Hello again. Not as long of a wait!

No one reviewed my last chapter, so no one got the surprise. It was a one-shot in a fandom of your choice (that I knew) and it would be dedicated to you. And you could choose what it was about.

Disclaimer:

Me: Guess what?

Katrina: What?

Me: I don't own THG!

I tossed and turned, before realizing it was futile. I wouldn't fall asleep. Sighing, I got up and slipped my feet into some slippers. There was one place I knew of that I could clear my head. Because it was chilly, I grabbed a sweater as I walked to the elevator. Putting it on, I got into the elevator before realizing it had been used recently. I shrugged; probably just some mentor or stylist that went out of the Center.

I pushed the R button, and I felt myself zoom up to the roof. The elevator opened, and I got a breath of fresh air. I stepped over to the railing - I wanted to look out over the beautiful city.

My hands tightened on the railing as I realized the city was silent. No one was celebrating. Did the rebels take over the city? Or... is it because the Capitolites would never celebrate the death of 23 Capitol children?

I watched a bit more, before turning. And saw that I was not alone on the roof. I gulped.

"Beetee?" I asked.

He came silently over, and I saw his wheelchair glint in the Capitol light. "What are you scared about?" he asked. I blinked at him. He had a sad smile on.

"The Games, perhaps?" I asked sarcastically. When Beetee rolled his eyes, I heard the wind rustling in the garden.

"What do you hope the arena is?" Beetee asked.

"Forest," I said immediately. "I know snares, and we all know how to climb trees." Beetee nodded.

"Good reasons," he said.

"Well? Am I correct?" I asked, annoyed.

Beetee hesitated. "Sort of. You'll just have to see. Do you have a plan for the arena?"

''Yes. And I won't tell you," I told him. Beetee smiled slightly.

"Then what are you worried about? And if you say death, I will push you off this building," Beetee said. I had no doubt that he would. (I know there's a forcefield. Beetee probably could disabe it, though.)

"What if we don't get the supplies we need?" I asked. "What if we cannot survive?"

"You have sponsors, I'll tell you that." Beetee looked like he was going to leave.

"What's it like? I asked quickly. Beetee looked at me, but I could tell he understood. Beetee was a District 3 Victor, after all.

"Scary. You are just a child, faced with other children who want your blood. Un-nerving. You never know if you will survive the day, or the night. But at the same time there is a sense as if it is a game that you must win - that you must prove someone wrong. That is what it is like for District tributes. I have no idea how you will feel, or even if you feel at all," Beetee said. I winced, but either he didn't notice or didn't care.

"I thought you cared about me," I whispered.

"It's been my job for about 40 years to help kids. And I'm not going to give up now. But I do not care about you as I did the others. But remember that however much I hate a tribute, I will always try. I cannot speak for the other mentors." Beetee went to the elevator, and disappeared. I took a deep breath, and walked over to the elevator myself. That is, until I heard the voice.

"Well, that was entertaining. When I win, I'll make it a point to come here and remember how broken you looked." The voice belonged the Ashley.

Elevator had been used recently. Beetee's sad smile. The rustling in the garden. Of course. How could I be so stupid?

Ashley stepped out into the light. She, too, was wearing PJs, but her's looked like they were cotton. She was wearing shoes. And though she had only short sleeves on, she wore no coat.

"How do you know you'll win, Ashley?" I asked, trying to sound brave.

"The odds are in my favor," she said. "Or have you not looked? For every 10 people that are voting, 5 are voting for me. I also checked yours. For every 10 people that are voting, 4 are voting for you." Ashley looked triumphant.

"Ashley, you've watched the Games. Just because someone has the most votes, doesn't mean they win," I told her. Honestly, was she stupid?

"But I might have a better chance," said Ashley softly.

"Might," I pointed out. "You said might."

"I'll give you this piece of advice for free." Ashley was looking directly at me. "Always assume you will die. That way, you avoid unpleasant surprises. They will still be unpleasant, but it won't be a surprise. And if you survive..." Ashley shrugged. "Then you have a pleasant surprise. As long as you don't get used to them."

"Used to what?" I asked.

"Wow, you really are dumb, aren't you?" Ashley asked, not answering my question. And with that, she walked into the elevator and disappeared. I took a deep breath of fresh air, and then I followed her - after the elevator came back. And finally, I was able to sleep as soon as my head hit the pillow.

So, not really a long chapter, more of a filler chapter. If you read my other multi-chapter story (PJO/HP Crossover) then you'll know I love filler chapters.

I am quite happy about how this turned out, though Katrina may be a bit too smart. Oh, and I've started reading a new series - the Ranger's Apprentice series. Consider yourself warned. And I can't think of any questions right now... so you have this dare that you can choose whether or not to do.

Spot the The Ruins of Gorlan quote reference. (Bk. 1, RA)