Ariel's POV:
"In a couple of weeks all but one of you will be dead. Who that one person depends on... blah blah blah" spoke Atala with a pretty uninspiring tone.
We were released to go train. As Carla mentioned, the other careers belined for the weapons. I decided to go to combat first, hoping the careers would ignore me a bit since this isn't my greatest strength. Besides, they seem consumed enough in intimidating other tributes. And I'll just make the initiative if I have too. I have nothing to worry about besides the trainer and his sword coming at me right now in our little 'battle of the century' moment. The moment didn't last long because well I dominated and won. Obviously the trainer didn't go too hard on me since that could possibly injure me. And that isn't allowed before the games.
My heart is already beating out of my chest after that though. I decide that I need a place more like home. That is the spear throwing station. It's more like my home away from home in this case. There is no one there currently. I want to keep it that way. No one's allowed in my home. I see my long and lethal best friends before me. The first I lay eyes on, is the friend that is going to be the first one to land in the middle of the target. Once I heard the loud thud of the spear piercing the targets heart, it seemed if that's the only thing that's happened in the entire room. I look behind me to see two pairs of mesmerized eyes stare into mine. The girl looked to maybe be around 17 and standing at an average stature. She has dark hair and eyes, but porcelain skin. One of the things that I noticed first is how pointy her nose is. Not that it really matters. The boy has a kind of baby face and childish look to him uncommon for a kid who sounds like a man when he speaks.
"Hey, where did you learn to do that" says the boy curiously.
"Back in my district, from years of training since I was like 5 or 6" I respond.
"What district are you from" spoke the girl.
"4".
"Oh I see. You must be a career like one of us. Not going to lie, you seem significantly better than us. Wait until the blondies over there figure out who they have to deal with" said the boy.
I looked over to where the boy was pointing. A tall blonde girl with almost platinum light curls twirls a knife in her hands as she prepares for the targets to move again, testing her throwing reflexes. Her partner, a muscular looking blonde, has already started, planting every dagger he has in his hands into the moving targets. In sync, the blonde girl throws her knife that has heat her occupied, right into the heart, finishing her partners work.
"I know right. Pretty good. Not to mention, true teamwork. I wonder how long this supposed team will last in the arena. How old are you by the way".
"I'm 18".
"Yup. Knew it. Caspian and I just turned 16 and haven't had the couple extra years that you and the blondies have had".
"I'm Ximena by the way and you must be Aral-"
"Ariel" I correct her.
When we introduced ourselves the lunch bell had already rung. The district two pair followed me as I made my way to the lunch room. I was abruptly approached by that same blonde girl who I saw yielding a knife just seconds ago.
"So are you just going to stand here and look at me or actually set a lasting impression" she mocked.
" Well I understand that you and your district partner are quite handy with knive-
" Noo. No. My expertise is with knives and Topaz with daggers" she defended.
"Daggers, knives, same thing" I snort.
" Pssss. Is that what you learned from hanging out with those weenies this morning" she said referring to Ximena and Caspian.
"Haha. Weenies. Is that how you want to put it" I laugh.
"Enough bullshit. I haven't seen what your best at yet. But let's be clear. Let's hope you are better than the two over there because I'm not sure if those two are going to last very long".
"well I'm sure they're not that bad, Ximena is pretty effective with a bow and arrow and Caspian can hold his own with an axe" I reply.
"Let's face it 4. District 2 doesn't have a winner this year. Between you and me, our half of the pack is where the sponsors are going. How about you talk to the other member, my district partner himself" the girl who I learn to be Emerald tells as she ushers me to sit down at their table.
Throughout the remainder of the lunch break I learn about Emerald and Topaz, who I have pinpointed to be good allies from the very beginning. I feel bad since I kind of ditched the pair from two, but now I am so consumed with the stories and information these two are telling about their own training and personal lives. They are interesting people with strong personalities but come of as very arrogant and a little self absorbed from time to time.
"Ariel, I know your 18 like us, but how long have you been training in an academy" asks Topaz.
"Since I was around 5" I respond.
"What's your number one skill" chimed Emerald.
"Throwing spears".
The two burst into laughter which caused Topaz to gag a little on his drink. I mean they're hysterical. I sit here with a confused look on my face. How can that be so funny. I don't get the humor in it.
"You of all people" snorted Emerald.
"Seriously I don't get why it's funny" I whine.
"We literally bet all our gems that you would be a knife thrower like us. So did our mentors. The fact that your the one with a spear is hilarious, I mean you are a noodle. When people watch the games they're going to think and question why the two who are heavier and broader built than you aren't the ones with a long and less agile weapon" spoke Topaz.
The tone became significantly more serious as the laughter faded. A bell rung again which meant we had to resume training.
"Now I guess we'll see it in action now" said Emerald.
"We went straight to the spear section and when the gems themselves come with, I keep in mind my mentors advice, not to show too much too early. When these two aren't looking, I can try to become more lethal in combat since it's a whole other story to fight someone from afar, than close up. I want that potential strength to be something that I might keep away from tributes. And of coarse my agility, which I will only show during the private sessions. If I want a good alliance though I have to show these two something. The usual thud signaled the first spear that hit the target. As usual, dead center.
"What else for you do besides spear other fish in the sea mermaid" joked Topaz.
I had to think of something fast. I didn't want to come of as suspiciously hiding. I went with my natural instinct and said the first thing that popped in my head.
"I weave nets and set up snares to kill the fishies too" I smirk.
Crap. What was I thinking. This is like my secret weapon. Something that only people of District 4 mostly do well. So far, they seem impressed though. I did a more challenging throwing station where there's a simulator with animals charging at me. It is my job to spear the animals. It's a good indicator of how swift my reflexes are even with a long and rather cumbersome throwing weapon. When I finish up, I see the two from one ending there discussion as they meet eyes with me.
"I didn't think I'd say this but Mermaid, you are very powerful. Em and I think you are of greater value to us than we thought even when you threw the spear with good aim over there at first. So what do you say, allies?" said Topaz.
"Yes" I reply accepting his offer.
"Oh but I have one question though, what about the ones from two".
Emerald speaks"Look, as I said. We are the real deal. Those two haven't proven their worth yet".
"I will admit, they are good with weapons, but not that good. Not good as the average District 2 tributes" I say based on what I have seen from the masonry tributes so far.
"I told them that they need to score at least a 9 in the private sessions to be guaranteed a spot in our alliance and an 8 to even be remotely considered. Even if they get 8's, I probably won't let them in unless they can come up with some magical way to convince me" concluded Topaz.
Emeralds final point "Just think about it, they are more likely to slow us down if anything".
Its the first day and too much has happened already. It's going too fast. I trust the pair from one and think they would be the best allies for me. Emerald and Topaz also come across as strategically smart as they are lethal. I've seen mans from one in past games who were actual airheads. And the sad thing is, it's wasn't an act for some of them. From first impressions, I think there biggest downfall, especially Topaz's will be there own arrogance and big egos. Man, all I can say is that I have a lot to tell Carla if she asks.