Everbody sing, everybody dance
Lose yourself in wild romance

-Lionel Ritchie

Brandy Gripen, District 6, 13

It was kind of weird how often you were styled in the Capitol. Your prep team would be everywhere, styling you whenever you had a break. This had probably been the thousandth time I was getting a makeover since stepping foot in the Capitol. I looked at myself in the mirror, my bored expression was easily identifiable underneath the sprinkle of freckles that were applied on top of my young features. I also noticed my eyes. I'd been born with some weird mutation I always hated, leaving one eye blue and one eye brown. Some people thought it was cool but I thought it was plain weird.

"The Capitol have a lovely surprise for you," my stylist, Winona, told me as she struggled to straighten my curly hair. Looking a little frustrated as she tried to tame one of my locks for the second time, she sighed.

"Will it save my life tomorrow?" I asked, glancing at the clock. It was weird to me how tributes could still act normal after all this time. The Games were less than twenty-four hours away. It was eight o clock at night. The Games usually began at seven in the morning. That meant we were less than twelve hours away. I kind of tried to think about the prospect of dying and how I felt with it. I had a really philosophical friend back in District Six, Nano. She was the one who introduced me to morphling and the cool effects it had. She was also the one who used to ask questions... she'd ask me what I thought happened when we died, and honestly... I didn't know. Maybe soon I'd find out. But the prospect of eternal darkness was naturally scary to me. How could I prepare for death when I had barely tasted life?

"You need to stop worrying about that," Winona finally pulled the straightener through my hair and it fell down like a chestnut waterfall. I continued glancing at myself in a mirror, fidgeting a little. Usually I could sleep through the styling process but nerves were really beginning to get to me. Not to mention I hadn't taken any morphling in two days, and though I had never really gotten addicted the recent stress and anxiety had given me urges to take it. "You did your training, you did your interview. You did everything you can. Just trust us to make you look nice."

"Make me look nice for what?" I asked as the stopped straightening my hair. She looked at me and her dark lips curled mysteriously into a smile whilst she gestured for me to stand up. I did, and didn't struggle as she pulled a dress over my head and, with some difficulty, forced it down onto my body.

I'd never really been interested in fashion but I had a pleasant surprise when I looked into the mirror. Winona was an enchantress when gifted with stylers and make-up. She could make me, an average looking girl, look pretty. Though compared to some of the other stylists she was somewhat mediocre she was certainly talented. But this dress was kind of impressive. In fact, it was really cool. It had been shaped similarly to a map, with mountains, lakes and greenery. Snaking around it, starting from my waist and curling up around my shoulders like a scarf were railtracks. Winona flicked a switch and a toy train that hung off my body like a fashion accessory burst to life, following the tracks and repetitively journey from my waist up to my shoulders. It's journey never ceased, it continued and left a miniscule trail of steam in its wake.

"Pretty cool..." I paused after the train emitted a screech similar to a train whistle. "So what is this all for?"

"Girl, wouldn't you like to know!" Winona laughed, leading me out into the corridor. I watched as Sebastian's stylist led him down the regal halls, with their golden ceilings and rich-red carpets. "Okay, I'll spoil it. The President last year decided it'd be cool for the audience to be able to view the tributes in a natural environment..."

"You mean one where they don't kill each other?" I said, smirking. Winona didn't really catch my smirk. I was prone to giving sarcastic responses or grinning whenever somebody had said something stupid, but I made sure nobody ever saw. Because of that people often thought I was more miserable than I was.

"Exactly, like the dinner last year..."

"Wasn't that ruined by a fire?"

Winona blinked at me obliviously. "Girl, that's seriously beside the point. Basically, you're going to be in a social gathering and you're expected to charm sponsors," she looked at me in a suggestive manner. "You know, be cool, because sponsors will like you and give you money."

"That's if I survive the Bloodbath..." I paused. Would I survive it? Usually I'd assume I would. I was moderately quick and I would simply run out of the Bloodbath immediately, however whenever I was with Hadley and Darius they would debate various strategies and even though I was weary they said an alliance couldn't survive the Games without getting some food and supplies. Darius was the fastest of us, which meant he'd be the one to sprint in and get supplies while Hadley and I either get out or waited at a safe distance. I wasn't in danger like Darius was, but I could still die if Hadley decided we were best waiting around. "I don't know. I'm nothing special."

Winona cupped my cheek. "Girl, of course you're special. Just be yourself, okay? The sponsors will love you. Not to mention you are smokin'!"

I smiled weakly back at her as we waited awkwardly in the corridor. Sebastian was a few metres down it, waiting around with his stylist. No words were spoken but I took the moment to analyse his costume. It wasn't as cool as mine, but when put in a nice, simple tuxedo I had to admit that he looked nice. It wouldn't be long until I'd be forced in front of cameras again. And though Winona told me to be myself that prospect was intimidating; I had never been noticed when I was myself. I was the girl who would occasionally take morphling. Who would hide in her attic all day and sneak out at night. Who would always be overshadowed by her sister.

Hadley may have noticed me out of kindness, but I didn't feel noticeable.

As I stood there lost in thought two Peacekeepers approached me. Down the corridor two others also approached Sebastian, who was waiting patiently. I didn't have time to say goodbye to Winona, who was much more kind than most of the other Capitolites. I could only smile and then be whisked away, led into the unknown with two Peacekeepers beside me. They led me into parts of the building I didn't know existed, out of the building and through a small garden complete with rose bushes and glow in the dark butterflies.

The air was cool and felt great in my lungs after being cooped up in the same building for days on end. The Peacekeepers escorted me through the garden, not giving me time to stop and admire the night sky, the moon and the stars. I knew the whole arena was fake, sometimes even the sky was fake, so it was one of the last opportunities I had to admire the sky as it was. Then they led me onto a red carpet which rolled into a different building altogether, one which emitted muffled jazz music. I entered, only having time to look at the beautiful gardens and the evening once more before I was whisked inside.

The building looked bigger inside than the outside. It had a high ceiling and stairs that twisted upwards and almost brushed it. However, instead of being led up the stairs I was led through large double doors that were situated between the two oak staircases. Suddenly the room seemed different; red lanterns had given the whole room a red aura. There were hundreds of cloth covered tables and comfortable looking chairs. On one side of the room there was a bar where Avoxes were dressed more dapper than usual and cleaned glasses manually with a dry rag. Stools were pressed against the bar and it seemed possible to order from it. The other side of the room had a dancefloor, and a merry Avox played piano while a Capitolian singer released silky notes with the aid of her husky voice.

"Kind of cool, isn't it?"

I turned around when I felt someone tap my shoulder and I smiled at Hadley. He was dressed kind of... funny. His bow-tie was stitched completely from leaves, and his green and dark brown suit - complete with a tweed jacket - actually looks kind of nice.

"It's like those fancy old parties they'd have when it was pre-Panem," I said, happy my voice was audible under the constant blanket of singing and piano music. "Where is everyone else?"

"Still being led in, I guess," Hadley smiled.

I noticed the District One tributes were being led in. In his golden tuxedo, the One boy looked charming, and with a wig of auburn hair and a frilly blue dress the One girl looked equally impressive. I noted both of their actions: the One girl made her way tentatively to the District Four boy, who was sitting down with a glass of whiskey as he snacked on savoury goods that Avoxes had to offer in platters, whereas the One boy immediately went to Honora who was wearing an uncharacteristic pink dress, her hair flowing down with a pretty shawl.

"This all feels way too..." I struggled for the word, but the room had turned alive. Some tributes were together on the dancefloor, laughing and dancing to the music as if they wouldn't die tomorrow. Some tributes were talking amongst themselves and drinking whiskey, exchanging jokes and anecdotes - even tributes who weren't in an alliance. I felt as if alcohol could have been to play, but the Twelve boy was happily talking to the District Two boy, the District Three girl was dancing with the District One girl and the District Eleven girl was arm wrestling with an Avox at a table beside us. "Casual."

"It's what they want... they want us to appear like we're partying." Hadley paused. "My suspicion isn't for it to be another event that brings us sponsors. We're all vulnerable and upset, and the Capitol desperately want to make it appear as if this is a happy experience for us. Throw in music and vodka and you kind of have it that way."

"That... makes a lot of sense..." I admitted. "But I don't want to think about these th-"

"Hey!" An enthusiastic voice said in rhythm with a light tap on my shoulder. I turned to see Darius who was smiling enthusiastically. He was wearing a fancy business suit and a bowler hat, which actually made him look more innocent than the seriousness his attire was supposed to give off. Kind as ever, he came with a tray full of drinks. I noticed spirits, cocktails and soft drinks alike. "I decided to get some drinks before I met up with you guys. Oh, and Mirane tagged along if you don't mind."

"What are you doing here?" I asked Mirane as she sat down. She was dressed in a satin green dressed that complimented her figure perfectly. As she sat down, she threw her green feather boah to the side.

"Oh," Darius looked a little embarrassed. "Just joining in on our alliance. She's all alone-"

"That was her choice," I argued. I noticed Hadley was looking at the floor nervously.

"Look kid," Mirane whispered lowly, stressing the second word with hidden fury. "I kept away from y'all throughout training, I won't deny that. But do you see all those cameras on the ceiling? They're recording our every single move and sponsors are judging us all. While I'm here, I'm not going to sit around and look like a loner because sponsors don't like that and they never will. So I'm pretending to be social temporarily, get it?" I winced at the barb in her tone.

"Well... who wants a drink? I mean, we have brandy," Darius was pointing to the various glasses he had brought with him on a tray. I noticed Hadley had sensed the incoming tension and had disconnected completely, only moving to seize a handful of peanuts that a passing Avox brought with him. Darius, however, was desperately trying to be a mediator. "Hey, you're called Brandy!" He smiled at me. I tried to smile back, though I was a little pissed. "Oh, Brandy, I know you're way too young for alcohol so I brought more soft drinks if you ever get thirsty. I mean, who could ever be unhappy with lemonade-"

"You're using us," I said to Mirane after a moment of contemplation. "This alliance is your little puppet and you're not even part of it. Do you know how wrong that is? In training you avoid us like the plague, but when it's convenient to socialise with us-"

"Maybe you need some gin," Darius suddenly said, pouring it into my glass as Mirane glared at me.

"And you aren't using the older, wiser boys in the hopes they'll navigate you through the game?" Mirane snapped. I paused. I guess she was right - I mean, Hadley and Darius weren't Careers, but they could be of use. And I needed their companionship. As much as I hated to admit it, we all used different people in different ways. I watched as Mirane carefully took a cocktail, taking a tiny sip of it.

"I like them," I said.

"And? Do you think I hate Darius? I've told Darius he's a cool guy," Mirane glanced at Hadley casually. "I don't know you honey, no offence."

"N-None taken."

I seized my glass so that it was tight. The District Two girl, looking elegant and tall in massive heels and a tight dress that exemplified her figure began to walk past us. It was strange Darius was so willing to talk to a Career, but he looked up at her hopefully.

"If you're headed to the bar, we have enough alcohol to last a District Twelve miner a year," he said to her, smiling at her politely. It was weird, because I was willing to bet Lorelei Draven was a killer. She looked like one; she may have been average height with a normal face, but there was something domineering and intimidating about her. Maybe it was her impeccable aim. I had no doubt that she'd kill someone in the arena. I noticed her pause for a second, hovering over the tray of drinks before she seized a glass filled with orange liquid.

"Juice, right?" Her rough voice asked Darius, who paused.

"Uh... yeah," Darius said weakly.

"Good," she glared at him slightly before taking a sip. The roaring jazz that had been on five minutes ago had become slow and bluesy, the melancholy notes of the singer now calming the mood significantly. "Don't want my performance tomorrow to be hindered by a hangover."

"It won't, even if you get drunk, the Capitol k-kind of have weird stuff that will get rid of any hangover," Hadley said. Surprised that he had even spoken, he backtracked. "B-But maybe you're right..."

Lorelei looked down at Hadley and gave him a strange look. I didn't know it she felt bad for him or if she was assessing him as an easy kill that she could target tomorrow, but there was something that ran through her mind. She watched as we sat in tacitly for another five seconds or so before she quickly raised her glass and made a brief toast:

"Good luck for tomorrow."

"Yeah," Darius paled significantly and Lorelei strided towards a table filled with Careers. The Career girl, Honora, was screeching with laughter at something that the District One boy had said. "Good luck," he said, though Lorelei would not be able to hear him.

"How do we feel about tomorrow?" Hadley asked, concerned. Mirane smirked a little as she watched us try to talk tactics. She began to swirl her straw around in her drink before taking another sip. I noticed her occasionally glance up to the cameras. I didn't know what to think about Mirane, but I had no idea why Darius trusted her. She wasn't a genuine person. All she did was play for the cameras.

"I'm feeling good," Darius said. "I've been thinking... we need to decide whether you guys should run or not. If its an open arena, you two run to the perimeter of the forest, rainforest, desert, whatever is around the Bloodbath," I watched him try to vocalise his thoughts. "But this Head Gamemaker seems fond of more closed, thematic arenas, and if that's the case you shouldn't hang around. I'd rather you lose me than die."

"But what if you need backup?" Hadley questioned seriously.

Mirane glanced at Darius, a little shocked. "You're rushing into the Bloodbath? I don't know whether you're brave or stupid..."

Darius blushed a little. I think he was complimented. "W-Well... I am the fastest..."

"What's your plan?" I asked, hostile as ever. Mirane didn't even glance at me.

"I'm rushing into the Bloodbath."

I couldn't help but laugh bitterly. "Wow, I guess if I'm going to add more qualities to the list of reasons I think you're a bitch, hypocrisy is one of them."

"Except you forget I got a great score of eight," Mirane mentioned casually. Instead of sipping from her cocktail, she took a swig from it. "You probably find it easy to demonise me, maybe because outside your little alliance you want to make us all enemies and feel mentally justified for doing that. I understand that. But you seriously can't call me a bitch and act like a bitch, right?" Mirane shook her head. "I don't even hate you Brandy, because do you know what I see? I see a thirteen year old who is trying to play an adult's game here. Read my lips: grow up bitch," I felt my hands tighten around my glass further, and I was worried I was going to break it.

"I hope you die tomorrow," I hissed.

A sudden silence gripped the table. Everybody glanced at me for the briefest second, and then looked elsewhere in the hopes that my words would leave their mind; Darius was looking into the contents of his drink, Hadley showed an active interest in the lines that crept through his palms and Mirane was staring into the distance for a second. I raised my drink to my lips, taking a small sip and trying not to cringe at the strong taste of alcohol.

"Look, lets calm down, we're okay..." Darius smiled at me. "You're okay, right?"

"Yeah I'm fine," I returned the smile briefly and Darius glanced at Mirane.

"And you're fine too?"

"I'm being treated like a piece of shit," Mirane snorted. She finished her cocktail and placed it aside, though her fingers entwined themselves around a small stick with an umbrella attached to the end. She used her fingers to spin it clockwise, watching it angrily. "By a druggie, no less-"

I didn't even know how I did it, but I just knew that my drink had founds it contents splashed over Mirane's face as I released a tidal wave of anger. Mirane didn't even have time to gasp: she just glanced at me incredulously. Fortunately for her, my drink didn't even make its way onto her dress, but the look on her face was enough to keep me satisfied. Like Mirane's face, mine was wet. Though this time it was with tears. I didn't know a sentence could trigger all my brewed anger and insecurity.

"Brand-" Darius stood up and tried to touch me reassuringly, though I shoved his hand away.

"And next time Darius," I tried to talk through the sound of my own sobs. "When somebody tells you something confidentially, don't go and tell your stupid District partner in the process, okay?"

With that I stormed off.

I sat by the toilet and watched beads of blood slide down my wrist, leaving remnants in rivulets as they made their journey by their arm. I had never self harmed before, it had never occurred to me, but I sat alone and sobbed in the toilet where somebody happened to have dropped a glass of their drink or something. It was only one shard, but it temporarily beckoned me. I didn't really understand how self harming could have ever helped until now, but those shallow cuts sent prickles of sharp pain that seemed to numb the emotional pain.

It had all gotten to become too much. I thought being reaped into the Hunger Games and facing imminent death was enough, but it only got worse. What had started off as a hobby had turned into a powerful addiction. What had turned into an addiction had led to me becoming mocked, led to my allies whispering things behind my back to their District partners. And now I somehow felt more disgusting by sitting besides a dirty toilet, watching myself bleed out of self inflicted injuries. At least it wasn't deadly; I made sure the cuts on my wrist were only shallow, enough to experiment and see if it worked.

And for a brief period of time it did, but now disgust had only filled me with more misery and I ended up sobbing again. If I didn't have an alliance I would have just jumped off my plate and let the mines do what they wanted to me. Maybe it'd be easier than the countless other ways I could be killed in the arena. Maybe I didn't even want to be in my alliance. For whatever reason, Darius always brought his District partner with him. I knew in his eyes he looked up to her and liked her, but she was only putting on a facade for him. Inside, she was cold and emotionless and took advantage of me for having emotions and a past. And Darius? I trusted him to keep my secrets safe and to not tell Mirane that I was having a brief problem. Hr crushed that trust.

"Hello?" A kind voice knocked on my toilet cubicle.

"Go away," I sobbed. "The next cubicle is-"

I heard a loud crash as the girl smashed her way into the cubicle doors, which were weak on their hinges and forced themselves open. I tried to cover up my wrists as I watched the District Seven girl peer at me. If there was a time I couldn't feel more humiliated, it was now. But she sighed sympathetically and forced me to my feet. I didn't even struggle as she forced me over to the sink and poured the hot, stinging water on my wounds.

"I knew something was up," she said to me, her dark eyes glancing at me with sympathy. "Why did you do that?"

"Why not?" I replied. "I'm probably going to die tomorrow... you are too... lets be honest and look at our chances..."

The District Seven girl didn't say anything. I expected her to respond, but she looked at me once seriously and then turned the tap off. As soon as the stream of water ceased, she tore some paper towels out of a dispenser and dabbed the blood away from my wounds, which no longer wept. I winced a little at the pain of my fresh wounds being touched.

"You're probably right," the Seven girl said. "I am going to die tomorrow, or I probably will. But what's the point of moping? It won't change anything, it's my last night here and there's food and alcohol and people who - right now - aren't going to kill me, I may as well just enjoy what's left. Because life is life and it's stupidly short and painful and..." She took a sharp intake of breath. "And very, very scary. But it's all I have and I may as well enjoy it while I can, even if I know I have hours left, right?"

I paused and glanced at her. "Maybe."

"You're lucky those cuts aren't too deep, you must have been to wimpy to inflict any real damage on yourself," the Seven girl said to me, glancing at my wrist. "And from all the tiny scars on your arms, I can tell you've been injecting something in yourself too. Your wounds will hurt like hell over the next few days, but they won't kill you..." She paused.

"Thanks," I defensively drew my arm away from her and smiled weakly. I think I must have appeared super vulnerable. "I appreciate it."

She responded with a brief smile, though I noticed a weakness in her. "Yeah, you're welcome. Anyway, my ally is waiting for me and there's no doubt your allies are too, so see you later."

And with that she left. I thought about what she said about life and glanced in the mirror at my face, which was blotchy. The train continued moving around my dress, and only stopped when I sat down, but like life it continued. But while my life had an expiry date, I didn't want it to be tomorrow. I didn't want it to be while I was so young. Maybe, like the Seven girl, I needed to understand that my chances of getting out were slim. But that wouldn't change if I continued to hurt myself with chemicals or sharp items. I just needed to go out there with a smile and cling to the only beneficial thing that hung on in my mind...

Hope.

Aurochs Vierra, District 10, 16

The music throughout the evening had been pretty dull, but halfway through the party the dancefloor had come to life with numerous people from every District, gender and background. I think it was partly because enough alcohol had been consumed so the wall of social awkwardness was destroyed, another because the music had gotten progressively better as the night drew on. The pianist and vocalist had retired for the night and had been replaced with a number of Avoxes and Capitol musicians alike who played an assortment of brass instruments.

Saxophones, trumpets and double basses all made up an intoxicated melody, expelling a beat that compelled all to dance. People danced in circles, laughing, arm in arm to the music, before occasionally swapping dance partners. Mine just happened to be Carlie, who laughed and giggled as we seized on to each others arms, recklessly swinging around and laughing hysterically before the music stopped altogether.

"Wow!" Carlie laughed a little. Some of the people sitting at tables applauded at the dancers. Carlie put her hands on her wide hips, panting a little. "Now that was somethin'. I have to say Aurochs, nothing makes me happier than a man that can dance."

"A man that can dance?" I chuckled. "You must have low standards."

Carlie pouted. "Oh, y'think so?"

"I know so, I have two left feet," I laughed.

There was something about Carlie you couldn't love. She was the weakest link in the alliance I had built over the last few days in terms of pure strength, but something about her kept our alliance together and strong. Maybe it was her politeness, her sweetness, her charming smile or the way she laughed at my jokes even when they weren't really that funny. There was just something about her I liked. I originally teamed up with her because of District loyalty, but I was learning that it wasn't a decision that I regretted.

"Shall we grab a drink?" Carlie asked me after a second.

"That seems like a good idea," I paused. "Where's Seb?"

"Over there," Carlie pointed over to Seb. He smiled lightly to the District Three girl, who was his dancing partner. Something he had said had led to her laughing and nodding her head in appreciation before they both parted ways. I liked Seb. In fact, Seb wouldn't be in this alliance without me. For whatever reason by the end of the first day of training he happened to be without an ally. I was learning how to manage swords and so was Seb, so while I wasn't talking to Carlie we talked a lot about swords and the Hunger Games. After establishing a connection it only seemed natural that we become allies. I thought Carlie would be reluctant, but as soon as I told her I made a friend who was capable she leapt at the idea of having a new ally.

"Oh who was that you were talking to?" Carlie smirked at Sebastian as he approached us, her voice edged with what could possibly be flirtation.

"The Three girl," Sebastian smiled, somewhat oblivious to Carlie's suggestive manner. A part of me inside felt on edge and insecure - but why? Maybe I was overanalysing their body language together. Occasionally Carlie would act flirtatious with me and then the act would drop. Sometimes she'd be flirtatious with Sebastian. I didn't know how I felt about it - I mean, I was better looking than Sebastian. I was taller, stronger and possessed strong and broad features. Not that Sebastian was ugly. As I said, Sebastian was a great guy who seemed kind and funny. But I also considered myself a funny guy.

"Oh, what's her name?" Carlie asked, leading us to the nearest table with an amicable smile.

"Huh? I didn't catch it," Sebastian admitted. "She was nice." After Carlie gave him a serious glance he ruffled her blonde hair and smiled. "Don't you worry, you're still my favourite girl in the Games!"

"What about your District partner?" I asked as we sat down.

"Huh?" Sebastian dropped his comedic pretense and glanced at his District partner who was leaning against a door by the entrance. I heard a commotion at her table earlier, and now she seemed to be smiling at the Seven and Eight boys who talked to her with serious expressions. Her face was blotchy, but she was smiling and nodding at what they were saying. Eventually she hugged them and smiled. My attention immediately drew back to Sebastian as he started talking. "Brandy is... okay. But no offence, I don't really think she'll last that long. And she always seemed a little bit detached from me..." After glancing both ways as if someone was listening in, he turned to us and whispered: "And she's on morphling!"

Carlie looked disgusted. "Oh my, really? Isn't she like twelve."

"Thirteen," Sebastian corrected her.

"Oh my gosh..." Carlie rolled her eyes. "The state of society nowadays, right? I mean kids taking morphling..."

"Yeah, because society has always been great," I muttered sarcastically. I noticed Sebastian smirk a little, but Carlie glanced up at me with a somewhat offended expression. I was prone to making sarcastic remarks or immature jokes, and I didn't really think about the consequences of them or how they'd make feel people until afterwards. I cleared my throat and quickly corrected myself. "Sorry."

"No, no, it's fine," Carlie faked a smile, though underneath it she looked a little disgusted. "I was thinking about getting alcohol. I'm mature enough to drink, being seventeen and all."

"I'm seventeen too," Sebastian responded. "A beer is enough for me."

"I'm sixteen..." I paused and grinned. "That's old enough, right? I like beer too... but maybe I'd prefer something with an actual flavour..."

Carlie rolled her eyes and ruffled my hair in response, which I think meant yes. I watched as she walked to the bar, somehow managing to be graceful whilst she shook her hips suggestively in her walk. I knew I didn't and never would have romantic feelings in the short time I'd spend with Carlie, but I couldn't help but find her particularly attractive. Especially when she wore a brown dress crafted from the flesh of cattle and her face looking defined underneath some layers of make-up. She approached the bar and began to place an order

"Feels weird doing this before tomorrow," Sebastian sighed. Some music had started off again, this time multiple backing singers had harmonised their voices together in rhythm with a piano tune. "I mean, everyone is partying and stuff but when we're sent to bed... that's it. The pre-Games are over and the actual Games begin. And we'll be thrown into this fight to the death."

"It's kind of weird," I sighed, drumming my fingers on the table. "I mean, some of the people in this room are going to be dead tomorrow..." The urge to vomit hit me when I realised this could be my last night on earth. Usually I didn't comprehend these things, but what else could I comprehend? The more I thought about it, the more endangered I realised I truly was.

"We'll be okay," Seb smiled at me reassuringly and I nodded. But I knew that such a statement was illogical at best and an outright lie at worst. Maybe he meant we'd all survive the Bloodbath, which I wouldn't bet on confidently, even if we all seemed skilled enough the Bloodbath was full of carnage and could be totally unpredictable - it was rare, but the strongest tributes can fall in a brutal opening of the Games. But beyond the Bloodbath we wouldn't all be okay. I mean, there was a slim chance any of us could get home, but if any of us did the other two would be corpses. And even then, the survivor would most likely be severely injured and psychologically scarred. No matter the outcome none of us would be okay.

"Yeah..." I agreed after a while.

"We just need to prepare for the worst... we need to have a lot of guts..."

"If the Careers get to us, we will show them how much guts we have," I laughed loudly, causing the District Seven girl to glance behind herself and glare at me as I laughed. "Do you get it? A lot of guts... because you know... intestines..." by now I was only chuckling and Sebastian was glancing at me with a raised eyebrow. I chuckled one last time nervously. "Guts... no? Well... I guess there's a time and a place..."

"It was a good pun," Sebastian said, though there was no conviction in his tone.

"Yeah..." I paused. I didn't want to continuously stress it inside, but I reminded myself I did like Sebastian. In many ways we were similar, and there were no glaring differences between us. I think Sebastian was a little bit more thoughtful than I was. I didn't like philsophising and overanalysing the world. I think doing that only allowed you to reach dangerous, depressing conclusions, so it appeased me more to take life as it was and enjoy it. Naturally, that was difficult in the Hunger Games, but I still tried to keep the mood light even if the pensive, philosophical thoughts I hated would constantly invade my mind. I also could appear blunt. I cared about other's feelings, but wasn't observant of them unlike Sebastian.

I felt like though I knew Sebastian he was the blackest sheep in the alliance. Not that he was excluded, but Carlie and I had breakfast together, had dinner together and prepped together over the past few days. This meant sleep was the only thing that separated us and over the past few days we'd gotten to know each other extremely well. With Sebastian it was different. I knew him, but not well enough.

"Well, you like a drink then?" I asked Sebastian.

He smiled. "Yeah, I love going out and drinking, I kind of just love parties in general," he paused. "My mother and father used to get frustrated with it, they couldn't keep up with me or my sister... she partied ten times as hard."

I laughed out loud. "Do you have any other siblings?" It was a bad question. There was a big chance I would watch Sebastian die. Watching him die and knowing the people who'd sob in front of the television was certainly a difficult prospect.

"Yeah..." He cleared his throat, trying to not appear bothered. We all tried to avoid thinking about our families, though that was impossible, but talking about them made it so much more real. I mean who did I have to return to? My mother with her acerban wit and immeasurable love for her family. My father, always quiet and content, a vet who makes most of our income and would always be prepared to help those struggling. My younger sister, Oriana, who was - scarily enough - eligible for the Hunger Games even though she was so innocent. I wished she was with me, playing a prank of placing a whoopie cushion on my seat and finding the reaction hilarious. "I have a younger brother. And also baby twins."

I smiled. "Pretty cute."

"They're adorable..." He sighed. "I'd give anything to go home and tell them it'd be okay. I saw them cry at the Reaping, you know? I'm not scared of dying... Tell a lie, I'm scared shitless... but what really gets to me is not seeing them again."

I nodded in understanding. I never thought much of my life; I didn't mope or have a tragic background, but as I ran through life with content I didn't really pause to appreciate it. I didn't appreciate my family, I didn't stop to appreciate how fortunate I had been up until the day I was Reaped and I didn't appreciate the big shithole that was District Ten. I didn't appreciate my closest friends, fiery Margo and kind Colby... and then there were other peers and schoolmates who meant a lot to me, who I'd probably spare a thought for in the arena, who would also be hoping I got home: Finch... Teo...

"You boys been playin' nice?" Carlie teased as she arrived with drinks. She shot a grin at me. "It's mighty naughty of me to do so, Aurochs, but I did get you a beer because you're legal in the Capitol and what's a man without his beer, right?" She laughed as she handed Seb and I a beer each, before removing a red cocktail for herself. She frowned. "It's kind of weird how we just go to the bar and ask for this stuff. They don't make us pay..."

"Well we were given so much money to spend when they took us to the Capitol," I remarked sarcastically.

Carlie carried on, ignoring me: "I just think where that money comes from... I mean, the Capitol force my daddy to pay some mighty, hefty taxes... and children are starvin' but they prefer to spend it on drinks and stuff?"

"Welcome to Capitolian morality," I said. Again, it was sarcastic.

"It's kind of cool when you're living it," Carlie admitted, glancing up at Sebastian when he looked at her, shocked. "What? Lets not pretend like its not. Without any charge you're made to look beautiful, I mean lets not pretend half the girls around us wouldn't be pretty without all that styling," she carried on: "And then there's the food, the interviews, the parties, the mingling with the political elite-"

"The political elite?"

"Yeah," Carlie jerked a thumb at a table at the back of the room, barely lit. We all glanced at it briefly, noticing that sitting there were ten elderly men and two young, attractive girls whose serious faces were botoxed onto them. "I mean, we're sitting in the same party as the Terrible Twelve. Granted, they're not talkin' to anyone and just watching us all, probably lookin' for people to sponsor, but it's really cool to be in the same room as them..."

"Are you speaking English?" I raised an eyebrow, provoking a laugh from Sebastian.

"My daddy is very into his politics," Carlie sighed. "I mean, there is more to political life than the President and the Mayor and his administration, y'know? The President doesn't even make his own decisions, he just holds elections and gets the Terrible Twelve to run the country for him. Not that they complain when they get millions upon millions, but yeah. The President has his own Cabinet of twelve people. They run crime, military, energy, health, education, culture, propaganda, transport, resources, the economy, the Capitol and..." Carlie paused, thinking. "I think one organises the Districts, but they don't do much, only preside over Mayoral elections."

"I thought the President ran everything?" Sebastian asked curiously.

"Oh no," Carlie waved her hand dismissively. "He likes to make you think that... or maybe he does run everything... I don't really know, I'm a girl, we don't really know these things so well."

"You seem more politically aware than either of us," I remarked.

"Men do the talking, women do the listening, that's what my daddy told me and it's never gotten me into trouble," Carlie laughed, standing up as piano music started to play again. The District Eight girl, who was obviously drunk, had begun to dance alone on the dancefloor, laughing as she jived around freely. I noticed this time it was a tribute who was singing. She never looked attractive to me, but with a black, glittering dress and hair that fell down and managed to look both messy and seductive, the Twelve girl's body and face appeared almost as beautiful as her voice did. She sang into the microphone, her voice husky and seductive as she ran her hands through her hair.

"Wow," I said without thinking, watching her sing.

"Now that is going to get her some sponsors," Sebastian remarked, trying to tear his gaze from her.

I noticed Carlie look a little annoyed. "You want to know what a girl is good at? Dancing, so which one of you two is going to make me happy?"

Carlie and I were both laughing when we were escorted back to our District quarters. Considering it could possibly be my last night, it was certainly a good night. To make sure we actually managed to catch some sleep, the Gamemakers ordered for us to be taken to bed at around eleven thirty PM - which was perfect timing. By then a few of the tributes had started to become very drunk and the District Twelve girl was apparently spewing in the toilets when the Peacekeepers found her. I didn't think I was very drunk, but what little alcohol I had seemed to have a relaxing effect on me.

"Now that's what I call fun," Carlie giggled when we entered the District quarters. There, sitting on a couch was our escort Geonova was sitting on the couch and waiting patiently for us.

"The Hunger Games are mere hours away!" Three girls in wigs screamed into a microphone, each holding fake weapons. It seemed as if nothing but Hunger Games stuff played during the Games season. Carlie and I paused, watching the footage.

"And what are you expecting from this Games? Who are you routing for? What do you love about the Games, bar the days off from school of course?"

One girl pouted. "I just love the Bloodbath so much, its when it all begins and so many people die and it's just so freaking epic!" Her peers nodded in agreement, squealing excitedly and waving their fake weapons in front of the camera hoping that it would give them some attention. In the background other people, sponsors I reckon, walked around and signed numerous contracts excitedly, some wearing masks of fake blood, some were dressed up as previous tributes (I noticed one girl wearing Jynx's famous purple wig, and another boy dressed up as the old Victor Haymitch Abernathy), but all of them looked overjoyed.

"I just love it when a tribute betrays and kills their ally! I mean, the look on their ally's face is priceless and all the drama that led to it and the way it can just come out of nowhere!" One girl said as Carlie and I made our way to the couches. Only acknowledging us with a smile, Geonova stood up and made his way to the kitchen quickly while Carlie and I got comfortable.

"I hope you don't give them the entertainment they want," I joked to Carlie.

"And what did you love about last year's Games? What was your favourite bit?"

"The zombie apocalypse!"

"The house exploding! All those deaths and the drama, oh my god!"

Their friend rolled her eyes. "No freaking way. My favourite bit was easily the finale, the earthquake, the catfight, and then while Melanthe didn't know it her old ally just sneaked up and pelted that arrow into her head!" She laughed.

"And which tributes are you sponsoring this year?"

"Oh my god, there's so much choice! I might sponsor multiple ones. I'm absolutely in love with the District Two boy - yum. But even though the District Five girl is weak, she makes me laugh, so if I have any spare cash I'm sponsoring her. Or maybe I'll just go on a traditional route and sponsor the Four girl. I didn't like her that much, but she has the highest score of the bunch. I mean, I'll get my money's worth if I sponsor the victor."

"I didn't sponsor the victor last year," these girls were so desperate to get attention. Everybody in the Capitol seemed to be. "Astrid and Archie just died on me! So I send pity money to Tarren and she chose to die... How selfish can you even be?"

I was about to make a remark on how it wasn't selfish that Tarren chose to die, considering she had broken her back and gone through severe emotional trauma in the arena, her right to die made her go in a much more dignified way. The television suddenly went black and Geonova approached Carlie and I, handing us a glass of water each along with two tablets.

"What's this?" I asked suspiciously.

"Clearol, it'll take the alcohol out of your brain, sobering you up," he glanced at us both. "Neither of you seem too drunk but we were commanded to make you take it just in case. It also means you'll rise and shine tomorrow with no hangover... I mean, having a hangover when the Games start wouldn't be..." I noticed him pause tentatively, as if he didn't want to admit that the Games would start.

Without thinking Carlie downed the tablet with a drink of water, pausing before slowly taking small sips. I followed suite. It was a strange feeling. I had only drank twice before, but never been drunk. I wasn't even drunk now, but I felt as if the water I swallowed rushed through my head, taking any remnant of tipsiness with it. The rambunctiousness that had been with me had suddenly gone, suddenly I felt more serious. Suddenly I was kind of aware of my fate tomorrow.

"That was weird..." I muttered.

Geonova ignored me, squeezing Carlie and I into a tight hug: "I just have to say it's been such a pleasure mentoring you two! I haven't had such brilliant tributes in a long time!" I think he sobbed, and I patted his back lightly as he pulled away. Our escort smiled and drew away, glancing at us both. "I'm going to bed now and I just know you two will be fine tomorrow, okay? J-Just don't worry and get some sleep." He glanced at me, and I felt uneasy. "And don't keep your back turned. Whatever you do, don't keep your back turned."

"I won't," I smiled weakly at him before he strode off. When silence descended, I summoned it back: "And Carlie?"

"Yeah?"

"If anything happens tomorrow... it was nice knowing you," I said, smiling at her warmly before setting off to bed myself.

Oh my god, that's all the tributes! Looks like it's time to put an opinion poll to see what tributes are the most popular :) I think I've got the Bloodbath figured out, but if I'm killing off an extremely popular character (statistically) my mind could be swayed.

Anyway, since I ramble out my universe in the authors notes, one reviewer asked how Panem was organised on a political level. I've kind of detailed the history of Panem's politics, but the Panem in this era is a little less autocratic (as President Snow was an autocrat) but also slightly less democratic (as he was democratically elected):

Basically, since the First Nystalgia was elected President he passed a law ruling that only those of Nystalgia blood can rule, preferably male. They rule as the President. However, the policy makers are the President's cabinet (known as the 'Terrible Twelve') who comprise of 12 policy units: education, health, culture, propaganda, military, crime, energy, transport, resources, the economy, the Capitol and the Districts. They are democratically elected, as the President wants a popular cabinet, but he dictates legislature; they very rarely make their own decisions.

As for the Districts, the people of the District are free to elect their own Mayors, though they must make an oath of allegiance to the Nystalgias. Because of this, Districts differ in their laws (some, for example, have more welfare schemes, some are more strict) but ultimately the District is governed by the Peacekeepers of the Capitol, many Capitolian bureaucrats also affect District legislature and obviously the Capitol chooses how much funding the District gets.

Whew! Hope that's a satisfactory explanation... and wow, I'm close to 300 reviews before the Games start? That's really brilliant, keep reviewing! :)

~Toxic