Soya Trail, 15, District 11
It was silent, not even a peep from either of the tributes broke through the air. That's how I wanted it. I've seen some games where the district partners bond before the games and then when one of them dies the other is left hurt and vulnerable. I wasn't going to be so foolish. When the young male who sits next to me finally goes, I will not be weeping over it. Sure, the occasional talk wouldn't be a bad thing. Anything to get rid of how quiet it is. He didn't seem much of one to talk.
"How did you two sleep?" Brock asks. He is District 11's only victor, having won a few games back.
"Pleasant," I slide some jam onto a slice of toast, "and you?" I ask my district partner. He has an athletic build but due to his slim angular face, he appeared to have missed a few meals growing up, of course, this wasn't the case, he had merchants for parents.
Apparently, growing up rich meant he didn't need to learn manners. He gives me a glare as if to tell me never to speak to him again. Same as yesterday. I'm full but when I see him reaching for the last roll I snatch it from its basket before he can, taking a big bite. For further measure I juggle the roll for a few seconds, teasing the tasty treat in front of him. Archer stands and walks off.
"Leaving so soon?" I laugh. If he wants to be so rude that he doesn't bother to even say hi then I had no problem pushing back. "So," I speak to Brock, "now with him gone we can get down to business. I did shed some tears at the Reaping yesterday which can be seen as weak. My athletic build might be able to counteract that a bit but not by much. I had the thought last night, what if I were to use that to my advantage?"
"I'm sorry?" Brock mumbles, "crying to your advantage?"
"Yes, please keep up." I take a bite of my roll, being sure to finish chewing and swallow before proceeding to talk. "I don't want to kill, not unless I have to. I feel actively seeking out battles will eventually get me killed. I don't want to be perceived as weak either, sponsors will forget me for that. I'm thinking in the interviews I play-"
"Interviews?" Brock cuts me off, "today is the Tribute Ceremony. They will parade you out in costumes. We should be focused on that instead of interviews."
"It's standing with a smile and waving, how hard could it be? I'm not concerned with that. Training and interviews are what we should be focusing on. Those are my two only real chances to get myself some credibility with sponsorships. As well, training presents the chance of getting to know my competition. But don't concern yourself with that, I can handle those matters on my own."
From the look of Brock I would figure I'm more of an intellect then he is.
The tributes are also the point of focus. Most of them I figure I stand a good chance at beating. The two from 10 and 12 seemed too weak and fragile that I could take them on with my eyes closed. I guess the male from 10 did volunteer but he did it on impulse. The careers were my biggest threat. Big brute of tributes. As long as I stay out of their way in the arena then I should be okay.
Archer Piston, 16, District 11
How dare she provoke me like that? It was obvious she attended school in the poorer parts of the district. Only an idiot would wear a ball cap like that. I'm not going to bother wasting my valuable time on someone who will be killed off in seconds of the games. Maybe I would if she seemed to have some grasp of the games or provided me with some benefit but all I have seen from her was tears in her eyes and small talk when we first boarded. If she had opened with some sort of ground rules such as "hey, I know we will have to kill one another but if the other wins our families benefit so let's aid each other." Maybe then I might be inclined to have a discussion or two but small talk? Pf, don't waste my time.
I veer down the opposite corridor to my room, opening the door to Soya's room. It is laid out neatly. I know the maid has been through here yet, she would have collected Soya's old clothes. Still, the bed is made, everything is in its place, she's neat.
I dive into her drawers. There has to be something here that can tell me more about her and even if there isn't the adrenaline of searching through someone else s belongings was intoxicating. The shirts are made to the taste of the tribute. From what I gather there is a cart devoted to clothes and when a tribute is reaped professionals organize our clothes from what we were wearing at the time. Her clothes are mismatched with an athletic edge.
"Really?"I mumble.
I turn my attention to her bed, nightstand, even the bathroom. Searching every inch but find nothing of hers except for her stupid cap. Is that her token? Her cap? I can't find anything else.
"Excuse me," The Capitol accent is thick, "What are you doing in here?"
I turn to see the maid standing in the doorway.
"Soya, she asked me to bring her her cap,"I snatch the hat from her bed. If she wanted to take the roll from me then I will take something of hers. "She also mentioned that she detested her wardrobe but doesn't have the heart to tell anyone but me. I might switch it up a bit...Maybe a more simple style would fit her?"
I bid the maid farewell, exiting the room. I can't help but laugh a bit once I reach my room as I toss the hat into the trash that sits in the corner. I had no use for it, what was the point of carrying it with me through my time at the Capitol? None. I'll be damned if she gets it back as well.
We must be getting close to the Capitol. Tonight will be the Tribute Parade. Just waving and smiling, anyone could do that. Training and interviews were my best chance to win sponsorship. I leave the room to talk to Brock about what advice for the interviews since I know exactly what to do during training and won't bothering discussing those things.
Every time I write a character I have a little heart attack from anxiety about if I'm portraying them to the persons desire XD these two were written pretty similar. (Archer is a bit more mischevious and Soya was more of a people person)
Let me know what you think of District 11's tributes!