1.

I can't say I'm surprised. I mean, it's like I can't get away from the Capitol. Ever since I won the Games eight years ago, they've singled me out. Once I think life might be getting back to normal they call be back for another "assignment".

When my name got called a few hours ago, I felt almost...relieved...in a way. Like I was finally free. Which is ironic because the fact that I'm in this train right now shows that I, along with all the other tributes, am still a slave of the Capitol.

Lars and Pearl, our mentors, open the door of my room.

"Ready to watch the reapings?" Pearl asks, her guilt obvious in her voice and on her face. I nod, then follow them to join Mags and our escort Aria.

I don't really pay attention until District 4 is up. I'm called. After I walk up Aria calls the female tribute. Annie is called. She starts singing something under her breath as she walks toward the stage. Aria asks for volunteers. Mags volunteers. The fear in my eyes that the announcer points out turns to anger after nobody volunteers for Mags. No one knows what to make of a seventy-two year old woman going in the arena.

Mags pats my hand. "It had to be done," she says. I shoot her a grateful look.

Johanna Mason gets called from 7. My heart sinks. I know almost all the victors to some extent, but Johanna is the closest thing I have to a friend. A loud, obnoxious friend anyway.

And then there's District 12. Katniss, as the only female victor, gets called. Then Haymitch gets called. And Peeta volunteers. How touching. The star-crossed lovers from District 12. Peeta's pretty convincing but Katniss seems kind of...scripted. At least in her interviews in the Capitol. But then again, who's themselves in the Capitol?

Aria sniffles. "It's so sad! Now they can't get married!" I glance over at her, kind of amused that she believes their little act.

After lunch we start going over strategies. How we're going to present ourselves for our interview, what we're going to do in private training.

"Obviously, Finnick, you'll use the trident," Lars says, "But be sure to become acquainted with other means of defense." Oh yeah, good tip. He's probably around thirty, but he acts like he's the only victor on this train. Which he's not.

"You need to form an alliance," Pearl says softly. Her normally blue eyes are red and puffy. She's regretting that she didn't volunteer for Mags. I kind of do too.

"I'm so sorry, I know I should have—" but Mags cuts her off.

"You have your family to worry about," she says with a smile. For facing certain death, Mags has incredible presence of mind. Unlike me at the moment.

We spend the rest of the day going over more meaningless information and then head to sleep.

The next morning, we arrive at the Capitol.