Taurus Blackwood, District 10
"Howdy little lady" I say with a wink as Eden and I meet each other this morning. All I get is a
snort and eyeball in response. I'm wearing her down though I know it. Last night was amazing.
Specifically our bedrooms. I spent half the night watching the capitol streets. through that cool
screen wrapping our rooms.
"Bull, Eden, hurry up" Angus calls as we wander into the dining room. Eden makes sure to sit as
far away from me as possible for breakfast. Probably too shy to sit any closer.
Half an hour later and I'm struggling to keep all that food down.
"Remember charming and brutal" Angus calls to us as we take the elevator down to the training
level. I can see why they think brutal will work for Eden as well. She's almost as tall as me, and if
I'm honest I don't know many others who are as strong as her.
As we walk in I survey the competition and it's a rather pathetic sight. A decent amount of tributes
are on the younger side, and almost all look malnourished.
Once every district arrives we are freed to go to any station of our choosing.
"Hey where are you going?" I call out as Eden immediately struts off.
"I'm going to go learn what not to put in my mouth" she responds gesturing to the edible insects
station.
"You really planning on eating bugs in the arena?"
"I'm planning on eating and I'm pretty sure you can't afford to be picky in the arena."
"You can if you're in the career pack" clarified a girl walking over to us. Her clothes have the
number 2 on them and she walks with all the confidence I expect of a career tribute.
"Is that an invitation?" I ask, trying to keep my voice level. Taurus does not beg.
"I think so. I'll talk it over with the rest and you guys have to get good training scores. But those
muscles are honestly all the proof I need." since she looks at Eden while saying all this I flex, just
to make sure she sees it all.
"No" Eden says deadpanned, then steps around her and continues to the edible insects station.
"Okay one down, how about you big boy?"
"Hell yeah you'll need this muscle on your team!"
"Thats a lot of confidence for a district 10 boy."
"Man" I corrected. "If you want to talk boys, whats with the kid from one?"
"Who knows and who cares. If he can kill something I'll let him in. Now what's your weapon of
choice?"
"Ummm" I never actually considered this. My fists seem weapon enough, so I hold them up in
response. All she does is snort.
"Okay well why don't we find you a real weapon just in case something happens to those pretty
little fists?"
"Ain't nothing pretty or little about these bad boys" I grin. I like her already and she's certainly
easier to deal with then Eden.
A little boy with the number 11 walks past and I throw my fists up in his face. He squeaks and
almost trips over himself trying to retreat. I give a good laugh and so does the girl.
"How about something heavy. A bat? Ooh actually a club sounds cooler, one of those with the
spikes!" I almost jump with excitement.
"Okay, impress me" she says with a smirk and little shake of her head.
"Whats your name anyway?"
"What you didn't watch the recaps?"
"Of course but there are 24 of us."
"It's Valeria."
As soon as we get to the station I wrap my hands around the heaviest spiked one I can find and
the instructor shows me how to swing. Valeria picks one up as well, just to try it out I think.
Something gives me the feeling that this isn't her weapon of choice but she seems to take to it
easy enough.
"Okay kid"
"Boy" I corrected her again.
"Boy" she smiles in response. "Come have lunch with us, I'll introduce us both."
"Seriously?" I gasp. A career invite on the first day! I'm practically a guaranteed win.
"Why not? Be a lot easier then having to hunt those fists down. And by the way, I rarely joke" she
says seriously as she leads me out.
Phlox Creaol, District 1
I feel a smile creeping on to my face as I watch the trainer from the corner of my eye. He stands
back, obviously out of sheer awe, as he watches me slice, turn, and slice. I'm making short work
of these dummies. Once I finish these ones off I'll get one of those stupid Capitol trainers to parry
with.
"Phlox" my thoughts are interrupted by some idiot calling my name. I don't bother stopping
though, whoever it is can wait for me to be ready. Stupid.
"Phlox" I still don't want to respond, so when they parry my strike I can't help but yell out "hey, out
of the way stupid!"
"These are some of our allies, Valeria and Caspian" Gemima continues as if she didn't very rudely
interrupt my training with that stupid parrying knife she picked up.
"Potential allies" Valeria corrected.
"You've got that right. Who says I need allies anyway?"
"I do Phlox."
"Who cares what you say? You're just my district partner who should be enjoying her last few days
of life. Just piss off."
I expect them to leave when I turn back around, but from the sighs I can tell they stayed. Okay
then, guess I'll give a little demonstration. Or at least I would if my practice area was clear. Instead
there is a stupid girl trying to take over my space.
"Excuse me, I'm looking for a weapon recommendation. I was thinking some sort of sword
maybe?"
"You can piss off as well! This is my training area!" I shout and watch as the girl turns away from
the trainer and fixes her gaze on me.
"Did you never learn how to share in district one?" she drawls. I can barely talk I'm so angry. Who
is this stupid little girl from district nine? What would give her the nerve to think she could talk to
me?
"Maybe you should wait until the space is clear." I hear Valeria address the girl.
"I don't need your help!" I shout, giving her what I hope was one of my best scowls. Instead of
running away and crying the girl walks up to us and only stops when she is right in my face.
"I'm not afraid of the runt of the litter" she declares.
I hear laughter behind me an I want to turn around and punch whoever it was so badly, but I'll
never let her win this stand off.
"What are you doing slacking off in district nine? You're district four material all the way" Caspian
chortles. "I'd rather die then sell my soul to a career pack" she delivers to Caspian now.
"Hey I'm just saying you have potential!" she doesn't even bother responding to this, just turning
round and walking back to the instructor who has a sword waiting for her. It's a dainty little thing,
perfect for a weakling just like her. I finally feel myself start to recover from the disgust I feel
towards this stupid outer district pig.
"I'm not done with you!" I shout and I know she can hear me but she doesn't even bother
responding! I feel myself moving forward with rage but two arms instantly hold me back. Valeria
and Gemima.
"Something this stupid better prove their potential for the pack. You're on probation for now"
Valeria states, and I don't hear Gemima defending me like she should.
"As if you scare me" I mutter, but when they release me I just stalk off. I need to be away from
stupid people, so a bit of wrestling should do the trick.
Alinta Sconson, District 12
I feel a small shiver crawl over my body watching the careers fight. How that district nine girl can
stand there so unafraid is beyond me. I'm planning to keep as far away from them as possible, in
the arena and out.
"Hey, you okay?" Colin whispers. He hasn't left my side since the train ride. I'm not sure if he feels
lost or just frightened, but I'm happy to have the company, even if he continuously glances over.
"Not really" I give a shaky little laugh as I force myself to look away and concentrate on the
hammock I'm building. Thankfully I'm not too bad at sewing, so if I have the right materials I'll at
least be guaranteed and comfy bed in the arena.
"I don't get it" Basil states, giving up and just watching me.
"Here, it's a minor thing, but you need to work the rope correctly" I try and be as gentle as
possible. I can hear Colin sigh as he turns back to the instructor. I know he doesn't feel
comfortable with me helping the other tributes, but what does it matter whether a little boy has a
comfy bed or not?
Basil and I both cheer when he is finally able to do it.
"So are you two going to move on to something else?"
"Oh right. I guess we have to, as long as you feel confident Colin?"
"Meh I could be better, but as long as I have you around I won't need to worry."
He has already decided that we will be in an alliance. Not that I mind, it will be nice to have some
company in the arena.
"What happened to your face?" Basil asks suddenly. I'm not sure how to respond. I don't exactly
want anyone to know, and the last thing I need is to start worrying about Lislie. He is a good man,
he just makes mistakes sometimes. At least that is what I'm trying to convince myself with. I
notice the marks on Basil as well. His body tells the story of how rough the last few weeks have
likely been for him, so I decide I need to say something.
"None of your business, go find something else to do" Colin snarls at Basil before I can come up
with a proper response. Without hesitating Basil jumps up and scurries off to the foraging station.
"You didn't need to be so rude" I object.
"That was too personal" he mutters before getting up as well. But he waits for me so I'm
assuming he isn't mad.
"So where to now?" Colin sighs. I'm not sure and I can feel myself starting to shiver again.
"How about we learn how to tie some knots? Maybe even learn a few snares?" Colin suggests. I
can only nod in response and follow.
Turns out I'm not too bad at this station either and it's a marked improvement for Colin. In fact I
just mastered a snare that could leave my enemies dangling in the air so I turn around excitedly to
show Colin when I catch the eye of some little girl from district 11. She glances at me and my
snare then looks away, but I catch the uneasiness of her stare. And suddenly I hate myself. Who
am I to catch children and kill them? How does someone learn to live with that?
Colin catches the look in my eyes and I know he is about to check up on me so I just shake my
head and turn back around to the instructor. Nothing he can say would help.
Pixel Brennin, District 3
Lunch is more awkward then I ever imagined it could be. As I pick up my food I turn and survey
the area and notice how the game makers ensured there were 24 different single tables just in
case nobody wanted to sit together. Of course the careers have dragged some together so they
can all shout and laugh together as loudly as possible. I sigh and just decide to sit with Cody, who
is alone and seems to be spacing out.
"Hey" I hesitantly greet him.
"Hey" is all the response I get. We still don't quite know where we stand with each other. I can tell
he doesn't want to be mean or distant but he isn't making an effort to engage either. So we sit in
what has very quickly become an awkward silence.
"How's training going?" he ventured suddenly.
"Umm okay I guess? Haven't tried any weapons though."
"Stay away from them today, Phlox is having tantrums whenever someone even comes close to
his sword station." I snort and this brings a genuine smile to his face.
"The kid from district one?" Cody nods in response.
"What an idiot who volunteers when they're twelve?" Cody just smiles and shrugs. Before I know
it lunch time is over and the doors to the training centre open. Everyone except some stupid girl
from 10 waits for the careers to go first. They shove her out of the way as they enter. She shoots
them a look but I guess she decides that's enough.
Without saying another word to me Cody gets up and heads for the camouflage station. I just sigh
and slowly get up watching everyone else trickle back in. It would be nice if we can talk before the
games, just the two of us. Maybe tonight or something.
I decide to head towards the medical station since everyone seems to be steering clear of it for
the moment. I need to be able to take care of myself out there. Or at least make sure I'm not in
too much pain. I don't think I have a chance at making allies so I just get the trainer to show me
things I can do for myself. Like stitching or bandaging. There is a lot of emphasis on cleaning the
wounds and trying to protect them as much as possible. Understandable since there is always at
least one tribute who goes from infection in their wounds.
I glance over at Cody every now and again. To my delight he isn't engaging with other tributes. I
know it shouldn't bother me but it would hurt if he made an alliance without me. He doesn't
glance up to me once though. What have we become? I guess it's better this way, if he never
cheated we would still be together and how wrong would that be for us right now.
Suddenly I feel a hot flash of anger. Who is he to treat me like he did then act so distant? This is
some of the last days we will ever have and Electra isn't here to complicate that. I look up at the
weapon stations again. There are loads of them and Phlox doesn't seem like he will be moving
from the swords. that district 10 boy is hanging with the district two girl around the clubs and bats
and the district four boy hasn't moved from the district one girl who is at the archery station. That
just leaves the district four girl at the knives. Why should I listen to Cody? I'll go to whatever
station I want and I hope he notices.
The spears are currently only taken up by a few non career kids so I decide to head there. As
soon as the instructor explains the basic concept I try and throw and it is immediately apparent
that I don't have the strength to actually do some damage with this thing. No biggie, maybe I've
got wicked aim. I give the archery station a go. Turns out I do not have wicked aim. I'm not even
sure if I have any aim. Well knives look easy enough and there are always knives in the arena. The
two other kids there are terrible compared to the district four girl but thats not a surprise.
As soon as I throw my first round I'm reminded of how abysmal my aim is. I can feel my face
burning with shame so I scoot over to where an instructor shows you how to defend yourself with
a knife.
Turns out I can't even do that and the district four girl seems to be having a grand time laughing
behind me. I turn around snd feel my panic surfacing. What am I going to do if I can't even handle
a single weapon? I look into her eyes then feel myself begin to laugh hysterically. I can feel tears
coming out as I collapse on the floor with laughter. I probably won't even get the chance to get my
hands on a weapon in the arena, I'm a bloodbath kid no doubt about that anymore.
As soon as I can open my eyes I realise the knife section is empty. My meltdown must have
freaked them out. The only thing I will ever do to scare my competition no doubt. At least I can
humiliate myself in peace.
Cora Bennett, District 6
"What do you want Jas?" I sigh and watch as he frowns. He isn't too pleased with my nickname
and I don't think it'll grow on him but he really does suit it.
"I'm just confused."
"Aren't you always?" I smirk which brings forth a genuine frown.
"Why are you at the knot tying station, isn't that your whole thing back home?"
Instead of answering I pause for a moment and finish the knot I was working on.
"Maybe I just wanted to remind myself that I have a chance. It feels good to have something come
so naturally."
"So what didn't come naturally?"
"Fire" I sigh. "It took me all morning just to get a decent flame going, then I had to try and make
minimal smoke, then use things other then matches!" I elaborate and I can feel the frustration leak
into my voice.
"Well I could use a hand at knots. The instructor seems to be pretty busy." Jasper offers hesitantly.
It's true, most of the district kids apart from the careers have been to this station. It kind of feels
like the in between station. The station where you go to figure out your next move.
"Sorry Jas not today. And don't get your hopes up for tomorrow either, I need more skills before I
enter that arena" I respond and feel slightly guilty as his face falls.
I stand up and take a good long look around the room. All the careers are naturally hanging out at
the weapon stations. Most kids are on their own and not really speaking to anyone else.
"Hey Jas who was that kid you were speaking to earlier?" I ask as my train of thought arrives at
the station.
"The boy from seven, names Aspen."
"Do I sense an alliance?" I ask while trying to act cool. I don't want him to know how desperately I
want this information. Are other tributes teaming up? Do I need to watch out for more packs then
just the careers?
"Maybe. He is nice and almost as good with knots as you."
"So no District six alliance this year?" He doesn't know how to respond to that so I decide to give
him an out.
"Don't worry I'm a solo act. Besides statistically we won't make it much further then the third day."
This is sadly true as we haven't had a tribute make it any further then that for six years now.
"Good luck Jas." I decide to end this conversation so I walk away before he can say anything
else. I don't have time to worry about my district partner.
I steer clear of the fire making station. Maybe I'll try again in two days just to make sure I can at
least make a strong fire, even if it's not the most inconspicuous. Fire has many uses. Instead I
decide to finally try a weapon. I've been itching to try them all day but the careers have been
making me too nervous to go over there. The other tributes must feel the same, I can't imagine
only the careers using that space for the full three days. Besides the district nine girl has spent a
decent mount of time at the sword station. I decide to go and try out a trident, it might be my only
chance if I want a bit of peace while I'm training. The other careers haven't been near this station
for quite some time. Probably because district four would obliterate the rest a this station, and
who would want to see that? So I pick up the weapon and after a few minutes listening to the
instructor I try and throw. It feels awkward and unfamiliar in my hands but I at least manage to hit
the target even if it is on the outer most circle. Instead of trying again the instructor gets me to
work on my stance and close range combat.
After two hours I'm sweaty and exhausted. My mind also feels like it's melting. Who knew there
are so many things to think about when you're just trying to stab someone? Stance, strength,
every little thing matters. But this weapon feels better in my hands and as long as I can weld this
somewhat sufficiently I'm happy with just practising with one kind of weapon.
I finally hang the trident up and thank my instructor. When I turn around I notice Jas watching,
although he quickly turns away once I catch his eye. Guess he is more of a natural fire starter then
me since his blaze is strong and I barely see any smoke. But I take note of the matches in his
hands. Not a professional yet I see.
I let put a little groan as I head back to the knot section for the last fifteen minutes. I already have
two skills that I need to hone over the next two days and I'm really trying my hardest. I'm
determined to go in to the arena with somewhat of a chance though, so fire starting and tridents
are a must. No point in dying slowly and painfully from starvation or a mutt. I don't bother listening
to the knot tying instructor, just practicing a few of the more complicated ones and going over my
stances with the trident in my head.
It's going to be a long three days.
Aspen Waters, District 7
I can't help the groan that comes out as I watch yet another of my axes completely miss the
target. I can hear some chuckling behind me, which is most likely a career, so I try and ignore it
while I reach for my last axe. I watch Wren as she releases her last as well. Of course she seems
to be a natural. Not perfect but she can definitely do some damage. I think the only damage I
could do is to myself.
"Aren't you from district seven?" a boy's voice asks from behind me. I need to face whoever he is,
I can't let the careers think I'm weak. But once I'm staring the boy in the face I realise he is far
from a career. First telltale sign is the twigs he calls arms. Careers can count on supper. This boy
probably couldn't.
"Yeah what of it?" I reply feeling a little strength come into my voice and mentally congratulating
myself for not letting my voice break in fear.
"So this is meant to be your thing. Check out your district partner, she's getting the hang of it
pretty quickly." I glance over at Wren as he says this and not the little blush that creeps onto her
face. But once she throws her last axe she just turns around and heads to the back of the line,
determined to avoid this strange boy. I turn around and ready my last axe, maybe this annoying
boy is just what I need to finally throw straight. Apparently not, although I do manage to chip the
corner of the target on my way past it.
I hear the chuckling yet again and force myself to turn around and eye him again.
"Here let me show you" he chuckles as he steps up to take his turns. I move over but decide to
just watch instead of joining the end of the line.
He's isn't too bad, at least hitting the outer rings, but he occasionally gets it on the target.
"Ha I wish Aston could have seen that" he mused before turning to face me again."Jasper Railton,
District Six" he offers. I'm not sure why but I take his hand and give it a firm shake.
"Aspen Waters" I reply and he grins such wide cheery grin that I'm thrown. What could this boy
possibly have to be happy about now?
"You want to go again? Maybe I can help more then these dumb trainers" he isn't wrong, the only
thing the trainer is doing is handing us the axes and letting us know when to throw.
"Why not?" I shrug and join him at the back of the line just behind Wren.
"So who is Aston?" I ask genuinely curious.
"My little sister. I take care of her basically all the time, but I love it. She's young so she doesn't
really understand why I left, but if she saw my aim she would probably have been impressed."
"I'm really glad Leif isn't here to see this he wouldn't stop laughing like you" I respond but all the
hostility is gone and its calming to just be chatting.
"He's my younger cousin. I've got more though and we all live together" I answer the question
before it left his lips. I can almost feel Wren listening to us but she doesn't ever try to enter the
conversation so I try to put it out of my mind.
Jasper does turn out to be a decent teacher, and after a good half hour he's got me actually
hitting the target. We stay the rest of the afternoon which Jasper doesn't seem to mind. By the
end of it he is hitting the target almost every time and I'm constantly hitting the outer ring instead
of the floor.
"We should probably move on the day is almost over. Or I should at least."
"Nah we only have half an hour left, can't really learn that much in thirty minutes."
"Is that a challenge?" I grin.
"Guess it is. Lead the way seven"
I look around at our options. What I really want is to learn how to start a fire but that feels
challenging.
"Lets go tie some knots, or at least learn one."
I lead us over to the station and before long I have two knots mastered while Jasper is still
struggling on his first.
"Guess we found something you're a natural at."
"Finally" I reply with genuine relief. Then the clock hits five and the peacekeepers come to start
herding us back to our rooms.
"Guess I'll see you tomorrow ally" Jasper says, waiting for my reaction.
"Ummm get a good training score and then we will see!" I respond trying to sound more confident
then I am. I have no idea how I feel about allies so I'll need the next two days to make up my
mind. Maybe we can go around to different stations together and see if either of us have more
skills we can offer to the alliance.
"Ha, that sounds like another challenge. Since you just won the last won I have to get a higher
score now. I'll see you tomorrow" and with that he stands up and follows most of the tributes out.
Wren is already long gone and I slowly make my way to the elevators as well. If I have an allie that
could change everything. But it could also get me an axe in the head. I'll have to talk to our
mentor. Wren will suspect but I'll make sure not to announce it, the less she knows the better.
Marina Crest, District 4
"Can't you practice something else?" Jason groans as soon as I approach the trident and spear
section.
"You afraid I'll show you up?" I respond with a small smile.
"That's kind of your job."
"Just because I'm from four doesn't mean I'm a natural trident wielder."
"Sure it does, just like being from two means I'm a natural swordsman."
"Is that so?"
"Come with me and try out the swords. I promise you'll be impressed."
"Sounds good, but I need to show you up first."
"Fair enough" he concedes as he steps back and watches.
I move forward and the instructor doesn't even attempt to offer any words of advice, she just
stands back and watches.
I take a few breaths and then throw, piercing the dummy straight in the neck. Then I grab another
trident and do some close up combat which would probably be more impressive against an actual
opponent but my technique is flawless.
I step back as Jason slowly claps with a devilish grin on his face. I allow myself to return it and
without speaking we head over to the sword section. They are such a popular weapon that they
have a whole station dedicated to different types of swords and techniques. Jason quickly grabs
a sword, a short heavy thing which genuinely surprises me.
"I prefer to be as close as possible, less margin for error" he explains when he catches my look of
surprise.
"Perfect considering I like my swords long."
We move into the centre of the station and begin sparring. The trainers don't stop us which means
we can have a bit of fun. I start talking to him as we dance, trying to get a feel of him.
"So you're parents are victors yeah?" His smile wavers for a second two long but his only
response is "yeah, so are yours right?"
"Correct. They must have taught you well"
"They tried and I'd say they did a pretty good job."
I stop moving, which surprises him, but he stops as well and follows my eyes. I watch as one and
two hold the boy from one back. Meanwhile four is mooning over Gemima.
"Would you consider a partnership?" I decide to put it out there.
"We already are in a partnership" he hesitantly reminded me.
"I'm not too sure about the pack this year." I admit, which is true.
"What do you mean, they look pretty skilled to me"
"Come on, Phlox? He's a wild card and obviously isn't a group player. Gemima seems weak and
Caspian is too enamoured with her to be trusted."
"Valeria?"
"District two? She's fine. But she isn't a legacy" I press.
"Phlox and Gemima are"
"I just feel like you and I are the real contenders. Don't even get me started on ten. And the pack
doesn't feel stable enough for my liking. How would you feel about ending it sooner rather then
later?"
"Wait as in turn on them?" I watch in frustration as he looks around wth doubt.
"We have too sooner or later. You can't be the second person to strike."
"I'll consider it" he responds after a heavy pause.
"Well I need a decision by tomorrow. I've got the plan all sorted out, all you have to do is what you
just showed me with that sword." I try to sound as authoritative as possible. It's a risk asking, for
all I know he will turn around and tell the others about my plan. But the others need to be
eliminated. They're my biggest competition and I've always hated the idea of teaming up only to
get betrayed. All I need is a partner, one thats skilled enough to be of use but easy enough to pick
off myself. I can't turn on them all at once, but if there were two of us that could change things. All
this is churning in my mind as I turn and follow Jason.
Rosalind Avle, District 5
"So how did training go?" asks our mentor before we even fully step out of the elevator. He's
pretty messed up in the head but he is obviously trying to help which I appreciate.
"It was amazing, I'm getting pretty good with knives" I respond with excitement. This gives him a
smile.
"And you, Roan?"
"It was okay I guess" he mumbles in response. I don't even bother looking at him and our mentor
doesn't offer anything further.
"I'm horrifically sweaty so I'm going to go have a shower before dinner" I announce and head
towards my room without waiting for a response. As I close the door I get the chance to glance
back and see Roan just shuffling his feet. Pathetic.
I survey our dining table as I walk in. There is so much variety of food I'm not even sure what I'm
looking at, so I sit down and try to have as many different dishes on my plate as possible. I start
with what I could only guess is soup but there are also beans in there and it is red with dashes of
green. Our soups are just watery stock with some potatoes and onions thrown in. I take a
mouthful and immediately fall in love with the spice. There is also a different flavour I've never
tasted before, something that conjures up memories of our fireplace on dark winter nights.
Our mentor watches me eat for a bit before beginning.
"So Rosalind, knives. Did you try anything else out?"
"I experimented with a few different weapons but none worked as well as the knives. Not the
throwing kind, just good old fashioned hand held."
"Try and incorporate some foraging tomorrow, it'll be vital for you to be able to identify edible food
in the arena."
"Okay, weapon and food. That'll cover the basics right?"
"With that under your belt you stand a decent chance, especially if you feel so comfortable with
the knives, they almost always make an appearance."
He is right I cannot remember one single Hunger Games where some sort of knife wasn't
available. I suppose they like to provide most with a weapon it makes the fights more entertaining.
And they are such versatile weapons. Perfect.
"And you, Roan?"
"I was making hammocks in the morning and I tried some knots but they were hard?" he mumbles
while making an obvious effort to avoid eye contact with anyone.
"Thats a nice start" our mentor tries to sound positive. The rest of the meal is mostly quiet with a
few snippets of conversation between my mentor and I.
Which is why I feel surprised when Roan stops me on our way to our bedrooms.
"Rosalind I need to ask you something and id really appreciate it if you keep an open mind" he
practically pleads.
"You have the floor" I respond dryly.
"Is there any chance that we could try some stations together tomorrow? It would be nice having
someone who kind of knows what they're doing. Maybe we can practice with the knives
together?"
"Not a chance buddy. I know your deal and not to be morbid but if I show any kindness towards
you the likelihood of me surviving plummets and I can't risk that."
"But hey, that doesn't mean I'll ignore you" I try and comfort him even though I know its risky. Self
preservation and humanity are currently at war inside me.
"Thanks for hearing me out" is the only response I get. I try and put it out of my mind. I'm not
getting into an alliance, least of all with him. I don't need anyone but myself to win this, and I
already know I'll make Isaak proud. But I have an alternate idea that first snuck up on the train
ride and I can't put it out of my mind. I have to make a decision soon as we only have a few days.
I flop onto my bed and in relief I can feel sleep already taking a hold of me. Good the last thing I
need is to have time to process all the events since yesterday.