The Games We Played
A/N: So, here's the second chapter. The third chapter is almost complete and is almost 10,000 words!
A shout out to my only reviewer, catchingfire 1714. You thought the first chapter was intense, wait until the games start, lol.
To everyone who read, followed, and favorited – you have my most sincerest of Thank-you's.
It wasn't in the last chapter, but I own nothing but the idea for this story. The Hunger Games and its characters belong to Suzanne Collins, an author who gave me an obsession with the characters in her story.
Chapter 2 - The Arrival in the Capitol
Peeta sits, staring out the window, watching the scenery pass by. He feels a hand on his shoulder. He looks up to see Gale. "Hey, what's going on?" Peeta asks.
"The girls are in their rooms, Rie is in the other room watching TV and I came to check on you. Are you okay?"
Peeta smiles at the boy who has been like a brother. "I was just thinking about how much my life has changed since the night you saved my life. About how I have a real family that cares about me. And about how the Capitol wants to take that away from me now."
Gale squeezes Peeta's shoulder, "We'll give the Capitol one hell of a show little brother. Come join me and Rie. The other district reaping's probably on."
Gale turns and Peeta gets up to follow. The room where the TV is located takes up about a third of the car. There's a large flat screen TV on one wall. Across from it is a plush black couch that pretty much takes up the whole opposite wall. Rie is sitting with his feet up on a glass top coffee table. Gale takes a seat next to Rie while Peeta sits next to Gale.
"Reaping's will be on in about 5 minutes. Effie went to get Haymitch and the girls." Rie says.
Soon Effie walks in with the girl's following behind her. "Young man, it's bad manners to put your feet on the table." She scolds, looking directly at Rie.
He immediately puts his feet down and apologizes to Effie. Delly sits next to Peeta while Madge sits next to Rie and Katniss sits by Madge. Effie, seeing there is no more room on the couch, sits down in an armchair that matches the couch. Haymitch comes in and sits in the armchair across from Effie. Suddenly the Reaping for District one is shown. Of the six, only 2 stand out. Glimmer Gleem and Marvel Wright are the only tributes to actually volunteer. Peeta makes a mental note to remember them later as per instructions by Boggs. The District 2 tributes are a little more impressive, all 6 volunteering. But as with District 1, only 2 stand out – Cato Canelos and Clove Felder. They stand away from the others in their district. District 3 is shown but none are noteworthy to Peeta. District 4 comes up. Peeta spots someone in the background he knows, Finnick O'dair. Finnick was Peeta's first crush. They got close and eventually became lovers. But due to his escort demands from the Capitol, Finnick and Peeta decided to just remain friends. Peeta was looking forward to seeing him again despite everything that had happened. Peeta shook himself mentally and got back to watching for notable tributes. District 5 had a female with fox like features but Peeta didn't catch her name. He didn't see anyone else of note until District 11. Two tributes, Thresh Temper and Rue Burd. There was something about the way they were standing. Then it was their own reapings. It was strange to watch after seeing it firsthand. Then Peeta heard Effie call Rory's name on the TV then himself volunteering. Then had heard his televised self whisper, "Well, shit!" as he made his way to Rory. He could feel 6 pairs of eyes on him. He turns to them and shrugs. "I didn't even realize I said anything." He looks back to the TV to see the 6 of them lined up on the stage. He can't shake the feeling that it looks familiar. As he points to the TV Gale says, "We look almost like those cocky careers from 2."
"Do you think anyone from the other districts will notice?" asks Delly.
"Gale noticed almost immediately so I dare say yes, someone is bound to notice," answers Rie who turns off the TV before turning to Effie, "Is it time to eat Effie? I'm a little hungry."
Effie, thrilled to be spoken to politely, answers, "Yes Rie, it is time to head to the dining car. Shall we go everyone?"
Dinner was a treat to the taste buds. Rich foods that filled their stomachs to the point of making them feel almost sick. Haymitch was quiet throughout the meal. When everyone was done, Haymitch sat back and cleared his throat. "Tomorrow you're going to meet your prep teams and stylists. With so many tributes, time will be of the essence. Listen to what they tell you and do everything they say – NO arguing! After the parade, we'll discuss what you should and should not do in the next week in the training area. Also, the decision to make the private sessions with game makers and the interviews split into 2 days each was made before we got on the train. Exactly how the split will happen will be told to us later." The six teens nod their understanding to Haymitch. "Good, We'll be arriving early in the morning, so go get some rest. Good night."
Peeta was lying in his bed when he heard a knock on his door. "Come in," he says as he sits up.
Gale walks in, "Do you have a minute?"
Peeta smiles, "Can't sleep either?" he asks.
"Not really," Gale says shutting the door and going to sit on the foot of Peeta's bed. "I actually wanted to just talk."
Peeta smiles. They did this at home almost every night. "What's on your mind tonight?" Peeta asks.
"I had a special visitor today. Told me that we'd have special sponsors during the games. I was wondering, did you have a visitor like that?"
Peeta winked at Gale. "I had lots of visitors. Let me ask you a question. Did any of the tributes stand out to you? Any you might think we can be allies with?"
Gale smiles, "I might have noticed a couple. What should our plan be?"
Peeta thinks for a moment, "I think when training begins, we ought to keep an eye out for anyone who can help us and decide together, the six of us. It goes without saying that we should definitely stick together."
Gale nods and stands up, "Good night Peet. And thanks."
"Good night Gale. You're welcome." Gale leaves and Peeta finally goes to sleep.
The next morning, Peeta is awakened by Effie, "Rise and shine. It's going to be a big, big, big day." He moans, rolls over, and gets up. He goes to the walk-in closet and finds a blue button up shirt that matches his eyes and a pair of snug fitting black slacks before getting a shower. He steps out of his room 30 minutes later and runs into his fellow teammates. They all walk into the dining room together. Breakfast is just as quiet as dinner was the night before. They finish eating as they enter a tunnel. Katniss, who was sitting between Rie and Gale, grabs for their hands. Moments later they are back in the sunshine, the train slowing down. The six teens jump up and look out the window, waving at the crowd gathered by the station. They hear Haymitch behind them, snickering. "These kids sure know what they're doing." Effie laughs.
The group arrive at the prep center and are greeted by their stylists. The man is dressed in all black. His dark hair is cut short. The only thing that makes him look like he's from the Capitol is his gold eyeliner. The woman is dress in black as well. Her blonde hair falls around her head in soft curls. Her only make-up matches the man's.
"I'm Cinna and this is my sister and partner Portia. We're your stylists. After the prep teams finish with you, I will dress the girls and Portia the boys."
They all walk in the building, Cinna leading the girls to a door on the left and Portia and the boys to the right. Inside the room are 9 wildly dressed people with strange skin, hair, and eye colors. Cinna and Portia leave the rooms and let the prep teams to do their work. After being stripped naked, several baths, a very painful waxing to remove ALL body hair, nails polished and painted, hair cut-colored-styled, and make-up applied, the stylists return. All six teens are dressed into skin tight, black latex body suits that leave nothing to the imagination. The look is topped off with knee high boots, black crowns, and black capes. The six teens and the stylists head down the hall and hop into an elevator going down to where the chariots are. When they step out of the elevator, they see Haymitch and Effie standing by a large chariot being pulled by 4 very large black horses.
Cinna explains what their costumes do. "Rie and Delly, you will be up in the front of the chariot. There is a button on your collar that when Portia or I tell you, you will push. Your costumes will light up, giving the image that you are hot coals. Peeta and Katniss, you will be behind Rie and Delly, up on a short step. Your costumes are going to be lit with synthetic fire – Don't worry, it won't burn you. Gale and Madge, you will be in the back. Your costumes also have a button that will need to be pushed. It's located on your wrists. When we tell you, turn on your costume. Your costumes will light up to become a dark gray and smoke will look like it's coming from your back and cape."
Cinna looks at the kids as Portia says, "We want each pair of you to hold hands while rolling down the street. As you get about halfway down the road, Rie and Delly you'll reach back and place your hands with Peeta and Katniss. Gale and Madge, your hands will go forward. When all hands are in the middle, raise them up." The 6 nod in understanding. "Relax guys, you have a 15 minutes before it's time to start." Haymitch says.
Peeta takes the time to check out the other tributes with Gale and Rie while the girls are talking to Effie and Portia. District 1 were wearing outfits covered in jewels. One pair in emeralds, one in diamonds, and the last in rubies. When the pair wearing the emeralds turned in their direction, Rie recognizes them as Glimmer and Marvel. They watch the pair walk up to a pair of gladiators, a short brunette and tall muscular blonde, standing away from the 4 others dressed similarly. Peeta deduces that the pair is Clove and Cato. Just ahead of them, dressed as farmers, Gale points out Thresh and Rue. Peeta sees Johanna by the District 7 chariot and tells his friends he'll be right back.
"Hey JoJo," he says when he gets near her. "How are you?" Johanna turns around and gives Peeta a smirk.
"Just fine Bread Boy. Bake any cheese rolls lately?"
Peeta laughs, "Not since before the reaping."
He then feels a pair of arms wrap around him from behind. "Peeta Bread! I've missed you! Nice outfit. Very flattering from this side." is whispered in his ear. Peeta turns as Finnick lets go.
"Finny, flattery will get you nowhere and you know that" Peeta says before leaning forward and giving Finnick a kiss on his cheek.
He turns so he can face both his friends. "You guys going to come and see us after dinner tonight?" Peeta asks. The two look at each other and agree. Peeta waves goodbye and runs back to his chariot when he notices the District 1 tributes climbing into their chariot. He can hear the roar of the crowd as the parade begins.
District 11's chariot is about to roll out the doors when Cinna gives the word for the four to turn on their outfits. Portia jumps up and lights Peeta and Katniss with the fake flames. She quickly jumps down reminding them to join hands. The setting sun awaits them as they pull through the doors. The sounds of cheering stops and then becomes thunderous as they begin rolling down the street. With joined hands raised, waving to the crowd, they can see on one of the jumbo screens what a wondrous sight they are. When they reach the point where they think is about halfway, the 3 pairs of joined hands come together. The crowd gets even louder. When they pull to a stop where the other tributes are in a half circle around the stage, they drop their joined hands and continue waving until they see President Snow approach the microphone to give his welcome speech. During the speech, the group notice the hostile looks they are getting from the other tributes except 6. Glimmer, Marvel, Cato, Clove, Thresh, and Rue are looking at them with a look of curiosity. Peeta smiles as he turns his attention back to the president. 'Trying to form an alliance with them may be easier than hoped.' he thinks. Soon they are back inside. Gale gets down and helps everyone else out of the chariot. Cinna and Portia spray a can of something that puts the flames out on Peeta and Katniss. Effie and Haymitch join the group.
"You guys were fabulous! There will be sponsors lined up around the block." Effie squeals.
"Yes, yes. They were-" Haymitch begins. Peeta notices Haymitch is looking behind him and turns to look. He sees Cato and Clove studying their group intently. 'Maybe I was wrong about them,' thinks Peeta, 'I'll ask the group later.' "Let's continue our discussion upstairs over dinner." Haymitch says heading towards the elevator.
The 6 teens step out on their floor and their jaws drop. There's a large dining room to the left. The large table can seat up to 16 people. To the right is the living room. A large white L-shaped couch faces a large flat screen TV above a beautiful white brick fireplace. There are black throw pillows on the couch that sits on a black carpet. On the glass top coffee table is a vase filled with a colorful bouquet of orange roses, stargazer lilies, pink carnations and purple irises. Down the hallway was 8 doors. One for each tribute and one for Haymitch and one for Effie. After being shown their rooms, the kids take shower and put on more comfortable clothes. Cinna and Portia join the group for dinner which is filled with talk of the parade and lots of laughter. They eat Lamb stew with rolls. As soon as the last plate is removed, Johanna and Finnick come in. Haymitch pulls out two bottles of white liquor. He pours everyone a glass and they toast the games. They're sitting in the living room watching a recap of the parade when Finnick, sitting next to Peeta, leans over and whispers in his ear, "When this is over, we need to go to the roof and talk." Peeta looks at him and says, "Okay".
An hour later, Finnick and Johanna show the 6 tributes the roof. They lead them to the garden area. It's one of the safest places to talk.
"Finn, what are we doing here?" Delly asks.
"Boggs sent me a message that he gave two of you some orders. I'm to expand on them. Which of you got the orders?"
Gale and Peeta step forward. The others gasp.
"I was told that we already have sponsors from District 13." Gale says.
"I was told to watch the other tributes and find the ones that may have training like we did. Then get them to be allies." adds Peeta.
Finnick and Johanna share a look. "There are 6, possibly 7, tributes here that have training like you. We aren't sure which ones they are." Says Johanna.
"But if you can get them to join you, and you can get away from the bloodbath at the cornucopia, you will receive a message from District 13 on what to do next." Finnick adds.
Madge, Delly, and Katniss share a confused look. "Hold on, we have to team up with others and wait for a message?" asks Katniss.
"We're going into the games where 72 of us are going in but only one comes out. Why does District 13 care if we have allies?" asks Madge.
"Are we supposed to go to the cornucopia?" asks Delly.
Johanna scoffs. "What's with the third degree there princesses 1, 2, and 3? Boggs was promoted to Commander and your commander gave you an order. It was part of your basic training to follow orders!" Her voice rising in anger. Finnick puts a hand on her shoulder to try to calm her down. She shrugs him off. "This is never going to work if they question everything. I'm going back to my room. I'll see you tomorrow."
Johanna leaves and Finnick turns to look at the girls. "I realize you might be scared, but things are in motion now that will be explained to you as they are relayed here. Everything is connected to what you trained for. Now, you should all probably head back and get some rest." Finnick then strikes a sexy pose. "Especially if you want to look as good as me."
They all laughed. As they head to the door, Finnick grabs Peeta's arm to stop him. "Can we talk for a minute?" Finnick asks when everyone was out of earshot.
Peeta, curious, says "Sure."
Finnick waits until they're alone before he begins. "Peeta, we've known each other for a while now and in that time we became more than friends. At least I think we're more than just friends." Peeta watches Finnick run his hands through his bronze hair as he turns saying, "Shit, this isn't coming out right!"
Peeta puts a hand on Finnick's shoulder. "What has you so flustered Finn?"
Finnick turns around, eyes down. "You do." He whispers.
"Me? How do I fluster you?" Peeta asks, curiosity in his voice.
Finnick looks into Peeta's eyes, "You have this way about you that makes me want to be with you. I miss what we had. I want us to be together again."
Peeta is stunned. He had let Finnick go before and it nearly broke him. "Finn, I can't! We can't!"
"Why not?" Finnick asks, tears forming in his eyes. "Tell me why we can't? I, I love you!"
Peeta is incredulous. "Why not? Are you serious? I'm going into the games! I may not come back! Then there's what you do for the president! Oh, and let's not forget about Annie. You love her Finn! We can't do this to her. She is already so fragile. If we did get back together and she found out, it would kill her. I won't do that. I can't do that." Peeta pauses, trying to control his anguish. "You will always, always have a place in my heart Finn but I'm sorry. We can never be together."
Both have tears in their eyes. Finnick's shoulders sag in sadness. Peeta puts a hand to Finnick's face, feeling like he needs to explain better. "It nearly broke me when we couldn't be together before. I can't do it again. Please understand." He whispers before turning and walking away. He could hear Finnick crying behind him and it took everything inside him to not turn around and run into Finnick's arms. He forces himself to keep walking away.
Peeta doesn't go to his room immediately when he gets back. He sees a light through the gap of the door and knocks on Gale's door. Gale opens the door and sees Peeta's face. He grabs Peeta's hand and pulls him into the room. He shuts the door and leads him to the bed. "Oh Peet, what happened?"
Peeta looks over to Gale, "Finnick asked to have a private word with me. So we waited until you all left. Then he asks me to get back together with him." Peeta gives Gale a moment to let that sink in before he continues. "I told him no. Gale, please tell me I did the right thing! Please tell me that I'm not a bad person for leaving him on the roof crying." he pleads.
Gale wraps his arms around Peeta. He was the one that helped Peeta through his heartbreak the last time. And it was bad. "Oh Peeta, you definitely did the right thing! You're going to be fighting for your life soon. I know how much you must be hurting but we all have to let go of any personal feelings if we are going to fight to survive." Peeta just nodded. They sat that way, with Gale's comforting arms wrapped around Peeta, for a while.
Peeta pulls himself together and out of Gale's embrace. "Thank you Gale. Get some rest. I'll see you in the morning." They both stand.
"Good night Peet." Gale says as Peeta walks out the door. Peeta walks down to his room. Once he locks himself in his room, Peeta strips down and climbs into his bed where he allows the tears he held back to finally fall. He cries himself to sleep.