The chariot ride had been over in what felt like a blink, the Capitol's parade more of a blur of lights, applause, and flashing cameras than anything truly memorable. But now, the Capitol was shifting gears. We were inside the Training Center, and it hit me again—this wasn't just a game. It was survival.

As I walked through the glittering hallways, I felt the familiar ache in my chest. The Capitol had everything; luxury, excess, and a fascination with cruelty. But it wasn't mine to have, and it wasn't what I came here for. The Games were looming, and my role in them was clear: keep my promise to Katniss and Peeta.

I spotted them the moment I entered the training room. Katniss stood tall, as always, her face serious, her jaw set. Peeta looked like he hadn't slept in days, though his expression was warm—too warm. His eyes sought out Katniss before they flicked to me, and his lips twitched into something that could have been a smile.

Before I could join them, Haymitch waved me over, his face hard as usual. His eyes had that sharp, calculating look, the one that reminded me he had seen too much. It was a look I understood far too well.

"I need a word with you," Haymitch said, his voice low, as he beckoned me away from the others.

I nodded, walking with him to a quieter corner of the room. My heart quickened. What did he want now?

Once we were out of earshot of the others, I created a sound barrier, thickening the air around us until it was impossible for anyone to hear. Haymitch didn't waste any time.

"I need you to listen carefully," he started, his voice taut with urgency. "This isn't just about the Games. Katniss and Peeta are in real danger. And I need your help."

My stomach churned. "What's going on?"

His eyes flickered to the other tributes, who were distracted with the trainers. "We're planning an escape. But it'll require other tributes to make sacrifices, to help Katniss and Peeta escape the Games… and the Capitol. It's dangerous, and I'm not sure we can pull it off. But we have to try."

I felt a rush of emotion—anger, fear, determination. I could feel my body tense. "I'll help," I said quickly. "Whatever it takes."

Haymitch met my gaze. "Good. We need to make sure no one can hear us when the time comes. The sound barrier is crucial. Katniss and Peeta can't be compromised. We need them safe, away from the Capitol's watch."

I nodded again, my mind already moving, analyzing the details. This was no longer just about survival—it was about taking down the Capitol's stranglehold on us, on all of us. It was about freedom, something I had only tasted in fleeting moments.

I dropped the sound barrier, and Haymitch returned to Katniss and Peeta, his face as unreadable as always. I stayed behind for a moment, letting the weight of everything settle over me. There was no turning back now.

I headed back to my floor, my heart still pounding, my mind racing with thoughts of the plan Haymitch had laid out. My feet seemed to carry me on their own accord. When I stepped through the door of my room, Kactus and Paxton were waiting for me. They were both standing near the window, watching the Capitol's skyline.

Kactus was the first to run over, her usual energy almost frantic. "Emerald, where have you been? You're acting like you've seen a ghost."

I wrapped my arms around her and Paxton, needing their warmth. They had no idea what I was about to step into. No idea how close Katniss and Peeta were to being pulled into the storm that was the Capitol. But I wasn't about to let them face it alone.

"I've been talking to Haymitch," I said quietly. "He's planning an escape—one that will get Katniss and Peeta out of the Games. I need to help them, Kactus. I have to."

Paxton gave me a sharp, calculating look. "Then we'll do whatever we have to. You're not doing this alone, Emerald."

Kactus's usual bouncy energy faded just a little as she gave me a solemn nod. "We'll help, too. I'm not letting you carry this on your own."

I smiled weakly, feeling a swell of gratitude in my chest. There wasn't much more to say. We all knew what was at stake.

Kactus led me to my room and made sure I had everything I needed. She was quiet for a moment, her gaze softening. "We'll be ready, Emerald. No matter what happens."

And I knew she was right. This wasn't just about the Games. This was about making sure Katniss and Peeta survived, and about finally taking the Capitol down. I wasn't going to let the Capitol win again. Not while I had breath in my body.

I lay down on the bed, staring up at the ceiling, my mind running through the plan, the risks. Tomorrow, we would face another day in the Capitol, but this time, there was a plan—one that could change everything. And I was going to make sure it succeeded.