The Lady Of The Lake

Thank you to the brilliant reviewers from Chapter 4; thegirlwithwater, reviewer, Kurskin, Sugarpearl, ObsidianWind, madreader13 and returning reviewer Emma Lane.

This chapter features Marvel (who I feel needs some attention), Foxface whom I've named Teesa, little Zara and some more attention to Darrien.

Who may at some point get his own fic, cause the boy is growing on me.


Chapter 5

"Today's plan," Finnick says, strolling into the dining area of our floor of the Training tower, "Is for no one from District 4 to lose their tempers and throw batons at Careers."

I pause, midway through eating my breakfast and shoot him a look, which he ignores.

"My record's clean," Darrien pipes up, chuckling, "Though not because I didn't want to throw one at them."

"You are so not a help." I inform him, giving him a glare without any real heat.

"Hey…for what it's worth I thought what you did made you look better." Darrien gives me a smile, "It's something right?"

"I'm not going to throw anything at the Careers," I swallow my spoonful and wipe my mouth with the napkin, "I just lost my temper, as you well know Finnick."

"Understandable dear." Mags says gently, walking into the room and pinching Finnick's ear, "Stop tugging the girls braids Finnick and sit down. Eat something, you're looking peaky."

"I do not." Finnick retorts, but walks over to the table anyway and sits down, scooping fruit chunks of strange colours into his bowl, "Today after lunch is when they will evaluate you." He chews on something red and swallows with a grimace, "District 4 is always a good place to be from when it comes to evaluations. They've already seen 1 and 2, and then they have 3. You're generally the last really memorable people normally, and 3 rarely put on a good showing, making you look even better. Use that."

"Darrien," Mags' voice is firm, "Show them all the weapons skills you've picked up over the last few days. Weapons rank higher than survival skills in terms of rankings, they value it more. And the more deadly you look the better."

"Make it a show." Finnick pops a pink grape into his mouth, "They want to see if you'll give the audience a good show. Some people think it's just about the technical skills. Nah uh, it's about flair and style."

"Stylish but deadly, got it." Darrien nods, finishing up his meal, "Anything else?"

"Don't compromise on accuracy for variety." Mags replies, leaning forward slightly, "Many Tributes make the mistake for trying to show too much off, and look so-so in all of them. If you have 2 or 3 weapons you know are better than the others then stick with them."

"And remember, Style!" Finnick adds.

"Don't compromise accuracy for style though." Mags rolls her eyes at Finnick, "It's better to be deadly than showy."

"And me?" I ask quietly.

Mags looks at me and sighs softly, "How are your weapons skills?"

"I haven't used a trident or spear in years." I say, pulling a face, "Except in the fishing station…and those aren't the same as the ones we use in 4."

"I'll give you a refresher on the technique here before you go down," Finnick offers, swallowing another mouthful, "Give you a head start. Practice downstairs, but the instant you start to feel yourself improving…beat feet out of there. Preferably throwing a shit throw as you go. Make it look like you're leaving because you're giving up, not because your eye is in."

"We want the other Tributes to underestimate you as much as possible dear," Mags looks at me carefully, "It's better if they think you're easier to kill than you are. Then, in your evaluation, show the Gamemakers that you at least know how to use each of those weapons. It will go a ways."

"Show the Gamemakers your speed." Finnick nods, "They would have seen your obstacle course yesterday, there's no helping that, but they need to see you're not someone to be written off." He leans in, taking my hand, "We want them to see Darrien as competition and you as not to be written off."

"Got it," I say softly, and he smiles at me.

"That's my girl."

"Darrien," Mags brushes a hand over Darrien's dark hair, "Don't hold back."

"I won't," he replies softly, "We have a plan. I'm sticking to it."

Mags smile is a little sad as she presses a kiss to the top of his head, standing, "That's my boy."


"Like some tips?"

I almost jab the spear into my foot, I'm so surprised. I turn sharply and almost crash into his chest, but his hands come up to steady my shoulders, stopping me from either stumbling forward or falling back.

"Woah, whoah," Marvel looks down at me, an eyebrow quirked in amusement, "Yeesh, jumpy much?"

"What do you want, 1?" I ask, my hand tightening on the spear.

Why is he over here, I wonder, glancing towards the other Careers who are over at the hand to hand station, showing off. Darrien is with them, but he glances over from time to time, concern on his face.

"I can't offer a pretty girl tips on how to kill a dummy with a spear?" Marvel asks; face transforming itself into an innocent expression, "Maybe I'm just being sweet?"

I give him a look, "I seriously doubt that."

"I just looked over here, and you seemed to be struggling." He leans against the pillar, face coming near mine, "And I can see Darrien practically fretting more and more with every missed throw." He says softly, his lips hidden from the others by keeping me in the line of sight.

"Why do you care?" I ask, curious, "He's not your District partner."

"No, you're his District partner." Marvel's hazel green eyes fix on mine, "And for some reason he gives a crap how you do in the Arena."

"And that is your business because…?"

"Look," Marvel leans in closer, "I don't give two flying figs about you as a person. You seem sweet, but useless, frankly and I worry that you're going to be a burden on him. I don't want him getting killed because he's worrying about you."

"Since when do you care so much for my District partner, 1?" I hiss back, intrigued but annoyed at the same time, "Shouldn't you be worrying about your own? She seems to have trouble with that bow and arrow."

"We promised to leave you alone," he says softly, "But the other Tributes didn't promise that. If you get caught in the Bloodbath, by someone who isn't one of us, he'll try to save you. You can't protect yourself properly if your attention is in two places at once."

"So?" I ask, glancing at the spear, "You want to give me tips so I survive, and Darrien doesn't have to worry? Wouldn't it just be better if I died early?"

"Not for him." Marvel's voice is soft but firm, "For me yes, for us the Careers, yes. But not for him. So…want some tips?"

I look at him for a long moment, and then glance back at the Careers, Darrien is glancing our way again, concern on his face. He joined the Careers to protect me, to ensure my longevity in the game until we could work together, put the odds in our favour…but he would risk himself to save me. Marvel is right.

A part of me wonders about this, about Marvel sticking his neck out for Darrien. They'd seemed friendly, the two of them always standing together, talking, training, but I'd had no idea that the friendship had grown to this extent. A part of me is glad though…Marvel is watching Darrien's back, even before we make it to the Arena. He'll keep him safe.

It's a comfort.

And I'm crap at this spear stuff…I could use all the help I can get.

"Sure." I say finally, "That would be great."


"They don't look happy," I jump, again. It seems to be my day for being surprised as I look up from the rows of edible and poisonous plants to find the red haired girl from 5 standing beside me. Nearby I see Zara, the young girl from 8, sidling closer, not trying to eavesdrop but curious, and wanting to be a part of the group.

I look across to where 5 is gazing and am unsurprised to see her attention on the Careers.

Cato is towering over Marvel, who isn't backing down, arms folded just as threateningly as the two glare at one another. Clove is beside Cato, giving him her backing, but Glimmer and Darrien are beside Marvel, something Cato looks extremely displeased about.

"They don't," I agree, fingering the nightlock berry on the table, glancing at the Careers again, "I wonder what's up."

"Cato thinks Marvel's challenging his authority." I glance at her surprised and she gives me a sly look, "I read lips."

"Really?" I'm surprised by that, it's an unusual skill. I wonder idly if Marvel knew she had it, if that was why he'd hidden his lips from the room when we spoke.

"Mmm," she hums, touching the razor leaves of a Dartberry bush, "Adults always have something interesting to say…when they don't think anyone can hear them."

"What are they saying now?" Zara asks eagerly and flinches back when 5 looks at her, "I wasn't trying to eavesdrop or anything…I know Schuyler."

5 looks at me and I give a small shrug and a nod. That seems to be enough because she turns back to look at the confrontation happening across the room.

"Cato's saying 'weak rocks are split apart, because if you try to build a foundation with them, the house falls down.' Poetic, I wouldn't have thought him capable of such profound thought."

That makes me chuckle quietly and Zara grins, sidling up against my side.

"What does Marvel say?" she asks, asking the question I was about to.

"Marvel says, 'She may be useless but 4 is still a Career district, the longer she lasts…the better we'll look.'" She looks at me, her face unreadable.

"They're talking about you Schuyler…" Zara whispers, nudging me in the ribs, "The Careers are talking about you."

"Ugh, I wish they wouldn't." I turn away from them and examine a plant which has a white tuber, something rich and full of good sustaining energy. It was something I'd likely need.

"Cato doesn't like you," 5 points out dryly, "His insults towards you and Marvel are quite pithy and inventive. I may borrow a few."

"I'm not exactly his greatest fan myself." I mutter, tracing the leaves of the tuber plant, "Arrogant ass that he is."

"Arrogance is good." 5 smirks leaning in, "Means they're overconfident. Overconfident people get angry when things don't go their way. And angry people make mistakes. Which then can be used by the people who have been looking for them."

I look at her as Zara asks the instructor about a plant with vividly blue berries on it. My voice is quiet as I speak to her,

"Why are you talking to me?" I ask softly, "You're smart, I doubt you need anyone else. Why talk to me now?"

She smiles slightly and leans against the identification table, green eyes darting around the room before meeting my own, "The Careers will have something the rest of us will desperately want."

"Weapons?" I ask, arching an eyebrow.

"Supplies." She corrects me, lip curling up crookedly, "I plan on….relieving them of some of their burdens."

"Stealing from the Careers…risky." I say softly.

"Not," and she leans in slowly, "If the planning is flawless."

"What do you have in mind?" I ask, intrigued.

"We meet up, every couple of days or so," she smiles, "Be somewhere near the Careers camp, every three days say. I'll find you…we plan an attack and we get supplies. We split the goods and go our separate ways…until three days have passed and we do it again."

"It's risky…" I murmur.

"It's mutually beneficial." She glances towards the Careers again, "I plan on surviving."

"So do I," I say softly and I see her smile quickly.

"Good. I'll see you then."

"What's your name?" I ask, as she begins to move away, "I'm Schuyler."

"I know." She smiles slyly and moves off, "I'm Teesa."

I watch her dart across the gym and smile slightly.

Interesting…


Halfway through lunch they began to call Tributes in to be evaluated. First the boy, and then the girl, from District 1 through to 12.

By the time I was called in, my nerves have become a writhing mess in my stomach. The gym, which had been so full of Tributes and Trainers this morning, is empty, except for the Gamemakers on their observation deck.

My steps echo as I step across the smooth floor and I stop in front of them.

"Schuyler Cavendish," I call out, voice wobbling slightly, "District 4."

The discussions above stop and I find myself suddenly the centre of attention. I lick my lips as Seneca Crane inclines his head towards me.

"Begin, Tribute Schuyler." He nods, leaning back in his chair.

I knew how I was going to start, and so headed straight over to the firestarting station. My fingers move quickly as I build up a small flame. Once it's big enough I tamp it down, without creating a great plume of smoke.

I then dart across to the speedway and start a dash across it, using my speed, and agility to run across it as quickly as possible. The Gamemakers are watching me as I slide through the end up onto my feet, grabbing a trident which I hurl.

I snatch two more spears, aim and then throw.

I stand there, the breath coming hard out of my chest as I see my handiwork. The spears which I had aimed had pierced the dummies, knee and arm. Non killing strikes.

The trident which I'd thrown without really looking had landed embedded in the foam belly.

A disabling strike.

It's something, I think, and let out a deep breath.

I turn back to the Gamemakers and bow slightly. A few of them are smiling, one or two look contemplative. Seneca Crane is impassive as he says, "You may go, Tribute Schuyler."

"Thank you." I say softly and leave the room by the other door, leading away from the dining room.

I'm escorted into another room where some Capitol stylists are there to touch up some makeup, and fix my hair. And some press shots are taken, the shots that will appear in the sky upon my death, the ones that will be used to advertise me in the games.

I make sure I smile slightly, a small, serene smile, remembering Finnick's ploy of marketing me as the Lady of the Lake.

Serene, benevolent, sweet, I think, and flash the camera another small, secretive smile.

"We've got it." The man says after a few more moments, "You can go."

I head back upstairs and collapse on the couch beside Finnick and Darrien, who look at me with a similar questioning expression.

"I didn't completely suck." I tell them and I see Darrien's smile, and Finnick's wink.

"Atta girl."


"So," I walk into Darrien's room after supper, "You and Marvel are awfully close."

The scores had just been announced, with Glimmer and Marvel both getting nines, Cato and Clove getting tens, Teesa getting a five, Zara a four, Peeta an eight and Katniss an astounding eleven.

Darrien had gotten a nine. Something to be proud of.

I'd gotten a six.

He looks up at me in surprise, blue eyes widening slightly.

"What do you mean?" He asks finally.

"Well…you know he was helping me this morning?" Darrien nods, flopping onto his bed, "It was because he didn't want me distracting you…you feeling you needed to protect me. Seems like he was trying to protect you…"

"Oh…well…" Darrien gives a careless shrug which is fooling no one, "I guess he just wanted to fulfil his promise to make sure you lived longer."

"Yeah right," I perch on his bed beside him, "You made a friend…one who actually seems to give a hoot if you live or die…I'm glad."

"Really?" He gives me a small smile, "You're not…mad?"

"Why on earth would I be mad?" I crawl up the bed and hug him, "Darrien…I want you safe as well you know? You want to protect me…and I feel the same about you. I'm so glad you have someone there to watch your back."

He kisses the top of my head and closes his eyes, holding me tight, "You know…it's so weird…"

"What?" I ask quietly, holding him close.

"I feel like…like I've known you forever." He smiles slightly, "Weird isn't it..? We barely knew each other before this…but now."

"We're going through something together…" I murmur back, "We'll only have each other…and well...you'll have Marvel."

"I guess so…" Darrien sighs, "I always wanted a little sister you know."

I laugh softly, "I always wanted a big brother."

"Guess it was meant to be then." He grins into my hair.

"So…you and Marvel?" I tilt my head up, a smile curling up my lips, "He's nice you know…I approve."

"Oh shut it…" Darrien rolls his eyes, "It's not like that."

"Uh huh." I drawl and laugh as he pulls a face at me.

"You've got the annoying little sister down pat."

"Thanks," I grin and snuggle into his chest, "I should get to bed."

"Stay… I just…."

I know what he is trying to say. We are starved of affection, knowing that in a few days we could be dead. We need, crave touch, to feel alive. Hearing his heartbeat…it was like a slow drum, like the tide coming in and out back home.

I am half asleep a few hours later when the door opens and Finnick's head peeks through. He sees us; me curled up in Darrien's arms, the boy asleep, and me, seemingly along with him.

I'm the only one who see's the sad smile on his lips, the way his eyes trail over our faces before he slips out,, and the door slides shut behind him.

Sleep claims me soon after.


I know I'm taking my time to get to the Arena, but these relationships need a bit of attention. Once they're in the Arena, suddenly things get real, and strange.

Next chapter will have our next bit of Cato and Sky interaction. You'll enjoy it I promise.

It will also feature the interviews, and Felvia's next incredible clothing masterpiece.

Until then!