Father of the games

Chapter 6: The Scores

The tributes from District 12, John Frost and Ember Everdeen, sat in their modest apartment within the tribute center, their eyes glued to the Capitol's broadcast. The announcement of the training scores was a critical moment, a preview of their standing in the eyes of the Gamemakers and potential sponsors.

As the scores began to roll in, tension filled the room. Their mentor, Haymitch Abernathy, nursing a glass of his favored liquor, watched with a mix of apprehension and resignation. The escort for District 12, Atticus Moonshadow, sat perched on the edge of a chair, his flamboyant Capitol fashion clashing with the drabness of the apartment.

"Orion Blaze, District 1 Male: Score - 8," the announcer's voice echoed through the room.

Aurora Stone, District 1 Female: Score - 9."

"Felix Vanguard, District 2 Male: Score - 8."

Serena Steel, District 2 Female: Score - 9."

"Edison Circuit, District 3 Male: Score - 8."

Electra Watts, District 3 Female: Score - 7."

"Finn Seafarer, District 4 Male: Score - 7."

Marina Deepwater, District 4 Female: Score - 9."

"Flint Ignition, District 5 Male: Score - 9."

"Ember Sparks, District 5 Female: Score - 8."

"Donovan Wheeler, District 6 Male: Score - 8."

"Mia Lockhart, District 6 Female: Score - 7."

"Oak Timber, District 7 Male: Score - 7."

"Willow Forest, District 7 Female: Score - 6."

"Silas Textile, District 8 Male: Score - 8."

"Lily Weaver, District 8 Female: Score - 7."

"Reed Wheatley, District 9 Male: Score - 7."

"Grainne Harvest, District 9 Female: Score - 6."

"Colt Wrangler, District 10 Male: Score - 7."

"Meadow Rancher, District 10 Female: Score - 8."

"Sylvan Thorn, District 11 Male: Score - 8."

"Autumn Fields, District 11 Female: Score - 6."

"John Frost, District 12 Male: Score - 6."

"Ember Everdeen, District 12 Female: Score - 7."

As the scores were announced for John and Ember, the room fell silent. John had expected a modest score given his lack of formal training, but Ember's 7 was a testament to her determination and adaptability.

Ember watched John's expression darken as he absorbed his score. She could see the frustration and disappointment in his eyes. When the announcement ended, John rose abruptly from his seat and retreated to his room, closing the door behind him.

Haymitch exchanged a knowing look with Atticus before setting his glass aside and making his way to John's room. He knocked softly and entered, finding John sitting on the edge of his bed, his face buried in his hands, shoulders shaking with suppressed sobs.