[[I do apologize for the delay and this awful chapter, it's been crazy!]]
The next few days carry on like the first. I wake up and shower, put on the same uniform, and head down to the training center. I find Stefan and we make our way around the area. I spend various amounts of time with weapons I have already mastered. Stefan does the same. I find my favorite to be the knives.
The ones they provide are lighter here, in the Capitol, they are easier to throw. I smile when I think about using them in the arena. Stefan continues to work with the axe. After each day, we return to the second floor. We eat, talking about the events we liked that day and then return to our separate rooms. I shower, dress for the night and sleep.
I wake up and remember what today is. We are going to be scored by the Gamemakers today. I close my eyes again, trying to calm my mind down. I find myself nervous, my stomach in knots as I try to plan out what I will do. A light knock on my door brings me back and I throw the blankets off my body.
"I'm coming." I tell whoever it is. I grab my uniform from the hook on the wall, it smells clean, fresh. I slip it on and head to the door, opening it and I make my way to the dinning room. I eat a quick breakfast, nibbling here and there. My stomach is still in knots and I decide to not push it with a big meal.
Before I even realize how much time has passed, Stefan and I are being ushered to the waiting area. We sit in order of our Districts. In no time at all, I find it is my turn to be scored. I hear my name being called by a robotic voice. "Quinn Fabray." I stand and walk through the doors.
The area is clear and on the side, closest to the Gamemakers, I see a table covered with weapons. I also see a table with ropes and various survival needs. I turn my attention towards the Gamemakers and announce myself. "Quinn Fabray, District Two." I close my eyes, taking in a small breath.
Advancing towards the table, I reach for the knives. I carry a few with me, making my way back to the center of the room. I steady my nerves as best I can and with an exhale, I throw my first knife, hitting the dummy square between the eyes. My next throw, I turn my back towards the dummy, whipping around fast as I release it from my grip. It lands in the neck, this time.
I do this a few more times before I return to the table, grabbing a rope. I tie a few knots and demonstraight my 'talents' to them. When I am through, I nod in their direction and wait until they dismiss me.
When they do, I turn and walk out the door. I give a slight smile to Stefan as I pass him, hearing the same robotic voice call his name. I can only hope he does well. I make my way to our floor and I wait in the living room area.
I find myself dozing off when I am shaken. I open my eyes to see Stefan smiling over me, along with the rest of our team. Pepper turns the screen on the wall on and I can see Caesar appear. He begins to go through the districts and telling Panem a little about us. Mainly, he just says our name, our District and flashes an image of us.
I am nervous when he begins to announce the scores. The girl from One, I remember her name was Katherine. She receives a 9. The boy, Dave, receives a 10. They get to my name and I take in a breath, not bothering to exhale. I watch as my face appears on the screen and I hear them announce my score as a 10. I exhale and I can hear the cheers from the people in the room. Stefan receives a 9 and I feel confusion cloud my mind. Surely he did better than me. Something must have happened.
The rest of the scores are lower, some by only a point, others are almost embarrassing to have.
We eat dinner and I am reminded of the day we have tomorrow. Caesar will interview us one by one. It will be our chance to win over the crowds of Panem, to let them know about who we really are.
I eat quickly and excuse myself, making my way back to my room.
I hear my name and I turn to see Stefan making his way to me swiftly. He congratulates me and hugs me, again. This time, his hand lingers on my lower back even longer and I fight back the feeling of comfort, of wanting this. I pull myself away, as gently as I can and I exit to my room.
I cannot be feeling this, I cannot be feeling this heat, this comfort Stefan gives me. Not now, not when we are both going into the games. It can't end well, it won't end well.