Chapter 5

"So, you volunteered, 12. Why would you, considering none of your District tributes ever come out alive?" I mentally laughed. Oh, how ignorant. How blissfully ignorant they were, caught in the beliefs of 12 being weak. Mellark may be, but I certainly am not. I came here to win, and win I shall. "2… don't ever presume to know me. I'm not weak. I plan to win."

I turned from him and headed to the archery station. I sensed rather than saw the male tribute weigh his options of spears, choose then throw the middleweight one directly at the target at the far end of the cart. Trying to make me cower from him? Really now, like he had any clue on how to do what I just did. Use hearing rather than seeing to survive. Basic survival skills; 2 never have any; they always rely on the Cornucopia for survival. As a response to his silent challenge, I notched the arrow. My breaths were timed to the rhythm of my heart. Shoot straight. Releasing the arrow, it shot straight towards the bulls' eye. Dead centre . As if I could get anything else. I was too good. Cato let out a low whistle. I turned sharply, seeing both Districts 2 and 1 standing by the station. The look on the female 1's face was priceless. Glimmer, I recall her name being. She stormed over and grabbed another bow. I raised an eyebrow; so she could handle a bow decently; her arrow had hit the outer ring of the bulls' eye. Not quite centre, nor a clean shot, but it was good enough. For a novice, my mind scoffed. In response, I notched another arrow. Careful not to let it pierce my previous arrow and looking in the direction of the careers, I let loose; it brushed against the first arrow, landing directly to the right of it.

Before Glimmer had a chance to retaliate, I replaced my bow. "Keep an eye out, don't think you would want to be shot, would you?" I chucked low as I whispered this. Leaving the careers behind, I returned to my cabin. Solitude was my friend, for only he understood truly the extent of my plans. Mass silence in the arena. These now had to be modified however; I was not the only one skilled with the bow in these Games, much to my displeasure. How humiliating would it be if she got to the weapon before me? I was determined to reach it first. No matter who got in my way, the bow would be mine. It was the one thing that influenced my position with the careers. The one thing that I could wield to successfully force them into following my lead.

I knew I had caught the attention of the careers. Whether they were impressed or threatened, I was yet to know.

That evening we arrived at the Capitol. Not speaking nor acknowledging those around me as the train slowed, I worked on slowing my breath. I was finally here. Finally on my journey to the Arena.

So many people were surrounding us as we stepped off the train. Too many people. Unknown faces. All wanting to get in with the spirit of the Games, all wishing for the honour of meeting a potential victor. Plastering a fake smile on my face; for really, what did these people know about whom I, District 12's female tribute, really was, the real value of my life – the other tributes lives were worthless in my own opinion; I took a bow amidst the standing ovation before I stepped down. The crowds took to me very quickly, which was fortunate indeed. If these people despised me like I did them, I had no chance of survival if I received too bad a wound. Anyway, this was the city every one talked of. The city where lives were made and destroyed. The city that I would enthral, to ensure my life.

We were ushered into a large building opposite to the station. This was where we would be prepared for the opening ceremony. Hopefully we actually had competent stylists this year. Once we reached the seclusion of our floor, I escaped into my room. Launching myself onto the bed, turning on music, I smirked up at the ceiling. Oh, how much fun I was going to have here. No one really had any idea of what was going to happen. And I was going to keep it that way, until the moment came where I would start more obvious power plays. The looks of surprise on my preys' faces would be so delicious, so tantalising, too much to resist. The next day would be the official start of the clamour for sponsors. And, so much to the unknown despair of the other tributes, they're going to be clamouring for me. I would ensure that.

My seclusion was disturbed as Haymitch, the drunk, knocked on the door. "Darling, we have to talk to you. It's never too early for tactics when faced with the horror of these Games." I sneered. Why would I willingly want to talk to them? Neither of them had a sliver of intelligence, nor ounce of cunning; except the mentor, though that surely must have deteriorated over the years; none of them were really worth my time. Yet, my refusal to talk to my mentor would be seen as an act of weakness, not wanting to co-operate with the Capitol to give them a good show in the Games. It would be seen as an act of refusal to go into the arena, punishable by death. Not something I wanted to do nor have happen to me, especially since I desired to actually arrive in the arena and compete, pitting my skills against those of the careers. Grudgingly I opened the door, where Haymitch grabbed my arm to drag me to the table with Mellark, Effie and two whom I presumed were our stylists. "Get off me, drunk. Have I given you permission to touch me?" I barked. He visibly flinched. Good, it scared him. Just as I intended it to.

"Well, don't you wish to know the early stages of our tactics?" I rolled my eyes. "Not really. I'll make my own way in the Games, without any stupid tactics." Not expecting a reply, I started to walk away. "Sorry darling, you have no choice. I can hold you in contempt." I stopped abruptly. Now that was just low. Bringing out the contempt card this early? Doesn't even give them a chance to test my restraint, nor my personality, both of which could ruin these 'tactics' of theirs. Probably playing favourites in favour of Mellark. And so their ignorance and favouritism only served to infuriate me even more. I had no choice but to go along with their plans. Yet… I could just pretend to be ignorant myself of any newly developed tactics, once I arrived in the arena. They would have no control over me there. "So, what are these oh so wonderful tactics then?" I think only the male stylist noted the sarcasm. "For now, you're forbidden to go near your strengths in the training field when you arrive in the centre two days from now. The rest will be revealed the day of the interviews."

That. Was. It? How on earth did that require me emerging from my room? I scoffed. "That's it?" They nodded. I sneered at them. Idiots, the lot of them, though the male stylist interested me. I turned on my heel and stormed into my room. So, I was forbidden to reveal any of my strengths. I could play that. No one else knew my strengths, only I did. Haymitch was counting on us being truthful and loyal, so I combat that through lies.

Lies would be my ally within these Games.