"After interest in the Games drops to an all time low, President Snow is determined to regain the once amazing popularity. Twelve tributes. One 'arena.' And one game-changing twist. Welcome to the 80th Hunger Games, the Rebirth."

~ The Rebirth Games ~

Chapter Two:

Goodbye

The silence from the crowd that follows is almost unbearable.

Danix Tides.

Finnick's voice can't stop ringing through my head. I look around calmly, prepared for hands to shoot straight up into the air from volunteers.. But no. Nothing follows. Everyone looks around, wondering who the mysterious unfortunate tribute by the name of 'Danix Tides' could be. I take a deep breath out, try not let the stress get to me. I step out from the line and onto a thin pathway. Heads turn, I think I hear Cas and Seidon's gasps. I tilt my head up, stare straight ahead and catch glimpse of Maris from the corner of my eye. I don't dare to turn to her, don't dare to let anyone know that we're friends. I'm concealed, and I shall not feel.

A small flight up wooden steps sit ahead of me, and when I head up, Finnick gives me a broad smile.

"Sweet," he whispers, shaking my hand. I grin back at him. "Nice to meet you, Odair."

I can almost see the glimmer in his eye now once I say that. "Oh, where?"

I play along with him. "Odair!"

I hear a few muffled laughs from the crowds beneath my feet, but it's nothing like the reaction Caesar Flickerman would get for a 'knock knock' joke. Just a few. And they sound somewhat uncomfortable. Unsettled. And it only makes me more confused as to why no one volunteered. They're clearly nervous, but any other year they're not. There's always about half that are anxious, half that are brave enough to volunteer. But today, no one. Not a single soul. But its what Finnick says next that makes me understand it all.

"So, Danix. You're the only tribute, and clearly these Games are going to be different.. Have you got any guesses how?"

Of course. One tribute, and they'd probably be fearing for their lives. And of course, something is going to be different this year. A regular fight to the death is out of the water, so every tribute - even the Careers - will be going in blind. It seems like the odds could be in anyone's favor this year.

"I don't know, but whatever it is.." I speak up, "..I bet it's going to be spectacular."

Each Reaping is broadcasted on TV later tonight, and of course Snow will be watching. Certainly some Capitol worshippers too. Better not disappoint them, so I continue on blabbering.

"I will try to fight for the glory of District 4. For the strong workers that we are. We shall be united together in victory!"

Finnick nods his head. I hear some cheers, but very few. Finnick then speaks into his microphone one last time before the gigantic doors to the Justice Building open up behind me automatically. "I hope you all wish Danix the best of luck, and may the odds be ever in his favor.."

He wraps his arm around my shoulder and guides me into the dark building. I hear claps behind me, but they're soon cut off once the doors slam shut, concealing us into darkness.

"So, any ladies?" Finnick asks. I'm taken aback instantly as he twists his hand on a door knob. He steps inside with me into a small room. A red rug fit with the District 4 seal across it sits on the floor while three or four fluffy sofas rest in front of a burning fireplace.

I turn and stare into his glossy green eyes. "What about you, Mr. Trident Warrior? What secrets do you have?"

"I asked you first. What about Maris? Is she your lady friend?"

I instantly frown, stepping backwards and further into the room. "How do you know Maris?"

He laughs as he walks outside and into the hall, and he says one last thing before shutting the door. "Your better question to ask now would have been your first one.. What secrets do you have?"

I'm not sure whether it's the anxiety flushing through my body or if I did actually hear the door lock. But if it did, I didn't check. My mind races on what he just said. Trying to calculate very word. But it's too elaborate. He is a trickster, after all. Maybe it meant nothing.. Maybe he was told to say that.. And if he was told to say it, it would be for good reason. For entertainment. To freak me out. Of course. I'm being watched, being recorded.

I drop down onto one of the lavish sofas and kick my heels up on the glass coffee table. Glaring at every inch of the room, I find no buzzing cameras. I cross my arms and try to make myself seem oblivious if there are any. Staring at the flickering flames of the fire only sends me to sleep rather than keep me awake. But next thing I know, I feel my shirt dig into my neck and pull forward. I'm yanked up off the seat and I stare into her eyes. Maris.

"Good luck," she whispers into my face, her breath shallow. I sense fear. She's shaking. Her voice trembles. Her hazel eys look big but her pupils look like tiny dots. "Whatever they make you do in that arena.." she continues, still holding me by the fabric of my shirt. "Just... Don't trust them. Run, Danix. Don't trust Finnick. They all know it. It's a trap. Try to escape when you're on the train. If you have no opportunities, escape in the Capitol. Whatever you do, don't enter that arena!"

Before I know it, I see white arms latch around her. I can only guess there are Peacekeepers here. My vision is fuzzy, I can barely see. She's pulled back, yelling something I don't know what. Time seems to be changing so quickly, because one second she's right in front of me, next minute the door is shut, she's gone and I'm on the floor staring at the ceiling. And by now, I feel that the syringe has already sent its fluids through my blood.

A crystal white room bursts to life with a sharp glow. Ms. Umbree's heels tap as she steps through rows of the Gamemakers' empty tables, ready for the chaos she is soon going to let play. Her vicious ideas all swirl through her brain, but she snaps out of it once she starts licking her lips. A glass door at the top of a small staircase slides open and she steps inside. A whirring noise fills the air once it shuts and she coughs softly.

"This better work well," a husky voice calls. Umbree looks ahead at the small desk in front of her, straight at President Snow. "If you want to save your skin, you need the nation to be totally glued to their screens."

Umbree tosses her head to the side, her blonde ponytail whipping over her shoulder naturally. "Don't worry, sir. Not even expecting the unexpected will prepare them. I think it's about time I let you in on the change I have planned for these Games.."

Author's Note:

Dun dun dun..

Hello everybody! Welcome to Chapter Two of The Rebirth Games: Goodbye! So 'Goodbye' refers to that cliffhanger with Maris and Danix.. What was that about? Well I'm sorry to tell you, but you will not be finding out any moment soon xD But don't worry, all the pieces of this puzzle will blend together masterfully... hopefully. I'm not an award winning storyteller. Hopefully I don't make any plotholes! It's going to be complex. :P

If you have time, please leave a small review of what you thought of this chapter! I'd love to hear your thoughts, and I hope your enjoying Danix who was created by the wonderful AsgardianGrizzly! AG clearly has a desire for Finnick, so I told her he'd be in this story... but I bet she's mad that he might not be so trustworthy! xD

That's it for now.. Stay tuned for Chapter Three of The Rebirth Games where we move onto the next step of the journey to the Games... What is it?! Well if you watched the movies or read the books, you'll know. ;)

Also, anyone get the chance to see Mockingjay Part 2? I saw it in 3D and.. Oh my god. Just please stop. It was perfection.

Thank you all so much for reading, byeeeee! :D