I Own Nothing.

Chapter 11: Trials, Tributes, and Perfection.

As I entered the gym I noticed blood on the ground near the hand to hand ring. There seemed to be an awful lot of violence happening before we even made it to the arena. The Capitol crowds will be pleased, I thought with disgust. Shaking off my internal reflect I headed to the bow and arrows.

I started with a few targets, progressing to more difficult shots. I glanced at the box were the Gamemaker were supposed to be observing and noticed not one was looking on my direction. I decided to change tactics and threw several knives, again progressing making more difficult throws. I looked again still no one paying any bit of attention to me. I got pissed. I knew yelling would accomplish nothing. So, I grabbed the bow and arrow again and waited. Watching for the ideal opportunity to strike, just like when I hunted. I spied the Head Gamemaker. Jasper reach for an apple, PERFECT! Just as he was bringing it up to his mouth to take a bite, I shot an arrow right through the apple and embedding it in the wall. Leaving the apple at eye level, hanging in front of his surprised face. I then spoke loudly and clearly,

"If it's not too much to ask, may I please go now? You're wasting both our time here. I have better things to do than play with knives, or this bow and arrow since there is no real game to aim at!" I huff.

This seemed to have gotten their attention but, unfortunately it also got the attention of the Peacekeepers. Oops!

Demetri appeared in front of Jasper, weapon in hand. Ha, that's a laugh. I'd shoot him more than willingly right about now. Jasper just annoyed me by ignoring my trial, but Demetri is responsible for hurting poor Bree. If I thought I could get away with it, I would have shot him.

"Miss. Swan, please put down the bow and step away from the weapons table." Demetri says in an authoritative voice.

I throw down the bow and took a step to the side then say,

"I wasn't trying to hurt or kill him, just get his attention! If he was my target, he wouldn't be standing behind you, he'd be lying in a puddle of his own blood on the floor. Now, am I free to go?"

Jasper seems to have come back to his senses, stepping around Demetri and saying,

"We have seen enough of your skills for today. You may go."

"Thanks, for nothing." I say and walk out.

As soon as I exit, Rose and a black-eyed Edward are waiting for me. I rush to him,

"What happened? Are you O.K.?" I ask.

"I'm fine. Did you notice the fighting ring?" he asks and I nod,

"Well that was thanks to me. I challenged Felix to a fist fight. I knew I couldn't get my hands on Demetri, so he seemed like the next best thing. He's in the infirmary I broke his nose for sure. That's were all the blood came from. They called the fight pretty quick after that, not wanting it to get too messy in there. I would have liked to go a few more rounds, but at least I left him with a nice reminder." he finishes with a shrug. I snort,

"We are quite the pair. I left a pretty good reminder myself back there." I say.

Both Rose and Edward ask what happened. I tell them the whole story and they just stare at me with wide eyes and mouths agape. It took a minute, but once Rose processed what I had said, she lost it,

"You are both pieces if work!" she throws her arms up in the air, then turned on Edward,

"You challenged the head of athletic training in is own gym and then proceeded to break his nose!" she points an accusing finger at him, then turns her fury toward me,

"And, you shooting arrows at the head of the Head Gamemaker!" she seems at a loss for word for a minute, but it only adds strength to her rant,

"You are both either the stupidest people on the face of the earth or the craziest heroes that have ever lived!"

It took me a moment before I realized she just called us heroes. What? I thought she was mad.

"You're both going to go down in history for your acts of bravery or better labeled stupidity. Now lets get up to our floor before you start throwing more things at Capitol heads. Alice and Jay will be waiting to do any last minute measurements for tomorrow's Big Pain in the Ball…s." Rose says while leading us to the elevators.

Sure enough Alice, Jay and Mrs. Cope are waiting for us.

"So, my darling tributes how did you perform for me?" Mrs. Cope asks.

"I'd say they left quite an impression." says Rose, this time both of us snorted.

"Wonderful! I just knew this would be the year for me to have worthy tributes." Mrs. Cope gushes like usual.

"Come on you two we need to get these measurements done so we can finish your outfits." Alice says, sounding short.

What was bothering her? As she was taking measurements she pinched me or poked me a couple of time. I tried to just let them go but, after one rather sharp poke I had, had enough,

"OW! Alice what is wrong with you tonight?" I ask.

"Oh, so sorry I guess I wasn't paying attention." she says.

And I could have sworn I heard her add, 'What are you going to do about it, shoot another arrow at me?' under her breath. Did she hear about what happened already? And, I thought she was on our side? Why would it bother her if I shot an arrow into the Judging Box?

"Alice?" I say and she hurries to finish.

"Let's go Jay we have work to do." she ignores me and leaves with Jay following behind her.

O.K. I looked to Rose to see if she caught any of that. She just waved me off. So, she noticed and didn't think it was anything to worry about. Edward seemed puzzled as well. Mrs. Cope seemed unfazed as usual and said she had to go see if she could find any good gossip about the trials. I bet she will be hearing all sorts of juicy news, too bad for her it'll be about us. Bidding us a farewell and a see us at breakfast, she was off. Rose excused herself to talk to Emmett. And then there were two…

"Miss. Swan would you do me the honor of being my date for dinner tonight and dancing tomorrow?" Edward asks in his silkiest voice.

"It would be my pleasure to accompany you to both Mr. Cullen." I reply.

Placing my hand into his outstretched one, he pulled me close and gave me a kiss so filled with love I melted into him. I could have sworn I hear a beep of clicking sound. Brushing it off, we head to the dinning room. Once there, Edward talked to one of the Capitol servers. Within minute a table for two was set with candlelight. The meal was simpler than the normal grand fare they serve. A lamb stew served with freshly baked biscuits and a wild spring greens tossed salad. It reminded me of something you'd see back home served on holiday, if your family had the money or skilled hunter about.

"I asked for a stew and wild greens salad. A piece of home. Comfort food, you know what I mean." Edward stammers.

A nervous Edward is a cute Edward. He is so sweet.

"Comfort food is just right, but everything is usually perfect with you. Thank you, for making my first date special." I say and reach out to squeeze his hand for reassurance.

All of a sudden, we are swarmed by cameras taking picture and reports asking questions. Are you to seeing each other? How long have we been having an affair? Do our family's know? Is this just a ploy to win more sponsors? Did our mentor put us up to this?

I was kicking myself. I did hear something earlier. Edward, being Edward lost it after being accusing of faking our feelings,

"Listen," he starts to say, but they keep firing off questions,

"Quiet!" he yells out, that got their attention.

"Bella and I started having feelings for each other since being thrown together in the reaping. We have grown to love each other deeply. We are not faking! If it were up to me I'd made her my wife this very moment but, since that's not possible. We realize one of us is going to loose their life in the games, we are enjoying every minute, no every last second, we have together until we have to say our final goodbyes, in this life. If Bella should fall victim to other tributes in the arena I will follow her shortly there after. My only goal in the games is to make sure she lives, to grow old and enjoy a better life than she had back home. If that is the only thing I can ever offer her I'll take it." Edward finishes.

The press were shocked. So, I added my two cents,

"I have loved Edward from the moment I laid eyes on him on stage at the reaping. He was brave and noble. He has shown me how love can brighten even the darkest of times. He has such a compassionate and caring heart. He reminds me a lot of my father. God rest his soul. I'm sure he would have approved of Edward. I would have liked nothing more than to walk down an isle and declare my eternal love for Edward in front of my friends and family. I'd love to grow old together but, that can not be. I know when Edward dies a part of me will go with him, he is my soul mate and if he ever left me I would be only half the person I once was, for he would take my heart with him." I say.

Not realizing I had tears running down my face 'til Edward wiped them away. The press eats this up. Then as if she had planed this all along, which she probably had, Rose appears,

"Let's let these kids finish their date in peace. You can all ask more questions tomorrow at the Grand Ball."

She shooes them all out of the room. Then turn to us with an apologetic look on her face.

"Sorry, but I couldn't have planned it better myself. You were having a quiet candle lit dinner, looking totally relaxed and in love with each other. It look natural, since it was, and I used it to worked to our advantage. Love sick kids finding each other just before their immanent demise. It's a reporters dream story." she explains.

I looked over to Edward who also seemed O.K. with it. We both nodded our approval.

"Well I leave you two to enjoy the rest of your evening. Oh, and use protection, I don't need a morning sickened tribute in the arena. Puke doesn't sell." with that said we were alone again.

We enjoyed a quiet night together falling asleep in each others arms. I was jarred awake by pounding on the door at a very early hour. Edward buried his head under the pillows and muttered 'too early'. Which after looking over at the bed side alarm clock I had to agree. I was used to getting up at sunrise back home when I went hunting but our days here were long and I had gotten used to sleeping in later than 6 a.m. The pounding was followed by a very angry voice this time,

"Isabella and Edward get your butts out of bed this instant we have to much to do to have you two lounging about! Get Up! Open this door right now or I'll have Rosalie kick it down. Do you hear me?" shouted Alice.

I scrambled out of bed and got my foot caught in the sheets and fell with a Thud! Face planting into the plush carpeting, I was grateful for the lush flooring now. Edward must have seen my fall at first he was concerned and asked if I was O.K. Once he knew I was fine he broke out into a fit of laughter. I glared at him as I opened the door to reveal, both our prep teams, Jay, Alice, Mrs. Cope, and Rose. They all peered into my room as if looking to see if it was safe to enter.

"Is everything alright we heard something fall?" asks Jay.

"You just missed Bella demonstrating her poise as she performed a complicated dismount from the bed." he says still laughing.

"I'll show you poise when I shove me foot up your…" I was cut off by Mrs. Cope,

"So, when were you two going to tell me?" she huffs.

I panick, thinking she heard about our judging,

"Mrs. Cope, I'm sure the scores don't matter…" she cuts me off again,

"I'm not talking about the scores they haven't been announced yet and why? Are you keeping something that happened secret with that as well?"

She looks between us. Neither of us say anything so she continues,

"No I'm talking about this, this love affair your both having! I'm out there trying to find helpful gossip and what do I learn? That my tributes are madly in love and declaring it on Capitol television. I was able to cover my lack of knowledge by claiming you wanted it kept private. How could you after all I've done for you?" she started balling. Great just what we need. Note Sarcasm!

"Listen Mrs. Cope, we are really sorry for not telling you but, we only just starting accepting our feelings for each other. We would have told you but, the press caught onto us sooner than we expected. We're sorry and we appreciate all your hard work." Edward says.

Always the diplomat. He got up and handed her a tissue, a sort of peace offering. She took it and dried her eyes,

"All is forgiven but, please you must keep me informed from now on." and then she notices his eye, "Oh my, what happened to your eye? Is this what you were talking about in the trials?"

"He demonstrated his fighting skills and was given a black-eye during the match. They're just worried he won't score well." Rose jumps in evidently not wanting anyone to know what really happened,

"Now lets get these two squeaky clean so we can practice some ballroom dances and etiquette. The scores should be broadcast in a couple hours. Let's get what we can done before then shall we." she gestures toward us.

The teams split in two Edward was dragged to his room and my team swooped in. To my utter surprise the prep team didn't torture me, but pampered me. I was massaged head to toe in scented oils. They cut, shaped, and painted my finger and toe nails. Then they sent me to take a shower with specific instructions on the order in which to use different bottles of hair products.

Two hours later I was sitting on the floor of the media room in a fluffy robe with a plate full of breakfast and everyone else seated round me. The scores were to be announced any minute now. Edward was chewing on a sausage next to me. I figured I get a little pay back from this morning. I leaned close and whispered to low for anyone else to hear,

"If that were my sausage, I'd lick it from stem to stern, then sink my teeth into the meaty goodness." I lean back and get the reaction I was hoping for.

Edward started choking on said sausage. It's my turn to laugh and Edward's turn to glare.

"Are you alright Edward? Did you bite off more than you could chew?" I ask innocently.

"Funny Swan, real funny." Edward says.

The anthem began to play and everyone's attention was directed at the T.V. The announcers Mike Newton and Jessica Stanley walked onto a stage. They were big here at the Capitol. They have some sort of talk show and they normally did the one-on-one interviews with the tributes. I'm guessing they were given the chance to report the scores as a consolation for the changes made.

"Hello and Welcome to the Gamemaker's Scoring of Tributes in The 74th Hunger Games. We are your hosts Mike (he winks and smiles with teeth that seem unnaturally white) Newton and my lovely co-host Jessica (who also smile, but instead of winking she blows a kiss to the camera)." Mike says and Jessica picks up,

"We are thrilled to be give the honor to announce the scores received this year. And, what an exciting year it has been." she gushes.

"Yes, this year is bound to be one of the most memorable for certain. With a set of love-struck tributes, a brother and sister duo, and a tribute who has victor already in the family, this year's is sure to have plenty of drama." Mike adds.

"Well let's not keep our audience in suspense any longer Jessica, why don't you read the scores for District 1." Mike said in an excited voice.

"Well let's see here," Jessica opens an envelope that had District 1 written on the front, "Irina scored a 6 out of 10. Laurent received a 6.5 out of 10. Not bad scores Mike, but there is definite room for someone to score higher." Jessica babbles.

"Well then let's see if District 2 had any more luck…" he opens the envelope, "Gianna looks like had more of an impression with a score of 7 and James also received a 7. Both very strong scores. The highest score on record being 7.75, given several years back by Emmett McCarty." Mike says.

"District 3's Kate only earns a 5 and Eric a 4. Not impressive at all." Jessica scoffs the low scorers.

"The twins from District 4 Jane and Alec both receive 6 as their scores." Mike seems to be hurrying when announcing their scores.

"It looks like District 2 has some competition here folds, District 5's tributes Victoria scored a 6.75 and Nahuel a whopping 7.25. I think those are the highest scores their district have ever received." Jessica says.

"Well no contest will come from District 6 both only getting 4.25 scores."

And, districts 7-9 all scored pretty low as well. District 10 received better marks. Maria scored a 6 and Benito a 5.5. But, I was more curious about the score given to poor Bree. District 11 didn't do well Riley scored a 4.5 and Bree a 4. Probably given out of pity. Our scores were next. You could hear a pin drop in the room as we all listened.

"Well Jessica let's see if this fiery affectionate team score half as well in their trials as they do in their bedroom. Isabella…" he stops and gasps before continuing, "Yes, this year's games will go down in the history books and so will Isabella with a perfect score of 10. A first for the games. And, Edward isn't far behind with a 9 the next highest mark in history. Wow folks, this couple lights their way into our lives, capture our hearts with their love story, and now score what no one thought was possible. I know I speak for my co-host when I say I can't wait to meet these remarkable tributes." Mike says with almost a euphoric expression on his face.

I stop listening. What just happened? Who was this guy, I shoot an arrow at him and in return I'm given a 10? Why? I was having a hard time wrapping my brain around it.

"The Gamemaker just drew a big old bull's-eye on your backs. If you weren't a target before you sure are now. He's saying, they are a threat, they can and will win if not eliminated." Rose explained as if reading my confusion.

"Well, I'm so glad I left such a lasting impression. How about you?" I ask Edward.

"I guess we only have one option now, WE WIN! That will show them." Edward retorts.

"Oh, is that all." I say as if it was no big deal.

For the next couple of hours Mrs. Cope, Jay and Alice taught us Capitol dances and ballroom etiquette. It was Hell. Poor Edward had bruised toes from our practice dances. I might be light on my feet when running and jumping, but I'm an absolute klutz on the dance floor. Learning ballroom etiquette was tedious and tiresome. I'm pretty sure I wouldn't remember any of it. Bow here, curtsy there, don't touch this, never say that. The list went on and on.

I was relieved when we finally broke for lunch. We had a huge late lunch because instead of dinner we would only be having the finger foods served during the ball.

Once we were fed, we were separated yet again to get dressed. Alice pulled me into my bedroom. On the bed laid a simple yet elegant looking gown. It was white with silver ascents. Thin silver threads in delicate looking designs adorn the bottom part of the dress. Silver ballet flats were an the foot of the bed.

"Oh Alice, it's beautiful! It's the same color as a traditional wedding attire back home. Silver and white, to represent purity of character and a clean start for the couple. Almost everything we owned is stained by coal dust on the Seam. It always amazed me to see the bride and groom in such spotless cloths they seemed to shine. They looked like angels." I praise, dreamily thinking of back home.

"You will look exquisite in this dress. I promise." Alice vows.

"Thank you Alice for all your hard work. I really do appreciate it." I say sincerely.

For the next hour my prep team and Alice did my hair and make-up, then dressed me. By the time they were done, my hair was in ringlets cascading down my back. The make-up only enhanced my features making me look older, more sophisticated, and the dress was just as Alice had promised, exquisite. I didn't even recognize myself in the mirror. How did I go from being that scrawny poor girl from the Seam to this gorgeous women in the Capitol? That lead to another thought. The Capitol wants me to be their new shiny toy. They want to play their sick games with me, but I won't let that happen. I'm not sure what the future will be but, I will never forget that I am still just that poor girl from the Seam who takes care of her family.

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Guests at the Ball by Royal Invitation.