Inside the train was nothing like Ximena had ever seen before. As many times as she had daydreamed about the opulence of Capitol living never had she imagined something quite like this. Everything just seemed sharper, more saturated, more alive. It was almost enough to make her head spin.

“I can’t imagine how much this all is to take in.” The hint of Capitol accent gave Yancey away. There he was perched on a lime green arm chair; how Ximena hadn’t noticed him when she walked in was a miracle. “Just wait, it only gets better from here.” Noticing her gapping mouth, the escort shot her a wink.

“HOLY SHIT THIS THING IS AMAZING!” Ajax boomed as he followed Ximena into the car. Yancey laughed as the boy sprinted to the cart laden with snacks and immediately started to gorge himself. 

At the rate he was shovelling down the food Ximena was worried it would all be coming back up. The escorts grin grew but Ximena knew all too well the pangs of hunger from skipping meals. The winters where sometimes it was days between full meals. She had even been one of the better off families from Twelve, though the words better off and Twelve together were an oxymoron.

“Keep eating like that and you’ll be the first one to drop in the arena.” The female’s icy tone cut through the train car, freezing Ajax in his place. Slowly, he lowered the half-eaten croissant from his lips and dropped it on an empty plate. “That’s better. First lesson, don’t let your stomach get too used to being full. Careers might have it hard but they’re almost always going to have a source of food, even in the arena. We don’t get the same privilege and going from empty to full and back is hell on the stomach.”

Ajax’s excited state visibly diminished and he backed away from the table. “Sorry miss, I just haven’t eate-” 

He started saying through a mouth full of crumbs before the intimidating woman cut him off. “Haven’t eaten for four days? Or is it a week? You do look the desperate type.” Ester mused whilst plopping down on a plush sofa.

Ximena didn’t know what to say to this new arrival, already things seemed overwhelming. Feeling like Yancey was the nicest in the room she took a seat beside him, just in time for her mentor’s gaze to fall to her.

“You. Mouse-girl. You speak, yes?” She looked down at her immaculate nails before fixing Ximena with an almost reptilian stare.

“Y-yes.” Ximena managed to stammer out. Never before had she felt so scared of a person and she found herself wishing her Papa was here to deflect that awful gaze.

The woman clicked her tongue thoughtfully, as if pondering what her next words were going to be. “An overeager twig and a terrified wisp, cannon fodder and cannon fodder.” 

At this Yancey stood up, as he’d been growing more and more agitated as the mentor was speaking. “And who are you to be speaking to them like that? They’re just kids, show a little compassion. You were in their shoes once too.” 

“Ah yes, I almost forgot. Yancey Proulx, our ambitious little intern. Decided a life in the big leagues was a little too much for you to handle? I’m the only success this shit hole of a district has produced.” As she spoke, Ester rose from her seat and walked purposefully to where Yancey was standing, stopping only inches from his face. So, I think I’m pretty qualified when I say that these two won’t last more than five minutes.” 

Ajax tried to stammer out an answer and Yancey looked like he wanted nothing more than to yell at the woman invading his privacy, but, evidently, his years of political training gifted him with the ability to hold his tongue. Ximena wanted to speak up, to defend herself, but deep down she knew it was true. What chance did she have?

Ester brought her hand up gently to Yancey’s face, letting it slide down his his cheek to rest just briefly on his jawline. “That’s what I thought.” Her voice dripped with contempt. “Now, I wonder just what secrets are rattling around in that pretty little head of yours.” Yancey’s face wavered just a moment and Ester knew she’d won. “Oh, something bad enough to make someone born for politics up and leave without a moments notice. Interesting.” She clicked her tongue again before returning to her seat.

Yancey was frozen, seemingly unable to process what had just happened and the mess he’d unknowingly thrown himself into. Likewise, his tributes were equally as unsure of how to react going forwards. Only their mentor seemed to have any level of comfort, pouring herself a martini from the tray next to the couch.

“Well don’t just stand there, sit.” It was more a suggestion than a command, and both Yancey and Ajax sat down, all three now across from Ester. “We’ve only just left Twelve, and we won’t reach the Capitol until tomorrow.” She sipped at her drink. “Try to enjoy your last few hours of privacy by the way, once you step off the train, every move, every word, is scrutinized.”

Never one for wanting the spotlight, Ximena could feel the lump in her throat only growing larger. While she was warming up to Yancey, and felt decided neutral towards Ajax as she’d only just met him, she knew without a doubt Ester was not a woman she wanted to be around. 

Internally, she couldn’t help but compare Ester to her mother. Where her mother’s eyes were bright and crinkled at the corners when she laughed, Ester’s were cold and calculating, like every movement had to be analyzed; her mouth was stuck in a firm line instead of big and smiling. The more she thought about it, the most she disliked this woman who had barged into her life; but, above all, the worst part about her was the fact that Ximena’s only chances at survival hinged on her.

An odd silence fell over the group. Ajax appeared to be struggling to contain his boisterous self in an effort to impress Ester, while Yancey had a troubled look on his face. “We still have a few hours until dinner, might as well try to prepare ourselves against the competition.” Ester glanced around at her companions. When no one responded she sighed, flicking on the screen just as the symbol for One flashed onscreen.