Here is the next chapter. This one will mostly be the tributes leaving their districts and travelling to the Capitol. It will be in the third person, as there are so many tributes making it confusing in the first. I'm only including a few goodbyes, as I don't want it to get too long and boring. Sorry if your Tribute isn't included.
To the Capitol!
Sparkle Velia hardly glanced at Niall Hoult as they were led inside. She couldn't deny that he was handsome, but she wasn't in this to get boys. He was a career, and would make a good ally. But she didn't have time to talk to him before they were led into separate rooms to meet their families.
She settled herself on the plush couch, and examined her hands, encased in the perfect, white leather gloves. Soon the door opened and her father walked inside. They stared at each other for a few moments, until he said quietly: 'Why did you do it?'
Sparkle shrugged, going back to examining her hands. 'Because I wanted to. You do realise, Daddy, that I am going to win these Games. In a few weeks you will be talking to Sparkle the Victor!' He watched her for a second, before pulling something out of his pocket.
'Well, I want you to take this as your token,' he said. It was a gorgeous diamond necklace. He clasped it around her neck and stepped back. 'Suits you.'
'Thank you.' The doors opened again and Light, Shimmer and Gold walked in. Light looked faintly sad about his baby sister going, the twins just looked annoyed that she got the glory they couldn't have. 'Hello, brothers.'
'So, you're the girl tribute now,' said Light, smirking slightly. 'Can't wait to see you get dirty in the arena!' Sparkle just raised a sculpted eyebrow.
'In your dreams, Light. I'll get the others to do the dirty work for me.' A Peacekeeper poked his head around the door.
'Time's nearly up!'
O
Next door, Niall was sitting with his own family. Alec was sitting virtually on his lap, head against his chest and tears running down his face. Even Analeigh looked a little tearful. Aquilon just stood by the window, as ever looking stern and emotionless.
'I'll be fine, I've been trained, remember?' said Niall, trying to cheer up his siblings. 'I'll get in with a group of other careers, easy, and I'll be back here in no time!'
'I'll still miss you,' cried Alec. Aquilon suddenly spun around, his expression fierce. He roughly grabbed Alec by the collar and dragged him to his feet, giving him a sharp shake. Alec gasped and stared at him, eyes wide in shock. Niall started to stand, but Analeigh pulled him back.
'I've had enough of your crying! Don't you see that your brother has been given fame and glory? You ungrateful little weakling, you'll be feeling my belt if you don't stop crying!' he shouted.
'Father, please!' cried Niall.
'We're leaving, Niall. Good luck in the Games.' And before Niall could protest, Aquilon was dragging Alec out of the room. Analeigh sighed, but quickly kissed Niall on the cheek and followed. As she got to the doorway she pulled something from her pocket and threw it onto his lap, before shutting the door. It was a silver bangle that Alec and Analeigh had given him for his fifteenth birthday. He sighed, and slid it onto his wrist.
O
A few hundred miles away, in District Four, Jessalyn was pacing her waiting room. Soon the door opened and Pater walked in, along with my adoptive siblings. Bruce just scowled jealously at me, while the others stayed silently. Bruce and Leia had been there when Sharkey had volunteered, and I don't think they really cared about any of it, apart from winning themselves.
'Keep up the family reputation, Jessalyn,' said Pater. He pulled a delicate bracelet from his pocket and handed it to her. She examined it – the metal was moulded into intricate curls, with tiny blue sapphires scattered across it. It looked like the foaming surf of a wave.
'It's beautiful, Pater,' Jessalyn smiled properly for the first time.
'Good luck, Jess,' Nemo spoke, to her surprise. 'I need a swordplay partner.' Leia looked faintly offended at this, but before she could say anything, Pater spoke again.
'Jessalyn,' Pater stepped forward and looked into her eyes. 'Remember. Water is your biggest advantage over the other opponents. But you have also been through extensive training, and you are deadly. I expect to see you again at the end of these Games. Got it?'
'Yes, Pater. I'll be fine.'
O
Patrick Volta's mother was a wreck. She sat there sobbing, his father awkwardly hugging her, immense sadness etched on his face. Patrick just stared at his feet. He was going to die. He had been chosen for the Hunger Games. He was going to die.
And what's more, he had the crazy psycho, Lottie Blacilla, as his partner. She would probably rip some limb off him rather than help him. He groaned inwardly, covering his face in his hands. The other tributes would be completely out of his league, especially the Careers. He wouldn't stand a chance.
Finally his mother sat up and wiped the tears from her face, but there was such a constant flow it was futile. In the end she just threw herself on him, bursting into fresh tears again. He wasn't sure what to do – surely it was him who needed comforting? But his mother was inconsolable, soaking his shirt with her tears.
His father stood up and half-lifted, half-dragged her off Patrick. 'Come on, crying isn't going to help Patrick, is it?' She nodded, hiccupping slightly, before turning to him and taking his hands in hers.
'Patrick, I want you to remember, that we both love you, and we'll be watching you and wishing you well, always.'
'Yes, Mother,' he said in a detached voice. If he showed his emotions it would just set her off again.
'Oh my son!' she looked as though she was about to throw herself on him again, but before she could some Peacekeepers walked in.
'Time's up, I'm afraid.' Patrick watched as his parents were led from the room. There was one last, fleeting glance back from his mother, and then they were gone. He sat back again, fidgeting, trying not to think about what he was going in for too much. To his surprise the door opened again. This time Misha walked in.
She didn't say much, just sat down next to him and held his hand with her cool one. Her eyes were incredibly sorrowful. They just sat like that for a few minutes, in silence, just treasuring each other's company. When it was time for her to go, she got to her feet, and turned to look at him, pulling an earring from her ear. Then, so quickly he couldn't quite believe it happened, she gave him a fleeting kiss on the lips and dropped the earring into his hand. Before Patrick could register what had happened, she was gone.
O
Jenna watched quietly as her father walked in. Her brothers appeared after him, but he stopped them and sent them back. She watched him out of the corner of her eye while he shut the door and turned to face her. What would he say?
To her immense surprise, he stepped forward and enveloped her in his arms. He hadn't hugged her like that since she was a little kid. But she realised it was exactly what she needed. After a few moments they pulled apart and he sat beside her.
He pulled something out of his pocket and handed it to her. To her amazement it was the locket containing her mother's picture. She stared up at him, open mouthed. 'I want it to be your token,' he explained.
'But you didn't want me to look at it!'
'I've changed my mind. She's your mother and you have every right to see what she looks like,' said her father seriously.
'Thank you, Dad!' she wrapped her arms around him and buried her face in his chest, wanting to stay there forever.
O
Scott Fosters watched as his huge adopted family filed into the room. Joel was still dressed in his check shirt and dirty jeans, a cowboy hat on his head. Marlene was in tears, shaking slightly as Joel hugged her. Riley ran up and jumped onto his lap, curling up and snuggling against him.
'I'm sorry, Joel,' I said, absentmindedly trying to comfort Riley. Joel looked surprised.
'For what, son?'
'For bringing all this trouble on you and Marlene. I know it hasn't been easy...' Joel stepped forward, removing his hat from his head. When he spoke, it was in a carefully lowered voice.
'Scott, you have no reason to be sorry for what has happened to you. It's the Capitol who should be sorry.' Marlene gasped and shushed him, looking at the door with a scared expression, but Joel didn't acknowledge her. 'You have been a great help and joy in our lives. Do you really think we'd have been better without you? Farming would be almost impossible, Riley would be a lot trickier, and what's more, we wouldn't have been as happy. I want you to remember that. You did not bring these problems. The last person you should blame, is you.'
Scott nodded numbly. 'Yes, Joel.'
'Now, we don't have long, and we and your friends want to give you this,' Joel pulled from his pocket a small badge. It was a metal ring with an intricate rose in the middle, metal note attached. Squinting at it, Scott saw that engraved in the metal were the words "Here is the place where we all love you".
'Thank you, Joel.'
'Good luck, son.'
O
Trix Lexon sat sprawled across the couch, her dirty boots up on an expensive-looking silk stool. She decided that if she was going to the Hunger Games, she was doing it her way. So no fake airs and graces, no forced politeness, and definitely no worshipping the Capitol.
She didn't know if anyone would visit her. Her parents might – she hoped her father would – but she did not have any friends who would come. She didn't really give a damn about it. She just hoped that if she was going to die, she would take down some snot-nosed psycho Careers with her.
The door opened and her parents walked in. She looked insolently at them, a small smirk on her face.
'Trix, darling, aren't you upset?' cried her mother in surprise. 'You're going to the Hunger Games!' Trix could see that she herself was struggling to keep a lid on her emotions. Trix shrugged. Acting uncaring was her way of dealing with hard feelings.
'A bit, I guess. At least I get to eat nice food,' she said. She noticed an ornate bowl full of perfect, ripe red apples. Snatching one up, she took a big bite out of it. It tasted slightly bland, despite its appearance, and she carefully set it down again.
'What about your token?' asked her father. Trix thought for a moment, then tapped her earring. 'This coal earring, the first present you were able to give me, after you got promoted, Dad.' He nodded and stepped forward to hug her. 'I'll miss you, Trix.'
O
One by one, the tributes boarded their train to the Capitol. Most of them had never seen such wealth and grandeur. The chandeliers, amazing clothes, plush seats and beds and delicious food. And the speed and technology of the train! Only the tributes of Districts Three and Six were used to such things.
Sparkle Velia was in rapturous delight. Even her house back home did not have such splendour. Niall watched in an amused way as she marched down the train, obviously trying to stay cool and collected.
'Go and freshen up in your rooms,' said Aymelie Vestalis, positively bouncing with excitement. 'Then come out to the main parlour room so we can all talk!' An Avox stepped forward and led them down the train to their rooms, which were side by side. Niall stepped into his, and looked around appreciatively. The bed was king-size, with white pillows and sheets, and a deep blue velvet coverlet. He opened his wardrobe to find it stuffed full of expensive clothes. As he rifled through them he heard a shriek of delight from Sparkle's room, signalling that she too had found the wardrobe.
Sparkle was pretty much dancing around her room. Even her Father, who had lavished her with whatever she wanted, had not bought her clothes like this. She pulled out an outfit and decided to shower first. This, however, was just like her one at home, with powerful jets of water and about fifty different controls for temperature, soap, shampoo and conditioner.
About twenty minutes later she entered the parlour room. She was dressed in a soft silk blouse and a light blue skirt that reached about halfway down her thighs and showed off her perfect legs. Her light blonde hair tumbled around her shoulders and she had a hint of makeup. Niall was dressed simply in a black shirt and white jeans, smart black trainers on his feet.
They sat stiffly side by side on the sofa, putting as much distance as possible between each other. Aymelie sat opposite, their mentors, Skye Kellar and Calais Levine, stood nearby, conversing quietly.
'Now, aren't you two excited?' cried Aymelie, clapping her hands. She looked them over with an approving smile. 'We can definitely use your similarity to each other! Don't you see it?' she asked to the room in general. Skye stepped forward, nodding.
'Yes, the hair, the eyes. The stylists will be pleased,' she said. Sparkle and Niall realised that they did look quite similar, except that Niall was about a foot taller, and their eyes were slightly different shades of blue. Sparkle's were blue-grey, while Niall's were like clear blue shards of ice.
'Whatever,' said Calais. 'We need to think of a training strategy. I take it you two will form an alliance? What about a romance?'
'No way,' said Niall, so quickly it sounded rude. 'I mean, I can't exactly have a romance with a fourteen-year-old, can I? And anyway, I don't want a romance with her.'
'What's that supposed to mean?' cried Sparkle, turning on him.
'I mean that I've seen you act like a manipulative bitch,' said Niall coolly without looking at her.
'What? How dare you! When have I ever acted like that?'
'Hmm, let me think,' said Niall, pulling a sarcastic thinking face. 'At school, with your friends, with the people you think are beneath you.' Sparkle glared at him.
'I know what this is about. This is because I made fun of sickly little Alec, isn't it? Well let me tell you, you aren't a saint either. You cycle through girlfriends faster than I change clothes!' she hissed.
'Okay, okay,' said Skye. 'Calm down, both of you. We can't have you two at each other's throats until the start of the Games.' They both just scowled and looked away from each other.
O
Cleo was struggling to find anything that wasn't a skirt or a dress. Wrinkling her nose as she came upon a flowery silk blouse, she gave a moan of frustration. In the end she managed to find, right at the back of the wardrobe, a pair of black short-shorts and a pale pink shirt. It wasn't amazing – the shorts were a bit too tight and the pink shirt a bit see-through, but the next best thing had embroidered cherubs on it, so it would have to do.
To her huge annoyance, she found that Jason had on a black shirt with the sleeves cut off, and a pair of ripped jeans. 'How did you end up in an outfit like that?' she cried angrily.
'Easy. I borrowed a knife from Brett,' he said. Brett, one of the mentors, waved from the whisky cabinet. Brett was smaller than the usual District Two tributes, who generally seemed to be built like bulls, but he was killer with a dagger – literally. 'He understood my plight.'
The Escort, Hanilo Barton, a rather camp young man with a caramel and black quiff, did not look hugely pleased by his tributes' dress sense, but, looking at the size of Jason and the vicious look in Cleo's eyes, decided not to comment about it, saying instead:
'You do know that you two will have to wear fancy clothes in the Capitol,' he said. 'I've had a glimpse of the costumes, and they are gorgeous.' Jason and Cleo just rolled their eyes. All they wanted to do was get into the arena and destroy some tributes.
Cleo got gracefully to her feet and walked over to Brett. 'Can I have a drink?'
Brett smiled at her. 'Sure, sweetie, orange juice and milk are in the fridge over there,' he said in a honeyed, patronising voice. Cleo gave her sweetest smile, before kicking him between the legs.
'Don't ever underestimate me,' she hissed as he doubled over in pain. Brett nodded, and she poured herself a small amount of whisky into a crystal glass, before sitting back down. Everyone else was watching her as she quietly sipped some whisky. She didn't really want it, she just wanted to show everybody how powerful she was. The last thing she wanted was to appear weak.
Jason just watched her. He would find it tricky to kill someone like that – quick and clever. But he knew he was about ten times as strong. All he had to do was grab her in his arms and he could crush her to death. Just the catching would be the hard bit. With a small smile, he flexed his huge biceps, imagining what the arena would be like.
O
Gambit Flashflit couldn't help being disappointed as he watched the pair of tributes in front of him. Neither were older than thirteen, and neither were vicious or tough enough to make up for it. Neither were that attractive to sponsors either. The boy, Hareld Wyre, was squat and clumsy-looking – worst of all, he had glasses. He wouldn't last two seconds in the arena. And the girl wasn't much better. Skinny little thing, who looked like she had never had a decent meal in her life.
Both were picking at the dinner that had been set in front of them. 'No appetite?' Gambit asked. The shook their heads. 'Well then, why don't we chat about the Games? Do either of you have a strategy?' The boy stared dumbly at me, while the girl shrugged.
'I know about plants,' she said in a clear voice. Gambit stifled a snort of derision. Plants. Great. They were really gonna help against a two-metre tall eighteen year old armed with a sword.
'Any weapons?' I asked.
'I'm good with technology,' said Hareld quietly. 'Didn't someone win one year by electrocuting all the Careers? I'm gonna try and do something like that.' Well, they were intelligent, he gave them that. And intelligence was useful in the arena. Just, not quite as useful as being able to crush someone with your bare hands.
'Well then, if you don't want any more food, you should go to bed. We will talk more in the morning!' The kids stood up and headed towards their bedrooms. When she got to the door, the girl, Dawn Shentell, turned back.
'I may be small and weak, but I can be vicious, so don't count me out yet,' she said. Gambit nodded, trying to look supportive.
'Of course, dear.'
O
Skye Coral felt a pang of homesickness as the train drew away from the platform, and District Four disappeared behind them. He might never see it again. At that point, all he wanted was to be on his uncle's fishing ship, hauling a catch aboard, or just standing on deck.
He felt a hand touch his shoulder and spun around to see Jessalyn watching him sadly. 'It's hard, leaving, isn't it?'
'Yeah,' he said, nodding. He suddenly realised how amazing her eyes were – a beautiful, shifting green-blue, like the sea on a calm day. He tried to say something comforting back, but before he could, she had turned and walked off to her room, her dark hair fanning over her shoulders. After a small pause, he followed.
Half an hour later, they were back in the parlour room, sipping chilled glasses of Ice-Spray, a bright blue liquid that cannot really be described but is the most refreshing drink in the Panem. It was created by someone in District Four, and is now sold all over the richer districts and the Capitol.
The Escort, Silia Carmen, was perched on a chair. In her arms she held a tiny little dog about a foot long from nose to tail, with soft cream fur and a fluffy ruff of longer fur around its neck. Jessalyn felt slightly sickened by it.
'Are you admiring my little doggie?' giggled Silia. 'Isn't he sweet? Genetically bred
Grill Chief, Skye's mentor, and Marlene Kelskilter, Jessalyn's, sat them down to talk over their strategies for the games. Grill Chief was a massive mountain of a man, at least seven feet tall, with gigantic muscles and a slightly scary look in his small, beady eyes. He barely fit into his chair and constantly cracked his knuckles. Marlene was built like a long-distance runner – thin, with long legs. Her hair was dark and her eyes were bright blue – common in District Four.
'So,' Grill's voice was deep and rumbling. 'How are you going to go about these Games?'
'Kill everyone and win,' said Skye in a slightly sardonic voice. Marlene scowled at him. 'What? It's how you win the Hunger Games.' Jessalyn smirked, and they both started to laugh.
'Well, I think you both need to be more serious about this!' cried Marlene angrily.
'Oh, come on! We both might be dead in a few weeks – we might as well have some fun,' said Jessalyn, giggling. Skye took a sip of Ice-Spray but started laughing again, making Jessalyn laugh as he choked and spluttered, spraying Ice-Spray everywhere. Marlene threw up her hands in exasperation as the two teenagers rolled about on the floor, laughing.
O
'Well, we haven't had twins in the Hunger Games for years!' cried Ophelia, the Escort, in an excited tone. 'I think the last pair were in the 81st – but they weren't as interesting as you two!' The twins just raised their left eyebrows in unison, looking superbly disdainful. Ophelia blushed and ruffled some papers she was holding. 'So, let's talk about the Games!'
'If it's alright with you, we would prefer to retire to our rooms for tonight,' said Odio calmly, sensing that Amore wouldn't be able to take talking about what was going to happen. Without waiting for an answer, he rose, pulling Amore up with him. 'Goodnight. We'll call for room service.'
They both went into Amore's room. As soon as the door was shut Amore threw herself on the bed, burying her face in the soft silk and velvet pillows. Odio kicked off his shoes and climbed on the bed next to her. As he did she turned to look up at him, her face slightly teary.
'Why did you do it, Odio? Why did you volunteer?' she cried, her voice breaking slightly.
'So I could protect you,' he said quietly. She shifted up the bed to rest her head on his chest. 'I knew I wouldn't be able to bear just watching you on a screen, being unable to help. I had to join you, see?'
'I guess,' she said. 'But I won't be able to bear it if you die.'
'Nor I if you do.'
For hours they just lay there, hardly speaking, just cherishing each other's company, knowing they did not have long left.
O
Patrick leant out of the window, feeling the wind rush past his face. The window barely opened – just enough to fit his head, if he twisted uncomfortably. The Capitol probably didn't want depressed tributes throwing themselves out of the windows in desperate bids for freedom or death.
He drew his head inside again, massaging the cramp from his back. He was in his bedroom – he dreaded leaving it, and having to face the others. His mentors, the Escort, and most of all Lottie. He shuddered at the thought of the girl. In the end he decided he could linger no longer, and left the compartment.
In the compartment next door, Lottie was ripping all the clothes from their hangers. None were good enough. Finally she found a black dress – but it was too shaped, with frills along the hems. Scowling, she lay it on the bed, dug her nails in just below the waist, and ripped downwards.
A few minutes later she appeared in the parlour. Instantly everyone turned to look at her. The dress was ripped to shreds, it hung off her and barely covered her private parts – didn't, in some places. Her white hair with its blood red streaks hung over her face as she bared her teeth at them, half-smiling, half-snarling.
'So, shall we talk about your training strategies?' asked the Escort in a weak voice, not protesting as Lottie marched over to the alcohol cabinet and pulled a bottle of Vodka. Nor did she protest when Lottie marched back into her room, slugging back the Vodka.
O
Diesel Cain lay back on his bed, staring up at the ceiling. His head ached it was so full of thoughts that swam about in his mind. He could not concentrate on just one thing. Whenever he tried it just slipped from his grasp and joined the mass of others.
He sat up and grabbed a water glass from his bedside table. He was about to tip some morphling into it when the door opened and his fellow tribute, Violet Queens, walked in. He quickly slipped the vial back into his pocket, but it was obvious she knew what he'd been about to do.
'I don't get why you drink that stuff,' she said, shutting the door and throwing herself into a chair. 'Did you know, if you take too much of it, after a while your body just gives up? I think your liver and kidneys fail first, then the rest of your digestive system, and finally your heart...'
'Yeah, don't need a description, thanks,' he said moodily. 'Anyway, I'm not an addict. I just take it occasionally, on "special occasions". I think this merits as one?'
'Whatever, your choice. I just think that it's stupid to drink stuff that will kill you.'
'Are you just here to berate me and tell me I'm stupid?'
'No, I wanted to talk.'
'About what? Take your pick – morphling, District Seven or the stupid Capitol.'
'Are those the only topics of conversation you have in your arsenal?'
'Yep. And at first I thought you weren't going to say the last three letters of "arsenal".' Violet smirked and he couldn't help smiling back.
'You know what, you're a moody bugger but I'm starting to like you,' she said thoughtfully.
'Gee, you really are kind!'
O
Kai curled up in the armchair, arms wrapped around his knees, struggling not to cry. He jumped as the door opened and hurriedly made himself look cool and collected. It was Ginevra, the girl tribute. She glanced at him and wandered over to the fruit bowl, casually picking out a ripe orange.
'I take it you're not happy about this tournament?' she asked. Kai shrugged, staring determinedly out the room. 'I guess for me it hasn't really sunk in yet, you know?'
'Yeah,' Kai couldn't help the desolate feeling inside him. Unless there was some divine miracle, he was never going to street-run again, never feel that thrill of jumping from building to building, or going up a sheer wall, or performing a flawless flip over a gap.
'You don't have to look quite so morose and sad, you know,' she said.
'Oh really? Because the fact I'm going to die in a few weeks should make me cheerful?' he cried angrily. Ginevra shrugged.
'I guess not, if you think like that. But I, for one, am determined to win this competition, so if you want to act all depressed, that's fine by me. But I'm going to sort out how to survive this!' she was suddenly on her feet.
'Now, what was that I heard?' the Escort, Vaneer Kyles, bustled through the door. 'Exactly the right attitude, dear – I commend you!'
Ginevra just turned and marched out of the room. Kai curled up again and spun around to face the back of the chair, so he didn't have to look or talk to Vaneer.
O
'Sephiria Raven? Sephiria Raven,' Scott cried, staring at her in surprise. Sephiria blushed, staring down at her feet. They had been left alone in one of the many sitting rooms, and Scott was questioning her about her name.
'That's my name,' she said quietly. 'Why are you so interested.'
'Your parents, they tried to stir up the rebellion, didn't they?' Sephiria was suddenly angry.
'So what if they did?' she hissed. Scott raised his hands as a peace sign.
'No – no I don't mean it like that. Mine did to!' he cried. He was suddenly hit by a stabbing, horrible pain in his head, the kind that always foretold a flashback. He collapsed in a chair, face twisted in pain, while Sephiria watched him fearfully. Colours flashed past his vision, but nothing more.
'W-What did your parents do in the rebellion?' asked Sephiria quietly.
'It wasn't really a rebellion, was it? Barely got past talking. But they were the worst. They started it,' Scott's voice was rough as he tried to hold back the pain.
'Is that why they disappeared?' Scott looked up at her, and nodded.
'Along with my whole family, and my memory,' he cried, massaging his temples. His eyes clenched shut as he was hit with another onset of pain. This time the vision was more clear – a group of shifting figures, talking loudly, and above all a feeling of intense terror.
'What's wrong with you!' Scott opened his eyes and realised he was kneeling on the floor, clutching his head. Sephiria was standing behind the sofa, eyes wide.
'I have flashbacks,' said Scott shortly. 'What happened to your family?'
'My parents were executed. I live with my brother.'
'You do not know how lucky you are.'
O
'Now, what are your strengths?' the Escort smiled at the two tributes in front of her. Pau Furnely and Jenna Monroe turned to look at each other, eyebrows raised. 'Come, come, you must have something!'
'I can ride horses,' said Pau, shrugging. The Escort gave a little tut and shook her head, purple curls bobbing.
'I am afraid there are not usually horses in the arena,' she said. 'Any weapon training?'
'Handling pitchforks and whips is all I can do,' said Jenna.
'Well, there's a chance of something similar to those being in the arena,' said the Escort, making a small note on her clipboard. 'But you two will definitely need training up! But don't worry, I will guide you every step of the way!' she gave a little giggle that made her curls bounce even more. 'I'm off to sort something out. Why don't you two get to know each other?' she pranced off down the train.
'You know,' said Pau as she left. 'I think the Capitol people could be the most unbearable part of the Hunger Games. Before we get into the arena, at least.'
'Oh I don't know. Some of those Careers look like right thugs,' said Jenna morosely. 'Now I realise why District Ten kids don't last long – there are never any horses in the arena.'
'It's annoying,' agreed Pau. 'But if I can get a weapon that's similar to a pitchfork, like a spear, or maybe some rope that I can whip with, I could have a chance...'
'Maybe,' Jenna stood up and walked over to the window, undoing the catch and opening it. 'Sometimes I just think I should throw myself out of here. Breaking my neck would be quicker and less painful than letting the Careers get to me.'
'I wouldn't,' warned Pau. 'A few years ago a tribute did that. Within a week his entire family was dead.' Jenna quickly withdrew from the window. 'Good idea. But I agree with the suicide.'
'What do you mean?'
'Well, if I'm going to die, I want it to be my own way, not how the Careers or Capitol want it to be,' said Pau, frowning. 'I don't want to be completely controlled by them.'
O
Tabytha and Nathaniel stared at each other. Nate realised just how much taller Tabytha was – she seemed to tower over him. Finally he held out his hand for her to shake. 'Nathaniel Merezald, at your service,' she reluctantly shook it. 'Call me Nate.'
'Okay Nate,' she said. 'How old are you – twelve?'
'Thirteen today,' he said coolly.
'Great,' she turned and walked away.
'Now, now I want you two to get along,' said Jayla, the Escort – a young woman in her twenties with dark skin and yellow braided hair. 'We can't have you arguing – sponsors hate it.'
'Is that all we're meant to care about? Sponsors?' cried Tabytha.
'Sponsors can save your life, dear. Anyway, how're you going to try and survive the arena?' she asked, smoothing back her braids. Tabytha shrugged, smiling.
'Seduce all the boys, get them to kill the other girls, then kill them myself,' she said, smiling. Jayla nodded approvingly.
'I'm only really good with plants,' said Nate quietly. 'Maybe I'll poison people or wait for them to run out of food or something.'
'I prefer the sound of poisoning,' said Jayla.
'I don't,' said Nate, frowning. 'I don't like the idea of killing someone.'
'Well you had better start to like it!'
O
Ember Gildern stared curiously at Trix Lexon. They were sitting side by side on egg chairs in the sitting room of their train. Trix had her feet up on the coffee table and was examining her nails. She had noticed him looking at her, of course, but ignored her. If he wanted to gawp at her clothes, she wasn't going to acknowledge it.
'What are you wearing?' he asked finally.
'Clothes,' she replied.
'I can see that!' he said, exasperated. 'But have you really cut up a dress? Again?' Trix looked down at her outfit. After looking through her new wardrobe and finding nothing suitable for her, she had done her usual treatment on a dress. It had been a blue silk thing with a floral print, but now there were large rips in it, showing the tight black vest and tights underneath.
'Why do you care? It's only Capitol stuff,' Trix replied.
'I just think it's a waste.'
'How? I'm wearing the clothes! And do you really think the Capitol's gonna send them off to the local charity shop when I'm done with them?'
Ember's reply was cut off by a high pitched shriek. They turned to see the Escort, Faye Reminscio, was standing in the doorway, clutching the frame as she stared, open-mouthed, at Trix. 'Oh my goodness, what have you done?' she cried, holding a hand to her forehead as if she was about to faint.
'I didn't like any of the clothes in my wardrobe, so I decided to modify them,' Trix said in an uncaring voice. Faye staggered forward and inspected her.
'No, no this will not do!' she cried, looking on the verge of tears. 'You cannot dress like this in the Capitol, you just can't! Go and change!'
'If you don't like how I'm dressed, I'll go and sit in my room,' Trix jumped to her feet and stalked out of the room, shoving her way past Faye. As she left Faye gave out a sigh of exasperation and collapsed into a chair. Ember stared determinedly at his knees.
O
I posted this chapter wayyy sooner than usual – aren't you all pleased with me? I guess I just got more into this chapter... Hope you like it!
As always, here is the section on people's points and the list of sponsor gifts you can buy with them. Remember, if you want points just review (properly, please!) and I will award them to you. I try as hard as I can not to, but if I do forget to add points for you, just message me and I will check up on it.
So here it is!
Elena:20
White Horse: 20
Elven Thief: 50
EY Ink: 20
Time. To. Vaporise. A. Maths. Teacher: 30
SoySauce17: 40
Pisces. TJ: 30
Miss-J'x: 20
Pass the peas and pies please: 20
Callmetribute104: 20
Loveisintheair22: 20
SeekerDraconis: 40
Fuzzman88: 50
LuvsDumbledee97: 20
Loveisintheair22: 20
SakuraDrops141: 40
DaAnimeChick: 20
MissDizzyD: 30
I hope I didn't miss anyone off! With these points you can buy things:
Water Purification Tablets: 10P
Matches: 10P
Food (small amount): 10P
Food (Medium): 15P
Food (Big): 20P
Weapon (average): 20P
Weapon (good): 30P
Medicine (normal): 20P
Medicine (Capitol): 30P
Refill of Ammunition (Arrows, darts, etc): 15P
Clothing: 15P
Anything else, please message me and I will tell you how much. This will be trickier if you do not have an account. If you do not have enough points and no account, I will simply not give the tribute the object, but I will post it up here.
This list will be updated, and things will get more expensive. The points list will be updated every chapter as well.
