Andre Harris (17), District 5
"Andre Harris, please report for individual assessment."
My hands clench into fists as the doors to the Training Center slide open. It is necessary for me to mentally prepare myself for this evaluation. During the course of our training, it has come to hold a special significance for me. It's become increasingly obvious that Damien absolutely despises Angela, for reasons the two of us have yet to understand. It's also become increasingly obvious how capable he is of killing her. Strangely or not, he still hasn't confronted her. He must be saving that for the arena, which scares me even more. That's why I made a promise to myself to score as highly as possible. A high score would show Damien that District 5 is not so easily intimidated.
Upon entering the room, I walk directly to the weight rack. I don't even bother setting up a marker. There will be no holding back today. I pick up a medium-sized ball. After giving it a good swing, I release it from my grip. It goes a considerable distance, landing halfway across the room. I turn to the Gamemakers in hopes of deciphering their reactions, but their expressions are unreadable. They must already be preparing themselves to be bored, now that all of the Careers have finished their sessions. Well, I'll just have to surprise them. I grab the largest weight I can find. It is quite heavy, but I think I can manage it. I swing it in a circle, and let it fly. It goes even farther than the first one, earning some shocked murmurs from the Gamemakers. I'm stronger than I thought.
I conclude my session by demonstrating what I consider to be a unique survival skill. I take a rock from the fire station, and show how it can be used to sharpen a knife. It's something I doubt they see very often. I leave the room quite proud, and still sweaty. As I walk past the other tributes, I give Angela a reassuring look. She has nothing to fear with me around.
Angela Zimmerman (14), District 5
Andre's confident smile allows me to breathe easier. For the first time since I arrived here, I actually feel relaxed.
"Angela Zimmerman, please report for individual assessment."
The relaxed feeling is gone as quickly as it came. It was nice while it lasted, I think to myself.
I reluctantly stand, and enter the Training Center. I scan the room, trying to decide what to show the Gamemakers. My eyes land on the supply of bows and arrows. It's worth a shot. I select a bow and several arrows, and carry them over to the target range. With shaking hands, I notch the first arrow. It buries itself in the outer rim of the target. There's nothing to do but keep trying. To my dismay, the second arrow flies over the target, clacking to the floor. Arrow three lands relatively close to the center of the target, and arrows four and five occupy the space between the other two. I replace my bow on the rack with a sigh. I'm out of arrows, and out of time. It wasn't a particularly impressive display, but perhaps it won't be the worst of the day. I return the way I came, feeling slightly nervous about what my final score will be.
Just hold on, Cassie. I won't stop fighting.
Beck Oliver (17), District 6
"Beck Oliver, please report for individual assessment."
I almost don't hear my name. If Jasmine hadn't nudged me, I may have remained seated, oblivious. I've just been really distracted these past few days. It's completely unlike me, and it could potentially put me in danger.
I already decided that I'd be throwing knives today. Jasmine and I practiced it the most during training, and I've developed considerable skill at it. I make my way to the target range, knives in hand. I place my right foot firmly in front of my left, a stance that has proven effective. Suddenly, I become absorbed by a single thought.
Jade is so beautiful.
By the time I catch myself a second later, it's too late. I've already thrown the knife. It's buried in the wall at one end of the target range. I grind my teeth in frustration, but I know there's nothing to do but try again. I grab another knife, taking up the same position as before.
She's just so strong and confident.
This time, the knife clatters to the floor behind the target. I curse myself under my breath. Why can't I get that girl out of my head? We haven't even properly met! There's no time to be ashamed of myself, however. The Gamemakers are getting impatient. I pick up three more knives. With effort, I am able to push all thoughts of the girl from District 2 out of my head. My restored concentration allows me to hit the target all three times. Still, I doubt it's enough to improve my score by more than two points. My session having concluded, I unceremoniously exit the room. Maybe now I can think without the threat of losing sponsors.
Jasmine Leek (14), District 6
Beck looks disappointed and even a little angry as he walks past the rows of benches. I'll have to ask him what happened when I'm finished here.
"Jasmine Leek, please report for individual assessment."
When I enter the room, I see that I may not have to bother asking Beck what happened, after all. The poor guy didn't even have the heart to pick up his knives. This is likely the result of the two knives lodged in the walls around the target range. We may be competing against each other, but I still feel bad for him. His situation has been worsening with each day.
I pick up the knives, intending to use them myself. The two of us rarely separated during training, and we developed the same skills. I ready myself, and begin throwing. As luck would have it, all five knives hit the target. Only one landed directly in the center, but some came close. It's not a Career level performance, but it will have to do. The Gamemakers appear slightly more alert than when I walked in, which is probably a good sign. I nod to them to acknowledge that I'm finished, and leave with as much dignity as possible.
I should be thinking about what my score will be, but all I can focus on is how worried I am for Beck. His secret feelings are becoming more obvious to me by the minute. My position is difficult, but better. I know that Jason feels the same way about me, and that he'll be waiting for me to return. Beck doesn't have that luxury. In fact, he may have to kill this girl. All of this points me to the crucial difference between us. My unyielding desire to return to the boy I love will be a great advantage in the arena. Becks growing affections for the girl from District 2 could get him killed.
Dante Xavier (18), District 7
"Dante Xavier, please report for individual assessment."
Earlier this morning, Quima, Damien, and I were given an ultimatum. Earn a score of 8 or higher, and we'll be considered worthy allies. Earn a score lower than 8, and we're as good as dead. I'm trying not to show it, but the pressure is getting to me. If I'm going to stand a chance in the arena, I have to give the Gamemakers a performance they won't soon forget.
This is when all those years of moving enormous logs will really pay off. I walk to the weight rack, and pick up the heaviest one. Slowly but surely, I lift it over my head. I am able to hold it there for over thirty seconds before I have to set it down. I then proceed to throw several smaller weights. They all travel an impressive distance, and some nearly make it across the room. It's a fine display, but strength alone will not keep me alive in the arena. I need to show that I can sustain myself in a new environment. Luckily, this is another area I've had sufficient experience in. I quickly start a fire. When the heat becomes too much for my already warm body to stand, I put it out.
As I exit the Training Center, I try to evaluate my performance. I have a good feeling that I've met the quota. Despite this, I have plenty of doubts. Do I really have what it takes to be a Career? I don't have Blade's skill, Rudy's determination, Gilbert's bravery, or Cora's self-confidence. While this is certainly true, it shows that I have one quality that few well-trained Careers possess. I know my limitations. That, in itself, is an asset.
Quima Umberton (16), District 7
"Quima Umberton, please report for individual assessment."
There's simply no denying the incredible weight on my shoulders. I have a considerable number of people I need to impress today. First and foremost, I need to impress the Gamemakers. The score they give me could mean the difference between receiving crucial supplies, and being left to die. Then there's my potential allies, the Career tributes. Any one of them could kill me in a single move if I don't prove myself. Finally, I have to think about my family. A good score would replace their fear with pride and hope. It's a daunting task, but I think I'm up to the challenge.
I decide to start with an ax, a favorite weapon of mine. I toss it in the air like a baton, and catch it on the way down. I follow this by taking a few practice swings, demonstrating the ease with which I can handle this tool. When you grow up in District 7, an ax is almost like an extension of your hand. After returning the ax, I move on to archery. Hunting is another skill most children in our District learn. I launch five arrows, one after the other. Only two miss the center, and even then it's by a relatively small margin. Any nervousness is gone as I curtsy to the Gamemakers.
I am able to leave with a confident grin on my face. It's safe to say that my mission has been accomplished.
Wimbley Hemingway (16), District 8
"Wimbley Hemingway, please report for individual assessment."
This is my chance. I have to prove myself worthy of my father's name, or there could be consequences. The reaction I get when I enter the Training Center proves this point. A few of the Gamemakers are lucky enough to have witnessed my father's evaluation, but they all remember watching him win the Hunger Games. Each one of them snaps to attention, eager to see what I can do. I made significant progress during training, and I hope to see that pay off in the next few minutes.
My goal was master all of the qualities my father possessed in the arena, and I plan to demonstrate them for the Gamemakers. First, I must prove that my mind is sharp enough to form effective strategies. To do so, I take the poisonous plants test, earning an almost perfect score. Next, I must prove that I am fast enough to outrun the other tributes. I head over to the small obstacle course that was set up for training, and start the timer. My time is decent, but not my best. Finally, I must prove my strength. This is the area I had the most difficulty with. Nervously, I pick up a weight, and put as much effort as possible into throwing it. It sails about seven feet before falling to the ground. It's better than I would have been able to do before coming here. I make a formal bow to the Gamemakers, and turn towards the door.
I leave relatively satisfied with my performance. It wasn't perfect, but I think my dad would be proud. Suddenly, a discouraging thought occurs to me. It's the same thought I had during the tribute parade. I might have what it takes to survive, but will I really be able to kill another tribute?
Cat Valentine (17), District 8
"Caterina Valentine, please report for individual assessment."
The sound of my name does nothing to improve my mood. I was disappointed when Layla told me that her cousin had refused to let her ally with me. Now, I'm going to be all alone in the arena. Well, almost all alone. Layla said we could try to help each other as much as possible. Still, it's not the same.
The point of these sessions is to demonstrate the skill you are most proud of. For me, that's camouflage. My creativity and delicate hands allow me to paint intricate patterns that help me blend into my surroundings. I start by making myself look like a tree. I paint my skin to look like bark, and compare it to the example piece on the table. It's impossible to tell what type of arena the Gamemakers have in store for us. I'll have to show that I can blend into an indoor setting as well. I dip the brush into the grey paint, and paint myself to look like the steel flooring of the Training Center. Once I am finished, I lie down to see how closely I matched it.
As I stare at the ceiling, I become lost in a daydream. I imagine what it might feel like to go home, and see my family and friends again. I shed a tear. I'm starting to worry that this dream will never come true.
Hey, everybody! It's been a while! I wanted to update sooner, but April was a pretty busy month for me. First, I had final musical dress rehearsals, and the three performances. After that, my family went on vacation over spring break. Well, I sure hope you all liked this chapter. I'm actually pretty happy with it. I thought writing the private sessions was going to be difficult, but it's not as bad as I thought.
Next order of business. I think I'm going to make these shout-outs a regular thing! You are all so supportive and sweet, and it would be wrong not to show you some appreciation!
Amy Flores- I'm so glad you're enjoying the story!
SoraOblivion62- Thank you so much for all of your support and encouragement! It really means the world to me!
HoAcrazylover- Don't worry. They'll be patching things up soon. I agree that it's about time! :)
Bye! I hope to update soon. EVERYBODY CUT FOOTLOOSE!