WILDEST DREAMS - Steve Harrington in the Hunger Games

How to survive the hunger games

Guys please rememeber to vote :) Who's you favorite Hunger games character? Mines Haymitch.

There's science and math behind everything. So that means that there's also math behind the games and there's a way to make sure the odds are in your favor. Even though odds have nothing to do with luck, it has everything to do with math. Probability is everything I am going to have to bet my life. Bet on myself, my brain, my skills, and my personality. And my strength.

Filip Williams is looking at me. I ignore his gaze and keep my eyes on the tv screen, looking at the reapings over and over again. Nobody stands out or maybe everyone stands out. It's hard to keep my mind off Harrington so thinking about the next few days seems to calm me down.

The first thing I need to do is gain weight. I think I already weigh a very normal, nice amount but getting some extra kilos won't hurt. The more you weigh, the more calories you'll have to burn and the longer you can survive without eating. It can be so difficult to find food so it's better to pack up some weight. Load on carbos. It's always possible that the arena is sort of built against the tributes; maybe there won't be enough food, or the food will be dangerous... Poisonous... If I can eat enough I'll be able to live longer. If I survive that long.

The second most important thing is to not lose time. I have to focus and be on my A-game every single second. I have seven days to eat and a few days to train so to increase my odds. Thank God the food in the Capitol is good because I can't stop eating. So no more pining over Harrington or zoning out completely and forgetting the real world.

I am going to have three days in the gym, the training center. I'll have to remind myself of the few weapons I can use but mainly I should focus on my survival skills. Out of the last 25 victors, over half won because of their survival skills. Setting fire and studying eatable plants can change the result.

See I have an issue. Maddie and Steve from district two know me. They know my skills, my strength, and my weaknesses. It's going to be a challenge to win them when we know each other so well. I have picked up a few things from district seven but I bet they've also learned some new moves. So it doesn't count.

I don't know if other districts know that I am a career. I've trained all my life. Winning the game is easier if you aren't considered a threat.

I'll also have to learn about camouflage.

The most important weapon to understand is a blade. It doesn't matter if it's a sword, knife, or a dragger because technically they all work the same; you can stab someone with a throwing knife and you can throw a dagger. Blades can also be used in close-up battles and from distance. And there are always blades. Always. Luckily for me, I am okay with blades. I know how to use them and I am pretty deadly with one.

Avoid careers. Even though I am one. They are the biggest threat and it's important to avoid them no matter what. I know that districts one and two will become allies. My Steve will work with fucking Maddie and some other kids. And I am going to hide and survive on my own. I have decided to survive no matter what. I don't care who I have to kill and how but I am going to do it.

Survive.

The first ten minutes are the most dangerous. Most people die in the first ten minutes. Why? Because those stupid fuckers run to Cornucopia even though year after year almost half of the people die in the first fucking ten minutes. Still, people run around like chickens, trying to find a weapon they know how to use. Even though they don't. Careers are already allies, fast and strong and full of adrenaline. Cornucopia is also statistically a mistake... It's too dangerous. Pick a bag from far and a far away and just run as fast as possible, because survival first. And after that?

Find water. A human can go 3 days without water and then die. Out of the last 25 games, water has been used against the tributes in 13. So, that's a lot. It can be poisonous, pulled, gone... So when everyone else is dying at the cornucopia, I'll be searching for shelter and water. One step ahead of them.

And then there's the main issue: Should I go solo or in a group? Groups are made so people can hunt stronger and better together. Allies are made and eventually broken. If a group of three hunts down the scarier and stronger career they've lost their common goal. They can keep on killing others or separating. And eventually, they'll betray each other. Should I be the one to betray the others and take a risk the audience will hate me or take the risk that they'll betray me? They always kill the strongest one.

Alway.

If you go solo you move quickly, leave fewer traits so others can't hunt you and you'll have more food and water. But if you go in a group you can hunt wider faster and it doubles the odds that someone is carrying something useful. Then there's always the risk of revenge death. The risk of being the one who kills a career is that they have a habit of revenging others.

Do I want to haunt or be haunted?

Haunted. Why? Because of sympathy. It's all about the audience. After, The Hunger Games is a reality show where the most important thing is having the audience on your side is the most important thing. That's why cornucopia is dangerous, that's why being in a group is a terrible idea. Because when you kill people, you lose sympathy.

I need to have a story. I need to step out of the crowd, be memorable, and have the audience on my side. I need to be funny, sexy, and kind. Sweet even.

How?

"Stop looking at me," I say and keep my eyes on the screen. "I am trying to focus." I stare at the screen and watch Maddie. She has grown a lot in the last year. She looks taller, stronger, and more dangerous than she used to look. Next is Steve, again. I can't wait.

"You've watched these like six times now," Philip says and looks at me. "Are you okay?"

"I can't focus," I whisper and look at him. His blond hair is a little curled up and he's leaning against his knees. He is handsome, extremely handsome. I avoid his eyes because I can't help but blush. He's too handsome.

"I'll give you guys a replay any minute, I'm just waiting for Eddie Munson and my sister." He leans against the couch and closes his eyes. "Are you okay?"

"No," I say. There he is, Steve. Again.

"You know him?" He asks and nods against the screen. "You've watched this part like eight times."

"And old boyfriend."

"Right, you're from district two. I forgot. So... You must feel very confused."

"Extremely."

He nods in silence and looks at the screen. "Are you ready to kill him?"

I take a deep breath and sigh.

"Yes."