*Looks around nervously* Hello? Is anyone there?

I want to apologize for going MIA. Basically, after the last update I needed time Post-Reaping to relax. Then my work went insane. I got a new division, crazy stuff, and it's taken a while to calm down. Then I felt bad about not posting and that stopped me from updating further, and now here we are.

I am incredibly sorry but I'm back now. I have the next few chapters written already and am good to go. I hope people are still invested and willing to give the story a chance! And, as always, I'd love your reviews to see if people are still reading.

Due to the amount of time it's been since I posted, there's been a change of plans. These next two chapters will now be all the Tributes meeting their District partners on the way to the Capitol. This way we can all (including me) get reacquainted with these Tributes before they mash together in Training and then the Games.

Enjoy and please review!

Chapter IX First Train Rides & First Impressions

District 1

With the allotted hour for Goodbyes finished, the Peacekeepers respectfully escorted both of District 1's tributes from the Hall of Justice to the train station for their departure to the Capitol. As Lana and Reko left, driven in a limousine, throngs of well wishers waved them goodbye. Through the non-tinted windows, all of District 1 had a clear view of their Tributes, who eagerly waved back in excitement.

When they arrived at the station,, Lana stepped out first. The roar of the crowd was almost defeaning, putting a smile on her face. Reko was just behind her, equally pleased by the reception of the crowds. As they stepped up onto the train, Reko took a moment to turn back around and throw up a triumphant fist, eliciting another scream from the crowds.

A Peacekeeper, voice low and reverent, whispered to him. "Tribute Dunas, we must go. The Capitol awaits."

And then District 1 was gone. A speck on the horizon and only the Capitol stood before the Tributes. As soon as home was gone, Lana felt the weight of the Games fall on her. Her aunt's words, harsh and critical, rung in her ears. What if she never came back alive?

She looked at Reko, who was snacking on some sort of colorful treat and felt ashamed of herself. He clearly wasn't concerned about the Games, why should she be? The Academy had trained her well and had trained her not to give into these flights of despair. It was time to take charge and make the District proud.

"Is that any good?" She asked.

Reko, who was delicately eating the treat, shrugged. "A bit sour for my tastes. But I guess that's how the Capitol likes things. You know, that actually might help you."

It was meant to be a joke, at least Lana thought it was. She had known Reko for years at the Academy and always found him to be maddening. He was the type of person that always spoke as though he had been friends you for years, a trait Lana found off putting. It presumed too much and always seemed to be more a bully tactic.

"My skill at arms will help me, thank you." She replied tartly.

"And the sponsor money. Don't forget that." Reko commented, finishing the rest of the treat with one bite and moving on to another.

"And the Career Pack." Lana said, settling down on a couch. "We have to make sure we're the leaders of it this year."

"Does it matter?"

Lana's brows raised in surprise. "Are you serious?"

"Yes, I am serious. We'll all go out, kill other Tributes, and then when we hit the Final Eight we'll turn on each other as always. Let's not overthink it, Lani."

"Don't call me that." Lana said tightly. She wanted to nip that nickname in the bud quickly. .

"Sorry, didn't mean to offend you." Reko shrugged, not sounding sorry at all. He actually sounded pretty amused. "But again, you've got to lighten up. We made it to the Games! Can we please just enjoy some of the food before the Training and interviews and everything else begins and we got tossed into the arena."

Clearly, this conversation was going nowhere. "I think I'm going to take a walk of the train. I've never been on one before."

Reko rolled his eyes. Nobody from District 1 except the Peacekeepers and other Tributes before them had. "Suit yourself." He muttered as she left, the magnetic door of the train compartment swishing shut behind her. Reko had to chuckle. Her buttons could be so easily pushed. Yes, she had a point about the leadership of the Career Pack, but there wasn't any point planning things out until they met the other Tributes.

For now, Reko was more than delighted to relax and enjoy the fruits of his first Victory.

And later, much later, the fruits of victory in the Hunger Games.

DISTRICT 2

"Valdez."

"Estelle."

A firm, polite handshake between District 2's Tributes was enough for the new partners. They knew each other well from training and had respect for the other's skills. There was little questions that they'd be together until the end of the Games.

"I was impressed by you." Estelle began. "I didn't think you'd win that brawl with the eighteen year olds."

Valdez shrugged, looking a bit sheepish when anyone praised him. "Benefits of my dad's dojo. He teaches the best hand to hand in District 2."

"Evidently. Are you only fighting hand to hand then in the arena?"

"I am."

"Not worried then about a sword or an axe?"

"Was that a 'jab' at me?" Valdez said with a wink, which caused Estelle to blink. "Don't worry, I've got some tricks for disarming."

"If you say so." Estelle replied.

Valdez kept a polite face but almost rolled his eyes at her. He guessed what people said about her attitude was true, she didn't seem to have any levity in her at all. "So, allies?"

"Of course. The Capitol wouldn't expect anything less from District 2." Estelle said easily, who was admiring the interior of the train as they walked. "Let's just hope District 1 and 4 sent us some tributes with worth."

"How do you feel about recruiting outside of those two Districts?"

Estelle paused, giving it thought. She liked how Valdez was already deferring to her. "Maybe. It always depends of course, but it's good to keep an open mind."

Valdez just nodded, thinking that an interesting mindset from someone who had tunnel vision when it came to the Capitol. Sure, he loved and supported the Capitol too, obviously, but one could always take things too far. He'd never get caught at one of those rallies Estelle always went to.

In the end, he guessed it didn't matter to much. Estelle would make for a good ally, and that was what he needed until it was time to cut the cord and go for the win. And he was sure Estelle was thinking the exact same thing.

DISTRICT 3

The trip from the Hall of Justice to the trains was quiet for Eddie. No adoring crowds followed the limo as he passed. A few lookie loos were out, catching a glimpse of their Tribute or just admiring the pristine white limousine. He didn't mind though, merely thankfully he wasn't with his District partner. When they arrived at the station, Eddie was hustled out of the limo and handed over to some new Peacekeepers. These ones wore gold cloaks draped over one shoulder, signifying their status as Peacekeepers stationed in the Capitol and above their District brethren.

Also still golden was the District escort. She beamed when she saw him, beckoning him up into the train. "Eddington! So good to see you! Your partner is already on board. Asleep of all things, can you believe? She was apparently wrung out form her Goodbyes, the poor thing. The Peacekeepers told me she probably wouldn't wake up until we reached the Capitol!"

Eddie nodded, accepting that. He didn't notice the two gold cloaked Peacekeepers, who had to sedate the erratic and crazed prisoner Penelope, exchange a look.

The train left as soon as he was on board and District 3 was gone. The Escort gave him little time to process his feelings though as she chatted endlessly, not at all bothered that he never responded. She brought him into one of the train carts – all of which seemed to be larger than his family's home – and sat him down on the comfiest couch he'd ever been on. The walls and furniture were bursting with color, too much for Eddie to take in coming from the monotonous black and grey of District 3. Along the walls stood people who, by their attire and collars, Eddie instantly recognized as Avoxes.

The escort laid out on the couch across him, putting her feet up and shoes on it. Eddie was shocked by that behavior. His parents never let him put his dirty shoes on the couch because it was rude. It seemed… weird to think of a Capitolite being so unconcerned with making something dirty. She clapped her hands and two Avoxes stepped forward, though did not raise their eyes. "A light snack for us as we get acquainted!" She demanded.

"Light" was an understatement. The Avoxes peeled off from the walls and presented Eddie and the Escort with beautifully carved boards with mountains of food on them. Meats, cheese, and fruits threatened to spill off the sides of them, making Eddie's mouth water instantly. An Avox presented him with a cubed fruit with meat on top, which was shaped to look like a flower. He devoured it eagerly, enjoying the taste. The Escort chuckled at him before easily downing a whole flute of champagne before grabbing another.

"Eat all the food you like, I'm on a liquid diet, sweetie." She laughed. "So, are you excited?"

"Um… sure." Eddie said, not wanting to upset her.

"I'm so glad! It's always difficult when a Tribute is all mopey. Do you think we should wake up your partner? I wouldn't want her to miss all the good food."

"I… I think we should let her sleep." Eddie mumbled.

"Hmm? Speak up, sweetie! You'll need to be more assertive in the arena." The Escort said. She was already on her fourth drink, much to Eddie's shock. Do all Capitolites drink so much?

"Sorry." Eddie replied, eating another cube of fruit. They sat in silence for a bit before Eddie tried something brave. "Do you know anything about what's coming in the Games?"

The Escort perked up, a flash of annoyance across her face. "Well… my sister is actually a Gamemaker! She can't talk about it, oh no, but she does give hints. She just loves to brag about the work she does. As if nobody else in all of the Capitol works as hard as her! As if!"

"Uh huh" Eddie said, wanting to stay in her good graces.

"Well, she let slip after one too many drinks – which isn't surprising, she cannot hold her liquor! Have you ever had an Old World Devil? Oh I'm so silly, of course not! You've never been to District 4. Oh they do such a good job making it there, the climate is just perfect for the agave.. Anyways, she said that the arena…" The Escort paused for suspense, before shouting, "involves electricity!"

"Electricity?"

"Yes! Isn't that delightful! You're from District 3! You'll fit right in!"

Eddie didn't quite understand that. "How can I fit in?"

"Well you know," The Escort replied, gesturing wildly around her as though it was so apparent. "You work with electricity all the time! All of you in District 3 make all the technology in Panem! So you'll know how to work it. I'll make sure to sell it to Sponsors. My little techno genius you! Now you're partner, she'll be a tougher sell. Do you know what she did?"

"No."

"Well, I'll ask one of the nice Peacekeepers on this trip. Oh my, what if she's like a secret assassin or something? Or if she killed her evil parents! Oh what a delightful story to tell sponsors! You're so blessed to have me on your side!"

Eddie fell silent after that, nibbling on some cheese. An electrical arena? He really didn't know much about how electricity worked, he only worked a factory line. What good would he be in the arena?

And worse… what would he do once Penelope woke up?

DISTRICT 4

Mara did not like him, that much was clear to Cean as the two District partners sat across from one another. The Escort had left them to "bond" but so far things had been a dud. Mara had given him a look over once the cameras and mass of people wishing them well had vanished and seemed to decide he wasn't worth her time. Cean wasn't quite sure what he had done to deserve this. First Sirena blowing him off and now Mara, why did girls hate him today?

"Nice tattoo." Cean finally tried, nodding to the dolphin tattoo on Mara's cheek. Cean thought the inkwork was nicely done, if oddly placed.

Mara's shoulder pulled back, as though he was about to attack her. "Are you making fun of me?" She hissed.

"What? No! I mean it! I have one too." He said, pulling off his jacket so he could roll up his sleeve and show her.

That apparently insulted Mara too.

"Stop taking off your clothes in front of me." She demanded immediately, you can just tell me. I don't need to know where on your body it is."

Deflated, and annoyed, Cean sat back down on the couch, still throwing off his jacket form the Reaping. "It's a ship." He said.

Mara scoffed. "How original."

Cean pursed his lips together and sniffed in. Was she deliberately trying to provoke him, or was she just rude normally? He only knew Mara by reputation at school. Academy trained and apparently quite formidable. And of course, her dad had been in the 40th Games and lost. Oh, and she had no friends against one hanger on, Jenny, who followed her around and put up with her meekly.

"It has a meaning." He replied back, an edge to his voice. "Does yours?"

"What do you want?" She asked instead, staring him dead in the eyes. "Obviously you want something, so just spit it out and stop with the small talk."

Fair enough, he guessed. "We should be partners."

Infuriatingly, Cean thought he saw a smirk forming. "You don't have any training." She replied. "I had hoped for someone better, or at least older. But I got you. A fifteen year old with a ship tattoo and a creepy looking face. Now I've got to carry our District and win the Games and while I'm doing that, you want me to carry you as well?"

"Did I say that?" Cean replied coldly.

"If you want to be partners fine, but your role is simple. Stand in front of me like a good meat shield and die for the District. That way I can win."

That was officially too far. "Well with that stick up your ass, I wonder how long you'll last compared to your dad." He muttered. Next thing Cean knew, a vase from the coffee table in front of them was flying at him. He dodged quickly, and it smashed into the wall behind him.

"Get out!" She screamed, looking for another item to throw at him. Cean didn't need to be told twice. He fled quickly, nearly knocking a Peacekeeper down as he did.

'Look like I'll be looking for partners elsewhere.' He thought miserably.

DISTRICT 5

Olivia, even in her shell shocked state, still couldn't believe how beautiful the world outside of District 5 was.

They had been on the train for almost two hours now, leaving behind the grim skyscrapers and bombed out buildings of District 5's seemingly never ending city. Out the windows of the train now was an entirely new world, open and seemingly free of Capitol control.

It was a shocking sight. Occasionally they'd pass by some ruins of the Old World, building gutted by time or bombs where nature was slowly reclaiming what was once lost. She had even seen deer – actual wildlife! – grazing lazily and oblivious to the girl on the train, moving quickly towards her doom.

She really shouldn't be thinking like that. While the mire and toil of District 5 were far behind her, so were her family and friends. And John. Even now she still thought of their kiss. At least one good thing came out of this mess.

She could suddenly see John and all their friends, and her sister Nadine, egging her on, telling her not to be so miserable.

And to fight.

To freaking fight.

'Ok.' She thought. 'Let's actually do this.'

And the first thing to do was meet her partner.

She found him in the last train cart, looking out a window himself at the passing landscape. The cart was oddly designed to be like a fishbowl – literally – with walls made of glass and holographic fish swimming by. Aleko looked up when she entered, a small smile on his pale, sickly face.

"Olivia."

"Aleko. It's a beautiful sight, isn't it?"

"It really is. There's so much color out there. And I think I saw a bear. Or, maybe it was just a big squirrel."

Olivia actually laughed at that, taking a seat next to him on the couch. "So, I realized that I've never seen you before today."

Aleko looked away, uneasily, "I've seen you before. Not to sound weird or anything about it."

Olivia smiled a little. "At the diner, I'm guessing?"

"You guessed right. It's a good place."

Olivia belted out a laugh. "Hardly." She replied, thinking again about her boss and how he was no doubt scrambling to replace her for the post Festival dinner rush. Aleko smiled as well.

"Ok, I guess I was being nice."

"But seriously, I've never seen you at school before."

Aleko shrugged. "I haven't been the past few years. No real use of it. But I also remember you from school. You were one of the popular kids."

"When I had money." Olivia replied.

"What happened?" Aleko asked, in spite of himself. "I heard rumors but…"

"Nothing as dramatic as those rumors." Olivia said. "Dad just lost his job. Mom didn't work. They complained and didn't want to change. Suddenly I had to work and do everything. And now here I am."

"Here we both are."

"Yeah. I guess so." Olivia said. There was a silence between them, the sound of air conditioning, which Olivia still wasn't used to, blowing across the train cart. Meanwhile, a colorful fish swam between them, gills moving through the invisible water. "That was brave you to volunteer. Who was it for?"

"My boyfriend, Navajo." Aleko said instantly.

"Oh… that's really sweet of you." She said, before kicking herself mentally. What a dumb thing to say. "I mean, you must really love him. To do something brave like that."

"I do, not sure if it was really brave though."

"Are you kidding me? How many Reapings have we been through where family members, people related by blood, don't even volunteer? What you did was brave."

"Did you have anyone who could have volunteered for you?"

Olivia shook her head. "My sister and my best friend. But I would have stopped them." She said confidently, masking a sudden doubt. Would she have? Olivia certainly would have liked to think so but honestly… no, she would have. Annoyed at such hesitancy, Olivia decided to ask the questions that was probably on everyone's mind just looking at Aleko. "Can I ask, and I'll just be blunt since we're running against the clock, but are you unwell?"

"I'm dying." Aleko replied equally bluntly. He was familiar with the question.

"Oh… shit… I'm sorry."

"There's no cure. I wasn't going to let my boyfriend go and die when I could just, you know…"

"Speed up the clock?" Olivia supplied. Aleko just nodded. "Or… find a cure in the Capitol."

"That was only pointed out to me after I volunteered." Aleko said. Olivia thought about that for a moment. Was he bluffing and just playing up the boyfriend angle to get sympathy points? No, Olivia liked to think herself a good judge of character and Aleko seemed to be alright.

"Well, with that story you're going to be rolling in sponsors." She said. "I think I'll stick with you, if that's alright."

"I'd love an ally. For the District. And because I'm scared shitless."

"Oh good! I am too," Olivia replied, before they burst out in nervous laughing. "But hey, we won't be in the Capitol for a while longer. Do you wanna look out the window for some deer?"

Aleko nodded and the two of them looked out through their fishbowl cart, both happy to have a partner for the Games.

DISTRICT 6

A knock on his cabin door raised Amadeus from his stupor. It was more of a tap really, polite and at the same time unsure.

Another, this one less confident. Amadeus rolled his eyes. When did he become the expert on knocks? He rose from his ludicrously soft bed and spacious cabin and opened the door, finding his district partner on the other side.

"What is it?" He asked. It was harsher than he intended, but his District partner didn't seem affected, as though hostile tones were something she were used to. That immediately made Amadeus feel bad and calm down.

"Sorry," Sarah replied, a polite smile on her face. "I just wanted to introduce myself. I'm Sarah."

"Amadeus." He said in turn. "Guess we sorta met at the Reaping though."

"Sorta. But this seems a better way to start things."

"Well… good as can be on a train to the Hunger Games." Amadeus replied dryly. Sarah gave a half hearted smile at that, clearly unsure how to respond. Not many people liked his humor, a product of years of… well, years of what he went through. He bet the Capitol would hate it, and him. As for now, the air between them was awkward. Finally, Amadeus blurted out the only thing he could think of. "Should we be allies?"

Sarah's face was unreadable. "If you want to be."

"Yeah, sure, if you do."

"Ok. Great."

Another silence. "I think I'm just going to rest some before dinner." Amadeus said.

"Good idea." Sarah said, voice calm. "I'll see you there."

"Ok." He closed the door, grabbing the cool vial of poison in his pocket. She was… odd. Or nervous. Either way, Amadeus didn't feel very confident in his District partner.

Sarah, meanwhile, was replaying all her perceived mistakes as she walked back to her room. That was the best she could do? She couldn't even manage small talk! What if he decided she wasn't worth the hassle, treated her like Jorina and the other girls at school did, and would leave her behind in the Games? Then she'd be all by herself, just prey for a Career or some mutt or–

Suddenly she was on the ground and seeing stars. Her head was throbbing as she realized she had run into someone. "I'm so sorry." She began, apologizing instinctively. When her vision cleared Sarah realized she had just run into a servant on the train.

No… not a servant….

An Avox.

He was dressed in all black with a gold band wrapped around the lower half of his face, covering his mouth and half his nose. What she was most drawn to though were his wide eyes, recognizing a look of horror in them.

She looked to the ground and saw why.

Food, spilled all over the fine carpets of the train cart.

There was a bang and on the train cart doors slide open quickly, Peacekeepers in golden cloaks rushing in. They all seemed to be of one mind on who was the blame.

"Tribute Tarr! Has this Avox hurt you?" One demanded.

"N-no. It was an accident." Sarah said, suddenly afraid for the Avox. He looked barely older than her, maybe twenty at most.

"An accident not of your making." The Peacekeeper said, snapping his fingers. The other Peacekeepers were on the Avox, rough hands pulling him up from the ground. Sarah could now see that the Avox was bleeding from a cut on his hand, a bit of glass gutting out. He was in pain and clearly terrified.

"To the Avox stalls." The Peacekeeper commanded. "Strip and whip, boys, and leave him for the others to see."

Sarah wanted to tell them to stop.

That it was an accident.

That it was her fault for not paying attention.

That it was cruel and they were evil for harming the Avox.

But she said nothing in his defense. Instead, she merely muttered "I'm sorry for the trouble."

"Don't you worry, Tribute." The Peacekeeper said, polite as could be to her. "You'll be in the Capitol soon and things will be alright."

If only she could believe that.

Up Next: Train Rides Part 2 : Districts 7 - 12

Please review and stay tune for more!