I sat on a chair in uncomfortable silence as the train speeded along tracks. Being so close to the Capitol, we'd most likely arrive in the morning. Cato sat next to me, silent as well. His arms were folded and he leaned the chair back on its back legs. I cross my legs and rested my cheek on my hand, waiting and impatiently tapping my fingers.
Soon, the door before us opened and a tall, muscular man appeared in the doorway. Next to him was green-haired Vienna. He looked familiar and it was only a matter of seconds before I recognized our mentor. His name was Chase Alwin. He won the Games last year and was supposedly the most qualified person for the job. "Congratulations." he murmured.
Cato rolled his eyes slightly and looked pitifully bored. Chase was supposed to be intimidating, but had no effect on Cato. I couldn't help but giggle quietly.
"You!" Chase snapped, staring me in the face. "You're the one who took her own sister's place." he stated. He stared at me for a moment, as if examining me closely. "You're obviously deceptive with a cruel attitude… and an intense enough mind to kill." he realized.
"Your point?" I asked.
"You'll live long." he answered, moving on to Cato.
Was that some sort of compliment? Was it supposed to be threatening in some way? I was confused. All adults seemed to speak in riddles to me. I could never just take what they said and understand it. It always meant something else. Deciphering messages was a common occurrence. Because of thinking all this through, I missed whatever he said to Cato, but he was sure to be complimenting him.
"I take it you two don't really need my help, do you?" Chase asked.
I shook my head. Cato just sat there, giving off no signs. Already, I knew he was smart.
"So, I'll just be going. See you during interview training." he said. He turned and walked off. Vienna followed closely behind.
I looked over at Cato, who still managed to stay silent. I was tempted to speak to him and try to alliance myself with him. Yet, I didn't want to seem pathetic. Since I knew I was going to die, I just decided to suck it up.
"Hi. Um… It's Cato right?" I asked, stuttering slightly.
He just sat there, without saying a word.
"'Kay. Well, I've seen what you can do with a sword and I think we'd make a good team. You know… For the Games." I said.
Still, awkward silence was all that remained.
"I'm a knife thrower… in case Emerald never told you." I said.
"What makes you think I talk to your sister?" he replied.
It speaks! I thought. "Well, everyone loves her so I just assumed…" I began.
"I can't stand Emerald." he said.
"Really? You too?" I said. "That's nice to know." I added.
For once, he turned to look at me. I finally saw his face and instantly, I was more determined to befriend Cato.
"Yeah. She's just a bitch." he replied. I could see a small hint of a smile.
"So, about that alliance…" I began before he cut me off.
"No problem. You seem scary and worthy enough to work with me. Just be prepared to kill off some poor kids." he said.
Killing people? That's all? I'm not worried. My anger towards my family has built for years and taking it out of a few losers wouldn't be a problem. "Easy." I said.
Time passed since our conversation and night finally came. I was lead to my chamber in the train. The room was huge with a large canopy bed. The walls were painted a light, olive green with silky golden curtains. The bed was lined with golden sheets and pillows. The blanket was the same color as the walls. Surprisingly, it was a soothing color.
I lay on the bed, feeling as if I were falling into the soft mattress below my body. I felt relaxed and at ease. I reached my hand up to my neck, feeling the star-shaped metals of my mother's pendant. I soon faded into a deep sleep. Tomorrow we would prepare for the parade.