I give a last smile toward the camera as we board the train. Ona ushers us to a large table where our mentors for this year are already seated. She makes the introductions between the four of us. Our mentors this year are Brutus, who won the games a few years ago, and Amelia, winner of the 54th games. Since our district has many victors, each year the most recent two are chosen as our trainers. I'm actually already familiar with Brutus, as he's come to my class a few times to visit, speak with us, and assist with training sessions - as victors sometimes do. I've never met Amelia, but I remember watching her win the games. She became notorious for killing off many of her fellow tributes as they slept, and won the games through her stealth and strength combined.
They both greet us with enthusiasm and we begin talking as avoxes bring out platters of food. I can't say I'm particularly hungry. I only ate breakfast a few hours ago, and there are still some knots of confusion in my stomach. I pick at my bread and some vegetables and try to focus on the conversation instead.
"I hope there's water -" Remus says, guzzling down a plate of meat like he's never eaten before. "I'm a great swimmer."
"Ooh water! We haven't seen that in an arena for years! That would be exciting!" Says Ona.
"How about you," Remus says, nudging my arm.
"I'm an alright swimmer," I shrug, "but I'm better on my feet with a weapon."
"You better be!" Remus yells, some meat pieces flying out of his mouth, "otherwise we won't get everyone else!"
"Right," I reply, mildly disgusted with his style of eating. Brutus must notice my aversion, because he looks over to me and says, "It's good to bulk up before the games."
I hadn't thought of that. Now that I think of it, at least a couple tributes die each year from of talking anymore, I dive into my plate.
After the meal we're guided to another area of the train where some couches and chairs are set out before a television. A table is lined with desserts and jugs of a steaming black liquid. "Have you ever had coffee dearies?" Ona asks Remus and me.
"I've had it before - that stuff is awful. I'd rather drink my own piss," Remus says.
"Well that's because you've probably never had it the right way!" says Ona.
I see her carefully mix lumps of sugar and cream into the cup with the coffee, and she hands one to Remus and me. I take a cautious sip and I'm greeted by a delightful taste. I've never tried coffee before, but every time I've seen it's been a thin dark liquid, nothing like the thick golden liquid I'm drinking now. In fact, we never get much of anything sweet. Sugar is grown in eleven, as far I know. We get some of their sugar, but mainly we eat grain based items or meat. I eagerly sip the sweet coffee as we settle down to watch the reapings.
I've already seen the district one reaping airing earlier today, but I won't ignore an opportunity to evaluate the competition again. This time I watch more intently as two seventeen year old volunteers step up. I'm surprised by how small the boy is. I can't imagine that he's very strong with his thin frame. I do get their names this time I watch. Valor and Esma.
Next the television shows our reaping. I'm glad that the cameras don't seem to catch my brief hesitation in volunteering. Remus and I do however, look quite strong and proud up on the stage. Caesar even comments on what tough competition we'll be.
I take note of the district four tributes as well, as I assume we'll be allies. This year only the boy is a volunteer, which happens every once in a while in four. However, the girl that's reaped is tall and plump, so she may be able to hold her own.
Most everyone else looks like an average tribute. There are a few very young ones, and Brutus makes a comment about how we'll be able to get rid of them easily. There are a couple of more strong looking tributes as well - specifically the girl from three and the boy from five, but no one that really poses a threat.
"Looks like we've got the strongest and best tributes in the whole games!" Brutus shouts after the viewing.
"But that doesn't mean that you should neglect your training," Amelia says. "Now, tell us a bit about your skills, and we'll take it from there."
"Well, I'm pretty good at everything. That's why I was picked to volunteer for the games," says Remus. Brutus gives him a smile, but Amelia has a look of concern on her face.
"Actually, perhaps now would be a good time to separate. After all, you two are competitors. From now until the games, I'll head Evangeline's training while Brutus will go with you, Remus."
"Fine with me," he says, and begins an eager conversation with Brutus. Amelia guides me to a new car where we sit down.
"Now that those two are gone we can really get to work. Why don't you tell about your abilities?"
"I'm good with a few different weapons, but I'm best with knives or a bow and arrow."
"What else?" She asks. I don't want to embarrass myself in front of Amelia, but I can't think of what other skills would matter much in the games.
"What sort of things?"
"Anything. Are you a good cook? Do you know how to hunt or fish? How to find shelter?"
I'm a bit lost for words. "I'm quite good with a bow and arrow. I nearly always hit the bulls eye."
She sighs. "Okay. We'll talk more about this soon."
When she gets up and leaves, I see why. After the short journey, we've arrived at the capitol.