Dinner is extremely awkward. Occasionally one of us will try to make conversation, but it all ends very abruptly. Although I do find out that the name of the escort is Dominic Gates, I seemed to have missed out on that fact when he introduced himself at the reaping. I seem to recognise that name from somewhere, but I can't remember where, which annoys me a little. I also notice that Scarlette keeps looking at me, but avoids my eyes when I notice she is doing so. This makes me even more uncomfortable. And what's more, I have heard stories that the Capitol food was amazing, but to be honest I really don't like it. It's like they tried too hard, and it all just collapsed on them. I much prefer the plain, simple food I get at home.

I am very glad when dinner is over. We all move into another carriage to watch the all of the reapings on the tv. There is a selection very comfy lounges, one of which I relax into. This part I do like, well the lounge at least, I hate seeing all the other children that are in the same situation as me. At home we only had hard backed chairs. I really don't want to see the reapings, so I just close my eyes and try to rest again. The other two don't seem to notice.

Once it's all over I gladly go to my room. I decide to have a long, hot shower, that's another luxury I don't get at home. Instead we have to have a quick cold shower. I then put on warm fluffy pyjamas and sink into the cushioned bed. I hate myself for enjoying these luxuries while grandfather is alone at home on a stiff wooden bed.

After a few minutes I hear a knock on my door. That's odd... why would anyone want to see me? I climb out of bed and open the door to see Dominic Gates.

"Do you mind if I come in?" he asks.

"No", I reply confused.

He walks in and closes the door behind him, then sits on the end of my bed.

"I never wanted this job", he states.

"Why did you take it then", I ask. Why is he telling me this?

"My parents, they forced me, I had no choice."

I don't know how to reply, but he sees this and continues...

"Well the real reason I am telling you this is, I know your grandfather and your mum."

I think for a moment on this. Once my grandfather told me a story about how he took care of a little child for a year until his parents came for him. His name was Dominic, that's where I know the name! The district escort is the little boy, I can't believe it!

"No way", I reply.

"So you know who I am then?"

"Yeahhh".

He chuckles a bit and then says, "apparently I somehow ended up on a train that came to your district and your grandfather found me. After a whole year of living with him and your mother my parents actually came for me. We all made District 6 our home, until I turned 10 and my parents had planned for the escape. We escaped on the back of a train, just like how I came in. I wasn't happy though, I really wanted to stay."

"Yes, my grandfather told me all about it."

After a second I ask...

"Why did your parents force you into this job?"

"They thought I would like it, but they really don't understand me, I wish I stayed in District 6, I felt like I belonged there".

"Your grandfather was a really great person", he continues, "he took me on like I was his own. And your mother was also very kind, she was around my age at the time. We used to be good friends."

I nod and smile, I'm sure that was very true.

"How are they", he asks, "I didn't get to see them amongst all the people."

In a shaky voice I reply, "both my parents died in the rebellion, and I was an only child, grandfather's alive, but now he has no one left."

"I am so sorry", Dominic says, and pats my shoulder. I can tell he is very sad too. He doesn't try to give me false hope that I will make it out of the arena.

************************

A/N - And the story has come out! Get to see what costumes the stylists put Carter and Scarlette in, in the next chapter!

Hope you and enjoyed! And remember to vote ;)