It all started with one glance. When my life really began, when my life really started, even though it was so close to the end. When I saw him on TV for the first time, I knew there was something different about him. For one, he was expressionless, compared to the either enthusiastic Careers or petrified tributes. He knew how to make his face a mask. Like me. He hid his emotions well, but I could see through them.
It really began during training. When my life, so close to ending, really snapped everything into perspective. What was really important.
He goes to the edible plants station. Being from District 7, I see how he passes the test with flying colors. I'm not very good at that kind of stuff. I'm more electronically advanced, being District 6 and all. I creep towards him, wanting to at least know his name, when his fellow tribute walks up. She looks like one of those typical spoiled girls with a stroke of bad luck.
"I think we should make an alliance with them," She whispers, pointing to the District 2 tributes. At first he doesn't even mind her. But when she taps his shoulder incessantly, he yawns and glances backwards. He scoffs at her.
"I told you, I'm not making an alliance with anybody. I'll be fine on my own. If you want to, fine, but it won't be my fault if they backstab you ten seconds into the Games." He turns back to his test and she stands there, shocked. Probably used to getting everything she wants, a turn down, especially form a boy, throws her off.
"But I thought you wanted to win!" She exclaims. He merely shrugs.
"I do, but I don't need you. You need me. Now go find someone else to hook up with, 'cause it sure as heck won't be me." She stomps off and I suppress a smile. It's funny how we are all in this dire situation, knowing we will probably die, but he is strong. He doesn't want help. All he needs is himself and that's who he relies on for everything. He wants to win. Kind of like me. There's no one that can ever help me enough except me.
"Wow, you're almost as good at that test as a Career," I say. He looks back at me, maybe wondering how long I've been there or why I would even want to talk to him.
"Hmm…" He takes in my appearance. "Dirty blond hair, smudged fingertips, pale skin- District 6 right?"
"How'd you guess?" I ask, rolling my eyes. He looks me up and down once more.
"It's not hard to tell. You all look alike."
"Oh, so it's a stereotype now? Okay hotshot, let me try you." I gaze at him, happy with an excuse to look at him that much longer.
"Coca skin, dark brown hair, unusually long arms- District 7. No doubt." The barest hint of a smile crosses his face.
"Now that was uncalled for. My arms are actually short for my generation."
"Oh, my bad. I thought that it would be nicer to draw attention away from your non-existent brain cells to your more physical flaws." Okay, so that might've been a little far. His eyebrows rose up in surprise, probably thinking I was stupid for even coming to talk to him and his 5'10 frame. And actually, I probably was.
"I have flaws?" He inquires mildly. I flip one blond pigtail behind me.
"Uh, yeah. Doesn't everyone?" I ask. He gives me an unexpected grin, which makes him even more attractive than his brooding face. It's strange, I hadn't seen him smile before. Well, we haven't had much to be happy about anyway.
"Well, I can't seem to pinpoint any on you," He says. Okay then. That was unexpected.
"Oh shucks, I'm blushing. That's a good way to make alliances. Flattery gets you far."
"Not with me, it doesn't." I decide I like him even more now. It's been awhile since someone has come back so fast after being on the edge of my remarks.
"Okay, then let me try. I saw your costume last night. Your paper hats made you…your head look bigger than it really is." I bite my lip. "Ops. That wasn't a compliment. But still, that's not always a bad thing."
"Now now, there's no need to insult the stylist's hard work," He says smoothly. I look at him disbelievingly.
"Really?" I cross my arms across my chest. Out of the corner of my eye, I catch Thane, the boy tribute from my district, watching us. He's practicing sparring, which he's not very good at. He's kind of a wimp, so I tried to avoid making an alliance with him even though we both represent District 6.
"I'll be…honest with you." I give my attention back to him.
"Try me." I respond. This ought to be good.
"The color gold that was your costume last night? It's defiantly not your color." Excuse me? That was surprising. He did not just go there. Of course, I usually don't care what I'm wearing, as long as it's comfortable. Well I can keep up with this guy. He can't beat me.
"I got a question for you then."
"Let's hear it," he says with a sigh.
"Are you really a tough guy or do you just pretend to be for the cameras, the sponsors, and the whole world? Do you, like, practice in front of a mirror?" I got him there. I bet, intimidating as he is, no one has ever asked him that and he can't believe a little girl of five feet or so did just ask him. He stands there, this little smirk on his face. I feel it's time to formally exchange names.
"I'm Camisa." I lean in a little. He looks down.
"You can call me Zane." I reach out my hand to shake his. He-almost hesitantly, it seems-puts out his and grasps mine.
When our hands touch, I swear I feel a tingle of electricity-a spark, you could say. It's a wonderful feeling and I almost gasp with pleasure. But I hold it in. I don't want him to think even more poorly of me than I think he already does.
He lets go all too soon. I make a sound that is something between a groan and a sigh.
"Did I hurt you?" He asks immediately, yet with that same smirk on. I don't want him to think that I'm weak, cause actually I'm not. I'm fast. Not strong, but fast.
"Yep. Your laser eyes really got me there." Zane inclines his head towards me.
"Are you always this…sarcastic?" It sounds like he's genuinely interested.
"Uh, you could say that. You think I could play it up in an interview the same way you'll put on the whole brooding-bad boy show?"
"I think you could work it to your advantage. I'm surprised you haven't got half the guys following you around already." I roll my eyes.
"There you are again with the flattery. You know, if you want an alliance that bad, you can just say so." He pushes back some of his dark hair.
"Okay then. Do you want to have an alliance?" Okay, I did not actually expect him to ask for an alliance.
"Hmm, sure. But first I need to know your strengths. You know, so you can help me and I can then stab you in the back and win."
"You really have a way to deal with the tangible reality, don't you?"
"It's a gift." I shrug. It turns out Zane's really strong, which could help since I'm fast. He knows how to throw a knife, a spear, an axe, and then obviously the plant test. He doesn't believe me when I say I know how to work all the guns and make snares. You'd think it weird, that living in District 6 that one would know how to make snares, but my older brother had taught me when he had to travel to District 12 on business, even though he's only nineteen.
A sob threatens to let out as I think of Fraze. Mom and dad. Annikia. No, think of something else, something else. I need to keep my emotions hidden, so no one can use them against me. Back to training. Back to…him. He shows me how to tie a knot. I give him pointers on the best way to climb trees. I realize I'm also skilled at camouflage, despite the fact that I hate drawing.
I also realize that with each passing minute, I'm falling more in love with Zane.