Train Rides Part 1
Reign Graceland, age 16
District 1 Female
I flash the cameras one last smile as the sliding doors of the train car close in front of Token, Snowbelle, and me. As soon as the doors slide shut, Snowbelle turns to face us, and smiles at us.
"Reign and Token," she says happily, "welcome. Augustus and Blake are in their quarters right now, but they should be joining us here in the main cabin soon. So why don't you two make yourselves at home? Please stay in the main cabin though. There are seats by the TV there and plenty of stuff to eat. I'll be sitting in front of the TV so let me know if you need anything."
"Thanks Snowbelle," I say as our escort flashes me one last smile and goes to her seat in front of the television. Token, after giving a nod, marches over to the couch in front of the television set and flops down on it. He turns on the television with a remote and clicks to the official Hunger Games broadcast, which is currently showing a rerun of last year's Games. I stay where I am, surveying the interior of the still unmoving train car.
The tribute trains are timed to arrive at the Capitol in quick succession, so the District 1 train, starting so close to the Capitol, doesn't get to start moving until hours after everyone boards. That's okay, though, because there's so much to do on the train. I can see that the Victors haven't been exaggerating the fanciness of the tribute train. My family isn't poor, but this is still untold luxury. The inside walls of the car are shiny and silver, and a table at the end of the car is piled with pastries and sweets of any kind imaginable. I smile as I take a small eclair, happy to start experiencing the extravagance of the Capitol.
A few minutes later, I've eaten my eclair and am about to join Token and Snowbelle at the TV set when the door to the main cabin opens and our mentors walk in. The Capitol mandates that each District send two Games Victors, a male and a female if possible, to mentor tributes every year. District 1, being a Career District, has a good amount of living Victors, and our Victors rotate their mentorship duties year by year. This year, the Victors chosen to mentor are Augustus Braun, Victor of the 67th Games, and Blake Armani, Victor of the 43rd.
I can't help but bounce in excitement a little. Augustus and Blake are both regulars at the Academy, helping train future tributes, and I've talked to them both before, asking them about life as a Victor. Still, it's exciting getting to actually work with them in the Games. I wonder which one of the two will end up as my mentor. I would prefer Blake because I have a huge amount of respect for the middle-aged woman - when she was thrown into the infamous Candyland arena, she had to battle not only the other tributes but also the ghosts of her past. Augustus, who is currently twenty-four years old, isn't bad, though. He prided himself in making his kills quick and easy, a principle that I hope to live by when I get into the Arena.
Upon seeing the mentors Token gets off the couch and greets Blake and Augustus, standing next to me and facing them proudly. Our mentors return our smiles.
"Token, Reign," Augustus says, smiling, "I'm telling you, the next few weeks are going to be the craziest ones of your life, but they will be worth it. Are you both ready to give it your all?"
"Yeah!" Token and I yell in unison.
"This is going to be great," Augustus says happily, his face visibly lighting up. "You'll get the best sponsors, wear the coolest outfits, eat the nicest food…"
"First things first," Blake interrupts gently, "would you two like to be coached together, or separately?"
"Uh…" Token says, thinking of a response. Augustus looks somewhat sheepish. I knew that this was a question that one of the mentors was going to ask, though, and I've prepared a response in my head for a long time.
"Why don't we have a together session, and a separate session?" I ask. "What I mean is, since we're both going to be in the Career Pack, we'll need to have some time to strategize together. But the other half of the time, we can be coached separately."
"That sounds like a good plan," Augustus says, clearly getting the cue to start strategizing instead of talking about the Capitol. "What do you guys think?"
"Sounds good," Blake says, and Token nods. I can see that his mood has soured somewhat though, and I resist the urge to roll my eyes. What did I do this time?
"Alright, then, if there are no objections, I'll be coaching Token," Blake says. She sees the disappointed look on my face and smiles gently at me. "I appreciate the way you've talked to me during Training, Reign. But I have my reasons for wanting to mentor Token, and I hope you respect that. Besides, we'll have our joint sessions anyways."
"Oh, really, it's okay!" I exclaim, somewhat embarrassed. I turn to Augustus and smile at him sheepishly. "Sorry Augustus. You're not bad, really! In fact, you're really cool! I really liked what you did on this month's Panem Couture!" Wanting to change the subject, I quickly say, "Are we going to start with our individual sessions or our joint sessions?"
"Hey everyone," our escort interjects politely. We turn to the blonde woman, who has walked up to us. "Just letting you all know that supper is at five, so as long as you work that into your plans, anything goes."
"Got it," Augustus says, nodding.
"After that, at six-thirty, the Reaping Recap starts," Blake adds, "and we can all watch the Reapings together as part of our joint session. So how about we do our initial individual sessions first, take a break, and then all be back in the main cabin for our joint session at five?"
"Sounds good," I say, and everyone nods.
"Alright, then, Token, come with me please," Blake says, walking towards the next train car. Token nods and follows her, and Snowbelle excuses herself to go to her own quarters. I'm left in the main cabin with Augustus.
"Are you ready for this, Reign?" Augustus asks excitedly.
"I think," I say truthfully. "I mean, I've trained super hard and I must have done well to be chosen as a volunteer this early, but part of me is thinking that maybe I should have waited another year or two." I giggle. "Sorry. Confidence has always been an issue for me."
"We'll definitely be working on that, then," Augustus says, giving me a thumbs-up. "I can trust you to try your very best, though, right?"
"Definitely," I say, smiling broadly and nodding. "That I can guarantee."
-X-
The District 1 team - Snowbelle, Augustus, Blake, Token, and I - sit around the television set in the main cabin, waiting eagerly for the Reaping recap to begin. Our supper was delicious, and I was surprised at how little Token ate, but that doesn't matter right now. Now is the time for us to get a first look at our competition.
I have my diary with me so that I can take notes on the other tributes. The recap begins, and I smile broadly as I see myself on TV. The television shows District 1, and Token and I both look great as we volunteer. Sure, Token's a little sullen-looking, but his game face and solid build just make him look more like a serious threat. I notice that I look younger than I actually am, and I smile. That's exactly the angle I was trying to go for.
"Great job, everyone," Snowbelle says happily. "Your Reaping went by without a hitch. Now let's see how the other Districts fare."
"This goes without saying, but pay extra attention to Two," Blake says.
I focus on the television screen as the rocky terrain of District 2 comes into view. The tributes Two offers are likely going to be our primary allies, but also our toughest competition. The television screen shows the District 2 escort, a sharply-dressed middle-aged man named Marcus Amadeus Kane, finishing up his welcoming speech. He goes over to the girls' Reaping Bowl and picks out a name.
"Ebony Way!"
"I volunteer as tribute," a confident, almost lazy voice calls from the section of seventeen-year-old girls. The crowd parts, and I catch my first glimpse of the volunteer as the cameras zoom in on her. She's dark-haired and light-skinned, like most of Two, and walks with a swagger and a smirk. Her Reaping outfit, a sparkly black dress, is nothing short of ostentatious. Clearly she thinks she's above everyone else. I roll my eyes as the Two girl climbs onto the stage and flashes the cameras a cocky smile.
"What's your name?" Marcus asks politely.
The girl snatches the microphone from the escort's hands and says, "My name is Hestia Ashton, and I'm the fastest, smartest, strongest, best, and prettiest girl in all of District Two. And soon, I will be the greatest person in all of Panem! Citizens of Panem, you are blessed to see a Victor in the making, and I can assure you that it isn't arrogance when you really are the best. Which I am. Marcus, you may pick the boy tribute now, but no matter who it will be I will be better than him."
"Alright everyone, let's give a round of applause for Hestia!" Marcus exclaims excitedly as the District 2 crowd gives an enthusiastic round of applause.
"She really thinks she's the shit, doesn't she?" Augustus says, rolling his eyes.
"There's a good chance that she has a reason to be so arrogant, though," Blake points out. "Under that dress she's really quite muscular. Token, Reign, watch her in training. I think she'll be a powerful and well-rounded threat to watch out for."
"Got it," Token says, and I nod vigorously. I'm writing down everything about my competition in my journal.
Reaping Notes. Hestia Ashton, D2F, I jot down. Strong and vicious-looking. Thinks she's the best in the world. Really full of herself. Probably annoying to work with, but will likely be a serious contender and strong fighter. Definite ally.
As the applause dies down, Marcus walks over to the boys' Reaping Bowl and picks out a name. He walks back to the microphone, clears his throat, and reads, "Taurus Martin!"
"I volunteer!" a loud, excited voice calls out immediately. The cameras zoom in on the boy volunteer, who, like the girl, is muscular, dark-haired, and fair-skinned. He's rather short for a District 2 tribute, and Token points out the boy's height, but I'm not going to count him out just because of that. Blake reminds Token to watch the District 2 boy in Training as the volunteer walks with a spring in his step and climbs up the stage energetically.
"Hey everyone, I'm Brock Winters!" the boy yells, snatching the microphone out of Marcus's hands. "And I'm here to be the very best, like no one ever was! Just you wait everyone, I'll win the Games and be the best in the world! Thanks everyone!"
Brock takes a bow, and the District 2 square breaks into a round of applause. I notice that Hestia is glaring at Brock, and I smile a little. As the screen shifts to District 3, I jot down notes about the District 2 male.
Brock Winters, D2M, I write. Really fiery, peppy, and competitive. Tiny, and probably wants to prove himself because of that. May be less annoying that Hestia, but may also act like an annoying younger brother. Definite ally.
"The Two tributes both look like really strong contenders," Snowbelle remarks. "They're probably going to be your toughest competition."
"I agree," I say, watching the screen intently. "But we've only met two other tributes so far."
"I wonder what the other Districts have in store," Augustus says as the District 3 Reapings begin. "We'll just have to see."
Rielle Corde, age 16
District 3 Female
The camera flashes of the paparazzi seem to never end as Chip and I board the train to the Capitol. Chip is smiling and waving at the cameras, but I stare straight ahead and put on a poker face. In the future I'll be changing my demeanor depending on who I'm interacting with, but for now I'll just remain neutral. After all, both my future allies and enemies will be seeing me as I go through the pre-Games preparations.
The train doors close behind Chip, Veneziano, and me, leaving the cameras behind. Our escort tells us to do whatever we want and go wherever we want on the train.
"Just be a-ready for a-supper at five," Veneziano says in that annoying accent of his. "Toodles!" He waddles over to a door at the side of the main cabin, squeezes through it, and leaves Chip and I standing in the main cabin by ourselves. I allow myself to breathe a small sigh of relief. Veneziano La Rosa may be super obnoxious, but at least he doesn't get unbearably into our business. Not now, anyways.
Chip laughs nervously. "Well that's just great, our only guide just left us," he groans.
"Even if he were here I doubt Veneziano would be a good guide, to be honest," I say.
"Yeah," Chip says.
We stand there awkwardly for a few moments before Chip speaks up again. "Beetee's my uncle on my dad's side," he says, "but you probably knew that already."
"Mmhmm," I say, nodding.
"Well, I'm going to go find Beetee and Cordelia," Chip says. "Do you want to come with me?"
"Sure," I say. "Since Veneziano went to the left, let's look towards the right."
"Good idea," Chip says, heading to the door at the right of the cabin. We walk through it and enter a hallway with rooms on either side of it. Chip opens a door on the right, peeks into the room, and shakes his head. I just walk through the hallway, keeping an ear open for voices.
I hear a muffled discussion as I reach the end of the hallway. The voices get louder as I near the door at the end, so I open it. I enter another hallway, this one with one door on each side as well as a door at the end. The voices are coming from the door on the left.
"Hey Chip," I say, skirting back to the previous hallway to fetch him, "I think I found them."
"Cool," he says, following me. We walk through the hallways, and Chip stumbles with the moving train a little, but soon we reach the door I found and I knock on it.
Cordelia Stuart opens the door, sticking her head out. The young woman smiles at us.
"Sorry to keep you waiting, you two," she says, opening the door fully and brushing her chestnut hair out of her face. "Why don't you come in?"
"Are you sure, Miss Stuart?" Chip asks. "I mean, were you and Uncle Beetee talking about something?"
"You can call me Cordelia," Cordelia says. "We can discuss our Games strategy together," she adds. She looks behind her. "Right, Beetee?"
Beetee Latier joins his fellow mentor at the door. "Sure," he says. "Come on in, Chip. You too, Rielle. And sit down, both of you."
I nod, entering the spacious room. It has a bed in the corner, so I'm assuming that it's one of the mentors' quarters. Chip joins me in the room, and Beetee closes the door behind us as we both sit down on the chairs set up in the room.
"Remember, Chip, we're in the Hunger Games now," Beetee says solemnly, walking to sit next to Cordelia, who has found a chair in front of the bed. "Our priority should be preparing for the Games, not doing puzzles together or hiking in the hills with the rest of the family." He coughs. "You too, Rielle."
"I understand, Uncle," Chip says, and I nod.
"I think it would do you good to just call me Beetee until we get home," Beetee says gently, and I narrow my eyes. If Beetee wants to focus all his energies on getting his nephew to win the Games, so be it. I'll have Cordelia to help me anyways.
"Wait, why?" Chip asks.
"Chip, I may be your uncle," Beetee explains, "but now that you've been Reaped you need to get your game face on. We need to have a strictly professional relationship as mentor and mentee if I am to help you get home."
"So… are you saying that I shouldn't go around saying that you're my uncle?" Chip asks.
"We can answer that later," Cordelia interjects gently. "We haven't asked our tributes the biggest question yet."
"Oh, right," Beetee says. "Sorry."
"So, Chip and Rielle," Cordelia says, studying us, "would you two like to be coached together, or separately?"
"Together," Chip says immediately. "Rielle said that we're allies."
"That's right," I say, nodding. I don't tell anyone that I plan to be coached separately by Cordelia starting the day after tomorrow, or the day after that. For now, as well as during the beginning of the Games, Chip and I will be a team. I have my own plans, of course, but I'll discuss them with Cordelia when the time comes.
"Well then, that makes things easier," Beetee says, clapping his hands together. "There must be a reason why you two agreed to be allies so early. Do you have a strategy already?"
"Well, Rielle thinks we should join the Career Pack," Chip says. "What do you think about that, Uncle Beetee - I mean, just Beetee? And Miss Stuart - I mean, Cordelia?"
"That's a terrible idea, for obvious reasons," Beetee says quickly, and my heart sinks. Joining the Careers was a cornerstone of my plan, and I'm not sure if I'll be able to carry it out without Chip.
"Actually," Cordelia says pointedly, "I think joining the Career Pack will be a good bet for both Rielle and Chip, but Chip especially."
Thank you, Cordelia Stuart, I think. I'll be sure to thank her out loud later on, during our separate session.
"Hmm, I'm intrigued," Beetee says. "Your strategies are always solid, Cordelia. Say more, will you?"
"Well, if Chip were to not join the Career Pack, he'll almost definitely be made a target," Cordelia explains. She holds a hand up as Chip and Beetee open their mouths to protest. "Unfortunately, it's true. Chip will receive plenty of scrutiny simply because he's your nephew, Beetee. He'll attract sponsors no matter what he does - once again, simply because he's your nephew, and you know how much the Capitol loves tributes who are related to past Victors. And of course, the Careers will be unhappy about a non-Career tribute getting all the sponsors. If Chip joins the Careers, he'll assure his most dangerous adversaries that he's on their side, and not a threat to be taken out. Besides, he'll get all the supplies, too."
"Hmm," Beetee says. "That's a solid idea, Cordelia. As much as we hate the Careers, we can't risk being targeted. What do you think, Chip?"
"You have a good point," Chip says, nodding. "But how will I get the Careers to let me into their alliance?"
"Your status as a Victor's relative will be reason enough for the Careers to recruit you," Cordelia answers. "Of course, you'll also have to play to other key strengths of yours. And if Rielle's with you, the Careers will have a harder time saying no."
"I've worked with javelins at the Sports Society," I say, deciding to let the team know about that particular strength of mine because the Careers will most definitely be scrutinizing our weapons of choice. "That translates into me being good with spears."
"That's good to know," Cordelia says, nodding. "If none of the other Careers are spear users, that's another reason for them to recruit you. Oh, that reminds me - Chip, try to master a weapon none of the other Careers specialize in, which, again, will increase the chances of you getting into the Career Pack. How are your physical skills? I'd ask you about your skill with technology and machines, but unless you know how to do something as drastic as re-activate the mines around the Cornucopia, the Careers won't be too interested."
"I don't know how to something as complicated as that," Chip admits, "And my physical skills are bad, to be honest. I'm super clumsy - I bump into things and drop things all the time."
"He has good stamina and pain tolerance, though," Beetee says quickly.
"Yeah, it comes from me being clumsy," Chip says, smiling.
"If that's the case, work with something heavy that can be swung, like a hammer or an axe," Cordelia says thoughtfully, nodding. "Of course, knives, especially big ones, can work to your strengths too. So basically, out of hammers, axes, and knives, tell the Careers that you're good with the weapon that you don't see the Careers working with."
"Got it," Chip says.
"During the first few hours of Training, stick together and observe the other Careers," Beetee says. He looks to Cordelia for confirmation, and she nods. "I'd say to ask to join the Pack after an hour or two of that, and only bring up your preferred weapons if none of the other Careers use them. And remember, stick together, especially when you're asking to join the Pack, because two people are harder to say no to."
Chip and I nod, and Cordelia says, "Well, I think that covers the first part of our strategy. Of course, let us know if any problems happen with joining the Careers."
"We will," I say. "I think we can do it, though. Right, Chip?"
"Right," Chip says, smiling. He puts a fist in front of him, and I bump it with my own, smiling back at my fun, friendly District Partner.
I try not to think about how I might have to betray him later on in the Games.
-X-
"Well, it's starting," Beetee says as District 1 appears on the television screen. "Pay extra attention to the tributes from One, Two, and Four. They're likely going to form the Career Pack, so they'll be your allies in the beginning of the Games. Of course, don't overlook the Outer District tributes, because they might be threats as well."
Chip and I nod. We're sitting with Beetee, Cordelia, and Veneziano, watching the Reaping recap.
"She seems like a nice enough person," Cordelia comments as the District 1 girl, Reign Graceland, volunteers. "Approachable, even. I think you should talk to her first."
Reign's District Partner, Token Waterman, looks a lot less approachable with his serious, sullen expression. Chip and I nod as Beetee warns us to stay away from him if possible, and only talk to him if absolutely necessary. The District 2 girl, Hestia Ashton, seems even less approachable than Token. She's muscular and intimidating, and acts like she's above everyone else, so I definitely won't be asking her if Chip and I can join the Careers. Brock Winters, the Two boy, is small and full of determined energy.
"He doesn't look as threatening as some of the Two boys I've seen in the past," Chip comments.
"Still, watch him in Training," Cordelia cautions. "He's from District 2, which has a reputation for being ruthless, so he's bound to be a lot stronger than the non-Careers."
"Okay," Chip says, nodding as the screen shows our District. I'm glad that I have a neutral expression all the way through. Chip purses his lips as the commentators pay special attention to his last name. Cordelia is right. Chip is under scrutiny already.
To everyone's surprise, the District 4 boy, Calder Murray, is Reaped. Despite this, Beetee comments, he still might be with the Careers. Calder still looks strong, but not as strong or as interesting as his District Partner Pearl Tang, who will definitely stand out more as the girl who volunteered and made a fish pun.
"So those are the Careers," Beetee says as the screen shows District 5. "I agree with Cordelia, Reign seems to be the most approachable of the lot. Remember, though, to watch your future allies for a bit before asking to join them."
"Got it," I say, and Chip nods as we continue watching the recap.
Calder Murray, age 17
District 4 Male
"Where are the mentors?" I ask our escort nervously as the train doors close and I'm left standing in the main cabin with Aurelia and Pearl.
"Probably in their quarters," Aurelia says. "So you two are stuck with me until they get here." She smiles broadly. "Don't worry, I'll keep you both entertained. Are you as excited as I am for the Games?"
"I'm looking forward to the Interviews," Pearl says. I notice that she isn't making eye contact with Aurelia, but I shrug it off. "Then I can tell the nation what's going on with the environment, and encourage everyone to make more sustainable choices that'll help the ocean. I can't believe the nation of Panem still does things that harm the environment, like burn coal and toss garbage into the ocean. And have you seen the bycatch that the fishermen from home get from longline fishing and trawling? If I were a Victor, I'd have enough influence to stop a lot of unsustainable practices."
"That's awesome!" Aurelia exclaims in a voice that's too loud for a conversation like this. "So you're interested in environmental causes?"
"That's why I volunteered," Pearl says, nodding. "Of course, I'll probably have to win for my suggestions to be implemented, but I think I'll win because I've trained a lot at the Academy."
"I think you'll do great," Aurelia says, smiling. "What do you want to do now? There are plenty of things to do on the train."
"Can I watch an ocean documentary?" Pearl asks excitedly. "Sure, I've watched every episode of Blue Panem five times already, but I like the series so much that I'd watch it again if they're playing it."
"I'm sure we can find something you'd like on the TV," Aurelia says, walking towards the television set. Pearl follows her, and I sigh. If an escort's job is to take care of her tributes, Aurelia is sure doing a lousy job at it. I don't blame her, though. Pearl is way more interesting than me, and let's face it, she actually has a chance in the Games. It's easy to see why Aurelia is paying attention to my District Partner and not me.
I briefly consider planting a whoopee cushion on one of the seats, but the last thing I want to do is anger the people who will be helping me get out of this mess alive. Therefore, I decide to go looking for the mentors. This year, the District 4 Victors chosen to mentor are Careen Ellis, Victor of the 40th Games, and Shane Donegal, Victor of the 42nd. As classic Careers who won Games that were close together, Careen and Shane, who are currently both in their early fifties, are quite close. They're probably as shocked as I am that I got Reaped, and are discussing what to do with the fact that one of the tributes was not the chosen volunteer. I'll be sure to let them know that I'm trained, though. I hope they won't give up on me just because I never wanted to be in the Games.
I walk to the door on the left-hand side of the main cabin and open it. I'm greeted by a hallway with doors on the sides. I walk through the hallway, opening doors and keeping my ears open for the voices of the mentors, but by the time I reach the back of the train all I've discovered are the rooms that I'm assuming are for the tributes because they're empty. The mentors are nowhere in sight. Sighing in frustration, I double back and walk through the main cabin again. This time, I check the door on the other side of the main cabin and walk through hallways until I hear voices that I'm sure belong to the mentors.
"I have a feeling that for these Games, we won't be strategizing together as a District, considering that one of our tributes was Reaped," a female voice that I know belongs to Careen Ellis sounds from behind a side door. "Still, just because Calder was Reaped doesn't mean he won't join the Career Pack."
Joke's on you, I think as I inch closer to the door and listen closely to the conversation.
"We won't know for sure until we ask him," a male voice, Shane Donegal, says. "But we should still decide right now who will mentor whom in case Pearl and Calder want to be coached separately."
"I can take Calder," Careen offers. "I have experience coaching tributes who don't want to be in the Games."
Thank goodness, I think, happy that Careen will be my mentor. It's true that she has experience mentoring reluctant tributes like me. After all, she was the one who helped our most famous Victor, Finnick Odair, win the 65th Games at age fourteen even though he wasn't a volunteer.
"Thanks, Careen," Shane says, clearly relieved. "I wouldn't know how to deal with him, to be honest."
"So it's settled, then," Careen says. "Let's go talk to our tributes."
The door opens, and I quickly jump out of the way, embarrassed.
"How long have you been here?" Shane asks.
"Uh, not too long," I say truthfully. "I just heard that you were going to mentor Pearl. She's in the main cabin with Aurelia, by the way."
"Let's go there, then," Careen says.
Careen, Shane, and I walk in silence back to the main cabin, where Pearl and Aurelia are enjoying a nature documentary. Upon hearing our footsteps, Aurelia pauses the program and tells Pearl that the mentors are here. Pearl says a quick hello Shane and Careen, not looking at them, before picking up the remote and pressing the play button.
"That's not cool, Pearl," Aurelia says loudly. "Your mentors are more important than Blue Panem. Why aren't you making eye contact with them?"
"Oh," Pearl says quickly, pausing the program again. "You don't know that I have Asperger's Syndrome?"
"I don't," Aurelia admits. "What's that?"
"It means that my social skills are not the best," Pearl explains. "Eye contact is really hard. So is saying the right thing. But I'm really focused, especially on learning about the ocean and winning the Games. Of course that leads to problems sometimes, like now, when I was so focused on Blue Panem that I didn't greet the mentors properly."
"We'll be sure to work on your eye contact and presentation when we're together," Aurelia says, "but now is the mentors' turn to strategize with you."
"Right," Pearl says. She gets off the couch and stands next to me in front of Careen and Shane. "Hello Shane and Careen."
"Hello, Pearl," Careen says warmly. "Sorry we took a while, we were just discussing a few things. I take it that you're enjoying yourself here?"
"I was watching the Blue Panem episode about sharks," Pearl says, making quick eye contact with Careen before looking down. "Most sharks are actually ovoviviparous, which means that they produce eggs that develop within the maternal body. But you two aren't here to listen to me talk about sharks, right?"
"We're ready to talk strategy with you two," Shane says, "so shark-related discussions can wait until afterwards. First things first, Pearl, Calder, would you like to be coached together or separately?"
"I would like to be coached separately," Pearl says coolly.
"Yeah, definitely separately," I say, nodding. "Pearl's probably going to join the Career Pack, and I'm going to avoid the Careers like the plague, so there's no way we can be coached together."
"Fair enough," Careen says, nodding.
"Alright, Pearl, come with me," Shane says. "I'm going to be your mentor."
"If no one objects, of course," Careen adds quickly.
"It's okay," Pearl says, and I nod.
"Just be back here by five for supper, will you?" Aurelia asks. "None of you would want to miss it, or the Reaping Recap."
"Got it," Shane says, before he and Pearl leave the main cabin.
"You know the drill, Careen," Aurelia says happily. "You know where I am, so let me know if you need anything."
"Yep," Careen says as Aurelia smiles at her one last time and leaves the main cabin as well.
"Calder," Careen says seriously, "are you sure you don't want to join the Career Pack? As a tribute from Four, you don't have to jump that many hurdles to be in the Pack, even if you are Reaped. That's what happened with Finnick, remember?"
"I understand," I say, "but I don't want to associate with them. It goes against my morals."
"You will soon find out that you will have to go against your morals to survive," Careen says testily, "and I'm telling you, joining the Career Pack will be your best chance of survival. I've seen you train a bit. Your skills are definitely enough to join the Careers."
"Yeah, but I'm just not a killer," I say frankly. I smile. "Sorry, Careen. But joining the Careers is out of the question for me."
Careen purses her lips, and I eye her steadily. I know that she didn't expect me to turn down her strategy of joining the Careers. But there's no way I'm going to go down that route.
"Well then, we'd better come up with an alternative strategy that works for you," Careen says briskly. "What have you thought about?"
"I'm going to lead an Outer District Power Pack," I say, pleased at my name for my future alliance. "We'll keep away from every other tribute and focus on staying alive rather than killing others. We'll stick together and defend each other from threats, but I'll be sure to leave if I suspect someone wants to off me. Which I hope won't happen."
"That's a solid strategy," Careen says, nodding. "Some of the Outer District tributes really are quite strong. Of course, we won't know until we watch the Reaping recap later today, but you can always count on some strong Outers."
"Yeah, that's why I think my strategy will work," I say, nodding.
Careen and I are silent for a while. Then she sighs.
"Calder," she says, "I know we think differently about lots of things, but I'm your mentor, and it's my duty to get you out of this alive. Can you promise me one thing?"
"Depends on the thing," I say truthfully.
Careen cracks a small smile. "Just promise me to take being in the Games seriously," she says. "I've noticed how in training you tend not to take the classes seriously, and prank people in the process. That kind of mentality has got to stop. While in training, please, don't prank others. You just might be made a target."
"I promise," I say solemnly, understanding my mentor's concerns. "I'll take being in the Games seriously, if that means that I have a greater chance of coming home."
"Good," Careen says. "Now let's talk about chariot rides."
A/N: Here are our first Train Rides! There will be two more Train Ride chapters, each focusing on three Districts' Train Rides. If your tribute does not get a Train Ride POV, do not fret - tributes without Train Ride POVs will get their POVs during the Chariot Rides. Trust me, I have very good reasons for giving certain tributes Train Ride POVs and other tributes Chariot Ride POVs. ;)
Some of the mentors in this story may be familiar to some of you who have followed other SYOTs. I plan on including plenty of shout-outs to other SYOTs in this story. ;) Blake Armani is from Child's Play, Careen Ellis is from We All Fall Down, and Shane Donegal is from Into Thin Air. I will say right now that those mentors exist in this universe as well, and may or may not play important roles in this story and future stories.
Chapter questions: Why do you think Blake wanted to mentor Token and not Reign? Do you think Rielle and Chip will be able to join the Careers? Out of all the tributes we've met, who do you think Calder will recruit into his Outer District Power Pack? What did you think of the mentors in this chapter? Do you have any opinions on the tributes introduced in this chapter - Hestia Ashton (2F) and Brock Winters (2M)?
Random question of the chapter: New York or Boston?
Final note: Obviously, answering Chapter questions and Random questions of the chapter are not required. I would love if you answered them, though, because who doesn't love feedback? :D
Have a great day!
