A/N: Hey guys, and we're back with chapter 3! I made this little bad boy to help you keep everybody straight.. lord knows it's helped me ^_^ Anyway, reviews, and votes on the poll that's up are super important as we get closer to the games. Any input on who you would want to sponsor, or like will help the characters in the arena! The early it happens the more it's worth to the characters help get's more expensive later on! Cookies for my lovely readers! (::)(::)(::)
Skills:
Spark: Small knives, swords, hand to hand combat, daggers, sex appeal, has limited knowledge with most any other weapon.
Aril: Sponsors, knots, quick, quiet, tiny, kid trident.
Castor: Knowledge of survival skills, quick, quiet, instinct.
Ash: Axe, hand to hand combat, knowledge in forest setting, good looking, climbing.
Mentor: Johanna: Pre-Games: (Mentor Floor)
While the kids go play at skills, it's our job to talk to the capital bilbos, and work our magic. Still Captial people are only allowed on the floor an hour into the training giving time for our mentor style collaborations to work, and I needed allies.
Immediately I walk to Finnick, not only does his tribute look promising, but he owes me. Besides I less openly despise him publically on a daily basis anyway. "Finnick," I cheer walking over to where he was furiously typing things into our mentor databases.
"Johana, what do I owe the pleasure," he purrs stopping. "You're boy Loki, does he have a plan for allies yet," I cut straight to the point.
Finnick runs his hands through his hair aggressively "Yeah, he wants to join the career pack, he and the person he wanted to volunteer with had a plan already," He cussed. We both knew that tribute planes never end well.
"Make him see the light! Haijlauh or whatever!" I growl angrily "My boy needs allies Ash can do it, he's a fighter this year," I pushed his chair aways from that frickin' touch screen table. "Everyone is pretty lethal this year Johnna, there's more foul play," Finnick sighed and tried to push past my arm. I knew that! He KNOWS I know that, but I can tell Ash will fight, he'll fight for his girls back home. Love's weird, Finnick and I would know more then anyone.
"He's a fighter," I repeat steamy, "Stop telling me things I know."
"Stop asking. I can't promise you my tribute against his 'plan' if he doesn't make it in. We'll talk." He bargained some of his charm oozing back in after he let some of his anger go. I grumble and sit next to him anyway, there were hardly any tributes to look at this year it seemed like everyone has already written each other off as dead, and so had the majority of mentors to tributes.
"Do you think you're has a chance Finnick," I ask suddenly, and Finnick looks at me liking at his lip from habit of seduction.
"They always have a chance, until you, or they stop trying. And I'm busting my butt on these two so they better," He smirked tapping on a new board. Two? Surely Finnick doesn't think the tiny little thing will continue living. She looked like- I don't even know, a tiny bird who lost her wings or something. She won't-
"What are you planning Finnick-" I start and his look stops me.
"I don't know," He whispers thoughtfully. "I'm working with hope," He sighs as I move on.
I really didn't know what we were up against, but Hazel just seemed like a nervous breakdown away from an insane asylum already, BEFORE the arena. She's not coming out sane, or alive. So that left me with Ash, he was willing and ready, and I knew Mr. charmer himself would do better with people. Sponsor will eat up his face once he gets an interview on him, just who to go with?
What could he do anyway, I mean he was built, but not insanely like Fierce. He showed me already he had to be handy with his axe, but to count on that alone.. You'd be insane. I think back to all the things I drilled him with after dinner.
*flashback*
"Why fight if you have no skill set," I hiss at him.
"I have skill set," he growls stabbing his knife expertly at the wall, but it doesn't stick. Definitely a sign from his confidence, and aim that he's used to an axe.
"I'm going to return my baby sister Wren- She- she needs me, they use her for tesserae trade," he growls. "And Henna- she wants me to return, I couldn't leave her, not without-" He rants but I cut him off.
"Look I get it, you have reason. Let's hope it's enough of one, once you're put in that cluster f," I snort shoving him off to bed.
*end of flashback*
We didn't talk much, but I can tell in the way he stands he's quick witted, like he's ready to make a decision. It's just want decisions to help him make, how can I get this boy home. Hear that Ash, I'm not writing you off yet. Neither of us have given up, and I think that just upped your chances by 10 fold.
D1 female: Spark: Pre-Games: (Training Center)
Of course being one, we were the first ones there. The kids cowering in group by group to stand for institution. The instructor talking crap about survival to the cowering children, that WON'T be in the career pack.
"In a few days, twenty three of you will be dead, one of you will be alive. Who that is tells us how well you pay attention, and how well you can execute actions over the next four days. Rules: First; no fighting with the other tributes, you'll have plenty of time for that at the arena. Next; There are four compulsory exercises, the rest will be individual training. My advice is don't ignore the survival skills..." she blabbers on and I smirk at a shaking tribute from 9. "You may start," She nods as Fierce and I saunter of the the practice dummies.
I grab my knives throwing them dead center every time was to easy, target after target, faster and faster until I worked up a light gleam of sweat. Smirking at the disembodied figurines on the floor, I go to swords, I had perfect slashes as lines, it wasn't hard on stilled creatures.
Moving was a bit harder for me, and swords, but I wield one better than 80% of the tributes from my district know the less. The majority largely held kids attempting to pick up something far too heavy for them to throw, and one or two rave ones throwing spears. I walk to the water cooler and let the crisp fresh liquid drain down my throat as I re do my perfect french braid.
I'm tempted to mention how my brother would have been doing the exact same thing here just a few years back, but I don't. Rule number one of the games, don't bring back dishonor, or lack of skill set you share a connection too.
"District four," Fierce whispers pointing.
District four seemed pretty deadly, while far leaner than Friece he towered over him by a 1/2 foot almost. Wielding a trident with career district like skill he chopped up bodies, with anger, and precision. I nod looking at him.
"Keep surveillance, 2's male of course too, female may be a pass if she keeps missing with that sword," I fervently add turning back to the dubie range, and use a capitol opponent for swords play. I mindlessly beat beat of the idiots without problems, and then take on two or three attackers at once, but that's as intense as they'll let me , that I will put their employees at risk. I go in line at the agility climbing coarse behind the little thing from district 4... this would be to easy.
"Hey there honey," I let my surgaryist one fill my voice as I bend down to her height.
"I'm Spark," I wink waiting for her to cower back, but she doesn't miss a beat. Instead she smiles shyly, and obediently answers me as If had asked her "I'm Aril." Though her wide eyes gave away her nervous childlike fear.
Everything about her screams 'helpless target' to me. She was dripping with innocence, and I sighed. She obviously wasn't going to play an entertaining game of cat and mouse right now, she must enjoy climbing or something, but she seemed a bit bold to answer.
I pick at my nails while waiting for her to finish, boredom sinking in, as she took longer at the course than most to any career would have. I flipped effortlessly off the climbing net to save time, and go to the people battle over large mats, you dodge, or use force to take them down. I easily maneuver away from the first and use the second to knock them both out at the same time. When everyone finishes they call lunch.
When we are walking to lunch I realize how much this training all felt like a giant act, our skill trainers would be on our back for only working this hard. This wasn't about practise though, we had enough practise at 17, and 18 years old... This was about showing off, acting out, the scare tactic. Live to impress, act to strike fear, and speak to charm. Image is everything.
Finally we arrive and I start pulling some tables together and gesture with one finger for D1 to join us. I flip my strawberry blonde braid to rest in front of my shoulder as I wait on Fierce to bring back food.
"The pack is easily formed with or without you," I warn the girl as she starts to dive into some blue pudding. "I mean everyone seemed skilled, but.. you-" I sneered a bit. "Pick it up. We need everyone to look good. If you don't get a 9 on your score you're out" I warn knowing they'll give her a 7/8 for being a career and a 9/10 for being talented. She nods angrily pouting and elbowing her partner who just smiles at me.
"I'm back, I trust we all talked," Fierce's laugh booms around the mostly quiet room, as he takes in District ones, smile, and scowl.
"We did have a nice chat," I purr, picking at one of the sandwiches Fierce set in front of me.
Lunch lasted about as long as expected with Non-trained children inter mixed with fear. So naturally I was long past ready when we could go back and train. Everyone seemed bolder now, dancing near career tributes to get to the archery range, use an axe, and a few other exceptions. I noticed 7 lifted pretty heavy weights, but he couldn't apparently last long because he left a few minutes later, and I even out performed him.
Overall nothing shocked me in training, the careers were prepared, D4 may join us tomorrow if he if his trient, time on the agility course, and weight lifting would reflect anything on his training score.. we'd just have to wait and see, now won't we.
D4 Female: Aril: Pre-Games: (Training Center)
Our Escort hurried about shoving Loki around, as Finnick carried me on his back to the elevator.
"Try to learn something Squirt," He ruffled my hair setting me down, as I giggled.
"I may already know something," I wink at him trying to seem sneaking, which makes Loki roll his eyes, and press the button to shoot us to the training level.
It's true though because the training center in four was like a school Ambra would have to come home and practise, a few times I've taken out her little kid training sizes tridents. They were much smaller, and less weight, but I was used to their weight, and that's better then some kids I suppose.
I of course knew how to tie knots, well too. Everyone in four had to know how to make knots for their job. I mean it was about as commonly known as the fact D12 mines for coal. I get to the training center, to find we were one of the last ones to arrive.
"Welcome tributes of District four," A capitol worker nodded as we joined the circle. Finally group by group the last 3, arrive and the woman reads off instructions.
"In a few days, twenty three of you will be dead, one of you will be alive. Who that is tells us how well you pay attention, and how well you can execute actions over the next four days. Rules: First; no fighting with the other tributes-" She begins, and I try to pay as close attention as possible, noting the ways most die, and vowing to go to stations that will help those skills.
She finishes as the groups break off "Loki are you-" I spin around to find him trailing off on his own, coldly ignoring me. Fine, I'll go to the poisonous plants. I don't need him... I can find another ally on my own. Finnick said he wouldn't want to help me, much. I bite my lip noticing that I'm the last in the circle as I glide to the table.
"Hello," I smile at the instructor behind the counter. I noticed the man had greying hair, and a bright neon green eyes, a capital trend this year.
"Hello," I tried again.
Next thing I knew the man was splashing water from his bucket at me, and dropping to the floor, cursing loudly.
"HOLY BUCKETS," He screamed, making a few curious tributes look over, and shrug him off. "You scared me. Don't sneak up on people like that," He sighed, and I smiles. I wasn't even trying to. Being quiet was a skill learned from being the 2nd favorite child. Ambra always was in everyone's eyes. She was going to bring fortune, and honor, she was going to be a star, while I was supposed to be her adorable shadow. Taught in school how to play crowds to earn sponsors during family interviews.
Great so, knots, being quiet, charm, and mediocre speed. Not to mention my pre trident mock exercise use! Oh boy I can already smell winner of the game, it's not like I'd ever have to confront someone! noting my poor sarcastic sense of humor I mentally sigh. The station was simple enough, and I did fairly well before moving on to tridents.
I was so excited to see they had the 10 year old and under training ones, I almost jumped up and down. I picked up the tiniest bronze one, and slashed at a few of the dummies, before missing a target or two, and get my last few to stick fairly well. Happy with my work I got in line for agility.
I was 9 back when I turned to see Loki, using full one's like an extension of his arm. Slaying hundreds of dummies, and hitting every mark, but one dead center. My success seemed like childs play, as his muscles tensed, flexing them. All it took was him, or any career to jump me, and I was good as dead.
Confrontation wasn't everything, they all die without knowing stuff about food, water, and fires, I reminded myself smiling. I was almost up, and agility was something I was pretty good at, being fast was a praised thing in District 4, trainee or not. I was finally 1 away when I saw someone slip into line behind me.
"Hey there honey," A voice cooes, as I spin to face a girl tribute. I recognised her immediately as the District one female, Spark, she bent down so close If I'd lean forwards we'd almost be nose to nose.
"I'm Spark," She smiles too brightly, her left eye dropping into a wink. My first instinct is to flint over to some other station, and wait it out until she leaves, but I know what i should do. Play her game, kill with kindness, so instead I smile.
"I'm Aril," I reply, and try not to let my bouncing leg give away a sign on how badly I want to run away.
I don't like people who can pretend so easily, people like her, and Finnick. It shows how much pain they've been put through to get to where they are. How lost they are inside, and I don't like it. We should all just get to be us, and everything about Spark screams lethal.
I shrug back around, and slip into the coarse, it's harder than I expected, and I get additional time, for not "Killing" the false accounts, but rather avoiding them. Overall my score was better than the previous 12 year old averages, and I manage to make it to lunch. As I dig, at some noodle-y soup concoction, I sit nervously at the edge of my seat. I didn't want to be noticed by people like Spark, I don't want to be in her book, or radar or whatever. I wish Ambra was here, she could fight back with just as much sass, and glamor as Spark.
I squeeze my eyes shut, and breath out. If it was one thing I knew it was the hours upon hours, of learning how to play Spark's game. The Interviewers game. Finnick's game. I knew how to fake it, I just wish I didn't have too, I just wish I could escape without being what they want me to be. So when I open my eyes again, I have my smile back on my face, to the capitol I was a 12 year old. Inside I was a 12 year old willing to fight, if only because I still have things worth living for.
D10 Male: Castor: Pre-Games: (After Training Day 1)
Too much was going on at once, the agility training was by far the easiest for me, the scores are kept private, but I had a feeling I outranked many of the careers, my only slight build had an upper hand over people like 1, 2, and surprisingly the bulkier males of 4, and 7.
I lifted a bit, before realizing that no matter the about of 'bulking up' I did, it really wouldn't help me much in a career setting. So I meandered through our options until I noticed survival skills. It was to easy, setting a fire was a basic skill back home while we tended the herd. Though without, matches, or flint it was much harder. It took me a good hour until I felt like I could move on.
The careers dominated the whole real 'weapon worthy' area, but somewhere along the way people got braver, and I tired by hand at knives. Maybe one of the hunder I threw seemed to have a great stick, so I'm hoping it'll be particularly challenging year with little variety in weapons. Swords were less awkward in my hand, then a bow, but I seemed to barely do better than a cowering 14 year old from 6. Knives seemed to be the lesser of the few evils in my pathetic case.
Some kid's seemed to openly vent about their troubles to each other, which shocked me more then other people really. I mean, my Dad being so quiet kept me that way. I was kind of taught around the aspect of children having the first 2 years of their life being taught about walking and talking. Then having to spend the next 16 years being told to sit down and shut-up.
I kept my skill building to a few minutes in each station, and longer with the ones I struggled at, If I had other tributes watching me, the least I can do is be entertaining for them. After all there was no need to stay in one place for so long. I attempted many things I probably never would in D10, but I found on the opposite end farm life helped me regnis safe plants, and water too. I could make it a poison, or save myself from basic knowledge in little ol' 10.
Finally we were allowed to go back to our flats, plainly I was sore, tired, and sick of the capital nuts chattering around the table. Carmen smirked as she saw my annoyed gaze stare at the dwindling food on everyone's plates, and people quite literally sat about the table just to chat more.
"See if we just could get a better styist we could afford some gel, or SOMETHING, for that boys hair! I mean look at it, the black mop isn't any better then you're bed head," our escort sighed.
"Well excuse me if I wanted the focal point of his makeup to be his cocoa butter brown eyes," our stylist fought back.
"That doesn't mean you can leave the rest of him looking like a wild beast," she snapped.
"His hair doesn't work with us! It fights back," an assistant plugged in near tears at the sight of my hair.
I frown, thinking about how Griffin would be all up in this conversation, making them laugh, loosening the tension, and seeming warm. I'm sure I looked sullen, and just about as ready to go to bed, as I felt. I of course had enough sass in me to cover for Griffin on days he wasn't up to par- but believe me, after you see your future possible murders skills, you're taken down a peg too.
"You two better be getting off to bed," Our mentor slurred, frankly I'm not sure if he was high, or wasted at this point. Either way, I wasn't going to argue, I was exhausted.
"Lack of sleep does things to people," He mumbled, mushed mouthed, as the other mentor openly glared at him disapprovingly. It was almost an immediate reaction for both of us tributes, to slug off and walk down the hall.
"You're actually sleeping," I mock Carmen as we walk.
"No, but he'll check on us. After all why does someone believe you when you say there are four billion stars, but check when you say the paint is wet? Because they CAN check up on it- so he will check on us too," she swore and kept to my sluggish pace.
"Everything about this sucks," She continued when we finally reached our doors I let my lips tug up in a smile.
"Just remember...if the world didn't suck, we'd all fall off," I tease.
"I can't believe you went there," she groans unhappily and rolls her eyes dramatically slow at me. "We are going to die, and that is what you come up with."
"I went there, and I'm not taking it back," I grin closing my door.
As I lay in bed I toss, and turn as usual, thinking about my Dad at home, Griffin, and my almost extended family of his, the nightmares that plague my sleep, and- Suddenly I hear movement, and my door flies open.
"Told ya, the boy's asleep," Our mentors voice growls slamming the door with excess force.
There are three kinds of people in this world- The ones who learn by listening. The ones who learn by observation. And the rest of them who have to touch the fire to learn it's hot. Tonight I listened, and It once again paid off. To keep quiet, and learn from the knowledge of others. Who knows maybe it'll be a flaw I can exploit, and win. I'm not ready to give up like Carmen, I'm going to keep listening, until my last breath.