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  TUCKED AWAY IN THE alleyways of the Capitol, away from the eyes of its residents, was an abandoned greenhouse. It was probably the only one of its kind, crawling with vines of ivy and filled with overgrown plants that were more unique than anything in Panem. It almost seemed like the buildings surrounding it were built deliberately around it, as if it was there before the Capitol. 

This is where Andor led them and where Dove expected. They had spent countless nights there together, but it was also where they had their first kiss. The greenhouse brought Dove some comfort as she cracked open the rusted door. The plants kept it humid, causing sweat to start building up in just a few seconds. It sent a rush of happy memories into her mind, resulting in a smile. 

"There it is," Andor said in a voice that made her stomach do summersaults. "That winning smile."

Dove avoided looking at him to hide her blush. She continued to walk through the small greenhouse, running her hands along the leaves of the plants. "You're so predictable."

"You say that like it's a bad thing," He sighed dramatically.

Dove ignored him, continuing her way deeper inside the greenhouse to the old stone bench sat. It used to be white, but now was an off-grey covered in moss and vines of ivy. Ivy. She blinked back the sting in her eyes and sat down. Andor followed her but stared quizzically at the bench. 

"Has it...moved?" He asked her, cocking his brow.

Dove looked down at the bench she now sat on, squinting. She softly shook her head. "Doesn't look like it."

"No, no, it has," Andor suddenly became sure as he crouched down. "Look closer at the ground."

Slightly bothered by his antics to trick her, Dove obliged and leaned down to the floor the bench sat on. It was covered in dirt and moss, just as the entirety of the greenhouse floor was. And just as she was about to back away and scold Andor for thinking she was gullible, she saw it. A glint of fresh, soft grey pavement caught her eye. The bench had been moved. 

She stood up suddenly, panic coursing through her veins. "We need to go, other people know this place." She reached for Andor's hand and tugged him to his feet. 

Though he tried to remain calm, she could see the hint of panic in his eyes. "How is that possible, Dove? No one in the Capitol knows this greenhouse exists. It's dirty and grimy, everything they hate. Why on earth would anyone from the Capitol come here?"

A thought entered Dove's mind. "Maybe they're not from the Capitol."

  Dove and Andor were shaken, but they couldn't let anybody see that. They headed back to the Tribute Centre as normally as they could manage and only separated when Andor left for the District nine floor. Dove returned to the District ten floor to Dee rushing to pull her over, shouting over and over again, "Their scores! Their scores!"

"What?" It took a second for her to process what he was saying, but as her bottom hit the plush cashmere couch, it hit her. Their training scores. She looked to her left where Ivy and Heath were watching the flatscreen in front of them. The scoring had only just started and they were on District two. Brutus's grinning face appeared and a squeak came from Heath.

A ten. A perfect score. "Of course," Sorrel spat bitterly. "He's the President's favourite." 

Dove's head snapped to her. "Snow made an announcement?" 

She shook her head. "No. An interview with Caesar to celebrate his birthday. He spoke very highly of District two."

Dove rolled her eyes and grunted. "I expect nothing less from our president........bastard."

The scores continued. The Career Districts all scored sevens or eights, of course. Then, it came down to nine -- Andor's tributes. Dolly and Colt. Big number fives were placed next to their photos. "For District nine, that's not bad," Sorrel hummed. "Andor is training them well."

But then silence fell as Ceasar announced Ivy's name and District. "Ivy Mildfall! District ten! She scored a...5!" 

Slight relief came from this. Ivy squeaked in surprise. She hugged the first person next to her, which happened to be Dee. He hugged her back ecstatically. 

"And Heath Mildfall, coming in with a score of..." Caesar's face dropped slightly and so did Dove's stomach. "A two..........moving on!" 

Sorrel quickly turned off the television and all eyes turned to Heath. Silence fell as they watched him. Dove's eyes watered, but she held her tears at bay. Her brother, a two. It was the worst score given out to a tribute. 

Heath cleared his throat, clearly holding back tears of his own. "I'm...gonna lie down." He stood up from the couch. 

"I'll come!" Ivy was quick to follow him. 

As their footsteps receded, a single tear slipped its way down Dove's cheek, but she wiped them away before more could try their luck.

 Sorrel sighed softly. "Maybe if we-"

"There's nothing we can do," Dove interrupted her bitterly. "Don't try to make this better." She walked away. Instead of heading to her room or even Andor's, she found herself at Heath's door. Inside, she could hear hushed whispers and sobs. Quietly, she knocked. "Can I come in?" 

"Yes..!" Ivy's startled voice called back. 

Dove hesitated for a moment as her hand grasped the matte black door handle. Would this be one of the last nights she saw her siblings alive? More tears painfully pricked at her eyes as she opened the door. Ivy and Heath sat together on his bed. He was curled up in her lap, his cries muffled by her clothing. "Scooch over," She told them, flicking her shoes off and moving towards the bed. She found her way in between them and opened her arms. 

The twins were immediately at her side, clinging onto her for dear life. Heath's tears grew stronger and Dove could hear soft sniffles coming from Ivy as she buried her face into her older sister's side. They spent hours together until all three siblings fell asleep. 

  Dove's sleep filled with horrible images of her siblings' deaths was interrupted by exaggerated laughs and voices. The prep teams had arrived. Today was the interviews, the final farewell before the tributes were sent to the slaughter. Sleepily, Dove rolled her head to look at Heath on her right, still clinging to her, then at Ivy on her left, who at some point in the night had turned her back to Dove, pressing it against her side. 

She didn't want the moment to end, she need to savour it. But as Ivy stirred and began to wake, it was over. "What time it is?" She groaned into her pillow. 

"Time to get up," Dove answered sadly. Heath was still clung to her, but she knew he was awake, he most likely had been for a while. "You ready for today?" She asked Ivy.

Her little sister rubbed her tired eyes. "I don't know...maybe?" 

Dove smiled sadly and leaned forward to kiss her temple. "You're gonna blow them all away, I know it." 

Ivy giggled, shaking her head. "Don't get my hopes up." 

Dove had no chance to respond as a rapid knock came from the door, followed by it opening to a chorus of excited Capitol stylists. On her side, Dove could feel Heath stir as he pretended to have just been woken up. "Morning, sleepy head," She whispered with a soft smile. 

The kid rubbed his eyes and tried to smile back. "What time is it?" 

"Time for the biggest day of your life!" Quartz interjected. Dove glared at the man as he glided over to them. His white smile was annoyingly blinding. "Are you ready?" He asked, his voice filled with childish excitement.

Heath's hand found Dove's wrist and clamped down tightly. His eyes begged his older sister not to let him be taken and as much as Dove wanted to comply, she simply had to. What good would it do him if she refused to let him be taken? 

Sighing, she shook her head and shifted upwards, slowly removing his hand from her wrist as she did so. "You got this," She whispered to him.

Heath sighed shakily. His eyes were watery as he turned to Quartz and slid out of the bed. Ivy was already standing and her hair was being teased by Mira. 

Dove stayed helplessly in the bed. There was nothing she could do but watch and wave as her siblings were taken. One more night. One more night was all she had left with them before they would be subjected to the torture of the Gamemakers. 

After a few minutes of numbness, Andor's head popped into the doorway. His face was immediately overcome with worry causing his forehead to crease. "Hey, cowgirl." His voice was soft as he headed over to her. 

Dove had no energy to snap back at the stupid nickname. "Hi..."

He slid into the bed next to her. As he brought his arms around her shoulders, she immediately clung to his torso. She could feel his warm muscles beneath his tee-shirt and it brought some comfort.

"How ya doing?" He asked, pecking her forehead. 

"Not good," She answered honestly. 

Andor hummed and nodded. "It's getting close, huh?"

Dove buried her head into his chest. "How is this real?" Her question was muffled by his shirt. "How am I going to live with losing either of them?"

Andor rubbed her arm slowly. It was the only thing he could do to bring her comfort. There was nothing he could honestly say, as much as he wished there was. He hated seeing her in so much pain. All he could do was kiss her forehead once more and suggest something they hadn't done together in a long time. 

"How about a shower?"

Dove slowly lifted her head from his chest to look him in the eye. "What?" 

"You heard me," He smirked. "Let me take care of you." 

Dove stared at him, mouth falling open slightly. She seriously debated snapping at him. A shower? At a time like this? But she let herself think a little longer. Andor was only trying to be helpful and a hot shower certainly wouldn't hurt. Besides, their prep teams would make the wash anyway, what was the harm in doing it together.

She took a deep breath and nodded. "Show me the way, love."

Andor's eyes lit up and she couldn't help the giggle that slipped past her lips as he excitedly jumped out of her arms and out of the bed. He bounced on the balls of his feet as he waited for her to get up and as soon as Dove's feet hit the floor, they were being lifted right off as he scooped her into his arms. 

"Andor!" She laughed, shocked by the sudden action. 

He chuckled deeply in response as he carried her across the hallway to her bedroom and into the attached bathroom. He placed her back down and Dove shivered at the touch of the cold tile floor. "I'll start the shower, you undress," Andor told her as he made his way over to the comically massive shower.

Back in District ten, a shower that size would be used to clean a horse or a cow, but in the Capitol, it was used by one to two people at most. 

Dove listened to Andors instructions and turned away from him as she removed her socks, slipped off her pants and pulled her shirt over her head. "Was this just an excuse to get me naked?" She asked him semi-jokingly, turning around while unclasping her bra. 

The shower came to life and Andor turned, his gaze never falling to her chest as he stared into her eyes. "No," He answered honestly, now joining her in the removal of his clothes. Only for a moment, as his shirt moved over his head, did she see his gaze flicker to her breasts and a smirk crossed his face. "But it certainly is a plus." 

Dove scoffed and rolled her eyes, completing the ordeal by removing her underwear and tossing them to the floor in the growing pile of clothing. She sauntered past him and slipped into the already steaming hot shower. Andor was quick to rid himself of the rest of his clothes as he jumped in behind her. 

His hands found her shoulders and he began a light massage. "Relax, my dove. I'll take good care of you." 

She sighed and slumped against him. "I have no doubt."

Hours were spent in that shower, some washing, most kissing. It was soft, slow, and sensual -- everything Dove needed in her state of mind. Andor had this inhuman power to know exactly what she needed when she needed it. She made a note in her mind to repay him for this. 

But eventually, Dee and Sorrel came knocking. It was time for the interviews. As the saying goes, "nothing ever lasts forever". 

With heavy hearts, Dove and Andor tried themselves off and reluctantly parted ways to get dressed and ready. Sorrel made no comment about them leaving the bathroom together, she knew better. Dove was already grieving the loss of her living siblings. 

"There are no prep teams for us," Sorrel explained. "We dress ourselves."

Dove raised a brow. "What? Were there budget cuts in the Capitol?" 

Sorrel chuckled, happy to see Dove's sense of humour was still somewhat intact. "Need any help picking something out?" 

Dove thought about it, but slowly, she shook her head. "No...I think I'm alright."

"Great," Sorrel nodded. "I'll see you soon."

She left Dove's room and that's when the tears started. Dove couldn't hold them in any longer. She could barely see the clothes she was picking out, her sight blurred by the salty tears. But she managed to put something together. It was a classier version of her Districts overalls, covered completely in sparkles and gems. She put on knee-high black boots and she was done.

Her eyes and face were too wet for makeup. Plus, she would be on camera, and so all of Panem would see exactly how she was feeling. She hoped it would spark sympathy in some of the wealthier sponsors. 

Leaving her bedroom, she met Sorrel and Dee at the elevator. Entering, the mentors from twelve and eleven were already there, and as they slowly made their way down to each floor, they picked up the other mentors. As soon as Andor got on, he squeezed his way in and over to Dove. Their hands immediately found each other and they did not let go as they made their way to where the interviews of the tributes would be held. 

They were seated on the far end in the front row. Dove's leg began to bounce and more tears welled in her eyes. Andor's hand squeezed hers harder. 

The interviews began with a beautiful show performed by the District One tributes, followed by District Two. Brutus Gunn, the male tribute of Two, turned Dove's stomach as he spoke. 

"Brutus!" Caesar Flickerman was enthusiastic as always when addressing the tributes. "Can I just say that I am a huge fan of you already!" 

Brutus chuckled -- a deep, evil sound that should not come from a sixteen-year-old. "You're too kind, Caesar. I'm the fan! I watch you every day on Capitol TV!"

Dove swore she saw Caesar actually blush. "Stop it! You're too kind, young man! I am just simply astonished by your truly moving volunteer at the Reaping. Weren't you moved, folks?" He turned to the Capitol members of the audience who all mumbled in agreement. 

Then, on a large screen, said Reaping played out. A name was called and the camera panned to a kid that had to be the same age as Ivy and Heath. But then a shout of "I volunteer!" moved the camera to Brutus. 

As the video faded, Caesar wiped an imaginary tear. He shook his head, seeming deep in emotional thought. "And am I correct in saying that that young boy was your brother?" 

Once again, Dove's stomach flipped as Brutus nodded. "Yes." 

"He is lucky he has such a brave older brother," Caesar patted Brutus's knee gently before standing up. "Thank you, dear boy," Brutus stood up as well and they shook hands. "Brutus Gunn, District Two!" 

The crowd roared and Brutus walked off stage. For the rest of the tributes, Dove was numb, she heard nothing but the ringing in her ears. Sadly, she was even like that for Andor's tributes. That was, until, Ivy came on stage. 

The image of her sister dressed in a frilly pink dress and bows shocked her out of her trance. She could feel the mood of the room completely change. Mira had made Ivy look incredibly young, truly showcasing her age to the Capitol. Ivy looked like an innocent twelve-year-old girl, she looked like Ivy.

Caesar's demeanour changed, as well. He was less enthusiastic and more...caring. He was soft and gentle as he talked to Ivy. "Ivy, I think it's safe to say we're all a little more than heartbroken over the Reaping results in District Ten. I mean, you and you're brother are only twelve. It was your first year." 

Ivy nodded. "I know." Her answer was short and blunt. Dove's breath hitched in her throat. 

Blow them all away, Dove tried to mentally send her a message.

Caesar wasn't even phased by her response. "How do you feel about your chances of winning the Games?"

At this question, Ivy looked out into the crowd. Her eyes were clearly searching for her sister, but Dove was too far off to the side for Ivy to even catch a glimpse of her. The crowd whispered as her silence grew, but Ivy took a deep breath, trying to compose herself. Her answer was perfect.

"My chances are the same as everyone else. It doesn't matter that I'm young. In the end, it's only one, right?" 

Caesar smiled warmly and nodded. "Right you are, young Ivy. Thank you for those very profound words."

He stood up and took her hand, lifting her with him. The crowd cheered. It wasn't nearly as loud as Brutus's, but it was the loudest ever heard for District Ten. Ivy walked off stage and next was Heath. 

It broke Dove's heart to see him walk up to Caesar shaking like a leaf. Caesar took both of his hands into his, clasping them tightly as they sat. It shocked Dove to see how truly kind he was being with her siblings. Maybe what she heard was right -- the Capitol might be reconsidering the starting age for the Hunger Games.

"Heath, how are you feeling?" As Caesar asked his question, he never let go of Heath's hands.

Heath gulped. "Scared." He answered honestly. A few audience members 'awed'.

Caesar frowned and nodded thoughtfully. "Of course. Anyone in your situation would be. But you are very brave, you know that?" Heath shook his head and Caesar chuckled softly. "It runs in your blood, my boy! Your sister Dove is a beloved victor and surely you must know that that makes you and Ivy beloved to us as well?"

For a moment, Dove glanced over at Andor. They both shared the same look: what the hell?

"Really?" Heath breathed, followed by more 'awes' from the audience.

Caesar nodded. "Really. We have high hopes for you, dear boy. And I trust that you will make us proud."

That concluded Heath's interview. They stood, the crowd clapped and cheered and the tributes for District Eleven began their interviews. A wave of nausea hit Dove. It was rude to leave, but she didn't have the heart in her to stay. "I need to go find them..." She whispered to Andor. She let go of his hand, allowing the perspiration to drip from her fingers.

"What?" He snapped his head towards her. "Dove, you can't le-"

"I have to find them..." She repeated, this time with more desperation. 

Andor's heart sunk at the look on her face. His face relaxed and he nodded. "Go." 

Before he could even finish the word, Dove was out of her seat and running to the nearest exit. She ducked past security guards until she made it backstage. It was easy to spot the flamboyant arms of Dee waving as he spoke. She pushed past other escorts and tributes, ignoring the stare of Brutus, towards her siblings. "Ivy! Heath!" She called desperately. 

At the sight of their faces, she burst into tears. She ran and slid to her knees, catching them in a hug. They too began to cry. The three siblings held on another as if they were each other's lifelines. Dove whispered unintelligible words, prayers, into their ears as she rocked back and forth, squeezing them in a viper-like grip. This was their final night all together, their final night as siblings.

  Dove lay in the middle of her bed, Ivy and Heath tucked in on each side of her, both half-asleep. Her thumbs stroked their arms as she watched their soft breathing. She had a feeling she wouldn't get any sleep, their time left together was just too short. 

"Dove?" Ivy's tiny voice appeared in the dark. 

"Yes, Ives?" Dove hummed. 

"Could you sing for us?" 

"Sing..?" Dove looked down at her. Ivy nodded and a grunt from Heath indicated he wanted a song too. "What do you want me to sing?"

"The meadow one? The one mom used to sing." Ivy sighed shakily. 

Tears bubbled in Dove's eyes. "Of course." She clear her throat and began.

"Deep in the meadow, under the willow," 

The lyrics immediately brought up memories -- memories of Ivy's first steps to Heath's first word.

"A bed of grass, a soft green pillow. Lay down your head and close your eyes," 

Their mother would sing this on nights when things were hard. If they went to bed hungry, she would sing. If they lost a cow, she would sing. When Dove was Reaped, she sang. 

"And when they open, the sun will rise. Here it's safe, here it's warm," 

Dove's voice caught in her throat and she Ivy and Heath tighter. They were the whole reason why she fought so hard in the games, why she killed her best friend. Now they were Reaped and tributes and all that fighting felt useless. 

"Here the daisies guard you from every harm. Here your dreams are sweet and tomorrow brings them true..."

Tears streamed down Dove's face like a flowing river and nothing seemed to stop them. She hiccuped and finished the last line of the song.

"Here is the place where I love you."

All three siblings cried themselves to sleep that night and were woken up early by Sorrel. "It's time..." She told them grimly. 

Dove stayed with them every step of the way. They were given their clothes, clearly made for a more humid climate and their trackers were implanted. The hug she gave them didn't seem long enough. Mira took Heath and Dove stayed with Ivy before they went. 

The familiar tube awaited her. Dove silently encouraged her, afraid that words would fail. Ivy stepped in and the sliding door closed. She placed her hands on the glass in a panic. It was this same moment in her games when Dove truly realized what was happening. The Hunger Games had begun. 

AUTHORS NOTE
I don't update this book for a bit and then BOOM- nearly 4000 words! I hope yall like this sad as fuck chapter! lmk your thoughts!