Happy New Year! I bring you the next chapter of Overture of a Massacre, along with a new story, Lovely Island Flowers.
Remember to vote in the poll on my profile before this story ends. There are 17 more chapters after this one, but trust me they will fly by in no time.
Act 7
'Those Judgmental Prickles'
The days of training had quickly come and gone. After the first day, everyone seemed to focus on their favourite station. Having done the required ones on the first day had given us the luxury to center our attention into our favouritism.
I had moved on from the knot tying and climbing stations, having experienced them enough. Besides Delphine was always at either the knot tying station or the trident station and after my discussion with Dezji, I didn't know if I really wanted her around me. I didn't need my enemy to size me up while standing right beside me.
Then there was Nova who was rotating between the climbing and knife stations. Now I could take on the drug-dealing, gang leader, Pill, and stare down his biggest grunt without giving even the slightest fear away. But that girl! It wasn't like I was scared of her she just irritated me so much. I am probably focusing too much on this girl, but she just got to me. Little kids are supposed to be sweet and gentle; like Lilleth or Gavin.
Speaking of which, Gavin had seemed to gather some unwanted attention from finishing the course. When I had continued on with my training after the Gauntlet, I had stolen glances toward the area. No one else seemed to be able to do what Helen or Gavin could accomplish. So it seemed only natural people would feel a little bit of resentment towards the two of them. I know I felt a bit jealous they could finish and I couldn't even get passed the monkey bars. Still, some of them went as far as to make Gavin feel uncomfortable. Douglas, Dezji's source, even tried to back up the poor kid, trying to keep both sides calm and safe. But that calm quickly dispersed when Douglas threw a punch at Paris when Paris made a comment on Douglas' scars. The Peacekeepers had to quickly pull them apart. By the time Douglas was off of Paris, Paris' lip was already split and he had a bruise under his eye.
"You're first!" Paris had threatened.
It really didn't seem likely in my opinion. Paris was pretty frail compared to the buff Douglas. Douglas was from District Seven after all, in which lumber was their main export. They had to get that lumbar somehow, which explained their strong appearances. Even the female tribute from District Seven, a girl named Amira, had muscles. So unless Paris got help from one of his Career friends, it seemed unlikely Douglas was going to get hurt any time soon.
As for training, I had focused the second days on sling shots. Like many of the other tributes, I had assumed that sling shots were pretty useless. But it was the only weapon station unused, so I took it. I didn't need to make any more enemies after all. Strangely enough, sling shots were a lot stronger than I had originally thought. With the help of Mola, the trainer at the sling shots, I had actually grown slightly good at them. They didn't require much strength, which was actually kind of nice. I knew I didn't have a chance with swords or axes, as it requires strength to just lift them, and spears required strength to strike. Sling shots were nice.
A couple of time a few of the other tributes would come over and check out the sling shots. I tended to back away, so I wouldn't make a show of myself. Still, they didn't last for long, as they either quickly bore themselves or got distracted with another station.
By the end of the three days, I had grown adept with a sling shot. The best thing about that was, in the arena I was always with ammo, even if it was a simple rock.
The fourth day came and all the tributes were lined up in a small, plain room. It was time to receive our scores. The scoring was held after training during a private station. The Gamemakers would watch us at any of the stations and rate our performances. The scores would then be televised across Panem that night. Usually the sessions took 15 minutes at max, though that was at max. Some people's sessions didn't even last that; usually a sign that the Gamemakers were not impressed.
District One was up first, meaning it was Paris' turn. He had make-up to cover up the bruise under his eye and his split lip had looked a bit better. I guess they didn't want him to receive a lower score because of his bad appearance.
Only a Career would think that, I thought, scoffing silently to myself.
He had a long session, as did Aur, the District One girl. The District Two tributes also had long sessions, all lasting 15 minutes. I could only assume what they did based on the stations they focused on. Paris had focused on knives during training, while Aur focused on archery. Helena was quite strong and fierce, so she probably used that as advantage while showing off her handiness with a sword. Marcello also was practicing with swords during training, so he probably followed suite of Helena and showed off with a sword. Not that the Gamemakers were probably complaining. Even if they did the same thing, both of the District Two tributes were strong and probably gave off a good, entertaining show.
One by one, tributes were escorted into the private area by Peacekeepers. A few were shorter, like the District Five tributes or the District Six guy. It felt like it was my turn in no time.
After Dezji went, I was escorted into the room where a parade of colour sat in a lavish area. Expensive food was everywhere along with chalices holding what I could assume was alcohol.
I took a deep breath and walked over to the sling shot area. A couple of the Gamemakers watched me, but the rest continued to talk amongst themselves. They probably had enough excitement with the Career that most of them were already tired of watching.
Just don't have a short session, I thought. I do not want to be considered weak by these twigs.
It would be a defiant insult if I was giving a low score, and thus considered weak, by people who looked like they couldn't even hold a leaf above their heads.
"Begin," one said.
I held the sling shot up and took aim at the targets. Admittedly, this was harder than the original training. The targets were moving now. It isn't like I was expecting to get stationary targets in the arena, but this was a bit overwhelming. I tried to keep my heartbeat down and steady my hand. Out of the original 20 targets moving at random speeds, I managed to hit a good 15/16 of them.
I was actually proud of myself. I could have gone with knot tying, which I would have been alright at, but I decided to do something I had only just been introduced to. And I managed to do a decent job of it.
My session had lasted a good nine to ten minutes, most of which was me shooting targets. It seemed like the Gamemakers that actually gave energy to watch me at least slightly enjoyed the sight.
I walked out, finally able to breath. I had felt like I was holding my breath the entire time. I ended up meeting Weft outside the waiting room.
"You're sweating… Was it that difficult?" he asked me as we walked back to the District Eight floor.
I shot a glare at him, but noticed he was chuckling. It seemed like he was just trying to lighten the load for me. It didn't really help, but I had to appreciate the try.
"How did you do in your session?" I asked.
"Oh, that was so long ago," he joked. "But I defiantly remember doing camouflage, which is funny because that helped me win my Games."
Now I kind of regret avoiding that station.
"I think I got like a six in my scores. It was a little below average, as most people were getting sevens and eights. A few got really low scores and the Careers got nines and tens; no surprise there. But mine was I do believe a six," he said.
If I got a six, I would be happy.
That night came rather quickly. Then again, time seemed to pass at rapid speeds ever since I had been reaped, or so it seemed.
Dezji, Woof, Weft, Gaius, and myself were all crowded on the couch in front of the luxurious television. When I had first arrived, I remember gawking at it as I had need seen something so big or expensive before. It could talk up the entire wall over the fireplace.
On the television appeared the two men from the parade; Lucida and Leatus. Unlike the parade news cast, they seemed a lot more serious now.
"Tonight we are here to bring you the scores of this year's tributes," said Lucida.
"Yes, the scoring was acquired after each tribute received a private session with the Gamemakers. After watching them carefully as the tributes showed off their skills, they gave the tributes each a score that would best represent them and their skills," explained Leatus.
By "watching them carefully", I could only assume Leatus had meant watching the wine in their glasses.
"And now, let us start," said Lucida. "From District One, the male tribute, Paris Argent… A training score of nine. From District One, the female tribute, Aur Metaxas… A training score of ten."
"From District Two," continued Leatus. "The male tribute, Marcello Leon… A training score of nine. From District Two, the female tribute, Helena Sonova… A training score of ten."
Woof sighed.
"Figures that two of the Career districts would have such high scores," he gruffed.
Gaius just went on to smile and patted both Dezji and me on the back while saying, "Don't worry. I bet you two will do well, too."
It went on to list the next five districts. District Four of course was up there; Delphine getting a nine and Coriander getting a ten. District Three, Six, and Seven received what could be deemed as "average" scoring, ranging from six to eight. District Five, which the two shortest sessions, received a four and a two. Finally though, after all of that, was our turn.
"From District Eight, the male tribute, Dezji Warder…" said Lucida.
Dezji had apparently had done camouflage, which Weft seemed happy about. All of us listened in as Lucida continued on.
"A training score of eight. Fitting really."
He couldn't help but chuckle at the irony of a District Eight tribute getting a score of eight.
"Congratulations!"
Everyone cheered on Dezji's good score. I however remained silent as I watched the television. I couldn't focus on anything else except what my score might be. I bit my lip when my name was said.
"From District Eight, the female tribute, Calico Neil," said Leatus. "A training score of six."
I let a sigh of relief. For these Games, six seemed an average score. Weft clapped his hand on my back.
"Welcome to the club," he said.
I chuckled, while everyone seemed focused on Dezji. I ended up ignoring the rest of the scores as I congratulated Dezji with the others.
I didn't think this chapter was going to be long but 1,905 words proved me wrong. I guess once I start writing, I write a lot. At least for this story that is.
Let it be known the training scores I gave are not a representation of how I feel about your character. That being said, I give you the full list of training scores for each character.
* Paris: 9
* Aur: 10
* Marcello: 9
* Helena: 10
* Octavian: 8
* Claria: 6
* Coriander: 10
* Delphine: 9
* Wyatt: 2
* Seraphina: 4
* Othello: 5
* Anastasia: 7
* Douglas: 8
* Amira: 6
* Dezji: 8
* Calico: 6
* Danny: 4
* Elena: 5
* Dallas: 7
* Gypsy: 7
* Gavin: 3
* Nova: 5
* Calla: 5
* Silver: 8