Welcome to the 125th Hunger Games!

Just a few things before the story begins. This occurs as if Katniss failed so no District 12. Also, this story is a partner story. While this tells the story of Glacia from District Two, there is another story that follows her district partner Lance. Be sure to check out that story as it will give a different perspective of the same games. And don't worry, the two stories are very different from each other.

I will update the stories on the same day, that way once the games start you can choose which story to read first as there will be some spoilers about what might happen to the other character.

I'll let you begin the story. As always, please review and let me know what you think, good or bad. Any comments are good comments.

Let the Games begin!


Chapter 1:

The whispers follow close behind me as I make my way into the Victor's Village. They have always followed me. They all snickered at me because I'm the granddaughter of Sylvia Skylar, the only victor in District Two who has lost her mind to the games. It was a different time when Grandma was in the games, only six years after the terrible rebellion happened during the Third Quarter Quell and failed. My grandmother had lived through the rebellion, struggling to survive and protect her two younger sisters as bombings occurred daily and every capable man and woman over the age of 16 was taken away to fight for the Capitol. And when she was reaped, no one dared to volunteer and seem a little too rebellious that soon after the rebellion. So Grandma did what she had been doing for years: survived. I have only seen small clips of those games and Grandma didn't talk very much about them when she was well, but I can understand why she is the way she is now. The games for several years after the rebellion were particularly cruel and my grandmother had to do terrible things to the children of rebels to get the favor of the sponsors and eventually win.

Sylvia wasn't always that way. It was only in the past ten years that with her age, the dementia started and made her experience panic attacks as the disease made her believe she was in the arena again. But to me, she is still the lovable woman who helped raise me. My father has been a member of the Peacekeepers for over twenty years and is always getting moved around to different districts. In fact, I barely view him as family since he was never really there when I was growing up and the last time I saw him was five years ago. But Sylvia is the closest family member I have.

I smile fondly as I recall how much Grandma used to spoil me since I'm her only grandchild. She was only able to do so because of her winnings as a victor and it seems like a cruel twist of fate that the thing that once brought her joy has become a daily source of fear.

Grandma didn't deserve the whispers and rude comments about her that were said around the district. Even here in the Victor's Village around the people Sylvia mentored for and helped bring home, I still get smiles of pity. But she doesn't deserve pity. In my mind, she's the bravest woman I've ever known and I will always defend her. I chuckle as I recall the many times I got into fights with boys twice my size, all over a tiny comment they made towards Grandma. My mother would always scold me for getting bruises but would eventually smile at me defending the woman who took care of both of us.

It wasn't enough for people to make comments about Grandma. When I reached reaping age, the comments started to get directed towards me. 'If you were picked, you would probably go insane before you even got on the train.' 'Good thing there will always be a volunteer. If you got picked, your grandma would go off the rocker when you died in the games.'

I close my eyes as I reach the house we live in, the words echoing in my head. They're a constant reminder of why I have to work so hard to prove not just my worth, but my Grandma's. If I could volunteer and win the games, maybe, just maybe, the whispers would stop. Those comments caused me to head immediately to the training school after my first reaping and beg the instructors to let me in despite being a year older than the starting age. And big surprise, they had refused me. But that didn't stop me because if I got one trait from my father, it's his stubbornness. So every day I would run laps around the school for an hour in the morning. I would spare against trees using branches as clubs and wrestle some of the boys my age as they would leave the academy. After a month of that, they finally took me in. And I had excelled in everything. At least, that was what everyone else thought. When I first started, I had to stay long hours after everyone else had left, needing the practice to catch up on the year I missed. And I was determined to be the best so I would be picked as District Two's volunteer when I was 18.

I might not have reached that point if it wasn't for Bronn, the first tribute Grandma succeeded in bringing home. He won the games ten years after her and was a familiar face when I was growing up. I think he feels indebt to Grandma for saving his life and decided to help me train individually. And if not for that debt, then for the friendship they gained while spending years together mentoring and helping each other get through the pain of their games. With his help and many long hours at the training center over six years, I was at the top of my class and the trainers had chosen me to be District Two's female volunteer for the Fifth Quarter Quell. I knew this honor was hard earned and Damon, the male trainee chosen, worked just as hard as I did. I felt confident that between the two of us, District Two would claim the honor of a Quarter Quell victor.

And I couldn't be more proud to have that honor. I might have even been okay with the thought of Damon winning over me, as long as I helped him get there. What better way to prove myself than by winning one of the biggest Hunger Games? But then, the terrible announcement came about the Quarter Quell and the goal I had worked so hard for every day for the past six years came crashing down.

For the 125th Hunger Games, to show that the choices of the rebels to harm the citizens of the Capitol were absolute, no one will be allowed to volunteer in the place of another…

No volunteers in my final year.

Sure, there was always a small chance that I might get picked. But I hadn't been taking tesserae every year – almost no one in Two did – so my name was only in the bowl seven times. Seven times out of thousands of names.

My dream of proving myself is completely crushed.

I sigh as I open my eyes and return to real life, not wanting to acknowledge that all those years were wasted on not getting the chance to be a tribute. But a morning walk around the district square didn't make the Quarter Quell change so here I am, ready to accept my fate. I unlock the door and head inside, going straight towards the porch in the backyard where Grandma always loves to sit. Being outside seems to have benefits for her health and she seems to have the least amount of panic attacks here. As I approach, I make my footsteps louder – a lesson I quickly learned when I was younger and thought it would be funny to sneak up on her but she ended up punching me accidentally. When she turns and sees that it's me approaching, she starts grinning and holds out a hand to me. I start grinning as I grab her hand and crouch down in front of the chair. "Hi Grandma, how are you today?" I dare not mention that it's Reaping Day, not yet. No need to put her back in those terrible memories until it's time to go to the square. The whispers are always the worst on Reaping Day when she is forced to go on stage in front of everyone.

"Oh, don't talk down to me like I'm a child," she immediately says about my tone of voice and I start chuckling at her sass. Today is clearly one of the good days when she recalls most memories. "I know that it's Reaping Day so of course I'm not well today. But better than some days." She starts frowning and takes a moment to look over my appearance. "What are you doing in those dirty pants and ripped shirt? Go put on that nice dress I picked out for you."

I nod my head before standing up and giving her a kiss on the cheek. She squeezes my hand before letting go. As I walk in to the house, I turn to give her one last look and see her close her eyes, the pain of the memories written on her face. It's not fair that such a brave woman has to be faced with this. I feel a hand on my shoulder and flinch, ready to grab it thanks to my training but quickly realize that it's my mother. Turning away from my grandmother, I look at the woman who I acquired most of my traits from. Her blue eyes are calculating as she gives me a smile, light blonde hair framing her face. Those two characteristics we both received from Grandma and I couldn't be more proud. I always thought these two woman who raised me were beautiful when I was young and I was lucky to turn out like them.

I hug my mom unexpectedly, suddenly feeling overwhelmed about today. This should have been my day of triumph but everything is all wrong. Mother holds on to me tightly, knowing how hard I worked for this. "Glacia, don't be upset about this. Is it really the worst thing ever that you can't volunteer? I know you trained the hardest out of everyone in your year and there is no doubt in my mind that you would have done well in the games. But there is always that chance you wouldn't win. Could you really do that to your grandmother?"

I pull back in her embrace so I can look over my shoulder. Grandma is sitting there peacefully, enjoying the still rising sun and unaware of our conversation. She was the reason I wanted to volunteer but also my biggest reason for doubt. I wanted to believe that I could win the games but there is that chance I wouldn't live. And the thought of putting Grandma through that and possibly making her suffering even worse almost made me turn down the selection by the trainers. Maybe my mother is right and it isn't a bad thing that I can't volunteer this year.

Mother steps back as I turn towards her and she offers a sad smile. I try to return the smile as I walk past her and towards the stairs, knowing that it's up to fate now if I will either be returning here or travelling to the Capitol in a couple hours. When I enter my room, I immediately notice the beautiful sapphire dress hanging from my closet door. This dress is obviously from the days when Grandma was mentoring in the Capitol and one of their favorites for her captivating personality and looks. I slip out of my clothes and carefully put the dress on, not wanting to ruin something so beautiful. When I look in the full length mirror, I'm surprised by how perfectly the dress cinches at my waist, almost as if the dress had been custom made for me and not my grandmother.

"She wanted you to wear that dress when you volunteered so the Capitol would immediately take notice of you," I look in the mirror at my mother as she leans against the doorway. She smiles at me as she walks in the room. "You know, she used to let me try on some of her dresses when I was a child and they were way to big on me." She pauses next to me and puts an arm around my waist and rests her head on my shoulder, barely reaching it with my height. "That dress was always my favorite. It's too bad the Capitol won't ever see you in it."

I frown a little at her comment. Has she already given up that faint hope that it will be my name called? I'm not giving up yet. So I put up the tough front I've adopted all those years ago to make everyone else think I'm not someone to mess with and prepare to face the rest of the district. I raise an eyebrow at my mother as I take a step back from her. "Who's to say they won't see it? There's still that small chance."

I see a small amount of worry flicker through her eyes before she clears her face and nods at me. It's no secret that she doesn't really approve of me wanting to be in the games but will support me no matter what. "You're right. Now let's go show them District Two's next victor."

I can't help but smile a little at that thought as we make our way downstairs before putting my touch face back on. Grandma is sitting in the kitchen waiting for us and when she hears us, she looks up and grins at me. "Oh I knew that dress would be perfect for you!" She grabs my face and jokingly starts pulling my forehead up. "And stop frowning so much, you'll get wrinkles before you're thirty."

I laugh at this, something we have always joked around about for years. I hug her tightly, glad today is one of the days when she isn't living in fear. This is the woman who won the Hunger Games so many years ago and raised me. The woman who I would risk my life for to defend her. "Grandma, you know I love you, right?"

"Of course, sweetie, and I love you too," she responds immediately and kisses me on the cheek. When we step apart, she rolls her eyes a little and holds out her arms to us. My mother and I both loop one of our arms through hers. "Now let's go deal with the idiots who think I still couldn't kick their ass because they trained for their games."

"Mom!" My mother says as we start walking out the door but I just laugh at her brash words. Grandma waves her off as we step out into the Victor's Village and make our way to the village square.

We're all quiet as we make our way into town, all of us realizing that it is Reaping Day and two kids who might have been saved from going to the games thanks to volunteers will now most likely die. I just hope whoever is picked doesn't cry like some of the outer districts since they are representing the district with the most victors.

As we start reaching the crowds, I can see people start to look at us and whisper to their companions. I glare at these people as we pass by while Grandma keeps her head held high and ignores them. I don't know how she can do that but maybe she thinks that she has nothing to prove since she did win the Hunger Games all those years ago.

Before we reach the stage, Bronn approaches us, grinning and holding out his arm excitedly. "There's the gorgeous woman who saved my life!"

Grandma lets go of us and walks over to Bronn, letting him hug her. "Haven't you learned after all these years that flattering isn't going to get you anyway?"

"It got me back to District Two," he replies as he lets go of her and winks. She laughs and hits him lightly on the chest. Those two have had a great bond that only years of mentoring together could create and Bronn is one of the only people who can bring her back to the present and out of her memories. He turns to us and smiles at my mother and nods his head at me, knowing I won't smile now that I'm in public and need to keep up my façade. "Go ahead and get in place for the reaping. I'll get Sylvia on stage."

I nod at him and my mother grasps my hand briefly before starting to walk towards the other adults with children in the reaping. I watch my grandmother and Bronn go to the stage as I make my way towards the Peacekeepers signing the children in. I shake my head as I hear Grandma scold him. "I don't need help walking. I'm losing my mind, not my legs."

I'm glad she's able to joke about that because it really does mean that she's not going to slip into one of those moods where she thinks she's surrounded by mutts or other tributes. Reaping Day would be the worst day for that to happen but it's also one of the days most likely to trigger it.

Soon I reach the front of the line and let the Peacekeeper grab my hand and take the small sample of blood. After so many years of training and getting worse injuries, that small prick feels like nothing. I make my way through the crowd, scowling at anyone getting in my way. A lot of the younger ones quickly move out of the way, knowing my reputation at the training center. I smirk a little, not wanting a full smile, but happy to know that people are a little scared of me and know I should have been the female from Two going to the games this year.

I reach the front of the girls section and stand with my fellow eighteen year olds. Some of them discuss the no volunteers rule for the Quell and I can hear them mention me. I ignore them, knowing I earned that spot and no matter what happens in the Reaping, I was the best girl in District Two. I look over at the boys and my gaze locks with Damon who looks like how I feel right now: angry and disappointed that I can't prove myself. He nods his head once at me and I do that same before turning my attention towards the stage. No point dwelling on what could have been.

Sitting on the stage are District Two's mayor and Capitol escort, Flannery. Directly next to the mayor are the ten living victors. Grandma, being the oldest victor for District Two, sits directly next to the mayor and is wearily looking at the crowd, probably wondering what two children will be chosen against their will. Bronn is next to her, holding her hand comfortingly but still looking weary about the Reaping. Not that I can blame them, they both have seen way too many games occur and mentored many children that never came home. Next is Kat, winner of the 99th games. She's staring out at the crowd, giving all of the children a sharp look. Kat was always one of my favorites to work with at the training center because she didn't put up with any bullshit and worked our asses off. She was the next to believe in me after Bronn since she was the one who reinstated the career system in Two and knows what it's like to not have people believe in her wanting to train. Then of course is Clemont, victor of the 103rd games. His was a favorite for mine to watch since the recreation of a medieval time was wonderful. He was in his element with the swords and who can forget that finale where he arrived at the castle on a dragon. Next to him is one of the only victors who isn't part of the training, Roxanne. She won the 107th games – the year I was born – but I still remember clips of her games. All I remember is that she didn't play the normal way with careers, a strategy that I would never do.

Now the next five tributes I remember their victories. Viola won the 110th and while I don't remember the games since I was three, I do recall how everyone in the district was excited and there were big celebrations. That was my first taste of the rewards that come with winning the games when you were trained. Now Darach and Lysander, those two were something else. Back to back wins in the 114th and 115th games yet they won in completely different ways. Darach won with brute force and continues training tributes that way. Lysander, on the other hand, stayed out of the spotlight and let a tribute from One lead the pack and then outsmarted them all. No other district can claim the back to back win accomplishment since the second rebellion. Those were great years to be living in Two. The last two victors are different since I remember seeing them in the training center before they volunteered. Maylene won five years ago and I looked up to her when I first started training. She combined the methods of our two previous victors and managed to be one of only three people to receive a twelve in training. And Jory won only two years ago. Before he volunteered I got to spare with him a couple times since I was already at the top of my year and could pose a potential challenge to him. He beat me every time so I wasn't really surprised when he won the games. And Jory immediately started training potential volunteers and has proven useful since his games are still fresh in his memory.

I smirk a little as I look at the ten victors. It's good to live in District Two.

The mayor steps up and begins his speech about the creation of Panem, the Dark Days, the Second Rebellion, and the Hunger Games. I try to pay attention to him out of respect but it's the same speech every year. My eyes keep drifting over to the giant ball filled with the slips of female tributes. Where in there are the seven with Glacia Skylar written on them in fancy handwriting? Do I even have a chance of getting picked out of the thousands in there?

Finally, Flannery walks up to the front of the stage and my attention goes right to her. This is the moment when I finally get to know if those years training will get put to use. I glance behind her at the victors as she stops at the microphone. Kat and Bronn are both looking at me, probably hoping my name will get picked since I should have been the tribute. Grandma makes eye contact with me and smiles sadly, making me doubt once again if I should have wanted to volunteer and put her through the pain of watching her granddaughter in the games.

"Well I just love that speech. And I have to say, it is great to be back here in District Two," Flannery smiles out at us and I don't doubt her words. Two is definitely the best district to be in as an escort and the proof is sitting up on that stage. "Now as a reminder, for this very special Quarter Quell, there will be no volunteers." There's some murmurs of dissatisfaction at this since most of the district approves of the career system. "Now, ladies first!"

My heart starts beating fast as Flannery slowly walks to the bowl. This is it. She reaches in and takes her time swirling her hand around, making a show out of picking the name since this is the first time it actually matters what name is on the slip. Finally, she grabs one and I hold my breath as she holds the paper out in front of her delicately and walks back to the microphone. Come on, Flannery, get it over with. "The female tribute from District Two is," she unfolds the paper and I can see her eyes light up in excitement over the name and I pray that it's my name. "Glacia Skylar!"

"Yes!" I cheer briefly in excitement before composing myself. This was exactly what I wanted! Once I have my normal façade on, I start walking towards the stage confidently, knowing every camera is following me and the focus is on me. A small smirk forms on my face as I reach the steps to the stage. I didn't think I would have this moment but I finally have accomplished my dream of being the female tribute from District Two. I make my way up the steps and when I reach the top, my eyes find Grandma and I can see the sadness on her face that she's trying to hide. I very lightly nod at her, trying to tell her silently that I will be alright as I walk up to Flannery.

Our district escort is practically bouncing in excitement and I know it's because she picked the relative of a victor. Or maybe someone told her who the volunteers would have been. Flannery puts an arm around my shoulder and leads me towards the front. "Now isn't this just exciting, our female tribute is related to none other than our own Sylvia Skylar!"

I stand proudly in front of the crowd, knowing I belong up on this stage. I stare out at the boys, wondering who will be joining me as Flannery walks towards the other ball. "Now time to pick the boys!" Some of the younger ones quickly look away when they make eye contact with me and I hope it's because I look menacing. That has always been the plan: look tough and make sure the other tributes fear me.

Flannery picks a slip after taking her time like with mine and eagerly moves to the microphone. She opens the paper and I can't see her expression as she announces the name. "And the male tribute for District Two is… Lance Henderson!"

Henderson… now this is going to be an interesting Quarter Quell. I can hear someone murmuring unhappily on the stage behind me and I know it has to be Maylene Henderson, the older sister of my now district partner. I raise an eyebrow at this development as the crowd shifts around in the seventeen year olds. Eventually I spot Lance who is staring up at the stage in shock. I recognize him from years ago in the training center before he quit, not having the drive to train and compete in the games. And then I started seeing him in the Victor's Village five years ago. He finally starts to move towards the stage after someone shoves him and I smirk a little. His hesitation will be viewed as weakness and if someone is going to sponsor a tribute from District Two, the obvious choice is me. As he makes his way to the stage, he looks around as if he's hoping that someone will volunteer to take his place. Any other year and that would have already happened. I take in his appearance, allowing myself one last time to have the slightest crush on him. Can't really blame me, he's tall, has dark brown hair that looks more golden brown in the sun, and piercing green eyes. The people in the Capitol will surely be fawning over him, but I won't. Not anymore because he is now in the way of me getting home.

And nothing will stop me.

Once he reaches the stairs, Flannery is waving for him to hurry up the stairs. Oh she must be loving this Reaping. Picking two relatives of victors? No other district will have tributes this exciting. Lance gets to the top of the stage and Flannery puts a hand on his back, pushing him over towards me since he's still moving slow and hesitantly. I meet his gaze and can see the fear and uncertainty in his eyes. Flannery stands between us and puts a hand on my shoulder as she faces the crowd. I can see a lot of people are surprised with the choices and quite a few look satisfied. Good. "Well isn't this an interesting Reaping, we now have the brother of our victor Maylene Henderson!" Flannery pauses and Lance glances back at his sister, a pained expression on his face. It's clear he never wanted this fate.

Flannery turns back to the microphone, still smiling. Can't blame her since this is the most drama at one of our Reapings in years. "We have our tributes! Glacia Skylar and Lance Henderson!" Flannery shouts and is answered by a loud round of applause. I smile out at the crowd, taking in this moment and knowing I'll have plenty more when I return as victor.

Flannery motions for us to shake hands and I turn towards Lance. I take his hand, holding it tighter than I need to, wanting to assert myself as being the better choice of tribute. As I shake his hand, I give him a harden look, hoping he'll be willing to fight because I will need him as an ally. He might have been hesitant to walk to the stage but he looks strong and I'll need all the strong tributes from career districts that I can get because who knows how many of us will be old enough to have years of training.

As we're led into the Justice Building, I can see Bronn put a comforting arm around Grandma as she sighs. Roxanne has gotten up to talk to Maylene and probably try to comfort her. I frown a little once we're inside the building and away from the cameras. These games are going to put some strain on the victors as they're forced to choose among themselves which tribute to root for. I can only hope that whoever decides to mentor this year will be someone I've trained with for years.

I'm led into one room and Lance is taken to the room across the hall. The Peacekeepers close the door behind me but it's only a minute before the door opens. Grandma walks in, looking exhausted and I hug her right away before leading her towards the couch. I sit next to her and she takes my hand, holding on tightly as she realizes there is a small possibility this could be the last time we see each other. "Glacia, I know you've been training for this for years. Bronn has told me all about how well you've done and I know you're going to do well in the arena."

I raise an eyebrow at her, knowing she is leaving something out. "And?"

She sighs as she looks at me. I can see in her eyes how years of mentoring tributes has taken her toll on her and hope she's not going to slip in to the bad memories. I don't want my last time with her before the games to be like that. "Just don't get overconfident. The moment you get too confident or trust your allies a little too much is the moment you've lost the games. Those things will be used to bring about your downfall, usually by the tributes you ally with. I've seen it happen many times."

My earlier tough mood fades away as I listen to her advice. She's absolutely right and I will make sure I remember her words in the arena. "I promise I won't let that happen."

"Good," Grandma replies as I lean my head against her shoulder. We're silent for a minute and I close my eyes, almost able to pretend that it's over ten years ago, before the dementia started. "I'm glad I had you wear that dress. You're going to be a Capitol favorite."

I let her words sink in as the door opens and my mother enters. She moves towards the couch quickly and sits down on the other side of me, wrapping an arm around waist. "Oh Glacia, you got exactly what you hoped for. I don't know how you managed that with the odds against you."

I shrug at this, suddenly realize how little time is left with them. I'm solemn as I now realize just how real this is and I'm a little scared. I suppose that's a good thing. Bronn always said that fear will keep you alive. I look up at my mom and can see that she's scared too but is being supportive like always. "Can we talk about something else?"

"Of course, dear," mother replies before kissing me on the cheek. She reaches in to her pocket and pulls out an old ring. She places it in my hand and I look at it closely. I've seen it maybe once or twice when I was younger and all I really know is that it's an old Skylar family heirloom. "That should be your token in the arena. It's an old family heirloom and has been in the family for over 200 years."

I turn over the ring as I look at the large ruby sitting in a gold band. Etched into the surface appears to be some coat of arms. Grandma speaks up next to me, "It's been a long time since I saw that ring."

"Why?" I ask her curiously. I've never heard her talk about this ring.

"Why, you ask?" She laughs a little before answering me. "Because that was my token in my games."

"Oh," I respond as I slip the ring on my left hand. Now that I know my grandmother won with this ring, it feels right to have it with me. And it will be a constant reminder of why I've worked so hard to win the games. "It's perfect."

"I'm glad you think so," Grandma answers sadly as she hugs me close. I can tell she isn't happy about me going to the games and I understand why. But I won't let her fears come to life. I'll return to her.

The doors open and when I see the Peacekeepers enter the room, I feel an overwhelming sadness at the thought of my family leaving me. "I love you both so much," I quickly say and grab on to their hands as they stand up.

"I love you too, dear," mother answers immediately. "Make us proud."

The Peacekeepers haven't moved in yet to remove them and I wonder if they are being respectful because of grandmother and my father. Grandma smiles down and me and holds on to my hand tightly with both of hers. "I love you so much, Glacia. Please come back to me. I don't want to add those memories to the ones that already haunt me."

I nod my head at her, feeling the tears start to form. I quickly blink them away, not wanting to show any weakness. "I promise I'll come home to you."

And with that, my family leaves and I'm left wondering if I'll ever see them again. No, I'm not going to wonder about it. I will make it happen. I won't leave my life up to chance. Winning the games has been my goal for years and I'm going to accomplish that task.

I wipe away the couple tears that threatened to fall as there's a knock on the door. I briefly wonder who it will be before the door opens and Bronn walks in. He smiles at me before chuckling. "I guess it was a good thing we let you enter the training center all those years ago because nothing was going to stop you from being in the games."

"I guess not," I reply lightheartedly. Bronn sits next to me and I smile at him, enjoying his presence like always. "Any last minute advice since I know you won't be going to the Capitol as my mentor?"

He leans back and crosses his arms and he stares at the wall, deep in thought. He eventually turns towards me and shrugs. "There's not very much that I haven't taught you. But I would say watch out for your allies. I would imagine you'll be a good contender for leading the pack which is a dangerous position. Allies could turn against you at any point."

I nod in agreement at this, his words echoing Grandma's earlier. I think back on the other lessons I've learned from the victors and start wondering about them. "This Reaping is going to split the support from the Victors, isn't it?"

Bronn sighs and I know I'm right about this. "It already has. It's different when we pick the volunteers. Those years, everyone agrees on the tributes. But now, we have two tributes that are relatives. How do you pick one to support when their victory means one of your good friends loses a family member?" I start frowning at this, not liking the possibility of me being one of the deaths that upsets people. "But I can tell you this," he adds and I look up at him. He is staring at me and I can tell he still believes in me. "Kat is going to support you. Jory will be torn but I believe he'll support you in the end because he's been helping train you these past two years." I smile about those two victors since they played a big role in getting me to this point. "Lysander will stick with Maylene." I nod at this, knowing he has never been fond of me wanting to learn more brute force over his strategies. "As for Clemont and Viola, I think they're going to stay neutral and offer support and if need be, a shoulder, to whoever needs it."

"And what about Darach and Roxanne?" I ask him curiously, noticing he didn't mention those two victors.

Bronn laughs as the door opens, revealing the Peacekeepers. He stands up and smiles at me, giving me an unexpected hug before heading towards the door. He pauses and turns around to look at me. "You can ask those two on the train."

I shake my head at his lighthearted attitude as the door closes behind him. At least now I know who will be mentoring us. I lean back against the couch, pull my feet up and try to relax. I know I won't have any other visitors. I fiddle with the ring and watch how it reflects the light as I twist my hand. The red of the gem makes me wonder how many tributes had their blood spilt on this ring and how many I would add to that list. The thought starts to make my stomach twist but I know it's what must be done in order to come home. And after seeing Grandma, I know I have to win for her.

Sure enough, no one else comes to visit me. When the hour is finished, the Peacekeepers come in and I stand up, following them out the door with no fuss. I straighten out my dress as they lead me outside to the train station. That was one nice thing about District Two, the train station was right behind the Justice Building.

There are tons of cameras waiting for us and I look around to find Lance walking out with other Peacekeepers. We make eye contact and I see him stare at me fiercely. I starting smirking about this new found anger in him as I turn towards the train door that just opened. Flannery starts to lead us inside and I wave at the cameras but I keep thinking about what changed in Lance.

So he's willing to fight. I look forward to that fight and being the one to defeat him so I can be the victor for District Two.