You had first seen him in person at the interviews, in a shiny suit that glimmered as if it was stitched out of diamonds. He spoke confidently, bragging about his survival skills- though it never came off like he was putting the other tributes down. In fact, he avoided discussing them altogether. Charm dripped from his words, and he knew it, using it to woo the crowd.

Just like District One usually did.

Sylus volunteered, obviously, as most Careers did- it was almost tradition for them at this point. A spectacle, a show. You remember watching him saunter up to the stage in District One, winking at the camera.

If it wasn't for the fact you'd been reaped from District 12 alongside your best friend, Xavier, you might have fallen for his looks and charm too.

Now he stood before you in the arena, having found you huddled deep in a cave in the north, holding two spears, a dead rabbit pierced clean through both.

"Twelve, right? I won't hurt you." Sylus's voice was calm, a slight smirk curling up as he tossed one rabbit in your direction. The body landed near your feet with a soft thud, a peace offering... a chance of allyship.

"I think we'd be useful for each other." he added, adjusting the sleeve of his tight-fitting jacket. The fabric clung to him, damp from the deep ocean water just outside the cave, droplets still trickling from the ends of his sleeves and onto the cold, stone floor.

His tone was light, almost like he didn't even perceive you as a threat, like one of the dead rabbits he had speared. "What do you think?"

Sylus raised an eyebrow, watching your features flicker in the dim fire between you, waiting- not as a threat, but as someone who hoped- no- expected a yes.