Princess of the Sea

By: CyanideMuffins7

Chapter 5: The Cake is a Lie

Disclaimer: I own nothing of the Hunger Games, the trilogy or any of the characters Suzanne Collins has created. I only take credit for the characters I have created and the plot I have made.

I couldn't sleep after what I had began to think. I have to fight against Hei. This entire time I've been thinking about the arena, trust, and the Capitol, when I should be thinking about what was in front of me the entire time. Hei is going to kill me, definitely. I can imagine Hei being the last one standing at the end of the Games. Then he would walk away, without having a guilty conscious. He enjoys seeing people suffer, if anything he's going to remember his kills as an achievement. When it comes down to me and him, he's going to brag about my death to everyone back in District 4. Although I don't imagine Valentine ever taking revenge though.

Thinking about this seemed to have sped time, because I hear Finnick knocking on my door. Hei and I did push-ups, pull ups, sit ups, rocket jumps, and lifting weights. The work out left me pretty sore when we headed to the dining area. During breakfast, I revert my eyes from Hei and everyone else. Iza kept chatting away about something I didn't even care about. Our breakfast was light and fast, so Hei and I were sent down to the Gym of the Training Center where we joined the other eleven districts. A very fit woman stood on a podium holding a list with a very veiny hand. She began to read down the list of skill stations that were in the gym. On instinct, the Careers, actually anyone would head straight for the weapons. Once the fit woman, Singh, was finished with the list, everyone darted to the most promising station. Of course as I thought the tributes from District 1 and 2 have reached to the deadly weapons and began to show off their skills. Everyone else dispersed to some of the stations they are familiar with. I've already lost sight of Hei in the crowd; he probably reached the weapons without me noticing. What was the point in training a skill you already know? Thinking this, I decide to go to the skill station that I would probably most likely be using in the arena.

I head to the basic camp survival station and watch the instructor teach me how to make a fire, make a decent shelter from the elements, where to find water, and so on. The instructor was actually pretty nice. He had to help me a few times with the shelter and the fire, but I got it. After I was done, I scanned the gym for another station. But my eyes caught a boy with black hair, blue eyes and olive skin, the boy was the only one at the camouflage station. The trainer looked at him like he was an oddity. I tried to find the girl from 12, but I couldn't find her. My eyes then catch a blonde headed girl with brown eyes with knives in each of the intervals in her fingers throwing them straight into each of the dummies' throats. I think she was the tribute from District 1. I feel a slight chill as I keep my eyes on the throats of the dummies. In the arena, she could be deadly with those knives.

I pried my eyes from the dummies to find another station to my liking. I go to the element station where the instructor was teaching me, and I think the girl and boy from District 5, and the girl from District 11, how to prepare ourselves against the unbearable heat, to the freezing cold, or the blustery wind, or even how to handle ourselves in the rain. She was actually pretty informative. I liked her. She was nice. I think her name is Sunny.

Even though it's been about a few hours, the Gamemakers finally came in to watch us. I noticed them observing our movements, our skills. I also noticed that most of the Gamemakers were focusing on the higher districts, like 1, 2 and 3. The ones that show more promise. The Gamemakers didn't even glance at me.

I was invisible.

When we were released to eat, I felt like I was back at school. I sat by myself at my own table. As I ate my soup, I took note of my enemies as I observed the other tributes. The deadly District 1 girl was sitting among the boy from District 1, the tributes from 2, and the tributes from District 5. The girl and the other tributes were discussing something, with smiles. I then noticed the tributes from 6 sat by themselves, same with 7, 3, 8, 9, 10, 11, and even 12. The girl with blonde hair and blue eyes from District 12 seemed to be furrowing her eyebrows at the boy with the black hair and scolding him all the time while he seemed to have no care in the world. Strange pair. Although, I guess that makes 4 the only Tributes who are sitting individually by themselves. After eating, we went back to the Gym and went back to Training. I still couldn't find Hei among the crowd of deadly people.

After training, we went back to the 4th level of the Training Center, worked out, ate dinner with Iza and Finnick, retired for the night, and the day repeated. Once we dispersed again in the Gym, I decide to head to the camouflage station. The instructor was very mellow and patient with me as I attempted to use berry juices to dye a piece of clothing.

"Don't use those colors if you're going to camo clothes." I jump slightly to the voice that was right next to me. I look over to see the boy from District 12 taking piece of fresh clothing and taking the dark muddy looking colors then painted the piece of clothing at a fast pace. My eyes widen to how quick he does it, and once he was done, he showed it to me, "Like this."

I quickly turn the piece of clothing over and used his camo as an example. Once I was done I showed it to him, "Uh, like this?" Once he saw my slightly crude work, the corner of his lips curved upwards like he was impressed. His smile was oddly comforting. That is until he wrapped his arm around my neck and hugged me, "You were taking too long figuring it out, so I wanted to help a friend out!" he said with glee.

Was this guy for real? He seemed like the loner, odd type of guy that no one wanted to be around with. But through just this one action he was immediately connected to me. It was like we were friends for years. As he held me in his grip, I felt like he was going to crack my neck. I guess the games would be one tribute short to start. The instructor noticed I was losing air as we speak, "Uh, I think you should let the poor girl breath." The boy looked at me then let go of me embarrassingly. I quickly gasp for air once he had released me, "Oh, sorry about that." He said awkwardly. I guess this was the reason no one wanted to be around him. I tell him it's ok, but he acted like he did something unforgivable. He had walked away from the station without any other word.

I shrug it off and try to find another station. By the time it was lunch, I learned how to throw knives, what plants and berries were edible, how to find and make medicine and to camouflage. When I got my meal I sat down at the same table as I did yesterday. I glance around the other tables to check their status.

I realize the higher district tributes were the soon to be Careers. The girl from 1 seemed to be pulling some people aside and eating with her. I heard around that her name is Lena. I noticed the two tributes from 6 were there and even Hei.

Of course he would join the Careers. Lena must like his psycho personality, or his killer skills. It's not a real question why Lena hasn't talked to me. Hei probably turned her the other way by saying I'm useless, or stupid, or anything to not recruit me. Plus I haven't really done anything to catch anyone's eye yet. I've just pretty much been going from survival station to station, not really picking up a weapon. Anyways, I don't even want to join the stuck up Careers. Joining the Careers is just what the Gamemakers would want me to do. I might as well give them a twist and go on my own.

I go back to finishing my soup off. I then move my fork over to the little slice of cake I got. Wait, this isn't cake. It looked like solid liquid dyed blue. How can that be? I take a bite of it to taste the bitter taste of some sort of berry. This was definitely not cake. The things in the Capitol were very strange.

"It's called gelatin."

My eyes pry away from the lie of this pastry, and to a young, small girl with dark brown hair and hazel eyes leaning into the table, staring at me. If my knowledge was correct, she was the girl from District 3. I had seen her around with the other boy from District 3 most of the time, but she seemed bored with him. I guess that's why she's talking with me. But even before I can greet her, she automatically takes a seat and begins chatting.

"It's actually good. My Grandma used to make some for me whenever I would visit her. I've been watching you and the boy you came with. You look different than him though, I don't know what District you're from?" She manages to say in one breath before she took a bite of her own gelatin. This girl loves to hear herself talk doesn't she? I make sure she's done talking before I can answer, "I'm from District 4."

The variety of people in 4 is actually quite vast, depending on what part you're from. People who live in the fishing business have bright colored hair with blue or green eyes and tan skin. People who sell goods in the markets have brown colored hair with slightly paler skin while people from the wharf neighborhood, which is where I'm from, have darker appearances. They have darker hair, darker skin and darker eye colors. Hei's parents had the look of the Wharf people but his parents were considered to be a part of the markets. My dad actually had the look of the fishing business, except his hair was of a bronze color. But my mom had peach colored hair and green eyes like mine, and she didn't come from any part of the District. It was as if she had fallen out of the sky and landed straight in District 4, well that was how Dad put it.

"Oh yeah, I think I saw you in your mermaid dress with the other District 4 tribute. It was so pretty. I was dressed in working circuits. I don't think they know it's dangerous. What's your name? People call me Coda." She said cheerfully as she began to take full bites of the "cake". When I introduce myself, she goes on about how training was going for her.

I was actually listening to her babble on and on, even though her rants reminded me of when Iza would be speaking at the dinner table. I learned that she knows how to harness electric currents using some sort of metal and use it against opponents. She said her mentor had taught her that and more. Her mentor is actually teaching her tools of the trade, while Finnick is building me and Hei to the challenge. Judging by Coda's thin appearance, she probably never ran more than a mile before tiring out.

Coda kept talking until we were called back to the Gym. Even then, she followed me around to each station I went to, while chatting about. Once the training session was over, she followed me all the way to the elevator and was smiling once I shot up to level 4.

I didn't want to question Hei about Lena. I knew I would get nothing from him; all he would do is avoid the question. I decide to keep my mouth shut. We worked out, ate dinner, went to bed, and it was the next morning, worked out again, ate breakfast then headed to the Training Center.

Since it was the last day to train, I decide to head to the stations I was proficient in already, just to brush up my skills a little meanwhile Coda lingers behind me. I try to ignore her, but once my eyes met hers, it was like sneezing when there was a jabberjay nearby. She instantly talked about what she had last night for dinner, and what she did this morning. The whole conversation went on until we got to lunch. That was when they called the District 1 boy, Magnus Liken first. They were starting the private sessions already, starting with the first District. After Magnus was done, Lena went into the Gym solo.

"I can't wait until I go up! I plan on using the Tasers they had and frying the dummies with it until they catch on fire!" Coda excitedly said while her eyes widened in anticipation, "What do you plan on doing?" She asked while finishing off her stew.

Shoot. That's right, what was I going to do? In order to ensure I get Sponsors, I'll need to impress the Gamemakers. But what was I going to do? I'm just glad I'm thinking now though, I can't imagine myself heading into the Gym then just standing around like an idiot. I could probably use some of the spears they had and stab some dummies, but that wouldn't be so impressive. But it's the only thing I can think of now.

"I'll see once I get there." I simply respond as we watch Lena leave the gym with a grin across her face. Something about that grin makes me want to throw the gelatin at her. They continue calling names until they reached District 3, "Alma Braun." The echoing voice announced in the mess hall. Coda stands up and stretches her tiny body with a smile, "Wish me luck!" She said as she skipped to the Gym. I wish I had enough confidence like Coda though. I don't think I can handle having to prove my worth to people who will probably use the whole arena, and tributes against me. But Coda doesn't seem to have a problem with that.

After Coda left the Gym, It was District 4's turn. I saw Hei make his way down to the Gym, while Coda joined me. I wonder what Hei was going to do? Probably wrestle down those dummies or use those knives. I turn to Coda, hoping to get my mind off it for now, "How did you think you did?" I ask while I feel my nerves jerk slightly to the anticipation. But Coda doesn't answer; she just kept her head down. I repeat the question, then she looks at me, "Oh…I don't think I did well. Not enough to get a 12 though." She said while avoiding eye contact with me. I can't reassure her that she did great when I wasn't there to watch her. But I felt like I should say something to her. Suddenly, my name saved me from having to say something.

My name is called and I head over to the Gym. I take a deep breath, and then entered. The Gamemakers' eyes were on me, but I had my eyes on what I could do. I look at the weapons rack, seeing bows, axes, spears, a small collection of knives and a metal rod that split off into to other directions. I guess that was the Taser. I decide to head to the spears since I could not think of anything else I can do. I take about six since I was going to target the dummies individually.

I dump the spears next to me and pull out one to target the row of dummies with. Suddenly, the dummies began to move. Each dummy went into a different direction at a different speed. I guess this wasn't going to be so plain after all. I watch the dummies one by one. I then picture myself standing in a stream, feeling the cool water brush past against my ankles while my feet stood on the small pebbles. The dummies faded into fish swimming around my feet and in between my legs. I position myself, followed by me throwing the spear straight at the fish. I felt the excitement I used to have whenever Dad would take me out to fish, and I didn't want to stop. I quickly pick up another, waited for the moment and struck the fish again. It was actually becoming fun. By the time I attempt to pick up another spear, there wasn't anymore and the images of fishes faded back to the dummies. They slowly came to a stop and I see my spears have pierced right through the dummies heads. I want to look up at the Gamemakers, but I need to pretend this is what I intended. My eyes remained on the dummies as the Gamemakers whispered to each other. They then dismissed me and I left.

But once I exited the gym, I didn't know where to go. Coda went back to the mess hall, maybe I should head back. I turn to the hall to my right, then my left, then back to my right. Great, now I'm lost. I look around to find at least an elevator, but instead I find a man with snow white hair and blood red eyes who was about Finnick's age, was standing at the end of the hallway, staring at me wide eyed. By the way he was dressed, he wasn't a Tribute, so he probably was an Avox. Well, one way to test that out, "Do you know a where an elevator is?" I ask him loud enough so he could hear me. He just stared at me. Ok I guess he is an Avox. He looked to his left then back to me and gestured me over. I followed him down the hall and basically went back to the gym but kept walking down the hall, and finally reached an elevator. The elevator opened as I walked in, "Thank you." I say with a light smile.

I know I shouldn't be talking to an Avox, or else they will be punished. It's bad enough that they lose freedom and their speech. I probably shouldn't have said anything now that I think about it. But when I thanked him, his face seemed surprised, and I notice the faint red tint on his cheeks before the elevator shot up.

I hope at least I peeked a few of the Gamemakers' interest. Otherwise I'm doomed to be on my own. But Finnick told me not to worry too much about it since there were about two who were sponsoring me. I just hope they give me the right resources to outsmart Lena and Hei. Once I reach level 4, no one is around to tell me what to do, so I head into my room to do a few push-ups by myself to hopefully ease the soreness around my body and get my mind off everything. I count each time I went down and back up.

"40. 41. 42. 43. 44…"

A knock interrupted my workout and I drop to the ground lazily, "Come in." I said while managing to get on my feet. Finnick then entered my domain closing the door behind him. What was he doing here? Shouldn't he be with Iza or Hei?

"How did you think you did?" He said while leaning against the door. I'm not the judge on how I did. I'm not a Gamemaker. But when I was spearing those dummies was a whole new experience for me, "Alright. But it's not like I see myself getting a twelve."

To get a twelve will be a surprise. Getting a zero would be shocking really. But I doubt that didn't bore the Gamemakers enough to get a zero. Finnick nods understandingly, "What did you do that would impress the masters?"

I smiled slightly at "master", but make it fade. I had to remember my strategy. I couldn't tell Finnick that I speared "fish" with spears. If I did, he would most likely tell Hei about it and it would ruin my strategy.

"I just did some knot tying, that's all." I say as I began to stretch out my sore muscles.

Finnick didn't say anything for a while. I guess he knew I was lying, "The scores are necessary for the Sponsors and how the Gamemakers will see you throughout the Games. But other than that, they're not much of a big deal. So don't worry about it." He reassured in a strangely seductive tone. Whenever Finnick talked, it sounded like he was persuading me to bed with him or something, even if it's unintentional.

Silence was filled with a loud boom followed by a shock in the ground. I almost lost my balance until the ground stopped shaking. I look at Finnick, but I can tell he was just as confused as I was.

He left my room to see what was going on, but I stayed and just laid on my bed. I stayed in that position until the door knocked again, but this time I heard Iza's voice calling me to dinner. I leave my room and head to the dining room where Hei, Iza and Finnick were already sitting down. How do I manage to be the last one here?

As I take my seat next to Finnick, Iza began to chat about the other tributes as the food began to fill the table. Apparently, the big boom and rattling was actually the work of the boy from District 12. For his private session, he got his hands on some explosives and blew up a part of the Gym, which explains the giant boom and rattling in the Training Center. The Gamemakers didn't take him away though, they just dismissed him. I guess Lena will have her eye on him.

"I hope you two didn't cause too much of a stir in the Gym." Iza added as she took a sip of her beet soup. My eye briefly met Hei's until they look down to the soup in front of me.

"If we did, all the Gamemakers would be dead." Hei responded as he moved his spoon through the soup, not pulling the spoon out to eat the soup. Hei has pretty dark humor. By the look on Iza's face, she seemed petrified. But she continued eating her soup. I guess it was something Iza was going to have to get used to.

For once I was actually pleased with Hei since he got Iza to shut up the rest of the meal. It was actually peaceful eating with silence. Maybe I should try to use dark humor on Iza to get her to shut up. But she's already convinced that I'm sassy and willing to defy her.

Once we finish our meal, Iza leads us to the sitting room and gather around the television that was set up recently in front of the long couch while the other couch facing it was moved towards the wall. Right when we enter, Nex and Atris follow behind us and take their seats. I squeeze inbetween Finnick and Nex while Hei and Iza were sitting next to Atris. Since my talk with Finnick, I'm actually not too worried about the scores. I guess it took a while to settle in, but I actually feel like I can add Finnick to my trust list. It's reassuring to know that I at least have one person on that list.

The Capitol seal appeared on the screen, followed by the anthem. Once the anthem ended, they announced they would releasing the scores. It began with Magnus who received a six which was surprisingly low for a Career. Then Lena got a nine, probably skewered all those dummies with those knives of hers. Coda got a nine as well. When she came back, she seemed disappointed with herself. Judging by her score she must have got the attention of the Gamemakers, or the Masters. Then Hei got ten, which is expected of a Career. Everyone quickly congratulated him. Iza pats him on the back while Atris shook him a little with a bright smile. But the room then fell silent once my name and score appeared on the screen.

I got eleven.