Thanks for all the reviews, favorites and story alerts! It makes me happy to know there are some out there reading! Please, leave feedback for each chapter: it really makes me feel good! Also, I realize I didn't add a disclaimer to the beginning of the story, but obviously I do not own the characters, theme or anything from the Hunger Games. I wish I did, though. Not only would I be rolling in my millions of dollars, Josh Hutcherson would be all mine. Oh well, 'tis life...

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Chapter Three

Haymitch and Effie joined the others in the seating cart, where Effie was formally introduced to everyone. Aria explained that since she would be retiring in four years, a candidate was chosen to take over as an escort for the District.

"Normally the Capitol likes to hire from within, but no one wants to move to twelve," Aria said as a matter-of-factly. "More often than not, District 12 hires someone from outside."

Effie was chosen from a pool of two-dozen candidates. While the selection committee was unsure about her young age, Aria ensured them she could mould the young girl to be the perfect escort.

"Normally junior escorts must be sixteen to participate on the job, but I made a special plea for Effie," Aria continued, pushing back Effie's blonde hair form her shoulder.

Effie held in a groan as she listened to Aria go on and on. She had already heard this story two million times since meeting Aria four months ago.

"In just four short years, Effie will assume the role of District 12 and, at the age of 18, become the youngest escort in the Capitol's history!" Aria beamed. "What a legacy to leave behind!"

Effie couldn't help but roll her eyes. Sometimes she wondered if Aria only hired her for this reason. Actually, she thought, this is probably the only reason she hired me. Well, that and for her love to boss others around.

Effie gave a smug smile and excused herself from the group, claiming she had to finish writing notes down from the reaping ceremony. She walked to the last cart of the train and entered her room, softly closing the door behind her. She sat at the small desk that lined the wall and flipped open a notebook and began writing:

I'm not completely sure why I took this position. I know it is considered a great honor in the Capitol — to be an escort, mentor or even a Game Maker. But is this truly something I want? After watching my first reaping in person, do I want the heavy burden of calling a child's name to the Games? These children are my age — my age! I would never make it through the Games, how can I expect them?

My only hope is

There was a knock on the door, interrupting Effie from her thoughts. She put her pen on the notepad and quickly closed the front cover before smoothing her dress and opening the door.

"Aria, hello," she answered.

"Effie, dear, that was very rude to excuse yourself so quickly," Aria answered in place of a 'hello.'

"I'm sorry, but I wanted to make sure my notes were as detailed as possible," Effie lied. Truly, she couldn't stand to be around Aria when she was bragging about establishing a legacy. "I really want this so I want to do everything as perfect as I can."

Aria couldn't help but smile. "All is forgiven dear." She turned to walk back out the door and reminded Effie to be in the dinner cart in three hours.

Effie sat back down at her desk and opened the notebook, forgetting what she was going to say. Her mind started to replay the events from earlier in the day: entering District 12, the reaping and meeting Haymitch. She lingered for a long time on the last memory.

Effie had been walking through the halls at the Justice building when she overheard Haymitch talking, to what she assumed was his family. The way he swore to return tugged at her heart. She then thought back to their meeting in the hallway of the fourth train cart.

His suspenders were no longer on their rightful place, but hung below his waist, on the sides of his legs. His sandy hair laid wherever it pleased; a piece drooping over his left eye. In the short period of time they spoke — or rather Effie rambled — he seemed like a decent person.

Effie looked back to her journal and tried to remember what she was going to say.

My only hope is….My only hope is…..

Effie tapped the pen to her lower lip as she thought. She smiled and began to write down a few words before closing the journal and placing it in the side drawer. She got up once more, smoothed her dress, and made her way to the sitting cart to see if Aria needed any help.

My only hope is…that Haymitch wins.