Disclaimer: I Own Nothing.
Chapter 7: No Warning, To Offer
Felix was waiting at the gym door again for afternoon training. Oh, Joy! Note Sarcasm! There goes my hopes for a quiet afternoon.
"Good afternoon ladies." Felix says trying to goad Edward.
"Good afternoon Felix, how nice of you to await our arrival. Is there something you needed?" Edward retorts in a honey sweet voice.
"I just wanted to introduce you all to my very good friend Demetri. He is the Head Peacekeeper here in the Capitol. He was intrigued to hear about the events that took place on our first day of training and insisted upon coming and meeting some of the main characters of my epic tale. He'll also be observing training this afternoon. Isn't that exciting?" Felix gushes.
"It's a pleasure to meet you Demetri." Rosalie nods at the tall, muscular, and intimidating looking man, then turns to us,
"Let's go you two, we have training to do."
She turns to Felix and Demetri, and says in a polite tone I didn't think she was capable of ,
"If you'll excuse us we have much to learn. Have an enjoyable afternoon gentlemen."
Between hand and verbal signals the message was clear, 'Stay Together and Watch Your Backs'.
She directs us to the survival skills area,
"No fighting or weapons training for the rest of the day. I'll stay with you this afternoon. Go to any stations just dumb it down if you know the skill. They are looking for a slip up, so they can punish you. Be on your best behavior."
We nodded our understanding. We started at the knot station. Irina over came shortly after we sat down. She was beautiful and she knew it. She sat there flirting with Edward the whole time. Brushing up against him, complimenting him on every knot he tied, batting her eyes at him, she was throwing out all the stops. To Edward's credit he didn't even look her way. Never once acknowledged her. After a half an hour of this she huffed off.
"I hope I didn't seem that desperate when I flirted." Rosalie says in a hushed tone. We chuckled.
"Did you find something amusing, please share with us. I could go for some entertainment. So far this has been quite boring for a training session. The careers playing with their toys, the other tributes trying to avoid me. Please, brighten my spirits." says Demetri in a deep baritone voice.
"It was nothing really. Irina was practically throwing herself at Edward. We were just amused by her antics." I say, knowing we needed an answer and hoping not to encourage them to stick around.
"Well it does sound amusing. Though, I am suppressed you didn't accept her offer Mr. Cullen." Demetri says.
"I realize some might find her attractive but, I prefer brunettes. Besides, I like a women who shines bright from within, that way her outer beauty would sparkle as a result." Edward says smoothly.
Not missing a beat Demetri says,
"Yes, inner beauty is hard to find. And, one would be very fortunate to find it in a girl who is just as attractive on the outside. Wouldn't you agree Mr. Cullen?" Yet his eyes are focused on me as he says this.
"I agree wholeheartedly, and I plan on treasuring every moment." Edward replies.
What the heck? Were they talking about me? What was this really about? I hate being confused. I was about to say something but, Rosalie beat me to it.
"If you boys are finished with the girl talk. I must insist my tributes and I move to the next station to continue training." she added the last part for Demetri.
"Of course, far be it from me to hinder their training. Good luck, and do try to stay out of trouble. I'd hate to have to punish either one of you." Demetri said, but you could hear the underlying threat.
He would be more than happy to help Felix if the opportunity presented itself. We have to be very careful from here on out. I gave a signal not knowing if the others heard the threat as well. Rosalie signaled back, so did Edward. Letting me know they both heard it. We ended up at the first aid station after that. Thankfully, Demetri didn't follow.
We knew he'd be watching. So, we practiced splinting each others arms and learned how to identify and treat a concussion, dehydration, frostbite, heat stroke, so on and so forth. Just before we were going to leave District 10's tributes stopped us. Maria and Benito wished to train with us tomorrow. This struck me as odd, normally only the careers trained together. Rosalie handled it for us, by saying she'd let them know after talking to us about it and get back to them later tonight. I'm sure we will talk about the pros and cons of training with them later tonight.
Supper was to be eaten in the dinning room with Mrs. Cope, but first a shower and change of clothes were needed. We traveled together, only separating once we reached our rooms. I showered, changed into clean clothes, and put my hair in a messy bun. It took me about 20 minutes to get ready and I was about to go see if Edward was ready when there was a knock at my door. I thought it would be Edward or maybe even Rosalie coming to get me but, what I didn't expect was to have Demetri standing there in full uniform.
"Your presence has been requested at the royal suite. Please, follow me." he left no room for argument.
Shit! Shit! Shit! I am in some major trouble! What can I do? You don't refuse a request by the royals. Yet, it can't be good to be summoned before the games even start. Stall, a small voice in the back of my head suggests.
"Can I just stop by Rosalie's or Edward's room to let them know. I was suppose to have supper with them and I don't want to leave them waiting for me." I try.
"I'll have a servant pass along a message that you are unavailable for dinner tonight." he says while gesturing to the elevator.
"Shouldn't I change into something more appropriate?" I try again.
"No need. Now come."
This time he grabs my upper arm and pulls me out of my room. My door closes behind me, as I'm practically dragged down the hall to the elevator. I look over my shoulder to see if anyone is around. No such luck. We entered the elevator and Demetri pulled out a key, inserting it into the buttoned panel. He didn't even have to pick a level before the elevator took off for the royal suite. Locking me into what ever awaits me on the other end.
No signals could be sent to warn my friends without drawing suspicion. I had failed them. I should have coming up with a strategy for this type of situation. Then I'm hit by another thought. I think of them as friends. A title I rarely gave out. Odd how throwing people into a life or death situation can build bonds between people. Hell, in Panem if you want to survive, you are forced to rely on others. The sad thing is Edward and I are going to be thrown into the arena together and expected to kill each other. I was brought out of my internal deliberation by Demetri,
"When we arrive you are to bow, you are not allowed to speak until spoken to, and you will address the royals in a respectful manner. Such as Your Highness, Your Majesty, My Lord, or Master. Peacekeepers will be present, if you threaten the royals in any way, you will be taken out. Games be Damned! Any questions?" he asked.
I shake my head no. Any questions I have, he wouldn't have answers for. I'll have to wait for the royals to explain everything once we meet. Like why am I here and what do they wanted? I can only hope things go well and I'm able to share every detail with my cohorts. The doors open to a elegant foyer. Demetri leads me to a sitting room.
"The Three Kings will meet with you shortly. Please, have a seat." with that he left me alone.
This room was surrounded with gold filled moldings and jewel encrusted fixtures. Not one surface was spared some type of extravagance. It was sickening. While hundreds are starving in the districts the Kings surround themselves in riches far beyond any man's needs. This made me mad. They allow the suffering. They enforced the games. They rule without morals. They must be stopped!
A door opens on the other side of the room. Aro enters followed by his brothers Caius and Marcus. Aro walks right up to me, takes hold of my left hand and kisses the knuckles,
"Welcome Isabella, I have been looking forward to meeting you ever since I laid eyes on you during opening ceremonies."
I had a shiver run down my spine from the mere touch of his hand, nausea in the pit of my stomach from the kiss, and a sense of dread filled every pore of my body at his words. Here before me was Evil in it's purest form.
My emotions are like whirlwind hitting me from every direction. I took a deep breath and tried to center myself, like I used to do during hunting. Show no fear, show no weakness. You have people counting on you.
"Good evening, Your Majesties." I say in a smooth tone of voice while bowing my head. No need to anger them before I find out why I'm here.
"No need for the formalities. Please, call me Aro. As I'm sure you know these are my brothers Caius and Marcus." Aro says while releasing my hand to gesture toward the other Kings.
I bow my head in their direction to show respect and acknowledge their presence. They sit across from me. I see Aro push a button, I am guessing, to summon dinner, but instead a chef enters the room,
"The menu tonight is as follows, first course of Seafood Bisque accompanied with a Radicchio, Frisee, and Artichoke Salad, second course is Caviar Tartlets, third course will be Beef Wellington with Gorgonzola accompanied by Truffled Potatoes Puree, fourth and final course is Individual Chocolate Raspberry 'Omelette Norvegienne' en Flambé (This is the name for Baked Alaska in French). Wine and Champaign for each coarse have been pre-selected. Is this to your satisfaction Your Majesties?" he asked with a bow.
"How does all that sound to you Isabella? Is there anything different you want added, substitute or something removed?" Aro asks as if eager to please me.
The whole menu sounded foreign to me so I say, "It sounds divine. No need to change a thing."
"Excellent! Carry on with the meal." Aro says dismissing the chef, who looked relieved his menu was approved.
"Isabella, how are you liking your stay here in the Capitol? Is your room to your liking?" Aro asks.
Was this guy kidding? My Stay, my Room? Although, my room has no bars and the door remains unlocked I am a prisoner here. Being forced to prepare myself before being thrown into a battle for life or death. How do you answer such a ridiculous statement? Thankfully, Caius began to talk before I could,
"Stop this nonsense Aro. She seems like a smart enough girl, just ask her, instead of beating around the bush."
"Always so direct our Caius is." Aro says shaking his head,
"He really doesn't know how important a proper introduction is for a conversation."
Aro would have continued reprimanding Caius if it hadn't been for Marcus,
"Isabella, I'm not sure if you are aware, but people are drawn to you. Your performance in both the reaping and in the parade caught the attention of many Capitol and District citizens. Even here in the training center you are causing a stir. Felix, the career boys, your fellow District 12 entourage, have all taken notice of you."
Marcus gave a dramatic pause. Watching me for any type of reaction. I gave none. So he continued,
"The people of Panem have grown tired of seeing a group of old men. We need a fresh face. Someone that can offer hope for the future, to prove we are not made of stone and are willing to open our arms to the next generation. We believe that fresh face is your's. Panem has started to fall in love with you. We admire your strength of character and now offer you a place in our palace. We will treat you well here. We will bring your family and offer them a better life as well. Think of how much better life could be for all of you here in the Capitol."
"But, what about the games?" I ask.
Trying to find a way out of this mess. Aro answers,
"The games are in our control. You would win and become Victor. It would be beneficial to all parties concerned."
"You'd kill the other tributes? Edward and Bree and the careers and all the others?"
Oh No! I knew my mistake the moment it left my mouth. I named names. They now know I hold Edward and Bree apart from the others. I can't fix my slip up, I can't take back what I've already said. I need to see how this plays out.
"What difference does it make? They were all going to die anyway! Well except for the winner. We are offering you a chance to live through the whole ordeal. A very generous offer, if you ask me. You probably would have gotten yourself killed within hours, of the start." Caius says coolly.
I didn't know if I was more angry at the fact that he didn't care that the others were going to die or the fact he thought so little of me that he assumed I'd die so quickly. Either way, he was a malicious son of a bitch, and I was about to loose my forged calm demeanor.
"Now, now Caius. I am sure Isabella doesn't think much of your opinion of her. She is our guest here tonight, we should be treating her with respect. Your rude comments are reflecting poorly on us. We are trying to welcome her into our family. So, unless you have something useful or important to add, keep quiet! I do apologize Isabella, I'm sure you would have lasted much longer in the arena. After all with all that hunting you do back at District 12." Aro finishes saying, leaving the sentence hang.
Once again I felt their eyes on me. Looking for a reaction. This time they got one. I'm sure I paled. They knew. That meant Jake was in trouble too. Things are going from bad to worse. I seem to be on a one way trip to a never ending nightmare.
"I understand your concern for young Bree, but truthfully we both know Edward was not going to succeed in the games. He has a family history of failure after all. I'm sure you won't be too upset, seeing the careers loose. As for the rest of the tributes, think of it as sending them to a better place." Aro says with no remorse, as if there lives meant nothing.
I might not like the careers very much but, I don't wish them dead. I respect the fact that they have family, friends, and a life back at their districts. I would defend myself and kill when absolutely necessary but, I'd be remorseful at loss of life. All life has meaning. No one should treat life with total disregard. I was about to say something I'm sure I would regret, when the chef enters the room again and announces,
"If you will follow me to the dinning room, dinner is served."
"Yes, let us enjoy our meal. I find my mood greatly improves with a full stomach. This discussion can wait until after we are done." Aro says.
My feet are heavy as if full of lead as I follow into what feels like the last supper to me. We are seated at a long table Aro at the head, I'm to his left, Marcus is across from me, and Caius is next to him. Throughout dinner some small talk is made, but mostly we ate in silence. The meal was too rich for me and sat like a rock in my gut. By the time dessert was served I was close to loosing the contents in my stomach. When the chef brought out a cart lined with four chocolate cakes shaped like volcanoes I thought nothing of it. That is until he lit a match and placed it on a trail I hadn't noticed. All four cake's centers erupted in flames. Aro rose and held his flute of Champaign above his head and said,
"To the girl on fire. May her flame illuminate the glory of the Capitol and may her own future brighten in it's wake."
We all raised our glasses. I faked taking a sip. I would not drink to or for these men. The girl on fire is going to burn down their empire and bring peace to her nation. Now that I would drink to. As we ate dessert I start planning. O.K. first, how to get out of here?
"Aro, Marcus, and Caius, I'd like to thank you, it's been an honor to dine with you all. Your proposal for my future is both generous and humbling. However, it's all a bit overwhelming to me. You must know how different my life back home was. I have had to adjust to so many changes in such a short period of time. If it is not to much to ask, I'd like some time to take this all in. We can discuss everything in a day or two, when I can offer you my full attention. If I'm not so overwhelmed, then the risk of me making poor decisions will be reduced." I say in a soft respectful manner.
Marcus is the one to reply,
"Of course, my dear. We know you have much to consider. As my brother said earlier, you seem like a smart girl. I'm sure you will choose wisely. It wouldn't be wise however, to keep us waiting to long. There are many preparations to be made, no matter what your final selection is. Demetri will be present for the remainder of the training sessions. When you are ready to join us let him know. If we do not hear from you by the time of the Gamemaker's Judging, we will assume you are refusing our request."
"Let me add, those who play with fire, get burned, they must be careful with the flame, or it will be extinguished." Caius sneers.
"We look forward to seeing you soon Isabella." Aro says while calling for Demetri, who escorts me back to my room.
Now it's time to call an emergency meeting with my friends.
Up Next,
Touchy Feely.