Fourth day in the Capitol

Owen Coin (18)- District 13 male tribute

The Memory

When I meet Rebecca this morning, she seems a bit uneasy. It must be due to what happened with Adam yesterday. I was just talking to her, when he attacked us. He is clearly jealous of her, but his jealousy is misdirected. Rebecca is a wonderful girl, but she's only a friend. Just because we get along with each other doesn't mean that we're in love, right? Adam didn't need to leave our alliance. Now, he's alone… but nothing I could say would ever convince him to retrace his steps.

"Hi, Rebecca. How are you?" I greet her.

In response, she apologizes for what happened yesterday: "I'm sorry. Adam can be so stubborn at times…"

I interrupt her: "Don't worry. He has made his choice. Our alliance may be weaker now, but four is better than nothing."

"What do our allies think of his choice?"

"Well… honestly, it wasn't totally unexpected. There was some tension between Adam and me even before yesterday."

"And it's all my fault," she adds, but she doesn't seem to feel guilty about that.

"Why does he believe that you're his girlfriend?" I ask her.

She blushes. "We were engaged, Adam proposed to me right before the Reaping, but… let's say that I was kind of forced to accept. It's a complicated story," she answers, clearly uncomfortable with this subject.

"You don't love him, then."

"No… I mean… I have nothing against him, but… sometimes, I get the impression that his love for me is an obsession… but I don't want to think of him right now, so, please, let's talk about something else!

"Okay. Wanna do some training?" I offer.

She nods in response. We head to the camouflage station, where we learn how to blend in the shrubberies. We make some makeshift caps by using leaves and branches, then we decide to try them out. There are indeed some fake shrubberies with which we can practice.

At some point, the trainer assigned to this station chimes in: "Face paint will make your camouflages more effective. Here, you can use chemicals, but in the arena even soil will do."

We do as suggested. Rebecca uses a mixture of green and brown to paint her face. When she's finished, she wears her cap and goes hide in a shrubbery.

"Can you see me, Owen?" she asks in a whisper.

I must admit that her camouflage works. I approach her. Now, I can see her eyes and hear her breath.

"Well, you're almost invisible, except for your eyes. Maybe you should close them and paint also your eyelids, in case someone gets too closed. In addition, you'd better breathe slowlier," I remark.

She comes out of her hiding. "Thank you for advising me," she says with a smile, her white teeth brought out by the face paint.

"You're welcome," I reply, smiling as well.

We use a towel soaked with solvent to clean our faces, but that of Rececca is still a bit brown.

I cannot help but chuckle. "Hey, the sun is scorching out here!" I tease her.

"Why don't you sunbathe as well?" she replies, using her dirty towel to smear my face.

"Hey, no!" I protest, giggling.

She bursts out laughing.

"Here I come!"

She runs away in response, and I chase her. Eventually, I manage to trap her in one corner.

"Beg for mercy, Rebecca!" I say, while catching my breath.

She's panting as well. At some point, she smiles, and then… then she kisses me out of a sudden.

"Rebecca…" I say, as soon as she steps back.

"Yes?"

I feel a knot in my throat. All my cheerfulness is gone now.

"I'm going to die in the arena, and you know it," I bitterly remark.

"Don't talk like that," she protests.

"They cannot let me win," I insist.

She doesn't say anything in response. She just keeps on staring at me with her wonderful, blue-grey eyes.

…...

Timothy "Tim" Cunningham (18)- District 10 male tribute

The Rancher

Last day of training. I cannot waste it. I've already tried out the most useful stations in these days, but I've got no ally. Time to fix it. I know who I should ask: Adam Thorn from District 9. I've observed him and his ex-allies since Estrella has joined them. He has left his former alliance due to his district partner and supposed girlfriend, who loves buzzing around the boy of Thirteen… that bitch. But a broken heart is a good pretext.

I find Adam at the archery station. I must admit that he's pretty good with bow and arrow. If I convince him to ally with me, he'll be helpful in the arena. I don't like the idea of spilling blood, but what choice do we have? Either you kill or you get killed, that's how the Hunger Games work. Anyway, I must hurry up. If someone else notices Adam's talent, they could have the same idea, and I cannot afford to miss a capable ally.

"Looks like you're a good archer," I compliment him.

He turns around, training his dark green eyes on me. He doesn't say anything at first, as if he was trying to understand whether he can trust me or not.

"It's truly a pity that someone like you hasn't got any allies," I go on.

"And who would you recommend as an ally? Yourself, I assume," he replies.

"Could be an idea," I admit with a shrug.

"Why me?"

"You seem strong and capable."

"Careers are strong and capable as well," he retorts.

I smirk, while getting closer to him. "Yes, but they fight for glory; they don't think of their families back home. Don't you think that love is a nobler aim than glory?"

"What are you getting at?" he asks with a frown.

"I know that your district partner has betrayed your trust to follow a boy who is- forgive my bluntness- already doomed. You must admit that Rebecca has ruined everything with her fickle behaviour… believe me, I know what it means."

"Because of what happened with your district partner?"

"Estrella is besotted. Therefore, you shouldn't trust what she says. She's not able to accept the fact that I don't love her. But love makes you blind… or so they say. Friendship is a more reliable bond in my opinion. That's precisely what I'm offering to you: a good friendship between two lone men… or, if you don't want to be my friend, just mutual help in the arena. What do you think?"

He considers my proposal for a moment. "What can you do?" he asks me eventually.

"I can wrestle, and I've learned to set snares here in the Training Center," I answer.

"Show me."

Tributes mustn't fight against each other during training, so I draw the attention of one of the male trainers and ask him to spar.

My performance must have convinced Adam, because, once I'm finished, he says: "Okay, deal."

…...

Ambra Clares (16)- District 3 female tribute

The Tactician

I tried the obstacle course this morning. A little physical exertion won't hurt. I like thinking that I'm the brains of my alliance, but this doesn't mean that I don't need training at all. I'm going to do my part in the arena, that's for sure. I'm weary now, so I'll have a break. I go sit on a bench right beside Henry, who's watching Chris throw knives.

"What do you think of him?" I ask Henry.

"I like him, and he's also capable… but I don't think he has learned how to use knives in only three days, he must have learnt it before," he answers, keeping his eyes trained on Christopher.

I nod in response. I was wondering about that as well. The day we asked him to join our alliance, Chris told us that his life in District 6 was hectic, but I still don't know what he meant by that. Actually, his district is notorious for criminal gangs and morphlings, and I wonder what our ally does for a living. Yes, he said he was an orphan, but… ah! He probably lives in a dreary community home. I shouldn't judge him a priori!

"Anyway, I think we can trust him. He doesn't seem the type that betrays his allies," adds Henry, turning to me.

"But who knows what might happen in the arena?" I grimly retort.

"You're not going to turn your back on him, I hope."

"Of course not. I was just… I don't know… talking nonsense."

He sighs. "No, you're right, the arena may change many things. None of us thinks that we can kill another person, and yet we'll probably be forced to do it. The Games are closer and closer, and I… I'm scared."

I look at him. "Me too. But we need to be ready for the arena… for the bloodbath in primis."

He nods in response. "Any suggestions?" he asks.

"Flee as soon as possible… we could try to grab a backpack, but we must be quick. Doesn't matter if we're not together, we'll find ourselves in one way or another. In any case, the most important thing is our survival. I know it's not a great strategy, but we cannot make a detailed plan before knowing in what kind of arena we'll end up. Actually, we're more likely to improvise," I answer.

I don't like improvising, that's not my style, I'd rather know exactly what I have to do. But I have no choice, right? Henry may have understood something about the arena, but he has just tried to guess in the end. What if we ended up in a totally unexpected environment? Gamemakers are capable of anything.

"Better than nothing," comments Henry, shrugging.

"The countdown lasts sixty seconds. We'll have some time to choose the best direction to which flee. In any case, that's the best bloodbath strategy I can think of. We'll develop a proper plan as soon as we find a safe place to hide… I mean, as safe as possible."

Yeah, as safe as possible, because we will be trapped in the deadliest place on earth soon, and the best thing I can do to survive is keeping a cool head. No room for fear or other silly sentiments… in this way, I might be able to see those I love again.

…...

Christopher "Chris" Terranova (12)- District 6 male tribute

The Explorer

I'm practicing with knives, which is something easy for me. As a matter of fact, knives are very useful on the streets. I've never used them to hurt or, worse, to kill a person, though. Murder is not part of August's philosophy. We may rob, but you'll never see a member of his family kill. It's a sort of honour code, and I agree with it… but in the arena? What will happen there? Will I be able to respect this code as I've done so far?

Out of the corner of my eye, I notice that my allies are watching me train. They're also talking to each other at the same time. I cannot hear them, but I wonder if they're talking about me.

"Do you think they'd like to talk to us after what we have become?"

"What do you mean, Mary?"

"We're robbers, criminals… they're likely to be frightened by us."

I've been replaying this conversation over and over in my mind. It took place at the Reaping, and I was with Mary. Oh, Mary… I hope she's fine! I wanted to talk to our ex-roommates to convince them to run away from the community home as we had done, but she told me I couldn't due to what we had become. Now, I'm wondering what my allies would do, if they found out who I am. Should I tell them the truth? Or should I keep silent? Would they really be frightened by me?

Honestly, I can't imagine anyone being frightened by me. I mean… Careers are far more frightening than me, aren't they? Just because I know how to handle a knife… no, the arena won't turn me into a bloodthirsty monster! I cannot let it happen! Otherwise, Mary would probably glare at me all the time or, worse, she could decide not to see me again. Or would she understand? Would she understand that I had to kill in order to survive? Would she be able to forgive me? The Hunger Games are a matter of life and death, after all.

Ah, I shouldn't think too much before the time! As a matter of fact, I might die in a couple of days. Well, I'd rather die being just a robber from District 6 than as a vicious killer. Besides, twelve-year-olds are usually too weak to compete. But this doesn't mean that I have to give up on my life, right? I'm a survivor, and I've got two allies who will help me in case of need, won't they?

I grab another knife and throw it with one smooth movement of my wrist. I keep my eyes trained on it as its polished, silver blade lodges right in the neck of the human-shaped silhouette in front of me, producing a clean sound. A lethal blow… I silently remark before I can even realize it.

…...

Bella Page (16)- District 7 female tribute

The Storyteller

Three days of training have gone by in no time. It seems like yesterday that Cedric and I paraded in front of the whole Panem, wearing those wonderful costumes made of leaves. Definitely among the best chariot outfits District 7 has ever had. I hope they will gain some sponsors for us. Actually, our district has never been that lucky in terms of number of victors. The fact that Cedric and I are siblings may attract sponsors, but it's not enough. Tomorrow, our private sessions will take place. The higher score we get the better. Actually, we'll need all possible help once in the arena.

I approach the huge window of my bedroom, trying not to think of the imminent future. I don't want to think that Cedric and I will be sent to the arena and that at least one of us won't make it out alive. Tears are now falling along my cheeks, but I immediately wipe them away. I look out of the window. Only glimpses of night sky are visible among the floodlit skyscrapers of Capitol City. I close my eyes. I pretend to be back home, in the middle of the forest, a starry sky above my head, the intense scent of pine trees in the air. When I eventually open my eyes, I'm back to the luxurious capital of Panem. I wonder about what it's like living here… I mean, living safely, knowing that your beloved ones will never end up in the Games…

My thoughts are suddenly interrupted by a knock at my door. I wince. I'm definitely too agitated.

"Are you still awake, sis?" asks my brother from behind the door.

"Come in, Cedric," I gently reply.

He enters the room, wearing a sky blue pyjama and fluffy slippers shaped like a bunny. He looks a bit uneasy.

"What's up?" I ask him, worried.

"Could I sleep beside you tonight?" he asks, almost under his breath.

I smile in response. "Of course."

He immediately flops down on my bed, slipping off his slippers and covering himself with the blankets. I go sit on the bed right beside him.

"Another nightmare?" I ask him, putting my hand on his uncovered shoulder.

"No, I couldn't fall asleep, that's all," he answers.

"Would you like me to tell you a fairy tale?"

"No, thanks. No bedtime stories for me tonight."

"As you wish."

"But… have you cried?" he asks at some point, frowning.

I look away. "No… don't worry," I lie.

"Bella… I know you too well. Your eyes are normally green-brown, but they look greener when you cry," he rebuts, while getting up from his lying position.

I sigh. "I'm just… worried about tomorrow, worried…" - I sigh again- "…about the Games."

"Well, I'm worried too, if this makes you feel any better."

I smile, while caressing his hair. "You always have a way with words, little hero."

"Hey! I'm not little!" he protests.

I giggle in response. "Okay, okay, you're not little."

"But I'm still a hero. You can be a hero at all ages, right?"

I nod. That's what I told him before the Reaping. If only we hadn't both been reaped! If only someone had volunteer at least for Cedric! But there's no use in dwelling on the past, right? You cannot change the past, you can only try to improve the future. Cedric's life hasn't always been easy. He lost his family when he was only three. If our parents hadn't adopted him, he would have ended up in a community home, and I wouldn't have a great brother like him. I've felt the need to protect him from the very beginning, and things won't change in the arena. I'm going to do my best to make sure he survives. He deserves it more than many others. I know it's a selfish thought, but I'm not able to think otherwise. That's what the Games do to you in the end, they turn you into a selfish person, because when your life or that of your family is at stake, you're not able to think otherwise.

"You'll need to be strong, my hero," I say.

"Don't worry, I'll protect you, my princess," he replies.

"Hey, princesses can fight as well, if necessary!" I retort, my hands on my hips.

That said, we both burst out laughing.


So, the last training day is over. As promised, every tribute had a POV before the Games. What do you think of this chapter?

My next update will be about the private sessions, and then I will go on with Divine Punishment.

Submitters can assign points to: Ambra (D3F), Christopher (D6M), Bella (D7F), Timothy (D10M), Owen (D13M)

Specific questions about tributes:

Ambra: will she manage to carry out her plan?

Christopher: do you think that his fears are well-founded?

Bella: what do you think of her attitude?

Timothy: what do you think of his proposal?

Owen: would you like a romance between Owen and Rebecca?

Final status of alliances:

- Careers: Kyle (D1M), Excelsa (D1F), Victor (D2M), Scarlett (D2F), Oliver (D4M), Vivian (D4F)

- Rebel alliance: Rebecca (D9F), Estrella (D10F), Owen (D13M), Christine (D13F)

- The perfect trio: Henry (D3M), Ambra (D3F), Christopher (D6M)

- I don't want to be a burden: Tartan (D8M), Autumn (D8F)

- Underdogs: Tobias (D11M), Maya (D11F), Fabian (D12M)

- Not so united: Cliff (D5M), Rhonda (D5F)

- Lone men: Adam (D9M), Timothy (D10M)

- Siblings: Cedric (D7M), Bella (D7F)

- Loners: Alexa (D6F), Yolanda (D12F)

Thank you a lot for reading! Reviews are appreciated!