A/N: Here we go, the first day of training! Expect the chapters to get a little longer from here on out, as each chapter will encompass a full portion of the capitol. For instance, this chapter is entirely devoted to the first day of training; I'm not breaking up days. This will make the chapters longer, but that means we will approach the games at a faster rate! Also, don't be discouraged if your tribute doesn't show up in training, I've allotted perspectives for all the tributes throughout their stay at the capitol. Don't forget to be working towards those points in the sponsor shop!
Amerilia Hesterfield- District Five
The moment I wake up, my surroundings are unfamiliar. Questions enter my head, such as where am I? How did I get here? What's going on? Looking out my bedroom window, I can see the bustling life below, and I know I'm not in District Five. The buildings are everywhere, there are no houses or dirt roads or anything resembling my home. I scan the people, none of them are familiar faces, each one is dyed a weird shade or wearing some extravagant garb. I can't pick out one face I know, and panic sets in. Then I remember, it's as if a deluge of information floods my brain. I left District five yesterday, and now I am here, in the capitol, because I was reaped.
Pain sears my heart, it's emotional not physical. The people I left behind imprint themselves upon my mind, Redrik, Hannah, even my money-grubbing father. I wonder what he's up to right now, probably watching stocks or something. He never seemed to care entirely, but neither did I. Our relationship was built on money, something that shouldn't have escalated so far. I don't know why I feel this remorse now, but I need to focus, today is the first day of training and I've got to show the others that I'm worth something. They are going to look out for me.
Coming downstairs from my lavish new bedroom, I spot Caramen at the breakfast table with Luxxe, but I don't know where Rochelle and Colfax are. Luxxe and Colfax are our mentors, while our ditzy new escort, Rochelle, is probably bumbling around somewhere. My thoughts drift to Redrik again, about how awkward he was before the reaping. Why did he want me all of a sudden? Why did he pick my birthday of all days to do that? Oh super, in the whirlwind that was yesterday I didn't even think about the fact that it was my birthday. Now I'm sixteen, and I feel no different, slightly more depressed, but that's due to the untimely reaping.
"Going to come down those stairs?" Luxxe asks, and I realize I stopped about midway in my thoughts about home.
"Oh sorry," I say, all cutesy and such. I'm still playing the distressed damsel card I threw out at the reaping yesterday. I know my ticket out of here is acting, and I know my initial plan was to showcase my skills, but now something new forms in my head. If I can keep playing this act, make the others think I'm some brainless broad, then I'll have no trouble knocking them all flat. I just need to secure an ally, someone who I can fall back on and tell my plan to, that way I won't be taking down the careers on my own. Looking at the breakfast table though, I know my ally is not the scrawny twelve-year old that sits in front of me. Sure, Caramen is sweet, but that won't win him anything.
"How'd you sleep?" Luxxe prompts conversation once more, and I reply, "Oh the beds here are very nice, it was just hard to sleep, because I'm so scared." Luxxe looks at me with a deadpan expression, is my act that transparent? No, I've got to keep this up.
"It's only natural," Luxxe says after a while, and I'm a bit confused.
"What's natural?" I ask, talking right past Caramen.
"To be scared," Luxxe responds.
That's basically it for conversation between the three of us. We munch on fruits and granola; I make a bowl of oatmeal for myself. I'm eating light; I don't want to go into training all bloated. After a while, Colfax walks in, and I can smell alcohol on him, this should be fun.
"Morning ladies," Colfax says to the three of us, and hurt rises in Caramen's eyes.
Luxxe gives him a look, but he openly replies, "I'm just stating the truth." Caramen gets up and leaves the room in a flurry, obviously annoyed by Colfax's remarks. I guess he's headed to the training center, all though I don't know where that is yet. I don't give it too much thought, because I don't intend on building any relationship with Caramen, he's too weak.
"That little butterball won't get too far, but this one here," Colfax points at me with his knife, covered in gooey purple jelly from spreading it on an English muffin. "This one might get far."
"But I don't know," I say, worried about this new belief in me. Why would Colfax assume that from the beginning? I guess since they're my mentors I can tell them, but if Caramen finds out, I'm screwed.
"Oh you do know darling, look at you. You're probably more prepared than the girl from One. I can see athleticism in you, so don't play coy with me. Go on a spit it now," Colfax says, and I know I can't hide my plan from my mentors.
"Fine," I huff, looking at Luxxe and Colfax squarely. "I have a plan, to pretend like I'm some stupid little boy chaser until we get in that arena. Then, I'll unleash on the careers with help from the allies I make in today's training session."
"Bad plan," Luxxe immediately says, and Colfax nods his head.
"What? Why? If I showcase my skills then the careers will come for me," I say desperately.
"If you don't train this week though, you may be unprepared when you enter the arena. Work your muscles, and learn to swim if you don't know how. Gamemakers love to throw in water, it's one of their favorite tricks. Work yourself, but not too hard. Run through the gauntlet a few times, shoot some arrows, play with a sword. Act like you're interested in training but don't show everything. If you just sit down and play dumb, then you'll be an immediate target, easy prey," Colfax advises, and I guess the alcohol doesn't fog his thought process too severely. It's as if Luxxe picks up on this thought, because she says,
"Think how smart you could be if you lay off the scotch."
"You're not my mother," Colfax says with a grin, and Luxxe can't help but smile. They've worked together for a while, it's obvious, and with this information that they've given me, I guess I'll still work on building allies, but showcase my skills a bit as well.
"Thanks," I mutter, regretful to acknowledge someone's help.
"Free of charge," Colfax says, taking a swig from his flask.
"I better get going," I say quickly, noticing the time.
"You better," He says, and then I'm gone.
"In six days you will be in the arena, from which point you will try to kill one another. Don't be afraid to accept that thought, and go in here today knowing you have to work to win. Push yourself and you may find the key to getting back home. Only one of you can win, so make every blow, shot, and lift count, understand?" The head instructor, Platinum, tells us. Platinum is tall, intimidating, and devilishly handsome. A small black goatee runs down his chin, and his grey eyes scan every one of us. I can tell he is picking out the strong, determining who will make it all the way.
"If there are no questions, you may begin," Platinum says, raising his eyebrows. No one says a word, and he steps aside to let us have free reign of the training complex. Stations are everywhere, ranging from physical tests to mental procedures. Already, the career pack is forming, and from a side glance by the poisonous plants station, I begin to dissect them.
District One is obviously the boy without a shirt, I haven't seen him in one thus far, which isn't a problem. He's got purple eyes, which give me chills, but in a good way. He looks strong, fast, trained. His platinum blonde hair hangs just above his eyes, and he's probably one of the most attractive people I've seen. Pity he has to die.
I can't seem to spot his district partner, I don't know where she went. Obviously, she's not part of the career pack, which is a new thought to me. If they're short in numbers, they might be recruiting. That's more tributes I'd have to keep track of, and I know my hypothesis is correct when the career pack begins deep conversation instead of immediate training. Looks like the boy from District Two isn't around either, which is another quirk of this pack. I definitely remember seeing him at the chariot rides, tall and strong looking. Attractive too. I don't know why he would reject the careers, but I guess he felt too good for them or something.
Both from four are present, which leaves the pack with only four members. They'll try to find two more, and my mind wonders who those could be. I forget I'm standing by a station, because an instructor draws me from my thoughts.
"Care to try naming these?" She asks, voice all tender.
"Thanks," I mutter, "But no thanks." I briskly walk away from the station and head towards the archery station. I know I should work muscles before I begin swordplay, so I decide to try out a few shots at the targets. A girl is here with me, hair long and bright red. Her eyes are an electric green and she shoots with deadly accuracy.
"Hey," I begin, and before I know it I'm back at my deceptive ways. "Mind if you show me a few pointers, I haven't really done this before."
The girl looks down at me, eyeing me with concern. She can't tell if I'm being serious, I guess my posture gives it away, but she replies nonetheless, "Sure, what's your name?"
"Oh I'm Amerilia, and you are?" I ask.
"Daedrya," She says, "I've trained a lot with bows, so I can give you a few tips."
"You're from an outlying district aren't you? How come you've trained?" I question, wanting to soak up as much information as I can from other tributes.
"My sister ran the small training complex we have, until she was reaped, then I took over," Daedrya says, explaining her situation.
"I'm sorry to hear that, about your sister," I say, wondering if I've stirred up some bad memories.
"It's ok," Daedrya assures me, knocking another arrow into her bow, she lets it fly and it hits the target right in the center. "She came home a victor."
This girl means business, and I make my decision. Knocking an arrow into place, I act like I'm a bit unsure of my footing and then pull back. Aiming a bit high, I let the arrow loose. It flies and hits the target just above the middle, and I can tell Daedrya is a bit surprised.
"I thought you said you hadn't done this before," she says with a suspicious gaze.
"I lied," I confess simply, "But here's something that's the truth. I'm looking for another tribute or two to help me take down the careers, and I think I might have found one already."
"You mean me?" Daedrya asks, looking a bit surprised.
"Sure, you've trained excessively, I can tell. I trained nearly all the time back in District Five, and well, my district partner isn't much of anything. If we team up though, we may be able to bring down the careers with our…skills," I say, reaffirming my thoughts to her.
"Who else do you have in mind?" Daedrya questions, intrigue in her tone.
"No one as of yet, maybe you and I could do the trick?" I'm actually quite unsure; because I didn't think finding an ally would be this easy.
"Consider me a friend then," Daedrya says solidly, "But I think we might need another person."
"Then who are you thinking of?" I ask, still holding the bow slack in my hands.
"Someone on the inside, every career knows their alliance isn't permanent. Perhaps if we convinced one of them to give us information, we could promise them their life when we sack their base," Daedrya says, making total sense. I couldn't be a boy; they're too hotheaded when it comes to being in the career alliance. The girl from two looks a bit tough, like she would slit our throats and expose us if we asked. But the girl from four, she looks sweet, like she might listen to our plea.
"That way whoever we pick would feel extra safe, having two alliances. While we on the other hand get to learn the careers every move," I respond, and Daedrya nods her head.
"We have work to do Amerilia, and it doesn't involve shooting these arrows," Daedrya says, and I can already tell I'm going to like this alliance. Daedrya is strong, smart, and trained. She's like a taller version of me, but I still think I could beat her. If it comes to the worst situation, I have to prepared and able to kill her, and with no strings attached, Daedrya could be my answer to getting home.
Rip Crevan- District Four
"Look, I'm not going to fight you on this sweetheart," I say, staring down Cassia's stubborn face. "I'm older than you, I'm prepared to kill, and frankly, I'm a guy."
"Richard sweetie, don't get too caught up in that now, just because you're a tough guy doesn't make you better. Not saying I disagree though," Ula comments, making me a tad more agitated. I can't believe this twerp, Cassia, thinks she can lead the careers. District Four is the only career district that has retained both of its members. Jemima flat out refused when Avery brought it up to her this morning, saying she doesn't intend to do anyone harm. Who is she kidding? She's in the freaking Hunger Games!
Then there was Nero, Cassia's twin brother, who would have been perfect. Most of us are eighteen, in fact all of us are, but Nero just looked the part. Then Cassia tells us he thinks he's too good for us, well then screw him! We're left with only four tributes in our little alliance, which is probably still more than anything the others can put together, but still, they conspire against us the second they arrive. We are the biggest threat in this game, aside from whatever muttations the capitol has cooked up. That doesn't matter to me though, in most circumstances, but with two members out, we need others. If that wasn't enough for problems, now we can't come to a consensus on leadership, this must be the most discombobulated career pack to date.
"I'm completely qualified, more so than you. I saw your reaping video, don't think I didn't notice you wrapped up in chains crazy boy," Cassia taunts, causing me to completely lose it.
"Do you want to know why I'm going to lead this little group of ours sweetheart?" I ask Cassia coldly, gnashing my teeth and clicking my tongue.
"Enlighten me," She says with a smile.
"Because unlike you and everyone else in this group, I've killed before. Do you like your daddy? I didn't like mine; in fact he made life very hard for me and my mommy. See, daddy never loved us; he left when I was young and threw us to the dogs. Well, he never thought the son he discarded so lightly would play such a heavy part in his life, or should I say, the end of his life," I say menacingly, shutting Cassia up rather quickly.
"Now with this in mind," I say, narrowing my eyes, "Would you kindly get out of my way."
Cassia doesn't say a word, but everyone understands. I'm leading this group, no questions about it. We have work to do, and I can't have some whining girl get in our way. If she wants to be a career, she better act like one.
"Now," I say, looking at my three companions, "We need a few more recruits. We're not going to go to them, but let them come to us. We can't look desperate, we'll be able to kill a few but if they know we're desperate than the bloodbath might have more of our blood in it than we intend. So, I say we all carry on with our training and wait for the right ones to come to us."
Immediately, Avery is displeased with this plan, I can tell by the look on his face. Cassia has quieted down now, and Ula is always on my side, but Avery isn't too pleased.
"Why don't we just ask a few tributes, I'm sure we could find them easily? Like that kid over there," Avery nudges his head towards the boy from Seven as he talks and I groan with impatience.
"Listen pretty boy," I say hotly, agitation visibility showing in my eyes, "I thought we had already discussed how things are going to go around here."
"As if I'm going to let you walk over me," Avery spits, "I'm going to ask him right now."
"Fine then, be my guest," I hiss, watching him as he saunters his pretty little body over to the boy. You would think he would put on a shirt around all these weapons and rough conditions, but no, he's still got someone to impress even if he's going to die in a week or two.
I can see them conversing and Ula whispers something in my ear.
"Don't get too carried away Richard, we don't want you to lose control," she says calmly, giving me chills, which I don't normally get. There's something about Ula, something that makes me listen. I guess it's the fact that she's the first person I've met who hasn't cowered to me, who hasn't let me stomp all around her. People back in District Four turn the other way or change paths whenever I was out, which wasn't often, but still, people feared me. Ula treats me like I'm some kitten, which I find infuriating. But I'll let her have her fun, for now.
Avery comes back over, with the kid in tow.
"This is Revolc, he wants to be part of our team, what do we say Rip?" Avery asks me, putting on a fake smile. I just want to knock those shining white teeth right out of his pretty little mouth.
"We say screw off," I say as politely as possible.
"Is there a problem?" Revolc asks me, puffing out his chest. Oh great, just what we need, another gutsy and self-enthused jock. I guess he'll do, but he's Avery's to watch, I'm not going to put any eggs in that basket.
"Fine, but we recruit the next one my way," I say, looking between Revolc and Avery.
"Be careful," Ula says to Revolc with a smirk, "He bites."
"Shut up Ula," I say, half-serious. Ula smiles at me and departs, sashaying over to the knives section. Her departure cues the time to split up, we've been talking long enough. Without words, Cassia leaves for the swordplay arena and Revolc and Avery go to try their luck at the gauntlet. I have other ideas.
Heading to the knots station, I know exactly on how I plan to get the killing rolling. While everyone is just going to slash and hack their way through tributes, I intend on catching mine like the mindless little fish they are. I impress the station's trainer with a net I weave from rope in minutes, and soon I have my own little tribute-catching mechanism. First I think I'll catch them with my nets, then I'll use my trident to make them squirm. Yes that will do, that's how I'm going to do it.
In my thinking, I don't notice the girl leave the room, but my eyes lift instantly when the peacekeepers and trainers who were stationed in the room dart out immediately. All of us are stunned, confused as to what is happening.
"Who was that?" Revolc shouts from the gauntlet, and it's Nero, Cassia's twin brother who answers roughly, "The girl from One."
Everyone looks at Avery, expecting him to know something, but he holds up his hands and says, "Hey, she doesn't even talk to me. Goes on and on about how she refuses to kill anyone." All of us are on edge, wondering when the people who left the room will come back. Platinum wasn't among, he stayed to keep us in check.
"Everyone go back to training, this will all be sorted out in a moment," Platinum says sternly, but we all continue to look out the door.
"That's an order," he barks, and most of us listen. Save me of course, and the devious girl that is Ula. She comes across the room, over to me, and whispers something in my ear.
"She had a knife in her hands, I think she's gone insane," Ula says softly.
"Oh good, I'll have someone to talk to," I smirk.
Ula picks up on my joke and laughs to herself, twirling her hair in her fingers while I go back to tying nets. She joins me, fashioning her own set of fishing lines, making sure she can still do it in case that condition arises in the arena. Slowly, everyone goes back to training, until we hear the gunshot.
It startles all of us, I mean of course we weren't expecting it. The sound is faint, but we know what it is. Platinum immediately leaves, not saying a word to any of us. Some of the younger kids looked shocked, and none of us know what to think. Did the girl shoot someone? Did she get killed? My mind is racing with solutions to the problem. Ula looks at me, concern in her eyes. Quickly, I get up, walking over to the door.
"Hey Four! Stay inside the room!" A trainer yells, but I ignore him. Stepping outside the room cautiously, looking down the lengthy hallway for any signs of human activity, my search is futile. They come from the other direction, and Platinum drags me back into the room as he arrives. Several peacekeepers are holding something heavy; it's the limp body of the girl from one. None of us know how to react, why did they shoot her? What in hell is going on?
Several people wail and moan in disbelief and shock as one of the peacekeepers throws her lifeless body onto the ground. Avery can't stop staring though, his eyes are glued to the girl that was his district partner. The games haven't even begun and one of us is already dead.
"Jemima," Avery says with minimal breath, stunned at the scene.
"Listen up!" Platinum demands, and all of us peel our eyes off of Jemima and stare at him. Given the circumstances, even I am a bit intimidated.
"Jemima here got the idea to run away. She decided she didn't have to play this game. Well she did, and each and every one of you still do. This changes nothing, for the rest of the morning and afternoon, you will train. I've sent the word, and people are already headed to district one for a…reaping. Jemima thought she could make a difference, change the way things work around here. She even managed to stab old Mr. Hodges here with a knife before she was cut down. Of course the girl couldn't bring herself to do any real damage, so Mr. Hodges big toe will feel better in no time. Jemima was weak, the weakest among you. Don't feel bad for her when you realize at any moment, it could be you."
We're all stunned. Her body is dragged away and that is the end of it. Avery swallows and our group reconvenes. There are a few things we need to talk about now.
"You do realize the opportunity we've been given," I say at once, looking back and forth between everyone's eyes.
"God Rip, be human for a moment she was just shot," Avery pleads, obviously shaken up.
"There's no time for that here pretty boy," I chastise, "She would have died anyway in the arena, and the girl had the gall to deny us of a member. So, now that she's out of the way, perhaps this…new tribute they conjure up for us might give the career alliance something of a chance. Something Jemima didn't even consider."
Avery's downcast expression soon wipes away, and I realize the horrors of the games are beginning to materialize in his mind.
"You're right," he says roughly, "We need another member, and my new district partner can provide that when she comes, I'll make sure of it." Good, pretty boy is finally learning.
"Don't disappoint," I say with a snarl, "Or before you know it, you'll be looking a lot like Jemima." The words settle nicely, I can tell by the look in his eyes.
"I wouldn't be so sure about that," Avery replies with steel in his eyes, "Remember what Platinum said, at any moment, it could be you." With that the golden boy walks off, back towards the gauntlet with Revolc in tow. There's something about him that makes me want to claw his face off, but sing while doing it. Ula pats my shoulder and I shrug her off. Now is not the time to be comforting, now is the time to prepare. Something pretty boy needs to do, or he'll be leaving these games sooner than he expects.
Nero Lepidus- District Two
The news about Jemima was unsettling, but I could care less. I didn't know, I didn't intend to know her, and now that's something I don't have to worry about. Besides, now that she's gone, we'll probably get the run of the mill District One girl, all bubbly and slutty. I bet she's got blonde hair and a perfect body complete with zero brains. Perfect, she'll get on Cassia's nerves.
I can't stop thinking about Cassia and everything she's done to hurt me since yesterday morning. I didn't plan on getting reaped, and even though she's always wanted to throw herself into the Hunger Games, I don't understand why she couldn't have put her dream on hold when her twin brother was reaped. I didn't ask much of her, just not to devastate our parents completely in one single morning.
Right now, she's training with the swords, doing her best to take out her opponent. The trainer fighting her looks tired already, and soon his parry falters. Cassia pins him down and due to the grin on her face I can tell she's won. The trainer gets up, anger visibly imprinted upon his face, and storms off to the other side of the ring, waiting for another challenger. Cassia hangs the sword up on the rack and takes a second to shoot me a glare that she doesn't give me the chance to return. She's coming for me, and I'm worried I might not be prepared for it.
Jemima's death has given most of the tributes a shock. The younger ones are visibly upset, and some are even crying. They want to go home, they crave warmth and comfort. I on the other hand, have a mission to fulfill. My father asked a favor of me before I came here, and I plan on making that request come true. Cassia dared to sever our family, and now she's going to pay the price. I decide I'll be the next one to challenge the sword instructor, and I make my way up the few steps to the arena.
"Think you can beat me?" The instructor asks, wiping sweat off his brow with a grin.
"Apparently a girl can, so I don't think you'll be a problem," I say with my eyebrows raised. That gets him going, and directly after I pick up the sword he lunges. I weave to the left and block his blow with one of my own. Flicking my wrist, I carve the sword down the side of his, making instant contact with the hilt. Steeling myself for the impact, I rush forward and flip my arm around, bringing the sword towards his chest. He instantly deflects, but my next move is already planned. Hooking a foot around his heel, I soften his tendon and cause the right side of his body to falter. Hacking a path down to his chest with my sword, he stumbles a bit and doesn't expect the blow. Without a second to spare, he manages to drop down low and my sword misses him by inches.
"Good," he pants, "Sneaky, but good."
Deciding to turn up the intensity, I slash upwards with sword, towards his cheek. He parries me, and rolls around to side, trying to carve up my back. I don't give him the opportunity, and instead give him another blow to deflect while charging forwards. Nearly chest to chest, the two of us are locked together by metal, but I easily relinquish his hold on me. Pushing back, I swipe my sword across his chest, and the instructor has barely enough time to respond. Leaving a space between us, he jumps back and widens the gap. Now there's plenty of room to spare, and we begin to circle the arena, looking for weak points. The instructor thinks he's found mine and jabs downward, but I meet him halfway and flick my wrist so fast that he loses his grip on the weapon. Shock rises in his eyes and I bring the blade to his neck.
"I win," I say with a tiny smirk, and he looks even redder. Signaling to another trainer he's going to take a break, I feel content with my performance. I took him down faster than Cassia did, and she knows that, based on the looks she's giving me from her side of the room. She's over by the fire station, chatting with some girl I haven't gotten to meet yet. She's one of the careers though, and she looks mysterious. I think she's from District Four.
The call for lunch seems a bit early for my tastes, and I think they might have cut the morning session due to the incident. Several tributes are allowed to go back to their rooms to discuss the event with their mentors if they choose, and like I thought its most of the younger ones. Some leave just to get out of the training room, but not a single career moves a muscle. Neither do the two girls I saw chatting it up by the archery station earlier, they settle down to eat on one of the benches by the food bar. Eating berries and nuts, whatever women do for meals.
The careers are talking endlessly, and I notice the boy from Seven is with them now. I wonder how the boy from One feels about Jemima's death, I bet he didn't even talk to her. Cassia and I didn't even share words when we got to our rooms last night, and I don't think someone like Avery would grace a defenseless and unwilling girl like Jemima with conversation.
In my thoughts about the careers, my eyes shoot right over the girl who sits down alone. Then I find her, munching on some sandwich all by herself. I haven't really noticed her yet, but she looks like the lone wolf kind of girl, and there's nothing else to do, so I sit down next to her.
"Shouldn't you be lifting rocks or whatever tough guys from District Two do?" She asks with a venomous tone.
"I'm not like them," I say at once, trying to dissuade her of her preconceived notions. "I'm not a career."
"I noticed you weren't with them, why not?" She asks at once, intrigued by my difference.
"The girl from two happens to be my sister, and unlike her, I don't take pleasure in killing defenseless children," I explain, and the girl's eyes widen.
"That's horrible, I could never survive if my sister were here with me," She says, shocked by my circumstances.
"You have a sister?" I ask, wondering who this girl is.
"Yeah, back in nine, I'd prefer not to talk about her though, only makes me sad," she explains, and I change the topic.
"My name's Nero, care if I join you?" I ask.
"Seems a bit late to ask, but no I don't mind, the name is Ember by the way," She says with a hint of a laugh.
"Well Ember, you seemed pretty confident with that bow earlier, sorry if that sounds creepy," I comment, making her blush a bit.
"Creepiness aside, thanks, I watched that sword fight, you did better than anyone else so far today," She compliments, and I scratch the back of my neck, making my golden hair sway a bit.
"You know, I think together, you and I, we could do some damage to the careers. Plus, I'm pretty sure the girls from Five and Eight have aligned, and they look deadly with those bows. Not saying we have to talk to them, I don't want to, but if you and I team up, and those girls have it in for the careers as well…," Ember finishes my words with her own,
"They'd go down in a heartbeat."
"Exactly," I say.
Ember slowly nods her head, and then looks at me, studying my eyes, "You've got a deal."
I know what this means, and it makes me so happy I have to smile. Cassia's time is running short, and the promise I made to father will be so much easier to fulfill.
Revolc Undercity- District Seven
I wasn't really surprised at all when Avery came to me, I was intending on joining the careers but I guess I looked so good that they had to have me. Then, when I learned that Rip was leading us, things got a little sour for me. I don't have a problem with anyone, until they have a problem with me. Things were already difficult enough for the careers before I worsened the feud between Avery and Rip, but I really don't care. Being a part of the careers will get me closer to home, and if I have to sink a sword into both of their necks then I won't have a problem doing it.
Then Jemima got shot, and Rip got all excited at the prospect of another chance at the District One girl. It's a safe bet in my opinion to think she'll join us, but Rip makes it seem like Avery has a lot of work to do in order to get her on our side. I guess he's just prepared for the worst, which is good in my mind. Our leader should be thinking like that, regardless of whether he's crazy or not. I did see his reaping video though, and the fact that he was escorted by a handful of peacekeepers and had his hands and feet shackled made me a bit nervous. Avery already filled me in on his "qualifications", apparently the kid killed his father.
My father's been gone for a while, but Rocky has done a pretty good job at being man of the house. I'm glad he is here with me, otherwise my confidence might feel substantially lower. But Rocky's here, and knowing he'll be watching from the victor's lounge makes me want to put on a show for him and come home, to make my mom proud and be able to say she has not one, but two victors for sons.
"Hey Revolc, why don't we check out the knife throwing," Avery says to me as soon as the lunch break is finished, and I don't mind. I like Avery a lot, but I wish the kid would put on a shirt. My body is pretty close to his in terms of muscles and condition, and I can keep my shirt on, so why can't he? I understand he was a model and everything, but now he's here, in the Hunger Games. He might want that extra protection.
We reach the knife throwing station and I give the target's some noticeable scars. Sinking my projectiles right in the middle of most of them, Avery is pretty impressed. He admits he's not one for throwing knives, and I can tell by the way he tosses them. A few hit the targets, but most of them clatter to the floor. Avery's strength is in close combat though, I saw him with a sword this morning and I wouldn't want to piss him off.
We are deep into a sparring match at the hand to hand combat station when Ula comes over, her face all pursed up and wary. Ula's definitely got some secrets, but I could care less. She's shown her proficiency at the throwing knife station, and her handling of the tridents isn't bad either. Her and Rip could go far in this game, if we manage to stick together as a group for quite a while.
"Guys, Cassia wants to talk," Ula says, her voice making it sound urgent. Rip is locked in an intense match with the swordplay trainer, but it's not the same guy from this morning. While he's busy, I guess Cassia wants to have our own little group discussion. We follow Ula to the climbing wall, far from the view of Rip, who is still in a frenzied battle.
"You wanted to talk, here we are," Ula says, sounding a bit annoyed with Cassia.
"Rip scares me, so I didn't want to bother him while he was in the middle of that, but I've become aware of something that may pose a problem," Cassia says, looking over towards the spear station, where her brother is standing.
"Nero has teamed up with the girl from Nine, who looks pretty accurate with that bow, I'm pretty sure he's recruiting tributes to go against us, sort of like some anti-career alliance," Cassia explains, causing Avery and Ula to look a bit unconcerned.
"Cassia, the anti-career alliances always fail, and besides, when the new District One girl gets here we'll have an extra ally," Avery explains, causing Cassia to look irritated.
"You're missing the point Avery," she puts emphasis on his name, "Nero is strong, ridiculously strong, so if we don't do something…," Ula cuts off her words.
"What? He's going to kill us all? Fat chance," Her words are lathered in sarcasm.
"Whatever then, just don't cry to me when Nero plunges a sword through your heart," Cassia whines and stalks back to the fire station, where she failed miserably this morning.
"She's paranoid, but I would be too if he was my brother and he was here," Ula comments, flipping her hair over her shoulder as she walks off. Avery shrugs and the two of us continue hitting most of the stations. We visit poisonous plants for a moment, not really caring because we'll have all the food at the cornucopia. We don't visit knot tying either, but I show Avery how to build fires and then we race at the climbing. Soon enough, the alarm goes off signaling it's the end of training, and we all file out of the room.
"See you tomorrow then," Avery says as we part ways, and I say some parting words before heading back to the room where I know Rocky is waiting. When I enter, he's sitting at the table, looking visibly upset. I'm here before Maple, but Alfie is here too, sipping on some dark liquor.
"What's up?" I ask Rocky, concern in my greeting.
"A tribute was killed this morning," Rocky says, closing his eyes.
"Yeah," I say, nonchalant about it, "I was there."
"You don't understand the effect this will have," Rocky says, his voice breaking, "When the citizens of the capitol look up and see the girl from District One is not the beautiful young girl they saw at the chariot rides, they're going to be confused. Then there's the girl's family, who could rightly take out claims on the capitol. It's not against the law, it just rarely happens. If the citizens of the capitol get confused, then the games tank, and the gamemakers could face serious punishment, along with the peacekeepers and undoubtedly the president's favorite little toys."
"The victors," I say, understanding Rocky's grief. I didn't realize that shooting Jemima would create such a calamity, but it makes sense. The capitol citizens will want to know what happened, and when the president learns that a tribute couldn't be controlled, things might get ugly. My thoughts are a blur, and I forget to tell Rocky about how I joined the careers at first, but then fill him in.
"That's one thing to look forward to," Alfie says as Maple walks in.
"Where have you been?" Rocky asks her the second she walks in.
"I was at the top of the climbing wall when training ended, so it took me a little bit to come down," she explains, and Rocky simply nods his head. Maple looks at me, fear in her eyes. I guess she knows I've joined the careers, but I'm still waiting on Rocky's verdict on the decision.
"That's good," he says after what feels like an eternity, "You're being smart, which is essential."
"Please don't hurt me," Maple says suddenly, distracting my attention.
"What?" I say, caught off guard.
"If you and your career friends find me, just don't hurt me, I don't want you to do it," Maple says, serious about her words.
"Alright," I say, indifferent about her concerns. She's obviously not going to win these games, so why does she care who takes her out? It doesn't matter; I don't say anything as she heads upstairs.
"Dinner is in an hour," Alfie instructs as Maple heads up the stairs, and she doesn't reply. I guess with Jemima's death and my joining the careers, she has a lot to worry about, but I feel rather confident as I head upstairs to rinse off the sweat of today's training. I've found my way into the careers, and soon I will find my way home.
Allure Shine- District One
Courtesy of richards25
If you've ever had a nightmare, then you might be able to fathom what happened to me this morning. I was at breakfast, with my family, completely done worrying about the Hunger Games. I'm eighteen now, and yesterday's reaping signaled the end of the constant worry and training over the Hunger Games. Then, all of our televisions, every single one in District One, instantly turned on, demanding a mandatory meeting in the square.
I was shocked at first, wondering what this could mean. Things like this never happen, and whatever this was, it was going to get in the way of Silk and I's shopping excursion this afternoon. I need some new tops, and Silk wanted to try some new make-up out, so it's not like I've got time to attend sudden district meetings. It would have been nice if we could have gotten some advanced notice.
Then the horror unfolded right in front of us. Tatyana Gibbs, our district escort, was back, magenta clothes and all. Mayor Gamble explained the situation to us, and Galaxy Andross had come back as well. The mayor explained how Jemima, that girl who had been reaped, tried to break out of the Games complex. Apparently she killed a peacekeeper and stabbed several other people, causing a great scene. They had no choice but to shoot her, which meant a new tribute was needed. A girl and a boy instantly broke down; I think it was her friend and boyfriend, if I remember correctly. I know it was only yesterday but a girl has more pressing things to remember, not the life story of some girl who was reaped.
So I thought, ok Allure, it's not like it's going to be you. They put the reaping bowl back out on stage and instantly everyone freaked out. I mean I've trained, so I wouldn't have a problem going in. Thankfully I'm from District One, so joining the career pack wouldn't be a problem. My dad wants me to prove my worth to his fortunes anyhow, so winning the games deserves an inheritance right?
Then out of every stupid name in that bowl, Tatyana called mine. My mom broke down completely, and my dad said some motivational crap. It was Silk who really touched my heart though, I mean she said she would still buy those tops for me, isn't that sweet? She's my bff, and I know I have to win so I come home, not for my airhead mother or my bossy dad, but for Silk, because she's like a sister to me.
So, now here I am, in the capitol, and they're marching me through some dark building to what's apparently my room? I'm not quite sure where they're leading me, but I know the District One apartment is on the first floor, so when we take the elevator to the third floor, something is amiss. It doesn't take long, but they have me take some dumb aptitude test because I missed the first day of training. After that I'm lead to my room, and that's when I meet him.
Avery Reid is sitting on the couch, wearing only a pair of super tight black briefs. Every chiseled feature of his body is exactly how it looks in the magazines, and his eyes are so beautiful. Pink is my favorite color, but it can easily become purple. His platinum blonde hair swooshes to the side when I walk in, and the peacekeepers converse with a woman who I'm guessing is one of the mentors. He says something about how Galaxy isn't coming back, and Tatyana struts in behind me. The peacekeepers close the door, and I can hear the sharp sound of a lock being turned. I look back at the door and realize this is it; I'm going into the Hunger Games, with Avery Reid.
"Allure," the woman says, drawing my attention.
"Hmm," I say, not taking my eyes off of Avery.
"Allure look at me," she says, and I move my gaze to her. It's Sapphire, one of our many mentors, and she smiles sweetly.
"I'm deeply sorry this had to happen you, I know you're eighteen, you must've thought you were free," As she says this, it feels true in my heart. Her words are right, I thought it was over, I could finally just live life and not have to worry about anything. I could build a family, earn my father's inheritance, it was going to be wonderful. But now I am here, with Tatyana Gibbs, Sapphire Mallory, and Avery Reid.
"I'm sorry too," I say, and the words carry weight.
"Your bags are in your room, the second day of training is tomorrow," Sapphire says quietly, and then she takes her leave. Tatyana yawns, mumbles something about all the hard work she does, and then clumsily walks off to bed in her heels. It is late at night, the quasi-reaping was near the end of morning and I had to take the train ride, get preened by my stylists, even though I didn't meet my main one yet, she was busy with something, not expecting to work today. After that I had to take that dumb aptitude test and now I'm here. I should go to bed, there's training and the whole whirlwind of the Hunger Games to attend to, but Avery Reid is sitting on that leather couch over there, and he's nearly naked.
"Hey," I mumble, flipping my long blonde hair behind my shoulders. I'm tall, and I make sure my legs extend fully as I walk. My pale green eyes have flecks of light brown in them, and I train them on Avery from where I am.
"Hi," he says, his purple eyes aglow.
"I'm sorry you got roped into this," he says apologetically, "But I think I can make things a bit better for you." He likes what he sees, but I know enough about boys to not give them what they want right away. Sitting down next to him, we're pretty close, and I shy away at his touch.
"I don't know if you can, it's been a hectic day and I'm pretty tired," I say, backing up a bit and laying down on the couch. He stretches his arms behind his head, fully displaying those pectorals for me. I'm totally into him, but I decide to let the chase continue.
"Why don't you come lay your head on me?" He asks, with a gleam in his eye.
"Oh, I don't know if that's allowed," I say, turning away from him.
"It's late," he says, "They're all asleep, no one will know."
He wants me too, but I don't give in, not today. If Avery Reid is interested in me, he's going to have to come and get me. Rising from the couch, I plant a firm kiss on his lips, feeling some of his blonde stubble. It turns me on even more, but I turn on my heels and head for the room Sapphire pointed me to.
Avery doesn't say a word, but I know I made the right move. I may be in the Hunger Games, and I may not make it out alive, but there's no reason to not have a little fun when it presents itself, right?
Oh My Goodness. What a First Day of Training. Thanks to richards25 for this awesome tribute and I'm sure things have shaken up quite because of this chapter, wouldn't you say? Sorry if there were any Jemima fans out there, but I just didn't know how to write a total peace advocate in a setting like the Hunger Games. Her blatant refusal to pick up a weapon made alliances tough to think up and I just thought it was best for the story. Tell me what you thought of the new alliances formed this chapter, Amerilia and Daedrya, Revolc and the Careers, Nero and Ember? And what will become of Allure and Avery's kiss? We're getting closer and closer to that 100 review mark, so don't stop now! I warned you this chapter would be long, so expect more like this! I figured you'd like more to read anyway.
-AdmiralBobbery