The 53rd Hunger Games- Two Words

8.First Day

The first station I go to is the snare station. Since I'm useless around ropes and wires, I decide that it's probably best to learn how not to get tangled. The instructor doesn't look as intimidating as some of the others, so it seems like a safe option. She smiles as I come over, and starts teaching me some basic traps; how to catch animals, how to leave a tribute hanging in the air. By some miracle, I begin to pick it up, understanding the steps I have to take. I forget about the other tributes. Until someone taps me on the back.

I turn around, and I'm not surprised to find myself face-to-face with Hadrian. He has a smug smile on his face.

"If you can't see, I'm a little busy," I say. "So make this quick."

The instructor inhales sharply. I can understand why. No one talks to a Career like that, for fear of being brutally murdered in the arena. I know that Hadrian wouldn't want to talk to me if he wanted me dead. I'm sure he wouldn't hesitate to speak to me like this either.

"I would like to speak to you," he says. "Preferably somewhere a little more private."

The instructor hears this, and holds up her hands in surrender. I don't think she's ever seen someone from the outline districts and a Career get on so well before.

"I can give you a minute," she says, standing up.

I smile at her. "Thank you."

She goes over to the ropes station, and starts teaching one of the District Ten tributes a basic knot. Hadrian sits beside me, but I keep working on my snare, hoping that I look like I know what I'm doing.

"What is it?" I ask. "You've had a purpose, a reason for wanting to talk to me, however well you think you've hidden it. Now tell me."

Hadrian slaps his hands on my legs. "Fine. Did your mentor tell you about my request?"

"Your request for what?" I ask, my voice laced with venom. I think I know what he's talking about; after all in the lead-up to the Games, there really is only one thing you want to request.

He raises his eyebrows, but stays silent, confirming my suspicion.

"For me? As your ally?" I say, not bothering feigning surprise.

His eyebrows arched higher. "You already know?"

"You want to talk. There are only so many topics that are useful to talk about before entering the Hunger Games. Your mentor also let slip that you were considering me as your ally."

Hadrian sits back, and I finish my snare. It doesn't look perfect, but it's close enough to the instructors example.

I listen for Hadrian to make some kind of remark about me eavesdropping, but all he says is;

"You've done it wrong."

I turn around to face him. "Pardon?"

"The snare. You've done it wrong."

His arms reach around me, and his chin rests on my shoulder. He smells strongly of mint. I am brought to a new level of uncomfortable. Tributes aren't suppose to be within three feet of each other, let alone embracing from behind. For what must be the hundredth time, my cheeks burn red. Being this close top Hadrian is awkward, but it's something else. Tule would kill me for saying so, but it's rather pleasing in a way. Some part of me found Hadrian attractive, and wanted his attention. The part of me, no matter how small, is satisfied.

His slender fingers weave the rope and wire quickly. Obviously he's made something like this before. Since he's from four, I would expect him to be practised in trappings and snares. They are always good with their hands.