Ch 20: Training Day 2
Bellona King, 18, District 2 female
I yawned as Felix and I entered the training center. Normally, I'm not tired, but I had a hard time sleeping last night. Maybe it's because the games are coming or maybe it's the fact I'm excited to take on the Gauntlet today. It was a big obstacle course, not only will it be great to run, but it will be fun to watch the other tributes fail. Felix and I gathered around Ajax with the other tributes. The Gauntlet was standing behind him.
"Ok tributes," Ajax started. "Today is your second day of training. As I had said before yesterday, all of you will start out by running the Gauntlet. First, you have to climb a rope to the get to the rest of the course. Second, you must jump across platforms. Third, you must cross a gap using the money bars above you where you will slide down to the next obstacle. Fourth, you must your arms to climb a rock walls back to the course. Fifth, you will cross a gap but this time you will use several strands of rope to get across. Finally, you will use another slide to get to the finish line and ring the bell. As I had said yesterday, running the gauntlet is mandatory and you will be disqualified if you refuse to run it. Now, here's a twist. Completing the gauntlet may help your score, but failing it will definitely hurt your score. Now we'll go by district order. First up is Sapphire Dulal from District 1!"
I frowned because I wanted to be the first to run it. But I may as well see how my allies do. I watched as Sapphire climbed the rope and she proceeded to clear the course.
"2:35 is your time Sapphire. Next up is Samuel Crawley from District 1!" Ajax said.
I was wondering if Samuel has what it takes to be a career. Let's see how he does because his fate in the career pack depends on it. Samuel had no problems clearing the course even though he almost felled during the rock climb. As Samuel ranged the bell, I thought that maybe he can be useful to the careers.
"3:01 is your time Samuel. Next up is Bellona King from District 2!" Ajax said.
I smirked, this is now the time to prove that I'm a serious contender for the games. As soon as Ajax yelled go, I sprinted off to prove that I will win this year. I easily got through the obstacles but I was still careful because one wrong move will hurt my score. As I slid down to the finish line, I was confident that I did well.
"2:20 is your time Bellona, nice work! Next up is Felix Cornelious Kray from District 2!" Ajax said.
I smirked again because I knew I would get the fastest time so far. Even though it's early, I don't see how anyone can beat my time. I watched as Felix ran the course. Even though he's a little bit slow and he's taking his time, he seems cautious though. I guess time doesn't matter as Felix was able to complete the course.
"3:54 is your time Felix. Next up is Pepper Volta from District 3!" Ajax said.
I watched as the small girl from District 3 gets ready to run. She looks scared, but she still tries her best as Ajax tells her to go. Pepper gives it a nice try, but she still falls down at the monkey bars.
"Nice try Pepper. Next up is Buzz Felix from District 3!" Ajax yelled.
I watched as the scrawny boy gets ready. He has a smirk on his face and for some reason it irritates me. If this kid thinks he will complete the Gauntlet, then he's wrong. He's so skinny that even my best friend Amber can knock him out. Felix said yesterday that he wanted to strangle him because he was annoying. I now see why he said that. I watched as Buzz pathetically tries to climb the rope and I laughed as he fell flat on his face halfway through. Ajax was steamed.
"Felix! If you did this bad on the course, you'll be lucky to get a 2 from the gamemakers! Get your ass off the floor! Next up is Syrena Waverlee from District 4!" Ajax said.
I watched as Syrena ran the course. She did a good job but she was stopped as she fell down when she crossing the gap on the rope.
"Nice try Syrena. Next up is Nicolas Munoz from District 4!" Ajax said.
Nicolas got to the front of the course and he surprised by doing well. For someone who's not a career, he isn't bad as he was able to complete the course.
"3:37 is your time Nicolas. Next up is Sequoia Clearwater from District 5!" Ajax said.
I watched as Sequoia got up to run. I remembered her because she volunteered for her friend while her brother was reaped. Sequoia was fast as she was able to complete the course.
"2:52 is your time, Sequoia. Next up is Asher Clearwater from District 5!"
Sequoia's twin got up to run. Before he started, he looked at me and winked. For some reason, that pissed me off. Asher was able to complete the course like his sister.
"3:18 is your time Asher. Next up is Titania Dent from District 6!" Ajax said.
As Titania got to the starting line, she looked confused. Titania still did her best to run the course and failed as she fell off the last platform on the second obstacle.
"Nice try Titania. Next up is Jayce Winslow from District 6!" Ajax said.
Jayce got up to run and he sprinted as Ajax told him to go. As Jayce ran through the course. I thought that maybe he could be a threat in the arena. Jayce was able to complete the course.
"2:59 is your time Jayce. Next up is Francine Ruduose from District 7! Ajax said.
We were halfway through the Gauntlet and no one was able to beat my time. Perfect. I like to see the other tributes try to win because there's no way in hell that I'll let them get though me.
Jordan Simmons, 15 District 11 male
As I watched the tributes run through the course, I'm not going to lie, but I'm a little nervous. Not only is the course daunting, but if I failed, then my score will suffer. I need all of the sponsors I can get if I want to get back home. I'm also using my time to figure out what potential allies are here. I'll admit that I didn't want to be in an alliance with my district partner, but only because she was a brat. I wanted an ally, and Crescent wasn't the right choice for one. Ajax then called the next tribute up.
"Next up is Francine Ruduose from District 7!" Ajax said.
The red head from District started out strong with how fast she was. She cleared through the rope and platforms, but she eventually started to slow down during the monkey bars. Eventually. Francine was too tired to continue as she failed the rock climb.
"Nice try Francine, next up is Moss Lockleaf from District 7!" Ajax said.
I watched as Moss got to the starting line. He was tall and it seemed that he has a little strength as he can handled an axe well. I thought about asking him, but I decided that he would draw attention to the careers. I watch as Moss completed the course.
"3:27 is your time Moss. Next up is Kelsi Furr from District 8!" Ajax said.
I watched as Kelsi cleared the rope but she came up short on the platforms. On the last two platforms, she landed on the wrong angle and fell down to the floor. Thankfully, the Gauntlet was littered with plush mattresses for us if we failed it.
"Nice try Kelsi. Next up is Rayon Ellis from District 8!" Ajax said.
Rayon was a interesting tribute from what I had seen, he's always with his district partner and recently with the boy from 6. He's planning something and I think it will attract too much attention. I watched as Rayon completed the course.
"3:43 is your time Rayon. Next up is Winter Brookhelm from District 9! Ajax said.
Winter stated out slow with the rope and she struggled with the platforms. Unfortunately she couldn't muster enough strength to get past the monkey bars, and she fell down halfway through.
"Nice try Winter. Next up is Esteban Graft from District 9!" Ajax said.
Esteban looked pissed as he went to the starting line. For some reason, all he does is glare and it creeps me out. Esteban wasn't bad as he actually completed the course which surprised me.
"3:32 is your time Graft. Next up is Camilla Anna Ridley from District 10!" Ajax said.
As the girl from District 10 got up to the starting line, there was something about her that interests me. Let's see how she does in the Gauntlet. Camilla had a ok start but I noticed that she wouldn't give up. It was up until the rock climb that she failed, but she gave it her all. In fact, I think I found my ally.
"Good effort Camilla. Next up is Cole Solidstar from District 10!" Ajax said.
Cole got up to run and he did ok. One thing I noticed with some of the tributes that they would be tired by the time they get to the rock wall. It was the same with Cole. He was so tired that he couldn't go anymore as he fell down to the mattress.
"Dammit!" Cole shouted as he punched the rock wall in anger.
"Nobody likes a crybaby Solidstar! Next up is Crescent Angele!" Ajax said.
I rolled my eyes. Crescent was so going to fail. I was right as Crescent fell off the platforms after climbing the rope.
"That was pathetic Crescent. Next up is Jordan Simmons from District 11!" Ajax said.
I got up to the starting line and I took a deep breath. I got to focus. When Ajax told me to go, I took my time. I just have to complete it, I don't need to do anything stupid. I was setting a good pace through the first half. The rock wall made me tired but I was able to complete the course.
"3:50 is your time Jordan. Next up is Helen Topaz from District 12!" Ajax said.
I watched as Helen tried to run the course. Even though she gave a good effort, she feel when she crossing the gap with rope.
"Good effort Helen. Last is Max Ashberry from District 12!" Ajax said.
Max got up and he also did his best to run the Gauntlet, but he failed at the rock climb. After we were all done, Ajax started to speak.
"I would like to congratulate all of you for running the Gauntlet. Some of you impressed me, some of you gave it your best effort. And some of you just flat out failed. The gamemakers will be getting your times and they will play it out when determining your score. You're all dismissed to train for the rest of the day," Ajax said.
As Ajax left, I decided to approach Camilla, the girl from 10. Camilla was walking towards the plant identification station when I walked up to her.
"Hi," I said.
"Oh, hello," Camilla said.
"I just want to say that you did a great job at the Gauntlet," I said.
"You're joking, I totally failed," Camilla said.
"You gave it a hundred percent effort and that counts the most to me," I said.
"Thanks," Camilla said. "I'm Camilla Anna Ridley, I'm from District 10."
"My name is Jordan Simmons, I'm from District 11. I was actually wondering if you wanted to pair up in the arena," I said.
"Really?" Camilla asked.
"Yeah, we could watch each other's back," I said.
Camilla gave it a few moment to think about it. She then smiled.
"I'm in," Camilla said.
I shake Camilla's hand. I just gotten a good ally.
Pepper Volta, 12, District 3 female
After I failed the Gauntlet, I decided to head to some of the survival stations to learn some skills that could benefit me. As I headed over to the build a fire station, I honestly couldn't stop thinking that my score is going to suck, but I just have to get past it. I arrived at the fire station and the girl from District 9 and the girl from District 5 were also there.
"Greetings tributes, my name is Kiko and I'll be showing you how to build a fire," the trainer said.
Kiko showed us what materials we needed to get it started. He even showed us where to find them if the arena had trees. As Kiko was starting the fire, he explained how fires can be handy if we were ever cold during the night, but he warned us that the other tributes would be able to track us from the light. I had to be careful if I was to ever use it. Kiko then split us up and gave us the supplies to build a fire for ourselves.
I went over to a corner of the station and I tried to build the fire. I took the sticks and I continuously brushed them together hoping to get a spark. I failed the first few times, but finally by the third time, I got a small fire going. I smiled that I was able to accomplish it. I then heard a small groan and I watched as the girl from 9 was struggling to get a fire going. I noticed that Kiko was helping the girl from 5 so I decided to walk over and help the girl.
"Hi, do you need any help?" I asked.
The girl looked up. "Yes, that would be great," the girl responded.
I knelt down next to her and I showed her how I got my fire started. After the girl watched me, she tried again and this time she was abled to do it.
"Yes, I did it! Thank you so much for helping me," the girl said.
"No problem, I'm glad to help," I said.
The girl then sticked her hand out.
"I'm Winter Brookhelm, I'm from District 9," Winter said as she introduced herself.
I shook her hand. "I'm Pepper Volta and I'm from District 3," I said.
"You were a big help to me and I think we can a good pair in the arena," Winter said.
I was taken aback from what she had said. It seems that she's offering an alliance.
"You mean like an alliance?" I asked.
"That's exactly it," Winter said.
I wasn't expecting for anyone to want me to be in an alliance, yet Winter just asked me. I smiled as I looked at Winter, positive that a friendship was about to form.
"I'm in," I said
Moss Lockleaf, 17, District 7 male
One of the advantages of being from District 7 is the fact I learned how to use an axe. I wasn't a lumberjack, but I used an axe to chop wood around the district, especially if I needed the wood for my wood carvings. Who would have known I would need these skills to survive in the games? Yesterday was for me to refresh my skills on handling an axe and my skills aren't bad. Today, I wanted to try throwing one at a target.
I went over to the axe station and I asked the trainer for tips on how to throw one. The trainer was shocked by my request, but she obliged because I knew how to use an axe. The trainer showed me how to hold it and the technique when throwing one. The trainer got a couple of dummies for me to use. The trainer explained how to throw an axe to me again and then she threw her own axe and it hit the dummy right in the face. The trainer then gave me room to practice on my own as she left to help another tribute.
I got an axe from the rack and I position myself in front of the dummy. I took a deep breath and I gave the axe a throw. I watched as the axe landed in the dummy's stomach. I smiled, that's not bad, but maybe I can improve. I threw another axe and it landed in it's chest. I continued to throw multiple axes and it would hit the stomach and chest areas. I was starting to grow satisfied because it's the kind of skills that will help me in the arena. I decided to throw one more axe. I grabbed an axe from the rack and I got ready in front of the dummy. I threw the axe and it landed in the dummy's face. I picked up the axes I thrown and I placed back in the rack, satisfied with my progress. I left the station where the boy from District 8 came up to me.
"I saw your skills with the axes, that was pretty impressive," the boy said.
I smiled. "Thanks, that's the advantage of being from District 7," I said.
"Yeah, that's a big advantage. Anyway, I'm Rayon Ellis, I'm from District 8," Rayon said as he introduced himself.
"I'm Moss Lockleaf, as I said before, I'm from District 7," I said.
"Well Moss, I got a offer for you," Rayon said.
"What kind of offer?" I asked cautiously.
"Me, my district partner and the boy from 6 are in an alliance together. We'll still trying to get members. You would be a great addition if you joined. So what do you think?" Rayon asked.
I wanted an alliance from the start and now I have the chance to be in a big one. This an opportunity too great to pass up.
"Count me in, Rayon," I said as we bumped fists together.
"Awesome, come on, let's meet the rest of our allies," Rayon said.
I walked with Rayon towards the center of the training center where the girl from 8 and the boy from 6 were talking. Rayon cleared his throat when we arrived.
"Ok guys, this our new ally. Introduce yourself, Moss," Rayon said.
"Hey guys, my name is Moss Lockleaf and it's going to great to work with you guys," I said.
The boy from 6 walked over and shakes my hand.
"I'm Jayce Winslow, I'm from District 6 and I'm looking forward to working with you too," Jayce said.
The girl then walked over.
"Hi, my name is Kelsi Furr, I'm from District 8. It's nice to meet you," Kelsi said nervously as I shake her hand.
Rayon then whispered in my ear.
"Sorry if Kelsi is shy, she'll warm up to you soon enough," Rayon said.
"Not a problem," I said.
I look around at my new allies and I smiled because now I know I won't be tackling the arena solo anymore.
Esteban Graft, 18, District 9 male
After the Gauntlet, I headed over to the knife station. A whip will be my weapon since I used one back home. I realized that a whip is not enough to kill a tribute so I need a second weapon. I tried out knives yesterday and it seems to get the job done. When I got to the station, I grabbed a long sharp knife and I smiled as I examined it.
"Yes, this will hurt the others," I said to myself.
I went over to one of the dummies. The boy from 12 was next to me practicing with a knife. I ignored him and I started to stab the dummy. My skills have improved since I was making some good cuts. I then decided that I was done training with the knife. Now it's time for my favorite thing to do here. Pick on the other tributes and show them why they should fear me. I gotten a warning yesterday, I have to be careful. The boy from 12 should be a easy target.
I watched the boy as he stabbed the target. He wasn't bad, but not as good as me. It wouldn't hurt to still pick on him though, it should lower his confidence.
"Hey shrimp, is that seriously the best you can do?" I asked mockingly.
The boy turned around with a scowl on his face.
"Hey man, what's your problem?" The boy demanded.
"Oh, it's just your bad skills. You would lucky to last a day in the area," I said as I laughed.
"Stop laughing! I been training with years. I know I'm good with a knife," the boy said.
I continued to laugh. "Man, I heard the people from 12 are weak, but you are too much. Have fun dying in the arena," I said with a laugh as I left the station.
As I walked away, I can hear the boy cursing me out. That was fun. I have to be serious now though. I need to know what plants are poisonous or not. I went to the plant identification station where I took the quiz. I did pretty well with a 80% on it. I looked over my shoulder and I noticed the boy from 3 coming over. I groaned, I seen how annoying this kid is. It would be a miracle if I don't punch him. The boy then came over.
"Hello, my fellow tribute," the boy said with a wave.
"What do you want?" I said with a hint of annoyance in my voice.
"Well, my name is Buzz Felix and I wanted to offer you something," Buzz said.
"I don't care," I said.
"Let me explain, it'll be quick," Buzz said.
I groaned. "Fine."
"Do you want to ally with me?" Buzz said.
You got to be kidding me. This string bean wants to ally with me? Fuck no!
"Fuck off, I'm not interested in an alliance," I said.
"Come on, think about it," Buzz said.
"Go away," I said as I was getting more annoyed.
"Listen here you dummy, I want-," Buzz started to say but I then grabbed his shirt.
"Listen here you little shit, I'm not interested. Now go fuck off before I pound you to the ground," I said as I pushed him.
"You wouldn't dare," Buzz said.
I then raised my fist above my head.
"Ahh!" Buzz screamed like a girl and fell down. He quickly got up and I could have sworn that he called for his mommy as he ran away.
I laughed, it's still fun to pick on little shits like him.
Helen Topaz, 17, District 12 female
It was the end of the day and I decided to head for the snare station. I learned how I really couldn't use a weapon, but I was good at making snares. I head over to the station because I wanted to improved on making it. The trainer showed me how to make one properly. I then tried on my own and I was able to succeed with a good amount of time. I smiled, I was satisfied with my progress.
I left the station and I sighed as I looked around. I been alone this whole time and I wish I wasn't. Being in the Hunger Games is a scary thing and I would feel a lot better if I had people I can trust to get through it. I wonder if I can still get accepted into one. I looked around the training center to see if I can spot a group I can joined.
The first group I saw was the siblings from 5, I couldn't joined them because I doubt they would accept more members. Then there was the careers and there's no way that I'm joining them, they wouldn't take me anyway. Then there's the girls from 3 and 9, I wouldn't fit in with them because of my age. Then there's the girl from 10 and the boy from 11, maybe they would be a good fit. The last group was the boy from 6, the boy from 7, the boy from 8, and the girl from 8. I looked at them with curiosity, they could be a good fit. It would't hurt to ask them. I walked over to the middle of the training center where they were.
"Hi," I said.
The boy from 8 looks at his allies and he started to talk.
"Hey, is there anything we can help you with?" The boy asked.
I took a deep breath, here goes nothing.
"Look, this is going to sound crazy, but I know you guys are allies and I was wondering if I can join?" I asked.
My question stunned the group and they all look at each other in response. The group huddled together and after a minute from whispering, they turned to me and the boy from 6 started to speak.
"Is there anything you can offer to help our alliance?" The boy said.
"I'm going to be honest with all of you, I can't use a weapon. But I can use a snare well and maybe it can help us get animals with it," I said.
"To be honest guys, we suck at making snares," the boy from 7 said.
"True that," the boy from 6 said with a laugh.
"Guys, I think it would be nice to have another girl in the alliance," the girl from 8 said.
The boy from 8, who I assumed is their leader started to interrupt them.
"Guys, we'll take a vote. If you want her in the alliance, raise your hand," the boy from 8 said.
To my surprise, everyone including the boy from 8 raised their hands.
The boys from 8 smiled. "Well, it's settled."
The boy then turned to me and he extended his hand. "Welcome to the group. I'm Rayon Ellis, I'm from District 8."
I smiled and I shake his hand. "Thank you so much! I'm Helen Topaz and I'm from District 12."
The rest of the alliance members introduced themselves and I learned that the boy from 6 is Jayce Winslow, the boy from 7 is Moss Lockleaf, and the girl from 8 is Kelsi Furr. I smiled that I now have an alliance that can look out for me. We then hear an announcement on the loudspeaker.
"Tributes, the training center is now closed for the day. Please make your way to the elevators and go back to your district floor. You are to remain there for the night. Peacekeepers will be patrolling the building and there will be consequences for anyone wandering around during curfew. Have a pleasant night and report back here tomorrow at 7:00 A.M," the voice said.
"Ok guys, when we get back here tomorrow, meet right back here," Rayon said.
We all nodded our heads.
"Good night everyone, it was nice to meet all of you," I said as I left with a wave.
I then walked towards the elevators, the second day of training was now over.
Alright guys, we're now done with the second day of training. Our tributes ran the Gauntlet and more alliance were formed.
Alliances:
Careers: Samuel, Sapphire, Felix, and Bellona
Underdogs: Jayce, Moss, Rayon, Kelsi, and Helen
Siblings: Asher and Sequoia
District 4: Nick and Syrena
The guitarist and the orphan: Camilla and Jordan
The 12 year olds: Pepper and Winter
Loners (for now): Buzz, Titiania, Francine, Esteban, Cole, Crescent, and Max
Questions:
1: Favorite POV?
2: Least favorite POV?
3: what are your thoughts on the Gauntlet?
4: who do you think will die in the bloodbath?
The next chapter will be Training day 3. Please remember to read and review and I'll see you guys next chapter!