FanFiction is out to get me! I didn't get any emails so i didn't see any of the reviews people left. i just need to get on Discord to see if people are reading. I'll be replying to reviews today and tomorrow!
Another brief trigger warning since it's been a while. Mentions of suicide below. Again, it's presented as hearsay by one character and we still don't know the full story.
Chapter 10 First Train Rides and First Impressions Part II
District 7
The escort had left the District 7 partners alone at the dining room table to "get to know one another."
It was going very poorly.
How did someone talk to a killer? That what David was thinking as he looked across the table to Ola. She didn't looklike a killer. But everyone said she hadn't actually killed Rua herself.
Mostly.
Quite a few of the guys at school did say she killed him with her bare hands. Used her freakishly large arms to hoist the noose around Rua's neck and hung from from the tree where he was found. But those same boys also made bets to see if any of them could be brave enough to kiss Ola, the boy killer red head. So it's not like they had the best judgement, David thought.
Still, Ola unnerved him. Her arms were rather large, and the entire time on the train she'd been incredibly standoff-ish. She hadn't said a single word to him and barely anything to the Escort. Maybe she thought he was weak, not worth the time to get to know. A freaking Bloodbath death walking!
He felt like that's where he was heading anyways…
Meanwhile, Ola was unhappy with her partner for another reason. It was clear that her partner had heard all the nasty rumors and stories about her and swallowed them whole. She couldn't really blame him, it seemed like the whole District had read Rua's suicide letter and taken it at face value. But even here, on their way to the Hunger Games and their most certain death, David was refusing to even try and move past that. Ola actually felt insulted by it of all things.
But by her estimation, David wasn't much of a critical thinker. She knew him vaguely from school. He was two years younger than she was so she didn't know much about him. They'd only been together a couple hours but her impression wasn't high. She needed allies, and this bundle of nerves that sat across from her simply wasn't going to cut it.
And with that thought came a moment of clarity. Nobody in the Hunger Games would know about Rua or her. All she had to do to escape everyone's judgement was get Reaped. She barked out a laugh at that dark realization, which made David's eyes go wide like a spooked deer.
'A Bloodbath for sure..' She thought grimly.
DISTRICT 8
Chase was ignoring her, which suited Cara just fine. The more she saw of him, the less she liked her District partner.
How anyone in Panem could fall for his act was beyond Cara. He was like a living, breathing villain from a book, sweet on the outside and absolutely rotted on the inside. Sure he said all the right things and smiled often, but Cara could pick up the undertone of a threat underneath each syllable and how his smile always seemed a second away from cracking.
The Escort though was absolutely enamored with Chase, to the point she barely acknowledge Cara. One one level, Cara was ok with that since being near a Capitolite was nerve wracking, but on a "I need to survive the Hunger games" level, she knew the Escort's approval was necessary for sponsors. Otherwise, she'd have to rely on and stick it out with Chase.
And she wanted nothing less. When they were watching the Reapings earlier, the Escort had left them alone for the first time, which was when every foul story had heard about Chase came true.
As the Tributes for the Games were Repeaed, Chase had determined the following: Lana from District 1, Estelle form District 2, Hayley from 10, and Daisy from 11 were the "hottest" Tributes of the year. Mara from 4 was hot too, but apparently had a "bitch face" and Ola, the girl from 7, could have been hot but for her "manly arms" and wild bushy red hair.
Cara hadn't even been talking to him. He had just muttered that stuff out loud like an insane person. Penelope, the crazed girl from 3, he had deemed "hysterical," Olivia from 5 looked "stupid" with her hair cut at her shoulders, which apparently made her look like a guy to Chase. Sarah from 6 and Millicent from 9 were deemed "fine" and Marianna from 12 too flat chested.
Chase made no comments about the boys, or about her. She was clearly irrelevant to him and even if she stuck around, would not help her.
So, she made an uncharacteristic attempt at dinner.
"Have you ever read Tales of the Songbirds?" Cara asked the Escort.
The Escort seemed surprised she had spoken. "Yes, I have…"
"It just hit the shelves in District 8. I was almost done with it before the Reaping and thought it was an excellent book. Th level of detail in it, the themes of Capitol excellence were in peak form. I think Flavia still encapsulated them better in her work, but I bet the Thor can only improve.
A smile from the Escort, the first she had given Cara. "How astute of you!" She coo'd, "I would never have expected such literacy from District 8! Tell you what, dear, how about I sneak you a copy of Songbirds so you can finish it before the Games?"
"I would be so thankful to you, ma'am."
"Of course, dear. Oh my head is spinning with possibilities now! I'll line up sponsors in the publishing world for you!"
"Thank you, ma'am." Cara repeated, pleased with herself.
"Oh, 'ma'am,' I like that. Such a well behaved girl, much better than last years priss of Tribute! Such a bratty tone about everything!" The Escort remarked, "Anyhoo, if you really want to please the sponsors you neeed a team. Some people like a lone wolf, but they tend not to last long. Go after friends in 5 or 6. No outliers. Of course, everyone loves an underdog but Outliers tend not to last long.
Cara actually thought that was sound advice. Chase, feeling put out, spoke up. "I'm looking at joining the Careers." He said, "They looked tough, but that boy from 4 seems like a weak link."
"That sounds brilliant! District 1 and 2 are selective of their allies, but when they see the Giant of 8 I'm sure they'll come around."
"And you can play up how I'm an athlete. I've been the star of District 8's basketball team for years."
The Escort was less impressed with that. "They only 'sport' that the Capitol likes is the Hunger Games. Get in with the Career's and I'll get you sponsors once I'm done with Cara."
Chase did not seemed pleased by the quick dismissal of him by their Escort. Or the dismissal of his accomplishments. He was good, but Cara saw his frustrations manifest ever so slightly I n the ferocity that he cut his steak bit by bit, watching the bloody juice spill out of it and smear the vegetables next to it.
Cara was suddenly afraid she had made an enemy.
DISTRICT 9
It hadn't taken long for Alice to realize his district partner was a moron.
Though maybe one who could be used.
Since getting on the train, the girl would not shut up, gushing endlessly about everything on the train and, of course, how fortunate they were to "receive a taste of the bounty the Capitol has." The Escort was fawning over her constantly, enamored by her love of the Capitol and by extension, her. It was grating as all hell, but it didn't take long for Alice to realize how he could use it.
"so what kind of sponsors do you think we can get?" he asked the Escort at the end of dinner.
"oh i know all sorts of people!" she gushed, happy to discuss herself. "Unfortunately District 9 had a reputation and no one, and i mean no one, puts money on you."
"Not even when we have Millicent? She's probably more patriotic than the Inner Districts."
"True. but you all love the Capitol. Everyone knows that. Just like a child loves their parent."
Apparently, Alice was surrounded by morons on this train.
The Avoxes were cleaning up dinner when the Escort left him with het. He quite liked that. the submissive Avoxes were a fun facet of life he could get used to when he became Victor. he looked to his partner, thinking how best to approach her. Usually hr'd be more tactful, but with an idiot there was no need.
"So whats your strategy?" he asked outright.
"Strategy?" she echoed.
"to win the Games."
Millie looked flummoxed. she probably hadn't thought of it. "Well, I'll win the Capitol and win the Games!"
"ok… how?"
Once again, visible confusion on Millie's face. "I'll think of something. and if i don't, dying for the Capitol and District is an honor. i cant imagine anything greater in life."
Alice rolled his eyes. maybe he wouldn't get anything out of jere. knowing how dumb she was, she'd probably jump off the starting plate too early and get blown up. He excused himself from dinner, needing to get away from her before he caught her idiocy.
He walked back to his cabin alone, enjoying how the Avoxes bowed their heads in deference to him when he passed. He needed a new ally, or allies, but who? his mind ran through the Reaping recap, trying to think of anyone who stood. someone who he could use to get over the finish line and get his reward as Victor and future master of his uncle's gang.
Because he knew one thing for sure in life, there was no glory in dying for anything.
DISTRICT 10
"Ok, this is the real question…"
"I thought the other question was the real question!"
Buck gave Hayley a smile, "Well, missy, that was the test real question!"
Hayley rolled her eyes, amused. "Whatever you say, Midthunder."
"You ready for it?" Buck asked, eyes expectant and happy.
"Sure, hit me."
"Ok… and take the time and effort to really think about this one… Chillingham or Belted Galloway cattle?"
Hayley scoffed. "Too easy. Belted! They literally have a belt of fur on them. The fur is the softest. And if we're going with cutest eyes, then Belted wins by a mile."
"You passed! Good answer." Buck replied, raising his glass. Hayley raised hers and they clinked them together before gulping down the rest of their lemonade, a new drink they were now incredibly fond of and felt they could drink for the rest of their lives. "You now how the honor of being my official partner in crime."
Hayley gave a mock bow, "I'm honored. My grandparents would be thrilled that I'm associating with a Midthunder."
"My pa's told me about your folks… guess your folk's folks. They seemed… eager."
She had to laugh at that. Buck was a breath of fresh air and seemed to say whatever came to his mind. His blanket honesty nice too. "They care a lot about the ranch. A bit too much. I'm sure your dad's better."
"He cares a lot, but knows family and folks are more important." Buck said.
"Is it just you and your dad?"
"Yeah. My ma passed when I was younger. Died in pregnancy."
"Oh, I'm so sorry."
"It's ok. I was a long time ago. Miss her though." He said. He looked at her, seemingly debating something before finally asking. "I'm guessing you didn't know your pa?"
"No." Hayley said. "I heard a lot about him though from my mom."
"Well, I just wanna say he seemed real brave. My pa always said so whenever they had his Games playing. He fought hard."
It was a nice sentiment, but Hayley wasn't sure if she agreed. Her dad died of an infection fairly early in the Games. "And we're going to fight harder." She replied. "My dad didn't have a partner. I'm not going to make that mistake."
Buck nodded happily and grabbed her empty glass for a refill. He was a nice guy, Hayley thought, and knew her mom wouldn't approve. The entire time since leaving the train station in District 10, Hayley felt herself having to suppress her mom's little voice in the back of her head, screaming that she needed to close herself off from the other tributes, prepare herself for the killing that would come.
But no. Hayley was resolved not to do that. Her mom's entire life and thus her's might have been dictated by "prep" for the Games, but Hayley was the one in them now, and she was going to play them the way she felt was best.
And hopefully she'd be vindicated.
DISTRICT 11
Daisy was trying. Really trying, but Ruddy wouldn't stop moping.
"I can't believe that the Capitol would do this to me!" He shouted, not for the first or even tenth time. "It's not fair!"
Daisy sat next to him on the coach, rubbing his back and trying to sooth him like he was one of her younger siblings. "I know. It's unbearable." She said. Ruddy hadn't even bothered to include her in his grief. It was all about him and what the Capitol was taking from him.
"I was almost out! I'm eighteen, I have a fiancée and a life all ready! All freaking ready and then…" Ruddy didn't finish that thought, shaking in grief. Daisy said nothing to that. She was nearing the end of her rope with her partner. He was older than her by there years, but someone she had to be the mature one. She had seen twelve year olds Reaped with more composure than him. At least he changed his pants and no longer smelled of urine.
All of this also just reaffirmed what she already knew, she needed a new ally. She thought of the recaps of the Reapings and who could be a solid ally. She'd have to wait until they were in the Training center, but off hand she thought the girl from District 7 seemed like a solid ally. Or at least tough.
And Ruddy wasn't going to cut it.
So, Daisy did something that went against all her instincts to comfort. She got up and left Ruddy to his self pity.
She walked to her cabin alone, watching the night landscape pass by in silence. She was rushing towards the Capitol and her most likely death, and there was the world, going by like nothing had happened. She wanted to scream.
Instead she focused her thoughts on the Games. Her sister had said she could win, she only one of her family and friends who felt she could. Daisy wasnt going to let her down and needed a plan. She could try and go the Games alone. Lone wolves made it far, but it'd been a while since one had won. The last one who had was in the 41st Games, and he only won because some volcanic gas had killed all the Tributes and he was the last one standing.
But allies seemed difficult. She had no problem making friends at home, but now everyone she would be with would be fighting for their life. Who had time to really learn about someone in those conditions? And because of Ruddy, she'd be handicapped out of the gate.
Maybe the other Outliers? Or maybe she would get to know Ola from 7.
She jumped into bed, finding it soft and inviting. Despite her fears, Daisy slipped into sleep easily, wishing to wake up anywhere else.
DISTRICT 12
Pan hadn't gotten much sleep. All night he'd failed to get comfortable in the ridiculous sheets and soft pillows. The more he moved, the more it felt like he was sinking into the bed, threatened with being swallowed whole by the damn thing. Who needed a bed this comfortable?
Besides that and the thoughts of utter dread around the Games, everything with Jack occupied his thoughts. He shouldn't have dumped all his feelings on Jack like that. He knew Jack liked girls, or at least he said he did. It hadn't been fair to him. But at the same time, the soft embers of rage flickered in Pan. Jack and him were best friends, Pan was Reaped and off to his death, and Jack couldn't say anything back? He just left? Did their friendship mean nothing to Jack?
A change in the cabin lights snapped him to attention. Suddenly the curtains began to lift, letting in the orange glow of sunrise. Without any knocking, the door to the cabin hissed open and two male Avoxes entered, eyes downcast and arms outstretched with clothes.
"Oh, thank you." Pan said, knowing they wouldn't respond. He was about to direct them to put them on the chair in the corner, but it felt weird ordering people around. Especially Avoxes. The fact they refused to make eye contact yet seemed utterly coordinated in their actions made them seem supernatural as well.
However, they seemed to have their own instructions. They entered together, the door hissing closed behind them, and one broke off to pull the covers off of Pan. "Hey, what are you doing?" Pan demanded to, predictably, no answer. The Avox the moved to open the blinds fully while the other put down the clothes on the chair and pulled Pan out of bed. With a raised hand, the Avox directed him to a bath. Understanding but uncomfortable, Pan undressed and bathed, struggling to control the bizarre contraption known as a shower.
Once bathed, the Avoxes – with no sense of modesty – quickly dressed Pan in a tight fitted dress that went to his knees and, thankfully had pants loose pants underneath. They buttoned the shirt along his neckline tightly before turning him to the mirror so he could see himself. Pan was surprised. He looked… nice.
The Avoxes then escorted him from his room not to breakfast but to the boarding area. Marianna was already there. Thankfully Haymitch wasn't. He had been… difficult the previous night. His wild drunken tempers reminded Pan of his dead father, though he doubted Haymitch would turn violent.
Though Haymitch had killed four kids in the 50th Games.
And now Pan might have to as well if he wanted to survive.
Marianna gave him a look over, smile on her face. "You look familiar." She joked. She was dressed in the same outfit as him.
"Any idea why they need us dressed so nice?"
She shrugged. "Our clothes probably disgraced the Capitol. Excuse me, 'besmirch'."
They laughed. Their escort had vigorously reminded them last night at dinner that District 12's reputation and her reputation as an Escort were being represented by the pair of them, and she wouldn't have either besmirch. Though clearly she thought had a preference of the two and let them know it'd be difficult to do her job and find sponsors if they acted like "filthy, mannerless coal people."
A very charming woman.
"The Capitol is the greatest place on this Earth and I will not allow either of you to besmirch it in anyway."
Pan and Marianna exchanged a look. "We wouldnt want that." Marianna replird, which made Pan giggle despite himself. The Escort looked between them, sensing she was missing something.
"At least you two seem to be getting along as Partners. Youre District only does well when its Tributes are united. Might as well keep it up."
it was actually sound advice, which both of them were following. They were getting along well, and besides, who else would partner with District 12.
The reason for the nice clothes soon became clear as they arrived in the Capitol, where at the station where a crowd of people dressed in the most colorful array of odd clothing either Marianna and Pan had seen greeted them. Cheers went up as the train came to a stop, cameras and lights lit up to greet them. in the crowd, Pan saw parents raising their children up to get a glimpse of them. It made Pan's stomach turn.
"Welcome to the Capitol." The Escort said, as the Peacekeeper Honor Guard opening the train doors. "Do try to succeed."
Next Up: Tribute Parade!