This chapter is dedicated to Shadowdust!

"I can't die" the girl tribute sobbed for the millionth time since we got on the train. Her tears were creating a wet patch of Peeta's shoulder.

"We're going to do everything we can to prepare you" Peeta soothed, rubbing her back, "don't you worry. We know what we're doing."

"I have a boyfriend you know" she spluttered. "I can't die."

I stared at her perplexed. Had she never heard of decorum? Or at the very least, dignity? She must have realised she was doing herself no favours. All this crying was painting a target on her back. From the moment Effie called her name she had not stopped crying. Effie had done her best to calm her down but nothing was to be done. Now that we were on the train, she was glued to Peeta's side, and Peeta had become her babysitter.

The male tribute was much more to my liking. He sat in the armchair, sullenly glaring out the window. Every now and again he would run his hands through his dark brown hair, or glance hostilely at his fellow tribute. He had said very little since Effie had summoned him forward, just a polite hello and introduction.

I watched the two of them, sadly. It was our job to help them survive this barbaric game; it was our job to keep them alive. Unconsciously, I fingered the scarf that I had persuaded Cinna to allow me to keep wearing. Was it really kind to help them survive that barbarism only to be dragged into another game? I looked at the girl, whose name I had already forgotten. If she couldn't handle her name being chosen how could she handle the smell of alcohol on some man's breath as he pushes her against a wall and chokes her for sport? She couldn't.

Maybe the boy could. Not like Peeta. Peeta was kind and managed to make every woman fall in love with him. But this boy could get away with the sullen moody look, women would think him brooding. If he can make it through the Hunger Games, perhaps he could survive the life that followed.

"Katniss?" Peeta called. "Maybe you could show Delphi her room? She can clean up for dinner."

Delphi! That was her name, Delphi Baxwoll. Eventually someone would say the boy's name and I could remember that too.

"Sure," I said tersely. I would have preferred to take spend time with the boy but gender dictated.

I led her, through the train to where her room was. She sniffled all the way there but I didn't acknowledge her. I would allow the tears for today, after that she had to be strong or face the fact that she was showing the world how weak she was.

"Ms Everdeen" she squeaked as I opened the door to her room. "I'm glad I have you as my mentor."

"My name is Katniss, Delphi," I said gently. "Go clean up and I'll see you at dinner."

"So, you and Gale?" Peeta asked once we were finally alone. Effie, Delphi and Alto (it turns out the boy tribute was called Alto Greenlaw) were in bed and Haymitch had moved into the bar car so myself and Peeta were left in the dining room. Initially we were discussing tactics for the Tributes and just as we were lulling into a peaceful silence he had to ask that.

"It's not what it looked like, I panicked," I sighed.

After an inquiring look from Peeta, I divulged the whole story.

"You shouldn't have told him"

"I know"

"He could put you in danger. If he does anything, you will pay," Peeta sounded worried.

"He won't, Gale is my friend Peeta. He won't get me hurt."

"Do you want me to sleep in your bed?" Peeta asked patiently, clearly deciding to drop the subject of my possible demise.

I nodded.

He glanced at my neck, and collar bone. I had taken off the scarf as soon as we were alone because it was just too warm on the train. "We need to get some of that ointment once we get to the Capital. I think I left some of in our bathroom. Come on, let's go to bed."

"She's crying again?" I sighed as I entered the breakfast room.

Peeta threw me an angry look.

"No Peeta. If she wants to have a chance she must listen to me."

"Katniss, I don't think now is the time" Effie warned.

I looked over at Haymitch, and saw a minute nod. I knew he would be on my side and, taking him as the most experienced mentor among us; I took his affirmation and continued my tirade.

"Delphi, you said you were glad to have me as your mentor so listen to me now. The crying stops now, if you want my help. Either you at least pretend to be strong or you are just asking the Careers to take you. You can't show your weakness or your human side if you don't want to be eaten alive."

Delphi looked at me, so astounded that her tears had dried up.

"The next time you cry in public Delphi, will be the last time I help you."

Peeta and Effie looked as if they wanted to kill me right there and then. Neither of them would ever understand tough love. I knew she couldn't show her weaknesses, and I knew that if they were to continue treating her like porcelain and cajoling her like they had been she would never make it. I may have been harsh but she was going to be okay.

Haymitch seemed rather proud however. "Take a seat sweetheart. You'll make one hell of a mentor."

"Mr Mellark, Ms Everdeen," an attendant said monotonously, "a message from the Capital."

We were handed identical letters, with our names written in neat slanted writing and the presidential seal on the back. Ignoring the looks of curiosity around the table, I ripped it open.

Ms Everdeen,

President Snow wishes to express his appreciation and welcome you as a mentor to the Hunger Games. He understands that your time will be taken up with this duty for the next month however, he wishes to make it clear that it is your obligation to the Capital to continue your duties. You will not be called on during the day but you must ensure that you are available every night. It is imperative that you don't allow yourself to be waylaid by the fanfare that is the Hunger Games, and consider yourself above the law,

You shall be hearing from us again soon,

Rhymer Perthshire,

Victor Liaison.

"Anything important?" Effie chimed, clearly trying to figure out what the President wanted from us.

I ignored her, "Peeta do you want to start with Delphi or Alto?"

"I think it would be better if I took Delphi" he replied folding his letter.

"Alto, come with me" I ordered, getting up from the table. Duty called.

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