sob, sitting on my knees, I hold my head tightly in my hands and continue to scream. My entire body shaking.

The door opens and Dash runs in, immediately climbing onto the bed and putting his hands on my shoulders.

"Mags, it's okay, you're safe. It was just a dream."

I can't stop shaking as tears stream down my cheeks.

"I killed them...I killed them all...everyone I care about..."
Dash tightens his grip on my shoulders and gives me a small shake.

"No you didn't. Their all alive, back home, they're safe."

"Will isn't. He's dead..."

"But you didn't kill him."

I cling to Dash's shirt, feeling like it's the only thing keeping me from flying into peices.

"I killed my son."

I say in a horrified whisper.

"Wait, your son?"

Dash sounds like he's in shock.
"Mags...you don't have a son."

I shake my head.

"Because I killed him..."

"No, you didn't. Felix was the father right?"

I nod numbly. Dash gives me a small smile.

"Mags, you don't have a son. He doesn't exist."

I sniff and take a deep breath, bringing my shaking under control somewhat.

"And he never will. I can't have children Dash...I can't."

He swallows hard, pain in his eyes, but he nods and brushes the hair out of my face.

"No one is going to make you have children Mags."

I try to stem the tears, but they just keep flowing.

"Dash I'm sorry, I just...I was trying to push everything out but my anger. I thought it would help me get through this."

"Well, it did. You just have to hold on for one more day. And then we go back home."

I nod, curling up to him and relaxing in his strong arms, taking slow deep breaths, I bring my heart rate back to normal.

"Remember our plan for the Capitol?"

I nod, fighting to keep my eyes open.

"We're going to steal something and then throw it in the ocean."

Dash strokes my hair gently.

"That's right. So tomorrow, when you feel overwhelmed by everything, just look around and think about what you're going to take."

I yawn and then shift slightly in his arms.

"Okay...and then we go home."

I barely have time to get nervous the next day. I'm too busy being prepared for the evening. Not only do I have to be prepped, but Pixie has to teach me all the proper Capitol ettiquite, explain how the party is going to go, and a million other things.

By the time we actually reach the Capitol, I have too much information in my head to be nervous.

Bojo has outdone himself for my outfit. An ocean blue dress that is covered in different shades of blue and green sequins, designed to look like scales. The sleaves look like shells, and the corset is designed in the back to look like flowing water currents.

My hair is pulled up intricately, and my makeup is done in ocean shades. Small green rihnstones create patterns that swirl from my eyes to my temples, and my skin is dusted lightly in blue glitter.

"Let's show them what you're made of."

Bojo tells me with a bright smile. Dash encourages me with a large smile as I walk into the main car. It always helps when he's in a good mood.

"Bojo, you have done it again. How you manage to turn Mags into a different goddess every event is beyond me."

I smile and bat my eyelashes at him.

"Why thank you young man, you don't look so bad yourself."

He offers me his arm, and escorts me outside. Immediately we are overwhelmed by paparazzi. Camera flashes blind me, microphones hem me in on all side, shouts and questions deafen me.

I lift my hands up in front of my face defensively, shrinking back from the crowd, losing my sense of direction completely. I begin to panic as hands grab at me, questions and shouts fired at me rapidly.

I feel a strong arm wrap around my waist and Dash is there, leading me through the crowd. I curl as close as I can against Dash's side, hiding my face against his suit. It might me a little silly, but I can't help noticing his cologn smells really nice.

"You okay?"

He murmurs into my hair, pushing through the final row of paparazzi, he opens the waiting car door and ushers me inside, sliding in beside me and closing the door quickly. He turns to me.

"Are you okay?"

He repeats, concern lining his face. I take a deep breath and nod.

"Yeah...I'm good."

He keeps a tight hold on one of my hands as we drive to the President's mansion, no doubt sensing my growing tension.

As we pull to a stop in front of the mansion, he turns and gives me a tight smile.

"You ready?"

I hesitate, before taking a deep breath and nodding. Dash opens the door and helps me out of the car, hooking my arm in his, he leans down and whispers.

"Remember to smile."

I nod and smile as he leads me towards the grand front entrance.

"Mags!"

"Lady of the Sea!"

"Over here Miss Flint!"

"How did the tour go?"

I smile and wave politely at the reporters, keeping pace with Dash and hurrying inside. I stare in awe at the vaulted ceilings. The mansion is by far the grandest thing I've ever seen. Each room more richly decorated than the last. Finally, we arrive at the ballroom which is full of colorful people.

"Everyone of any importance is here."

Dash explains in a low voice as he leads me through the crowd.

"I'll stick with you as long as I can."

I nod, my eyes flicking from one odd face to the next. Dash stops several times to talk with people he apparently knows, and to introduce me. After about an hour, he smiles and leads me over to one corner of the room.

"Eliza!"

He calls. A tall young woman with rich chocolate curls turns and smirks when she catches sight of Dash. Her eyes are a dark blue, her features very defined. She holds herself with cool confidince, one hand on her hip, the other holding a drink.

"Dash, with a beautiful girl, what else is new?"

Dash smiles.

"El, this is Mags Flint. Mags, Eliza Strayt, victor of the fifth Hunger Games."

Eliza offers her hand and shakes mine firmly.

"Everyone knows who she is Dash. It's a pleasure I'm sure."

I grin and then glance around.

"Its a bit much isn't it?"

She laughs and shakes her head.

"They get crazier every year. Can I get you a drink?"

I smile gratefully.

"Oh that sounds great, thanks."

Dash glances nervously at a group of women standing near the bar and clears his throat.

"I'm going to go check out the food. I'll be right back."

Eliza laughs and waves her hand.
"Go on, she'll be fine without you. I'll look after her."

Dash nods at Eliza and then disappears.

"Come on kid, lets get some alochol in your system. Trust me, it helps."

Eliza leads me to the bar and orders me whiskey. I sip the strong liquid and close my eyes.

"That's better."

Eliza laughs and orders another drink for herself.

"I'm sorry, I didn't catch your District."

She takes a drink before answering.

"Seven."

I nod, before thinking of something. I turn to her, but before I can ask she says.

"Troy was my friend, I appreciate you helping him."

I swallow hard, remembering Troy tell me about a female victor he was friends with when I was having a nightmare in the arena.

"I'm sorry."
She shrugs.

"It wasn't your fault. Nothing you could do."

We talk for a while before the room quiets and a booming voice echoes over the ballroom.

"Welcome, welcome."

Eliza's eyes snap with anger as she turns and leans her elbows against the bar, saying sarcastically.

"Oh look, it's our gracious host, President Laertes."

I'm distracted as the President continues.

"Tonight, we have a special treat for all of you. Nero Snow, the head gamemaker has made this special event possible, and his son, Coriolanus Snow, had the brilliant idea in the first place."

The crowd vacats the dance floor, and suddenly the lights dim. Lights illuminate the perimiter of the dance floor, and as they merge, they create a virtual landscape.

I frown as I study the hologram scene. Something about it looks so familiar... My throat tightens as Will suddenly appears, and then I walk into the scene behind him.

They've created a hologram reinactment of the games. My games. I catch my breath quickly when Will turns to me and smiles.

"Come on old woman, you're falling behind."

I watch the hologram of myself laugh in reply.

"Hey, watch it buddy. I'm carrying all the food."

I hear Eliza swear under her breath, and then she has her hand on my shoulder.

"I'm going to see if I can get this turned off."

She disappears before I can reply. Leaving me staring numbly at my little brother. The scene changes, and suddenly Will is falling to the ground, blood spreading across his clothes.

"Will!"
My scream echoes the recording, covering my outburst. I start shaking as I stare at his small form, run through, bleeding his life out onto the ground.

"No...no, no, no, no..."

I shake my head, my hand gripping the glass so tightly it shatters. I earn a few quizzical looks from the crowd, but everything is slowly fading away as my little brother dies.

I start to hyperventilate, and lean against the counter, my body still trembling violently. I feel strong hands grip my shoulders, and have carry, have lead me out of the ballroom, walking down a hallway and ducking into a dark room. A lightswitch is flicked on, illuminating a study. The hands leave my shoulders and I fall to my knees, hugging myself tightly as I struggle to breath.

I hear the door close, and then a deep voice says calmly.

"The room is soundproofed."
The tears begin to flow as the pent up tension and pain in my chest is released as I scream. I hold my hands against my temples as I slowly rock in place, screaming and sobbing hysterically. I squeeze my eyes shut tightly as the image of Will's dead body keeps flashing in front of my eyes.

I don't know how long it is later when I slowly become aware of voices. The deep voice, and a familiar strong female voice.

"How long has she been in here?"

"Almost an hour. They still have the recording going?"

"Yeah, damned thing is highlighting the worst part of the games."

"Dash around?"

"He had to leave a little while back..."

"Hell, he has to deal with that crap twice as much as the rest of us."

I open my eyes and blink several times, staring at my trembling hands in shock.

"Mags."

I slowly lift my eyes, my gaze landing on two people. Eliza was standing next to a tall man with black hair, olive tonned skin and gray eyes, flecked with a darker coal gray. His build was slim, but sinewy.

I frown.

"Who are you?"

Eliza scoffs.

"Good to see you too doll, allow me to introduce you to your valiant rescuer, Kaden Amel. Resides in District Twelve, victor of the first ever Hunger Games."

I stand up from the couch I was lying curled up on, and straighten my dress slightly, still a little confused.

"Um...nice to meet you."

Kaden gives me a brief nod.
"Likewise."

I look around for a moment.

"What happened?"

Eliza glances at Kaden before answering.

"After they started playing that virtual recording of the games, you started to have a breakdown."
Kaden cuts in.

"I figured you'd be in some kind of trouble, so I found you and took you here. Soundproofed study."

I rub the back of my neck which is sore and tense.

"Thank you."

He nods again.
"Dash asked me to look out for you."

Eliza crosses her arms.

"Both of us actually. He's...indisposed, at the moment."

"Yeah...he told me about that."

I feel sore and fatigued, wanting nothing more than to go back to the train and sleep.

"How much longer do I have to stay here?"

Kaden shrugs.
"You're welcomed to leave anytime. Although it would be helpful if your escort agreed."
I brighten up.

"Pixie will definitely agree, where is she?"

Eliza straightens up.

"I'll go find her. Be back in a minute."

Kaden nods and Eliza slips out the door.

There's a moment of awkward silence.

"So...you won the first Hunger games?"

He nods.

"How old were you?"

He sticks his hands into his pockets.

"Sixteen."

I nod. Then remembering something, I begin to look around the study. Searching the bookshelves, and the top of the desk.

"Uh...what are you doing?"

I look up.

"Dash and I made a plan to steal something from the Capitol, and throw it into the ocean once we got home."

Kaden smiles for the first time since I've met him, and it changes his appearance completely. Instead of looking dark and intimidating, he looks like a cheerful older brother.

"That sounds just like Dash. Want some help looking?"

I grin and nod. For the next few minutes we try and decide what to take. Finally settling on a glass paperweight made to look like the Presidential seal. Eliza returns as Kaden slides the paperweight into his pocket.

"Pixie's waiting in the hall."

We exit the room, and Pixie immediatly gives me a hug.

"Are you alright dear?"

I nod.

"I am now, thanks to Kaden. Can we just go back to the train now?"

Pixie glances at Eliza and Kaden before turning to me and saying gently.

"Mags, I'm not going back...I live half the year in the Capitol. Remember?"

My heart sinks as I remember, and I feel tears threatening to fall.

"Oh..."

I say, my voice breaking. Pixie hugs me again, holding me tightly.

"Oh Mags, I wish I didn't have to leave you. But the days will go by faster than you think, and I'll see you again soon."

I let the tears overflow as I hug her back tightly. I don't want to say goodbye, I've said goodbye to too many people.

"Okay...promise to call me?"

She pulls back and gives me a smile, wiping the tears off my cheeks with her thumb.

"Of course. I'll see you soon."

I nod and give her one last hug.

"Kaden and Eliza will take you back to the train. Won't you?"

Pixie asks, giving them both a no argument look. Eliza smirks.

"Of course. Let's get you out of here."
She hooks her arm through mine and leads me towards the front entrance. Kaden trailing behind us. Eliza keeps me entertained on the car ride home, telling me comical stories about ridiculous things the Capitolites do. Kaden is quiet for the most part, adding a comment here or there. Finally, we reach the train. Eliza waits in the car as Kaden escorts me to the train.

"You going to be okay until Dash get's back?"

He asks, placing a hand gently on my arm. I give him a grateful smile and nod.

"Yes, thank you again, for everything."

He gives me a small smile, and nods.

"I'll see you in a few months."

I stare after him as he gets back in the car and drives away. I would be seeing both of them in six months, my first year as a mentor. I shudder, and enter the train. Waiting in Dash's for him to get back.

Around one o'clock, I get up and decide to look for him, knowing he should be back by now. I find him in one of the small lounge cars, staring blankly at the wall.

"Dash?"

He doesn't respond. Growing worried, I walk over and sit down next to him, studying his face.

"Dash, are you okay?"

I reach a hand forward and touch his shoulder, pulling it away as he flinches. We sit in silence for a moment, and then he finally speaks.

"Sixteen."

I look up, surprised.

"What?"

He stares blankly ahead.

"She was only sixteen."

I'm too shocked to say anything, so I just sit there. Dash has tears running down his cheeks now, although his face is still impassive.

"She was covered in makeup and perfume, dressed appalingly, even for a Capitolite. She was trying so hard to be a grownup...to be noticed. But she was just a little girl playing dress up. ...She just wanted to be noticed..."

He shakes his head, and lets his shoulders slump.

"Only four years older than my little sister. She's just a kid..."

"Dash, I'm so sorry."

He lets out a sigh, and drags a hand wearily down his face. Draping his arm around me, he pulls me to him and rests his head against mine.

"Let's just go home."