"Feel free to eat anything on the table!" Vivian says cheerfully. "The Capitol wants to indulge you a little before you go into the Hunger Games. Isn't that thoughtful?"
She goes on, bubbling about how excited she is for the Games, but I ignore her. Really, how dense can she be if she thinks the Games are actually a privilege?
I look over at Rue. She seems overwhelmed by all the food before her, or maybe just overwhelmed by all the events that have transpired.
"The bread's good," I comment to her, holding out the basket filled with it, "would you like some?"
She nods slowly, and takes it from me without saying a word. She seems awfully shy . . .
"So, these are the tributes Seeder and I have got to work with, eh?"
I look up, and see a tall, strong-built man with dark skin, who looks to be in his fourties, enter, followed by an older woman who has sleek black hair with silver streaks, olive skin and golden brown eyes. I quickly realize they are our mentors; Chaff and Seeder.
Chaff sits down and grabs himself an apple. He gazes at me intently, as if sizing me up. He looks like a mess, and I can smell alcohol on his breath. Finally, after a few awkward minutes, he speaks.
"Well, I must say, I like my chances this year. I can definitely work with you, Thresh."
"Not that we haven't been trying to help the other tributes win in the past," Seeder adds pointedly, giving Chaff a glare.
"Yes, it's just the people we've had to work with are . . . How do I say this? Less than fighting material," Chaff replies, taking a bite out of his apple.
Seeder rolls her eyes, and then turns to Rue. "What's your name, Sweetie? Rue, right?"
"Yes," Rue says softly. It's the first thing I've heard her say.
"Well, Rue, I'm here to help you win . . ." Seeder pauses. "I'm sure you have many skills. What are you good at?"
"I guess I can climb . . ."
"Excellent," Seeder smiles warmly. "You can show me just how good at climbing you are tomorrow when we get to the Capitol."
"And me?" I ask.
"You get to train with me," Chaff says, clapping me on the back. "I'm going to make sure you give those Careers a run for their money."
"How about we watch the broadcasting of the reapings?" Vivian pipes up. "I'm sure you two will want to see the competition you're up against."
Chaff throws his apple core onto the table and wipes his fingers on the table clothe, which causes Vivian to grimace. "Not a bad idea."
We settle onto a leather coach and Vivian turns on the TV. I watch the screen intently as they show the different tributes get reaped. The two tributes from District 1 make me grimace, they look perfect; healthy and done up. They're so well-off while people in District 11 are starving to death, and can't even eat the food they harvest without being executed. It's sickening.
Both the District 2 tributes are volunteers, and I know I'll be in for a tough fit. The boy is almost as big as me, and the girl has a murderous glint in her eye that makes me wary to cross her.
The rest of the tributes go by in a blur, none of them particularly memorable. I see Rue and myself mount the stage. Rue looks even more lost on camera than she did in real life . . . Then they show the District 12 tributes. A young girl is called to the stage - she can't be any older than Rue. However, someone steps forward, screaming that they'll volunteer to take her place. I sit, stunned. No one ever volunteers in District 12. The girl says her name is Katniss Everdeen. I make a mental note to remember her; I have a feeling that there is more to her than meets the eyes. After the District 12 boy is reaped Vivian turns off the television.
"Well? What do you think?" Vivian asks, a little too cheerfully.
"Well, the Careers look like they'll be difficult as always," Chaff says.
"Also, we should keep an eye on that District 12 girl," Seeder adds. "It's not often that someone from one of the outer districts volunteers. She must be very brave."
"Looks like you two are in for a tough fight," Vivian says, clicking her tongue on the roof of her mouth.
Yes, I'm definitely in for a tough fight . . .