Training Day III:


Pretty city, skyscrapers will fool you.
Look through the inner cities the rich won't move to,
The nice parts, they well-protected by a vanguard;
The opposite of how these concentration camps are.


Krissy McCoy, District Thirteen


Drinking cold water while my body overheats with stress and worry feels like the greatest luxury on this planet. The ice falls against the glass, my fingers sliding on the condensation before they retain their grip. There's a chill that runs down my esophagus, making my head involuntarily shake.

A numbness creeps into my brain the same way it did when I took my first dose of morphling and eased away from all the pain and perturbation – oh, how I wish I could do that now. No, you don't.

...I shouldn't. Remember the addiction? Remember being beaten up? Remember being face-to-face with death?!

When the glass is drained, I take the last cube of ice between my molars and bite hard, feeling it melt into cold pools on my palate. Completely feeling helpless, a sigh releases from between my teeth, sounding resigned and weary. It signals the end of a deliberate effort and the beginning of passive deterioration. If not for it coming from me, I wouldn't notice it, as it sounds like its movement is dissipating out into the vastness of whatever's out there.

Grabbing the pillow off of my bed, I smoosh my face into it, my jaw at an uncomfortable angle. Staying in this position, I walk outside of my room, casually groaning in anger. Why does Pavel want to recruit children? Of all people, we have two twelve-year-old kids in our alliance. What the hell are they gonna provide?!

When I make it out into the living room of my district floor, I slam the pillow against the ground in frustration, folding myself over the crimson couch. ''Why is it always me?''

''Are you okay, sweetheart?'' Tienya's voice fills my ears with a soothing tone.

Pouncing up, I cry out, ''No! I'm so conflicted between what I should do. I have two options, but time's clicking, and... and I don't know what I wanna do.''

''Well, what are your two choices?'' Gerald asks, his voice more distant than hers. They're not in my line of sight, so I suppose that they're in the kitchen or somewhere near the counter.

''Okay, so yesterday the boy from Four approached me and invited me into the Pack after he saw my medical knowledge. He said that I'd be a great fit to help them out if anything went wrong, but I haven't told Pavel yet.''

Tienya lets out a small murmur, probably discussing what I just said with Gerald secretly. ''And what's the alternative?''

''If I join the Careers, then I'll be betraying Pavel. Although, I did tell Four that I'd think about it, because what's better: trying to survive with two kids and an overprotective adult by your side, or trained killers who know what they're doing?'' I ask, feeling all types of mixed emotions. ''Either way, I'm at a disadvantage – I won't stand out if I'm in the Career Alliance, but I'll look like a fool if I stay with Pavel.''

''Actually, you will stand out if you join the Careers,'' Gerald disagrees. ''If a girl from Thirteen – a district with no type of awareness for the Games or training at all – manages to make her way into an alliance as threatening as that, then surely heads will turn.''

''True. And, if anything, forget about Pavel's alliance. It sounds cruel, I know, but who are you trying to protect here? Do you want to save little kids, or do you prefer surviving?''

There's honestly no need to even consider the options now, due to the way that these two considered the advantages and disadvantages of each alliance. Really, I'm propitiated towards the Careers because of Tienya's laconic words, but...

What if you don't live up to expectations? Like how you didn't become everything your parents imagined, and Elsie replaced you? Aw... Are you gonna get nauseous if one of your allies needs surgery? What happens if one of their legs gets chopped off, or their arms become detached?

''What if I disappoint them?'' I babble, tripping up over my words. ''What if one of the Careers' lives are on my hands and I'm under pressure? It's been so long since I've completed surgery – so long since I've sewn up ripped skin; so long since I've covered up blood; so long since I've witnessed gruesome fractures and lacerations!''

''Krissy...''

''What if I decide to remain with Pavel and all of a sudden one of those two little boys are in death's hands? Pavel would rely on me to fix them up, but what if I'm too squeamish to do anything about it? They'd die, and the blame would be on me!''

You're nothing, my mind upbraids. And you never will be. You're not a tyro when it comes to medicine, but you just can't satisfy, can you? You really are useless.

Jumping up from my position on the couch, I begin to feel splenetic – angry at myself, angry at Pavel, angry at the Capitol, angry at those stupid rebels for screwing everything up..! ''My life was already terrible before these dumbass Games, but now..? Now things have taken a turn that I'm positive I can't steer away from!''

When I look up at my mentors, I'm shocked. Tienya half smiles, her eyes round and her face relaxed. ''Yes. Maybe they have, but come relax. Get your mind off of things and just... calm yourself.''

Gerald stifles a small laugh and turns to look me in the eyes; his are wide open and bloodshot. In his hands is some sort of needle, and inside of it is a powerful painkiller that I'm used to – morphling. Stop looking at it! ''Krissy, it's okay. Come here.''

Have they been doing this ever since we arrived? I should've noticed the yellow skin a long time ago. Something in me ticks, and despite how hard I try to resist the urge to move, I find myself approaching the two and sitting down at the same counter that they do.

''Give me your arm,'' Gerald insists, grinning from ear-to-ear. Do it! Don't do it! Do it! Don't do it!

You'll love it! Remember all the good memories, all the times you felt at peace? The world was beautiful with this lovely drug in your system.

Somehow, I find myself sticking out my arm, allowing the needle to enter my cephalic vein. Every decent and terrible thing to happen in my life flashes across my mind, starting from my youth up to now.

And at the end of it, I feel satiated.


Cassian Castellan, District Two


''Which one of you goons wants to go up against me in the gauntlet?'' I question, looking at my allies. ''We haven't been in there yet, so why don't we have a little friendly competition and get away from all the serious training for once?''

A hearty laugh comes from Sota. ''What the hell? You couldn't even beat a couple of outer district kids.'' Grinning in a cocky manner, he nods his head towards a line near the very station that I was just speaking about.

Raising one eyebrow, I shake my head, surprised that he wants to test me like that. ''They'd put up more of a challenge than you ever would.''

''Whoa, whoa, aren't you two the competitive ones,'' Aurora chirps, a small simper on her face. Slapping my shoulder softly, she backs me up and says, ''But, c'mon now, I'm sure Cassian would easily beat them. Hell, they could team up against him and he'd still win. If not, then that'd be a shock – but I couldn't see it happening that way.''

Wrapping an arm around her shoulder, I pull her closer to my body for a side-hug. ''This is why you're my favorite. Of course I'd never lose!''

''You're only giving him hope because he's the odd-one-out,'' Sota snickers. ''Trying to make him feel better won't make us forget the fact that you're the worst Career here. Other than him, you know.''

Aether stands quietly near Odessa, both of them watching, and Camille yawns, despite looking intrigued. Accusing him of his so-confident attitude, Aurora asks, ''Is that a challenge?''

''For you, maybe. But you can bet your sweet-ass that it won't be shit for me.'' Crossing his arms together, Sota waits for a witty reply, but all he gets is a bob of her head.

I stare into Aurora's eyes, determined not to look away. I'm certain that she's trying to hide something, but she doesn't let go. She contorts her lips into an awkward, toothy smile, but her cheeks aren't compromising. ''All right, we'll see. You better pull up next.'' When she averts her gaze back to me, her smile seems lifeless. ''So that means you better hurry up and get going.''

With a friendly pull, she drags me to the inside of the gauntlet booth and then skips away, back to our allies. Staring at all of them, I raise my hand in the air and flick each of them off, starting from Sota and ending at Camille.

Now turning my attention to the three tributes that stand to the right of me, I flash them a devilish smile and whisper, ''Be careful...''

''If you don't know the rules of this station, then listen carefully,'' the main trainer heeds. ''This course consists of daunting obstacle courses that contain of ascending platforms and different sections of the training center overall. Your goal is to finish by jumping from platform to platform, climbing ropes, and swinging your way to the finish line in the fastest time possible. To make this even more difficult for you all, trainers will be swinging padded weapons at you.''

Chuckling just a little bit, I look the trainer right in her eyes, confident as if I've never had a failure in my life. Everything from the way I hold myself, to the way I speak and say, ''I'm ready!'' shows the unassailable self-assurance that I have.

If only my parents could see my right now, ready to take on a challenge. They'd look at me instead of my siblings, but I know that they're proud. Just wait 'till I'm on T.V., guys; I won't be outshone anymore.

With a sly smug, the trainer looks at each of us. Finally, she reaches me, her perfect white teeth glistening with a charm, fitting with her vanilla skin. ''Go!''

Acknowledging her command, I follow in a grueling pace without complaint, sprinting past the other three like I'm a bolt of lightning and they're the sound of thunder that comes after it. In my peripheral vision, I see a group of all the other tributes congregating together, watching closely.

I step on one of the platforms ahead, but my other foot remains on the one behind me. They both shoot up into the air, causing me to lose my balance and fly forward. Managing to somehow remain on my feet, I slow down as my heart thumps wildly, but the sound of two girls screaming puts me back in my place.

Behind me, Helena, I think her name is, bumps into the Eleven girl. Eventually they both fall down, Twelve landing on top of Eleven. They're both determined to get back up, though, as they push one another and scatter on the ground.

Leaping forward, I toss myself onto one of the descending platforms and push myself ahead. As I duck and rise, at last reaching the end of the first segment, a random wall appears and there's an arrow that flickers, signaling to the left. ''What? You've gotta be fuc—''

Before I can finish my sentence, a padded baton smacks me across the face, snapping my head back. Another one hits me in the side of the stomach, forcing me to reel in an unsystematic zone. Over and over again I'm attacked, painfully aware of the weapons slamming into my face and throat.

There are at least five trainers hovering over me, their batons, knives and swords hitting my back, continuing to screw me over. When a tribute comes into view, I barely make him out as the Seven boy, taking the commanding lead and running away with it. Soon enough, Helena jumps forward, too, and I can sense the faint footfalls of the Eleven girl.

Just as her foot pushes past my head, I grab her ankle furiously and pull it, my hand twisting slightly. She screams as she's dragged down to the floor, and one of the attacks land against her chest.

''You're cheating!'' she shouts, clawing back at me.

Standing up, my body swaying from side-to-side, I bare my bloody teeth and grin as she's now being beaten down by the trainers. With a genuine shrug, I say, ''That's not a bad thing, is it?''

I turn back around and give chase to the other tributes, observing them as they climb up the ropes course. Underneath me, like millions of red flowers blooming, the drops of blood fall from my mouth to the other platforms and leave a path.

...You cheated, huh? I thought you only cheated when you were scared that you'd fail.

''Ha, that's funny.'' Would they really be proud of me if they saw me like this, bleeding and limping slightly? Look at what I get for doing what they wanted me to.


Helena Vasilev, District Twelve


Out of nowhere, Cassian passes by me. He throws his arms up sloppily, and it looks like he doesn't know what he's doing, but he most definitely does.

The rocks fall beneath his feet, tumbling down as they crash near me. I know that there's a ledge, otherwise I'd be falling, but I can't see it at all – yet he and Condor can?! If I turn my head too far, I could unbalance, and the drop is pretty deep...

Already, the adrenaline courses unchecked, urging me to do what I can't. Catch up to them! Show your worth and place at least second. Not third, not fourth, but either first or second!

How ironic is it that as soon as I look back up, Cassian accelerates in the air and grabs Condor by the back of his shirt. With a rapid jerk, Condor is sent falling backwards, and his scream echoes from the top of his lungs. He's coming right towards me you! Think, think, think! With quick timing, I barely manage to avoid Condor's heavy body from crashing into my own; luckily, only my legs are hit.

Dangling in the air, I listen as his body makes a loud thud with the soft mattress below. My muscles feel stronger all of a sudden, and now I'm definitely more awake than before. Risking it all, I reach up again, finding a small hole to push myself upward.

Once I make it to the top, I steadily move my way past the rope course by nimbly rushing through it. Surprisingly, even with my sweat-covered hands, I've gotten further than expected. ''Hey!'' I yell out, allowing the air conditioning to cool me down. All around me, the staff of trainers are smiling, and the other tributes are stunned. Cassian turns around, his lips stained with red. ''I'm coming for your ass!''

''Whatever!'' Rolling his eyes, Cassian jumps and barely gets a tight grip on the monkey bars. One of his arms is hanging limply by his side, while the other one is trembling with tiredness. Stabilizing my breath, I back up a few feet and position myself in a running-man stance.

With a bolt of speed, devoted on maintaining my placement and even passing him – to show that Careers don't always have what it takes – I jump off of the balcony edge and soar past four monkey bars. Right when I'm about to fall and hit the floor, I throw my hands up and involuntarily latch onto the swings.

Cassian's only a few feet ahead of me, but the course isn't that much longer from ending; he's currently about ten more sets from reaching the finish line. Swinging forward – carried by my momentum – I come extremely close to Cassian – close enough to where I can breathe down his neck, and I can tell from his reaction that he doesn't like that.

On impulse, I push both of my legs into his back right as he lets go of a bar, and he lands on the finish line. Immediately after, I land there, too. The Careers are all currently laughing, pointing at Cassian but applauding him at the same time. The girls from One and Four help lift him up as he lies on the ground, groaning in discontent. Staring up at me, the One girl smiles kindly and nods her head in what appears to be acceptance.

''Congratulations on coming in second place.'' Turning around, I spot the instructor approaching me. ''I wasn't expecting something like that from a Twelve tribute.''

I feel like every fiber of me is being vibrated with anticipation. Adrenaline is still coursing through my veins, my hands are trembling, and my lips are quivering. The excitement wires my body like I'm plugged into some sort of outlet, and I feel like my brain is on fast-forward, yet there's no switch.

Taking a bow, I rub my hands together. ''Well, you know me, different from most Twelve kids. Ain't it good to be introduced to something new?''

''It surely is,'' she agrees. ''It's a shame that you came in second, though. If you two hadn't collided into each other, I'm sure that you could have swerved around him or something and came in first.''

''Yeah, you're right, but I did my best, and I accomplished my goal so I'm happy!'' With a curt nod, the trainer raises her hand into the air and waits for a high-five. Willingly, I gleefully act out the gesture. Although, I can't help but think about what she just said.

You really could have won, I realize. And maybe you only got second because another tribute cheated, but you showed him who's boss. You showed everyone here that you're willing to go after what you want, and although this might not be the most amazing thing that you've achieved, you really got your point across.

Grunts resound behind me, letting me know that Condor and the other girl have reached the finish line. Whipping around, I rush towards the two and stand right in front of them, saying, ''You guys did really good!''

Rolling his eyes, Condor replies with, ''Yeah, totally. Falling tens of feet in the air because some guy wanted to sabotage me definitely sounds like a good thing.''

''Hey, don't be like that.'' Nudging his shoulder, I add, ''If he hadn't done that, you would have surely came in first. But don't even worry about it, dude. Do you even understand how much potential you have? You're so athletic! The way you were dodging those trainers and boosting past the gauntlet as a whole was amazing!''

A small smile replaces the upset look that he once had on his face. Now turning to Eleven, I grab her hand and stare her in the eyes. ''You, too. Don't think I forgot about you. Seriously, you were so much better than me in the beginning. When we bumped into each other, I wasn't expecting you to get back up so quick. It was a great race between the two of us until it was tragically ruined, though...''

''What are you trying to say?'' Condor asks, and despite his attempt to look and sound serious, he has a jovial expression on his face.

''I'm trying to say that I want the three of us to form an alliance!'' Maybe blurting it out isn't the best way to let them know that I'm interested in the both of them, but I can't be any more subtle. Pointing, I start with, ''I know that he's Condor, but who are you?''

''Aaliyah,'' Eleven says, scratching her head. ''I don't know, though. You're captivating and all, but what's there to offer?''

''What's there to offer?'' I repeat her question. ''Think about it! With my drive, Condor's athleticism, and your innovation, we could turn some heads. What do you guys think?''

Sticking out my hand, I wait for them to accept my offer. ''Fine,'' Condor agrees, but Aaliyah walks away, declining my offer.

Maybe it's selfish of me to try and force her into joining an alliance with me like this, but when I want something, I have to get it. Later on I'll try again, but right now, Condor is my main focus. And most importantly, with him by my side, the two of us are gonna be a formidable alliance.

Possibly even the best duo out there in these Games.


Camille Lussier, District Two


Cassian's dragged out by Aurora and Odessa back to where the rest of us currently stand. Sota's jumping around energetically, leaning against Aether and slapping his knee in mockery of Cassian's so called ''victory.''

''Yeah, you totally showed them, didn't you?'' Continuing his little joke, he wipes at his eyes and attempts to say something else, but he only ends up stuttering over his words.

''At least he tried,'' Odessa speaks up. ''Come on, we're allies. I don't care if you make fun of him, but if you haven't done anything to back up your statements, then shut the fuck up. Seriously, the shit that you've been doing lately has been mad sketchy, and I'm not sure where you stand in this alliance.''

''Are you really trying to start something here?'' Sota can't believe what he's hearing – that someone's actually standing up to him. ''Why don't you just calm down? Besides, I haven't seen you contribute to anything. Where do you stand? Why are you even in this alliance?''

''I'm deserving of being here because all I want to do is win, but I'm not gonna deride others for messing up.'' Letting go of Cassian, Odessa hands him to Aurora and gets in Sota's face. With a little bump, she pushes her chest into his, even as he towers over her, and says, ''Now stop.''

A laughable expression becomes plastered on my face, and for some odd reason, I feel like I can let my guard down for a little bit. Odessa's goals are clear as day, and she doesn't seem like one to back-stab in an alliance. Sota tries to slowly push her away, but she moves out of his arm's reach and snarls.

Averting my attention back to Cassian, I conceal a small smirk. That's what you get, I wanna say. Even though you got what you deserved, my revenge is yet to come.

''Tributes!'' On the speakers ahead, a voice commences. Turning around to face the front of the training center, I watch the newest Head Gamemaker – Jarion Maverick – announce his orders into the microphone. ''Please make your way outside of the training center and place yourselves in a line. Make sure that you are in girl-boy order, and start at District One and end at District Thirteen. One-by-one, each of you will be called back in here so that you can perform the skills that you have learned from your three days of training. You will all be given five minutes, and once you're finished, my colleagues and I will asses the quality of your abilities.''

When everyone is assembled by the various Peacekeepers, I can't help but remember the way things were done back in Two. To evaluate each person's skill back at home, the Victors and trainers would watch us all closely, and whoever would last the longest and showed the most determination would be seen as capable. This system of everyone going one-by-one is a deviation for me.

Whispering in my ear, Cassian hypes himself up way more than he should and addresses his plans for what he's gonna present to the gamemakers. ''You think they'll be interested in a dual-weapon showcase?''

''I don't know,'' I answer honestly, ''but if I were you, I'd focus on making sure that I'm good to perform. There's no reason for you to exhaust yourself over a five minute session.''

''Aurora Maran, please enter through the double-doors of the training center.'' A robotic voice startles me, the difference between a normal Capitolite voice and this one being extremely distinct. ''I repeat: Aurora Maran, please enter through the double-doors of the training center.''

With alacrity, Cassian chides against my previous opinion. ''No way! I gotta get a high score, and sitting it out just to prevent further pain isn't an option.''

Shrugging, I shake my head and let him be. ''Do what you want to do,'' I caution, ''but whatever happens is on you.''

After a few more moments later, Aurora walks out of the training center with a smile on her face.

Reaching out, Cassian grabs her arm before she can get away any further. ''How do you think you did?''

''Pretty good,'' she answers. ''Everything that I was planning to do happened because they had the specific items that I needed. Really, just don't stress over it.''

With that, she walks away. ''Aether Cynephris, please enter through the double-doors of the training center.'' Again, that same voice comes on, but I've become accustom to it within a few minutes. ''I repeat: Aether Cynephris, please enter through the double-doors of the training center.''

That Aurora girl... I don't know her very well, but the cumulative effect of her friendliness is a vast improvement from the people that I've met throughout my life; although, I'm not fond of her very much. She's a good girl who I think that I'd be able to trust, but—

''What are you thinking about?'' Cassian picks up on my thoughtful state. ''You look like you're stuck in a trance.''

Not holding anything back, I decide to let what I think out. ''Do you trust Aurora?''

''What?'' He sounds appalled that I even brought this topic up. ''Of course I do. Why would you ever ask that?''

''Because she's trying way too hard to be likable?'' I blurt. ''Seriously, have you not seen how happy she's been trying to be? Who the hell is that excited to enter the Games? Either she's crazy or she's planning something, and I don't like it. Or maybe she's just plain desperate for friends.''

''Oh, shut up,'' he dismisses all possibilities of my assumptions. ''You're just jealous that the rest of us like her more than we like you.''

''Who is the rest of us? Are you sure that you're not the only one who takes an interest in her?'' I demur. Behind him, the Three girl widens her eyes and then looks away, attempting to mind her own business. ''Because it seems like you two have been kissing each other's asses lately.''

The double-doors swing open once again, and out comes Aether, stony-faced as ever. Without really sparing us a glance, he heads toward the area that Aurora went to, but he flashes Three a sudden glimpse... What? Him but not us?

''Camille Lussier, please enter through the double-doors of the training center. I repeat: Camille Lussier, please enter through the double-doors of the training center.''

Strutting away from Cassian, I press both of my palms against the the double-doors and get ready to push. ''It's not my fault that the rest of us are more attracted to her because she's prettier than you.''

''Can you shut up?'' I demand, forcing myself into the grand luxury of the gym. A bead of sweat slowly trickles from my forehead and down to my cheek. I'm ready for this, so there's no way that I can't show up. There should be no reason for me to score low. Hanni, Aurora and Sheri are all counting on me.

For those three ladies... I have to do good for them, but also for myself. While I'm here, proving my worth and giving my all, I've gotta worry about no-one other than me. All my goals are straightforward, and I need to keep them that way. This is my one chance to earn something on my own.

''Hello. It's a pleasure to be demonstrating my talents in front of you wonderful gamemakers.'' Bowing slightly, I remember to act as the courteous and proper girl that I was raised to be.

''As it is a gratification of ours to categorize your prowess. I am expecting big things from you.'' Interlacing his fingers together, Jarion leans forward in his seat and places his hands underneath his chin. ''You may proceed, Ms. Lussier.''

Searching for the weapons rack, I set my sights on a particularly sturdy, double-headed axe.

Now, let's see... What types of holograms would they let me commence my onslaught against?


Odessa Adria, District Four


''Cassian Castellan, please enter through the double-doors of the training center. I repeat: Cassian Castellan, please enter through the double-doors of the training center.''

''Odessa,'' Sota speaks softly, gently tapping me on my shoulder. ''You think you're ready for this?''

''No, of course not.'' Unable to understand why he would ask such a question, I tilt my head to the side and say, ''Why wouldn't I be? I've been training for years, and all I did these past three days was hone in on my skills.''

''Well, maybe because some people choke?'' he brings up. ''Everyone thinks that they're prepared, but what happens if you get nervous while all those gamemakers are paying close attention to you? Huh, then what?''

''I don't know, maybe focus on the task at hand and not care about their opinions?'' Shrugging, I shake my head and let out a pent-up sigh.

''That's easy for you to say now, but just wait.''

''And what about you?'' I question.

''Don't worry about me, I'm prepared for this,'' he assures. ''Besides, even if I was worried, the gamemakers have my back. I'm famous here, girly – and that's a grandeur that you won't ever have the chance to enjoy. You shouldn't doubt someone as famous as—''

''That's Fizzy Pop,'' I hear one of the Peacekeepers whisper. ''If anything, my money's on him. With the popularity that he has here in the Capitol, it'd be a crime not to give him the win.''

Sota hears this at the exact same moment that I do. Furrowing my eyebrows, I'm ready to say something, but then he sticks out his tongue in a contemptuous manner, jeering me silently.

''I wouldn't mind if he did. I bet with Teresse and all the others in our squadron that he would win. If he really is handed the title of Victor, though, then that's unfortunate for everyone else, but hey, who cares? As long as I'm getting my second payment, I'm perfectly fine with that.''

''Ah, well. I should've bet on him, too, but my money went to that Aether kid. The ones who tend to stay quiet throughout their entire time in the Capitol go a little coo-coo sometimes and end up coming out, if ya know what I mean...''

Sota's face contorts into a look of disgust. ''Aether? The fuck?''

''Hey, do you remember what genre of music he sang? It's been so long since I've played one of his songs, but I remember some of it being trip-hop.''

''It was trip-hop mixed with retro synth-wave. There was never an album of his that I didn't like – actually, there was never a song of his that I didn't like. Remember the one that we used to always blast in our patrol cars?''

''Oh, are you talking about 'I Fucked the President's Daughter'?'' The one answering laughs. Both of them snicker silently together, causing me to wonder what the hell I've been missing out on. I can sense Sota nodding his head as he stares at me – so cocky, so confident, so deluded...

''That was on the billboard's top one hundred, and I remember it being fifth behind his 'U Make Me Wanna Uhh!' That little scandal revolving around him and Helen and their lewd acts happened during that time, too, and his song titles didn't help his case. Press and media were all over his sack.''

''Yeah, and did you see the leaked video? That kid has a tool.'' In the line, every tribute goes quiet, and we all feel a little bit disturbed.

''No, that wasn't his... It was most likely some random film actor's, I don't know, but his face was obviously edited in that video. His body didn't correspond with what was happening, and everything was out of sync, so...''

''Who are you?'' Rolling my eyes, I cross my hands and almost laugh. ''They act like you're something more than a joke.''

''A joke like me wouldn't have this much of a following. Besides, this 'joke' actually pays attention to when his name's called. If I'm such a fool, then what does that make you?''

''Odessa Adria, please make your way through the double-doors of the training center. I repeat: Odessa Adria, please make your way through the double-doors of the training center.''

Right before I enter the training room, I look back and stand upright. ''I'm still the better Career. And unlike you, I don't remain in this little fantasy world of my past glory. Maybe you should learn to stray away from that.''

Stepping inside the gym, I nod my head at the gamemakers and wait for their word. ''You have five minutes, Ms. Adria. You may begin.''

Reaching the weapons rack, I pull out a trident and inspect what's been done so far. A couple of people have torn up dummies, a few others have been in the holographic chambers, and someone decided to even build some sort of electric-type weapon. Huh. ''May I please demonstrate my skills against two of your best Peacekeepers – or your strongest trainers, whichever you prefer.''

With a clap of Jarion's hands, two muscular men appear in front of me, both of their expressions cold and heartless. The only things that move are their masticating jaws, working some sort of food around their white teeth. With hard-rimmed eyes – which make them look as if they're stuck in that position forever, like they've rusted in place – they charge at me.

Focusing, I quickly spin around the first one's attack and do rapid work by prying the cutlass from his hands. Surprised, he attempts to jump back, but I swipe my trident forward and slash at his fingers, causing them to grow swollen in an instance. The other one is surprised, and I can hear his footsteps coming from the side of me.

Stalling his attack by facing him, I avoid his strike, watching as a wretched, stained grin splits his lips when my fist makes contact under the brutality of his compelling strength. The blades of my trident flash as I bring the weapon over his chestplate, keeping my feet steady, my arms balanced, and in a swift tune, I plunge it forward.

Groaning, he tries to remove it from his chest, but I do that for him. Despite the trident not truly killing him, he's for sure out for the count. Growling, the other trainer somehow manages to grab a small scythe and levels it above his head, swinging down at my neck.

Jumping out of the attack's radius, I swipe my legs downward, momentarily avoiding a fatal scratch from residing itself in me. The trainer is still in a slumped-down position, his scythe stuck in the cement floor of the training room.

Gotcha! With a blowing force, I ram my elbow into his nose and continue my attack even as the blood pours from his broken facial bone. The end of my trident makes contact with the male's neck, and as he gasps for air, I force my knee into the back of his leg, causing him to fold underneath the pressure, and raise my trident directly above his nape.

Stopping our battle, I turn to the clock and notice that I've got about fifteen seconds left. Signaling the end of my round, I look up at the gamemakers and fix the breathing that I have in motion, giving way to deeper puffs when I stop. With a drenched and flushed face, I smile, coming to the comprehension that I'm out of my zone and back in reality.

The timer sounds. ''Time's up, Ms. Adria. Thank you for your cooperation. You are now free to go,'' Jarion says, muttering to his fellow gamemakers.

I did as best as I could, and whatever score I receive is up to them. Whatever happens, I know that I gave it my all, and whether or not I agree with the result, I'll leave my heart out in the arena.

Trotting out of the room, I give Sota a crooked smile. ''You're next, Fizzy Pop.''


Lachlan Smith, District Six


A knot of butterflies sit at my stomach, but I'm positive that I did good enough during my session for them to dissipate. Anything ranging from a six to an eight is good for me, but I can do much better. I believe in myself.

''How do you think you did?'' Bree asks, walking with me towards the television screen in the living room. On our way there, it becomes hard for me to look away from the couch. Like everything else in this penthouse, it tells a story, a testimony to the personality of all the other tributes that once sat here. Bree probably sat on it last year.

The piece makes more for style than comfort, a moderately priced copy of some truly talented designer in this devious city. ''I expect nothing less than a six, honestly.''

''That's a decent score, and I'm glad that you believe in yourself enough to imagine getting that.''

''Do you remember what score you received last year, and how'd you react?'' I wonder.

''I got a seven. When I saw it, I felt fairly confident, but not many people in the Capitol had my name as the front-runner in their predictions. If you don't get what you want, just remember that training scores are a mere estimate. People with threes have won before.''

Nodding, I walk over to the couch and lie on it, my feet twitching to the Capitol theme song, my face as passive as it would be in my slumber. Bree moves closer, kneeling down and touching my skin lightly. ''If there's one thing that I'm certain of, it's that you unquestionably scored higher than Lucretia.''

''You got jokes, huh?'' Laughing lightly, I thank her for the boost and continue with my relaxed disposition.

''All right, well, I'm gonna go use the bathroom,'' Bree excuses herself. ''Dalan's inside if you need anything, so don't disturb me... Unless something major happens, or you wanna tell me what score you received. But other than that, leave me alone.''

''Don't worry, I got you.'' I shoo her away like a fly, playing around with her like the two of us are little schoolyard children.

In the meantime, the Capitol station is displaying videos of important aspects of each District. District One starts out first, showing a gemstone, while Two appears with some sort of building block. Three transitions into static electricity, and a sea appears for Four, leaving me lost in the rhythmic percussion of waves on the sand.

My eyes are steady to the horizon, face aglow with the last orange rays before twilight beckons the stars through the window frames. After District Five, they show a destroyed monument of District Six, surrounded by wreckage and the haunting screams of residents.

Walking out of his room, Dalan inches toward me. He's about to open up his mouth and address the terror on the screen, but I stop him before he can say anything.

''Come sit,'' I invite, patting down on the seat next to me. Reluctantly, he does, and right on time, too, because Addison Chevel sits herself down in front of her own desk and begins.

''You ready for this?'' Dalan inquires.

''Of course.''

''Welcome, Panem, to the night before the interviews. Tonight, we'll be reviewing the scores that these beautiful children were given after their private sessions this afternoon,'' Addison introduces. ''For sponsors out there, remember: it's better to place your bets on the tributes who receive decent-to-high training scores. Anyway, let's get started.''

''You don't understand how much fear's pounding in my chest right now.'' Sparing a look at Dalan, I gesture for him to continue, as I'm open for a nice chat.

''What do you mean by that?''

''From District One, Aurora Maran received the score of a... nine! Fabulous job, Aurora,'' Addison congratulates.

''Perhaps it's just my overprotective nature, but I feel like there's danger,'' Dalan cautions. ''Really, I'm focusing more on you rather than Lucretia, even if you're not my tribute. It sounds wrong, but I want to preserve the most deserving – the one who can do much more with that victory. If you receive a bad score, then you don't stand much of a chance at winning. These Capitolites won't care for your life if you don't show up.''

Aurora's smiling hologram morphs into Aether's straight face. ''Also from District One, Aether Cynephris was granted with the promising score of... also a nine! Good job to the both of them.''

''They don't care for my life now,'' I fix the logic behind his sentence, sounding upset. ''If they did, I wouldn't have gotten reaped – none of us would have. But still, don't worry. I don't expect anything less than a six from myself, and you shouldn't either.''

''From District Two, Camille Lussier has been given the promising score of ten!''

''I'm sorry, Lachlan,'' Dalan apologizes. ''After my years of mentoring, it's just gotten to me, but there's something about the confidence in tributes that evaporates my fear. I really needed that.''

''Again, from District Two, Cassian Castellan is pronounced with the score of a nine! Decent enough, Cassian.''

Up next, the District Three tributes' scores are revealed. When I hear what both of them receive, it not only surprises me, but I'm certain that the entirety of Panem is perplexed. Chayona received a seven, and Gideon received a six.

''From District Four, Odessa Adria with the score of a ten!''

She's dangerous, I make a mental note. I should've known that already, but when you see a ten next to a tribute's name, you can't help but still be surprised, no matter what District they come from.

''From District Four, Sota Shirai with the score of an... Whoa. An eleven? Am I reading this correctly? My word, Panem. It's been decades since we've seen a tribute score an eleven, and that tribute didn't even win the previous time. Will it be a different outcome this time around? Sota surely has what it takes, apparently. Fantastic job!''

An eleven? How?

''Impressive...'' Dalan murmurs.

Crossing my arms together, I lean back against the couch and sigh respectfully. Never have I ever been easily moved by something that somebody else accomplished, but this is shocking...

I expected something big from him, but nothing this big. What other surprises are in store for me?


A/N: Ayeee, whattup? I've realized that I have a habit of updating chapters at night, and then I always end up showing up to plans with friends/family late. It's like 9:23 over here and I'll probably get to whatever's going on around 10:30, if I'm quick. But that's all right. Am I proud of this chapter? I like some POVs while others not so much, and I felt as though I could've done more, but there's only so little that comes to my mind when I already have the layout of the chapter planned. And other tributes are destined for certain events, so this just has to do. Now that I've gotten this 6-POV chapter out of the way, I feel as though I can rest easy and let it ride from now on. Two more days of school for me. Chem, French 2, and AA History Honors and then I'm fucking done, y'all. Summer's boutta be lit af with everything going on, and although I might have more time on my hands to write these chapters, I'm definitely gonna be enjoying myself so I hope y'all don't mind if chapters come late.

Rn, I honestly feel like throwing all of my binders in my neighborhood lake and getting rid of this stressful ass school year. Everyone said Junior year was gonna be the toughest, but I didn't listen. But ya boy don't gaf, though, because it's over. I wanna dropkick an AP and run just because, but anyway, lemme actually talk about the chapter. Not really much to say, but Odessa's POV was probably my favorite. Maybe it's 'cuz I'm immature and don't really take stuff seriously, but I found it fun to write. Btw, that was all for you, Nate, I didn't forget about the extra ;) The fact that I've gotten all these special tributes, and I've only come to actually realize the amazement of it all, really gets me thinking. There's a lot of stuff planned already, but now I just have more ideas to add to the fire. Besides that, the poll will be revealed next chapter, so keep voting if you haven't already. It's been a mix up so far between like 5 tributes, and someone's come back from being kinda low. Ight, here are the scores and why:


Aurora Maran - 9 - Chain whip display.
Aether Cynephris - 9 - Slashing dummies.
Camille Lussier - 10 - Holographic battles, flirted a little.
Cassian Castellan - 9 - Dual-weapon fighting, but his limp restricted his abilities.
Chayona Watt - 7 - Created a pistol that shot out electric bolts, did not finish.
Gideon Alvaro - 6 - Aether's tips gave him an advantage with a spear.
Odessa Adria - 10 - Defeated two grueling Capitolite trainers.
Sota Shirai - 11 - Crossbow display, along with his fame and credibility gave him an advantage.
Imogen Pryor - 7 - Created a mini-taser and stunned Capitolites for three minutes. Instead of doing anything else, she had a lovely chat with them as they couldn't move or speak.
Sebastian Hammond - 5 - Fire-starting and rock-climbing.
Lucretia Hannover - 4 - Acted entitled for a decent score, but sliced a few dummies at the end.
Lachlan Smith - 6 - Solved challenging puzzles but fumbled a bit with a rampuri.
Natalie Needle - 6 - Agile movement with knives.
Condor Teal - 5 - Athleticism but nothing else.
Eloise Allegro - 6 - Background with a cleaver aided her in defending herself.
Darren Leicester - 7 - Dirty street-fighting tactics allowed him to disarm a Peacekeeper and fight back.
Cherokee Franklin - 3 - Screamed when chased by a trainer and furiously smacked him with a rod, but there was no coordination or skill.
Millet Arrowroot - 6 - With his emotions running high, he wasn't at his best when he ripped apart dummies with his khopesh - at least some frustration was let out, and that got a nod of satisfaction from the Head Gamemaker.
Gracie Sullivan - 2 - Spat random facts about horses the entire five minutes, felt disgusted when there were a bunch of males in the room and only a few females, and was awarded for her humor.
Mackenzie Ellesmere - 5 - Played a few stupid jokes and set out traps that holographic mutts fell for.
Aaliyah Ransier - 5 - Frustration and feelings blindsided her from competing to the best of her abilities .
Malik Sherman - 7 - Incredible strength display, wrestling against trainers.
Helena Vasilev - 4 - Shot a few darts that were coated with poison, but was unable to hit many moving figures/standing figures.
Aspen Northill - 2 - Lashed out at gamemakers who said he lacked common sense when he messed up with a few simple tasks, attempted to throw a knife at their wall but didn't come close.
Krissy McCoy - 8 - In her drugged state, she didn't feel very much and was calm. Her medical knowledge surpassed anything that the gamemakers intended on seeing, leaving them shocked that someone from Thirteen could be so intelligent. Her stitching up of ripped dummies and surgical procedures did it for her.
Pavel Elsbeth - 5 - Longed to be told what to do and was unsure of what to showcase. Eventually decided to use a baton but didn't have enough experience to impress the gamemakers and Peacekeepers.


Favorite POV?

Least favorite POV?

Any training scores you were surprised by and thought were too high or too low?

Two more chapters till the bloodbath, who do you think will die?


Tbh, I might've been a bit too generous on these scores, but I think they're pretty realistic. A lot of these tributes have backgrounds that aren't too weapon-surrounded, but they've got a bit of this and that. If you're unsure of anything or are confused, just check out the blog. It's updated throughout the story. Anyway, yeah, I'm ready to go mess around tonight. Hope you've all had a wonderful day so far, and wherever you are and whatever time it is, may everything be goin' good for ya! I'll see y'all next chapter! ^-^