6
Training scores and words of wisdom
Two days pass quick and still Katniss has not said a single word to me since our last meeting in the training centre. I have only received brief looks that some what give off the impression she is attempting to work me out. What would be my reason to paint her the mockingjay? What does this symbolise? I cant begin to imagine the questions that roam her brain. I can see her ever second of the day, yearning to come and question me. Interrogate me on my reasons, but Haymitch seems to stop her before she does venture towards me and for her mentor, well I've received enough fierce looks from those not so fierce eyes.
Its day three of training. Which means its time to show our skills. Though I have no reason to do this, and have been given the option not too. I decide i want take up the offer. Perhaps I will get to be eye to eye with the far to nice gameskeeper. Today is the day i begin to show resilience. Though it wont be too noticeable until mid games. I'm going to stand up too the control the capitol seem to have on me.
The training centre is quiet today. A lot of the victors seem to be taking a steady practice, so i take this opportunity to finally remove myself from the camouflage and hunting sectors and begin my real practice. I walk past all career victors who seem to soften their faces at my passing by. I refuse to agree they are intimidated, but I can see the want in their eyes to have me as an ally, but the sore defeat that they know i will refuse the offer soon looms over them as they turn their backs on me. As I am walking through, passing the stations. My body seems to be lunged into a metallic, hollow wall. A female victor. Shes chosen to attack me in brilliant place as well, no way could any surveillance cameras or gamemakers see past the gigantic metal corner the holds first aid equipment.
I laugh at the fairly strong grip around my neck and the axe that she is failing to hide in her other hand. ''District 7... By any chance?'' I give her a smug look. She loosens her grip. ''How could you tell?'' Her eyes travel my body, scanning for any instrument that could harm her. ''Well if we ignore the axe you have in your left hand... Your rich aroma of mahogany was a pretty overpowering clue.'' I chuckle a little at my witty reply, I straighten out my top and meet her deadly eyes, that are pinned to mine. ''Tough crowd... Anyway what was with that shove?'' I turn to face the first aid and usher her to join me. I grab two rolls of grip tape from the shelf as she begins to speak. ''I didn't mean to be so... Heavy handed but talk has been going round about your so called camouflage skills.'' I nod, people are beginning to get suspicious of why i only train at the camo pod. ''Well anyway... Talk has also spread that you are the most demanded ally.'' Her word surprise me, I swing my head round to give her my full attention. She gives me a smirk whilst licking her teeth. I laugh, scratching the back of my in bewilderment... ''Me? The most demanded ally? Wow things have changed. Why has no one asked me yet?'' I lean my head on the hand. She looks around asif she has too much pride to answer this. ''Everyone's been, um well too intimidated to ask you.'' Her eyebrows tense into a frown. ''Well district 7 female... I would love to be your ally. But before we confirm this deal... Who are your current allies?'' I smirk as i peak round the corner of the wall, noticing two victors. It holds Finnick and Mags, but too my surprise i also spot Katniss who's eyes locked firmly on me.
''Johanna.'' She says rolling her eyes at me scanning the rest of the team. ''Well Johanna, its ever so lovely to be aboard your team.'' Her face takes a annoyed tone as she walks away. Nodding to the group who begin to sigh and get back to what they were doing before. Allies, at last. I watch as Plutarch's game helpers give me a approving nod. I continue sticking the grip tape around my hand and palm. Heading towards the sword combat. I stop just before the glass training room. Facing a metallic tray full with swords that size from big to small, sharpness to bluntness and weight. I pick up the silver, sturdy handle of a medium weight, golden tipped, large sword... The sharpest of its kind. I let it adjust to my hand by flipping it up in the air and catching it in the opposite hand as it whistles down.
I stand in the centre of the dimly lit room that holds a blue tinge. I begin simple breathing exercises before the simulation begins, allowing my mind to free itself. I forget all the happiness and blissful moments i treasure in my memory for just a moment and let my rage and hatred towards myself and the capitol bubble to the surface. I swing the sword gently around my thumb and hand just before i stop it facing downwards and launch in to the air. Hundreds of orange lit blocks scatter to the floor. I have no time to admire the 3D architecture of this simulation before another orange blocked figure heads in my direction holding a mace. I block the first swing and duck into the next, ripping a hole into its torso also sending it into a crumble. The kills keep coming with twists and rolls, stabs and slices, blocks and kicks. It ends all too soon and the lights begin to re-brighten. I regain my upright posture and head for the glass doors that, to my surprise hold my new allies behind them.
I head out the door into the crowded area where my new 'team' mates congratulate me on a good performance. I can just spot that angry careers disapprovingly shake their heads at my choice of allies. I ignore that vital warning call. I turn back to face the tributes that are patting me on the back. I grab onto the towel and wipe my face clean of any sweat. Just as i remove the towel away from my eyes, I am startled back by the figure of a bronze haired boy. Finnick stands just in front of me holding a hand to shake. I take it firmly, lifting up my eyebrow puzzled.
''Proud to have you as a ally Jasper, but i must speak to you before we enter the games... You know man on man.'' He chuckles a bit at his only words. Very vain of him. I take a seat and gesture him to continue. ''So as you know, Johanna has informed you of the whole ally thing... Yes? Well we are also looking towards getting Katniss on the team, for reasons i cannot say, but as we are not as gentle as you may be we were hoping to leave that up to you?'' He places his hand on my shoulder and smiles willingly. I squint my eyes in confusion but decide to nod anyway too his request. He pats me away ''Wonderful team work Jasper.'' How patronising.
I take my seat with the rest of the victors in a small, dull waiting room. I spot Katniss and Haymitch in full serious conversation. Eve is sat too my left forcing herself not to acknowledge me. I forgot all about Eve, I guess she cant be any harm on the team. I join Eve in the corner of the room and take a seat on the metal stool. ''How're the new allies?'' She still doesn't turn to face me. She's annoyed. ''I'm sorry I should of told you soo-'' She hushes me before i can speak any more. Doesn't move her head and begins scanning the room for Katniss. ''Its fine Finnick has already asked me... But its not that I mean Jasper. What we are all meaning to ask you is... Keep Katniss safe, for Panem.'' My mouth drops a little as i move my head to a line with hers. Katniss sits there with her head facing the ground in deep thought. Eve begins to talk faster now. ''A storm is coming Jasper... A very big one and she needs to lead it. She is our mockingjay. The victors have turned to you to keep her safe, it-'' I stop her from talking and notice the room getting less full. ''Why me?'' Guilt hits me quick, my hand grasps my neckline as begin to breathe quicker. ''We see the same hope we see in her...'' She begins to stand. ''Would Eve Ellis please position herself in the training centre.'' She begins to walk backwards out of the small room. ''In you Jasper.''She shout as she turns to pace of out of the room.
I lower my head in hatred for myself. She is right, I was such a peaceful boy. Now look at me. Her shout had managed to turn everyone's attention to my position. Katniss was staring at me with wide eyes. Guilt pours over my brain. I should be the one to get assassinated not this revolutionist. A girl whos hate for the capitol matches my own. My thoughts are stopped in its tracks whilst a echoed, speaker voice calls my name. All of a sudden I have no intention to go in there and show a skill instead i have every intention to speak my mind. I am over whelmed with anger. I position myself in the middle of the room with my head facing to the floor. Plutarch voice comes from behind the force field. ''Please present your chosen skill.'' My body begins to tingle all over from the ignorance in his voice. Violent shakes break loose over my body. Its not long before i can contain my anger. I hear crack of thunder boom from the clouds outside as i flip the metal tray besides me. I charge towards more trays and equipment and destroying it in my bare hands. Then the peacekeepers begin to approach me. I grab one of them by the neck and let a charge surge my body send him into electric fits. I feel a whole half of my body is shut down. They have turned off the lightening chip.
This doesn't stop me, I use every inch of strength i have managed to knock out the rest of the peacekeepers before a whole troop of them charge in and grab both my arms. They punch and kick me violently, even when Plutarch orders them to stop. They seem to carry on attacking me. I feel like im back in the justice building that day i volunteered. All bloody and bruised they drag me over to face Plutarch who seems distraught at my behaviour and the mess i am. I am slowly dragged out the training room. I bump them off me and limp my way over to the elevators.
I stop at the top floor. Here stands the only bit of freedom the victors are allowed. Its a small garden that gives a view of the whole of Panem. I wipe the blood that is protruding onto my face as bend over onto the railing. Im not waiting long till the elevator re-joins me and a figure walks out.
I turn to face a red eyed Katniss. She looks at me in shock. Before running over and wiping the blood from my mouth and eye brow. ''What happened?'' Her tone is serious. ''The Capitol happened.'' I turn back to face the view. ''Katniss...'' She joins me looking at he the mysterious streets below. Nodding a little.
''I want you as a ally.'' I let my hand pat the back of hers. She flinches but doesn't seem to move her hand.
