IX. Fragile Bonds

Tactus Carthii, District Two

Form the discussions with Octavia and Valerius, Tactus' main goals today were: meet his fellow careers from One and Four, look from potential dangers from the outer districts and show his strength to all tributes. He headed down to the Training Centre, were soon saw that Octavia and the pairs from One and Four were waiting for him. Malachite was staring at with eyes full bloodlust and venom. Radiance looked bored and impressed as she stared him down. Undine seemed most unamused with his late arrival. Triton had an arrogant smirk on face, rather amused by his late arrival.

"Why are so late. You're holding all of us up" Undine hissed

"I'm not late you were just early, After all, it customary to wait until the strongest district has fully arrived." Tactus replied, sternly. Trying to project confidence, are we? Hiding the fact that you're haunted by me.

"The strongest District being Two?" Undine scoffed

"Of course what else would it be? We have the most victors after all" replied Tactus Picking fights with your would-be allies? Do you have deathwish or have you come to accept that you are not deserving of victory?

"Well, with the drought you have going on, you might be losing that position soon" Undine growled

"Says the tribute form Four"

"Let's not get argue about such petty matters. We've only just begun training, we have some semblance of teamwork otherwise the foolish from outers will exploit it" Radience noted

"Not when this, fools disrespects my honour!" Undine snarled

"Calm, Undine. He's trying to rile up. You're attracting attention from the outers." Neptune said

"You speak some sense. We wouldn't wnat them thinking we're weak." Malachite spat

Undine managed to calm herself and back down, though Tactus knew she made an enemy of her and that she would work with him for the sake of the pack. He would be sure to watch her closely.

"Well since vented are frustrations let's get matter in hand." Octavia said looking pointedly at Undine and Tactus. "Of acquainting ourselves with each other."

"How exactly do we that?" Neptune asked

"I don't know. What everyone's preferred weapons?" Bellona asked, nonchalantly

"Is that really the most pressing information?" inquired Malachite

"I will tell us what to look out for in the arena." Tactus replied, backing up Bellona

Malachite rolled his eyes "Fine. I prefer the axe. Sevens often nick though doubt they will with to pathetic little this year"

"Throwing knives." Radiance said simply

"Anything ranged, from bow and arrows to throwing knives. But I'll take the bow and arrow since Radiance will be vying for knives. said Bellona

"District Four's favourite the trident." said Neptune

"The spear." Undine said

"Anything really. But I'll claim the sword since no one has" Anything? Really trying hard to appear confident aren't we? Think it will endear you to them?

"Well, that was nice little waste of time. I have some training to do." Malachite hissed

"We haven't decided who will lead us." Neptune noted

"Isn't it obvious it will be me." Tactus announced. Isn't obvious that it won't be you.

"We shall see" Malachite growled

The careers dispersed. Tactus headed towards weapons rack and picked up a sword and gave it a few practise swings. The blade seemed heavier, less fluid. It's not the blade, it you. Your incompetence. Tactus attempted to think nothing of it after all the weapon was new to him it was only natural that it took him a while to get used to. It's not the sword, it's own lack of skill. He requested to spar with a trainer. He readied himself to fight but soon found mid wandering to the impression of his fellow careers. Half-heartedly he attacked, dodged and countered. Malachite seemed like the bloodthirsty and vicious type - they type of people outers believe careers to be. Radiance seemed bored and disillusioned. Undine was tense and overstrung. Neptune was most certainly too arrogant and laid back. Tactus could help but feel a little disappointed in what One and Four had conjured up, but perhaps they putting on their facades. Regardless of what he thought of they were going to his allies for the early portion of the Games, at least.

Seras Bolten, District Six

Watching the argument the Careers had. from the edible and poisonous plants station, she wondered if the discord amongst them could be used her advantage. She had noted the scruffy haired boy she met from last night. Of course was from Two, a facade of perfect self-assurance it was they always went for. Maybe should try talking to him again, encourage his antagonism towards, this Undine. It was too risky, especially here when all other tributes were watching. Then again, perhaps she could seek up out once training had finished, maybe he would return to the roof of the Tribute Tower for another brooding session. But there was no guarantee. Decklid had to avoid dealings with Careers wherever possible and Aeryn had agreed, despite how she had won her games. Seras thought he was best to follow their advice, though still couldn't dismiss her intrigue about the boy from Two. Tactus, that was his name, think of as Tactus not from Two. Don't think like they do. What lay beneath his face of confidence?

Seras tried to put thoughts of Tactus and the other Careers to back of her mind and instead place her attention to training and seeking out allies. Growing tired of sorting plant she scanning the Training Centre looking for pair form five, who Aeryn had suggested as potential allies. Seras spotted that they were together, at the climbing station. Walking other to them she watched, the girl climbing with some skill.

"Not too bad, Five" Seras announced

"Nice of your join us Six". The boy said "I'm guessing you intend to recruit us as your allies" He added

"Perspective, arent you"

"Why to pick us?" he asked

"You looked like you had potential and that I can also offer something you lack"

"What might that be?"

"A good, fast and agile climber. You seem to have a little skill but you are a bit sluggish. You and your district partner."

"Why don't show us then?" he said, gesturing at the climbing wall.

"I'd be delighted to."

Seras approached the wall and began to scale the wall. The path to the summit opening up to her naturally. The holds fitting to feet and hands with ease. Soon she had reached the top and shouted triumphantly down to the pair form five "Quick enough, for ya."

"Come back down then will talk" The girl yelled

Seras descended the walk as swiftly as she had ascended "So are, we allies."

"You certainly are a good climber" The boy commented

"But are we allies?" Seras asked

"I can see us working together. Name's Yuri"

"Agreed, Name's Seras." Seras said as shook hands with Yuri

"Call me Vida." Vida said, shaking hands with Seras as well.

"So, Yuri and Vida, does anyone else stand out and a potential ally?" Seras asked

"Let's go over to Fire-making station and observe the others, see if anyone stands out." Vida answered

"Most excellent idea"

The tree of them walked over to the fire-making station, taking up position to scout out potential allies. They watched in silence in a few minutes, half-heartedly attempting to produce a flame, hoping not to alert anyone to the true intentions.

"Seras, where's your district partner. Thought Six always stuck together no matter what? Yuri enquired

"He's spoiled lordling. Not from Six that I know"

"Won't have an interest in joining us, then?"

"Doesn't matter if he has an interest or not. I'm not allowing into our alliance."

"Guess that matter's settled then"

"What about the pair from Ten or boy form Nine. Look like they have potential? Vida asked

"Ten looks like a more likely shot. The Nine boy comes across as a loner" Yuri replied

"Well let's go talk to then." said Seras

The three them walked other to pair form the Ten.

"Let me guess, you have just decided that we could make good allies. From your little scouting venture." The Ten girl announced

"Observant one aren't you." Seras noted

"Don't try to sway me with flattery, Six." The Ten girl snarled

"Are you interested or not?" Yuri asked

"Been watching you as well. Looks like you have some skills which may be useful." she responded snidely

"Are we allies?" Seras asked, pressing for a solid answer

"Guess so. But it's not set in stone" she replied

"What about your district partner?" questioned Vida

"Sticking with me. He's not much of a talker so don't ask him personally"

"Names?" asked Yuri

"If you must know, you can call me Ginger. District partner's called Darren. Now leave, we won't attract too much attention from the others" Ginger scoffed

Seras, Yuri and Vida backed away from Ginger and Darren, somewhat unsure if made an ally or not.

Four allies, well two allies and two potential allies. Both district pairs, making her the one they most likely turn on first. Perhaps would better convince Yuri and Vida go for the boy from Nine. No that was a foolish idea, it would mark a treacherous and mistrustful which would lead Yuri and Vida abandoning her altogether. Making her a loner, which was not ideal. She would have to stick with the pair from Five and the apprehensive pair from Ten.

Aeryn Dasher, Victor 52nd Hunger Games

Aeryn was stat beside Decklid awaiting the arrival for Numitor Sun. They hoped he would sponsor one their tributes, but one problem was that Numitor was selective about who he decided to sponsor, choosing only who deemed 'interesting' and there didn't seem set definition for what Numitor deemed interesting. Aeryn didn't have much hope that they would able sway Numitor to favour them and deemed the endeavour to pointless, but the meeting had been arranged and Deckild seemed determined to drag her to it.

"Look's like he hasn't even bothered to show up, no surprises their since we're only second Twelve in producing hopeless tributes," commented Aeryn

"Don't speak they do." Decklid retorted

"Just saying that they think, enlightening you as to this little excursion is pointless"

"The bastard's never been punctual."

"He's a bastard now, I thought he would be our saving grace?"

"Just because, he may be willing to help us doesn't mean he can't be a bastard"

"A thing on which we can agree"

Numitor walked in the room, seemingly unphased by his tardiness. "Are you here to make case for both of your tributes or one?" He said with a voice full of boredom

"Just one." Answered Decklid

"Which? The girl or the boy?" Numitor asked

"The girl" replied Decklid

"Seras Bolten." Interjected Aeryn

"Ah, I see. My first thought would have been boy, him being from the wealthier and more reputable part of Six, which is certainly unusual but interesting in an of itself. But we are here to discuss the boy, but –

"They have names. Seras Bolten and Hermes Ferran." Aeryn interjected again, growing more and more frustrated.

Numitor sighed clearly bemused by Aeryn's insistence on using Seras and Hermes' names. "As I was saying we here to discuss the girl, I mean Seras. What so interesting about this street urchin. What sets her apart from the resto her ilk?"

"The scar on her hand. It's from a Blood Promise" answered Decklid

"Blood Promise. A term I have heard but whispers of. Explain further" Numitor stated

"A Blood Promise binds two people together; a sworn oath never be broken." Decklid explained

"To break means death" Aeryn added

Numitor paused for a moment, considering what Aeryn and Decklid had told him. "What was this Blood Promise made over. Must be some with significant for something which such weight"

Decklid took a deep breath and attempted to explain "We aren't entirely sure at the moment. But-"

"So, you don't know. I might not even be 'Blood Promise. A lie. A fabrication" Numitor interjected

"It is most certainly a blood promise. That scar on the hand looks too deliberate. Too purposeful" Aeryn countered

"Never knew you were one for poetics" said Numitor

Aeryn scoffed "Does Seras meet your definition of interesting?"

"I'll consider it. I haven't seen enough; the training days have just begun. Not to mention sponsor Six is often futile. Second, only to Twelve in producing hopeless tributes" Numitor answered

Aeryn grimaced.

Numitor's mouth formed into a slight smirk. "Those were your words, were they not"

"Your lot's words" Aeryn growled, "And I thought you cared not for the favourites to win" She added

"True, but there is a balance to struck. I sponsor those are both interesting and in with a chance and I undecided on both on those on matters concerning Seras" replied Numitor calmly