Victor of the 68th Hunger Games

Chapter 4

Let the Games Begin

After Alloy and I ate, Haymitch stared us down with Hermes fluffing himself up, shifting his clothes and doing his best not to look at us. I swallowed, glancing at Alloy and then back at Haymitch. I stiffened in my chair and threw my shoulders back. As he looked at us, I knew what he saw. A 15 year old girl that looked like a common merchant kid with light hair and eyes with pale skin. Alloy with the Seam look of dark hair and tanner skin, his body looking more malnourished than mine, but more built as he was a boy of 17.

Like the usual District 12 tributes.

We usually saw people like us and knew they would die on the First Day. Last year was worse, a 12 year old boy was chosen, he died in five minutes. I could remember the wails of the mother as she was escorted out by the Peacekeepers. It was horrifying to watch. Is that what Cole and my father will see? I pushed the thought away. I couldn't think about that right now.

Alloy said, his voice pitched low. "What do we do now?"

Haymitch arched an eyebrow. "What?"

I spoke, grateful my voice did not crack. "Uh, Mr. Haymitch, what should we do now. How do we prepare?"

Haymitch barked out a laugh, wrinkling his nose. "Shit, kid. Don't call me that. Leave it at Haymitch." Hermes sent him a displeased look, which Haymitch gave a deep mocking chuckle at, rolling his eyes. From what I've seen of Haymitch, he was probably used to Hermes' strange behavior.

I looked into Haymitch's eyes, but could only see his eyes regarding me coldly. I pushed on. "Okay then, Haymitch. What do we do?"

Alloy was quiet. Haymitch asked. "You want advice? Fine, how about not dying? That's usually what you tributes want?"

I felt my chest fill with anger, watching him in disbelief. Our supposed mentor was useless and a jerk on top of that. Alloy snapped, his nose flaring. "What? Is this a joke to you?"

Haymitch said dryly. "Am I laughing?"

I clenched my jaw so hard that it hurt. "Seriously? This is what we're stuck with? No wonder so many kids died in our District!"

Haymitch looked at me once I finished talking and I felt a shutter in my shoulders and down my spine. His eyes were just as cold, like two pieces of sharp grey ice. "Or maybe its because the tributes of our District aren't fighters. Are you two fighters?"

I tilted my jaw, not looking at Alloy. To win, he had to die. I saw 'fighter' as 'killer' and tried to get that out of my head.

Alloy said and I knew he wasn't looking at me. "I don't plan on dying."

Haymitch laughed deeply, slamming his glass on the table, the liquor sloshing over the rim of the glass and wetting the table. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Hermes watching the three of us, his eyes flickering nervously between all of us and our 'stand-off'. I felt a stirring of bitterness. It didn't effect him if we died or not. He would just come back next year and do this again.

"Forrester, not the face you want to have with the crowds."

I flinched back at the use of my name. "Uh, what?"

"You kids want to survive? Get the people out there to like you. That will win you sponsors and help you survive. Because that's what matters, surviving out there long enough to win."

I nodded. "Okay, yeah, I get it."

Haymitch asked. "Hermes. What time do we get there?"

Hermes jumped, surprised at being called. Alloy was silently looking at everyone, except me. Which made sense, because I was doing the same thing. Hermes smoothed out his strange clothes. He checked something on his wrist. It was like a watch, but he touched it. "About an hour."

My eyes widened. "An hour? Didn't we just leave?"

Hermes smiled brightly. "Yes, our Capitol trains are amazing, aren't they?"

I had an urge to snap at him, but remembered Haymitch's words. I kept my face as neutral as I could. I saw Haymitch's approving smirk and felt like I was finally doing something right.

Alloy's tone was sharp. "Yeah, they're great."

Haymitch scoffed. "Yeah, yeah, it's amazing with their speed. Anyway, when we get out there, the Capitolites will be looking at you. Give a good impression."

Alloy asked. "What about strategy?"

Haymitch waved a hand. "Don't worry about that right now. We'll focus on that when we get there." He looked us both in the eye, poured another drink for himself and asked, a sarcastic tone in his voice. "You good, kids?" At our quiet nods, he said. "Good. Excuse me, I'm going to drink before we get to the Capitol. Damn well need it. Hermes, don't say anything." It cut down Hermes' protest, his mouth pressed into a thin line. Even past the make-up, I could see the offense. Haymitch stumbled to the feet, gripping the glass and took a long gulp, stumbling toward the hallway where the rooms were. I could smell his rancid scent of alcohol and old sweat. It could make someone's stomach turn.

Hermes clapped his hands after an long silence. "Well, time to get ready. We have much to do and an hour until we arrive."

I had an hour before we arrived at the Capitol.

An hour closer to my death. Or Alloy's.

I slammed forward in a sitting position, breathing deeply and loudly. I could feel the sweat clinging to my neck and forehead, getting in my eyes. I shook my head, wincing at the pain in my leg. "Dammit! I hate this place!" I would take our poor District over this.

I trudged into the shower, limping on my bad leg. I leaned against the wall, feeling the water wet my face. After I was done, I dressed in a silk red button down shirt, a black coat over that, dark jeans and boots with the jeans covering them. Brushing my hair back, I walked into the kitchen. I went straight for the alcohol, pouring a generous glass. I took a sip, sitting down. I heard footsteps and whirled on my heel, my fingers tightening on the glass. I saw it was the girl, Katniss. I waved a hand. "Hey, kid."

Katniss was dressed for the day in the training outfit. I hid my grimace with another drink. 16 years old. I was only five years older, but it felt like an eternity. She nodded at me, frowning a little. No doubt because I called her a kid. "Hey." It was quiet for a moment.

She glanced at my glass, but as I looked at her with a raised eyebrow, she didn't say anything. I went over to the wide spread and grabbed a chocolate muffin. As much as I hated the Capitol, I loved the food.

I stretched out in my chair, humming under my breath. "Well, get your food and take a seat." She eyed me for a moment, but looked hungry enough to get what she wanted. I drained my glass.

A while later, Peeta and Haymitch came in. I waved. "Hey." They both picked up their own plates. Haymitch sat next to me and I saw him glance at the glass. I shrugged. Peeta also sat down.

Peeta sent me a smile and I nodded back.

It was the third day, they would have the private session today and then off to the Games after the interview. Throughout the past couple of days, I tried to give them advice on what to do and how to act around the eyes of the Gamekeepers and other tributes. I hope it did a least something.

Peeta was explaining his skill with the camouflage to me. I looked over, interested. "Oh, really? It's not a usual skill people focus on, but definitely helpful. Where'd you learn that?"

Peeta's smile seemed to brighten as he explained how he iced the cakes in the bakery. Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed Haymitch get to his feet and walk off somewhere after sending a look at the two tributes, Katniss watching us.

I grinned a bit. "That's you? I could see why your camoflauge works so well." He looked a bit pleased, sending me a small grin back. I cursed myself in my head. What was I doing?! I was getting too attached.

During these three days they trained, we were asking them about the tributes on the Training Floor. I hid my grimace at the twelve year old girl in District 11. If not for Katniss, there would have been two twelve year olds in this mess. I looked at both of them and said. "Okay, so before you leave...in the private session, remember to show off your skill, but not to get too high of a number to cause you problems in the arena. So, Peeta, you're strength and Katniss, you bow unless I didn't remember that right?"

Katniss gave a nod. "You did."

I shifted my leg under the table, feeling my knee throb painfully. I sent them a smile, hiding what I was thinking. I stood up. "Good luck."

I sat in the lounge with Haymitch and Effie Trinket. I was rubbing my knee and leaning my head against the back of the coach.

"Nicolette, we have painkillers, you do not have to sit in pain."

I opened one eye to give her a dead stare. Whatever she saw in my expression made her shut up. "No thanks."

Haymitch said, glancing at the clock. "Nico, relax. They'll be back in an hour."

I grunted, closing my eye. "I am." I let go off my knee, ignoring the throbbing. I sighed. "I need a drink." I wonder what my brother and father are doing?

Effie sniffed. "If Haymitch can refrain from drinking, so can you."

I scoffed, stumbling to my feet and pouring a drink. "I'm not gettin' blackout drunk. Just a drink."

Haymitch didn't say anything, he knew how I was. I took a sip and sat back down, relishing in the burn. I knew I would have to leave later and scope some sponsors once the scores of the training aired out.

The doors opened and I waved. "Hey, kids, how-"

Katniss darted off toward the rooms and disappeared. I frowned, putting down my glass. I turned toward Peeta."What happened?"

He looked just as confused. "I-I don't know."

Haymitch said, his mouth twisting into a grimace. "Let's go see." Haymitch and Effie left and went toward the rooms. Peeta stood awkwardly as they left. I decided to hang back, they didn't need me there.

He glanced at the door and I sighed, waved toward the couch. "Go on, kid. Sit down and tell me about your private session with the Gamemakers."

He stared at me for a moment, his blue eyes serious. Similar enough to mine, both being from the merchant class. I could understand where he was coming from. Doing the Games as a merchant kid, it was different. We might of been fed a bit better than the Seam, but we had no skills to speak of usually, just desperation to survive. Most of the time it was not enough. It was enough for me during my Games. He nodded and sat down across from me on the opposite couch, giving me his full attention. "Where did you want me to start?"

I leaned back on the couch. "Wherever you want, Peeta."

He gave a self-deprecating smile. "I just-threw some heavy bags around-I don't know how good that's going to be."

I tried for a reassuring smile. "You wouldn't believe how impressive strength may look. We'll see the scores later." I couldn't help, but remember his crush on Katniss. I had to talk to Haymitch about that later.

Peeta nodded, glancing away from me. I sighed, wishing I still had that drink. "Why don't you rest in your room for a bit?" Peeta got up and went inside, looking relieved. I sighed and grabbed my glass, relishing in the burn as I finished the glass. That was the difference between me and Haymitch and how we dealt with the Games every year. Haymitch drank all year, he quit if we had promising tributes, but went back after they got killed. I could put it off until the stress and memories of the Games messed with me, the drinking is me wanting to drown it out, even for a little bit. It seemed to be the only way I got through the week, especially with the dreams every year.

I forced myself out of the room when dinner time hit. I knew I had to be there. After the scores, I would go out and scout for Sponsors and I knew I wouldn't be the only one. Haymitch usually had me do this, said I was better at it. I knew he didn't want to deal with Capitol people, he couldn't stand it, barely was able to put the fake front me and Finnick did so easily for the cameras. Especially after what I learned about Katniss' training. She didn't tell us what it was, but she sounded upset. I made sure to dress pleasingly enough. A silk shirt, a tie of the same blue, even if I hated stuff around my neck, dark grey suit pants and vest with a jacket over that. A little stuffy, but I found it impresses the Sponsors, especially since I'm from District 12.

"Where are you going?"

I glanced over at Katniss after she spoke. I shrugged. "For a walk, I'll be back by the time the scores come up." I could feel Haymitch's gaze, but ignored him. He knew how I got around this time.

I was walking in the hallway when I heard a whistle. I recognized it. I turned with a smirk. "See what you like, Finnick?"

His grin was just as easy. "As long as it's you." He was wearing tight pants and no shirt with enough oil to leave him glistening. I bit back my chuckle. He was dressed as professionally as I was.

I heard a scoff. "Nobodies watching, you idiots."

Finnick grinned toward her. "Joanna, charming as always."

I said, amused. "They are always lookin'." I slowly wrapped a hand around his arm, leaning on him with an amused laugh. Don't make any sudden moves around us past tributes. We always seemed to be on guard, even years later. "I just can't help myself when its Finny." I could feel him chuckle. The audience believed it was romantic flirting nonsense, we let them. I knew he loved Annie and as attractive as he was, I didn't feel like that.

Joanna rolled her eyes. "Can't wait for this shit to be over."

Finnick glanced at her as I moved away from him and we took the elevator to the higher floors. "Your tributes?"

"Lost causes. The girl is too busy with fighting with the boy. Hopeless. Nico, don't look at me like that." I knew she could see the frown on my face.

I hated this, but as much as it hurt, I tried my best ever year. I shrugged. "I'm not doin' anything."

"Oh yeah?"

I clenched my jaw, feeling my jawline twitch. Finnick nudged me, shaking his head. She seemed to always looking for a fight. I was too tired to be that aggressive. Then again, I still had a family to worry about. "It's nothing, Joanna." An unreadable look washed over her face.

The door opened and she turned to me. "Want some advice?" She went on. "Stop hurting yourself." She turned and swiftly left. I closed my eyes. "I have work to do. See ya Finn."

I walked inside District 12 floor to see Haymitch, Peeta, Effie and Katniss all sitting on couches in front of the television. The Stylists were there too. I saw District 6 was up there.

I said. "Good to see I made it in time!"

I saw Effie, Peeta and Katniss jump. I grinned at them all, hiding my wince from the pain in my leg. For an hour, it's been throbbing. Effie sniffed. "Must you make an entrance?"

I smirked. "That's coming from an Capitolite?"

"Where were you?"

I raised my eyebrows at Katniss' bluntness. It had a certain charm to it. Reminded me of Haymitch. I went to pour a drink and answered her. "Went for a walk." I sat down next to Haymitch without another word.

I raised my eyebrows at Peeta's score. I saluted him with my drink. "Not bad, kid."

I took a drink and choked when I saw the screen. I turned to Katniss. "What the hell? What did you do to get a 11?! That's what you were worried about?" Everyone else was congratulating her. I asked. "What'd you do anyway?"

She glanced at me, but explained. I stared for a moment, opened my mouth and closed it. I went through that process for a minute, before a sound escaped me. It was laughter. I laughed sharply, holding my stomach in dark humor. Haymitch nudged me as Peeta looked confused, Katniss annoyed and Effie miffed. I raised my hands. "Sorry, sorry."

Katniss frowned, but turned to Haymitch. "There must be a mistake. How...how could this happen?"

Haymitch shrugged. "Guess they liked your temper. They got a show to put on. They need players with some heat."

Cinna went over to Katniss. "Katniss, the girl who was on Fire. Oh, wait until you see your interview dress." He hugged her. I tilted my head. He must of gotten close to her. Katniss was a prickly girl and always on guard. And that was before the Games. At least from what I've seen of her from District 12.

Speaking of the interview, I have an idea. I need to run it by Haymitch. A way to gain the crowd's favor for them both.

She asked. "More flames?"

Cinna grinned. "Of a sort."

I finished my drink. "I'm going to bed. Night." With that, I slightly limped to my room.

We stopped at the Capitol and I was very nervous. I kept on swallowing just so I was able to breathe. Alloy's face was pale under his tan skin, looking at the window. Haymitch sighed. "Well, let's get this shit over with." He nodded at us. "Let's go. You kids are the ones they want to see."

I stiffened my jaws, shoving my shaking hands in my pockets to hide them. I winced from the bright lights I was greeted with as I stepped out onto the platform. The people were strange. There skin were full of different colors. Blue, green, purple, yellow. With hair colors of the same shade. Also, some had scales and others had fur. Their clothing was just as extravagant. To me, it was disturbing, they didn't seem real. What was worse was that they were cheering, waving at us. I shifted in place for a moment before remembering what Haymitch said. I said quietly to Alloy. "Just, uh, try to look happy."

He snapped at me, just as quiet. "How do you expect me to do that?"

I shrugged. I walked forward and grinned at the people I rather see dead for wanting to see me kill myself for their entertainment. I waved. "Hello, everyone!"

The cheering had gotten louder and I forced my smile to stay. I heard a chuckle from Haymitch, but felt Alloy's stare. Whatever. We were herded toward a large building and before we went inside, Haymitch stopped us. "Remember, kids. Listen to everything your stylist says or does."

I frowned. "What? You can't mean ever-"

Haymitch shot me a stern look. "Yes, Everything. Go."

Alloy looked bothered, but nodded. "If you think so, Haymitch."

My experience with my stylist was one of the worst things ever. First is that they talked the whole time. It was grating on the ears. Maybe it was because I was bitter about everyone at the Capitol. Then, I felt like they were stripping every layer of skin I had except for my hair. The scrubbing and the shower. It was awkward as hell. No one has ever seen me naked and my stylist was staring at me with disinterested stare, like I was a doll or something.

They put me in some grey jumpsuit, with cut off sleeves on the arms and pants, so they stopped on my shoulders and my thighs. I was uncomfortable for someone who always wore pants. He twirled my hair into some kind of updo thing. Coal dust covered my face, arms and legs, short boots covering my feet. I felt like a overly stiff idiot. I could barely walk correctly. My nose itched. I think it was a type of paint.

I walked outside and saw Alloy. He looked as uncomfortable as I did. He was in cut off shorts of the same jumpsuit material, but not shirt. He was a bit built in the shoulders and chest. All I could think of was that his strength was going to give him an advantage over me. His entire face and chest was covered in coal dust. I walked toward the arena with him, seeing the one for District 12. I was in awe at the large and majestic horses. I've never seen one before. I walked slowly over, hearing the screaming Capitol citizens in my ears.

I moved closed and held out my hand. I don't even know what came over me. A moment later, the horse nudged my hand, sniffing for a moment. I couldn't help the awed smile that went across my face in that moment. As much as I hated the Capitol, I was amazed at the horses they had. I noticed it was quiet, well, quiet for a large arena. I looked up and noticed a lot of stares. I awkwardly smiled stiffly.

I remembered what Haymitch taught me and waved at the staring crowd. I recoiled at the sudden screams that appeared, some of them going "Aw". This was weird, but it didn't look too bad. I got to the carriage, staring at the hand that Alloy held out to me. I stared at it for a second, realizing to live, the person holding that hand would have to die. I grabbed it, hearing cheers around us again as the carriages moved. Alloy said quietly. "Smart plan."

I frowned, realizing I wasn't planning anything and Alloy's changing emotions was giving me whiplash. I nodded anyway. "Thanks." We waved at the people around, which the other tributes seemed to be doing too from the other Districts.

With that, we rode ahead, our coal splattered faces on the cameras.

I woke with a gasp, my heart pounding in my chest. I grasped at my necklace, the metal biting sharply into my palm from how hard I was clutching it. I showed and got dressed in a grey shirt and blue waistcoat and matching pants, getting up for the day. It was time to get them ready for the interviews. I needed to talk to Haymitch. I had the beginning of a publicity plan for the Games, but I needed to talk to him and then Peeta. Katniss just looked like a horrible liar and actor.

Another day closer to the 74th Annual Hunger Games.