Train Rides

Valour Porter, 16, District 1

Gemma Merlot sat to my left, the both of us facing Jasper Vanity who looked at the pair of us intensely. Intense seemed like the perfect way to describe Jasper, as he had that look on his face which told us he was in full control of things. I, for one, was glad to have him as a mentor and while I wasn't keen on sharing him with my district partner, I already knew he had a plan formulating in his head.

I wasn't like many of the other tributes here- I didn't need the money, but I wanted it- and everything else that came along with being a victor. I wanted the fame, the power, the glory.

The games weren't a horror. They were an opportunity for greatness- something I was willing to achieve at any and all costs.

This year was the first year district 1 had two volunteers and Jasper had already begun planning on how to turn that into our advantage.

"Do you two already know each other?" Jasper asked, rather unassumingly, as he handed us each a pamphlet. The half sheets of paper appeared to be a list of all the tributes who had been reaped for the 9th games.

"I suppose you could say that we've run in the same circles, more or less," Gemma answered, although clearly sidetracked, reading through the pamphlet.

"We know of each other," I corrected, not wanting Jasper to get the wrong impression that we were friends of any sort but coming from two of the wealthiest families in all of district 1, it was only logical that we had at least heard of each other.

"Well, whatever the case is, I'm going to encourage you to work with one another. The choice is up to you, but if I'm not mistaken, both of you have prior training and you'll be stronger working as a pair, if not as a part of a larger group. If you want to bring another victory home to district 1, this is the best way."

"I've been training myself for the past six years- since I was 10," I replied, "I think I can handle this on my own," I insisted. I didn't need my district partner to help me win these games.

Gemma rolled her eyes, "How many people have won these games with out any allies? Not a single person so far. Trust me, if it wasn't my best shot, I sure as hell wouldn't want to work with you, but if either of us are going to win it's not going to be by going at it solo."

She made a good point, as did Jasper. We would be a strong pair, and if we could rope in one or two more people, we could dominate the games, "Fine. We'll work together. But I'm not going to promise I won't be the one to kill you."

"Don't worry- I refuse to make that promise, as well," she replied, with a sickeningly sweet smile. I didn't trust her one bit. She reminded me of too many of the district 1 girls back home- manipulative and unafraid to stab you in the back while smiling the entire time. She didn't faze me at all.

I wasn't afraid of Gemma Merlot and I wasn't afraid of these games.

I've been called crazy plenty of times- for training for the games, for volunteering, for being this fearless, but sometimes it's the only way to win a game of surival. To win glory.

Dakota Branson, 17, District 10

"Well, at least I'll die happy and full," I joked as I stuffed my face with a fluffy, pink frosted pastry. The comment brought a laugh to both Aisling Shepherd, my district partner and Gloriana Levoski, our escort.

So far the train ride had been fairly quiet. We were yet to talk to Crispin Stoll, our mentor, but I wasn't really complaining. The food on the train was fantastic and with all the game talk that was sure to follow, a little blissful break couldn't truly hurt.

"You may want to tone the jokes down when Crispin joins us," Gloriana advised, her neon green lips pulled into sypathetic smile.

I shrugged, "Can't help it...but I'll try to be serious around Crispin," I quickly added, although I knew I wouldn't be able to stick to it.

"Well, speak of the devil," Gloriana replied, as the automated sliding doors opened to reveal Crispin. For a Capitolite, he was rather stoic and underwhelming. His hair was an extremely dark shade of blue, so much so, it appeared black, and if not for that, I would have never believed him to be a Capitolite.

"I'm not going to lie to you and say you have a good chance at winning."

As blunt as he was, Crispin spoke quietly, but authoritatively. Scanning over the two of us he glanced at Gloriana, "But I will give you my word that I will do everything in my power to increase your odds. In return I ask that you trust me. I may not have ever experienced the games, but I was born and raised in the Capitol and will understand the way it works a million times better than either of you ever will. Understood?"

Aisling and I both nodded, sharing a look of slight shock, before turning our attention back to Crispin. The two of us seemed to be getting along well enough, but I knew how these games worked. No one here was truly your friend.

"I have all the reapings on tape," Crispin announced, as he flipped on the dining car's screen, "We'll go through them and get your first impressions."

As blonde girl from district 1 appeared on the screen sauntered up to the stage, I found myself tuning out my mentor's words, wondering what was going on at home. Everyone must have gone back to work or school by now.

As for me, I had always been gifted in biology, which was especially beneficial for district 10's cattle industry. Along with a few others, I was moved into a program for a position in a genetics lab to genetically improve the cattle raised in my district. Next year would have been my graduation into the labs, but now whether I win or lose, I'll never have to work again.

I also wondered how my sister, Terra, was doing. It was strange but I already missed tutoring her and spending our time together with the rest of my family.

"Dakota...Dakota!" Aisling hissed under he breath, trying to get my attention as I snapped out of my thoughts.

Frowning I asked, "Wh-what?"

"Crispin asked you what your thoughts were three times."

"Don't tell me your kind who always have their head in the clouds," Crispin grumbled, gruffly.

"Sorry," I replied, with an apologetic, yet sheepish grin, "I guess it's time I take my head out of the clouds and put it in the game, huh?" I joked with a slight chuckle.

Crispin just crossed his arms, as he sighed, "How on Earth am I supposed to work with this?"

"With a smile and positive attitude?" I offered, with a mischevious smile, as Gloriana gave me a warning look.

Needless to say, the look Crispin gave me was enough to warn me that I might be dead before I even got off this train.

a/n: Yay! So this is one of my favorite chapters so far so I hoped you enjoyed it! I personally love writing the tribute-mentor relationship, so you may see more of them in the future! I also loved writing the rise of the Career Pack. Anyways, question time!

1. What did you think of Valour?

2. What did you think of Dakota?

3. Did you like the mentors/escorts showcased in the chapter?

4. Are you okay with my pacing? I know it's a little fast!

Thanks for your continued support! You all are the absolute best! - Cass