Ok everybody it's time for the goodbyes and train rides! Hope you like these next 12 chapters as much as the reapings!

"There's never a right time to say goodbye." –Chris Brown (from his song Say Goodbye)

(Stephanie Grace POV)

After the reaping Granite Vertice and I are lead into the Justice Building. I'm not sure if I like him or not. He seems arrogant and on top of that he's known to be mentally unbalanced. But if it will help keep me alive I will ally myself with him. We reach the 2nd floor of the building and are led to separate rooms to await those who want to say goodbye to us. I know at least one person who won't be coming. My father. Since he will be my mentor for the next week any parting words we will have will take place the night before we are thrown into the arena.

The door is opened jarring me from my thoughts. My brother walks in unaccompanied. He looks worried and is shaking a little. He sits across from me and just looks at me with sad eyes.

"Do your best to get home ok?" he asks.

"I will. You know I will. Dad will be there to help me through it all." I reply.

"I know I just have a really bad feeling I might never see you again. I'm going to miss you."

"Don't worry I'll be back, okay?" I give him a smile and nearly squeeze him to death with my hug. The Peacekeeper comes in and signals that our time is up. He escorts my brother from the room. Soon the door opened again and in walked my two best friends Liam and Nick.

Liam Hoult was my best friend and ex boyfriend. Nick Palmer was Liam's best friend so we were close to. Sometimes it seemed that he liked me more than a friend would. I couldn't worry too much about it. Until I come home alive I'm not trying to set down anymore roots than I already have in District 1.

"Hey Stephanie. You doin' okay?" Liam asked.

"No but I'll be alright."

"We'll be waiting for you to come back." Nick added.

"Thanks for having faith in me. You guys are the best."

I pulled them into a group hug. While I still had hold of them I kissed them both on the cheek. When we all separated Liam looked at me a bit confused. Nick on the other hand looked at me and blushed. Soon the Peacekeepers were summoning them from the room to. As they reached the door Nick turned and met my eyes. He said two words to me that would haunt me as long as I was away from home.

"Be safe."

(Enter Granite Vertice POV)

After the crowd dispersed Stephanie and I are frog marched to the Justice Building. She seems to be studying me. I don't like that I want to cuss her out but that might set her off. Her Dad's a victor. I can't be pissing off such a high ranking competitor. We're separated into two different but luxurious rooms. I sit down and wait for whoever will come to see me off. After a few moments my Mom and Step-Dad walk in with Peridot right behind them. Dad immediately begins to lecture me.

"Remember boy you need to go in there and take out as much of that scum as you can get it? Make the best alliances possible. Practice with-"

"Dad I know. Those losers won't have anything on me."I boasted.

"I know you're strong but you need to-"I broke in before my Dad was finished.

"What? You don't think I can do this? I've been training my ass off for years for this. You know that!" I was getting angry now. I don't need all their advice. I'm perfectly capable enough to talk everyone out. I was going to kill them for killing Glaze. They killed him so I'll kill them.

"We know, we know. We just want to make sure you know to do my best." Says my Mom hurriedly. She's scared of the state of my mental health so she is trying to placate me. I smiled at the thought of being able to scare others. She smiles because she thinks I've calmed down. A Peacekeeper motions them out but Peridot turns to me and says, "Come home a victor or not at all."

(Stephanie Grace POV)

Soon I was walked to the train station. When I was aboard I saw that Granite, my father, and Zircon Ursay. Zircon is going to be Granite's mentor this year but what surprises me more is that he actually nods to me. Zircon never acknowledges tributes unless he feels they have a chance of winning.

The four of us proceed into the dining room for a late lunch. We will be in the capitol by tomorrow. We have to travel backwards to all the districts and get the other 22 tributes. We feast on roast duck, salad and tomatoes with fresh mozzarella. Dad and Zircon start a conversation while we eat warm apple pie.

"So we all want a District 1 victor out of these games. What are you two good with as far as weapons go?" asks Zircon

"I'm a badass at hand to hand. If it can be swung, you know like a sword or mace or something I'm your guy." states Granite. You can tell he takes pride in his combat skills.

"And you?" Zircon inquires of me.

"I've got basic knowledge of all weapons. I'll need to work more on survival skills during the training days."

"Well both of you practice on fighting technique. Also make alliances with Districts 2 and 4. You'll need them in the beginning." says my Dad.

"Both of you go to the viewing room and we'll watch a recap of the reapings." Says Zircon

Granite and I make our way to the plush viewing room. He seems to be preoccupied with his thoughts so I leave him alone as we sit next to one another on the sofa. Dad and Zircon walk in with Lilly Fell, our escort, at their heels with the tape in her hand.

"Sorry I didn't join you for dinner," she squeaks "I wanted a rest before the viewing!" She plugs the tape into the TV and I prepare to see 22 other lives ruined.

(Granite Vertice POV)

The television comes to life and the reapings begin. I see Stephanie volunteer and I see myself being reaped. The commentators don't know what to make of my reaction or my boastful statement on stage but the fact I must be very confident in my ability to win. Stupid idiots. How can they even suggest that I won't? District 2 is next and I almost laugh when I see how weak the girl looks. The boy, Silver Brigg, looks more formidable. Soon the reapings become a blur in my head though a few stand out. The pair from 3 is a couple, there's a wild looking girl from 5, and the boy from 10 is a small crybaby who can't be over 12. And of course I take note on the District 7 tributes who I will make pay for the death of Glaze. The girl, Olive, I think her name is, is tall, dirty, and very masculine looking. I do have to give her some points on how she smirks at the crowd. The male, Sloan, is another who looks like he's strong enough for the games. Still it doesn't matter because I'm going to win.

(Stephanie Grace POV)

After we view the reapings I am depressed at the thought of some of the tributes I will have to face. I keep my poker face up but inside I feel for some deeply, like the boy from 10 who walked to the stage in tears, or the brother and sister from 11. However all of them have to die if I'm to go home. I go to bed that night wondering about the games and what will happen when I get there.