NOTE- Read the first chapter again guys! Added something there. :) Plus, Muddyboots, sorry if I went OOC with Spruce! I'll edit it later. Tell me if I'm still being OOC, I want to make sure I have it down for another time!
Cornell Wheaton (D9 Male)
The whole way there, the only thing I could think of were my siblings, back at home, safe in Nine, not in the risk of possible death. Prairie, Barley, Mother, sick Father, even Grayn seemed more fortunate than me... At least he had died a slow death, and by fire. I couldn't bear the thought that I might be..murdered.
Prairie, Barley, you must be alright, I thought sadly, feeling this heavy weight on my shoulders that had never been there before. They had to pull through this if I were to die, they couldn't just sit there and mourn, or else everything we kept up..the taxes...everything would be lost.
And I couldn't imagine Father lying in bed, coughing, with the knowledge that each breath might be his last. Claws clutched at my heart and I pulled my attention back to reality, away from home. I didn't need to think about Nine, I needed to think about what I would do in the Games- and how to win.
I'm doing this for Father, I thought. If I win...we'll be able to pay for his treatment. Then surely it'll all be worth it.
Encouraged by this one thought, I stared back out the window, at the rolling hills and grasses rippling with the breeze. The sun was beginning to go back down, intense orange heat flaring nonetheless, and I figured it must be about five o'clock.
"Cornellllllll," a voice chirped. "Wherever you arrreeeeee." That was Zahava, my somewhat helpful optimist-of-a-friend. She was nice to talk to- I could quit thinking about my family for long periods of time when she was around.
"I've over here," I said, waving my hand. She brightened and skipped into the room.
"Do a magic trick!" she demanded.
"Okay," I replied, hoping she didn't know what I was thinking about because she would never understand. Reaching into my pocket, I grabbed out my deck of cards, which I had used just this morning. I shuffled through it, found the ones I needed, and put them face-down on the table(four queens and four random cards). I then showed her the cards, being sure to put the random cards behind the queens so she wouldn't see them.
"I have four cards, see?" I captioned.
She nodded fervently, eyes alight with interest.
"Now," I said as I placed the cards on top of the deck, the four random on top, "I'm going to put the four random into the deck." With a bunch of magnificent gestures, I put them all in random places within the stack.
"I'm going to make the queens go back to the top," I told her confidently.
She stared at me. "No way! You have four extra queens!"
I shook my head, smiling the whole time. "No, I don't." I revealed the four queens on the top.
"Then you have to have proof for those cards inside the deck," she said. "Show me it so I can be sure there's no extra queens." I displayed the cards to her and she, astonished, just gazed at them.
"No extra queens," I smiled.
"What!" She plucked at the cards, as if she wanted to make a queen appear.
I stacked all the cards back into one pile and said, shrugging, "That's the trick." Smart, my mind mused. Smart.
Murray Keyes (D10 Male)
Weird when a random girl just happened to come in and growl harshly, "Where is he?"
I happened to be having idle chat with my mentor, who looked to be a pretty nice guy. I wanted to get to know him more, then work my way to asking him what the best strategy he thought was, so that I could set my plan into motion.
"Where is who?" he asked innocently, a small smile curving across his mouth.
She shook with anger. "You know who I'm talking about! Where is he?" Jeez, had she gone crazy or something? How would we know who she was talking about?
Annoyance darted across her face. "Tell me where he is!"
"No, seriously, we don't know where 'he' is," snapped my mentor back. I still hadn't gotten his name yet so for now he was just known as 'my mentor'. He would always duck away from the topic when I tried to bring it up. Was he illegal? I wondered curiously. Finding out his name was my newest goal.
"You know," she hissed softly, her whole body tensing up. "You know who I'm talking about. Algar." She said the name in a quick and snappy tone, eyes glaring, as if she didn't even want to find this "Algar". Hmm... I wondered who she was. Maybe I could focus on that for now and then make finding out my mentor's name my goal once I'd finished. It wasn't like I had anything else to do, other than wait, wait, wait, prepare, prepare, prepare.
"Who's Algar?" asked my mentor, taking charge of the conversation.
"Algar? Why, he's the District Four male tribute." For the first time she spoke with a surprise, as if she genuinely did not know that we had been clueless as to what she was talking about. She must be crazy, I thought. Probably from all the journeying outside. Must've taken her a long time.
"Mmm, okay," he nodded slowly, eyes becoming slits as if he didn't trust this girl. I couldn't say I blamed him.
"So do you know where he is?" she snarled, her voice becoming a whiplash once more, concealing the intrigued surprise earlier. I couldn't believe this was the same person, but if I had to sum it all up, it would definitely include cold and snappy.
"Of course not, why would I?" my mentor asked, the corners of his eyes crinkling to a faint honest smile
"Oh, really? We've searched almost all the Districts- it has to be this one," she insisted.
"Which ones have you searched?"
"Districts Four, Five, Six, Seven, and now Ten," she ticked off on her fingers, still keeping her glare on us. When she turned, I saw that her hair was not completely black as I had thought; it actually faded into an unnatural red at the bottom. Strange, I thought. Does she dye her hair? No way. There's no such thing as hair stylists around here when everyone's trying to keep their stomachs full.
"Why did you skip Eight and Nine?" he asked softly.
She hesitated, a crack coming into her stiff features. "She..she went to Eight I'm pretty sure," she said carefully.
"What about Nine?" he prompted.
She became fiery once more. "Stop getting into my business and answer me!"
"I have already answered you," he murmured. "He's not here."
This seemed to enrage her further. "You have him! I know it!" she shouted coldly.
"Oh, little girl, don't throw a fit. I'm sure we can work this out," he said sympathetically, his voice honeyed and sweet. I didn't believe he actually felt that way- he was probably just putting on an act for her to trust him. But she did the complete opposite, staring at him with hard suspicion in her eyes.
"Don't call me a little girl," she hissed quietly, fingers curling into fists ready to strike. "If you say that one more time—"
"Okay, okay." He waved his hands. "No need to threaten us perfectly innocent souls. We don't have Algar or whatever his name is, have never seen him. Heck, I don't even know what he looks like. So you can go ahead and step out of the train now, have a great day." I almost admired his coolness, but it would be tough to have to put up with him, especially if you were on his bad side as she was now.
"Fine," she growled. "You know, I'm quitting. This has exhausted me too much and I won't even be ready for the Games. I'm going to find my way back to my train- how much time have we got left?"
My mentor glanced at his watch. "It's 1:17 now..so we'll have about, eh, until three or four in the morning?"
She rubbed at her eyes furiously as if she just now realized how late it was and cursed. "I've only got three hours at the most," she mumbled to herself. "Perfect." Slipping away, she headed on out- and we never saw a trace of her again for the whole ride.
Elizabeth Bronzebrook (D11 Female)
Rosie. Rosie. Rosie. Her name ran through my head until I felt like I would go crazy. I couldn't believe I loved her that much. I loved her so much that I had volunteered for her. I had put my life in front of hers, as a defensive shield. Whether that shield splintered was entirely up to me, up to my choices on what I would do in the Games.
Maximus had wanted to discuss "strategy" with me and I had reluctantly agreed, needing every help I could get to win. Now I was stationed across a table from him, listening to his boring voice go over what he called "strategy", though I doubted anybody from the Capitol, even the escort, could help me. They were all a bunch of soft-minded zombies under the Capitol, right?
I didn't exactly talk to much to strangers- you could even call be shy. But I had to speak up and ask questions, however much it made be feel self-conscious. He was droning on about some Bloodbath plan, called the "Fight From Your Pedestal" strategy. It was about how you could throw something at them and explode them to bits. But what was there to throw? There was no way I was going to limping along with one shoe, even if it got rid of my enemies...
"So, Maximus," I began, not knowing really what to say. Ugh! What do you say to someone who's all fancy and stuff? I don't even talk to normal people, let alone rich ones! "Which one...which strategy would you say is the best?"
His brow wrinkled as he thought for a moment. "Oh, well, it would probably have to be the 'Run Away' one. I personally think it's safest and more tributes have survived that way." He paused for effect. "But, of course, if you want to be dramatic and go kill a bunch of people...go ahead. But I would let the Careers do that."
"So you're saying that I have to run away...Basically?" I stared him in the face. I thought he'd have something better than just running away.
"Yes," he said firmly. "That is, if you want to live. If you want to die...that's a different story."
"Well, I don't want to die...," I put in, my voice trailing off as he began to explain all the awesomeness of running away. His yellow hair was beginning to gross me out. It looked like...well, barf?
"Sure you don't want to die, honey, so that's what I was saying, you should try the 'Run Away' strategy. It suits your personality, you know. Or...you could do something related to your District. That way nobody else will know how to do it because it's a special Eleven thing."
I decided not to growl at him for implying that I was a coward and instead said politely, "Like what?"
Maximus propped his chin on one hand, yawning slightly. "Oh, I don't know, maybe taking some dirt from the ground and throwing it at your opponent's faces? Then, when they're distracted, pick up a weapon and shoot them."
I looked down at my hands. "That sounds...great."
He seemed not to notice my hesitation and chattered on, but I was too weary to listen. A while later, my District partner, Amil, strode in, a charmingly smug smile plastered on his face. He grinned at me and said, "Hello, pretty."
I had never really been much of a flirt, and I always got extremely awkward whenever it happened. Being with my family felt a whole lot safer than speaking out with others, that was all. The only time I really talked and expressed my opinions was with them. And that was only part of my opinions, not all.
"Um.." Oh, God, was I blushing? Did he think I seriously liked him? I studied him closely but I couldn't tell beyond the thick mask of smiles. I decided to just say, "...thanks?"
He laughed, slapping the table as he did so in a very outgoing way and settling into a chair between Maximus and I. His excellent talent with dialogue leading him, he said, "So, whatcha talking about?"
"Bloodbath plans," I informed him.
He winked at me as if he could tell I was bored and said pleasantly, "Sounds interesting."
"It is!" Maximus piped up, putting a hand through his black-dyed-yellow hair. Ew. Disgusting. It looked like...like mustard. Yuuuuuuuuckkkkkkkkk.
"Let me tell you all about it," Maximus continued smoothly. "Judging by your personality, I would say you could go ahead and try to charm a few girls, have them fall for you and then maybe kill them?" He shot Amil an understanding smile. "You would be great at it." See what I meant when I said Maximus was completely clueless? Well, here was solid proof.
"Why, thank you," Amil smiled back, though it was less shiny and more guarded. "I will be sure to try it in the Bloodbath." Jeez, he wasn't actually going to try it, was he? Obviously not. From the way his odd smile shone, it looked as if he would rather go on a killing spree in the Bloodbath than try Maximus's advice.
Maximus beamed widely, his cheeks full of radiant color, so different from his usual pale complexion. And I'd thought he was cold and unlikable...of course, not that he was likable in any way.
Escort and tribute went back and forth like this for a while, each of them tossing each other calm compliments, Amil looking more and more fake by the second and Maximus more and more proud, as if thinking his ideas were life-savers.
Finally Amil left, saying that he was going to get some coffee, and I was left alone with Maximus, who was still sparkly-eyed. "Amil will be a wonderful tribute this year," he said proudly. "I bet you he might even win- or at least get into the final three. He has a way with girls, you know?"
"I can imagine," I said, trying to veil my dislike. I really didn't like Maximus now, because he was easily messed with and clueless. But patiently I listened through his rambling. It would have to help me somehow.
Jackson Winters (D12 Male)
She was so small and tiny and helpless and young that I instantly felt a twinge of pity for her. Surely she would die in the Bloodbath...she looked like just the sort to. Her features, all in one face, were that of an angel's, sweetly beautiful. Her hair was the color of ashen blonde, her eyes round, large, and chocolate brown. I'd never had chocolate before, but I'd heard my parents talking about it...
I kept these feelings to myself, of course, those twinges of pity, the knowledge that she would likely die. I wasn't close enough to her to trust her, so I couldn't just blurt all of that out.
I wanted her as an ally just so I could help her, because it would be absolutely terrible if somebody so young as her had to die, but I wasn't so sure I could arrange that without having to tell her why. Maybe I could make something up..?
No, it was better to just stick with myself and stay quiet, mysterious, never interacting with anyone but friends, because she was one of those people who had ignored me the day I needed help.
Alice Kimminger, that was her name. Alice was a name to be expected, since it sounded angelic just by itself. Kimminger...I wasn't too sure about that. Kind of just a normal last name, not really saying anything or revealing any secrets.
She was speaking quietly with the escort right now, Vera Plosorm, who was chattering on about herself and batting her lashes. "Oh, you know," she said happily, "my makeup is gorgeous!"
"It is," Alice agreed politely, beaming at Vera.
"Oh, darling, you would look absolutely beautiful once the Capitol has you all fixed up!" she gushed generously.
Turning back around, I focused my attention on the large TV, where something about the Capitol was on. Caesar Flickerman shouted, "Welcome, all, to our most recent news broadcast!" A scream of cheers rattled out among the decorated, sparkling people in the audience.
"Today," he said, voice lowering abruptly so that everyone had to lean in to hear, "we will be seeing something extra interesting. Let's give it up for Algar!"
Who was Algar? I wondered. It sounded like a District name, not that of a Capitol's... Intrigued, I watched the television through blazing eyes.
Then I saw a boy being led onstage, eyes flaring with hatred, teeth snapping wildly. A metal choker-like band wound around his neck; to the Capitol, it looked like a fashion peace, but I knew better.
"Let me go," he demanded venomously, and the audience screeched with laughter at his ragged hair, his sunken cheeks. He had definitely not been fed well recently, probably even kept as a prisoner to ridicule.
"Oh, but we're having too much fun!" Caesar grinned at him and patted the seat next to him. Stiffly, Algar sat down, a growl in his throat, but nobody seemed to have noticed- or if they did, they didn't care.
"So, Algar, how exactly did you turn up on our doorstep?" Caesar swept his gaze across the stage eagerly. "For those who didn't know, Algar is this year's male tribute- from District Four! Interesting, isn't it?"
The Capitol yelled out as one.
"Algar?" prodded Caesar, turning his wide smile upon the boy.
"I..was...exploring," wheezed Algar, "and..I..pushed a random..button..to activate...something. It..brought...me...here."
"Oh, yes, our newest invention," said Caesar easily. "We had it stocked in every train and you were unfortunate enough to find it. Well, now that you're here, can you tell us a little bit more about yourself?"
Algar looked like there was an endless torment in his eyes, and he couldn't stop it from showing. Was it some other drug they were using that was making him confess? I thought.
"Y-yes," sputtered Algar. "But..let..me GO FIRST!" All the strength ran out of his body and he sat there limply, eyes rolling from the effort.
"Now, now, Algar," Caesar said smoothly, "no need to make a fuss. Don't worry, we'll take care of you just fine after you answer these questions." He looked at the crowd again. "Now, Algar, how old are you?"
"N-no...I..."
I switched off the TV, not wanting to see any more of this frightening display. They were making him say all of that, forcing him to sputter out the truth, and he was trying to fight it as hard as he could. I couldn't keep watching the horrific sight.
I won't tell Alice, I thought with determination. She needn't know. At least..at least now we know one of our opponents...
No, I know one of our opponents. She doesn't.
8/28/17