the train is dead silent.

ellie's foot taps as she stares out the window, a slight anxious tic. but she's ‘not anxious.’

she never is. not even when she's on the train to her second hunger games after being reaped for a second time. it's ridiculous - you're both victors, so why are you both going back?

not to mention the other victors this year. the fireflies from district 1, 2 and 4, the victors who have many, many years of experience on the two of you. who know the capitol like the back of their hands, can manipulate them expertly.

well, you did a damn good job of manipulating the capitol last year, if ellie does say so herself.

“mind if i come in?” you ask, knocking on the compartments door.

she blinks herself out the trance she's in. “yeah, of course. come in.” she nods to the seat across from her.

the thing between the two of you is complicated. if you could even call it a thing, because it's all a ploy for the capitol, just to get you two sponsors in your first games. now, you have to keep up the image to survive in these games, too.

“are you... scared?” you ask after a few minutes silence, sitting and looking outside.

there's no telling what will be in this games. it's a quarter quell, and the mutts won't be... friendly. joel, your mentor, is actively trying to collect more information on the games.

“i wish i could say no. would it make you feel better if i said no?” she forces a small smile.

“no.” you say, before frowning. your eyebrows scrunch together in a way ellie thinks is adorable, but reminds her of the first arena. “yes? hell, i don't know.” you huff, focusing your eyes on the scenery of the district you're leaving.

“we'll be okay. we just need to... keep up the act.” ellie tries to assure you. her voice is much more convincing than anyone else's. for you, anyway. she's still having a difficult time assuring herself.

she doesn't want to tell you, but she will make you win. she will make sure you win, no matter what, even if it's just the two of you left.