District 1 Train Ride
Tauria Ettwieler, the District 1 escort, smiled as the train quickly glided along the metal tracks. Their train would be one of the first to arrive, since District 1 was close to the Capitol.
"So, Lydia and Francis," Tauria said diplomatically. "It is time to plan and to prepare for the Games."
"Slow down," the beefy, Capitol-supplied Mentor, Damius Lushaire, chuckled. "The kids have just sat down, Tauria."
"Well, I'm sorry," Tauria replied passive aggressively. "I'm just trying my best to make sure these children, our charges, do their best in the Games and survive, Damius."
Damius rolled his eyes as an Avox walked into the dining car. He held four steaming platters on a large plastic tray. The enslaved man placed the platters in front of the 4 passengers, who were situated around a small, ovular rosewood table.
Silence permeated the air. Finally Lydia broke it.
"Roast," she murmured, poking the tender meat with her fork. "My mother's had me on a primarily plant diet recently. She always makes sure I'm healthy. She's a Peacekeeper, and thinks that a healthy diet is the key to a healthy life."
"Wise words," Tauria muttered before stuffing a soft piece of broccoli into her mouth. "We may request a more plant based meal for you, Lydia."
"I'll be alright," Lydia replied, pushing aside the roast and eating the yams and broccoli.
Francis had taken out his so called Token, the rusty bolt. He rolled it in his palm, refusing to eat much more than a few bites of mashed potatoes.
"What's that!?" Tauria growled, swatting the rusty bolt out of Francis' hands. "Learn manners, and don't take rusted metal out of the floors. The train could fall apar, Francis."
"Itsmytoken," Francis murmured quietly, looking at the corner where his bolt lay, wreathed in shadows.
"What, dear?" Tauria demanded.
"It. Is. My. Token," Francis hissed. He glared at Tauria. "I don't have a family; the Peacekeepers gave it to me."
"Oh," was Tauria's only comment. They dined the rest of the time in awkward silence, trying to occupy their thoughts with something other then the impending doom of the Games.
...
District 2 Train Ride
Jorjetta Belize grinned warmly at the tributes, her perfectly straight white teeth glimmering like the sleek metal tracks the train shot down.
"Hello Rufina and Shem. I am Jorjetta Belize, your lovely escort," she announced. "We get to truly meet, now; pulling names out of a bowl isn't exactly a good first introduction, now is it?"
The Capitol supplied Mentor, Rhodesia Atherherd, chuckled. Rufina smiled and Shem shifted nervously in his seat.
"Well, since we're doing introductions, I am Rhodesia Atherherd, your Mentor. I have trained Peacekeepers for 20 years in District 2, and I know more than a few things about fighting and weaponry. You can rely on me," Rhodesia told the tributes.
"Well, your strategy?" Rufina asked.
"Run to the weapons. While this may seem dangerous, as most people will head there, it will give you the best chance of survival. Trying to survive without anything but the arena, your hands, and your wits will be dangerous and challenging. If you are fast or strong, it will be easier to get there first. Cut down a few others on the way out with everything you need."
"Do you stay alone?" Shem asked quietly.
"Why, of course! Why would you be companions with someone that has no choice but to kill you or be killed?!" Rhodesia replied, incredulous.
"I just thought alliances would help," Shem muttered, looking down at the table.
An Avox delivered their meals of lamb chops, corn, carrots, and broiled potatoes, all covered in exotic sauces and spices. The four dug into their meal.
"Delicious. Almost as good as Le Bon Cafe's lamb chops in raspberry sauce," Jorjetta commented.
"I love a good raspberry. My parents, who are Peacekeepers, always buy fruitss with their bonuses. We have our own garden, see. Salads and fruit bowls are a mainstay," Rufina said.
"I could go for some watermelon," Rhodesia muttered between bites of carrot.
"I could go for going home to my father and Renee," Shem muttered.
"What, Shem?" Jorjetta inquired.
"Nothing," Shem whispered as the train soared along the tracks towards the Capitol.
...
District 3 Train Ride
Rwanda Uggisil smiled politely as she adjusted the silverware around the table. Quissa and Barnie, the tributes, climbed into the train, and Rwanda welcomed them.
"Quissa, Barnie!" she exclaimed, as if they were old friends. "Come, sit with me and Uriel!"
Uriel Fless was the Capitol Mentor, a middle-aged man whose body had once been muscled but had now faded somewhat.
"Hello," Uriel grumbled. They sat around the table, waiting for the meal to be brought out.
"So," Barnie said, finally breaking the silence. "When do you think I will die in the Games?"
Uriel whispered a word under his breath that sounded like early, but Rwanda smiled.
"Don't be so sure of your death, Barnie! Also, death comes at any time. It can never be predicted exactly."
"So esoteric," Uriel grunted as the Avox glided into the room.
"Is there something wrong with being esoteric? At least I have a wide open mind," Rwanda replied angrily.
Meanwhile, Quissa was playing with the ruby Tomas had given her. She ignored the red-headed female Avox as the servant laid out their dinners of strip steak, cauliflower, carrots, and asparagus.
"Tomas loves asparagus," Quissa muttered as she speared a spear of asparagus with her silver fork. "He loves it."
"Who is Tomas, dear?" Rwanda asked Quissa as she sliced her tender strip steak into bite size pieces.
"Just a friend," Quissa murmured quietly, gently nibbling at her asparagus, having lost her appetite.
After a minute of silence, Uriel announced a proposal.
"If you want advice for the Games, just ask," Uriel told the tributes.
"Maybe later," Quissa grunted, absorbed in sifting through her memories and feelings for Tomas.
"If there's a way to save me, then spill," Barnie whined.
"There's no definite way, Barnie," Uriel said.
"Well then. I guess I better enjoy my food while I'm still alive." The train fell into silence after Barnie's comment, and it remained that way as they neared the Capitol aboard the speedy train.
...
District 4 Train Ride
Yara and Rhydeson climbed onto the train. They walked into the dining car as the train zoomed away from the station, almost flying over the newly repaired tracks. The escort, Tiny Faranoki, and the Capitol Mentor, Huda Rasmus, were both standing by a window, staring out as District 4 faded into the distance.
"Hello," Yara murmured awkwardly, and both Capitol women turned towards the two tributes.
"Yara, Rhydeson!" Tiny said. "Come sit!"
They all sat around the table, but they got bored fast. They all moved out to the back car, which had windows on almost every wall. They relaxed in the luxurious cushions as an Avox stumbled in, signing with their hands that dinner was nearly ready.
"Hello," Tiny said. "My name is Tiny Faranoki, and I am your escort! This is my cousin, Huda Rasmus."
"I am a physical trainer from the Capitol that has helped even the President get in shape!" Huda announced happily. The two Capitol cousins smiled at each other as they sipped twin crystal glasses of chardonnay.
"Would you like a drink?" Tiny asked as the Avox reappeared.
"I'll have water," Rhydeson replied, sighing and smiling as he leaned back into the couch. He was determined to make the most of the luxury while he had it. Yara also made herself comfortable and ordered a green tea.
Two Avoxes appeared several minutes later with drinks and the dinners. Little metal tables shot out of the couch and in front of the tributes, their escort, and their Mentor.
They had a dinner of spiced salmon, peas, mashed potatoes, and peppered corn. They ate up their meals, chatting.
"So, advice?" Rhydeson asked Huda.
"Fight. You're both strong, smart, and apt for your ages; you'll do well. Use your head, but don't be afraid to follow your instincts; we have them for a reason, after all. Going to the weapons is smart, but it's up to you," Huda answered.
"What would your plan be?" Yara asked as she bit into her salmon.
"Run to the weapon stash, or the 'Pyramid', as they're calling it. Get a weapon or two and survival supplies like food and water. Kill one or two people. Run away. Camp out until the Final 8. Start killing. Don't do any risky kills. Keep going till the end, and hope everyone might kill each other off. If not, attack smartly and strongly."
"Alright," Yara replied. "Thanks. This might not be extremely terrible."
"Agreed," Rhydeson said, and the two tributes shared a smile as they continued to eat.
...
District 5 Train Ride
Soprana had already started to snack from a small platter of crackers and cheeses when the tributes boarded. The Capitol Mentor, a beefy man named Askia Tutchello, watched, trying to keep his chuckles to a minimum. While he was used to the extravagance and indulgence of many Capitols, he was not used to Soprana's incessant crunching and mouth-stuffing. She could barely speak as the two tributes, Katya and Edmund, strutted into the dining car.
"Fwehllo!" Soprana coughed through a mouthful of brie and wheat cracker.
"Excuse her," Askia said, his voice deep and booming. "I am Askia, your Mentor. I was a general fighting against the rebellion until recently, and they've selected me to instruct you on how to survive in the arena."
"I hope you're good," Katya murmured, sagging in her chair. Edmund ignored them all, playing with a few tassels that hung off the edge of the madras tablecloth.
Edmund was consumed with his thoughts about making his Great Uncle Hale proud, and Katya was still trying to hold it together. Soprana was much too focused on the second round of appetizers, and Askia couldn't find a plausible way to break the silence. They sat there until the true feast arrived.
Breaded chicken, green beans, broiled potatoes, and tomato slices were arranged on nice silver platters. Soprana dug in along with Katya, who was starving. Askia ate at a normal speed, and Edmund remained silent, picking at his green beans absentmindedly.
Eventually the dinner finished, and Katya and Soprana retreated to bed. Askia and Edmund sat near each other in the dining car in twin leather recliners, watching as the world swished by outside the train.
"You're going to need to help me," Edmund whispered into the night.
"I know," Askia said. "Just say the word, and I will answer."
Edmund didn't reply. He just stared ahead, chewing the inside of his cheek as he thought about home.
...
District 6 Train Ride
Tanya Sydson, who was striking in all of her beauty and glory, sat with her husband, a war hardened Peacekeeper named Jeptha Sydson. He was tall, dark skinned, and had shaved his head so it was a gleaming brown dome. His eyes, alight with interest, locked on Christa and Antony as they were escorted into the dining car of the train.
"Hello," Tanya and Jeptha said together, their hands wrapped together.
"Hey," Christa said, sitting down. Antony was shocked by Tanya's beauty and did not respond, only shakily taking his seat at the table.
They sat in quiet for a while. Christa studied the intricate whorls of the wooden table, and Antony tried to keep his eyes off of Tanya. Eventually an Avox appeared with their dinners, which sparked some conversation.
"Delicious mutton," Jeptha said, breaking the silence. Their plates were filled with spiced mutton, broccoli, mushrooms, and buttery, crispy cashews doused in a syrupy, tangy sauce.
"Rather extravagant," Christa commented.
"This is watered down chardonnay compared to the real foods of the Capitol; they can be described as a wild merlot or cabernet," Tanya said, scooping some sauced cashews into her mouth.
"A wine fan?" Antony whispered nervously. "My Grandpa Tim loves a good zinfandel."
"A fine man," Tanya commented, sipping her own glass of zinfandel.
They fell into silence again until Christa asked for advice.
"So, any pointers about surviving the Deadly Games?" Christa inquired.
"Try and get some supplies, then find a secure hiding place. Killing off others probably isn't the best plan for either of you; waiting it out would seem to work," Jeptha replied smoothly, spearing a piece of broccoli with his silver fork.
"Good advice," Tanya commented. They continued to dine, chatting comfortably, as the train rode down the tracks to the Capitol.
...
District 7 Train Ride
Dyanna Wang sat, prim and proper, at the table, the perfect escort. Her silky black hair was dyed with streaks of electric blue, and her eyes were icy, almost gray. Her eyelashes were naturally long and curled, and she was the epitome of beauty and the current Capitol style. Across from her sat the Capitol selected Mentor, Dareesa Burnard. Dareesa was the daughter of District 7's Mayor. She had a muscled body and nature-survival skills, and she was also betrothed to the President's nephew. These factors had earned her the spot as Mentor.
The tributes, Perrie and Harold, walked into the dining car hand in hand. Harold was still crying a little, and Perrie was wiping away his tears. Already, the Capitol feeds and virtual tabloids were bursting with stories about how these two, the girlfriend and the boyfriend's little brother, were seemingly inseparable. Dareesa smiled weakly at the two of them, and Dyanna adjusting her styled bangs.
"Come, sit," Dyanna instructed kindly, and the two tributes sat at the table.
And Avox strode into the room, placing glasses of ice water on the table as the train left the station and started on its journey to the Capitol. Perrie sipped her ice water, still holding Harold's hand.
"So, I think we should start talking," Dareesa announced after a while. "Talking about your plan. You're obviously sticking together, correct?"
"Yes," Perrie replied, squeezing Harold's much smaller hand. He was 12, but he seemed almost like 8 or 9 most of the time. "We're sticking together."
"Alright. Then my plan would be for Harold to stay as far away from the fighting as possible. Send him off to a meeting place while you get some supplies, Perrie, then find him. You will not and cannot be fighters if you want both of you to survive long, do you understand?"
"Yes," they both said.
The Avox reappeared, platters of food in his arms. The four began to dine on their turkey, brussell sprouts, corn, and mashed potatoes, conversing quietly and calmly.
Eventually the dinner wrapped up, and Dyanna helped Harold to his bedroom. Dareesa, who was only two years older than Perrie, felt like she could sympathize with her. She sat in the very back car with Perrie in strange silence.
"You know you both cannot win," Dareesa whispered eventually, when the night had become dark and satiny.
"I know. I feel guilty, but I hope he dies early. I can't make it to the end and have to kill him, but I don't love Harold or William enough to sacrifice my life for them or their happiness. It isn't a fairytale; people don't do things like that in the real world."
"It's life or death," Dareesa replied. "I understand, Perrie. I understand."
...
District 8 Train Ride
Peninah boarded the train first, and Gene came on several minutes later, struggling in the arms of two Peacekeepers. The escort, Molly Crows, and the Capitol Mentor, Iygra Pennerhill, watched in disgust while Peninah just looked on with pity. Gene's face was bruised and his lip was split from a tussle with a Peacekeeper.
The Peacekeepers informed the other three that Gene had tried to escape and would be handcuffed for the duration of the train ride and whenever he was off-camera in the Capitol. He would be held privately in his room, where he would dine. The Peacekeepers tugged him to his room and stayed there with him; they would be guarding him all the way to the Capitol. The train chugged away from the station, leaving Molly, Iygra, and Peninah to sit in awkward, almost worried silence.
"Fearsome," Iygra eventually commented in a lilting accent. "I can work with fearsome."
"They'll never let him win," Molly said, taking a sip from a glass of iced tea she'd had before she boarded the train. "He's a riot and then another rebellion waiting to happen, just like most of District 8, no offense Peninah."
"None taken. Call me Penny," Peninah replied coolly. "We are a riotous bunch; the rebellion started in our alleyways and basements. There's still some in my District who think the rebellion's never stopped."
"Basketcases with a few screws loose, those Eighters," Molly whispered under her breath.
"We are crazy," Peninah said. "I have great hearing, Molly. I heard you."
Molly seemed very offended by Peninah's words, but Iygra was smiling.
"I can also work with sassy," she chuckled. Peninah smiled at her Mentor.
An Avox blundered into the room, delivering their evening meals. She laid out the 3 platters and then left, carrying the fourth to Gene's guarded room. The boy was shouting to be freed. The Avox closed the doors on his way out to block the sound of Gene's screams.
The dinner consisted of sugar and honey encrusted ham, biscuits, peas, and cauliflower. Peninah gulped up her food; she was poor, and hadn't eaten in almost a day. Iygra and Molly ate slower and more politely, but they excused Peninah's ravenous hunger.
Eventually their pleasant meal was finished, and Peninah parted ways with them and retreated to her room.
"Now it is just us, the socialite and the war hardened general," Molly whispered, sipping her ice tea. "What do you think of their odds?"
"Fearsome and sassy," Iygra murmured. "I can work with fearsome and sassy."
...
District 9 Train Ride
Kana Ray watched, proud, as her two tributes strutted into the dining car, confident. They were both on the older side of the spectrum. Unity was strong and muscled, unlike most of her District; Ferdinand was no where near as muscular, but he was healthy and fit by District 9 standards.
Kana shot a look at the Capitol Mentor, Gregor Capplain. He was a strong, muscled ex-Peacekeeper with a balding head and a face creased with sun tanned wrinkles. He shook hands with Unity and Ferdinand before they sat down.
"Welcome," Gregor boomed as the train began its journey to the Capitol. "I am Gregor Capplain, your Mentor."
"Hello, Mr. Capplain," Unity said politely.
"Yeah, hello," Ferdinand grunted. His thoughts were focused on his brother, Giulio, who would have no family if Ferdinand did in the Deadly Games.
"I am Kana Ray, your escort!" Kana announced, her high pitched voice like the song of wind chimes serenading in the breeze. Unity smiled at her; Kana reminded Unity of her oldest sister, Undula.
An Avox strolled into the room, platters piled high with food in her hands. They carried blackened, spiced pork, asparagus, green bell pepper slices, and celery. The four of them dug into their meals.
"So, any advice at all?" Unity asked Gregor.
"Fight. Most everyone else will be weak or shying away from fighting. You two are stronger and older than most. You can take the fight and win it and be a dominating force in the Arena," Gregor responded.
"So you will help us make it back home, then, to the best of your ability?" Ferdinand inquired.
"Yes, Mr. Crovin. I am here to instruct you to help you survive. I am also here to help you sort out your feelings. The same goes for Kana. If you need help with anything, come to us."
"Thank you, Mr. Capplain, Ms. Ray," Unity said.
"Please, call me Gregor," Gregor said with a smile.
...
District 10 Train Ride
Kasia Ritter, the escort, was horribly craving a nap, but she kept her eyes open as the tributes boarded the train. Saela and Desmond sat down as the train roared away from the station. They both tried their best to be polite. Kasia smiled at them.
Their Capitol Mentor, Tassel Fyns, was a curvy woman who had spent a decade modeling before she was recruited for the army. She became a Peacekeeper for the Capitol during the rebellion. She was the face of many a propaganda shoot, with her motto "Taming the rebels in style; anyone can do it!"
Tassel and Kasia chatted with the tributes.
"So, what's your family life like?" Kasia asked, conjuring conversation with her charm.
"I live with my mom and big sis, Salome," Saela announced, leaning back in her chair. An Avox appeared and dropped off 4 ice waters at the table.
"I live with my parents and big brothers Keith and Drew," Desmond answered before sipping his water.
"What were you planning on doing before you got Reaped?" Tassel inquired, enjoying this questioning session.
"I was going to work on the ranch my family lives on and grow a nice, giant family," Saela answered.
"I was going to follow in my parents' footsteps and become butchers," Desmond replied.
"Simple but fulfilling occupations and goals," Kasia commented.
"Yes. A simple, normal life," Saela muttered. Desmond sighed. They both knew that life was gone.
The Avox came into the dining car again, toting 4 platters holding decadent food. She laid them before Kasia, Tassel, Saela, and Desmond carefully before scurrying out of the room.
The 4 dug into their meals of goose doused in lemony sauce and capers, cucumbers, mashed sweet potatoes, and steamed carrots.
"You may not be immediately interested at the current time, but I have a set of plans for the best way to win," Tassel mentioned after they'd been eating for about a minute.
"Continue," Saela murmured.
"I've heard that there will be rings of things; food and simple survival materials will be on the outer rings. You dash in just a little and pick up some food and water and maybe a knife, but don't go into the fray where people will be fighting over big weapons and killing one another. Take a lot; these Games will probably last more than a couple of days. Find somewhere away from the crowds and others, and camp out until you need to interact and kill to win, and then hope you have enough skill to outcompete the others or enough strength to outlast them."
"Good advice," Desmond muttered through a mouthful of goose. "Could you repeat it?"
...
District 11 Train Ride
Mina Taylor was extremely grouchy as she stared at her company, the Capitol Mentor Discus Foreman. Discus was her ex-boyfriend, a strong Peacekeeper recently dismissed from duty, and the stupid Gamemakers, Cicero Avitsio their stumbling leader, had matched them together. Mina tossed her bubble gum pink tresses over her shoulder exasperatedly as Atla and Brayden strode into the dining car.
"Hello," Atla said. "You are?"
"I am Mina Taylor, your lovely escort."
"Exactly the opposite of lovely," Discus smirked.
"This is Discus Foreman, your Mentor and my ex boyfriend," Mina hissed.
"Well then. Some tension," Atla chuckled.
"Tension is an understatement," Brayden whispered to Atla as Mina and Discus locked eyes, quietly waging a war caused by their ill-fated romance.
The tension was cut when an Avox appeared, handing out their dinners on silver platters. Venison, mashed potatoes, creamed corn, and lettuce drizzled with ranch filled the plates. They then ate. Mina and Discus ate their food quickly and stormed away to their separate rooms, leaving Brayden and Atla alone.
"So, how's life?" Atla asked Brayden.
"Crappy, considering I just got Reaped to go kill 23 other kids," Brayden said, making Atla chuckle. "You?"
"Pretty much the same."
"How's family?"
"I live with my cousin Rheya. You?"
"My father." Brayden said this, suddenly cold and full of hate.
"Tough relationship?"
"He's a hardass, if that's what you mean."
"Definitely what I meant."
The Avox walked over to them, handing them two chalices of sparkling grape juice.
"To friendship and the Games," Atla said.
"To friendship and the Games," Brayden returned, and the two clinked their glasses together in a mock celebration.
...
District 12 Train Ride
Edna Trinket, the escort, stared at the virtual hologram of her teenage daughter, Esther Trinket, standing with her father and Edna's husband at a gala in the Capitol. Already Edna missed them. She looked up as the Mentor entered the room.
Solomon Reyes, an ex-Peacekeeper, was a tall, dark skinned man with an imposing feel about him. He slid into his seat, and moments later the tributes walked in.
Anya was still shaking like a leaf from the Reapings, and Dean was cold and distant as he sat down in his chair. Edna smiled at the both of them, trying to comfort them.
"Hello Anya and Dean," she said warmly, patting their hands. Anya bit her lip, holding back tears, and Dean's hand shot back as if Edna's touch was fire. He rubbed his hands, glaring at Edna.
"I don't like to be touched," Dean hissed. "May I go to my room?"
"I...if you like," Edna murmured, and an Avox directed Dean to his bedroom. Edna felt hurt. She was just trying to be open, happy, welcoming. She was just trying to be kind, to soothe the pain of being Reaped.
Anya grabbed Edna's hand, squeezing it. At least Anya appreciated Edna's actions.
"You remind me of my Mama," Anya said, wiping her tears from my eyes. "Mama needs me to be strong and act my age."
"Yes, you need to be strong," Solomon said sweetly, smiling at Anya. "You need to be very strong."
Their dinners arrived in the hands of the Avox; quail, buttery pasta, squash, and broiled red potatoes. They ate in silence, and then Anya went off to her room to go rest up.
"Such an innocent, innocent, innocent girl," Edna whispered.
"And sadly, she doesn't stand a damn chance," Solomon grunted before he too retreated to his bed.
...
A/N: Wow, this chapter was 4,000+ words! It took me a good part of a week to write this; I hope it helps you get to know the tributes! Cleaning up of tributes and parades next chapter!
-Tracee