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SITTING INA hollow metal chamber enveloped by sounds of anxious thudding feet and restless shuffling, waiting for her name to be called proved to be more difficult said than done. Orianna sat on the cool metal bench with a placid expression strewn across her face. Her body remained absolutely still. The only sign of the thunderous anxiety running rampant in her body was the continuous motion of her thumb brushing back and forth over the carved indents on the wooden creature that rested in her palms. Her eyes remained still staring at the tiled pattern of metal slabs on the floor, her mind remained empty and numb.
Somewhere outside the chamber, the game makers were evaluating the district three female tribute for the allotted ten minutes time slot. They would record a numeric score from one to twelve to broadcast for all of Panem to see, this included the sponsors who would place their bets accordingly. It would be one of the last chances the tributes would get to ensure to maintain a memorable image for the Capitol people. Orianna went over Magnus' advice to stick with the obstacle course and survival skills to get a score between six and eight. That would be high enough to ensure herself as a tribute worth sponsorship, but low enough to not have an immediate target on her back.
"District 4, Kent Graius report for individual assessment." The robotic voice in the speaker spoke and the tall slim built boy stood from his seat sending a stoic look towards his district partner before walking towards the gateway with his shoulders relaxed and back straight. He was escorted into the room with two peacekeepers standing along on either side of him.
Eight more tributes in counting till they call her name. Her stomach was knotted tightly into cords, cold sweat beaded down her forehead. Orianna matched her breathing to the stroke of her thumb back and forth, inhaling slowly before exhaling and repeat. The names were called slowly as the clock kept ticking. The seats were emptied slowly, with each tributes name being called over the loudspeaker. Cassian is called, he walks forward and out of sight once the gate closes behind him. Orianna looked over the wooden creature in her palm, taking note of the smallest features as the small uneven etches on its snout and the tiny needlepoint carvings in its eyes. Anything to suspend a wild stream of thoughts and questions to drown her brain under a sea of doubt and anxiety.
"District 8, Orianna Griffith report for individual assessment."
She stands from her seat, heading towards the metal doors where two peacekeepers stood. Catching Marlin's eye from down the aisle of seats on her way out. He offered her a small nod and smile, she nodded back before walking towards the exit. The peacekeepers she was wedged between, walked stiffly by her side with their hands clutched to large batons. The scent of sweat and metal entered her nostrils as she stepped into the tribute center. The game makers sat in their pod hued a neon purple above the training center many of them watching her steps as she came into the gym, some were focused on the large buffet rolled in by an avox.
