Chapter 7: Training Scores
As I stepped into the room I saw the game makers sitting on the elevated stands silently watching me as I entered. "I'm B-Beetee Latier" I said. "You have ten
minutes to show us your chosen skill." Caesal Tromphion had said. I went over to the fire making area, and I had started. When suddenly an excellent idea
sprang up on me like a wildcat pounces on it's pray. I quickly started to make the fire remembering to move my hands down low. After the fire was made, I
purposely caught the artificial bush there on fire. I am pretty sure that the game makers had thought I accidently did this and they started exiting but stopped
when they saw me looking like I had it under control. They made their way back to their seats and continued to watch. I got one of the spears and put the
blade in the fire until it was red hot, then I threw it at the dummy. In 2 minutes the dummy was on fire. I got two more and did the same with the rest of them.
I heard the game makers gasp then they applauded. I made my way back to the elevator and waited for Ada. About ten minutes later, she appeared at the
doorway, satisfied. We made our way back to the suites asking each other how we think we did.
We entered the room and Siria rushed to us and asked us how it went, and we both seemed pretty satisfied. "It was kind of strange because it looked like the
Avox was putting out a fire." Ada said as she shrugged. I had then asked Siria if there were anything else to do except watch television. She said "I would let
you guys explore the town but I would be in severe trouble since you guys could run away, even though I know you guys wouldn't". I considered this for a
second. "But I'm pretty sure there is a library is on the first floor". I immediately sprang up and rode the elevator down. I pressed the first floor button and the
elevator immediately took me there. I looked around a few corners when I got there, but I couldn't find it. I would ask the peacekeepers but they would
probably take me back upstairs. I found a nearby Avox and I asked for the library, she had pointed in a direction. I followed the hall and I soon came upon a
library. The library was filled with tons of books, mostly on fashion, and on information on the districts.
I didn't know where to start, the book on district 6, a book on game strategies, or something else to help me. I had picked the book on how to win the games. I
sat at a mahogany table and started to read. The room was bright since it was filled with lamps because of the windowless wall. Not only was it windowless, it
contained at least a dozen peacekeepers. I shook my head and flipped to the index. When I arrived on the right page I started to read on cornucopia
strategies. At that moment Cai rushed in and grabbed me "What are you doing! We need to get ready for the interviews NOW!" He grabbed me then rushed
me off, not giving me a chance to finish the first sentence. Me and my prep team had walked to the preparation center. They prepared me for the interviews,
not as strongly as they did for the parade though. They put me in a black turtle neck with a silver jacket. With black pants and black shoes with silver laces. The
escort to the stage said we have a minute.
Eustace did her last tidying up and Lucretia had made some last minute seams. I and Ada walked up to the line behind districts 1 & 2. The wait wasn't long,
again, me being sixth in line. I watched as the tributes had been very confident during their interviews. When my turn was up, I felt butterflies in my stomach.
The escort lead me to the stage, right behind what little curtain was closed. Hiro Flickerman had to introduce me. "Now ladies and gentlemen, from district 3…
Beetee Latier!" The crowd applauded. I slowly made my way to the chair as Hiro stood up to shake my hand. He was wearing a red fluffy wig with loads of
make up on, this reminded me of Lucretia. He said "So Beetee tell me about your chariot ride?" I hesitated. " I-I was very s-surprised by how w-well put
together the c-costume was." I stuttered. Hiro gave a little nod then asked "How did you feel about the whole world looking at you?" "I-I was traumatized".
"Now," he said "can you tell me about your family?" " I-I have a younger brother who i-is 13, An older one who is 17, and th-the eldest is 18. Oh and I have a
mom and the dad. You might know them, Freema, and Montie Latier?" "I might have….I think their company fixed my computer, at least 20 times, because who
hasn't had computer problems!?" The crowd applauded and laughed. "One more question Beetee, Do you think you will win?" "Oh….to be honest I don't think
so" I was happy because my stutter had gone. The crowed had awed me then Hiro said "With your brains, you could win anything! Speaking of which, lets
recount his training!" On the screen in the back, my training had been shown. It was a little awkward for me to see myself, but I was alright, I guess.
The buzzer wet off and I left the stage. I listened to my prep team, and Aelius praise me. I didn't stay to watch the rest of the tributes; instead I went upstairs
to my room since the auditorium was in the same building, just a different wing. I took an hour nap then I heard everyone come up the stairs, so we could
watch the training scores. We turned on the hologram and tuned it to the right channel. We had to wait for the anthem to play, and then Hiro's face appeared.
"Good afternoon tributes and the people of Panem, this afternoon, we will be presenting the training scores of the tributes. To start us off….
From District 1, Iunia Shimm with a score of… 10
From District 1, Calix Bastion with a score of….10
From District 2, Crag Oreta with a score of…..12
Everyone in the room gasped
From District 2, Terra Odius with a score of….11
From District 3, Ada Pascal with a score of… 9
Everyone clapped for her
From District 3, Beetee Latier with a score of…..8
Everyone got up, and they were enraged. "He deserved way more than an 8, what were the game makers thinking!?" Fauna exclaimed. Ada sat down and
crossed her arms. Maia, one of Ada's stylist said "Let's all be happy for Ada" as she raised her glass. Everyone followed and cheered for her. She got back up
and bowed. "Remember, the games are tomorrow." Siria told us "Go to bed you two." We nodded and went to bed. Like I said, it's not easy going to sleep
knowing you will die soon.