The Other District 12 Victor

Chapter 3

Training Days

I sat at the table when it was time for dinner. I waited for everyone else to get to the table. I noticed that Peeta, Cinna, who was Katniss' stylist and Portia, who was Peeta's. They were new this year, I was used to seeing the same old stylists over the years. Considering this was a popularity contest, that might help to have new eyes looking at them. Effie came in with Katniss, who was staring at the table. She sits down at the table. And so does everyone else. I grabbed the glass of wine from the Avox and took a sip. Not too bad. A little sharp.

Haymitch came by around the first course, sitting by me. He was clean and more sober than he's been in a while. Which is more than I can usually say for him. I started on the soup, waiting for someone else to speak. I drained the glass, waving one of the white clad servers for another one. Not aiming to get drunk, but I needed something to get me through this night. Everyone was talking back and forth, it was pretty polite. I answered a couple of questions myself, Cinna was asking me about my wardrobe and current stylist.

I shrugged, taking a small sip of wine. "Yeah, I now use the same person for years. They know how I like to dress." Or my "Style" anyway.

Portia asked. "But, that's not the same stylist you had during your own Games?"

I shook my head, stopping my mouth from twitching into a scowl. "No, he wanted to continue with the Games." His personality made me want to stab him so I'm glad I didn't have to deal with him anymore.

The conversation continued after that. One of the Avox's sent a large cake on the table. She lit it and some type of synthetic fire caused flames to flick around the sides before dying down into nothing. Katniss asked, a look of disbelief on her face. "What makes it burn? Is it alcohol? That's the last thing I wa-oh! I know you!"

I stiffened in alarm, setting my glass down quickly with my eyes wide. I said in a warning tone. "Katniss." I glanced warily at the Capitol members. I gave the Avox a look, nodding in a another direction. She needed to leave. The girl moved away from the urging. However Katniss might know her, it's best if she doesn't acknowledge it.

I wasn't the only one with looks in Katniss' direction. Effie snapped. "Don't be ridiculous, Katness! How could you possibly know a Avox? The very thought."

Katniss looked lost. "What's an Avox?"

Haymitch explained. "Someone who's committed a crime. They cut her tongue out so she can't speak. She's probably a traitor of some sort. Not likely you know her."

I nodded in agreement. "Yeah, he's right. You probably confused her for someone else." I gave Katniss a meaningful look, hoping she was reading it right. That could not only turn out bad for her, but her family at District 12.

Effie said. "And even if you did, you're not to speak to one of them unless it's to give an order. Of course, you don't really know her."

Katniss seemed to get it, she stuttered out. "No, I guess not. I just-"

Peeta said, snapping his fingers. "Delly Cartwright. That's who it is. I keep thinking she looked familiar as well. Then I realized she's a dead wringer for Delly." I took a sip of wine to hide my grin.

He was a very smart boy.

Katniss said quickly. "Of course that's who I was thinking of."

Peeta continued. "Something about the eyes too."

I could feel the tension leaving the table like it was a physical thing. Cinna said. "Oh well. If that's all it is. And yes, the cake had spirits, but all the alcohol has burned off. I ordered it specially in honor of our fiery debut."

After the cake, I followed everyone to the sitting room. We watched the opening ceremonies, the main reason the stylists were here. One and Two were extravagant as usual. Most of them were expected until we got to District 12. I saw it live, but the better camera details on the screen helped to look at it better.

"Haymitch asked. "Who's idea was the hand holding?" I nodded, it was a nice touch. For the crowd and others in a subtle way.

Portia replied. "Cinna's."

Haymitch nodded. "Just a touch of rebellion. Nice." He looked at me. "I can assume the more impressionable looks were your direction?"

I smirked, leaning back on the couch. "Am I that obvious?"

Haymitch said, after giving a snort at my question. "Tomorrow morning is the first training session. Meet me and Nico for breakfast and we'll tell you how we want to play it. Now go get some sleep while the grown ups talk."

We watched them as they left. I crossed my arms over my chest. "I suggest I handle Peeta, you Katniss."

"Haymitch raised an eyebrow. "And why is that, Nico?"

I spoke dryly. "You both have the same amazing personality. Anyway, we can switch if we need to if you want me to deal with her impressionability. They need to figure out if they want to work together or apart."

Haymitch gave out a chuckle, but nodded in agreement. I looked at both stylists and Effie. "Anything to add?"

Cinna smiled at me. "I will be working on Katniss' outfit for the interviews." He was easier to deal with. He seemed to be less Capitol bodied. My own stylist annoyed me at times and I've known him for about 5 years

Portia nodded in agreement. "And I will be working on Peeta's. It will be fantastic."

I stood up and grunted in pain, my leg throbbing. "Alright, good night everyone."

Effie asked. "You are going to sleep already?"

I waved a hand behind me. "Uh-huh."

We were on the train, which was shocking to see everything. It was fancy, we were part of the merchant class, but I never seen anything like this. I shuffled forward, nervously ringing my hands. The people with the cameras scared me. I tried not to show it on my face, but they were being aggressive. On the train, Alloy was silent after we shared a look. Haymitch Abernathy was stumbling along and I hid my sneer. He was supposed to help us not die, but he was a useless drunk. And forget Hermes, he always enjoyed this crap.

Hermes clapped his hands with a bright grin. "Okay, I'll take you to your rooms! Let's go and then we'll have dinner!" I noticed Alloy jumped at that and as hungry as I was, my stomach felt like lead.

I croaked. "...Okay."

I got a bright grin, but I ignored it, following. I jumped back as the door slid open and Hermes pushed me in lightly. "Go, go! I'll get you for dinner!" I tensed my shoulders, walking in and the door closed thankfully, so I didn't have to hear his annoying voice. I gaped at everything, the bed was gigantic, a door cut off at the end of the room and the room was spotless and grand. I shuffled forward into the room, opening the door. I looked around to see a bathroom, more than the simple one I had at home.

At home...

I could imagine Dad coming home from work, while me and my brother set up dinner. Me and Dad would make a joke, causing my brother to give a fond roll of his eyes. I could imagine the bread on the table, the bit of meat from the butcher's shop. Having our one cup of celebratory rice wine for not getting picked. No one would be drinking tonight. I could imagine the horror that would fill the house, the silence.

I clenched my fists and sat on the end of the bed with my head in my hands. I pressed my fists in my eyes, pressing my lips together tightly. I squirmed on the bed. "Too soft."

There was a knock on the door and I jumped, standing up. I said. "Hello?" I cursed the crack in my voice.

"Uh, it's me. Hermes said dinner was ready." I walked over to the door and it opened. I saw Alloy's awkward face.

I nodded. "Thanks." We walked over to the dining area and kept our distance from each other.

Hermes was sitting at the table and hopped up when we came in. "There you are, come in, come in. Sit down." I sat away from both Hermes and Alloy. I did not want to sit next to the boy I was supposed to kill and I could see relief on his face when I sat away from him. Hermes looked between us. Alloy spoke up. "Where's Haymitch?"

Hermes grimaced. "He...should be here soon"

I spoke up, dryly. "He's drunk."

Hermes hesitated. "Yes, but he'll be here soon. Look, the food is coming."

I gaped in shock at the food in front of us. I noticed the look was mirrored by Alloy.

There was some thick looking soup on the table when Haymitch stumbled in and threw himself in a seat that was next to me. I wrinkled my nose at the strong smell of booze and sweat that clung to him. He looked around, putting a bottle of alcohol on the table with a loud thunk and shifting in his chair.

It was silent and not a comfortable one. It was awkward. All we could hear were the scrapping of the spoons and forks on the plates and bowls. Other than the soup, we had a juicy ham, with the meat so tender it melted in your mouth. It was really good, me and Alloy ate quickly, we never saw food like this in District 12, even if I lived in the Merchant area.

Hermes made a face. "Must you eat so quickly? Surely, you can take your time."

Surprisingly Alloy snapped his head up after scowling. "I'm sorry. 'cause of course we see food like this everyday."

That gave me the confidence to say something. "Exactly what he said. Did you think people in District 12 see stuff like this?"

Hermes looked awkward beyond belief, but I felt a vindictive pleasure, too angry at his involvement with the Hunger Games. He said stiffly. "Very well, please enjoy yourself." I hid my smirk as I continued to eat. Alloy looked pleased too.

In the corner of my eye, I saw Haymitch glancing at us with a flash of something on his face.

I gasped awake, sitting up in bed and feeling my heart beat loudly in my chest, my skin slick with sweat. I rubbed my face with a shaking hand. I grumbled. "I hate this place." I was in a room that Victors stayed in, on the same floor as Haymitch and the two tributes: Peeta and Katniss. We were in the Training Center. We all had different rooms. I glanced at the clock on the bedside table. It was 6:00 am. "Might as well get up."

I swung my legs over the side, grimacing in pain at my knee. Always when I was in the Capitol.

Alloy.

I couldn't get him out of my head, the guilt that I felt every time I heard that name. Seeing his parents and family as District 12 was pretty small. I rubbed my throbbing knee and got to my feet, the cold dark tile floor freezing my feet. I limped slightly, mornings were the worst for it. That and cold weather. I walked into the bathroom and showered, using only one of the settings with a simple shampoo and body wash. I hated all the fancy things from the Capitol. I dried off, slipping on black pants, a blue silk button up shirt and shrugged on a dark blue blazer. After slipping in some shoes and combing my hair back, I left the room. It was my "Style" and it was what most people of the Capitol saw me in.

I walked out of the room, the door soundlessly closing behind me. I went into the main room, walking over to the long board for food and choosing my breakfast.

"Good morning! You are sure up early!"

I grunted, fighting a yawn. "Mornin'"

I pulled the coffee out first, taking a deep sip. I sat at the table and took my plate with me. After being ignored, Effie did not say anything else to me. I continue to eat. I glanced at my watch. 6:45. They would have to get up soon. They were started their training today. I sighed to myself, thinking about what was going to happen. Katniss was going to be high strung and Peeta was probably going to watch everything silently before saying anything. She looked over at me. "What are you doing to help?"

I shrugged at her. She asked this every year and I always gave her the same response. No matter what anyone said, I did my best every year. The kids still died. "We just got here. I'm workin' on it." I got a distrustful stare, but I shrugged again, sipping my coffee. I would look around for sponsors later at the parties leading up to the actual Hunger Games like I usually did. Haymitch, depending on the tributes, did things on the sidelines. Effie didn't agree with our methods. I didn't care.

Katniss came in next and was surprised to see me. I waved, but didn't say anything. She sat at a decent distance, which I didn't mind. I didn't feel like being a Mentor right now, especially after last night's dream. As time went on, Haymitch and Peeta came in, having their own breakfast. Haymitch looked over at me and I shrugged, glancing away from him. Considering my food was gone, it wasn't hard to tell I was here for a while. Haymitch sat next to me and ate his breakfast. The other two sat across from us. Haymitch finished, drinking from his flask.

I spoke up when everyone was finished. "I'm sure you probably know, but you have two training days with all the tributes and a last private session before you go in the arena." I got two nods.

Haymitch said. "So, let's get down to business. Training. First off, if you like, we'll coach you separately or together. Decide now."

Katniss looked between the both of us. "Why would you coach us differently?"

I shrugged. "It depends on if you want to keep anything from the other tribute. It's a personal choice. Whatever you guys want, we'll do it."

Peeta also shrugged. "I don't have any secret skills and I already know what yours is, right? I mean, I've eaten enough of your squirrels."

It was quiet for a moment. We waited.

Katniss said. "You can coach us together." Peeta nodded in agreement.

Haymitch said. "All right, give us an idea of what you can do."

Peeta said. "I can't do anything. Unless you count baking bread."

Haymitch replied. "Sorry I don't. Katniss. I already know you're handy with a knife."

Katniss replied. "Not really, but I can hunt. With a bow and arrow."

I asked. "I know a little bit from the District, but how good are you?" Haymitch looked like I took the words from his mouth.

Peeta spoke up. "She's excellent. My father buys her squirrels. He always comments on how the arrows never pierce the body. She hits every one in the eye. It's the same with the rabbits she sells the butcher. She can even bring down deer."

I tilted my head in his direction, my eyes on him. I frowned, feeling something picking at my brain. His eyes glanced at me and stared at me, before flickering his gaze toward Katniss as she spoke. "What are you doing?"

At her demanding tone, Peeta replied. "What are you doing? If he's going to help you, he has to know what you're capable of. Don't underrate yourself."

Katniss snapped back. "What about you? I've seen you in the market. You can lift hundred-pound bags of flour. Tell him that. That's not nothing."

I shifted in my seat, curious if she was going to lunge at him, she seemed agitated enough.

Peeta said sharply. "Yes, and I'm sure the arena will be full of bags of flour for me to chuck at people. It's not like being able to use a weapon. You know it isn't."

Katniss said. "He can wrestle. He came in second in our school competition last year, only after his brother." That's something at least. If he can learn to use his strength to his advantage in a fight, that could save his life.

Peeta made a face of disgust. "What use is that? How many time have you seen someone wrestle someone to death?"

Katniss shot back. "There's always hand to hand combat. All you need is to come up with a knife, and you'll at least stand a chance. If I get jumped, I'm dead!" Her voice was rising and I could hear the fury behind it. I felt a tension in my shoulders and my heart pumping, not fast, but how it did when I was alert.

Peeta burst out. ""But you won't! You'll be living up in some tree eating raw squirrels and picking off people with arrows. You know what my mother said to me when she came to say good-bye, as if to cheer me up, she says maybe District Twelve will finally have a winner. Then I realized, she didn't mean me, she meant you!"

I felt my eyes widen in surprise and shock. I've heard a lot, but...

Katniss waved him off. "Oh, she meant you."

"She said, "She's a survivor, that one". She is."

I glanced away, seeing the pain on his face. I was getting too involved. I needed to remove my emotions from this. But, I couldn't imagine dealing with the Games without the support of my brother and father.

Katniss looked at him. "But, only because I had help." I watched them have this stare down.

Peeta looked down at the roll in her hands. "People will help you in the arena. They'll be tripping over each other to sponsor you."

Katniss looked clueless. "No more than you."

Peeta rolled his eyes. "She has no idea. The effect she can have." He didn't look at her and I was hit with the realization as Katniss continued to look lost. Her expressions were plain on her face.

I felt my bad stiffen as I realized what I was missing. Dammit, that's going to make this so much harder. Did he have to have a crush on the one person he was supposed to kill? Hopefully that ends during the Games. Or could we use that to our advantage...

Me and Haymitch shared a look. I nodded at him. Haymitch said. "Well, then. Well, well, well. Katniss, there's no guarantee they'll be bows and arrows in the arena, but during your private session with the Gamemakers, show them what you can do. Until then, stay clear of archery. Are you any good at trapping?"

Katniss replied. "I know a few basic snares."

Haymitch said. "That may be significant in terms of food and Peeta, she's right, never underestimate strength in the arena. Very often, physical power tilts the advantage to a player. In the Training Center, they will have weights, but don't reveal how much you can lift in front of the other tributes. The plan's the same for both of you. You go to group training. Spend the time trying to learn something you don't know. Throw a spear. Swing a mace. Learn to tie a decent knot. Save showing what you're best at until your private sessions. Are we clear?" They nodded. Haymitch looked at me. "Anything to add?"

I nodded, thinking for a moment. "Yeah. I know Cinna started it, but both of you need to stay with each other every time the public or the tributes can see you." I waved my hands as they went to protest. "Hey, listen up! I know what I am talking about, trust me on that. They already saw you holding hands and you don't want to be mixed up with other tributes anyway."

Haymich said. "She's right, remember to stay together every minute, no exception. Now, get out of here and meet Effie at the elevator at 10."

They walked off and I sighed, getting up. He asked. "Where are you going?"

I sighed again. "To do my job, so that I can go home." I walked out and walked around the Training Center. This is when I went looking for Sponsors.

I walked around a bit, conserving with a couple of Capitol citizens I know, my "Capitol" grin on my face.

"Nicolette!"

I turned, my smile still there. I recognized the Capitol citizen. Travia Trufflecourt. It was a woman with bright yellow hair with matching eyes due to contacts with skin that was a light pink color. It was disturbing, but it was best not to react. She was wearing some type of yellow dress that puffed out like a tutu with stripped tights and pointed shoes. I grabbed her offered hand with both of mine gently and let go after a moment. "Hello, Miss Trufflecourt."

She smacked my shoulder lightly with a tittering giggle. "Oh, Nicolette. I thought I told you to call me Travia!"

"Of course, Travia, I apologize. How are you?"

She sighed, wrapping her arm around one of mine. "I'm excited for the Hunger Games this year! It's unfortunate that the new dress I ordered was late, can you believe that?"

I fixed a fake smile on my face to hide my disgust. "Oh, I'm sorry to hear that, you must of been excited for that dress."

"Oh, I was! But, don't you worry, I fired that foolish girl, she won't be getting another job in dress design. She ruined my whole week! Thank goodness for the Hunger Games!" I forced my body not to tense.

I turned it around. "Oh, what do you think about it so far?"

She let out another tittering laugh. "Well, I know its early and we haven't seen the scores yet."

I smiled, giving her a charming grin. "But..."

"Your tributes look very impressive. The boy, he's very handsome. But, oh, Katniss Everdeen, volunteering for her sister. Especially from your District- nothing against you- you're a gem, but you know what it is like to grow up in a...place like that."

I kept my smile. "Yes, but I have a good feeling about them too."

She stopped and let go of me. I realized this was her stop. She turned to me. "I can't wait to see their progress! It is wonderful seeing you again. I will keep an eye on those tributes you have confidence in."

I grinned. "Thank you for your time, Miss Trufflecourt."

She sent me a bright smile. "Oh, Nicolette..."

I gave a forced sheepish smile. "Sorry, I forget. Travia." She waved with a giggle and the door closed. My shoulders slumped a bit. Dealing with them is always a headache.

I'm used to it, but I couldn't help it whenever I hear about their excitement over the Hunger Games. Knowing that I had to go back to District 12 and see the parents of the fallen tributes since I got back.

"Well, aren't you getting started early."

I turned at the familiar voice. I felt a genuine smile come to my face. "Finnick, I could say the same for you."

He was grinning with his teeth. He looked as he usually did with the open shirt and styled messy hair. "I was just walking around."

I walked over to him from where he was sitting on some couches and sat down. "You have any...business today?"

He chuckled a little. "No, I usually have a day or two before I'm put to work. You?" It was one of the more disturbing parts of being a Victor. Being forced to deal with the Capitol citizens and other...favors. I didn't have to deal with how much Finnick did, but I still did. Luckily, half of them found my destroyed leg disgusting, even with no scaring due to the operation after my Games.

I shook my head. "No, thankfully nothing yet." He made a sound of agreement. I stood up with a hiss of pain as my knee throbbed.

Finnick looked over at my knee. "Is your knee worse? You can always take something."

I wrinkled my nose. "You know I'm not a fan. And it will be better in a couple of weeks. You know it's worse around this time."

Finnick smirked. "Of course, you scouting tonight?" He meant for Sponsers.

I nodded. "Ah, yeah."

He waved as I went to leave. "Bye then, Nico!"

I chuckled, smiling. "See ya, Finny."

I heard his responding laugh as I left the room.

Over the past couple of days while the kids did their training, me and Haymitch made up plans for them and their interview. They were going to have their private session, which would help with Sponsers if the number was high enough.

Haymitch noticed what I did, that Peeta liked her.

I ran a hand through my hair. "That could be a problem."

Haymitch shrugged, drinking from a bottle of whiskey. I just drank from a glass of bourbon, not wanting to get shitfaced, then again, after all these years, he could hold his alcohol really well. "Yes or it could benefit them, especially with the friendliness they are showing the public."

I nodded. "It matters how we could spin it."

He pointed at me with his bottle. "Exactly."

I sighed, draining my glass. As the years, I was getting more tired of this. I stood. "Goodnight."