Chapter 14: The Wonderful Capitol Built Railroad

Train Ride

Iry Hawkfeather - District Twelve Female

"There is no place like home."

-L. Frank Baum, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.

I sneaked a quick look at the peacekeeper guarding a door outside. I can see the back of his helmet from the window.

Then the peacekeeper turns around. He smiles as he catches me looking, giving me a reassuring smile.

So... that's my real dad.

I don't know how to feel about that. For starters, my dad could have chosen a better time to see me. A day that doesn't happen to be the day I ended up in the Hunger Games. I'm questioning my father's judgment, not that I found it hard to do. He's been nothing more than vague thought for me. Now he's here.

And he's telling me that I have a sister, who also happens to be in the Hunger Games too. Snow! Seriously, what are the chances!? I'm serious. Holy shit, that's like a one in a billion chance of happening to a person.

...Then again, I am a proper noble. Better than any miner or merchant. It would make sense I'd have some upper hand in the games. Once I meet this Bliss character of mine, victory will come easier.

Oh. My. Creepy. Snowy. Beard, I thought mournfully. I'm a train leading to the Hunger Games. So unfair.

At least there's food in this train cart.

There's a whole bunch of food in front of me. Of all different varieties that I don't think my other 'dad' can afford for me.

I would only be perfect if it wasn't for all these peasants near me.

Frist that creepy district partner, Cole something. He's taking small bites from the sandwich he got.

Then that C.C who wears make-up and black-liners that I wished I had.

Then, my so-called mentor.

"You two are pretty much died," Dustin Wright, Victor of the 142nd Games, commented his first words to me. He was a tall man, looking more healthy and even handsome than any regular peasant - victor of no victor - from Twelve should be. Regular long black hair, blue eyes that's darker than my own, and he wears a white cowboy hat too.

I glared at this old bastard. How dare he say that?! No right! He has no right!

Before I could yell my complaints at this uncultured swine, C.C cut in with an unsure voice, "Now. Now, Dusty. There's always a chance. We simple have to guide them and relied on luck as all the past tributes have done.

Dustin snorted. "We're gonna need a lot of luck. We got a thirteen-year-old boy with issues and a fifteen-year-old girl who thinks she owns the place. Doubt either of them will be of any use in the arena."

That does it!

"I'm Iry Hawkfeather!" I barked, standing straighter. "And you're a stupid dumbass if you think you can treat me like I'm a nothing like you."

Dustin glowered at me. "Guess I know who not to help."

I snorted with the same disdain he showed earlier. "Not like you'd be any help anyway. It's been what? Thirty years when Twelve has won. No thanks to you."

Has it been so long? I questioned myself. Whatever, it's because of Dustin! Nothing but a useless mouthy peasant!

The mentor stood up from his seat, now officially angry, "Now you listen here you little-"

"Enough."

A single word. That was all it took for Dustin to shut up. The voice I heard sounded feminine and old.

Once I saw her, I knew who she was.

She has her silver hair braided, still quite silky to my jealousy. She may be old, but she's still standing strong - regardless of her short stature - with her tanned skin, and grey eyes. I don't doubt it's the old broad.

"Sorry, Katniss," Dustin apologized respectfully, and yet still looked sour when he turned to me. "We got a princess problem. I never imagined our district having to put up with this shit."

"Miracles happen sometimes," Katniss Everdeen said dryly.

"Any chance you're going to take her?" Dustin asked. If I was a perceptive person, I would have figured out that he was silently pleading. But I wasn't, so I took every word he says as an insult to me.

Katniss nodded. "Iry is off your hair, Dusty. You take Cole."

Is the old bag better than the rude idiot? I thought to myself. Neither mentors were what I'd call ideal.

"No need to tell me twice. Come on, Cole," the younger Victor said to his tribute. The creepy boy didn't say anything, like, at all. Instead, he follows his instructions. I think I heard him mutter 'cursed' or something when he went out, but I quickly found myself not caring for the bloodbath tribute.

C.C, on the other hand, had this look of admiration. "Ms. Everdeen. Do you have anything for me to do?"

The Co-Victor of the 74th Hunger Games turned to him. "Get to your contacts and play up our tribute's worth. You're no good here, Cornelius."

The escort looked at her, then at me. "I suppose so. I'm sure if anyone can win us a Victor. It'll be you, Girl on Fire."

I huffed at that. What a stupid old title.

Katniss then sat right next to me, analyzing me. I'd be lying if I say I wasn't creeped out.

"Why are you not crying anymore?" Katniss asked sternly.

That's not- goddamit.

"Because... I don't want to," I answered uncertainly. It's because I won't be alone. I'll have a sister with me.

"Was that an answer, girl?"

Shit. This is starting to piss me off, and I don't need to hear this from a senile old bat.

"I don't have to say anythi-"

Katniss put a hand on my mouth.

"Let me stop you there," the older lady said. "I have children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren. Along with a near-century of children that I had mentored, I know when one keeps a certain secret. Now, I know you're the type to be easy to anger everyone. However, I expected you to be bawling like so many other children. Now, tell me do you want to win? To survive the Hunger Games?"

I nodded. I'd like that, of course.

"Good. Now tell me, what secret do you have?" Katniss ordered.

Gulping, I answered her question and told her about my sister, Bliss.

The old bat smirked. "Now, that's what something the Capitol will gobble right up. You might win, girl. Win, and you'll be gifted with all the wonders of the Capitol."

After Katniss's tempting offer, I listened. It wasn't as if I could've refused anyway. I heard of her plans. I have determined that with my new sister, my still quite famous(and favorite) mentor, and my likable charms. I've become quite confident, more than ever, I'll win.

Once the talks were over, I was left wondering about candy and how the Capitol made a 114-year-old woman look so good.

Cristian Moldovan - District Eleven Male

What the hell? Just, what the hell?

This day hasn't been looking up. At all.

Why me? Why can't it be Kyle? I thought selfishly before reflecting. Dam it all, that thought wasn't fair to my younger brother. Sure, he was an attention-seeking little brat, but wishing him to the Hunger Games is cruel.

...That wasn't the best Reaping. It made me look weak in front of the cameras.

"So, um, I'm Thea Everest," my so-called mentor introduced herself. "My friends call me Mouse."

"I know," Cristian said flatly.

Everyone knows who the Victors are.

"Right," Thea said awkwardly, taking quiet glances to the other side of the train cart. Particularly, the table where Lev Germaine and Calliope Germaine are having a private conversation.

It's clear to me that there's a little bit of favoritism.

"Do you have any advice to give me? You know, 'cause you're my mentor," Cristian pointed out.

"Don't fucking die. That's rule number one," Thea joked, which caused me to scowl. Thea winced. "Okay, yeah. Sorry. Bad time. Let's start by getting to know you. Do you have any useful skills?"

I'm a great liar, is my first thought. But that's probably not what she wants to hear. No, she needs to see a happy go lucky face I've been showing everyone else. The Cristian everyone trusts and loves.

I put on a smile. "I can be charming and persuasive. Let me tell you something, Ms. Everest. Back in the work fields, I was pretty popular. Getting in the Capitol's good books would get me an advantage, right?"

Thea nodded. "Something like that, but it's all rather screwed when the most popular tend to be the careers or other people who train like Callio-" she stopped talking right there, which was something I noticed as well. Obvious, she didn't want to compare me to Calliope.

It's pretty clear to me my mentor would rather my district partner win than me.

Calliope had training. I didn't.

Calliope has a father who's a Victor. I did not. Thea probably had known Calliope since she was a girl. It's clear to see who's side she's on. That pisses me off.

"Listen, it's not going to be easy," Thea started. No shit, "But I promise I'll get whatever sponsors that are available." You mean, before you sponsor my district partner, who you would want to mentor rather than me.

Fuck my life. I can't even have mentors without playing the favorites game. It's only my life on the line, after all.

"That's great to hear," I told her, hiding all inner thoughts.

The Victor game me a smile, thankfully buying my act. Maybe she won't help me with all her power, but she'll have to do something to turn the tide in my favor.

I eyed my district partner, my oh so perfect partner. "Do you think me teaming up with Calliope would be a good idea?" I asked, already knowing the answer.

Thea beamed. "That's a great idea!" Of course, it is. It means you won't feel guilty when you have to choose to sponsor Calliope and me. The problem is her agreeing to it.

"That's good to hear," I said with forced optimism. "You think she'll agree to my proposal?"

Thea thought on it, "Well, I mean, her dad might have other plans, but I'll try to convince Calliope on it."

The best plan I can accomplish, I guess.

I'm not as pretty as Tia, strong as Mika, funny like Austin, intelligent as Ty or as innocent as Kyle. But unlike the rest of my siblings, I know how to manipulate.

All you have to do put a smile and say what everyone else wants to hear.

After a while, Calliope and her dad finished talking in what I imagined being tactics on how she's going to win the Hunger Games. What else would it be?

In any case, Thea had a small chat with the younger girl, and I finally had my talk with her.

Once Calliope walked in front of me, I coughed in my fist. "The names Cristian. And I got to say, you picked one hell of a thing to volunteer for."

She laughed easily. "Yeah. Yeah, I know. But it's better than to let someone else go."

I nodded. "I get it." I don't, but she doesn't need to know that. "It was brave. But I'm guessing there's more to it than bravery. Was she a friend? The one you volunteered for."

Calliope gave a wistful smile. "Yeah, since childhood."

She seems honest. Impulsive too. Good, might be foolish enough to trick.

"So anyway, can we ally with one another?" I asked, afterward giving some points. "I mean, we're both from the same district. And well, I'd like to think we can trust each other. That is if you want to?"

My district partner seemed to consider it. "Yeah, I heard about you. From Laine. Says you help out some times with her dad. I think I can trust. At least, until the Final Eight."

I smiled, looking relieved. "That's fair. I hope one of us will make it out."

Calliope also smiled. "So do I."

The two of us shook our hands in agreement.

It looks like being a good sanitarian worked out well. Being a nice guy, it tends to lead others away from thinking I have anything devious in mind. Hiding away my envy, making Calliope trust me instead of suspect me of any deceit (at least, early on).

Honestly, I can't wait to see the look on her face when I stab her in the back.

Aspen Wolfe - District Seven Male

Is there any hope for me? I mean, I'm crippled. Okay, a limp during an injury gone wrong. Not the same thing, but still a death sentence to the place I'm going.

"Hey, Aspen?" my district partner Taliah got my attention. "Are you..." she stopped herself. I think she was about to say if I'm okay.

I turned to the table, filled with so much food it can last my family a month. I took a nearby tree-shaped cookie and nibbled on it.

Julia Frost scoffs, "Oh, is the cripple alright going to the Hunger Games? Use your brain, girl."

Taliah glared at her mentor.

But, yeah. That's pretty much what everyone else was thinking.

I'm not all right. That's the sad truth. I am almost certainly going to die next week.

Then came my mentor.

Jaden Ravenswood, Seven's youngest Victor from three years ago, came to the train cart looking like a mess. He was unshaven, suit messy with a few drops of liquid (most likely alcohol), and walked a little uneven. He also came with a bottle of beer.

Then came the spiky-haired escort, Fiffa Miffy, wearing the inappropriate - more in the way that it seems like she's insulting Seven rather than being welcome to it - lumberjack suit. She followed Jaden.

My mentor took a seat at the dinner table.

He then looked at me.

After that, he took another dunk from his bottle.

"Dumass, you going to drink the whole time we're here," Julia said icily.

"Whatever bitch," Jaden replied casually. "Not like mentoring the kid is going to matter."

That hurt. That really, really, hurt.

"Oh, like you were going to help to begin with," the older Victor snarked. "You know, besides finishing the wine cabinet."

Jaden burped rudely. "Get off my case for once. Besides, I didn't hear about you being any good samaritan."

"Tana at least looks like she can take care of herself. If she's a fighter, she doesn't need my help. Can't say the same about you."

"Oh, fuck you! I don't need to hear-"

I blocked those two out.

This day hasn't been good for me. I tried to promise my family and Rowan that I will stay hopeful. But it's hard right now. One working leg, uncaring mentors, that weird escort who probably should talk to more people about fashion statements. How can I stay hopeful when it's true: that I'm going to die, and there's nothing I can do about it.

"Hey, Julia. The zoo called, they're missing their raging ape."

"Funny, coming from a man who looks like he came from a psych ward."

Man, who even thought to bring these together? They hate each other.

And they won't even help me.

Because they are right, I'm helpless.

I played with my food, looking sad. I don't wish to be or act depressed, but the truth is. That's the only option I have left.

"WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU!?"

The outcry came and shocked everyone. Jaden and Julia stopped taunting at each other, and I looked up to see Taliah, red-faced with anger.

"YOU!" Taliah pointed at Julia. "First off, my name is Taliah. Not Tana! Second off, do you have anything helpful to add other than make meaningless taunts and insults to make yourself feel better? No! Well shut up, zip your mouth, unless of course, you can prove yourself even more useless as a mentor by talking at all." Then Taliah turned to Jorden. "What the hell are you doing!? Is now, of all times, a good moment for being a drunkard? You have a kid to mentor! At the very least, try to be a little supportive you asshole!"

"And you," my district partner glared at Fiffa, whose eyes widened at the furious tribute. She probably thought she wouldn't be included in the rant. "Get a different shirt. Lumberjack style went out decades ago. At this point, it's very insensitive."

Wow. She really gave them a piece of her mind.

Her mood swing was unexpected, but I couldn't help but grin a little.

Taliah then turned to me, losing some red from her checks. "Let's get out of here and do something productive. Anywhere is better than here."

I took her hand, and I followed her.

The mentors - and the escort, I guess - didn't try to stop us. Jaden looked a little guilty, at least. Julia didn't care, if anything, she smirked at Taliah's behavior. And Fiffa looked like a confused puppy when she looked down at her shirt.

Once we were in another room, Taliah and I sat down.

The taller girl covered her face with her hand. "I'm sorry about that. I was a little stressed out."

I couldn't help but smile.

How about that? In a ride to doom, she's trying to be polite to me. She's a nice person.

"I get it," I replied. "Thank you."

She turned to me. "I mean, I didn't want to raise my-"

"I get it," I repeated, looking out the window. "You don't have to defend yourself. I'm on edge too. This is expected, you know."

Then I decided to add some levity. "Also, Fiffa had it coming. What she wears is tacky."

Taliah nodded, getting an amused white-toothed smile. "Yeah, that's one word for it," she paused. "...You worried that you'll die."

"I'm worried that I'll be bloodbath honestly."

Dying is a certain for me. But it is how I die that scares me more.

"You'll make it out," Taliah said, certainty in her voice.

I raised my eyebrows. "How?" I pointedly looked at my limp leg. "This isn't exactly going to help me."

"Because I'll be there."

"..."

I smiled, and no! Those aren't tears! It's just... dust from the train.

Taliah hugged me.

"This isn't ideal. But I'd like to help you out right now. God knows we're not getting any from our mentors."

I sniffled, a little teary.

And feeling so happy that there's someone with me.

"I'm going to," sniffle, "miss my home," I said, with tears. I hated this right now. Being pitiful. I hope I can be positive tomorrow like I usually am.

"Me too," Taliah replied quietly.

At least I can count on someone.

A/N: Wow. I admit, I suck. I want to update quicker, but I never seem to get a chance. Well, here's hoping I can do better. Happy 2020 everybody! ;D I also want to thanks my good friend Kay of Arda for Thea Everest and Jaden Ravenswood!

Did you guys know there used to be a time where I was a naive amateur writer - which I still am, but less naive - and that my regret is doing the reaping god knows how many times. So frecking repetitive. Sorry, I just always wanted to complain about that. Here's a word of warning for those that need it. Do. Not. Repeat. The Reapings. You'll hate everything. Your life. Your family. Your friends.

Anyway...

Did anyone expect Katniss? What do you think about the mentors?