A/N: Just an idea.

'...' stands for a lapse in time.

Read and enjoy. Review please.

I stared at the stage, my eyes wide as everyone turned to look at me. I no longer played with my long braid, arms falling dead to my side. I couldn't move, my heart pounding way too fast was the only thing I could feel. What?

"Rani Colucci?" The sickeningly sweet Capitol women called again, fake ass purple eyes searching the crowd. Holy fucking shit, this wasn't some nightmare I would wake up from in a cold sweat… This was real. This was the moment every girl and boy in my district feared beyond all else. Out of the corner of my eye I saw my father. He stood tall at six three, built like a statue. His brown eyes so dark they almost looked black stared at me, face calm but I could see by the twitch of his hand he wanted to run to me and protect me. He nodded at me and I nodded back. I saw three peacemakers start to come over to me so I quickly moved forward towards the stage. My legs worked practically mechanically as I went through the crowd all dressed in their best. I looked back at every face that stared at me in pity. I heard the cries of my mother in the background but nothing really registered as I stopped beside the women on stage, Marta Mandrake. She looked so out of place with her mint green hair and orange tinted skin. Like walking vomit. I wanted to punch her straight in the throat. She tried to put her hand on my shoulder but I moved away. It'd be her last move if she tried again.

"And the boy tribute this year, Miles Gustin!" I didn't even look as he stood beside me, not wanting to think about how I might have to kill him soon. All I saw was a scrawny kid with dark hair.

The last thing I heard before they removed us from the stage was,

"May the odds be ever in your favor."

"Fuck." I said under my breath, fists clenched at my side.

...

I hadn't paid much attention to my mentors the whole trip, giving their time to Miles. He needed it a lot more than me. I was older, I was trained. When my father had come to see me he reminded me that I was ready. I was just as ready as any career and more so than all the tributes from other districts. He had said "Better it you, an exceptionally trained girl of eighteen than a defenseless child." The words didn't sting; he was right. Better me than some innocent little girl who had no chance in hell. My mother had sworn at him, asking if he had wanted this to happen. He simply gave me a look, and I saw the tears in those black eyes that he had passed down to me. My father never cried, ever. The tears didn't drop, even as he pulled me close and said "This is not goodbye, this is only a matter of seeing each other later. I love you Rani. Be safe. Be smart. Remember what I've taught you and no matter what, you make it home to your family." My mom stared down at me with her big green eyes, blond hair curled to her waist. She was always the picture of elegance but not now, not as she fell to her knees and cried until her whole body shook. I put both my hands on either side of her powdered face and lifted her eyes to meet mine.

"It's going to be okay. Stay strong, and take care of dad. I'll be home soon enough." That's all I could say before the peacemaker's came in. They didn't dare touch my father or even think of laying a hand on my mother. They were very respected members of the community and my dad would beat the shit out of anyone who even attempted to touch my mother.

"Not my baby! Not my boy!" I caught a glimpse of a thin, brunette woman being hauled away by two peacemakers, pure dread and devastation on her face.

"Leave her be." My father said firmly and they instantly let her drop to the floor where she collapsed to the floor and my mother went to her aid just before my door was shut and all I saw was darkness.

...

My father had been training me since I can even remember in case this day ever came. My mother always said he was crazy, that my name was on in there once and the chances of me being picked were slim to none. I knew she was thankful now, even if her tears wouldn't be stopping anytime soon. But I had no time for tears, I knew what I needed to do and knew that I would do it. I was good with knives. I wasn't bad with a bow, axe, sword or daggers either. I was even more lethal in hand to hand combat. My father was one of the best trainers in all of the districts, readying the career children in the academies for years and then coming back to our district to train me ten times harder. I briefly thought of the basic tactics. No fires, sleep in high places, no alliances with anyone, no attachments, hide as much as I can and kill as much as possible. The last one didn't faze me like it did others, it was kill or be killed, but I wouldn't kill a child. I wasn't going to be that person or have on my mind for the rest of my life. My father had raised me better than that.

Yes, I was ready for this, the fear barely registered anymore. I was not going to disappoint my family. I'd do it for my district. Fuck the damn Capitol. They were all sadistic, power hungry monsters. But I'd play their sick little game and I'd win.

...

I watched the rest of the reaping's with Miles and our mentors. I barely paid attention, not wanting to see the fear in the eyes of my competitors. I had to keep my head in the game. I noticed Miles was shaking, he was weak. I didn't blame him, this wasn't a fucking picnic, but he shouldn't be this obvious. Even in our rooms. There was always eyes in the Capitol my father had said. Miles was going to die. Not by my hands, I'd do my best to never put myself in the situation to kill my own district partner out of respect, but there was no doubt in my mind that he wouldn't make it past the first three days at most. Poor, sad kid.

...

The parade went by in a blur of lights and cheers. I felt like I didn't even have time to think before they were waxing every inch of my body, covering me in this shit to make my tattoos shimmer and throwing me into the stupid silver electronic themed outfit before pushing me into the chariots. The crowd was frantic, ready for the fresh meat. It made me want to hurl.

"Make them like you. Make them want you to live." My father's words echoed in my head. I smiled and waved, noticing Miles try to follow my lead. They were going crazy for me. I knew my beauty had caught their attention. I wasn't stupid, I knew what a tool it could be. I had a very edgy look that they had never seen in a tribute and with the long lashes and blood red lipstick used to enhance my features, they were already under my spell. I watched the chariot in front of me, a small girl and a huge boy, both dressed in gold armor. Careers I knew, probably had volunteered for this 'Honor'. The boy looked my way as the president spoke. I turned before even glancing at his face, focusing on throwing fake daggers are 'beloved' President. The sick, sadistic bastard…

When we were finally away from the cameras and I could breathe I ripped my lame ass head piece off and threw it. I didn't want to do all this bullshit, I needed to get into the training room and start figuring out my game plan on how to kill and more importantly how to stay alive. As I waited for them to dismiss us I noticed Finnick Odair talking to his tributes. I leaned against the chariot and watched as he coached them, hyping them up. Filling their heads with lies of how great it was to be a Victor. My father had told me the supposed 'Luxury' of being a Victor. You may survive the games but you sell your soul to the devil himself. Once your name was called you're fucked to hell. Finnick finished his speech and turned to catch me watching him. He smiled that alluring grin I'd seen many times on T.V and winked before turning away. When I looked around it seemed many had their eyes on me, tributes and mentors all sizing me up. If any of them knew their shit they'd know my last name and know I wasn't just any tribute.

"They said we can go back to our rooms now." I nodded to Miles, turning away from all the wandering eyes.

...

I scanned over myself in the mirror. My tattoos covered my arms, legs and parts of my back and front. My arms were completely covered in portraits of past victors from my district. My hands were covered from wrist to nail in roses made up of their famous quotes. My favorite being from Helinta Mongross, "I'm not here to kill, I'm here to do what I have to do." I said it to myself lowly as my eyes slid along the small inked words. I think my father only let me get them to have an intimidation factor and it worked. The girl tribute from Six had gone to the complete other side of the hallway this morning to avoid me. Without them I'd look like just another short, pretty girl smiling for the cameras. And I was no Glimmer. They gave me the edge I needed and I intended to use it.

I braided my dark brown hair high and then wrapped it around my head before pinning it. It was many shades darker than my moms' strawberry blond and just a touch lighter than my father's raven locks. I hadn't gotten much from my mother besides her wide hips and height, barely reaching five foot in all. I looked undeniably like my father, high cheek bones, thick lips, olive tanned skin and high arched brows. I shrugged off the thoughts of my parents, reminding myself that I'd be home soon enough. Do what I had to do, make it a quick game.

My stylists had filed my nails to long dangerous points and put red hardening polish over them, saying they wouldn't break for months. They were a last resort but a handy one. I went to the vanity they provided and added my usual makeup, darkened eyebrows, black liner, blood red lips, and long lashes. I added a touch of blush and then pinned up the few strangling hairs covering the back of my neck. I wanted people to see the tattoo there, a large, bold, black '3' representing my district. I began my vigorous stretching routine I did before every training and work out session when Angus knocked.

"Come in." I knew it was him from the one firm knock and the wide shadow below the door. Pay attention to details. Another valuable lesson from my father. He entered and did a brief sweep of the room. I'd made my bed before the Avox could and the walls were set to a starry night.

"How are you feeling?" He asked gruffly.

"I'm ready to get in there. I need to practice up." I replied honestly. He nodded, hands clasped behind his big back. He was a very intimidating man but I refused to let it get to me. Miles practically cowered in his presents.

"Remember you need to intimidate them. Make them not want to hunt you down. Make them want to wait it out till you're weaker. You have to make them hope someone else finishes you off." I nodded, continuing to stretch my arms. He had yet to say anything about his face on my right arm, though I had caught him staring. My other mentor, Melany Ross hadn't paid much attention to me, but focused more on Miles. I was okay with that. Miles needed her help a lot more than I did, and I think she realized that. Melany was on my left arm, close to my elbow, but she hadn't noticed.

"Go get 'em killer." Angus whispered and dismissed me to the training room. I knew he was excited to have me as a tribute, knowing my last name well. When I walked in I barely paid attention to the instructor, too hyped up to get started. My eyes scanned the massive room, seeing lots of individual stations. I made a mental note to go look at the poisonous fruit guide and wildlife survival. Angus had said he figured with the pattern he depicted the arena would be woodland. I had been on many camping trips and was slightly confident but not to the extreme that I didn't want a refresher. I noticed the careers grouped together, even Miles was talking to them. I shook my head and moved to the spear station as soon as we were dismissed, looking to see if my aim was as good as before. I handled the metal with experience, and I wanted everyone to see this. I spun it easily and threw it up with a flick of my wrist before catching it easily with an evil grin. Every moment of the Hunger Games was a show.

"Watch yourself little girl, you might get hurt." I heard a strong voice say from behind me. I didn't look his way, simply aimed and watched as my spear hit the middle target perfectly. Before picking up two more by lifting them with my feet and catching them before throwing them at the two others. Both on point. I smirked triumphantly before turning around to give whoever a glare when I nearly choked on it. He was gorgeous… Blond hair, blue eyes, tall, chiseled, and reeking of arrogant power. It had to be the District Two boy, no one else was big enough… Well maybe the District Eleven boy, but I was already informed from Angus about him and I when I could pull my head away from his face I saw the giant two on his shirt. It took a lot not to just stare, but I remembered where we were and things like lust made your mind weak. I ignored him and quickly walked around him to the knife station. They were my strongest asset and I wanted someone this monstrous to see that. I picked up three and did an easy flip before throwing and a roll before throwing and a behind the back throw. When I took a chance to look I'd nailed them all. As I went to grab more I noticed he was standing beside the rack and smirking at me. He really was beautiful. Dammit, I cannot let my ignorant hormones take over my mind right now. He took a step forward and made it very obvious he had to stare down at me. Bastard.

"District Three, your boy over there has already agreed to join the career alliance. Smart move, he might actually make it to the final five. How about you Three, are you as smart?" He was still hovering over me, trying to use his height to scare me. I let my usual smirk appear on my plump lips, tailing my eyes up and down his enormous physique very obviously. He was prime success of the career academies, maybe even trained by my own father. Yes, he'd defiantly be someone to watch out for. He'd be a strong ally. I'm guessing he was already the top pick to win just from his size and obvious muscles.

But my district weren't career's, and I wasn't about to start being one either. Besides, I know how career's worked, I'd watched the games carefully my entire life, listening intently to all the comments my father made, and I wasn't getting myself drowned or stabbed by my own 'Allies'. We'd be the first to go as soon as we were deemed no longer useful to the pricks. They wanted our knowledge on technology, probably to rig the bombs set under the platforms in case someone took off early, my dad had said they were now talking about their various uses at the academies, but no career would be able to go near one without being blown up. But anyone from my district could. Miles was being completely ignorant. Not to mention I'd gotten a look at the other careers and they did not impress me at all, which I'm guessing is why big foot here was trying to expand his horizons.

"I work alone. Miles is an idiot if he thinks you won't hesitate to slit his throat in his sleep." With that I moved to the sword station without a glance back. I'd done lots of fencing for pure sport, but it may come in handy. I ignored the career boys stare as I went through my fencing training and slashed a few manikins up. They were already worried about my skills. I was more than pleased. I looked over to the obstacle station where a District Twelve boy was failing miserably at climbing the rope bridge. I glanced towards the careers, they were mocking him, looking at him like fresh meat… I turned back to Twelve, he was short for a boy but broad. A lot more built than most you see from the poorest district. He obviously didn't have any balance though. His footing was all wrong and he repeatedly fell before trying again and again. A part of me admired how he tried time and time again even though everyone was making fun of him. I don't know what got into me, maybe his respectable will power regardless of the fact he was at the bottom of this fucked up food chain but I set the sword back on the rack and walked over to ropes. The boy looked at me unsure for a moment. He was almost adorable with his blond hair and blue eyes, those light freckles running across his face. He didn't notice me at first so I watched his form, easily seeing why he was having absolutely no success. After his third fail in my presence he ran his hand through his blond hair, letting out a long breath and then finally realized I was five feet away. I held out my hand.

"Rani Colucci, District Three." I stated. He looked at me oddly for a long minute before hesitantly taking my hand. I pulled him off the ground, ignoring the whispers from around me. I could feel the District Two boy's eyes on my every move, this was good. He would only waste his time if he thought I was competition. Normally careers would use this time purely for intimidation. I was feeling pretty certain he wouldn't attack me in the Bloodbath and risk dying so early.

"Peeta Mellark, District Twelve." He replied, letting go of my hand and standing on his own. I could tell he wasn't very trusting of me and wondered why I'd come over. But just from looking at him I could see that he was different. Scared, worried, jumpy like the rest of them, but he was just… Different… I couldn't think of what it was about him.

"Look Mellark, see you those vicious bastards over there?" I nodded my head toward the careers. He followed my gaze before looking back to me.

"Yeah, so?" He asked, his voice still a bit winded.

"They're looking at you like the last piece of meat. You know what that means? You're going to be a target. Why you ask? Because they take out the easy ones first. I don't know what you're good at, because it's not the ropes. But now would be a good time to make something happen." I explained, trying to keep my voice low.

"Why are you so worried about what they think of me?" He asked auspiciously. I sighed, the fuck if I know kid.

"Look, I'm just saying. I've got a lot of experience with this kind of shit and you're currently getting yourself killed." And with that I walked back to the swords. A moment later I noticed Peeta walk over to the weights, pick up the largest one and throw it an impressive feet, hitting the spear station. So the boy did have some power. I smiled and winked when he looked over at me. The careers were all staring at him in shock, all but the blond boy, he was looking at me. The District Twelve girl was looking at him warily. She'd been on the knot station this whole time… Which meant she was hiding something. Nobody cared that much about knots. I'd have to keep an eye on her. I turned back to Peeta meeting his gaze with a smirk and then went back to my sword work. I had to keep myself on track, warm up my skills before the games. I seen him approach me out of the corner of my eye but I didn't speak.

"Uhm, thank you… For the advice." I nodded as Peeta watched me do my sword drills. I didn't mind an audience, knowing I'd have millions watching soon enough.

"You seem to be able to do about everything in here." He chuckled as I sliced a dummy's head off and then stabbed another right through its core.

"My father has been training me for this since I was six." I stated, noting how close he was. I wasn't afraid of people figuring out who I was. If anything I wanted them to know.

"I- yeah I can tell…" He trailed off. I felt sorry for the boy. He hadn't been prepared for these games, no one in Twelve was as far as I knew and a couple tips couldn't hurt? I mean he wasn't going to survive but at least I could help him surprise a few people and get some respect before he dies. Plus I could use the practice…

"Grab a sword." I ordered, nodding to the rack. He stared at me surprised but at my pointed look, did as I said. He picked it up all wrong but at least his arms didn't wobble from the weight. I showed him how to hold it and a few key pointers. He was a fast learner. Yes, there was defiantly more to Peeta than anyone would ever give him credit for in these games.

...

"Good shit." I smiled an hour later when he finally made contact with my leg. He didn't hurt me but he was getting it.

"Alright!" He laughed. I noticed the District Twelve girl looking at me suspiciously, but I brushed it off. She probably was just looking out for her district partner. I peered over to see Miles at the arrow station with the careers… Why was he being so stupid? He wasn't a career, they'd kill him as soon as they had the chance.

"Where's my fucking knife?" Everyone looked over as the monstrous District Two boy started freaking out, looking from tribute to tribute, before eyeing another boy so deadly it made me practically flinch.

"Did you take it District Six Trash?" He picked the poor boy up by the front of his training shirt. The kid just kept shaking his head. District Two threw him about ten feet, making him hit the weight station with a loud cry.

"You're first on my list bitch." He spat, ignoring the peacemaker's and instructors yelling at him. I heard giggling, and I looked up to see the District Eleven girl hanging from the roof, clutching the boy's knife and trying to contain her laughter. I smiled and winked at her before turning back to Peeta.

"Daggers are too hard to learn in such a short amount of time, but I can teach you how to duck and block them." I stated, going to the dagger and knife station, ignoring the girl career and grabbing the dull ones used for practice.

"Traitor." She glared at me. I just chuckled lowly. Careers were all the same… How boring.

"You better focus on those knives sweetheart if you think you're going to kill me. Because you're on the top of my list." I just smiled sweetly and made my way back to Peeta.

"Rani watch out!" I moved to the left, easily missing the two knives thrown at me.

"Clove! Are you fucking stupid? You could get sent home!" It was the boy career. I looked over my shoulder and winked at her ferocious expression. She growled. How cute.

"How did you know to move to the left?" Peeta asked as I got back to him.

"Always remember your opponent's position. The way they are standing opposed to you determines where their knives, or even where their daggers will shift. I'll explain it all in a moment." He just nodded. I positioned him where I wanted and I did a quick spin, throwing six harmless daggers at him. He looked at me shocked as every one hit his body.

"Now do exactly what I say."

...

Four hours later we were the only ones left in the training room.

"Dammit Peeta, to the right!" I yelled exhausted.

"I know, I'm sorry. I keep forgetting." I just nodded.

"Again." I threw the four at him and then three more. He dodged the first four and then the three.

"Yes!" He cried out happily.

"Hell yeah boy! Good job!" I let him give me a high five.

"Now do yourself a favor, go study the poisons and the edible things found in the woodlands." I said quietly.

"Woodlands? But the arena could be anywhere?" He asked.

"My mentor said he's pretty sure that it's going to be woodlands. Keep that between us though." I stated. He nodded.

"Thank you Rani… I-I don't know what to say." He tried. I just smiled at him, ignoring the part of me that said I may have to kill him…

"Just don't get killed in the Bloodbath Peeta." And I moved to walk away.

"Wait, why, why are you helping me?" He asked. I shrugged.

"It's good practice for me and it's not fair that some of us are trained and others are practically blind." I tried to explain.

"But why me?" He asked next. I was silent for a moment. Why him? I couldn't really be sure. He was right to ask, most everybody in that room was the same way.

"Because I can see that you've got what it takes. I'll see you later Peeta." And with that I smiled at him and turned away. I'd barely gotten ten feet away when,

"Thought you worked alone Three?" I didn't even turn around when I heard the voice, it was already engraved in my mind.

"What I'm not good enough to talk to but Baker Boy is?" His voice was cold. He must have heard Peeta tell me he worked at his family's bakery.

"You career's and your egos." I laughed. He gripped my wrist from behind and pulled me around to face him. I was flush against his hard chest. I could feel the contact everywhere, it was magnetic.

"You don't want me as an enemy little girl." His glare was deadly. I just did my signature smirk, trying not to let his body affect me. But fuck, I was only human.

"I may be a little girl, but you're acting like a little boy who didn't get enough hugs as a child." I grinned. His hold on my wrist tightened.

"I'm going to kill him right in front of you." He spat before walking past me. I glared at his back and flipped him off, even if he couldn't see it. What was this assholes problem?

"Prick." I growled. He looked back at me but then kept walking… Nice ass.

...

"I'm not an idiot… I just want to stay alive." Miles said as he left the table that night. I watched his retreating figure as he made his way towards the hall and disappeared.

"It might be smart to join the careers. They always win for a reason." Angus added. I gave him a scowl, and he put his hands up.

"Fine, I was simply saying it wasn't the worst idea. I know your father has taught you a great deal."

...

"Rani! Rani!" I looked behind me to see Peeta running my way.

"Sup Peeta boy?" I smiled. He stopped right in front of me, breath heavy from his excitement.

"You got an eleven!" He exclaimed, wrapping his arms around me. He smelled like roses. I let him embrace me for a moment before pulling away.

"Yeah, so did your girl Katniss." I shrugged. My rating didn't mean shit since she'd tied me.

"So what? That's still crazy!" He grinned from ear to ear. I couldn't believe how cute this kid was.

"Peeta you do realize we're enemies right?" I asked after a long moment. His smile quickly deflated.

"I know… I've just never really had a friend before." His voice was small and ashamed. Against my better judgment I pulled him into a hug.

"I will make you one promise. I won't kill you." I stated.

"I won't kill you either." He whispered to me. He was nearly half a foot taller than me I realized as he smiled down at me.

"But if it comes down to both of us somehow?" He asked, eyes wide as we parted. I bit my lip and looked at him for a long moment.

"I guess we figure it out then." I commented. He nodded.

"Okay, we should get back to our rooms, we have that stupid interview." Peeta groaned. I chuckled and nodded.

"See you soon." I called over my shoulder as we headed off in opposite directions. I didn't even notice the blond figure watching us until I was walking past him.

"Christ you are like my fucking stalker." I grumbled as the career came out of his hiding spot.

"Making deals like that aren't smart little girl. Killing is the purpose of this entire game." He frowned.

"Leave me alone. I've got things to do." And I pushed past him.

A/N: Let me know what you think.

P.S her name is pronounced 'Rain-ee' in case you weren't sure.