The Hunger Games

Chapter Four

Sleep that night seemed impossible. As well for the nights to follow. All I could dream of was the possible arenas I would be thrown into. I could feel the shifting as the train moved over the track. I sat up and went to take a shower. The showers at our district were nice but these were warm. The water was causing my skin to turn red and the shampoo caused my hair to smell like fresh honey. The hair care at home never had sent. Well if I die, I will die smelling good. I quickly got changed and walked out of my compartment back to the lounge room where Brutus, Borris and Ebinora sat eating. I went a joined them and grabbed some toast. I saw that the butter was across the table which only made me sigh.

"Can someone pass me the butter please?"

Everyone continued to eat, not moving to grab the butter. I put down my toast on my plate and simply reached across the table to grab the butter only to have Borris smack my hand away. I glared at him and reached again only for the same results. I reached for it again and I quickly grabbed his hand, bending it into a lock. He winced as I held it there and reached for the butter. I let go of his hand which he sat cradling it with his other hand. I buttered my toast before putting it back in its rightful spot.

"Thank you."

Brutus broke out laughing as he watched the interaction. I raised an eyebrow.

"I think our girl here is better off than we thought."

I rolled my eyes.

"I told you, don't underestimate me"

Borris glared at me and shook his head.

"Don't worry, I will make sure to make your death quick."

I bit into my toast and nodded towards the window.

"It looks like we are getting close."

Ebinora turned to look out the window just as the capital came into view. I stood up after taking the last bite of my toast and got closer to the window. We entered a tunnel making the lights flicker around us. I am really glad I showered before coming out. We exited the tunnel only to be surrounded by people. I waved at the people with a smile. Borris joined, flashing his charming smile causing some of the citizens to bat their eyelashes and giggle. I wanted to roll my eyes but I kept my mask on and continued to wave and wink at some of the citizens as we slowly came to a stop. Brutus and Ebinora waved us away from the window as our escort, I found out his name was Dallas. He pushed us to the sliding door that we entered through. The door slid open and the ringing returned to my ears. I smiled and waved as I walked confidently out of the train. The screams seemed to get louder the moment our mentors exited. Our escort waved at us and kept us moving through the crowd. We reached a very tall building. I was betting if I looked up I wouldn't be able to see the top of the building. I was struggling not to look around in awe and kept my smiling flirting look up. It was getting harder as the citizens reached out to pet me. No not touch, pet. I felt like a dog. Two large glass doors opened to a massive hall. There seems to be an exit where the stands filed out. Knowing no one was watching I dropped my smile and like Borris, looked around in awe. I looked at the towering ceiling and glass chandeliers that lighted the place. Unlike the districts, beautiful people lined the walls, none were holding weapons and there was no chatting amongst them. They all had matching head gear. Ebinora came behind me, placing a gentle hand on my shoulder. Startling me lightly.

"Try not to stare too much, Kit. Those are Avox. They committed crime and had their tounge out and serve as a slave to the capital."

I gulped and looked away.

"Come on Kit, why don't we get you to the room, the boys already headed up while you were gazing. We have another day before the rest of the tributes come in and then the welcoming ceremony."

I nodded and allowed her to guide me to the elevator. We walked into the machine and I immediately noticed that the elevator was clear.

"Don't get distracted too much, we are only on the second floor."

I nodded and continued looking out the window.

"Kit why won't you accept alliances?"

I looked back at my mentor who was leaning against the right wall.

"Alliances have gotten me nowhere in the academy, why would they benefit me in the games? Sides alliances cause attachments. Attachments cause you to hesitate. Hesitations cause you to get killed."

She nodded in understanding.

"Ok, don't take it out of option though, ok? Sometimes a little help doesn't hurt anyone."

I smiled and nodded.

"I will keep that in mind."

The elevator came to a stop and the doors opened to the second floor. My mouth dropped as I saw the penthouse I would be temporarily living in.

"The whole floor is ours. Down the hall will have doors with our names on it for our bed rooms. We will be having lunch in a few hours before we start some training."

I nodded and silently walked towards the hallway gazing at all the beautiful artwork around us. I reached up, dragging my fingers across the walls until I came to a door with HADLEY printed in neat capital letters. I pressed my thumb to the scanner outside the door. I heard a click as the lock opened. I moved my hand to the handle pushing the door open peering inside at the beautiful room that was set up before me. The room was much like the one on the train, just much bigger. I dragged my fingertips along the silky covers amazed but the money the capital had.