Chapter 2: Let the Games Begin

I walk back to my room with a huge smile that I am not bothering to conceal. If anyone sees me they would have no idea I am about to head in an area to fight for the death. But that is the beauty of these Games, right? It is all a game and it can be played however you want. As I am lying in bed about to fall asleep, I whisper to myself and let the best man win.

I am awoken by my mentor throwing a pillow on my face. We make such a good team. We do not listen to anyone, including the other. I sit up abruptly and start cursing at him.

"Save that anger for the arena, tough guy." He throws my clothes at me for the arena and walks out of the room slamming the door behind him.

I am so ready for these Games. I have been waiting my whole life for this.

My District was so proud of me when I quickly volunteered before hundreds of other guys got the chance to. They all immediately starting cursing and sighing with disappointment. They all wanted to be me. The ultimate honor in my District is winning the games. They expect nothing less. If I fail, I am an embarrassment to everyone back home.

Luckily I don't expect anything other than that crown so I brush off the thought and divert my attention back to preparing to win the thing as soon as possible. An image of Katniss flashes through my mind as I picture her face when I win. She could never resist being with a Victor. I will be rich and famous, and loved by everyone.

Then, it is like someone has slapped me in the face. There will be no Katniss to celebrate with. There can only be one winner…and it will not be her. I spend several minutes in my head going over the Games that I have watched ever since I can remember. There have never been any exceptions. I half-heartedly imagine scenarios where we both make it out alive. She pretends she is dead and I grab her when the hovercraft comes to pick me up as the winner. Or we refuse to kill each other when we are the only two left. I realize this is pointless, but it is hard to stop once I start brainstorming alternate endings.

Eventually I give up and sigh in exasperation. I guess I will just have to enjoy my time with her while I can and hope someone else kills her so I do not have to do it myself.

I stuff as much food into my mouth as I can for breakfast so it will last me until my next meal in the arena. Clove and I have not spoken much since that night we decided we were allies but I notice she is looking particularly good in her tight shirt and matching pants. I make sure she sees me checking her out. I make a mental note to try to get her alone at some point in the arena. Unless there is still time now. I'm contemplating the idea when her voice interrupts my x-rated thoughts.

"What are you thinking about so intently over there?" She playfully asks.

"Honestly I was thinking about how cold it will probably be in that arena." I don't know how I come up with this stuff sometimes. I can see her process what I just said and I catch her lips part in a sexy smile.

"Well, you will just have to find something to keep you warm then."

"Or someone." My hand finds her leg under the table and I move it slightly until it rests between her legs. She grabs it and puts it under her pants, resting it on top of her soft underwear. I take the opportunity to reach under that layer and feel the soft skin. My fingers creep even lower and I rub them on the spot I know will have an effect. I see her eyes close and her breathing slows. When I'm about to push two of my fingers into her, she sits up straight and quickly moves my hand.

I just laugh when I see our Mentors walk in. Of course they would ruin all the fun. It is time to get serious. Clove and I stand up and make our way towards the door with them. When they are not paying attention I take a second to whisper into her ear "there is much more where that came from later if you stay in this alliance."

The four of us walk out of the suite and I find myself taking one last look around at the room that's been my home since arrived. I glance around at the elaborate furniture and paintings, pausing only a second at the table to reflect on the night with Glimmer. Ha! I'd say I left my mark here.

Before I know it, I am in the launch room preparing for the final descend up into the arena. My Mentor is going over our strategy again and again to make sure I know what to do all the time.

At this point I'm beyond listening or caring. My mind drifts to Katniss and how I hope I am able to spend time with her in the arena. My first strategy will always be to win, but along with that I want to be with her somehow.

I step into the chute and the final countdown begins….59…I need to get with the Careers as soon as I can….46…kill the weak at the Cornucopia…32…water, food, rest…21…hunt down the stupid tributes…14…12…9…5…find Katniss…3..2…1.