Phoenix Rise
Chapter 16: Alliances are never easy
Siobhan POV
Darius. The Peacekeeper who was one of District 12 favorite was now an Avox. Darius the man who tried in attempt to stop Thread from flogging Gale to death was here. I took a deep breath, taking this information in. Purina said Darius was returning home for better medical attention after the insistent. Now I know it was a lie. Gale stiffens after he looked at Darius, almost like he saw a ghost. It was common for these two pick on each other. How Darius would flirt on Katniss or me at Greasy Sae's shop in the Hob, to trade a squirrel or rabbit for a kiss. It was quite hilarious to see Gale perch his lips and scowl at the red Peacekeeper behind his back. But now… this was low. Even for President Snow.
Dinner was tense when Gale and I came out in fresh clothes. We tried to avoided staring at the red Avox Girl and Darius through our meals while the grown up discuss about the ceremony. Suddenly my nose itched from suppressing the pain of sympathy that I sneezed so hard knocking my glass of sparkling cider over. It spilled all over my meal and dress, instantly the Avox scrabble. Darius ran over cleaning up the cider while my mind was frantic that I picked up the glass and handed it to him. Our hand touched for a moment, they felt cold.
"Sorry," I mumble grabbing a napkin to help.
"That isn't your job, Siobhan!" Effie scold that I stop my action and let Darius finish cleaning the table. Although, I spotted a small smile for a second along with a wink. If I could, I would have rolled my eyes from such humorous behavior. Not anymore.
After we finished eating dinner, we enter the sitting room to watch the recaps of the ceremony. However, Gale and I weren't interested. In fact once it was over, we thank Cinna and Portia for their amazing work and headed to bed. Gale grabbed my arm in the hallway. One look said it all. Nightmares. So with a short nod, we departed to change and get ready for bed. Once in my night gown, I knock on Gale's door and enter. He lay on the bed, scowling at the window of the Capitol. Last year I was amazed by the architecture. Now…it looks like nothing.
"Sio…" Gale whispered. "It's my fault."
Shaking my head, I remove my artificial leg and joined him on the bed. He wrapped his arms around me, squeezing me tighter to his form, inhaling my scent to calm him down.
"It's not," I murmured. "Darius chose to interfere. Though…the punishment was … unacceptable. Usually…it's without paid or suspension?"
Gale just nodded, guiding us to lie down and go to bed. I sighed; it was no use to assure Gale at the situation at hand. Darius was another guilt mechanism on Gale. I don't know how President Snow knew about this, but Gale is going through hell. Ones guilt turns to nightmares for him. So removing my medallion, I open the lid and let the music box play. Hoping, just hoping it would suppress bad dreams.
.o0o.
It didn't. Gale woke up from shock in his dream. Before I could ask him what's wrong, he ran into the bathroom to get a glass of water. Tire and full of sleep, I rubbed my eyes to see it was seven o'clock in the morning. Training would be in three hours. So with a stretch, I grabbed my prophetic leg and attached it. A slight tingle this time, for Dr. Greene adjusted the electromagnetic charge that contact to the seal cap. When Gale came back he stared at the leg and scowled.
"So was it the ROUS or Thread?" I asked changing the subject. He still blames himself for not helping me in time before the Mutts got to me.
"ROUS?" Gale asked.
"Rodents of unusual size," I announced. Dad used to read me this book about a fantasy world of adventure and true love. The forest swamp was my favorite with the ROUS. Including when Gale announced him having a dream of one of the tributes turning into a giant rodent eating his face off.
"Tongues," Gale shudders, lying back in bed. "I don't think I could look at a tongue again."
I quirk a brow along with a smirk. "So, no French kissing then?"
Gale looked at me confused before realizing what i just said. He gave a chuckle, it was deep chuckle like it came from deep within him, and presses his lips on my cheek. Suddenly pulled me closer to him, that I straddle his lap.
"I think I can make an exception." He murmured stroking my cheek.
His grey eyes where sharp like silver for a moment on mine. Then he leans in close, brushing my lips with his. I moaned which he grins and pressed his mouth deeper licking my lips for acceptance. I tensed at first unsure if this was unwise for we don't want things to get out of hand. But he holds my face in grasp, fingers tracing skin, and lost to oblige in French kiss, letting him slide his tongue in as we fought for dominance. I wrapped my arms around his neck, entangling my fingers into his mopped hair. We kissed like this for a few minutes before pulling out to breathe.
"Yeah," I breathed leaning in to kiss him only to push his chest and get out of bed. "But time to rise and shine sleeping beauty. Got to face the music!"
"Why are you so cheery?" Gale muttered in defeat. Guess I pour water on his ego and pride.
I giggle at his expression; he look like a kid told no. "Because, I can't wait to see Zeek!"
"You're joking?" Gale asked like I was crazy.
"Maybe," I murmured and stick my tongue out before dashing off to my room to prepare for the day.
It was day three of the Pre-Games. In other words, it was first day in training. We only got three days to make an alliance, upgrade our skills, and show no mercy. So far I met a handful of the other tributes last night. I kind of trust Johanna, even though she tried to undress me in public and stood naked. She has skills in manipulating people, the art of deception. Then there was Finnick. Although he tried to flirt with me, he knows his way around tough situations. Also his popularity adds a bonus to sponsors in the arena. But, how can I separate him from the other Careers. 1, 2, and 4 united each other for the past fifty years of Hunger Games history. I stopped myself shock as I enter the bathroom in my room. It happens again. Ever since last years, I've been getting these tactical plans of preparation.
.o0o.
"You're late," Haymitch snarled at Gale who came out of his bedroom wearing the issue uniform. By the dampness of his hair, I say he just got out of the shower recently.
"Sorry, Haymiss, had some sweet dreams and beautiful nightmares about mutilated tongues." Gale replied hostile.
Never understood the Haymiss part: only that it made Haymitch scowl at him and says, "All right, never mind. Today, in training, you've got two jobs. One, stay in love."
"Aren't we already," I mutter kissing Gale on the cheek to prove an example.
"And two, make some friends," Haymitch added.
"What," Gale snap. "Friends with them! Hell, I don't trust any of them. Its better we stay together."
I snicker, how strange. Wasn't last year like this? Gale, Haymitch, and I fighting over training strategies. The boys look at me saying zip it, then Haymitch glare at Gale. "But it won't be enough. You're going to need more allies this time around."
"Why," Gale asked. "Siobhan can easily do that with her connection with the careers. She can do the cult thing with them."
"I don't think that would work Gale." I replied sourly. "We're not dealing with teenagers who can be easily manipulated. Nor do I have the urge to protect any of them."
"She's right. And you're at a disadvantage. Your competitors have known each other for years. So who do you think they're going to target first?" Haymitch asked.
"The newbies. In other words us," Gale grumbled sarcastically. "Nothing can override the power of friendship. So why bother?"
"Because you can fight." Haymitch said to Gale then turn to me. "You're popular with the crowd. That could still make you desirable allies. But only if you let the others know you're willing to team up with them."
"You want me to be bounty hunter again?" I asked shock. "I was lucky enough to persuade Clove to make a cult. Not with experience professional."
"That's been our strategy, hasn't it? To train like Careers?" Haymitch counter. "And who makes up the Career pack is generally agreed upon before the Games begin. You barely got in to be a bounty girl."
Gale looks at me in distaste of my relationship with the Careers last year. How he had to find out through the conversation between Glimmer and Clove while they killed the girl from District 8 and he hid in a tree. Hey, what mom always said? 'How can you defeat an enemy without hurting them? By making them your friend': or in this situation, your allies.
"So Finnick and Brutus have to be on our team-that's whatya saying?" Gale growled. He truly didn't want to work with the Careers at all. Thinking they are loyal psychotic insane killers. Who were bred to kill and born to die. Also the whole Cato incident and the small jealous moment with Finnick last night. Oh, and let's not forget past memories of flirtatious Darius why don't we add.
"Not necessarily. Everyone's a victor. Make your own pack if you'd rather. Choose you like. I'd suggest Chaff and Seeder. Although Finnick not to be ignored," Haymitch said. "Find someone to team up with who might be of some use to you. Remember, you're not in a ring full of trembling children anymore. These people are all experienced killers, no matter what shape they appear to be in."
Gale slammed his fist on the table, standing up and grabbing an apple. "Fine."
He stormed off heading into the sitting room to wallow in his thought. Is it me or is history repeating its self again? Except Haymitch was right. Though I hate to admit it, but we need to know who to trust. Although, when he mentions district 11 tributes, I couldn't help but think of Rue and Thresh. If history is being manipulated this year, then it would happen again. Also Seeder was Rue's mentor. She had been kind to me last night on information's about the family. I don't know I can bear to see her dead again.
When I finished eating my stew, Effie waltz in early to escort Gale and me to the training room. Though Haymitch refuse such actions for we were not kids who need babysitters. Effie baffle for words, instead lead us to the elevator. When the metal doors shut, Gale and I couldn't help but laugh to that. It was happening so fast, only faster to meet O' Death. After a short ride down, there was hardly anyone there. I took Gale's hand which he gave a small squeeze. We spotted Brutus and his partner Enobaria was present. I shiver looking at the beautiful thirty year old woman. How in her game of combat, she bite a tribute throat out with her teeth. Famous forth stunt, her teeth was altering cosmetically to be sharper like fangs, cover in gold with diamonds imbedded. Creepy to the underdog district but popular in the Capitol.
Not even half the tributes arrive when ten o'clock came around. Atala, the head trainer begins her speech, unchaste by the lack of tributes. "No fighting with other tributes, you'll have plenty time for that in the arena. My advice is, don't ignore the survival skills. Twenty-three of you will die. One will not. Who that is depends on your ability to anticipate. Everyone wants to grab a sword but lots of you will die of natural causes. Ten percent from infection. Twenty percent from dehydration. One year the arena was a frozen tundra. Six years ago it was a burning desert. Exposure can kill you as easily as a knife..."
As Atala continued her speech about the rules and stations. I spotted Zeek in his station with the Blowguns. He gave a slight smile and nods at me. Once Atala dismiss us, I kissed Gale on the cheek a suggested we split. He was okay with it, as he walked towards the spear station with Chaff and Brutus. I smiled deviant as I practically ran to the blowgun station.
"I see my favorite student is back," Zeek joke giving a high-five. I high-five back and grabbed a blowgun loading a dart. "I think you know what to do."
"Most definitely," I chuckle taking a deep breath and fire.
.o0o.
Gale's POV
As Siobhan went to Blowgun station I headed over to the throwing spears. Might as well take Haymitch advice and see where this goes. After chucking spears, I went towards the knot-tying stations. It was practically empty except for little old Mags. Her presences didn't seem much as a problem as I go through tying knots and clarified with the instructors. Sometimes Mags would shake her head if I made a wrong knot and stop me to show how it works. It was weird at first, but guess it beats listening to the Capitol accent all day. I mean, she's from District 4 and tying knots was one of their special attributes as was I and snares. However, when Finnick joined us, I got tense and glared at him. Him just smiling at me while manipulating the rope.
Can't stand him, I headed over to another station and practice on making a fire. It was easy since dad taught me how to use flints and steel but it helps make me relaxes a bit. Lost in thought of sparking charred cloth to find I had company. The tributes from District 3; Beetee and Wiress. They were struggling on a pair of matches. Couldn't blame them, being so old and stuff. Although these two have a history of intelligent, and I read about Beetee that fascinated me. Maybe they could be good use for an alliance. Better get some brains into the group, right? So getting up and sitting next to them I showed how to use matches and flints.
As they were practicing I glance around the gym. Siobhan was with the Morphling from District 6 in the camouflage station. The two addicts were painting each other while Siobhan painted her arm. When she was done, she walk to a tree and rested her arm on it making it blend to the bark. That's my girl. Although the rest of the tributes were awkward. Some were vomiting, Finnick and Mags were at the archery station, and Johanna Mason was naked again. Really, what's with her and being naked as she oiled herself up for wrestling.
Shaking my head, I hang with the smart people in the room. Wiress talking about her new invention that could help district eight fabric industries. Though she has the habit in dropping her sentences which Beetee had to finish and explain. I find it intriguing of these inventions, Wiress device that'll sense the destiny of fabric, ridiculing human error and Beetee music player that is the size of a speck.
"Do you have any similar backup in coal production this year?" Beetee asked as he examines me under his glasses.
"Just shortage for a few weeks when the new…Head Peacekeeper arrived." I answer, adding venom about Thread. "Lost two weeks of production. People were getting hungry or punish."
They looked at me curiously. Probably because we had no uprising. "Oh. That's a shame." Wiress said quietly with disappointment. "I found your district very…." As she trails off, distracted in god know what.
"Interesting," Beetee finished. "We both did."
I scoffed. How can they be interested in a coal mining district? No one has until last year and the time with Haymitch and the previous victor.
"I don't know what you can find interesting in twelve?" I replied.
They didn't answer, so we moved to the shelter station. Wiress stopped and gazed at the section where the Game makers and Sponsors were having a blast. "Look," she pointed out. I look at the direction she was pointing at the new Head Game maker: Plutarch Heavenbee.
"Yeah, so what?" I asked.
"There by the corner of the table. You can just…"
"Just make it out." Beetee finished looking at where Wiress was staring at.
When in Rome, I look closely at the table to see what caught their interest. Then I spot it. Some small space in the corner of the table that seemed to be vibrating. How it projects a thin mist haze like on a rainy day, making the area disoriented if you were paying attention.
"A force field. They've set one up between the Gamemakers and us. I wonder what brought this on," Beetee said.
"Guilty," I announced rubbing my neck. "Kinda shot an arrow at them last year during my privet session." Beetee and Wiress looked at me in disbelief. I shrugged, "What, I can get provoke easily…so do force field have a spot like that?"
"Chink," Wiress said vaguely.
"In the armor, if it were," Beetee finished. "Ideally it'd be invisible, wouldn't it?"
This fascinated me. When lunch came around and I search for Siobhan in the cafeteria. She was hanging out with a handful of victor, seeing her laughing away with Johanna and Blight. As Cashmere and Gloss the sibling from District one joins in as Cashmere pointed at her medallion. Girl talk. With Cecelia and Seeder. I couldn't help but smile in seeing her like this. She barely had fun at lunch time when at school since her schedule lunch was with Katniss and Madge who hardly talk unless I join the feast. So not bothering the fun feast for her, I decided to join lunch with Beetee and Wiress. Need to know more about force fields.
"Yo Gale," Siobhan called out as she joined me at the food cart. "How's it going?"
"Fine. Hanging with District Three victors." I said. "Wiress and Beetee."
She chuckled, "Nut's and Volt's. Sorry, there's a joke on them or at least what Johanna announce. Think maybe they're useful?"
"Brains are better than bronze, Sio," I counter. "Though you and naked oil girl." As I wiggle my brows for a joke.
Siobhan blushed before slapping me in the arm hard. "Juvenile pervert."
"You love me anyway, "I smiled triumph. "who do you think is acceptable?"
Siobhan sighed grabbing a glass of ice tea. "I got District one attention and district four. But Two is being stubborn, since they keep looking at my leg. Johanna seemed interested in working with us along with Blight. Including Seeder and Chaff."
"And you got all this in two hours," I asked seriously.
"No, I'm just that popular," She sarcastically replied. "It's strange, every station I been too, somebody is there and want to be my friend. I mean District 6 was all hippies on me, suggesting painting my body. Spent the pass twenty minutes in the climbing station to hide. But you can't hind from a lumberjack. Funny how Blights name after a tree disease?"
"Yeah, funny," I said disappointed. She wasn't getting information we needed. The battle strategies or who's good with what weapon or weakness.
Siobhan noticed this. "What wrong?"
"Everything," I answered. "The Game's, Darius. Haymitch forcing us to make allies. It's not how I roll."
"You know it can be just the two of us." She said hugging me from behind. "I can try to do the cult thing again with the girls. Manipulate the conversation and whatever."
I take her hand and squeeze it. "I know, but maybe we should try Haymitch plan. Add Seeder and Chaff to the team?"
"I don't know," Siobhan whispered letting go of me. I turn around to see she was upset a little. "I don't want history repeating itself."
Before I could comfort her that it won't. She grabbed her tray and put on a smile. "C'mon, eat with us."
So I did and join the table Siobhan was at. It was strange to be here with most of the Careers and adults who I hardly know. Once lunch was over I stayed with Siobhan and we spent the rest of the day together training. We made some hammocks, relearn edible plants and bugs, that I gross her out by eating one. She turns green and I shoved a bug her mouth that she ran to the bathroom puking it out. Funny that she eat pine needles instead of bugs. She got her revenge at the slingshot station by shooting paintball at my back. It hurt but I deserved it. Afterwards was the sword station and Enobaria was there. A few exchange comments between the girls but guess there's no point in this.
Though Finnick had to join us in the fishing station. He kept asking Siobhan what her secret was. Hell, he even asked me. I for one don't know all of her secrets than I used to. The Underwood's weren't very social able until Liam and Mark. And going into their basement full of artifacts proved they are discreet. Also Katniss mention about Siobhan telling her that her ancestor was from the Capitol. Explains the eyes most definitely.
"Wanna shoot," Siobhan said.
"What?" I asked.
"Shoot," she repeated nodding her head towards the archery station. "My fingers inches."
I shrugged and got up from the fake pond and we headed towards the Archery station. The Trainer Tax saw us and shook his head that he knew sooner or later we would show up. Said Siobhan take the standing targets while I shoot the fake bird. We grabbed our bows and smirk; this was going to be good. When Tax gave the signal we fire our bows. I miss a few times, since Katniss was good at air strike but I got the hang of it quickly. As Siobhan kept getting bull's eyes or close to them on the ten target. We forgot about everything and imagine the forest. Siobhan humming a happy tune like she always done to target mockingjay when hunting. We ran out of arrows, I noticed that it was too quiet. Silences were never a good sign in a public area. Siobhan tapped my shoulder and I turned around to see a majority of people watching us.
"Think we got their attention?" Siobhan whispered deviant.
I smirked. "Yeah, we got their attention."
.o0o.
"So at least half the victors have instructed their mentors to request you as an ally." Haymitch said pouncing at me. We just got back from training and waiting to have dinner. "I know it can't be your personality, sonny."
"They saw us shoot," Siobhan said. "How we shoot for real in blowgun, slingshots, and archery."
"You two are that good?" Haymitch asked us. "So good that Brutus wants you?"
I shrugged. "Screw Brutus. I like District Three."
"Of course you do." Haymitch sighs. "And you missy?"
"District Seven and Four." Siobhan answer. "They hold a better advantage physically and…mentally."
I snorted out laugh which Haymitch did as well. I can see her point on physically with Finnick and Blight. But Johanna was mad and Mags was old. Though Haymitch patted her shoulder saying good choice and such before adding "I'll tell everybody you're still making up your mind."
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Hope you guys like the chapter. I got two reviews that convince me to write a chapter. If I get another two reviews and so on their will be more.
Also don't forget to vote for your favorite dress for Siobhan to wear at the interview. Check my profile to see the dress under Whispering fire/phoenix rise. Better hurry, we are very close to the interview.
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