The Train Ride

Previously...

"Isabella Ridelle"

Oh dear...

My heart thumped in my chest wildly as everyone turned round to stare at me. I silently called the elements in spirit form to give me strength, Air was the soothing breeze that caressed me. Water, played the calm sound of the sea crashing against rocks. Fire, warmed me up like a steaming hot bath. Earth, held the sweet smell of grass and flowers. And Spirit went right into my soul, giving me confidence yet calmness that put my emotionless face on as I climbed the stairs to the stage.

I quickly scanned the square as Effie talked on, many people's face's held one's of complete shock. Others sneered as if to say District 12 won't have a victor this year. Oh they will see, I'm not going to die in the capitol's little game. Oh, I will play. I-

"Time for the boys!" I snapped out of my thoughts. Now was the moment of truth. Effie's hand danced in the bowl in the same manner she had for the girls, but she chose the paper quicker this time.

"Jacob Skylart"

Oh god, the boy at school who can shift into any shape at will. Horrible memories flooded back to me as I rememered the times he would trip me up. Or tease me. Or hurt me. Him and his croonies really pushed my self control, sometimes my hands would set on fire and I would have to run away. The perfect sign of cowardice for them. If only they knew. By a flick of my hand I could set fire to a whole forest. Or drown the whole of District 12. I could grow man eating plants and blow hurricanes or twisters. Of course I would never use the elements that way.

The sound of Effie Trinket saying my name snapped me out of my thoughts.
"And so we have our tributes Isabella Ridelle and Jacob Skylart. Go on you two shake hands!" encouraged Effie.
As soon as my hand met his an electric current passed through us. I immedietly snatched my hand back. What was that? he definatly did not have the power to weild electricity so it was not him physically. However, i did not have time to ponder this as the anthem sounded out through the square, signaling dismissal.
Everyone dispersed in different directions, eager to get back to their house or work.
However, Jacob and I were led to the justice building where tributes say farewell to their loved ones. I wouldn't have any visitors, my parents were killed when i was 10. By the capitol, apparently they were too dangerous. My mother with her ability to control fire and earth, and my father with his ability to control water and air. I was able to fend for my self afterwards though, I grew myself shelter with earth. I then made a little pond so i would not de-hydrate, warmed myself up with a fire and grew fruit everyday to eat. I'm not the healthiest out there but my diet was a good balance with fish from the pond and fresh fruit and vegtables.

I stopped my day dreaming about fruit when i was pushed in a room and fell unceramoniously on my stomach. I cursed silently as i got up. The room was small and grey with a window to my right and a scruffy looking couch in the corner. I went over to the sofa and sat down. It was comfier then it looked.

The door creaked open, grabbing my attention. It was a peacekeeper, come to take me to the train. I was led through a sereis of dark corridoors to a door that led outside. The sunlight blinded me for a few seconds but as my eyes adjusted i realised now infront of me was a long, silver capitol train. It looked modern and was very spacious on the inside. I was led by an Avox girl to my headquaters, it was green and silver decorated with a queen-sized bed in the middle. As the avox girl left i studied the clothes in the drawers. I picked out a light green v-necked top accompanied with black skinny jeans. I took my pin out of my dress and attached it to my top. I went over to the bed and lay down, It was comfier then the softest grass and i fell asleep in seconds.

When i woke up the train was moving and it was morning. My stomach grumbled, and i relised i had not eaten anything since brekfast yesterday. I got up and went out on a search for food. I soon came to a compartment in the middle of the train that held a large table in it and as i opened the door, i soon recognized the pink wig of effie sitting on a couch reading a capitol magazine. I looked over at the table and saw Jacob talking with a blond man in his 30's. As i neared them i soon identified the blond man as Haymitch Abernathy, District 12's only victor. He had the power of sensing his enemy's and managed to hide out until the end. He was a drunken fool now, he didn't even make it to the reaping yesterday as he was passed out drunk in victor's village.

"So what are the key survival skills out there?" I heard Jacob ask as i sat down near them.
"Well first you make people like you I-"
"Why do i want the capitol people to like me?" I cut him off rudely
"Why hello sweetheart, i don't believe we've met"
"Isabella Ridelle. Anyway why do i want them to like me?"
"Sponsers. Even something as small as a match can be the decider of life or death"
"What do i do to get people to like me?" asked Jacob
"Act nice, Sexy ,be desireable. You've got looks"
I did a doubletake at jacob as his cheeks took on a light shade of red. Was he blushing? before i could make a snide remark he pointed at the window.
"We're here!" He stated as i turned to look out the window. I was not disappointed to see we were indeed at the capitol as we passed screaming fans. I watched as Jacob walked over to the window and started waving as the fans screamed louder.
"Come on Isabella, come wave!"
I shook my head as he shrugged and carried on waving.
"You better keep this knife," said Haymitch handing me the breadknife
"Because he knows what he's doing" He nodded over at Jacob.
Hardy,har,har I thought to myself sarcastically.