FINNICK and Johanna had left to their districts so they could be reaped. Lilith was beyond angry, she knew to some extent that President Snow's announcement was directed at the victors of last years games. Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark of District 12. They had outsmarted the gamemakers and supposedly fallen in love in the arena.

Lilith didn't really buy the star crossed lovers act and thought it was quite a ridiculous but smart move.

Lilith was violently stuffing things into a duffel bag when Jackson walked in. "What did that bag do to you?"

"I'm packing for my trip to certain death," Lilith responded bluntly.

"Please Lily, you're not going to get picked," Jackson said.

"Oh yeah? What if I do? What if Ivette doesn't and I get picked? I'm preparing."

Ivette Li-Sanchez was a girl from district 5 that had won two years ago. She and Lilith were somewhat friends but not as close as Lilith and Johanna, "And besides, Snow hates me so much I'm pretty sure the only name that is going to be in there is mine."

Before Jackson could speak a siren went off signalling that the reaping was going to start soon. The two sighed and exited their home and walked over to the square.

They stood on the stage as Elsa started her announcement. Lilith and Ivette conversed quietly as she finished up.

"Let's start with the boys," Elsa announced, she shot Jackson and Lilith sympathetic looks as she pulled the only card in the big bowl out. "Jackson Viper." Jackson stepped forward with a blank look.

"Let's move on to the girls," Elsa swirled the two cards around before picking one up. Ivette held Lilith's hand as she spoke, "Lilith Viper."

"I volunteer," Ivette said.

"No, Ivette it's fine. Stay with your family," Lilith stepped forward.

"Okay, then we have our tributes." The peacemakers grabbed the two siblings by their arms and dragged them off to the train. Not before Ivette slipped a silver necklace into Lilith's hands. When they got to the Capitol, Lilith crashed onto her bed and let sleep overtake her even though it's was only 5 o'clock.

☾☾☾☾☾☾

Katniss, Peeta, Haymitch and Effie were around the table eating, "Everything will Be different because it's a Quarter Quell," Effie started, "The Capitol has spared no expense. A new training centre. New tribute living quarters and of course a very special arena. But this year you will be facing other victors. Capitol favourites. Smart, cunning, skilled and they all know one another. You two are the outsiders."

Haymitch got up. "I want you guys to forget everything you think you know about the games. Last year was child's play. This year you're dealing with all experienced killers."

"All right. What does that mean for us?" Peeta asked.

"That means you're going to need to have some allies."

"Okay. I think that if we-"

Haymitch cut Peeta off, "You're not the problem," he pointed at Katniss.

"No," she said.

"Look. You're starting at a disadvantage. Most of these people have been friends for years." Haymitch told her.

"That just puts us higher on their kill list."

"Do it your own way, but I know these people. You go it alone, their first move is to hunt you down," Haymitch told her. "Both of you."

"Katniss come on," Peeta tried to persuade.

"How can any of us even trust each other?" Katniss asked.

"It's not about trust. It's about staying alive."

They moved into the living room to look at the tributes.

"Cashmere and Gloss. Brother and sister. District 1. They won back to back games. Capitol favourites," Haymitch said as they looked at the two blonds on the screen who were waving at the crowd, "Lots of sponsors. They will be lethal. And the other half of the career pack. Brutus and Enobaria."

"What's with her teeth?" Katniss asked.

"She had them filed into fangs so she could rip people's throat out. She got the idea from another set of tributes that will come up later. Wiress and Beetee. Not fighters but brilliant. And weird. Real tech-savvy. He won his games by electrocuting six tributes at once."

"The Morphlings. Masters of camouflage. Basically won their games by hiding until everyone else was dead. Self-medicating ever since. Which I applaud, not a threat." Haymitch switched the screen and a video of Finnick popped up.

"Finnick Odair, right?" Katniss asked.

"Yes, he won his games at 14. Youngest ever. Extremely humble."

"You're kidding," Katniss scoffed.

"Yes, I'm kidding. He's a peacock. A total preener. But he's the Capitol darling. They love him here." Peeta shifted in his seat as Haymitch spoke, "Charming smart and very skilled in combat. Especially in water."

"What about weaknesses?" Peeta asked.

"Two. Mags she volunteered for Annie. Mags was his mentor and basically raised him. If he's trying to protect her in any way it exposes him."

"A guy like that has to know she's not gonna make it." Katniss said bluntly, "I bet when it really comes down to it, he won't protect her."

"Well Katniss, I just hope when she goes, she goes quickly. She's actually a wonderful lady," Haymitch looked down.

"The second weakness?" Peeta asked to diffuse the tension.

"Let's talk about Jackson first. Enobaria got her idea from him although she took it a slight step further. Anyway, he killed all his victims with either a hunting knife or his bare teeth. Total psycho although he prefers sociopath. He carved his mark of a capital 'V' in his victims' heads after he killed them." The screen showed Jackson smiling up at a camera in the woods, with a bloody face, standing over three bodies all with bleeding heads and ripped out throats.

"Anyway, his little sister is Finnick's weakness and he's hers. Lilith Viper. Once again Capitol darling. Everyone thinks she and Finnick are dating but they always deny it. Dangerous is the only way to describe her. She followed in her brother's footsteps but instead of getting her teeth sharpened after her games, she did it before. Their parents paid for their illegal actions though."

"Snow killed their parents." Peeta breathed in shock.

"Yes. They didn't really care. And if they do they don't show it. They're total psychopaths, very good at killing. I would stay away from them if I were you." Haymitch advised.

Katniss and Peeta briefly looked at each other as they watched Lilith in deep combat with a male before she stabbed him in the heart and carved a 'V' into his head.

Authors Note
Hello, lovelies. Please read my other books if you like Klaus Mikaelson or Steve Rogers. Please also follow my Pinterest (which is in the banner 👇) to see all upcoming book covers and aesthetics.

Anyway, thank you for reading