My name was called, and I smirked a bit, walking on stage. Was I scared? Yes, of course I was. My being in district two was no guarantee I would win. I was fifteen years old, and my build was just naturally small, I barely clocked in at 100 pounds. I would get far, I knew that. The final eight was at least where I'd die. I had skill. I was fast, I could fight, and no one could beat me with knives. I stared arrogantly out at the rest of my district; barely hearing the male's name gets called before a massive eighteen year old hurled himself out of the crowd. Cato, he was also in my academy, and this was his plan. To volunteer the last chance he got, it was nearly a guaranteed win for him. He climbed on stage and winked at me as we shook hands. Could I take him? Not in combat, but if I took advantage of a distraction he had, He'd end up with a blade buried in his throat before he could swing his weapon. But he was thinking the same thing, watching me scrupulously as we walked into the city hall building, trying to measure my skill. Could he bring himself to kill me if he had to?
Could I bring myself to kill him? I actually wasn't sure if I could. Maybe the other twenty-two tributes would actually be powerful, and be able to kill him. That'd be pure luck, but the chances were slim.
Goodbyes went by quickly, thankfully. My family and friends gave terse, hopeful farewells. They felt the same way I did. Confident in my ability, they knew my skills, but they also knew that there would be powerful children in the arena. They were logical and well aware of the situations. Saying goodbye did hurt, because I couldn't shake that, yeah, maybe it was goodbye. I might never see them again.
I can't keep thinking like that.
The train trip is quick, as District Two is right near the capitol. We arrive in less than three hours. The trip is spent in almost utter silence, with Brutus appearing only to vaguely mutter that we'd be able to relax until the next evening, when the parade would be. I don't know where Enobaria was, and I didn't care too much. The only thing I'm focused on is getting to our floor and watching the other reaping's. I needed to know whom I was up against. Acting arrogant was so easy for me, but I wanted to assure myself that I had a right to feel it.
When we arrived our escort took us to the second floor and Cato sprawled out on the large brown leather couch, sighing.
"Get me some water, and a sandwich," He barked at an avox. The blonde haired man was in his late twenties, and looked at Cato with a look of miserable desperation. "What?" Cato snapped.
"What sandwich do you want, meat head." I snapped at him. The man gave me a thankful look and I looked at him emotionlessly before walking over to sit in an armchair, kicking up my feet.
"Roast beef. Mayo, onions, tomato, lettuce. I don't care about the bread." Cato listed, his voice dragging out mockingly as his spoke the avox.
"Peanut butter and Jam, for me." I called. The avox nodded before walking away.
"Child." Sneered Cato. I glared at the older boy and he laughed "Oh what? Should I watch my back? Don't want any of your shiny little knives in it, do I? Ha. I know what you're thinking, when it gets down to the two of us, you think you can take me. YOU take ME." Cato mocked. I felt fury burn in me.
"No, when it comes down to the two of us, I know you won't be able to kill me right of the bat. You're too slow, and too fascinated by me. You'll have my knife in your throat before you can tell me you're sorry for what you see as my inevitable death." I say smugly, crossing my arms. Cato begins to say something when the Avox comes back and interrupts him, placing Cato's sandwich and water next to him on a table, and bringing me my sandwich, placing an additional water glass next to me, and glancing at me as if asking it were okay. I nod, "Thank you." I saw, dismissing him.
Enobaria make's her grand entrance, waltzing passed the leaving Avox, and turning on the television. We watched just as the female from One is being drawn. She's a tall, slim blonde with a pretty smile, Cato cat called softly and chuckled. The male also tall and slender, face in a crooked grin as he whooped and cheered. Both were arrogant, and both weaker than us, and Cato knew it just as much as me.
Most districts passed by in a blur. A red-head from five who seemed to be cockier than she had right to be. A crippled boy from ten, a twelve year old from eleven, followed by her district partner who was alarmingly large, bigger than Cato, and ferocious looking. Cato's jaw tightened and I rubbed my hands on my thighs in anxiety.
THAT boy could kill he. Thresh. His name was Thresh, and the girl was Rue. I wondered if he'd be protective of her. God, I hope not.
In twelve, another twelve year old, then something unusual happened. A scream came from within the crowd, and an older girl with her dark brown hair in a braid lunged forward. A volunteer. She marched on stage, the younger girl sobbing and begging her not to. Sisters?
Yes, their escort confirms it. The tribute's name is Katniss, saving her sister Primrose. The boy is called. He's a stocky blonde boy, looking anxious as he walked on stage, avoiding the girls gaze. The screen shut off.
"Thoughts?" Enobaria asked.
"Glimmer from one is hot." Cato barked, laughing loudly.
"They're both weaker than you two. Think with your brains, Cato, not your genitals." Enobaria spat. I snickered and he sighed.
"Uhhhh. Eleven is huge, could pose a threat?" Cato offered. Enobaria nodded.
"Yes. You have to acknowledge who could beat you, so you know how hard to train."
"He could be protective of the little girl." I offered. Enobaria nodded again.
"Yes, excellent. That's good and bad. Why?"
"When she dies he could either be furious and vengeful. Like a cornered animal, be at his most threatening." I supplied.
"Yes, or he could break when he loses all he has in there." Cato added, getting excited as we spoke about the bloodspill. Enobaria smiled, baring her fanged teeth.
"Anything else?"
"The boy from twelve looks strong, if he gets over his terror." Cato said, before sneering, "They never have a chance to not be scared."
"The girl is a threat." I said flatly. Volunteers are always notoriously threatening, such as Cato. Especially when they have something to defend.
"Yes. The girl is a threat. Watch her." Enobaria said before leaving. Cato's eyes gleamed and he smirked like an animal on the hunt. I picked up my sandwich and walked to my bedroom.
Something about that Katniss girl threw me off, her passion and defensiveness, the ability to push aside imminent death for someone she loved. I pitied her. I wouldn't put her life behind me, no, I'd kill her in an instant.
But the hunter has to respect her prey, and Katniss certainly deserved my respect.