SUTTON GREY, DISTRICT FOUR
10:00 AM, DAY ONE OF TRAINING, THE TRAINING CENTER
"In a matter of days, the majority of you will no longer be alive. Whether you die at the hands of another Tribute or find yourself caught in a Gamemaker's trap, the truth is that you may not be on this earth much longer. However," Bravura, the woman tasked with "welcoming" everyone to the Training Center, paused for a moment, "You have the power to change the odds. For the next three days, you will be offered a variety of stations, exercises, and lessons capable of providing you with the information and abilities to increase your chances of survival in the Arena."
Sutton scanned the faces of the Tributes around her. Everyone had been made to stand in a circle around Bravura during her instruction. Some of them stood tall, their expressions leaving little in the way of readability. Others wore their fear and anxiety directly on their sleeves. Nyle, her District Partner, stood nonchalantly beside her with his hands clasped comfortably behind his back. His chin was lifted slightly and he appeared at total ease. Sutton conducted herself similarly. If this was where the alliances began, she was determined to show everyone in the room that she was an ally worth seeking out.
"For each day of training, there will be a compulsory exercise for all of you. Aside from these time slots, you're free to spend your training how you see fit. Survival skills, combat training, and instruction from the experts on site are all at your disposal. Consider these opportunities valuable resources. Once you enter the Arena, you'll be on your own." Bravura informed them, "My best advice to you would be to ask questions. There are no stupid questions when your life is on the line."
The way that the woman so cheerfully explained their circumstances would have been alarming if Sutton was less confident in her abilities. She had a plan, though. She had been theorizing since she decided she was going to Volunteer. Now that they were in training, she could more effectively get a feel for how her plan would work. All she needed to do was familiarize herself with the Careers. Her method of attack began and ended with them.
"As for the rules of training, they're simple. You may or may not have heard, but in recent years, we've lifted the ban on engaging in spars with one another. You are free to practice combat with each other, but you must use the sparring designated sparring area and the corresponding sparring weaponry to do so. This ensures that you don't run the risk of injuring anyone, including yourselves. If you do actively seek out a fight with another Tribute with the intent to harm them prior to the Games, you will be tranquilized and punished accordingly." Bravura explained.
Sutton couldn't imagine anyone being foolish enough to try to take another life before the Games. What was the point? They were free to kill each other as soon as they were all in the Arena. Were people really so impatient?
"Don't cause any trouble and don't prevent anyone else from using the tools provided. Again, if you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask. You're all free to begin." Bravura finished.
Without so much as a second thought, the Careers broke away from the area and headed toward the weapons racks at the far end of the gymnasium. Most of the outer District Tributes milled around like lost sheep, trying to figure out where to begin. Hushed whispers were exchanged between many pairs and Nyle looked to Sutton.
"Still planning on joining the Careers? It's not too late to stick with me," He quipped, his voice low.
Sutton looked to the Career Pack as they wasted no time in testing the efficiency of the weapons provided, hacking and slashing away at training dummies, "I think I have a shot… And it's not too late for you to stick with me, either. District Four is historically a Career District, regardless of recent times. We stand a good chance."
The corners of Nyle's lips pulled upward into a small grin at Sutton's invitation. She wondered if he might actually tag along with her. Nyle scratched at the side of his face, weighing his options for a moment before shaking his head. Somewhere in the back of her mind, Sutton was relieved. It was better if Nyle went his own way. Having to kill her own District Partner at some point would surely dash her chances of receiving sponsors in the Arena.
"I think I'm going to get a feel for what's going on with the other Tributes, yanno? I got to talking with the kids from District Ten last night after the chariot rides. They seem pretty promising." Nyle answered, "But, if you have trouble with the Career Pack, you know where to find me… Alright?"
Sutton nodded and offered him a smile, "Thank you, Nyle. I appreciate it."
"Yeah, yeah, don't mention it. Good luck." Nyle patted her on the shoulder before walking off toward the aforementioned District Ten Tributes.
It was now or never, Sutton thought. The best way to deal with her approach to the Career Pack was to get it over with quickly, like tearing off a bandaid. If she was in, she was in. If she was sent away, she'd figure something out. Resourcefulness wasn't an issue.
Sutton steeled herself as she crossed the gymnasium toward the Careers. There was a serene air about her as she approached them. Her chin was up, her shoulders were back, and her posture was straight. If the Careers weren't sure about her, she would show them that she was a force to be reckoned with, that she was a Tribute worth betting on.
As she came to a stop beside them, she was quickly spotted by the girl from District One. The gaze of her District Partner followed suit, then the girl from District Two was staring at her, too. Sutton didn't falter beneath their gaze. In fact, with their eyes on her, she felt more sure of herself than ever.
"Hello," She said, "I'm Sutton Grey, District Four. I was wondering if you'd be open to accepting me into the Career alliance. I can cover any bases that you need. Hunting, cooking, keeping watch. You name it, I'm all over it."
"District Four?" The girl from District One echoed, to which Sutton nodded.
"You're the girl who volunteered, are you not?" The District Two girl asked, "The one who volunteered over the Academy-chosen Volunteer."
Sutton was ready to defend herself when the District Two boy sauntered up, "I like your moxie, Four. Watched the Reapings a couple times and yours stood out to me. What kind of skills you got?"
The girl from One stared daggers at him, which he completely ignored. Sutton hoped that his word alone would provide her with a shot at getting into the alliance. She wasn't sure what his standing was within the Career Pack, but she hoped that he was somewhere near the top of the pecking order. The higher he stood atop the pillars of the Career Pack, the better her odds were at joining their ranks.
"I know my way around a knife," Sutton said, careful not to reveal her hand before the Games had begun.
"You're a good swimmer, right? And you're probably pretty good with fishing." He prodded further.
"Yes and yes. I can carry my own weight, trust me." Sutton assured him with a smile.
"Might be nice to have somebody who can hold down the fort while we go out Tribute hunting," Two raised the idea to his allies.
"If she can prove that she's trustworthy by the end of training, then fine." The girl from One said before returning to the weapons station.
She wasn't the friendliest. Sutton made a note of that in her head. The girl from District Two didn't seem to be anywhere near as unapproachable. It'd be far easier to get on her good side.
"Alright. Guess that's settled," The boy from Two said casually as he flashed a toothy grin, "I'm Vitus Heilmine. District Two."
"It's great to meet you," Sutton replied, "So nice to finally have a name to the face."
Vitus chuckled and nodded, "Don't I know it. I was waiting to meet the blonde-haired beauty from District Four. Glad she decided to join our ranks."
He winked at her before walking off to the girl from District One. Sutton bit her tongue as she turned to see Vitus' District Partner rising to her feet. She extended her hand for shaking.
"My name is Leona Solari. I am also from District Two. If you end up joining the Career alliance, I have no doubt you will be a steadfast ally." She said in a matter-of-fact fashion.
Sutton shook her hand, "Good to meet you, Leona! I hope to be part of your alliance soon enough."
Leona bowed her head before leaving to join the other Careers. Sutton's eyes trailed to the last remaining Career, the boy from District One. He looked at her, momentarily glancing to the rest of his alliance and then promptly returning his attention to Sutton. He walked up to her and reached into one of the pockets on his training uniform, pulling out a small photograph.
"Hey," He smiled, "I'm Erebor. Wanna see a picture of my kids?"
HENRY STRATUM, DISTRICT NINE
10:08 AM, DAY ONE OF TRAINING, THE TRAINING CENTER
"Do you want to go with me to that station over there? I think it's for identifyin' plants! Could be real useful." Sonora asked after Bravura's introductory speech drew to a close.
Henry glanced to where Sonora was pointing. Each station appeared to be a decent-sized nook that had been built into the walls of the Training Center. The place was like a massive gymnasium in the middle, with the survival-based training alcoves surrounding the innermost portion of the floor. There were so many stations that it was almost overwhelming. Henry knew they were important, but quite frankly, he found the social game far more crucial.
"I think I'm actually gonna make the rounds. I wanna meet some new friends," Henry said, "Besides, somebody has to apologize to District Six for those hideous outfits last night."
Sonora giggled and nodded, "Alright, well… I'm fixin' to learn a thing or two about survival. I'll catch you at lunch if you get too busy chatting up the other Tributes."
"Aye, aye, Captain Cauley." Henry said as he sauntered off through the Training Center.
The Careers had already claimed one of the weapons training areas. Like moths to a flame, they'd gravitated to the area as soon as they were allowed to. He couldn't help but watch as they picked up weapons and wielded them with no trouble. The boy from Two easily hefted a mace that Henry knew full well he couldn't possibly lift if he tried. The girl from One plucked a sword from the weapon rack beside her and instantly slashed at the chest of a dummy before plunging the blade through its abdomen.
Henry peeled his eyes away from the Career Pack. They weren't important right now. Watching them wouldn't do him any good. If he was going to survive, he would need allies. There was safety in numbers and comfort in good friends. Making friends was easy. Henry had done it hundreds of times. Doing it now would be no different than all the times before. At least, he hoped not.
District Six had meandered over to one of the survival stations, which was meant to teach the Tributes how to craft traps from things that could be found in general Arena settings. The boy hovered awkwardly around the girl as she followed the instruction of the woman at the station. Henry joined them, nonchalantly sliding in while the instructor provided them all with directions. He kept his arms folded in front of his chest, a thoughtful expression painted on his face as he stole glances at his potential allies.
He wasn't sure how long he stood there until the instructor stopped talking. It felt like an eternity, but in reality, it was likely about fifteen minutes. The instructor had momentarily left to speak with a Gamemaker when District Six's Tributes finally acknowledged Henry's presence. They didn't say anything outright, but they both looked to him. The girl gave him a once-over before returning to the task at hand. The boy, however, waited for him to say something.
"Hello, there," Henry greeted the pair warmly, "I'm Henry Stratum of District Nine. Pleased to make your acquaintance."
He took the boy's hand and shook it before he had the chance to protest, dropping it back by his side. Again, the girl glanced up to him, this time getting to her feet and extending her own hand to him.
"It's nice to meet you, Henry. I'm Elesa. This is Nicholas. Both District Six." She introduced them both, much to the evident relief of the boy beside her.
"Great, great, amazing to meet you two! I saw your Reapings but couldn't quite tack down everybody's names before we arrived. How embarrassing, right?" Henry spoke from the side of his mouth, laughing and waving a hand dismissively before continuing like normal, "Anyway, what really caught my eye were those outfits from last night. I've gotta say, they were…Something! Something, indeed."
Elesa blinked at him and Nicholas appeared to dread where the conversation was going. Henry felt bad that they'd been made to wear such hideous numbers. He supposed he didn't need to leave them hanging on the reason for his words much longer.
"So, I wanted to apologize to you on behalf of just about everybody here. I know your Stylists probably didn't apologize, since they probably thought that you two looked great. But I really am sorry," Henry said, "I think you guys are way cooler than those horrific excuses for costumes that you were forced into… Which is why I'm here to propose an alliance."
"Uh…" Came the first word from Nicholas since Henry's arrival.
"On the first day of training?" Elesa asked, but her smile betrayed the tone in her voice, "You're not going to try to keep an eye on people before you make a decision?"
"Don't need to." Henry answered without hesitation, "I've got the Stratum instinct. Years of cultivating the perfect genes have provided me with a foolproof gut that I can trust one hundred and ten percent. My gut tells me that you two are the perfect allies."
Elesa lifted her brows, surprised, but clearly impressed by Henry's certainty. It was a reassuring trait of his that was crucial during something as uncertain as the Hunger Games. Nicholas looked at Elesa, then back at Henry. It was almost like he was waiting for an answer to be given for him, similar to his introduction.
"You don't want to get to know us first?" Elesa wanted to know.
"Oh, but of course! That's what the alliance is for, my friend. We solidify our team and engage in bonding exercises while we train, effectively drawing us together and familiarizing us with one another by the time we go into the Arena. It's foolproof, really." The District Nine boy explained.
Elesa seemed to think about it for a moment. Henry wore his most charming smile. If District Six didn't want to ally with him, he would need to look elsewhere… Though, he hadn't thought that they'd turn him down. Six was the first District he'd thought to approach after the chariot rides. Where would he look now? Henry looked out over the rest of the Training Center out of the corner of his eye. District Twelve showed promise…
"Sure." Elesa's reply finally came and Henry's eyes widened.
"Really?" He gawked.
That was easy.
"Yeah, sure, why not?" Elesa said, "I don't see a reason not to ally with you… But if I do, the alliance is off. Alright?"
Henry nodded, "Oh, absolutely! This is all on your own terms, my friend! I promise you, you won't regret this."
CALLISTA "CALICO" CANTONBUROUGH, DISTRICT ELEVEN
12:10 PM, DAY ONE OF TRAINING, THE TRAINING CENTER
The Training Center was like a massive playground. Calico had never seen anything like it in her life. The obstacle courses, the climbing nets, the swinging ropes—It was all for her. She could hardly believe that she had been given the opportunity to enjoy herself so freely before the Games. It was funny. She had initially thought that what was happening to her was a punishment. Now, for the time being, she wasn't so sure.
The second that she was allowed to, she had sprinted to the obstacle courses and let her catlike instincts take over. For several minutes, she frolicked and jumped and played on the equipment. If it swung, she batted at it. If it was soft and squishy, she scratched at it. One of the trainers even shouted at her for trying to bite a piece of the equipment, which resulted in Calico hissing at him.
Somewhere along the way, Calico had crossed paths with the girl from District Eight. She introduced herself as Jubilena before informing Calico that she reminded her of the frolicsome felines she often saw back home. It didn't take long for Calico to decide that this person was a good person to shadow. She was friendly and easy to get along with. She didn't treat Calico like an outcast. Rather, she accepted her with open arms and addressed her as if she was an old friend.
Calico was quick to follow her around the Training Center. Jubilena visited station after station, seemingly trying to familiarize herself with as much as humanly possible. Calico didn't care to do the same. She was confident that her feline instinct would allow her to survive the elements. After all, cats were fantastic hunters who could squeeze into tight places. She would find food and someplace to hide with relative ease when the time came.
After keeping up with Jubilena all morning, the pair had made their way to the Training Center's cafeteria for lunch. All twenty six Tributes were corralled into the area for mealtime. Jubilena had picked out a table in one corner of the room, away from the majority of Tributes. The Careers had already picked a table in the center of the cafeteria to claim as their own. They were more relaxed than anyone else in the vicinity, save for a select few—Jubilena and Calico included.
"Wouldn't it be wonderful if we had more friends to sit with? This dining hall is so massive and luxurious… Can you imagine how grand it would be to share it with others?" Jubilena asked as she rested her elbow on the table, perching her chin atop her hand.
Calico looked out over the cafeteria, wondering if she was sitting in the same place as Jubilena. The mess hall was surely nicer than any place back in District Eleven… But it wasn't the picture of luxury. The walls and floors were concrete, the lights overhead were obnoxiously bright, and the whole place had a very industrial feel about it. Luxurious wasn't exactly the word that came to mind.
As she examined the eating area, Calico's mind wandered back to Jubilena's idea of eating with the others. She didn't know if she really wanted anyone else to sit with them. Sitting with Jubilena was fine on its own. Most of the other Tributes seemed like a nuisance. Calico didn't trust any of them yet… Though, some of them would never be able to be trusted. Her feline instincts told her that was so.
As Calico casually ate her lunch without using her hands or the utensils provided, Jubilena carried on, "I think we should spend the afternoon trying to make more friends. It would be so nice to have more people to talk to!"
The catlike girl allowed Jubilena to think out loud about the possibility of an alliance. At least, it sounded like that was what she was getting at. Calico didn't see the need for a large alliance—Or, any alliance, really. Jubilena was the only one with the speed to keep up with Calico. She could defend them both if need be, seeing as she had her claws and teeth at the ready.
Jubilena looked to Calico to gauge her reaction to the idea of meeting others. Calico blinked at her, expressionless.
"Right! We'll see what we can do!" Jubilena chirped.
NOVA NORTH, DISTRICT THIRTEEN
2:48 PM, DAY ONE OF TRAINING, THE TRAINING CENTER
"Knives are a highly effective survival weapon. You can hunt with a blade, you can fight with a blade, and you can create with a blade. This is what makes the knife such a powerful tool—And, in the right hands, a deadly weapon." The trainer explained as Nova listened attentively, "At this station, we'll be focusing on two specific styles of knife-fighting. One method will translate directly from hand-to-hand fighting styles. The other will be derived from the mindset of the warrior, which you will need to adapt in order to effectively channel."
All of this seemed to be a lot to take in for some of the Tributes who had gathered around the knife station. It was clear that most of the people here had only come to familiarize themself with the knife in case they ended up needing to use it. Nova knew her way around a knife as well as any other kid from Thirteen. Knives were pretty common to keep on one's person for a variety of reasons. Utility and self-defense were the most common reasons that Nova saw. Heath had given her a pocket knife of her own on her twelfth birthday. She often kept it on her in case she needed a tool to pull off a prank.
Thankfully, it seemed that her familiarity with the knife would also benefit her in the Games… Not that she'd ever truly believed she would wind up being chosen.
It was always the other kids, the nameless ones who she only saw in passing at school. It was always the ones who looked like they wouldn't stand so much as a chance beyond the borders of District Thirteen. It was the ones who cried and trembled before the audience as they were escorted onto the stage in the square.
It was always them until it wasn't.
Nova brushed off the memories of the Reaping. That wasn't where her focus needed to drift right now. Today was about learning as much as she could before the Games. She could remember the important details. Cramming was a specialty of hers due to years of half-paying attention in class in favor of planning out her pranks. All Nova needed to do was highlight the crucial pieces in her mind. The rest would fall into place.
"We'll begin by assigning each of you to a training partner. We'll also be utilizing mock weaponry in order to ensure that each of you won't face possible injury. Go ahead and remain where you are until I assign you a partner." The black-clad instructor said.
He proceeded to begin partnering off the Tributes with other trainers who also donned black fatigues. Despite the fact that the clothes were clearly meant to be comfortable and easy to move in, they still looked like Capitol couture. However, Nova found that the training outfits that the Tributes had been made to wear were also quite comfortable and nice. They were form-fitting, full bodysuits that were black in color. The accents of the bodysuit were colored by District. District Thirteen's accents were a rich maroon color. Nova thought it went well with her dark curly hair.
Movement at the corner of the room caught Nova's attention as she waited for her assigned partner. She turned her head, her gaze coming to rest upon the female Tributes from Districts Eight and Eleven. The girl from Eight was approaching the knife station with the girl from Eleven in tow. The Eleven girl appeared skittish, her eyes darting around the room as the girl from Eight paved the way to their destination.
"You, over here." The instructor pointed to Nova and directed her to a tall, stoic looking woman.
Nova walked over with a spring in her step, "Hey! I'm Nova."
"I know," Her training partner answered as she raised her finger to her lips, "Shh."
Nova's nose scrunched slightly, her brows furrowing. The lead instructor was still talking, but she didn't think it was crucial for her to stay quiet. After all, he was just assigning pairs. Nova stood there beside the strict woman she had been partnered with. The District Eight and District Eleven girls were paired with the same instructor, likely due to their young age and underfed nature. Nova quirked a brow as she watched the girl from Eight spin in a circle, looking at the ceiling and laughing.
These kids really had no idea what was awaiting them in the Arena. Nova grimaced. Were they the only two in their alliance? Surely an older Tribute with enough kindness had come along and offered to take the pair into their own alliance… At least, Nova hoped that was the case. She knew it to be nothing more than wishful thinking.
Once the lesson began, Nova was able to keep up pretty well. The instruction was straightforward and informative. Sure enough, she was taught two distinct styles of fighting with a knife. One of the styles placed an emphasis on the importance of the angle of an attack. It also provided Nova with the opportunity to learn how to disarm an opponent. The other style was far tighter and more succinct, but illuminated the benefits of brutality and endurance. Nova familiarized herself with how to cut down an opponent by rushing them head-on. She felt that this technique worked best for her. The District Thirteen girl found herself motivated to polish her skills in the coming days while still cramming as much survival knowledge into her brain as she could muster.
Near the end of the lesson, Nova caught a glimpse of the girls from Eight and Eleven trying their best to go through the movements they'd learned. The girl from Eleven was floundering, only doing the exercises with the encouragement of her ally from Eight. The girl from Eight held her own, though it seemed like she was learning this from a place of curiosity instead of necessity. Nova found that rather weird… She wasn't sure how to feel about either of the girls, but she knew one thing was for certain.
They needed allies.
Coincidentally, so did she.