I do not own the Hunger Games.
Delaney's POV
I bit my lip, looking nervously around the training room. I saw District One's tributes, Ryden and Evangeline, throwing knives in the far corner. I watched each one hit the target with comfortable ease. My stomach lurched.
I turned my attention back to the station in front of me. I saw that District Four girl, Ileah, practicing swordplay with an instructor. I was no good at anything myself, but even I noticed she was shaky.
The trainer pressed the sword gently to chest. "Late."
Ileah put her head down, long beach blond hair falling to cover her eyes.
I looked away, knowing that soon enough, something like that would happen to me, no matter where I went.
I was a goner. No question.
"You look sad." A small voice said from behind me. I jumped in surprise before turning. The little redhead girl, Chaline, looked up at me. And I wasn't even that tall.
I cocked my head. "How old are you?" I asked, unable to help myself.
"Fifteen."
Um, okay. My guess was she was twelve. Honestly, I don't think I was only one making that mistake.
"You're still upset." She observed, watching me like a hawk.
"Are you not? Chances are I'm about to die."
She shrugged "Fair."
"Chal?" A voice called from across the room. Reno. District Two.
She shot a glance at me like You have got to be kidding.
I raised my eyebrows "Chal?" I asked, stifling a laugh.
She winced "My brother."
I nodded. She looked nervously in his direction. "I have to go."
I sent her a smile, but my heart wasn't in it. "Bye."
"Bye."
And that was it.
I watched Ileah again. I could tell she had excellent reflexes, and she was good, but it looked like she was trying to fake it. She hid it well, even from my over observant eyes and flawless memory.
I gave her a quizzical look, knowing full well she couldn't see it. What are you playing at?
I walked around the room before deciding on a bow and leveling it at a target.
And guess what?
I fully hit the target at least a foot to the right.
That might be a small problem.
Just maybe...