There's a long black train, comin' down the line~

Rowan made his way from his sleeping car to the dining car. A longer walk than he cared for, but a familiar walk nonetheless. He was trying something new this year: staying sober, or as close to possible. Not being sober has cost him four tributes since Thomas, and he didn't want that again. Inching closer to the door to the dining car, Rowan stopped and peeked in. His tributes backs were to him, luckily, and he was able to take them in. Rowan heard part of their conversation, wondering when he'd show up. Taking that as his cue, Rowan opened the door and entered.

"The better question, dears, is when is he not going to show up," he said as he entered the car. Walking around the back of the seating, Rowan made his way over to a table. Selecting a bottle of fruit juice, something citrusy, Rowan turned to face the duo. Cracking open the bottle and taking a drink, Rowan sighed. "Shaun, nice to see you again," he said with a smile. Turning to the girl, Rowan gave her a smile. "And you must be Rune. Nice to meet you," he said with a nod. Pulling a chair from the dining table, Rowan turned it around and sat in it backwards, facing his tributes. Taking another drink, Rowan looked them over. "First up, do you all have any question for me?" he said with a hint of laughter. "Either that, or we begin breaking the ice. Both work," he said with a smile.

Rowan looked deflated. "Right to the chase, eh you two?" he said with a grimace. Shrugging, Rowan took another drink, Rowan pulled himself up a bit. "Alright. First things first, you need someone you can trust. Don't think that just because you two are district partners means that you're gonna work together," he said sternly. Looking the two over, Rowan continued. "The closer you look, the more apt the Gamemakers are to force you apart. Don't get too close, but don't stray too far. One misstep means you come home in a box." Rowan took another drink. Sighing, he looked at his shoes. "Weapons and food first. If the Cornucopia makes it seems the arena will be dry, attempt to get something that can hold water. I'll help as much as I can from the Capitol, but it's up to you two to make the Capitol citizens love you," he said.

Returning his gaze to the two, he laughed. "That it?" he questioned Shaun. "If so, what do you need to say, Rune?" he said, giving the girl a nod.

Rowan turned his attention to Rune. "Keeping allies alive, eh?" he repeated. Scratching his cheek, Rowan bit his bottom lip. "That's the question of the ages, dear," he said with a flicker of laughter in his eyes. "Outnumbered? Attempt to flee and protect each other if you can't protect yourself." Pausing, he took another drink. Wiping his mouth, he continued. "Evenly matched, fight and defend for each other. You come first, remember that, however. Block and attack for you first, then help the other if they need it." Straightening himself in his seat, Rowan looked between Shaun and Rune. "And if you outnumber the opponent, attack them. If one of you can't block with success, then step in. Otherwise, there's not much to worry about in that situation," he said, leaning back. Stretching, Rowan stifled a yawn. Looking at the duo, he smiled. "How's that?" he asked rhetorically.

"Hmm, playing Capitol time is difficult," Rowan said, standing. Turning around, he sorted through the food on the table. Grabbing a handful of a berry (blueberries :3), he turned back around, popping several into his mouth. "Watch your enemies, watch yourself, and make the Gamemakers love you" he said. Taking his seat again, Rowan putted more berries in his mouth. "The Capitol will be strictly about you. You only need me for advice in the Capitol," he said. Scratching his head, Rowan took another drink. Watching his tributes, Rowan yawned, forgetting to stifle it this time. "Excuse me," he muttered.