Chapter 3
Isabelle Thompson stood in the training center with the 23 other tributes. This was the same training center used for the Hunger Games, but it was remodeled into a music hall. There were racks of a huge variety of instruments, each one holding an enormous array of sizes and a slight variation of sounds. The head musician was finishing up her speech on how training would work. They would have three days to practice as a group and then would each perform individually for the gamemakers, who wanted to get a feel for everyone's strengths and weaknesses. The head musicians next words transported Isabelle back from her daydream.
"So, there is a special twist this year for you guys," she was saying. That couldn't be good. Isabelle was suddenly worried again. "Once we get down to the final sixteen, each day you will also be assigned a specific technique you will have to work into your piece. Once we are at the final eight, whoever comes in last for the day will face a special challenge." Isabelle stared at the head musician in shock. A special challenge? That sounded bad... At least her technical focus would come in handy...
"That sounded really good." Isabelle was brought back to reality by a compliment on her playing. Apparently the boy from 7 had been watching her practice. She had been so lost in the music she didn't even notice. "I'm Justin, by the way."
"Um, thanks. And I'm Isabelle."
He flashed her a smile. "I know. You're all anyone can talk about, with the whole 'I've-only-been-playing-violin-for-a-month-and-I'm-already-a-prodigy' thing."
Isabelle felt her cheeks grow hot. No boy had ever made her feel like this before...But what was the point? At least one of them, although more likely both, would be dead in a couple weeks. Romance would be a waste, yet she definitely felt something for Justin.
"I... I'm not a prodigy," Isabelle stammered. What was happening to her?! She had never stammered before, ever!
Justin smirked. "Have you ever heard yourself play? I just did, and you are definitely a prodigy."
"Do you really think so?" Isabelle managed to get out despite her shock. Not only was this total stranger not criticizing her playing, he thought she was a prodigy. "No one has ever complimented my performance before."
Now it was Justin's turn to be shocked. "You play like an angel, and no one has ever said so? I find that hard to believe, especially such a beautiful girl like yourself."
Isabelle blushed furiously again. No doubt about, she was falling in love. A doomed one, no less.
It was dinnertime for the District 5 team, but the meal was the last thing on Isabelle's mind. She still couldn't believe that Justin thought she was a prodigy. And he called her beautiful. She sighed dreamily. This caught Edward's attention.
"So, what were you and the District 7 boy talking about today?" he asked casually.
Isabelle blushed. She had been doing a lot of that lately. "Oh, nothing much. Family, music, the Games... You know, typical stuff."
The way Isabelle acted as if this was no big deal clued Edward in that there was nothing typical going on between those two. At least, not for tributes from different districts. At least one of them was going to die, and he highly doubted it would be Isabelle.
Isabelle had discovered a mini paradise. The rooftop garden in the training center was a beautiful place. Her reverie was interrupted by footsteps behind her. She turned around to see who it was, and was surprised to see Justin.
"Hey," he said gently. He came and sat next to Isabelle and she rested her head on his shoulder. "Couldn't sleep, huh?" She nodded. "Me either. I couldn't stop thinking about you," he admitted. "I mean, our situation is impossible. I love you, but we're tributes from different districts. And I don't even know how you feel. We're doomed."
Isabelle stated at him in shock. He had just told her he loved her. Her heart was ecstatic, but her head knew better. "I feel the same way," she whispered. "And we won't have much time together, so let's enjoy it now." She snuggled closer to him. "I love you, Justin."