Chapter Four: Anyone's Game.

"It's always dangerous to underestimate anybody..."

-King Abdullah II.

Emery

Clancy let out a low whistle as my mouth made a perfect "O" shape as we gazed at the train that would be taking us to the Capitol. The train looked amazing on the outside . . . I wonder what it's like on the inside?

"Come along children!" Minnie chirps as she led us onto the train.

Everything inside of the train was so . . . Different. There were computers and consoles everywhere, we had our own rooms and different compartments for anything you could think of. Minnie leads us to the back end of the train passing our rooms and opened a slide door, revealing an observation compartment. The observation compartment had a giant glass window you could look out of, and had fancy sofas you could sit on.

I sit on a sofa and stare out the window, taking in Eleven's scenery, knowing that my chances of coming home were second to none.

"You guys have free time until I come and collect you to watch the reapings." Minnie smiles as she leaves the two of us alone.

I feel awkward so I excuse myself also. "Um, Clancy?" I say sheepishly, "I'm going to my room.", he nods and continues to gaze out the window as the train began to move.

As I made my way to my room I made a slight "Eep!" sound as the train began to move faster. As I opened my room door my eyes explode out of my head.

"Golly . . ." I murmur as I flop onto my bed, sighing in relief as I begin to sink into its surface. Never could I once think that I'd have a room like this in my lifetime, the bed was huge! Better than my own bed by a longshot. I also have a washroom to myself and a compartment full of outfits to choose from.

Deciding to try out the shower system, I peel off my reaping dress and with a little difficulty set the water to warm. I let out a satisfied sigh as the warm water soothed my skin. Warm water is hard to come by in Eleven, even for someone of my social class. The only way to warm water was to boil it, or if your social class calls for it, leave it out until it warms. There was a wide array of soaps to choose from but I end up choosing a banana flavoured soap and lather with that. Once I wash off I turn on what appeared to be a dryer and within a matter of ten seconds I was dried off. I take a purple robe from off a handle as I sort through my clothing compartment.

There were so much clothing to choose from, but I end up taking black slacks with a blue and white striped sweater in the end. The material wasn't scratchy or worn like back home, but warm and comfortable. These clothes along with the, soft bed and warm shower make me feel soothed and at ease, so soothed that I end up dozing off.

Sharp barking and gentle raps on my door cause me to wake from my sleep.

"Emery dear, it's time to come eat and watch the reapings!" Minnie chimes with one more knock. I open my door as Minnie's puppy happily stands on its hind legs and hugs my leg. It looks like a small puffy golden ball of joy. I pet its head while I give it a warm smile, I then pick it up and giggle lightly as it licks my cheek.

"His name is Mars! My most prized possession. Oh! and may I say you smell immaculate !" Minnie coos taking a whiff of the air, smirks and turns around, sashaying down the train car as I follow. I continue walking with her towards the dining room, as soon as I set foot in the room the aroma of food hit my nose and my mouth began to water and my stomach growl.

I gaze at the extravagant golden table that holds all sorts of food, ranging from soups to different types of salads. The dining room itself looked extravagant as well, there was a fake fireplace with a holomonitor on top of it accompanied with a beautiful table in the middle of the room for people to sit down and eat on.

Minnie sat down and takes a salad for herself as her dog neatly ate from its bowl, while I shyly stood and waited. Minnie lifts her head into my direction and tilts her head sideways, her thinly plucked right eyebrow raised slightly.

"What's wrong? Haven't you seen food like this before?" I quickly shake my head 'no' as she put her left hand to her heart and made an "Aww!" sound.

"Come on love, it's free and you can have as much as you want!", she giggles and guides me to the food table.

"There's a bunch of things here! There's salad with chicken bits drizzled in an orange sauce, my personal favourite. There are all sorts of soups, breads, everything you can think of." she drawls as I nod and sample each dish with her. I couldn't help buy watch her wearily as she samples food with me.

The way she cared about me not seeing this much food in my life before was weird. She's from the Capitol . . . They usually don't care. I end up settling on a bowl of what Minnie calls "Crab meat stew." and sit down in front of the TV alongside Minnie. A split second after we sit down, Clancy comes in wearing a formal vest with a white shirt and black dress pants. He smells the air and lets out a happy sigh wandering towards the table taking up a plate of duck and mashed potatoes.

"Don't we each get a mentor?" he asks looking around the room, curious of what else he would see.

"You will be able to catch them in the morning." Minnie says patting a seat next to her. Clancy takes a seat and takes a mouthful of duck and shoves it into his mouth. The corners of his lips turn into a big smile as he takes another mouthful and another after that.

"How is your stew dear?" Minnie asks watching me. I smile and take another spoonful, the broth was so rich and hearty the meat, sweet yet salty, complements the broth perfectly.

"It's great thank you."

"What about you Clancy?" She asks as he grunts in approval, prompting Minnie to give me a puzzled look.

"He doesn't talk much does he?"

"Not to everyone," I say shaking my head, "He's . . . different." I look over to Clancy and flash a meek smile as he stares blankly back at me.

Minnie gives us a half shrug and continues to study him, "He might want to loosen that attitude up a bit, it won't do too much good for hi- ooh! The reapings are starting! Shh! Shh!"

We all focus on the TV as the national anthem plays, after the anthem ends they show District One's reapings first. All the males rushed the stage for the male tribute spot, how could they enjoy this?. The girls did the same thing, but the girl who made it made me feel tense . . . She's the same girl from my DREAM! The tan skin, the long black hair, her name apparently is Spinel Phoenix. Her 'I don't care' attitude and the look in her eyes with the intent to kill make me cringe. Maybe just maybe . . . What happened in my dream will become reality.

On the other hand the male, Lucifer Jones, boasts a crooked grin as the crowd cheers for him. He looked extremely cocky like most One Tributes, but still retained his suave and stylish aura. Lucifer is eighteen while Spinel is seventeen, both of them are and will be lethal once the games start.

As we watch on, Minnie glares angrily at the escort on screen, her facial expression was full of scorn.

"Do you know him?" Clancy asks as Minnie grunts an "Ugh..",

"He's my older sibling . . . Always going on like he's perfect and such! Hmph! Forget about him! Let's just watch." our escort huffs, crossing her arms in disgust causing Clancy and I to laugh amongst ourselves.

District Two's pair looked more menacing than One's pair. The male, sixteen year old Lucius Stone, looked as if he could snap anyone in half like a twig. He was built like a lumberjack and boasted a smug smile. His hair was a simple blond cut. He was also in my dream. His partner on the other hand, fifteen year old Artemis Ashlar, appears decent. If me and her ever fought I could probably take her, probably. I don't think I'm in a position to think such things. Artemis had brunette pigtails and amber colored eyes.

District Three's pair looked okay also. Natalie Bolt and Nathan Current, both of them look like they had fight in them regardless of the scared looks they had in their eyes as they were called up onto the stage. Age wise they must be at least sixteen. Both had ashen skin and dark hair.

District Four's female fit the role of "Career Tribute", Shelley Kawal was as tall as Spinel and had black rectangular framed glasses on, her brunette hair flowed in the wind as she crossed her arms and gave a sly smile to the camera, she was seventeen years old.

Her partner, Evan Morrissey was a year older than me, he looked extremely cute with a black medium level hairstyle and light blue eyes, he looked so harmless . . . Until he flashed a smile. All four of his canine teeth were modified and sharpened to look like fangs. I move back into the sofa a bit as he smiled. I remember not to long ago, there was a victor that once ripped another tributes throat out with her bare teeth. I wonder if we'll see a repeat of that in these years' games . . . Hopefully not to me.

District Five's male tribute looked extremely nervous as he was called up. He goes by the name of Zapp Peterkin, he's fifteen years of age. The girl on the other hand smiled brightly without a care as she was reaped and caught my attention more than the boy did.

Sixteen year old Isabella Wilkinson had bright orange hair that seemed to get puffy at the ends, her skin was creamy and her eyes green. She twitches and lets out a yelp as Zapp shakes her hand. I instantly like her, the first chance I get I'll be sure to ask for an alliance . . . And ask about the twitchy thing she does.

District Six. I don't see them as a threat, and I'm twelve years old. They go by the names of Monica Newman and Paul Larkin. Both are seventeen. Paul looked like a contender but still not as much as a threat as the Careers would be.

District Seven's reaping put on a show. A thirteen year old boy by the name of Gary Oak volunteered for another twelve year old boy who was crying all the way to the stage. The girl's name was Jinx Blossom and she was 18, she had her hair styled into a brunette ponytail and she had the physique of a winner.

Eight's Tributes were okay I guess, the boy's name was Clayton Ortega and the Females name was Jenny Latona, Clayton was sixteen while Jenny was fifteen, not much going on here.

Nine's tributes were seventeen year old Katie Stork and Rory Hammer. Katie cried when she took to the stage while Rory was straight faced. He looked like a more devious and crafty version of Lucifer, with ashen skin and hair, his eyes are a vacant brown. Katie had a full set of brunette hair and mud brown eyes. I'm guessing Rory was a mayors son, as he shares the mayors last name. Mayors children getting reaped is an uncommon occurrence.

District Ten's tributes looked puzzled out of their minds. Both of them had shocked looks on their faces as they were reaped. Cody Langford was seventeen while Karen Sharp was sixteen. Cody had a husky build, brown hair and brown eyes, most likely from being a farmhand. He looked like a top contender for the victor spot. Little girls who are believed to be related to Karen, cry out desperately for her not to leave them. The way they called out for her not to go reminds me of my reaping . . . Speaking of my reaping , it was our turn.

I watch as I was reaped and slowly walking to the stage. If anything, I think I shaken rather than just plain scared. The camera focuses intensely on the moment my friends hold me back for a final hug. When the Peacekeepers hustled me to the stage, I kept a neutral face. As we watch, I notice Minnie's hand move towards my back as she continues to rub it encouragingly, causing me to raise an eyebrow.

It was her job to send tributes to their deaths every year. Why was she so caring? I don't think I'll ever know. Clancy's reap would make him look like a big contender in the games, the way he thrashed a grown man to the ground like the way he did and his serious face as he took the stage. He looked as menacing as Lucius did. I lean onto his shoulder and for the first time, he embraces me by rubbing mine.

District Twelve's reaping was something else also, both were eighteen and a couple. They both just happened to get reaped at random. They hugged one another as Clarice wailed loudly. Clarice Thomas and Kaplan Porter were their names. Kaplan had the signature Twelve tribute look, olive skin, gray eyes and deep black hair. Clarice on the other hand had blond hair and blue eyes.

"The age range is all over the place." Clancy mutters as he asks for a pen and paper, Capitol people call an 'Avox' silently gave him what he asked. Clancy mutters to himself as he wrote on the paper.

" . . . Evan . . . Lucius . . Hmph."

People to avoid at all costs.:

District One

District Two

District Four (Especially the boy.)

People to look out for:

Districts Three,Five,Six,Seven,Eight,Nine and Twelve.

Possible Allies: TBA.

"There, my list." Clancy said smiling, Minnie shrugs while letting out a happy squeal.

"It could be anyone's game children! In the meantime you guys should get some sleep, I'll be sure to wake you tomorrow to meet your mentors. Also! good job with your reapings. You guys looked neutral which is always a good thing to show."

Me and Clancy finish off our meals and head off to our rooms. "Goodnight Emery." Clancy says walking into his room as I silently say "G'Night." back. Once I'm in my room I close the door and strip off into a blue nightgown.

Curling up into a ball, I watch the night sky roll on from my window as the steady rhythms of the train rock me to sleep.

Spinel

As I watched the first five reapings I could help but laugh. I couldn't help but think these games were going to end in less than five days.

"These tributes are pathetic, really and truly. I'm pretty sure at least fifteen of them are going to be bloodbaths." I scoff and flick my hair away from my right eye as Lucifer chuckles then lets out a lengthy groan. I glare daggers at him as he takes a sip of champagne from his lavish glass and raises his eyebrows.

"Don't underestimate your enemies so easily. That Evan kid looks like he could do a number, and were not even halfway through the reapings yet!" he laughs as I roll my eyes once more.

I guess he has a point. I study the tributes and make mental notes; I love how I have the power to judge others.

District Six. Scrawny, the both of them.

Seven? Little kid's a hero and probably won't make it too far. Volunteering at his age is suicide. The girl? meh, she looks tough enough.

Eight? It's hard to tell.

"Nine? Crying gets you nowhere. bloodbath material. The boy shows promise."

Ten? Probably won't make it, I bet she'll die on the first night. The boy has promise aswell.

I tense up as soon as District Eleven shows up on the screen. This is where that Dawn girl was from, partly the reason I volunteered. The girl this year, twelve year old 'Emery Smithsonian' puts on a pathetic show as her friends group hug her as he goes to the stage. I can't wait to get my hands on her on live television in front of her friends and family, and by the looks of her it should be easy.

"Problem?" my partner purrs, eating a grape out of his bowl.

"The girl," I say lowly, "She's mine as soon as the gong goes off.".

"Fair enough," Lucifer smiles and turns to Ritchie,

"What about you?, what's peeving you off? I see you staring at elevens escort like no tomorrow."

"What? me?" Ritchie points to himself, and then lets out a laugh, "Nothing. Eleven's escort is my sister . . . Nothing to get alarmed over. She's jealous of me."

"Ha! Fair dues." Lucifer shrugs and looks back to the screen. He spits out his champagne, and takes off his glasses. Then he glares at the screen with a bewildered look in his eyes.

"The little girl's partner, Clancy, how the hell is he fourteen? he's built like he's my age." he points to the screen as my head whips back towards the television. I watch as he fights a Peacekeeper off with ease only to get taken down by four more.

"Hmm." I grunt inquisitively, "His face looks like he wouldn't hurt a fly, but then there's Evan from Four.

"Maybe he's career material...?" Lucifer asks.

I raise my eyebrow, "...Possibly."

We watched District Twelve's reaping and half way though it, me and Lucifer burst out in laughter as they hold each other and cry.

"Ooh, we have lovers this year!" I say in the mushiest way possible, "Let's be sure to kill them off during the bloodbath." I jeer as I swipe a hand full of grapes from Lucifer's plate and stuff them into my mouth, he glares at me then immaturely sticks his tongue out.

"So! Our allies include District's Two and Four obviously and the boy from Eleven? seems legitimate." Lucifer stretches then rotates his neck,

"Well, I'd love to sit and chit-chat with you fine individuals . . . But a handsome man like myself needs beauty sleep." He gives me a half smile,

"Care to join me m'dear?"

"When you mean 'Join me?' You mean me following you to your room and seeing you off as I go to mine, then sure!" I roll my eyes and laugh as he waves me off.

As I see Lucifer off, I head to my room for a good nights rest. I'm going to need it for the coming week ahead.

I can't wait to get my hands on that scrawny twelve year olds neck.

Clancy

"Goodnight Emery." I say nodding towards her,

"G'night." she says walking into her room.

I walk into my room and let out the biggest sigh I could, I change into some pajamas and flop into my bed. I let my thoughts about the next couple of days flood my mind; Yeah, I may have a good chance of winning these games, but Emery's in the game also. I wince at the thought of her getting violently stabbed or getting her neck slewn while she's in the arena.

She's so genuine, so . . . Pure.

I don't think she could kill anyone due to the fact that she's too nice, if she ever did win, she would become a changed person, not for the better, but for the worst. If she ever died and I saw who did it . . .It wouldn't be pretty. But who's to say I'm capable of killing someone? I'm a pretty nice guy also, I would only kill someone if it depended on me seeing another day, or Emery seeing another deserves better than this.

I'm going to get her out of here, she's mypriority now.