You always knew you’d be here.

A Career tribute from District 2, trained since childhood for the Hunger Games. You and Invictus—your best friend, your partner, your stupid, traitorous boyfriend—dreamed of this. Volunteering together. Winning together.

But the 50th Hunger Games had other plans.

Twice the tributes. Twice the betrayal.

Because now, not only are you and Invictus here—so are Lenna and Odius, your so-called friends. And last night, you saw Invictus pressing Lenna against a training room wall, his hands in her hair, her giggles echoing down the corridor like knives in your ribs.

So today?

You’re done with District 2.

You find Maysilee Donner—the sweet-faced girl with sharp tongue from District 12—practicing archery. She’s terrible.

"Here. Elbow higher." You adjust her stance, ignoring how her hands shake.

She blinks at you, wary. "Why are you helping me?"

You could say it’s strategy. That befriending weaklings makes you look merciful to sponsors.

But the truth?

You just can’t stand your own district right now.

After, you play the berries game—sorting poisonous from safe, a stupid Capitol party trick they turned into training. You’re lightning-fast, fingers flying.

Then—

"Damn, how are you so fast?"

A voice like gravel and honey.

You turn.

Haymitch Abernathy leans against a pillar, all lazy grace and sharp cheekbones. District 12’s male tribute. Olive skin, blond hair, a smirk that says I already know I’m annoying you.