Defiance: The 13th Annual Hunger Games

Chapter Thirteen

I stand rigid, trying to appear somewhat threatening in the mist of so many tributes and Careers, while the head trainer, Sabina, explains some rules and the layout of our training.

"No tribute is allowed to fight one another," She announces," There are assistants here to help you practice self defense and weaponry. " She continues," There are many stations to visit, remember, all of them are important." With that, everyone seperates and goes their separate ways.

Torn between the throwing knives and axe wielding stations, I jump as a hand rests on my shoulder.

"Hey Annabeth," Spruce says cooly," Say we make some fires?"

Well, I suppose I need all the knowlege I can get. I already know how to throw knives and axes, why not learn something new? 

"Sure," I reply, casting a quick glance at the weapon stations. Sure enough, they're all flooded with Careers.

Luckily, we are alone at the table, so we have some time to talk without anyone overhearing.

" You won't believe what happened last night, " I say as I grab some flint and steel.

I tell Spruce everything. Like how my mother really didn't get murdered by the Capitol, and how she's an Avox, and how we spoke on the rooftop last night. He sits quietly, taking everything in.

That's one thing I like about him. He always listens.

" So what are you going to do?" He replies after I'm done.

"What do you mean?"

"I mean, you can't let anyone find out about her. The Capitol'll kill her." He whispers.

I shudder, then ponder for a moment. "I doubt it. They've probably already found out anyways."

"Then I guess they're keeping her alive for you." He says quietly.

I wonder what he could've possibly meant by that statement, then it hits me.

The worst torture- even worse than being capture by the Capitol and having your tongue cut out- would be watching your own flesh and blood be killed on live television.

I can't let that happen. I can't. Not just for my sake, but for hers as well.

Which leads to only one conclusion- I have to win.

                                 ~◇~

I listen closely as the edible plant specialist speaks.

"If you don't know what it is, don't touch or eat it." He explains.

Well, that sure is helpful, I think with sarcasm.

It's day two of training and I've been struggling to gain as much knowledge as I can.

"Unless you know exactly what plant it is, I highly suggest not to eat it." The instructor warns.

I gaze at all the plants on the table, trying to memorize the poisonous ones and the edible ones. Of course, I know most of what the instructor is talking about from my days in the meadow with Spruce, but you can't be too careful.

I soon pass the edible plant test without a blink of the eye. Spruce does the same.

After somewhat snooping around the stations, I come to the realization that Blaze is quite well at weilding a sword and is very swift in hand to hand combat. 

That's just great.

"Let's go to the throwing knife station." Spruce suggests, "You can show the Gamemakers how good you are."

I snort at the thought of the snobbish Gamemakers watching us from a floor above us. Endless amounts of food is displayed across a long wooden table with people scurrying around it. The stupid Gamemakers are practically stuffing their faces full, not paying any attention to us tributes.

"I think I'll leave that to the private session," I declare, casting a glance at Four, whose throwing a short knife. I wince as it plunges into the dummy's heart.

I want to keep my talents and abilities secret, for now at least. Once the Games begin I'll let loose and show the Capitol and my fellow tributes how skilled I really am.

Spruce shrugs," Okay then. Want to go to the sword wielding station?"

No one seems to be there besides the instructor, so I nod my head. I suppose Blaze moved on to something else. I've never been too good with a sword- it's too hard to swing around and hard to handle for a petite person like me. However, if there's one next to me in the bloodbath, I'll be sure to grab it. In the Games, you can't be picky.

"Let's get to it then," I say, walking towards the swords," I want to have time to learn a few snares before we break for lunch."

I fumble with a sword for a moment, trying to figure out a good way to hold it. It lands on the concrete floor with a clang as it slides out of my hands.

Spruce chuckles and picks it up. "Try holding it like this," he instructs, placing my cold hands around the weapon.

Once I feel comfortable with it, I walk over to the Capitol instructor.

"Well, well, missy. Ready to fight?" He grins, readying his dull sword.

Wouldn't want to get hurt, now would we?

I immediately slice the sword towards him, my ears ringing as metal hits metal. He meets me blow by blow and step by step. Seriously, it's like he knows my every move!

"Is that all you got, missy?" He taunts.

Gritting my teeth, I launch myself towards him, stealthily "slashing" his leg. Of course he's wearing body armor so no one can hurt him in practice, but it still brings me satisfaction.

He lets out a cry of mock pain and falls to the ground. I glance at him with an annoyed expression.

"Remember, missy, never underestimate your opponent. Don't ever stop fighting till you hear their cannon." He explains, rising to his feet.

I sigh and placed sword back on the rack, acknowledging the instructor with a grunt. I gaze around the massive room, searching for Spruce. I could've sworn he was watching me fight, but I can't seem to find him.

Finally, I spot him. The sight sends a shiver down my spine. Spruce is sitting next to the tributes from Districts One, Two, and Four. My heart stops as they lean their heads together, seeming to whisper. My eyes widen as a muscular boy with blonde hair points a finger at me. I look away quickly, wondering what they are doing talking to Spruce.

I try to listen in to their conversation without being too obvious. Seeing a cart with our lunch being rolled out by a Capitol servant, I rush over and grab a plate. I fill it up with out knowing what I'm even putting on it, eager to hear the Careers and Spruce.

I walk by slowly, catching a few words. My blood turns to ice and my tray clatters to the ground, sending my food flying.

"So, you'll kill her?" The District One girl asks.

Spruce replies solemnly,"I'll get the job done."

~ • ~