Kissing Starlin wasn't like kissing Annie. Kissing Starlin was nice, and although I didn't have a lot of experience, I could tell that Starlin was a good kisser. But, there wasn't a spark like there was with Annie. With Annie, there was a warm feeling inside my chest like I had finally found the place where I belonged. With Starlin, I only enjoyed it because I was a fourteen year old boy being kissed by a pretty seventeen year old.
When we broke away, Starlin said, "Wow."
I repeated the sentiments to keep her happy. The doors to the elevator opened and we stepped inside.
"Finnick," Starlin said, "Once the Careers break up, let's stay together as allies."
"I think that's a marvelous idea," I said in my most seductive voice.
Starlin smiled and I winked at her. Yep, definitely found my angle.
_Line Break!_
The next day after training, it was me and Ember who were left behind. I kissed her too. Never could have too many allies. What if Starlin died? I felt guilt for leading them on and cheating on Annie, but I would most likely die if I didn't. I wished every night for Annie to forgive me.
Soon, it was time for private training. It was where we would get our scores. I hadn't let the other tributes know that I was an expert in using a trident, but I intended on using a trident if there was one.
Starlin went in first, and I wished her luck. Next was Nickel. Then Ember and Dax. The girl and boy from three go in. I don't start to get nervous until Beatrice goes in. I start feeling butterflies in my stomach. I finger the rope bracelet Annie gave to me. Remembering that I had to get home to Annie calmed me, and before I knew it I was being called in.
The Gamemakers all sat on a balcony overlooking the training room. I could see where someone had made a trap in the corner. I went to the spear area and made a few bulls eyes. It was enough for me to get a decent score, but to do really well I had to stand out. Then, I had an idea. I took off my shirt for the next part. The head Gamemaker, a woman called Hydra fainted. The women are all fanning themselves. Even some of them men look flustered. Plutarch Heavensbee, the newest Gamemaker raises his eyebrows. He looks impressed that I'm using my looks to my advantage.
Then, I notice the trident. A gleaming gold trident in the corner of the room. I go over to it and pick it up. It feels good in my hand, like an extension of my arm. I go to the knot tying station and quickly make a net like Annie had taught me. I then went over to where the dummy's were. I threw the net and entangled one of them. Then, I threw the trident and empaled the dummy through its stomach. I threw the trident a few more times before the Gamemakers told em they had seen enough. I picked up my shirt and left after giving them one last dazzling smile.
When I got to the fourth floor, Mags, Electra, Pieces, and Beatrice were in the living room. Beatrice was telling them how she threw knives for the Gamemakers.
"Finnick!" Electra cried when she saw me. "How did you do?"
"I took off my shirt," I said.
There was silence in the living room.
"That would do it," Mags said.
"Seriously? You do realize that taking off your shirt won't save you in the arena, right?" Beatrice said.
"I also threw some spears," I said. I hoped nobody would ask if I did anything else. I didn't want to lie, but I didn't want anyone to know about my skills with a trident.
I could tell by the looks on Mags face that she saw through my facade, and that we would talk later. After dinner, we all went back to the living room to watch the scores. Nickel got an 9, Starlin got a 9, Dax got a ten, Ember got a 9. Both from three got 7. Next, it was my turn. 11.
I got an 11! I knew that this was a rarity. I had never seen anything above a ten before. Cladius Templesmith and Caesar Flickerman confirmed my suspicions with declaring the highest score ever. I wondered what Annie and my parents must be thinking now as they are watching this in District Four. I wonder if they are watching it at home or in the square. At home, I would think. As a victor family, we have a TV of good quality. They would want to be alone.
Beatrice gets a 9. The rest of the scores pass in a blur. The only ones I notice are the 9 from the male tribute from Seven, the 8 from the little girl from Eight, and a 2 for the boy from Six. I feel sorry for him because He'll probably be dead on the first day.
A little snippet of Annie's POV
People give me pitying looks whenever they see me. I'm the girls whose best friends has been sentenced to die. Finnick was popular in District Four, and people think the capitol will like him because of his attractiveness, but the fact is is that he is only fourteen. Nobody under sixteen has ever won the games. It will take miracle. Today is the scoring. People have bet on what they think Finnicks score will be. The consensus is a 8, at the most. I think he will get more than that.
I watched the Opening Ceremonies at the Odairs house. Thay are somewhat like my second family, and they have always welcomed me into their house. I am on my where there now to watch the scoring.
When I arrive, Mr. and Mrs. Odair are already in the living room. The TV is turned on. There is five minutes until the scoring begins. I picture Finnick, sitting in the living room of the Training Center, watching the same thing. I wonder if he has thought about me at all. THe scoring starts. The tributes from Districts One and Two scare me. They do every year. The tributes from three seem smart. Then, it's Finnicks turn. He get's an 11. The three of us cheer. He has beaten everyones expectations. I wonder what he did for the Gamemakers.
Finnicks POV
The next morning, Electra woke me much earlier than I preferred. Mags was waiting. The interviews were that night, and I had to practice.
"Do you have any idea what your angle will be?" Mags asked.
"Yes. I want to play up that the Capitol thinks of me as just a pretty face," I replied.
"It shouldn't take to much effort. The Capitol is all over you," Mags snorted.
We went over how to flirt with camera's and we perfected my charming smile. Mags told me that if I needed to, then I could picture talking to a girl from back home. I improved immensely after I pictured talking to Annie. After a while, Mags told me to go work with Electra to perfect my manners, my walk, and how I sit.
Electra was difficult. I think she was under the impression that I would be eating at the interviews, because she taught me how to use a fork, which utensil to use for which course, and other unnecessary lessons. Finally, I was handed off to Aphrodite to get ready for my interview. I was nervous. I twisted the rope bracelet Annie had given me. Aphrodite is only allowed me to wear it because my shirt sleeves hide it. I was wearing black dress pants and a sea green shirt, partly unbuttoned, of course. My hair was tousled in the way that made the girls in District Four go crazy.
When I walked out to meet Mags, she smiled.
"You look good. I think that girl back in District Four is very lucky," she said.
"Thanks. Actually though, I think I'm the lucky one. Wait, how did you know there was a girl?" I said.
"You and little Annie. I think everyone knew. Plus, the way you did so well on your interview practice after you imagined a girl from back home. Tell tale sign," Mags said.
I often forgot how observant Mags is. Once, when I was little, I had done badly on a test in school and Mags had known just by seeing me walk by her house. Amazing.
"Come, come!" Electra said in her overly cheerful voice. "The interviews are starting in just fifteen minutes!"
