Fire and Ash

by Hughbacca

The 69th Hunger Games are vastly approaching and in District Twelve life is about to get tougher for the Everdeen family as Ash Everdeen an eighteen year old boy from the Seam faces his last ever reaping, Will he make it through the turbulent times ahead. As a brave girl once said "Fire is catching" and for Ash he will walk into the smoke and come out completely changed. Rated K /T

4. Chapter 4

Fire and Ash

A/N I have changed Katniss and Peeta's Age by one year making them both 17 by the 74th Games and Prim's age is reduced by one year making her 12 by the 74th games, also I do not own the songs they are owned by their respected owners and companies.

Chapter four: Training and Gamemaker session:

Previously

I went to my bedroom and tried to get to sleep, nightmares about Katniss and Prim plagued my sleep and a light knocking on the door woke me up. I got up and opened the door groggily to find Katrina standing there in pyjamas looking terrified.

"Can you sing me a song?" she asked timidly

"Ok, let's go back to your room and get you settled first" I replied walking sleepily behind her before entering her room. After tucking her in, I sat in a chair near the side of her bed and began singing a favourite of Prim's a fact I didn't realise until I finished the song.

Deep in the meadow
Under the willow
A bed of grass
A soft green pillow

Lay down your head
And close your eyes
And when they open
The sun will rise

Here it's safe
Here it's warm
Here the daisies guard
You from every harm

And here your dreams are sweet
And tomorrow brings them true
Here is the place where I love you

Deep in the meadow
Hidden far away
A cloak of leaves
A moonbeam ray

Forget your woes
And let your troubles lay
And when again it's morning
They'll wash away

Here it's safe
Here it's warm
Here the daisies guard
You from every harm

And here your dreams are sweet
And tomorrow brings them true
Here is the place where I love you

Here is the place where I love you

She had drifted off part way through the song so I returned to my room and fell into a dreamless sleep thankfully.

Ash woke up in a cool sweat, another chilling nightmare like nights shortly after the mine incident. He decided to get out of the bed he was awake now and wouldn't be able to get back to sleep it was a gift and a curse always aware of the surroundings don't let your guard down falling back to sleep was just as much a threat to him as the wilderness beyond twelve, his subconscious knew this and had adapted… Damage control.

He went over to the refresher and entered the shower desperately soaking in the warm blast of water raining down his body further waking him up, he thought about yesterday, the tribute parade whilst it didn't go as well as it could have they had definitely made an impression he would take anything he could get to help further their chances, despite this he knew only one walked out of that arena and he knew he didn't have the heart to kill Katrina it would be like killing Katniss or Prim to him he shook his head not wanting to think about it anymore. After accidently slipping and pressing numerous buttons he was assaulted with an array of aromas and colour coughing and spluttering. Desperately searching for the 'off' button in a mad scramble which he eventually found, stepping out of the shower to be met with the jet dryers all 'this' was truly overwhelming the fact that the people in the Capitol were technologically ahead by leaps and bounds once more reaffirming it was unlikely that any uprising against the Capitol was likely to succeed.

He journeyed to the dining room after dressing himself in the clothes laid out, everyone was present and looked to waiting for him before eating Haymitch gazed at him pointedly obviously eager to begin eating which amused him somewhat.

"Ash breakfast was to be eaten at 8:30 it is now 8:55 this is inexcusable and quite frankly bad manners" Effie shouted which surprised everyone on the table except Haymitch who most likely had to put up with this year in-year out lucky man I thought sarcastically, Effie was still looking at Ash clearly wanting an apology he decided to relent he didn't need any more problems after all he was going to be fighting for his life soon.

"I'm sorry Effie I'll try to be on time tomorrow" Ash glanced towards Effie before grabbing some sausages bacon and toast from the assorted dishes, best eat the food whilst he still had time as the training began at 9:30 till lunch, Effie seemed happy with herself now so that was good for the rest of the people around the table. Ash glanced towards Katrina who was obviously nervous about today he met her eyes with his and smiled encouragingly gesturing with his head to her plate trying to persuade her silently to eat, it worked a small smile making its way onto her face.

"This is what I want you two to do, stick together and don't go to stations which show your strengths save that for the game maker session, make sure to visit the survival stations as the elements can kill just as easily as a sword or an axe" Haymitch spoke looking slightly hungover resting a glass against the side of his head.

"Katrina you should probably try to practice climbing, often tributes overlook the station but it can save your life especially when being chased down" Katrina nodded whilst eating her food whilst Ash and Haymitch shared a look, nothing needed to be said as the both continued eating.

"Shouldn't we try look for allies?" Katrina spoke up

"This year's crop besides the careers don't look like they could offer that much help, remember the more people you have as allies the harder it is to survive. Food, water and supplies you have to share. You can look for allies but I'd save it for the last day, assess and pick them carefully you can't trust anyone in these games"

The first two days flew by in the training centre with only minor incidents, it was clear that Katrina lacked the knowledge of some of the survival stations but she was determined which helped her master some of the simpler knot tying techniques and practice climbing, should could climb un pressured but that wasn't what worried him. It wouldn't be the same out in the arena he just hoped he could find her when the games began so she wouldn't need to face any of the 'careers', the careers as their names suggested came into this arena with training in how to kill a person as quickly and efficiently as possible they volunteered at eighteen and were highly dangerous and these were no exception. The boy from one, Ace had flaunted his skill with a scimitar he demonstrated great accuracy in his hit but clearly favoured his right side and broadcasted his moves as if he were in a Capitol film. The girl from one was called Aurelia she didn't appear to be as well trained as any of the other tributes and hung on to Ace's arm whenever he wasn't chopping into dummies, she didn't seem like too much of a concern there were far deadlier opponents to watch out for.

Both from two seemed equally as deadly with the girl Alayla I think she was called appeared to favour ranged weaponry particularly throwing knives hitting the bullseye every time she threw them though she could wrestle a 220lb trainer with ease something which concerned me especially, I knew I wouldn't be able to win a grappling fight with either of the careers from district two. The boy Ares was a giant at least 6 foot 5 which was only a couple of inches taller than me but he was 260lbs of muscle he didn't need to fight the trainer he knew he could beat him as did the trainer most likely, Ares had spent most of his time wielding a great hammer which I'd most likely struggle to pick up let alone swing he cockily walked around the dummies only needing to hit them before they splintered off in different directions several of the outer district tributes flinched when the hammer impacted causing the careers to smirk menacingly, pride was a 'big' problem with the careers as Haymitch had pointed out and he could say the drunk man was correct begrudgingly.

"Hi" I turned around and saw the girl from 10 if her training uniform was anything to go by, she had crystal clear blue eyes, blond shoulder length hair with sun kissed skin, she looked nervous but bold. I don't think I'd seen any tribute besides the careers talk to another from a different district, I was currently at an animal identification station. I might know how to kill all the animals in district twelve it wouldn't matter if I had to hunt animals which I had never encountered before and I was struggling to identify some of these desert animals I believe the trainer had told me.

"That's a bark scorpion its sting is really bad if the venom gets into your bloodstream it's nearly impossible to cure unless you know the remedy, it is like tracker jacker venom but more potent. It uses its pincers to trap or latch onto and then uses the tail unlike other animals which bite as its light brown makes identifying extremely tough, I'm Ava, District ten by the way" Ava exchanges her hand

"I'm Ash, District twelve" I shake her hand, perhaps we can help each other learn about various animals maybe even become allies.

"I know your name everyone does, I watched the reaping… I've got a little sister too" she said before looking across the table trying to identify any animals, I noticed she looked perplexed by the images towards the end, one being a bear another being a wild dog common around the outskirts of the seams fence.

"That is a wild dog that we call them howlers the Capitol sent them to our district in the dark days, they usually hunt in packs around the edge of our district. They aren't venomous but they're very territorial if you see one you should probably make for high ground. That animal is a bear I've encountered two before once when I was younger, if you see one slowly back away and bow your head show they are superior but depending on the bear they might just charge you then run" I tried to give some advice back as I felt as though I owed her plus it helped to talk of my home even if I didn't live in the wilderness I certainly felt more comfortably there. I'd probably never hear the forest, touch the bark of the trees or feel the gentle gusts.

"Homesick?" Eva questioned raising her eyebrow questioningly.

"Yeah, never thought I'd miss a coal dust covered town quite as much when I was still there, you missing it 10?" I replied waiting for her response, it wasn't an easy subject to talk about especially with someone you would have to kill to return there, she sighed before beginning.

"Yes, the blazing heat and the sand covered city aint something I thought I'd miss all that much but you can bet your boots I'd give anything to get there away from these damned games, except side with them other course" Eva gestured with her head to where all the careers were gathered at the weapons station.

"I was wanting to try me one of those whips like back home, but I've been told not to show skills by my mentor… darn it" she said dejectedly as she realised what she had revealed, I merely smiled I wouldn't tell anyone and by the look she gave me she realised that also and returned a grin.

I glanced over my shoulder towards the careers, not once did they attend any of the survival stations confident in their ability to obtain supplies through sponsors. District four didn't have any volunteers this year which meant that the career pack would be smaller this could help get one of us back I thought optimistically, I quickly drew my eyes away from the career group hoping not to draw attention on the last day of training before the game maker's session. I turned to Katrina and smiled at what she had said about her school life, I hardly attended the district school especially near the end of the week it was hunting time and the teachers didn't really care about a seam kid not turning up to their lesson, one less kid to deal with I supposed.

The head trainer came over to us all shortly after lunch informing that we were to run an obstacle course, she led us through another door which appeared to have materialised within the time spent eating lunch and now, I made sure to keep close to Katrina though reluctantly we were being separated into genders to take the course up ahead, I reached over giving her an encouraging pat on the back and a small smile before splitting up. A sense of déjà vu just like our reaping I was being separated from Kat, I began thinking if this will end similarly I never did have much luck. The head trainer brought my wavering attention back to reality

"All of you will now run this course it is designed to test your speed and agility I hope your training sessions have helped you prepare for the course, the trainers throughout the course will attempt to hit you, the faster you go the higher score you will attain from the game maker's which will contribute to your final score. If you are hit you will have five seconds added to your time and you will automatically forfeit. The careers went through the challenges fast but received the odd hit or two, Ares was hit three times whereas Alayla wasn't hit at all, Ace only received one hit towards the end of the course and Aurelia received two after finishing she stormed off unceremoniously screeching that it wasn't fair. However, the various tributes after didn't fare much better with the boy from three receiving ten hits and another a girl from six taking seven before falling off the course.

"Ash Everdeen, District twelve," I took deep breaths as I walked towards the beginning of the course, one of the perks of going last was that I could observe how the course was run, where the trainers were most likely to hit which enabled for strategizing and what speed would get you hit or not. I began running across the platforms as if I was running through the woods back home it felt natural, I jumped, ducked and weaved over all the trainers' weapons and was making extremely good time. I however did receive a hit but later during the course which almost knocked me off but I regained my balance before quickly sprinting to the finish. It was the second fastest time which I was ecstatic with it would have been the fastest if it weren't for the hit. I left the area and waited for Katrina by the elevator as tributes weren't allowed to stay after they'd completed the course. Ten minutes later Katrina rounded the corner looking pleased.

"What time you get Kat?" I asked and if possible her smile widened

"fourth fastest" she beamed

"Great job little duck" I took her into a side-hug into the elevator, this meant she would receive a good score hopefully tomorrow

Next Day

We were all sat within the waiting room for a turn at showing off our skills for the game makers, this session was incredibly important, this session helped get sponsors as people naturally wanted to back the high scorers as it was more likely that they won; the games were a betting topic back home for some in the hob and it was clear it was the same here in this infernal place, I began to think of how Katniss, Prim and Ma were doing most likely scared out of their minds hell I knew I was seeing the competition more the careers but there was the odd tribute who was at least proficient with a weapon, District 7's tributes both seemed good with their axes and naturally excelled at climbing which was a worry. I kept Kat away from them and made a note to watch attacks from above if we were indeed inside a woodland arena maybe we could talk to Haymitch about possibly allying with them.

"Ares, district two" Claudius Templesmith's monotone voice came over the intercom taking me out of my inner revel Ares got up looking confident before pacing into the training room eagerly, I glanced around the small compact waiting area with all of us sat on benches. The room was silent which no one dared break, a few of the other tributes were clearly nervous shaking, I could see the 12 year old from district three trying to stop himself from crying. He knew he wasn't making it out and several others seemed dejected to the fate of dying in the arena, not me and not Kat one of us was making it out of here.

"Katrina Coulson District twelve" I looked up again surprised at how I'd managed to completely zone out, I reach out and grab Kat's arm quickly stopping her. I look at her making sure she's paying attention before speaking.

"Remember what you need to show them? Climbing and knot tying, you can do this Kat" I pinch her cheek before smiling earning a light grin from her, a gently shoo her towards the door this time not fading out. It feels like eternity before she comes back out looking a little unhappy I give her a look but she goes off towards the elevator, I guess I'll find out what's up after my session.

"Ash Everdeen District twelve" Here goes nothing I thought as I strode into the room glancing upwards to see the game makers, I could understand Kat's reaction. No one was paying attention all of them were drunk or too busy gossiping, I looked around searching for a bow and a suitable spear. I found a bow but it was different to the one I was used to, I pulled the string to check the tautness it didn't feel right so I began adjusting before it felt familiar.

"Ash Everdeen" I announced to the game maker's trying to gather their attention, I immediately turned drawing back the arrow evening out my breathing as to not disrupt my aim. I released the arrow but it had slipped slightly as I released due to the awkwardly designed grip it hit the target but only in the arm I heard the game makers laughing and my blood began to boil I was determined to prove myself I quickly drew up another arrow realising that I would need to be more cautious upon loosing, This time my arrow hit the heart of the dummy I proceeded to go as far back as I was allowed to by the wall I shot hitting the head of the target. There was a lone game maker whose eyes were still on me he had blond hair and didn't radiate of the pomp that oozed from the others he nodded before writing something down on a piece of paper. I knew I had to gain their attention some way and do something no one had done previously.

"You, spar with me. My Spear vs whatever you have" I shouted whilst pointing at the combat trainer who was officiating the sessions.

"That's not allowed…."

"Go on" I heard the voice and looked back up to see the lone game maker announce his encouragement, this had drawn the attention back towards me from the others and I knew I owed a lot to whoever he was. The trainer simply nodded before retrieving a practice sword whilst he did this I paced to where I spotted the spear that was the same design as the one I had back in twelve but more modernised. The spear shaft was two meters long and had two spear points, the workmanship around where the blade met the shaft was extremely impressive with guards to stop an opponent slicing the wielders hands from below and above the guard, the spear was lightweight despite its size and it felt right in my hands I gave the spear a few spins around my body before placing the weapon forward inviting a challenge, the game makers on the edge of their seats and my life in the balance focus Everdeen you can do this.

The trainer charged forward making to strike high experimentally probably trying to discern if I was actually any good, I parry the strike away with the forward spear point before quickly smacking his lower ribs with the opposite side before pivoting on my heel behind him, he comes back around this time poised he had been made a fool of by someone from an outline district and would not make the mistake of underestimating me again, he rapidly charged towards me trying to close the distance I crouched down ready as he hurtled towards my spear he feinted left and came right swinging heavily, I caught the blade with shaft of the weapon before being knocked back by the power. I wouldn't win fighting like he wanted to I wasn't strong enough I ducked and dodged trying to gain some distance from him, after he missed a decapitation swing I managed to role away from him before going on the offensive his weapon wasn't long enough to outrange mine so I forced him towards the game maker's as he backed up I saw his leg muscles tense meaning he was going to strike I feigned a trip before striking I ducked under his blade before slamming the shaft of the spear directly into his stomach causing him to reel over in pain coughing.

I walked away before the trainer could get back up, mock bowing to the now stunned game makers

"Thank you for your consideration" I walked out wanting to return to the elevator suddenly regretting my actions would they take out their punishment on Katniss, Prim or Ma? Why was I so headstrong and stubborn, I'd most likely pay for this inside the arena or worse Kat and Eva. The doors to the elevator opened and I was met by angry Effie and a smiling Haymitch, wait he can smile?

"You shouldn't have left without being dismissed, who do you think you are mister…"

"What did you say?" Haymitch questioned

"Thank you for your consideration before leaving" I replied and Haymitch let out a hearty laugh

"How can you laugh at a time like this, his actions reflect badly on all of us!" Effie's screech made me involuntarily wince in pain.

"ssssshhh Effie the scores are about to come on" Haymitch gestured towards the screen as the anthem of Panem came on gathering the attention of all the district team.

"Good evening ladies and Gentlemen, folks across Panem tonight we bring you the tribute scores, after careful analysis of the tributes training been taken in to consideration along with the individual assessment of their time with the game maker's…" Caesar paused as if to build suspense and boy did it work I was dreading the news, he was then handed an envelope which I presumed to be the scores here we go…

"Ladies and Gentlemen the scores of our tributes"

"District 1 tributes scores are:

Ace: 9

Aurelia: 7

District 2's tributes scores are:

Ares: 10

Alayla: 9

…

Eva 7

Ash Everdeen: 11

Katrina: 7

I was gobsmacked, how…why…what. My mind was blank I couldn't put this together, why would they do this? Haymitch obviously saw my confused expression and came closer to me.

"They must have liked what you showed them, this is also a curse the careers aren't going to know how you got your score and they don't take too kindly to being upstaged but I can work with both of these scores and possibly get one of you out" Haymitch looked beyond happy almost like a flame inside him had rekindled it was great to see but part of me wondered what would happen if neither of us made it back.

"Go get some sleep, you'll need it for tomorrow the interviews are the last step into obtaining sponsors Effie and I'll take you through what you and Katrina need to do, we'll have to pick an angle for the two of you but we can worry about it tomorrow" Haymitch patted my back before shoving me towards the rooms.

I drop down on the bed but what feels like hours of tossing and turning I resign to the fact that I won't be sleeping, I crept outside the bedroom hoping to go up to the roof quietly otherwise the lecture from Effie about ruining her beauty sleep as well as ruining the big day. The ignorance of these people was truly astounding…

I was on the roof glancing out around the shining city, the partying capitolite's below celebrating our 'noble sacrifice' as if any of us had a choice besides the careers. The sudden gust of wind drowned out the partygoers, I lay down on the grass before staring at the night sky wondering if these stars I was looking at were up above twelve for Kat to see. It was killing me being away from them worrying if they were eating, if ma there for them or that she dipped back into her shell, I felt helpless for the first time in a long time and I couldn't bare it. I felt as though I was being watched and my instincts had never let me down when hunting. I wondered if it was a career coming to get an early beat down on me whilst everyone was sleeping or distracted partying.

"I know you're out there, come out" I questioned into the darkness, suddenly a figure advanced from the shadows it was clearly female though as she came closer I started to make out more features. It was Eva; what was she doing up?

"Howdy, can't sleep either I see? Mind if I join you my floor is further down and the noise is unbearable" she exasperated, she didn't wait for my response merely dropped down beside me glancing at the stars.

"Forgive me if I'm wrong but usually when someone asks for something they usually don't just take it before the response" I joked, Eva snorted unladylike which I imagine her district escort would scold her for I knew Effie would crucify Katrina for it bad manners she'd say.

"Well where I come from you take what you want and worry 'bout the consequences later" Eva turned her head towards me her flame coloured hair sprawled out comically covering part of her heard, I reached out sub consciously brushing the rebellious strands behind her ear. I realised what I had done and yanked my hand back a deep blush settling on my cheeks and I looked away. I'm such an idiot.

"I… I'm sorry I don't know what came over me" I stammered real smooth I thought to myself.

"I its fine, really should probably thank you I guess couldn't see you anyways" Eva replied smiling obviously finding my current state hilarious. I could tell you how to kill a deer, wolf, howler or a squirrel in one shot, how to track all the above as well fish and forage but I couldn't handle this.

Must be an Everdeen trait one Katniss had picked up I chuckled.

"Look in the mirror Coal boy?" Eva teased

"Real funny Ranch girl, was just thinking about my sister and how we share a common trait was all, I miss them both Katniss and little Prim I would give anything to be back with them even if it meant living down a mine for the rest of my life" I don't know what it was about Eva but I felt at ease around her, unlike anyone else in this godforsaken place.

"Ranch girl? That the best you got for me? I know what you mean, wishing I was back workin' with the sun on my back with my little sister running around unawares of the games, we keep her away from the tv when they're broadcasted help keep her innocence… It's pointless she's gunna find out soon that her world aint all sunshine and daisies" She then tucked herself into me surprisingly.

"It's cold out here, I'm from a warm climate coal boy" Eva childishly spoke although it was muffled due to her head being tucked into my collarbone, I smiled this felt right and it made me angry that what we have now is going to be ruined by the Capitol, I don't know how much had passed but the daybreak was fast approaching we hadn't spoken a word as if either of us didn't dare risk breaking this moment, we both understood what the other was going through and our presences were enough for the others needs. We both split off reluctantly heading towards the elevator, I reached across and pressed the up button to call the elevator to the roof it arrived mere moments after calling, We both tried to enter at the same time causing us to momentarily get stuck we laughed it off before going into a minor argument of who was to go in first eventually I relented, I pressed the number twelve causing the elevator to drop causing me to grab the side of the elevator to steady the queasiness that now filled my stomach and lower back.

"See you later coal boy thanks for…" Eva started not knowing how to describe what had happened and in truth words couldn't really do it justice a simple meaningful act that meant so much more.

"Yeah you too ranch girl, see you at the interviews" I said before turning and sneaking to my bedroom dropping down onto the bed before falling asleep into a dreamless sleep not caring I was still wearing my clothes.

Chapter Completed. Longest chapter on either of my stories, sorry for the long delay I couldn't quite picture how I wanted this to pan out and it has delayed me longer than I hoped… I however wont be able to update this story for a little while maybe after Christmas as I have neglected my other story as well as the xmas break coming. As always a huge thanks to reviewers, follows and favourites you guys are awesome.