Both of my tributes eyes practically popped out of their sockets as they saw the apartment that they will be staying the next week in. It's funny because only a year ago, that was my reaction. After they soaked in the aura in front of them Ariel shifted gears.
"I know dinner is in a few, but can I change out of these 'undergarments'. Now it's a little old and starting to feel uncomfortable" said Ariel honestly.
"Sure thing. You both can. I'm sure that you don't want to be exposed for any longer" I say.
"Well I think we already have. I guess Panem saw what they apparently needed to see" joked Eli.
I chuckled. Poor kid. He's been put in a situation where he has a district partner who is much stronger and will get all of the sponsors, and who could care less whether he is with the careers or not and just views him as an animal waiting to get slaughtered. Though I like to think of him as strong-willed and individually capable, the kid is not going to win. He's smart enough to survive and make it far past the bloodbath, but when it comes down to the final six or seven, he'll be out of luck. That's when it's survival of the fittest.
Dinner is just being put on the table when the two come out of their rooms dressed very comfortably. Finnick has arrived and looks very eager to tell our tributes of the upcoming events until they are sent off to death.
"So, tomorrow is your first day of training. I know you two are on much different pages skill level wise, but there are a couple general pieces of advice that I would want any tribute to know" Finnick began.
"First, be careful about going straight for the weapons. Or simply, if you are good at throwing knifes for instance and that's the place you go to immediately. Other tributes will automatically take note of your ability to throw knives very accurately, and know something to expect when fighting you in the arena. The point is, don't reveal too much about yourself in front of other tributes because it makes you seem to predictable and people can use that against you" explained Finnick.
"Try to save something unique or special for the private sessions with the gamemakers. That way if you have some secret weapon up your sleeve, you can show it off without any tributes or mentors knowing".
"Good point. I tell my tributes every year to be careful who you trust. Honestly you can't trust ANYONE in that arena, not even your own district partner. So keep this in mind when you are figuring out alliances. Also, besides the fact that only one person wins, there are no set rules in achieving this or how you approach others. However, I'm sure you guys might of seen some notable examples that are either extremely disturbing or unlikable or seen as disrespectful towards the capital. I'm not going to dive too deep into this, but there is a price you have to pay for your actions which could result in your death or death to someone you are close with. If you have any questions about it talk to me later".
"With all of that said, I am going to let all the other ideas and strategies you might have to be discussed between you and your mentor since it seems like some of us here want to be coached separately" Finnick concluded.
"Our speech seemed to put others like the prep teams to sleep. Everyone is tired and had a long day. Even my tribute looks a little cranky. I know this may not be the best time, but I want to have a few words with Ariel before training tomorrow.
"What now" Ariel yawned as I approached her.
"I know you just heard a lot from us at the dinner table but I just wanted to tell you some things in particular since you are a career".
"The others from one and two will go straight for the weapons tomorrow and will do this to show everyone who to be afraid of. Often times they will look at the district four tributes and see what they have to offer and will come up to you. But sometimes you might have to initiate and make the move yourself. I know that getting in with this alliance is important too you, but try not to give it all away. I know the spear is your best weapon. Are there other skills you have or areas you think are weaknesses".
"Throwing spears with accuracy and at a distance is my greatest strength. Since I have long limbs and am tall, my reach allows me to handle spears well. Many other girls are also clueless and terrible with spears. I am trained with a spear in combat. But close range fighting is a weakness for me even though I was trained in this" Ariel replies.
"Are there other weapons you use" I ask.
"Unlike most of the district, I am terrible with tridents. I am ok with knives and use them only sometimes. I know how to set up traps and can spear someone, just like I do with fish. Though my petite frame can make combat fighting a bit harder, I am very athletic and have great endurance and have always accelerated in the running and climbing department".
"Good to know. Tomorrow my challenge to you is to not stay at one station for too long. Show off you deadly aim to the careers tomorrow since they want to see that you have some ability. But I want to see you try some new things. Maybe work with some knives, or get a feel for the sword. If you like spears maybe you'll like spiked maxes. Work on your spear combat. And if you spend time at the sword station that may help with hand to hand combat more" I tell Ariel.
"Thank you. I will definitely keep this in mind when I am around them" said Ariel.