The Seventieth Hunger Games Chapter 3
Okay guys, I am so sorry for not updating for so long! I've just been really busy, but I'm back now, so I hope you guys enjoy this chapter. Let's go!
EAH HG GEEK: Thank you!
Lily's POV:
I woke up early in the morning. Nobody else was up yet, so I just showered, and got dressed. I wore a green shirt, black leggings, and black flats. I walked out to the dining room and saw a lot of food laid out. I wasn't hungry, but I took a plate anyway. I didn't want to regret not eating when I'm in the arena. I sat at the table with my plate and eat slowly, staring out the window. After a few minutes, Ethan and Haymitch walked out and each fixed a plate and sat down.
"Now," Haymitch said, "today is the first day of training. Do you guys have any special skills?"
I glanced at Ethan, not wanting to answer first.
"I'm okay with a knife," Ethan finally replied.
"Okay. What about you, Lily?"
I shrugged. "I'm a good climber. I'm agile, but as for weapons, I'm good with a crossbow."
"You're a good shot?"
"Yeah. I'm okay."
"Well, we don't want the other tributes to see your skills right away. Or they'll know what to expect from you in the arena."
"Okay," I said.
"Fine," Ethan agreed. "But, what about alliances?"
"That's for me to think about," Haymitch said.
"Of course it is." I muttered. "Nothing with that has to do with our lives is our own, is it? Not in this world."
Haymitch made a face. "Anyway, don't show the others your skills and don't cause any trouble."
"Why would we cause trouble?" I asked sarcastically. "It's not like we want to make enemies before the games even start."
I felt like trying to get under Haymitch's skin. I wouldn't be surprised if he was too busy drinking to find a sponsorships. If I'm going to win, it's not going be because of Haymitch.
Ethan and I walked inside the training center side-by-side. I looked around. There was survival stuff, weapons training, a gym, ropes courses, and climbing walls.
I glanced at Ethan. "See you later."
He only nodded in response and walked away, towards survival things. I slowly headed to the ropes course. When I got there, only one other girl was up there. She was pretty high up. Within minutes, I'd reached her. She turned slightly when I reached the part she was on.
"You're the girl from 12, right?" She asked. I nodded. "I'm Mal. District 6."
"I'm Lily," I replied.
Mal had shoulder-length brown hair and blue eyes. She looked only a little older than me.
"Is it just me, or are you avoiding your district partner?" Mal said.
I glanced back at the floor below me. I could see Ethan trying to make a fire. "He doesn't want to make friends. It'll just be harder in the arena."
"Smart boy. But I think it does help to have someone watch your back."
"Except there would always be a chance that they'd stab you in the back." With that, I let go of the rope and my harness carried me back down.
By the end of the day, I'd learned some survival skills, knife throwing, and I'd improved my aim with a crossbow. I now sat on the edge of the balcony, waiting for dinner. The only other tribute I'd talked to was Mal. She seemed okay and she wasn't a career. I wanted nothing to do with the careers.
"Lily, come to dinner," Effie called.
I stood up and walked into the dining room.
"So, how was the first day of training?" Haymitch asked.
"Fine," I replied blankly. Ethan said nothing.
"Well, the evaluations are four days from now. Following that is the interviews and the start of the games. For the evaluations, you'll be showing the Gamemakers your best talents and what you've learned over the last few days. They will evaluate you on a scale of 1-to-10."
"That'll be fun," I muttered.
"Lillian, this is the Hunger Games. Nothing is supposed to be fun."
I glared at him. "Yeah, but it doesn't help to be all depressed. If we want to survive, we can't concentrate on the fact that we're probably about to die. If we want to win, we have to keep our heads and focus on training. Yes, this is the Hunger Games, but acting like you're about to be burned at the stake doesn't help. Maybe that's what you should be telling us, Haymitch."
With that, I walked out of the room.
I went to my room and slammed the door behind me. I stared out the window and messed with my locket. It will be my token. I miss Peeta back home, but I don't miss the rest of my family. The only reason they'd be happy if I come home, would be because I would bring riches home. If I go home and get a house in the Victor's Village, I won't bring them. If I survive the Hunger Games, I'm not dealing with them anymore. They can go to hell for all I care. They don't love me. They love the girl that they want me to be. And I'll never really be her. Only Peeta accepts me for me. I will go back for him.
Day Two of training was almost the same. I mostly worked on archery. I wanted to try something new. I'm good with a crossbow, but a regular bow is not my strong suit. Ethan still refuses to say more than two words a day to me. I really don't care that much, but I mean, rude. I wonder if he'll be quick to kill me in the arena or if he'd let me go because we're from the same district… He's made it clear that he doesn't want friends, so maybe he'd kill me like strangers. I guess I won't matter. This is the hunger games. We're supposed to kill each other. That's the whole point.
Four days later, it was evaluation day. I sat in a chair at the back row and Ethan did sit next to me, but he didn't say one word. Being the tributes from District 12 meant we went last. When Ethan was called, he got up and muttered a "Good luck."
"You too," I replied quietly.
Ethan disappeared through the door, leaving me alone. Maybe ten minutes later, my name was called. I took a deep breath and walked into the room. Through a window that was higher up, I could see the Gamemakers. Most were eating from the table of extravagant food that was behind them. Honestly, do they really need food all the time?
"Lillian Mellark," I said. "District 12."
Seneca Crane looked down at me from the skybox. "Go on," was all he said.
I glanced around at all the things around me. Practice dummies, tables of weapons, ropes, targets. Anything you could want to demonstrate. I walked over to one of the tables and selected a dagger that was as long as a sword and was curved at the end. I'd been working on that weapon for the past two days and I was pretty good with it. I went over to a practice dummy and attacked it. By the time I was done, and practice dummy was far beyond repair. I put the long dagger down and went over to the table that held bows. I selected a black crossbow and turned to the targets. I aimed and took a deep breath. One of the most important things in shooting is being calm. If you're hyper or scared then your hand will shake and you'll miss your target. I took another breath a pulled the trigger on the crossbow. It flew straight and hit the bullseye perfectly. I gave a small smile. I show thing several survival things that I'd learned and when I was done, they dismissed me.
Later that night, I sat in the living room of the penthouse with Ethan, Tigris, Florian, Effie, and Haymitch to watch the scores. The anthem came on the TV and Caesar Flickerman announced the scores.
"Welcome everyone to the score announcements," Caesar said. "The scores will be on a scale of one-to-twelve, because of the Twelve Districts. Let's get started. From District 1, we have Tatia with a score of… 9 and Alec with a score of… 10. From District 2, we have Colleen with a score of…8 and Xavier with a score of… 9. From District 3, we have Evelyn with a score of… 7 and Austin with a score of… 6. From District 4, we have Zarah with a score of… 10 and Grover with a score of…. 10. From District 5, we have Piper with a score of… 6 and Theo with a score of… 7. From District 6, we have Malerie with a score of…. 8 and Cole with a score of… 6…" I stopped listening after that until he got to 12. "And finally, from District 12, we have Lillian with a score of… 10 and Ethan with a score of… 10."
"That's great!" Effie cried.
Haymitch nodded with approval.
"Well, done," Tigris said.
"Good job," Florian agreed.
Five days later, it was the day of interviews. Ethan and I had been working with Haymitch and Effie on how to handle ourselves for the last few days. My dress was white and gold with a very long train and my hair was left long. I waited backstage for my name to be called. Ethan stood a few feet away from me. He said nothing.
"You know, it wouldn't kill you to say something to me once in a while," I snapped.
Ethan studied me. "You look pretty."
I was slightly surprised. "Thanks."
Ethan's name was called and he walked out onto the stage. I watched from back stage. Ethan wasn't great at this. He was a little too quiet to the Capital's taste, but he didn't say anything bad. Caesar shook Ethan's hand and sent him off stage.
"At last but not least, please give a warm Capital welcome for Lily!" Caesar said.
I walked out onto the stage and gave the audience a little wave. Caesar shook my hand and we sat down.
"So, Lily, how are you tonight?" Caesar asked.
"I'm pretty good, Caesar. How are you?" I replied.
"Well, I'm still a little in shock of that 10 you got!" The audience applauded. I smiled. "Now, do you have a strategy for the games?"
I gave a coy smile. "Now, why would I tell you that? I can't let the other tributes know that. They're listening, you know." The audience laughed and applauded.
"Smart girl. Now, what would you say is your favorite part of the Capital?"
"Hmm… Probably the view from the roof of the penthouse."
"Oh, the one that overlooks the city?" I nodded. "Oh, it is beautiful. Now, Lily, do you have someone waiting for you back home? You're a pretty girl. Is there a boy for you back home?"
I laughed. "Sorry, Caesar, the only person waiting for me back home is my little brother." The audience awed.
"You have a family back home to fight for?"
"Well, I, um, I do have a family back home, but my youngest brother is the one I'm fighting for."
"Please, elaborate."
"Well, I don't have the best relationship with my parents. They're… Distant, controlling. Can I be honest with you Caesar?"
"Of course."
"My parents want me to be somebody I don't want to be, but if I make it out of this thing alive, I'm done pretending. My brother is the only one who lets me be me, so I'm going back for him. But I'm done playing my parent's "perfect daughter". If I can survive the Hunger Games, I can stand up to my parents. And if I die in that arena… Well, at least I'm free."
Caesar was tearing up and he put his hand over his heart. "That's beautiful. Let's give this brave young girl a round of applause!" The audience stood and applauded.
Caesar stood and so did I. "Lily, unfortunately, that's all the time we have, but thank you for sharing your story with us," Caesar said. "Good luck."
"Thank you," I said.
Caesar shook my hand and I walked off the stage. I met Effie, Ethan, and Haymitch backstage.
Effie gave me a hug. "That was beautiful, darling."
"Where did you come up with that?" Haymitch said.
I shrugged. "I just said what I've been feeling. I guess they liked it."
We went back up to the penthouse for dinner. I didn't say much that night, neither did Ethan. Well, Ethan never says much. Effie, Haymitch, Tigris, and Florian just talked about the interviews.
"So, the start of the games is tomorrow. Any last advice for us, Haymitch?" I asked.
"Remember your training," Haymitch said. "More than likely, they'll have whatever weapon you prefer at the Cornucopia, but do not go for it. It'll be farther in and it's the bloodbath. They're trying to draw you in. Grab whatever supplies are near you and run for the woods. Water is the thing you will need most, so find water as soon as possible."
"What if there's only one water source? The Careers will take it over."
"Well, then you'll need to find a way to get there, get water and leave before they catch you."
"Easier said than done," I muttered.
After dinner, Haymitch told us to go to bed. This might be the last good sleep that we get for a while. I ran into Ethan in the hall on the way to my room.
I raised in mock surrender. "I know, I know. You don't want to talk." I turned to go.
"Wait," Ethan said.
I turned back, slightly surprised. "Yes?"
Ethan held out his hand. I took it and we shook hands.
"Good luck tomorrow. I hope you don't die for a while," Ethan told me.
I nodded. "Thanks. You too."
With that, Ethan turned and walked away to his room.
"I will never understand that boy," I muttered.
I walked to my room and sat down on the bed. This is it- The day before it starts. I messed with my locket and stared out the window. I knew I should go straight to sleep, but I decided to go up to the roof first. It was calming and quiet. I snuck out of my room and went up to the roof.
I leaned against the ledge and looked out over the city. I wonder if I'll ever see this city again.
"Needed some quiet?" said a familiar voice behind me.
I turned. Finnick stood behind me. "Oh, it's you," I replied.
Finnick walked forward and stood next to me. "How are you doing?"
I raised an eyebrow. "Shouldn't you be asking the kids from your district that?"
"I did. But you're much easier to talk to."
"Really? You don't like your tributes?"
"Frankly, they're cocky little assholes."
I laughed. "They're Careers. What do you expect?"
"That's probably fair of you to say."
"Are you saying you were like that when you were a tribute?"
Finnick scowled. "No, I am not saying that."
"Hmm. I remember watching your games. Out of all the careers, you were probably the least horrible."
"Oh, thanks… I think." I laughed. "You should go to sleep. It might be the last time you can get a full night's sleep, believe me."
I sighed. "Yeah, I know. Assuming, that I'll be able to go to sleep."
"Yeah, that's the hard part."
"I should go," I said.
Finnick nodded. "Good luck, tomorrow."
"Thanks."
I went back to my room and put on my pajamas. I lay in bed and stared up at the ceiling.
"Okay, you know you need to go to sleep, self," I said.
I stayed awake for almost twenty more minutes.
"Ugh, you're not doing yourself any good by staying awake."
I rolled unto my side and stared out the window. The never-ending lights of the city twinkled in front of me. Eventually, I drifted off to sleep.
I met with Tigris the next morning. She gives me a simple dress to wear and takes me to the roof. A hovercraft comes and I step onto the ladder. A current holds me in place while the ladder pulls me up into the hovercraft. I was held in place while a woman in a lab coat injects the tracker into my arm. The ladder releases me and Tigris is retrieved from the roof. An Avox girl leads us to a room where breakfast has been laid out. I did eat a little bit more than a usually would. For some reason, I'm less nervous and more curious. Curious how far I'll make it…. Curious who'll be the most vicious…. Curious if I'll survive. I meant what I said during the interview. Dying in the arena is better than going home and pretending to be someone I'm not.
The hovercraft lands and we're in an underground tube. We go to a chamber for my preparation. Here, they call it the Launch Room. In the districts, they call it the Stockyard. The place animals go before slaughter. Everything is always new before each Hunger Games. I'm the only tribute that will ever see it. Capitol citizens like to vacation here. I have no idea why, but they say the food is excellent.
I shower and clean my teeth. Tigris French braids my hair down my back and then the clothes arrive. It's always the same for each tribute. The stylists have no say in the outfit. They have no better idea what it will be than I do. Tigris helps me dress in the undergarments, very lightweight black shorts, an army green tunic tank top, black belt, and very, very thin dark red jacket. The lightweight socks go are worn with soft leather ankle boots are very sturdy and built for running.
"It's all very lightweight clothing. Except very hot days," Tigris said.
I nodded and messed with my locket.
"How did you get that past the screening? I've never seen you without it," Tigris asked.
I looked up. "I managed to grab it before the prep team took away my old clothes. It doesn't have any secret weapons. It's my token."
Tigris just nodded. "Okay, you're ready. Move around a bit and make sure everything feels comfortable."
I let my arms swing around and walked around a bit. "It fits perfectly."
"Then there's nothing left to do, but wait for the call. Can you eat anymore?"
I did eat a small bowl of rice with some kind of stew over it and drink several glasses of water. If it's hot in the arena, I could use that extra water.
"You're not as nervous as I'd expect you to be," Tigris commented.
I looked at her. "I'm…. Not really that nervous, I'm just….Curious as to what will happen. I could survive this whole thing, or I could be dead in an hour. I just want which one it'll be."
"I've never seen a tribute as unafraid to die as you seem."
I kind of shrugged. "Everyone had to die at some point. It's not that I want to die, it's more like…. I mean, the Hunger Games is about people dying, right? So, either I'll make it or not. There's no use in crying and shaking over it. If I'm gonna beat this, I need to focus."
Tigris studied me. "I think that way of looking at this gives you an advantage. Half the tributes will be running scared and the other half are vicious killers. But you're making an effort to keep your head and think about this. I think you have as fair a shot as any, if not a bit better."
"Thank you."
The voice announces it's time to prepare for launch. Tigris holds my hand as we walk to the metal plate. I let go of her hand and stepped on, facing her.
"Remember what you've learned. I think you'll do better than you think," Tigris said. "Good luck, Lily."
"Thank you," I replied.
The glass cylinder lowers around me and I begin to move up. I hold my head high and wait for the darkness to end. The metal plate pushes me out of the cylinder and into the open air. The first thing I feel is wind and heat. It had to be at least eighty degrees, but very, very windy. The sun blinds me for a moment, but then I can see the other tribute on metal plates around me. I see Ethan several feet away, staring intently at the Cornucopia. The Cornucopia is filled with thousands of different survival things. Weapons, food, clothes, blankets, tent, etc. I swear I can smell salt water. We must be near the ocean. That can be good or bad. I hear the announcer, Claudius Templesmith, as his voice booms all around me. "Ladies and Gentleman, let the Seventieth Hunger Games begin!"
It's starting. The clock starts counting down from sixty. If we step off before the timer ends, the explosives go off. Fifty…. I have forty more second to go. I glanced around me and saw the ocean in the distance. Twenty…. Nineteen…. Eighteen… How is it almost there already? Ten…. Nine….. Eight….. Okay, Lily, get ready to run. I see some things close enough for me to get, but there are also more tribute that would go for it. Five…. Four…. Three… It's time. I think. Two…. One…
Alright guys, we have a cliffhanger ending here. I'm sorry for giving a cliffhanger after not updating for so long, but I couldn't help myself. I'm trying to get back to updating this story more often, so I'll try to have Chapter 4 up soon. Bye guys, - Lily