Rose Tyler of District 12 woke up from a nightmare. The same nightmare she'd been having for the past week, and last night's dream was the worst. Today was the reaping for the 70th annual Hunger Games, and this would be Rose's final reaping. Thank God. Rose thought to herself. Now being 18, Rose's name was in the reaping 28 times. Each year, she added her name in additional times for Tessere for herself and her mother and father. Seemed like the odds weren't in her favor this year. Still, Rose got up and cleaned herself off of any coal dust or grime and looked for her best outfit. If for some bizarre reason Rose was chosen she wanted to look good once she arrived to the Capitol. Hopefully Haymitch wasn't so drunk this year and actually help the tributes survive this time. Before the reaping, Rose ran down to her best friend's house and knocked on the door, hoping they were home and not in the square already.
In another part of District 12, The Doctor sat up, running his hands through his hair. Reaping Day. D-day. The Doctor knew that even after his parents died in the "accident", he had to make them proud.
"Oi! Get down 'ere!" The Doctor heard his adoptive sister call. He was nice enough to be taken in by close family friends, the Nobles. Donna was younger than him, and he had placed his name in the reaping more times, to protect her. He was her spaceman, and he had to take her to the stars one day. District 12 wasn't the best place to build a space ship, but he had a secret. He was a great tinker after all. He did make his own scanner out of an old tube. A sonic screwdriver, he called it, after the things before the Capitol. He slid his feet out of bed, pulling on his cleanest trousers and good shirt. Last chance at reaping with a high chance of being chosen. The Doctor had to look his best. Running his hands through his hair, he moved towards Donna, and her grandfather waiting for him. Wilf gave him a tight hug, passing him a roll before pushing him out the door. He was late and the reaping bell was tolling.
Rose laughed as he stepped out eating a roll of bread. It wasn't the best but at least it was food. Rose took his hand and pulled him along to the square. "Seems someone slept in again." Rose laughed teasing her close friend. As they approached the sign in table, Rose sighed and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. "May the odds be in your favor Doctor…." Rose whispered before walking to the group of 18 year olds. Seeing young Donna in the 15 year olds. If Donna's name was called, Rose knew she'd volunteer for her in a heartbeat. As their escort approached the stage, she welcomed them, and then after the video she'd seen many times she approached the ball for the girls. Surely enough, Donna's name was called. Building up her courage, Rose called out those five words.
"I volunteer as tribute!"
Sometimes, the Doctor felt like he had two hearts, especially when certain things happened that made his heart skip a beat, like Rose kissing him on the cheek and now, hearing the words Donna Noble come out of the reaping bowl. The Doctor lost focus, knowing that while feisty, Donna did not have the skills needed to survive the first night. He was nudged in the ribs. He turned to Mickey Smith, another in the 18 year old group. Mickey nodded to the stage, seeing that Rose was walking up.
Why was Rose walking up? It was Donna that was reaped. His heart stopped, now knowing that he defiantly needed the two hearts. Rose had volunteered. She took Donna's place. He rubbed his face, pushing emotions away for later, as Rose waited patiently for them to announce the male tribute. The attendants hand went it the bowl, swirling the names around. A slip of paper was removed, and read out.
"Doctor Jonathan Smiths."
No...not him...Rose thought, hearing the male tribute's name. Her heart felt like it was gonna sink into the pit of her stomach. Seeing the Doctor approach her she glanced over at him, hoping someone would volunteer for him...but there was no one...Rose glanced at him and shook his hand in a polite manner. As she was ushered into a small room guarded by Peace Keepers, Rose waited to say her final goodbye's to her mother. As Jackie entered the room, Rose rushed over to her and hugged her tightly, trying to hold back any tears.
"You go out there and win sweetheart." Jackie whispered. "Hopefully Haymitch had his wits about 'im this year..." She said trying to make a joke. Rose let out a tearful laugh and Jackie quickly pulled off her wedding band, and placed it on Rose's finger before she was ushered out. Next in was Donna...Feisty Donna that she'd taken her place. Donna rushed up hugging her tightly.
"Take care of that spaceman for me will you?" Donna asked and Rose did nothing but nod. She knew how much the Doctor meant to the Nobles. As Donna was pushed out, Rose let out a quiet "I promise Donna..."
Once the doors were shut, Rose sat down and took a deep shaky breath. She was going into the Hunger Games...with a man who didn't know how she felt about him.
The Doctor was ushered away. He still hadn't spoken since his name was called. The man with the gob that never stopped was silent. His heart still hadn't resumed beating. He sat down, quiet, unsure what to say to the weeping Wilf or Donna. He sat limply, regretting that he couldn't say anything. If this was to be his last moments with his family, he couldn't believe that he was standing silent. Wilf and Donna were made to leave, and the Doctor was moved to the train. He saw Rose already there. He pulled away from the peacekeepers, walking towards her.
"Thank you." He croaked to her, voice not used to staying silent for so long. Rose looked over as he muttered a quiet thank you to her and nodded and boarded the train. They'd have more privacy to talk on the train. As of this moment, they were still being recorded with camera's for all of Panem to be see. Once they were both inside the train, Rose turned and let out a soft smile.
"I couldn't let Donna get hurt." Rose whispered. "I just couldn't..."
"Then I will make sure that you are the one coming home." He said, placing a hand on her back, leading her into the train. Once they were out of the way of the cameras, the Doctor took a deep breath, pulling away from her, leaning on the opposite wall. Rose gave him a look of both fear and sadness in her eyes.
"Doctor...I'm not gonna let you die...Donna and Wilf need you. They're your family." Rose whispered loud enough so he could hear her. "I'm not letting you die out there in the Arena. Your the one that should come home. Not me."
"Please just shut up. You are the one coming home. You have done so much for me and Donna. You are coming home. I know that I am going to die. But if I die, protecting you, then it is a life well spent." The Doctor spat, trying to make her understand. He was only a burden to Donna and Wilf. She still had a life and he would make sure that she would live it. Rose frowned and slowly walked over toward the table of food, and began eating in silence. She'd obviously upset him, and felt like talking to him, would only upset him more. So much for being allies. Rose thought as she ate the juicy piece of fruit she'd grabbed. She glanced over at him, only to see him still standing against the wall; now instead of talking to her, he was talking to Haymitch who seemed sober...For now.
The Doctor followed Rose with his eyes, trying to asses the best way to protect her. He meant what he said, she would be the one sent home. He didn't notice Haymitch walk in, until he felt a hand on his shoulder. He jumped, glaring at the alcoholic. "You need to be alert if you want to stay alive." Haymitch said, winking at the Doctor. Haymitch knew, by the look in the Doctors eyes, what the Doctor planned to do. The Doctor glared at him, choosing to ignore the drunk and watch Rose. Rose let out a light scoff hearing Haymitch's advice. As If she didn't know that already. Rose looked over at the drunken man.
"Haymitch, why don't you give us some advice we can truly use?" Rose took another bite of food, trying to enjoy her food while she could. She wouldn't have much longer before she'd be training, then she'd be in the arena...Where she'd try and save the Doctor's life.
"You want advice. Don't die. Find water and don't die." Haymitch said, throwing himself on the couch, not bothering to look at the two. The Doctor rolled his eyes, knowing that Haymitch was going to be no help. He stalked to the table, picking up some food of his own. He was going to enjoy this while he could. He rested a hand on Rose's shoulder, getting her attention. "Can we talk?" He asked. Rose's attention turned to the drunken man as she nodded to the Doctor accepting his invitation to talk.
"Hey, Haymitch. Here's some advice. Direct from me to you" Rose snarled at the drunk. "Quit drinking and maybe help District 12 win this year so we're not the laughing stock of Panem" She snapped before walking to a different car, waiting for the Doctor to come speak with her. They'd have to plan on their own. Wither Haymitch liked it or not. The Doctor smirked, never knowing that Rose could be like the roses of old. Pretty too look at with a hidden thorn. The Doctor followed her, knowing they had to talk game, strategy and he had to tell her why he needed her to win this. He sat down beside her, looking at her.
"Ready to talk now?" He asked. Rose cleared her throat as he sat beside her. Rose was never one to snap at someone like she just did, but since Haymitch's run in the games 20 years ago he'd become a stubborn drunk and alcoholic. Perhaps that was what happened. The Capitol drove you so crazy it curved someone to drink.
"Yeah, we need to figure out what to do on our own since Mr. Mini Bar isn't gonna be much of a help."
The Doctor nodded, smiling at Rose's new nick name. Seemed like it was going to catch on. "I'm going to protect you." The Doctor said after a new moment silence, "I don't expect to make it home. You can shut it because I'm doing it. And you are not going to stop me." The Doctor told her, his tone leaving no room for argument. Rose heard the tone in his voice and finally realized that she probably shouldn't argue with him even though she wanted to. She'd wanted to tell him that he was the one that should come home and not her. She sighed and nodded accepting his protection vow. Knowing he'd do anything to keep her safe.
"Thanks." She managed to whisper. The Doctor nodded, glad she finally understood. He wished he could tell her why he didn't want to come home. He wish he could tell her on his guilt. HE was the reason his parents were dead and he was only a burden on Wilf and Donna. The whole district would be better without him. He was only an inventor, and most of his inventions didn't work anyway. If he could do one thing, just one thing, he could bring her home. Rose looked up at him and saw the guilt in his eyes.
"Its not your fault you know..." Rose whispered a little louder this time. "Yes, you inventions aren't the greatest yet, but I think they could really work if we had the proper equipment." Rose said taking his hand. "I think that your gonna change the world someday...but I understand I'm your main priority now. To keep me safe."
"Yeh," He shrugged off the bit about his inventions. He knew they were silly and childish and useless. Who needed a robot dog that very nearly talked to him, "But that is my main goal." He vowed her her, resting his hand on her shoulder, giving her a small smile. Rose returned the smile and looked at him. She was probably only one of the very few in the District who actually enjoyed his inventions. Her favorite being the tin dog.
"My favorite is that tin robot dog you've been working on...What did you name him...?" Rose paused trying to remember. "K-9?"
The Doctor ran his hands through his hair, laughing. "The peace keepers hate him. Might be because I've installed a new laser. Just for mining work." The Doctor back tracked, making sure she knew he only used his inventions were for good. Rose looked at him, she could tell he was hiding something, but she decided not to mention anything.
"John...Can you promise me something? That we'll always be honest with each other. No matter what." Rose knew she could trust him for now, but when the Games began, she didn't know what he'd do.
The Doctor nodded, seeing that she called him John was enough to know she was serious.
"You can ask me anything. Im an open book." He assured, taking her hand. He would do anything to bring her home, and if that meant he needed to answer questions, he would. Rose looked down at their hands and she then looked back up at him. She couldn't imagine being with anyone else in the games.
"Your my one true friend John...In fact...The only friend I have really." Rose admitted with a small blush of embarrassment. She did try to make friends, but with Rose being quiet and shy except when she was around John was different. She'd always been able to be open around him and that comforted her. "I'll do whatever it takes to keep you safe" Rose said then held up a finger to indicate she wasn't done yet before he protested. "I know you wanna get me home but I think..." Rose paused knowing they weren't being recorded or anything but Haymitch might very well be listening. "I think its time we show the Capitol what the Districts are really made of...maybe...just maybe...we can both go home"
"No." The Doctor said, "I don't want to come home." After the accident that killed his family, he always had a death wish. He just never had the guts, at least now he could do something good when he went out. "Don't try to change my mind. I understand what you mean, but its not our year. I can sense change, but its not us. Its you." The Doctor said honestly, blinking back his emotions. Rose wanted to slap him. John had never been this stubborn before. Then again, John had reason to be stubborn now. She couldn't blame him.
"God Damn it John quit being so stubborn! I'm nothing alright? I have no skills whatsoever! I'm probably gonna die in the fricking blood bath! The only reason I want you to go home is because your my best friend and I don't want anything to happen to you because I care about you John!"
At her last statement, Rose paused and realized what she'd said. Did she seriously just admit she had feelings for him?
"Stop it! Just stop it! Stop calling me John. That's not my name. I'm the Doctor. Not John!" The Doctor cried, dealing with unsettling news the only way he knew. By lashing out. "I wont let you die. You are more liked and I cant watch you die." The Doctor said, standing his ground. Rose frowned with tears in her eyes as she stood up and headed towards the door.
"I can't watch you die either..." She whispered. "I can't loose my best friend." She then quickly walked over and kissed him without thinking then walked off toward her room and curled up into a ball and cried silently. This was going to be pure hell.
The Doctor stiffened, unable to process the kiss. He was stupid. Stupid and thick. He his his face in his hand, leaning back and letting the train sped off without his consent. He just ruined his only friendship. Stupid Doctor. He berated himself, feeling like an idiot. She may not want him to protect her, so he would be the guardian in the shadows.
Several hours later, when it was near dinner time, Rose slowly rose from her bed and walked toward the Doctor's room and knocked on it slowly. "Doctor? Can I talk to you? It...Its about what happened this afternoon..." Rose felt bad for leaving him like that but he was set on his plan because she was his only friend...She couldn't ruin that. She wanted them to patch things up. The least thing she could do was apologize for her actions from that afternoon when she'd kissed him without warning. The Doctor hadn't moved since she left. Her words and the feel of her lips against his never left his mind. He snapped his head to hers, hearing her voice.
"Yeh. I think we should talk." He agreed, voice cracking. Rose quickly walked over to him, and hugged him gently. Burying her head in his shoulder.
"I'm sorry I did that..I-I wasn't thinking straight..I accept your help but I want us to work together. Try and win this thing. Make history. Two winners..."
The Doctor nodded, though he didn't want to. He would protect her, have this alliance. But if it came down to the two of them, he would give up his life, his place for her. No matter what. "Come on." He said, rubbing her back, "Lets eat something, mkay?" He suggested. Rose nodded and took his hand in hers and they walked to the dining car and ate the most delishious food they'd ever tasted. It was better than the food at home, that was for sure. Rose couldn't help but see the Capitol outside and quickly rushed to the window and looked at it in awe.
"The one place I've feared in my entire life..." Rose muttered
"Its not soo bad." The Doctor said, perking up. He loved adventure. He slung an arm over Rose's shoulder, "Think of it as an adventure." The Doctor put on a brave face walking off the train, preparing himself from the onslaught of people, all wanting to know him.
Rose sighed quietly, "Yeah, an adventure where people want to watch us die." Rose muttered putting a smile on her face as she was taken to a room where she met her prep team. They began cleaning her of all the dirt and coal dust. Soaking her and what felt like the worst experience ever as hairs were ripped out of her legs. She felt completely raw to the bone. She was helped in sitting up because it hurt to move. Rose was soon escorted to a room, where she met her stylist. Rory. Rory walked into the room and gave her a warm smile. She'd never heard of him before so he must have been new.
"I wanted to say that it was a very brave thing you did...taking that girl's place. Takes a lot of courage to do a thing like that. I'm Rory" he introduced himself, holding out his hand for Rose to shake and Rose took it feeling a little more relaxed. It would seem she and Rory would be great friends.
"So, normal coal miner outfits for me then?" Rose asked and Rory shook his head. "No? What did you have in mind"
Rory let out a grin. "Lets make you look like you mean something and not just a lump of coal..."
The Doctor went willingly with the red haired woman. He was entranced by her hair. So ginger. He always wanted to be ginger. She forced him into the seat and a team of women surrounded him. He tried to push them off, tried to keep them away, but they moved around him, scrubbing him down and pulling at his eye brows, trying to train him to blink properly. He frowned, waving them off, trying to get them to call him Doctor, not John. The red haired woman, who introduced herself as Amelya, kept asking him about the other girl who Rose volunteered for. But he was reluctant to tell Amy about Donna. She frowned, thrusting a red suit at him.
"I thought we were coal?" He asked, pulling on the suit.
"No, coals boring. This. Now this is cool." He turned to Amy, arms out wide, showing off his new suit. She nodded, smiling. He turned to the mirror again, checking out the new look. He liked it. Rose soon met the Doctor near their chariot. Rose's hair was pulled back, and she wore a red dress that shimmered as she walked. It almost looked as if her dress was a burning piece of coal. It complimented the Doctor's red colored suit.
"I think we did good Amy..." Rory grinned at the pair and Amy simply smiled and nodded. Rose then walked up to the Doctor and adjusted his suit lightly, and took his hand
"You look good." She complimented. Rose then began to look around at the other tributes...most of them didn't seem a threat...The girl from District 1 looked like she was quite skilled. Rose made a note not to be around her, the woman was paired with a tall lanky man who's hair was messier than the Doctor's...He was complaining to his stylist about how he wasn't wearing a bow tie. Nearly shouting at her really, but he was keeping his cool.
The Doctor watched his competition, making names for them. He didn't want to know their real names. That would mean it was real, and he would have to kill friends. The Chariots of District 1 came out. Moppy (matt) and Curly (river), proud to be there. District 2, Capey (doc 2/patrick)and Bob cut (zoe). District Three came out, with White&Curly (3doc/Jon) and LittleMsSmilie (Sj). District Four came out and the pair of them were sharing an extremly long scarf, (4doc/TOm) and Scantly dressed warrior lady (leela). District Five came out, the blonde guy (5doc/peter) and the busty brunette (peri). District Six came out in a blur of colour, the male tribute blonde&Curly (6doc/Colin) and woman with feiry curls (melanie). District Seven came out a light brown haired man,(doc7/slyvester) and a young girl with a pyro lighter (ace). District Seven prepared a Victorian man and woman, wearing green (doc8/paul and victoria). Distict Nine came out with a closely shaven man and his darker tribute (doc9/chris and martha).District Ten was an older man, barely pushing the age limit and a young girl he was protecting(doc1/William and Susan).
The Doctor's breath hitched as district 11 walked out, a man with an overly flirty face and a brunette girl who looked like she could do the same, now know as Mr and Mrs Flirty. (jack and clara). The Doctor took a deep breath, grabbing Rose's hand as they were forced out into the crowd. He held his head high, gripping her hand tighter. Rose couldn't help but stare at the tall man from 11 who winked at her and she just shook her head in a No Way matter. As their carriage was pulled out, there were gasps and cheers among the crowd. Their outfits were so unique and so different, that they were going to be the talk of the Tribute Parade. Rose conveniently enough caught a yellow rose that was thrown to her and she looked over to the Doctor with a warm smile.
"A rose for my Rose." he said, not even thinking about what he was saying. His Rose. "And its all yellow too. A yellow rose for the pink and yellow tribute." he said softly, forcing a smile and waving to the crowd. They were different. Simple, but different
The Capitol doesn't like different..Rose nodded and looked at him as President snow made his normal speech welcoming the tributes and thanking them for their honor and their sacrifice. Rose couldn't help but let out a scoff which she hoped no one heard. After they were ushered into the bottom of the Training Center, Rose looked over at the Doctor and handed him the rose. "Here...for you."
"I hate him too." The Doctor said, hearing her scoff, "If he mysteriously ends up at the bottom of a stair case, it wasn't me. Deal?" He asked, only half joking. He took her hand, walking to the training room, not wanting to get separated from her, also to show the other tributes not to mess with her, because he would be right next to her, always.
He took the rose from her, breaking the stem short and placing it in the lapel of his red suit. Rose smiled and kept close to the Doctor. She smiled feeling their hands together as they were lead to the penthouse of the training center. Rose could use a good nights sleep after the days events. Rose still clung tight to the Doctor's hand as they watched the parade together after Rose changed into a simple pink t shirt and comfortable pants. Seeing the Doctor on the couch as she exited, she noticed him talking to Haymitch, Rose walked over to them slowly before curling up in the Doctor's lap.
"What was that about? Haymitch finally giving you advice is he?" Haymitch ignored the snide almost insult and continued talking saying nothing to Rose.
"Now, you guys. Water. All important Water. But that," Haymitch pointed at the two of them together, "Use that. Use that to get sponsors. Sponsors give you an advantage."
The Doctor looked to Rose, tightening his grip on her. Rose looked at the Doctor as he had given her an assuring squeeze on the shoulder. "So your basically saying we need to pretend to be something more than close friends? All we are is 2 close friends who are gonna do anything to defend the other." Rose was a little slow at what Haymitch was getting at, so she looked to the Doctor who she hoped would clear things up for her.
"Eh, close enough." Haymitch said, giving a look to the Doctor, that said 'you know the plan.' The Doctor nodded stifly, trying not to alert rose to the actual plan. Rose glanced at the boys and just sighed.
"I'm gonna get some rest. First day of training tomorrow..." Rose muttered sarcastically. She knew she'd need a good nights rest if she was going to be capable of all the exercises. The next morning, Rose was placed in a simple shirt and cargo pants with her District number on the uniform and she met the Doctor for breakfast. "Sleep okay?" Rose asked him as she took nibbles of her breakfast.
The Doctor didn't sleep that night. He didn't really ever sleep. It would be an advantage in the games. He sat on the roof, watching the city lights. He couldn't see the stars. He could always see the stars at home. And he wanted to see them, to let them show he was safe. He watching the sun rise, forcing himself to go downstairs. Meeting Rose in the kitchen, he tugged at his training clothes, "I don't sleep, but these clothes could be better." He complaining, picking up the rare and tasty yellow fruit in the bowl. Rose nodded at the mention of the outfits. They weren't the best outfit they could have chosen. Rose grabbed a fruit of her own, and sighed.
"I'm just scared about what I'm gonna do for the private sessions. I don't know how to do anything"
"You know lust. Your going to charm the pants of them, well, maybe not the pants off. That would not be a good thing to see, no sirey. But you think you cant do anything? What about me? I invent! They wont let me invent something, and now you've gotten me worried." The Doctor said, talking faster and faster, breathing speeding up as anxiety fell upon him. Rose took his hands as he began rambling and looked at him.
"Doctor..." Rose whispered. "Your getting anxious. You need to try and relax." Rose tried as best as she could to soothe his nerves. She was always good at that back home, so maybe she could help him. "If anything, I'm good at First Aid." Rose suggested. "You good with your hands. I'm sure you'd be good at snares once you learn how to use them"
"Right. Yeah. Of course. A doctor for the Doctor." He said, calming himself down. Rose was right. She was always right. He looked at her, taking her hand, "But we don't need to worry about that for a while." He reminded her , biting his lip. Rose nodded and intertwined their fingers together before walking with him to the elevator where they rode it down to the Training Center. They weren't the first set of tributes there, but they weren't the last. Which Rose hoped would be a good thing. Rose looked around at the several different stations and then looked at the Doctor.
"I say we work together." She whispered. "Do what Haymitch suggested. Try and remain close to one another."
"Wasn't planning of leaving." HE said, keeping a tight grip on her hand, "Don't show your skills, don't become a target." The Doctor instructed, leading her over to the knife throwing. He knew she was good, but he wanted them to be overlooked, underestimated. Rose nodded hearing his instructions and looked at the knives. She did know how to throw them, but she didn't want to start off with what could be her best skill.
"Doctor, you know how good I can be at this. We don't wanna seem like a threat remember?" Rose reminded him.
"Then be shitty. Let the others think you are shit at it, and then you can show them up. Its tactic." The Doctor explained in a whisper, not alerting the others to his plan. He let go of her hand, crossing his arms, glaring at the man from District 11 who kept winking at him and Rose. Rose glanced over at where the Doctor was looking and Rose scoffed rolling her eyes and took up one of the knives and aimed at the outer ring, she knew she'd be able to hit the bulls-eye if she tried, but like the Doctor said, make it seem like she couldn't. Rose purposely missed her target and frowned as it hit the wall.
The Doctor gave her a slight nod, watching her from the corner of his eye. The man from district Eleven walked up Mrs Flirty trailing behind them.
"Im Jack, and this is Clara." He introduced, winking at Rose. Clara shot the Doctor a smile, but not saying much. "We think that the four of us should work together. LEt one of the underdogs win." Jack continued.
The Doctor glared at the two, gently taking Rose's arm, "We'll get back to you." He said with fake sincerity.
Rose watched as Jack and Clara walked away over to a different section of the Training Area. Rose just gave the Doctor a look. "Doctor, what was that about? An alliance with them could be a good thing." Rose whispered slightly harsh to him. "If there's anyone we shouldn't ally with is that big curly haired woman from district 1. Jack and Clara don't seem that bad." Rose said trying to change his mind but knew that wouldn't happen, the Doctor was too stubborn. Just like someone else she knew.
Haymitch.