We're escorted to the train. Once onboard, the Peacekeepers release us.

"Shall we eat first?" Fabiana looks at me from head to toe. "Or … change our clothes?"

We're standing next to an ornately decorated dining table. I grab a cloth napkin that was folded to look like a bird, and I hand it to Johnny. "Here."

He nods in thanks before wiping his nose. Fabiana looks disgusted.

"Let's eat," I say, pulling out a chair.

"You must be starving, after that …. incident." Fabiana tries to look compassionate and it's awkward.

"I think my mother was shot," Johnny says. "My pops was the only one who said goodbye."

Speechless, Fabiana looks away. She picks up a crystal bell and rings it.

I pour a glass of cold water for Johnny, then one for myself. I turn to him. "I think you're in my brother's class? Kelo Sastre?"

"Yeah," he says.

"He says you get into a lot of fights. You must be good with your fists."

"I do all right."

I hear a door open and a male voice booming. "Good, good, I'm starving."

I turn around and look up at Woof as he enters the car. I know him, District 8's only victor. He wears a nice suit. He lives in the Victor's Village. When I was younger, I would see Woof walking around the district, greeting everyone like a friend. Teresa was his granddaughter. I haven't seen Woof much since she was reaped.

Woof is one of the few citizens of District 8 that can be called plump. He settles across the table from me, smiling. "Aren't you Thraya's kid? How old are you?"

"Yes, I'm Cecelia," I tell him. "I'm 17."

Woof's smile fades a little when he takes a good look at Johnny, who looks angry. "And who are you?"

"I'm Johnny Wester," he says. "I'm thirteen years old."

Another door opens and servants bring in platters of food.

"Well, we'll fatten you up for the Arena," Woof says, unfolding his cloth napkin with a flourish.

The food is amazing. Woof samples and explains each dish. Johnny and I try everything. Fabiana only eats food that is orange, she says it is a new diet, "very popular in the Capitol!"

I remember my manners and thank the servants who bring us food. They nod but say nothing in response. It is odd. Johnny looks at me scornfully. "They don't have tongues no more."

I blush and look down at my plate of salmon on rice.

After we can't eat a bite more, Fabiana shoos us off to shower and change our clothing. I enjoy having all the hot water for myself. I'm used to sharing bath water with my sisters.

Once I'm done, I apply a scented lotion all over my body and then start pulling clothes out of a dresser and closet.

I settle on a long shimmering blouse, it has gold threads woven in vertical lines on white linen. I pair it with a green velvet vest and a black pair of leggings. I dry my hair and use product to get the edges of my bob just right. Then I pick up the threadcutter and place it around my neck. Maybe nobody in the Capitol knows what it is.

I look at myself in the mirror. Tears come to my eyes. I'm going to die.