Let the games begin

by Izzy713

What if Snow didn't decide to punish Katniss and the games went on as normal? It is the 75th annual Hunger Games, a Quarter Quell, and 17 year old Ember Levan is thrown into this world when she is reaped. She now has to figure out a balance between love, humanity, and survival with the help of her two mentors Katniss and Peeta, while talk of a rebellion against the Capitol surface.

5. Chapter 5

Ember's POV

I sit on the couch next to Ash, he is looking up at the screen where Haymitch, Peeta and Katniss stand in front of. He turns his head in my direction and gives me a smile that I gladly return. There is such kindness about Ash that gives me immense comfort whenever I think about what is coming next, I wouldn't want anyone else there by my side as I go through this. I leave his gaze to look over at our mentors as the footage of the first two that were reaped during this year's Hunger Games plays. I see a tall and broad brown haired boy, he has brown eyes that look almost black. He raises his hand as a volunteer and takes the place of a relieved looking boy, he quickly runs back into the arms of his family. His life saved for another year. The tall boy goes to the microphone and announces his name as Graff Nair. The clip goes to a shorter looking girl who has brown hair and blue eyes, her eyes are a deeper blue, almost like the abyss of the deepest seas with a stare that could kill. She is reaped and no one dares to volunteer in her place. She seems happy about being up there.

"This is Graff Nair and Lux Maller, they are 18 and 16 and the first two of the career pack. They were both enrolled in the academy where they have been training for this moment their whole lives, they will be dangerous and hard to beat" Haymitch directs at us. He clicks a button on the remote he is holding and the next clips begins to play. It shows another tall and muscular looking boy with brown hair and green eyes, he goes up onto the stage, next is a blonde hair and green eyed girl who is tall and skinny. She is younger than what I've seen from the careers in the past but I still wouldn't put anything past her.

"This is Archer Larris and Victory Sarno, they are only 16 and 15 but don't put anything past them, they are going to have training as well. Do not underestimate their ages, they are going to use that to their advantage and be an unexpected threat" Peeta takes over from Haymitch, he is learning how to inform us of what we have to expect.

Next I watch a blonde hair blue eyed girl named Delta and a blonde haired brown eye boy named Link get reaped. Haymitch and Peeta don't say much about them, district 3 never is much of a threat the way district 1, 2, and 4 can be but they are usually smart, that can always get you pretty far in the games. When Haymitch clicks the button to change to the next reaping the screen flashes with Caspian's beautifully memorizing green eyes. I see his light sandy blonde hair looking perfect as he is reaped. He flashes a smile to the crowd and I feel my heart leap. I sit up a little straighter and focus more on the screen. I am mesmerized by him without even needing to be physically in his presence. After they show Caspian getting reaped they show the girl I saw, she has ginger hair that falls perfectly in waves down her shoulders. She has piercing blue eyes and is tall and skinny. She is gorgeous and Caspian would be blind not to notice. She smiles at the crowd like Caspian did and then they share a smile together. I feel my stomach tighten and know that there must be something between them, something there. There has to be, she is too beautiful.

"This is Caspian Herrick and Cordelia Styan, they are going to be threats, they are being trained by Finnick Odair" Haymitch says. I recognize the name and remember his games, how good he was. Of course this is the guy who makes my heart beat faster, someone from district 4 that will be out to kill. Next is Adiar and Easton, Adair has blonde hair and brown eyes and is one of the younger ones at 15. Easton has brown hair and brown eyes and is 16. When we get to district 6 I watch as Sky and Memphis Radley are reaped, twins. I feel my heart break for the mother that might not only loose one of her children but both of them. They are only 14 years old, the youngest so far and share the same blue eyes and blonde hair. They are both crying as they walk up the stage clutching each other tightly, I feel my eyes begin to wet with tears just watching it all unfold.

"That is so sad" I say, I can't help myself. I don't know them but I share their pain.

"It's always sad" Katniss replies. I don't know how to respond to her so I just focus on the screen as the district 7 tributes flash by. A brown haired blue eyed boy gets up on the stage, he is tall but doesn't look especially strong like some of the other men I've seen. Strength doesn't always mean everything, he still has potential to surprise everyone. Next a girl with fiery red hair and blue eyes gets reaped and comes onto the stage, both of them are 17 years old but I can tell that she has a big personality.

"They are Emery Valdez and Cherry Fray, both 17 and could be threats, they are being trained by Johanna Mason and she was dangerous herself during her games" Haymitch says as he changes it to the next reaping. I watch a 15 year old brown haired brown eyes boy named Lurex and then a brown haired brown eyed girl named Raffia who is 16 get reaped for district 8. Next is Barric and Quinoa, Barric has jet black hair and blue eyes and is 17, while Quiona is the complete opposite with blonde hair and green eyes, she is 15. Finch, a 13 year old with brown hair and brown eyes is reaped soon following Swift who is only 12 with blonde hair and blue eyes. Every time young kids are reaped everyone knows they can't last long, they will be picked off first. It will be a sad year for district 10. I notice how Katniss looks away when Swift is reaped, she is the same age as Katniss' younger sister Prim who was reaped not too long ago. When we get to district 11 I make sure to pay attention, I remember how close Rue and Katniss were during the last games, I hope that district 11 will see that I acknowledge that and want her to be one of my allies going into these games. They call the name Hale Perron and a dark brown hair and dark brown eyes, he has darker skin and is 17 years old, I watch as he goes up to the stage, next a girl who is named Sage Helm, she is 16 years old and has big brown eyes and dark brown hair, she has dark skin and goes up on the stage to stand next to Hale, she looks sad as she looks over at Hale for a brief second and then looks away. I notice that district 11 is hard for Katniss to watch, she must be thinking of Rue. I still remember the pain in her eyes, the way she screamed in defeat after watching that beautiful little girl take her last breathe. She did everything she could to try and save her, but sometimes you can't save everyone in the games.

"We are showing you these because you two are going to your first day of training tomorrow and your job is not only to figure out what your strengths are going to be in the arena but you need to make allies, having Katniss with me is what kept us both alive, you two need to stick together no matter what but you also need to find people who you can work with to stay alive" Peeta looks over to Katniss after he speaks to see if she has anything to add.

"I want you guys to focus on learning tomorrow, but I also want you guys to meet people and try and find someone you know you can trust" She gives us a weak smile and Peeta takes her hand, at Peeta's touch Katniss' smile seems to be more real and more genuine. As if just his touch is enough to instantly make her happy.

I walk into the training room with Ash by my side, I have my hair up in a ponytail, the newly shorten locks brush against the back of my neck. I resist the urge to run my fingers through it, I just can't get enough of this new identity of mine. The room is large and there are multiple different areas that seem to have different weapons at each. I look around the room and see the different tributes, I don't know any of these people but I have watched such an intimate moment of their lives, I saw them when they first found out they were being taken from their families and were going to have to fight to survive. I see fiery red hair and I know right away that is Cherry, she is examining different types of weapons, she is focusing on each one carefully and trying to decide which one is the right pick. Emery stands next to her and looks to be just as focused as she is, his dark brown hair is shaggy around his head and strands fall across his face as he leans down to pick up a tall spear. He pushes his hair out of his face and behind his ears and a big smile spreads across his face, Cherry shares his smile as she picks up a knife.

I look to Ash and he is looking in the direction of Graff and Lux, they look more intimidating in person. Lux is examining a sword and then hands it to Graff who gives an approving look, the next thing I know he is throwing it towards a target, it glides through the air and hits the target dead center. I turn away, I don't know if from fear or to not give him the satisfaction of letting him know I saw.

"Do you see anyone you like?" Ash asks me. I try not to laugh at what he just asked me, he is making it seem like I'm looking for a date, not looking for people trying to help us stay alive.

"I'm not sure yet, I wanted to meet Sage and Hale and potentially work with them, I want to show them that for the future at least that district 12 still wants to be allies with district 11" I knew that this would be something that was important to me going into the games, I wanted to continue the unity that Katniss started. I want everyone to know that Rue didn't die for nothing.

"Yeah, that's a good idea. Katniss already set this up by helping Rue" I can hear the sadness in Ash's voice when he mentions Rue. It isn't something we've talked about before but I can tell it also weighs on his mind.

"Why don't we go around to the different areas and try and find a type of weapon that we are skilled in and then meet people along the way" I encourage us to change the subject but also to get us both on task. We only have a little bit of time to start training and we need to figure out what natural skills and instincts we have when it comes to weapons.

"Okay" He nods his head in agreement and we both walk over into the directions of the weapons. I start to look at all the different options we have right in front of us. I watch as Ash picks up the bow with no hesitation at all, he seems comfortable holding it. I look and find a knife, it looks like it's a dagger with a sharp and pointed tip. I hold it in my right hand and feel how comfortable it is in my hand. I look around and notice Hale and Sage are over by the camouflage station.

"I'm going to go and talk to them" I mention to Ash as I set down the dagger. I don't want to seem intimidating to them when I'm trying to come across as friendly.

"I'll go with you" Ash suggests and goes to set down the bow but I stop him, I place my hand over his to stop him in his tracks.

"You stay here, we'll meet back later" I give him a reassuring smile and he nods his head again. I need him to know it isn't anything personal but we need to start figuring things out on our own so we can be a stronger team together.

I walk over to where Hale and Sage are, I see that Sage is intently painting Hale's hand. Her deep brown eyes are laser focused, her unoccupied hand rests on his arm while his free hand is resting on top of hers, it moves along with every movement of the brush. They are both so in sync it is so effortless. It's a tender action on both their parts. It seems like my intuition was right, I could tell from when they were reaped they must already know each other. She is very good at painting from what I can tell, her hand is delicate and careful with every stroke but she isn't very good at blending the colors to make camouflage for his dark skin, the colors she is using are too bright but he doesn't seem to mind. He is laughing at something she says and leans in close to tell her something himself, whatever it was it must have been funny because a laugh erupts from inside of her and she is still laughing as she tries to regain focus to finish her work. I walk over to them but they don't seem to notice me, stuck in their own little world.

"You are really good" I say, as soon as they notice my presence they instantly move more away from each other. Both pairs of dark eyes look over at me, Hale seems calm but Sage looks worried, as if I am going to say anything about what I saw.

"Thank you" She seems kind of shy and my compliment seems to have taken her off guard. I don't know if that is because I caught them doing something they obviously shouldn't have been doing or if it is because no one has complimented her before.

"I'm Ember" I think about extending my hand out to her but I decide that it too formal, you don't exactly have much time to have proper etiquette when in two weeks we all will be trying to kill each other.

"I'm Sage and this is Hale" She introduces herself and motions into his direction, a smile forms from her lips from just saying his name.

"It's nice to meet you, I'm from district 12 with Ash" I point over to him where I see him now firing the bow and arrows, he isn't hitting the target dead center but he is getting better with each shot. They both watch him for a second and then she goes back to her painting and Hale watches intently as she works, consumed with his fascination of either what she is doing or just her in general. Maybe both. I decide that it needs to be me who continues on the conversation. "I just came over here because I wanted to talk to you guys about working together during the games" This sparks their interest because they both look back up at me.

"You want to be allies?" Hale says in a deep voice, he is trying to be quiet, not wanting anyone else to hear what we are discussing.

"Yes" There is no hesitation in my voice, I need them to know I am serious about this.

"Who else?" There is an eagerness in his voice, I wonder if this wasn't something he had expected from the games. The option to have loyalty outside of our own districts.

"So far just Ash, me and you two if you are interested. I just thought that there is obvious trust between our districts after what happened last year" I don't know where I was going with that but I decide not to go any farther, the last thing I need is to try and convince them to trust me by bringing up how the last time someone from district 11 trusted someone from district 12 it still wasn't enough to save them. I know Katniss did everything she could to save Rue, but they might not see it like that.

"She's right Hale, this could be good for us, you saw what happened with Katniss and Peeta last year" She says the last part in a hush, as if she is trying to keep that even from me, someone who is standing just a mere few feet from them.

"Okay, were interested, but let's not make this too obvious" Hale is still confident in his decision but I can tell he doesn't want any of our safety to be compromised by putting a target on our backs so I just nod.

"Okay, we'll talk again soon" I whisper to them. Hale nods his head and Sage gives me a small smile. I walk away and look over at the different stations, I notice over at the rope station are the twins, Sky and Memphis. They are huddled next to each other, they share a closeness I could pick up on right away. They share the same blue eyes and the same light blonde hair. Memphis is taller than his sister but they both are lanky, still growing up. I watch as Sky is trying to tie a knot, it looks like they are practicing setting traps. Sky is working the rope but Memphis is reading off instructions from a list of different knots that is located at the station. I go over near them and start to attempt to start a fire, I try and focus but I keep getting distracted trying to listen in on their conversation. They talk softly to one another, something about them just interests me. I am an only child and never had any siblings to grow up with, but they have been together since even before they were born, they have a bond that nothing can break. I am focusing on them when someone's body is blocking my way. I look up and am met by Caspian's sea green eyes and his flirtatious smile.

"Need some help with that?" He asks as he leans down close when he talks, I can see his perfect teeth and feel the sweetness of his breath with every word he speaks.

"I think I've got it" I say, I know that my words must be staggered, nervous from how close he is to me.

"Really? Because it doesn't look like you are getting much fire" He laughs. The words are mean but the connotation behind it is flirtatious. Before I can say anything else he places his hands over mine and starts to move the sticks together in an attempt to get a flame. His hands are warm and large but feel so delicate against mine. I am so engrossed in his eyes and the feeling of his hands on my skin that when I finally feel a spark I could swear it was from us and not the literal flames. I don't even notice until he speaks again. "Look at that, we did it" I look down at the fire that is now going. His hands remain over my own and he doesn't seem to make any indications that he is going to move them. I can feel something ignite between the two of us and this time I know it is more than just the fire.

"Thank you" I say because I really know what else I can manage to say as I am still under Caspian's spell. "I'm Ember by the way" I add at the end. I realize his body is still pressed firmly against mine and yet I hadn't even uttered my name until just this very second.

"Oh I know who you are" His eyes stay locked on mine, the only muscles that dare to move is that intoxicating smile of his. He finally let's go of my hands but isn't done with my body. It is like one fluid motion, his hand is now at my face, his fingers brush against my cheeks as he moves a few strands of hair away from my eyes. "They called you a diamond in the rough didn't they?" His voice is so calm it takes a second for my ears to catch up, I can't even know for sure he said that or if it was just in my imagination. I stare into his eyes and I swear neither of us make a move, his hands still lay along my jaw.

"I guess so" I feel weak in ways I never thought was possible but I push through the words so I can confirm to myself this is actually happening.

"Well they weren't wrong about that" He pauses before he speaks again "And I like your hair shorter like this, it fits you" He moves his hand away from my face but his eyes are still cemented to my own.

"I think it does too" I start to find some clarity, he makes me incredibly dizzy but I let the confidence sneak through. I really mean what I am saying about myself. "Where's Cordelia?" I ask and it's like own voice was what would pull me out of my own trance. Clearly he has some sort of interest in me, whatever way that might be I am still unsure of. But his face is still inches from mine and I can't help but wonder if he talks to her this way too.

"She's somewhere around here I'm sure" He is so nonchalant about her, I can't tell if it's a façade or he genuinely doesn't have a reaction to her name.

"Why isn't she here with you?" I keep pushing, I won't give up on this that easy. I can feel the old Ember bubbling under the surface, the Ember who was insecure and didn't believe in herself. It seems Caspian has a hold on all sides of me.

"We don't do everything together" He laughs. "Besides, I'm here with you" He is sure to add that last part in and it gives me butterflies. Maybe there isn't anything between them at all.

"That's good to know" I breathe a sigh of relief as he finally stands up, the magic of our interaction is slowly waring off. I suddenly feel so overwhelmed with the impending thoughts of what is to come next. The loyalty only lies between districts, I'm not so sure there is room for any sparks to cross that line.

"Let me know if you ever need someone to practice with" He smiles at me and then heads over back towards the weapons, he pauses and then takes a second to look back at me once more and I can feel the warmth from his face even without him sitting next to me still. I look down at the flames that we created together and can't help but feel like fire is catching elsewhere.

Ash and I are sitting on the couch letting the first day of training wash over us when Katniss, Peeta and Haymitch come over to us. "Did you guys talk with anyone?" Haymitch starts, I can hear an eagerness in his voice, he wants to get right down to business.

"I talked with Sage and Hale. I told them I wanted them as allies and they agreed it would be a good idea" I volunteer, it makes the most logical sense to mention a union between 11 and 12 first. Hopefully they remember that when I bring up who I want the most on our sides.

"That's good, I can work with that. I'll talk with their mentors just to ensure that this is a for sure thing, we need to be sure about everything before you go into these games. Anyone else?" When Haymitch mentions that he has to consult with their mentors first it makes me feel a little uneasy, it reminds me how serious these games are starting to get. As each second passes it brings us closer and closer to that arena.

"I spoke a little with Cherry, she seems like she is strong and competitive, and I think she can be a good ally for us" Ash tells our mentors and I give him a questioning look in response. I didn't notice he was talking to her at all. It must have been when I was with Caspian.

"I can work with that, I know her mentor Johanna Mason. Was there any other tributes?" Haymitch seems pleased with our choices, there is a hint of pride in his voice. I haven't spent a lot of time with Haymitch so far but he obviously was a great mentor last year so I fully believe in him. Katniss and Peeta must agree because they haven't said anything themselves, this is Haymitch's expertise and we are just all along for the ride.

"Caspian" I blurt out, I couldn't help it, and I had to get it out there. I hate that I'm thinking with my heart but he could also easily be a great ally to us. Haymitch seems to trust my judgement anyways, why not take my shot?

"Caspian?" Ash questions. He looks at me for answers but I don't have any to give. I don't know why he seems so upset that I wanted Caspian, it's not like he consulted me about Cherry.

"Even better, I can work with that. Finnick Odiar is also someone else I know, I can talk to him and can probably get Caspian" Haymitch is outright giddy now, I know Finnack was really good during his own games so while it wasn't entirely strategic on my end wanting Caspian he does have a lot to learn from Finnick and that can get us far, that can keep us safe.

"I also want Sky and Memphis" I don't know what compels me to say this either, I didn't even talk to them. There was just something about them that intrigued me.

"Sky and Memphis?" This is Haymitch's time to be confused. And just like that he must lose his faith in me. What am I thinking wanting to have some of the younger kids with us? I think about trying to explain myself when Katniss injects.

"They are the twins right?" I can see Katniss trying to remember all the footage we watched not too long ago. She doesn't sound as puzzled as Haymitch was, maybe I already have an ally right here in this room with me.

"Yes" I answer hesitantly.

"They are only 14" Haymitch leans in close to tell Katniss this, where there is a usual harshness to him I have already picked up he is different around Katniss. She seems to be the exception to his brazen exterior.

"Haymitch I know you must not think it's a good idea but I trust Ember, I'll talk to their mentor personally" Katniss gives me a small smile and I return it as a silent thank you.

"Okay, so are we good with those six?" Haymitch questions, I can tell he is trying to see if there are anymore surprises being thrown his way. I look at Ash but his eyes avoid my gaze, he nods and so do I. "Good, I'll see you at dinner" Haymitch takes a swig of the flask he just pulled out of his pocket and walks off, Peeta and Katniss follow close behind leaving Ash and I alone again.

"Caspian? Really?" Ash turns to look directly at me this time when he speaks. I can sense he is a bit more hurt than confused this time.

"What?" I ask him, I really don't know what the big deal is.

"Out of everyone and you had to choose him, how can we even know we can trust him?" Ash stands up this time and starts pacing around the room, just watching him is giving me anxiety.

"Really? Coming from you. How do you even know we can trust Cherry either?" I am pissed this time, he really wants to come for me about my judgement, it's not like he exactly asked me my opinion about Cherry before this little get together just now.

"She is good with a weapon, she can help keep us alive in the games" He sounds like he is trying to convince me this was a good choice but his logic doesn't make sense, Caspian is good at all these things too.

"And so can Caspian, he is clearly smart and strong. He can help us" I won't back down on this. Besides the fact that I am harboring a slight crush on Caspian that still doesn't change the fact that Finnack was really good during his games and he has a lot of wisdom he can pass down. Having Caspian on our team might literally be the difference between if we live or die.

"And what can Memphis or Sky do? They are young and don't seem to have any skills" Ash exclaims, I can tell he is just as angry as I am now. I will admit it wasn't the smartest move wanting them but I just couldn't help it, I want to give them a fighting chance. Katniss gave Rue a chance despite her age and she was plenty good at lots of things, I know Sky and Memphis deserve at least a chance. Ash turns to look away from me when he opens his mouth again. "I know you don't want to hear this but we both know how long younger kids usually last" I feel like he just punched me in the heart, this is the last thing I expected him to say. He is so unkind right now, nothing like the boy I met on that train whose eyes lit up at the sight of all that food, who shared such wonder and excitement at the cheering crowd. This is not the Ash I want to step into that area with by my side.

"We can help protect them" I don't know how this argument is helpful to either of us but I can't not allow myself to stick up for them. Even if I hadn't really thought that far yet.

"You aren't thinking clearly" Ash stands firm and looks me right in my eyes this time when he speaks.

"You don't get to make decisions for me. If you trust me at all then you need to trust my decisions as well. We are partners. I don't know what your problem is but I'm listing to what Katniss and Peeta said about how we need to stick together. You need to get over what you're really mad about by tomorrow" I walk away without giving him a chance to rebuttal, I am done with this conversation, and if he takes my advice he won't bring it up again tomorrow during our private training sessions. I walk to my room without even a glace back, I truthfully don't care right now. He's made me so mad. The door closes behind me with a thud as I try not to think about Ash and his new found anger. I can't figure out why he is suddenly so upset. I lay down in my bed and try and push aside everything, knowing that Katniss and Peeta need me to be ready to train, ready to learn how to survive.