Reaper ~ THG AU

Ch. 11: Targets

The second day of personal training came and went. We spent most of it brushing up on our individual skills and helping the other learn a little more about the opposite. I practiced with a spear and sword, finding the former close to the scythe I'm used too. The latter was a bit awkward for me, but I'm sure if I worked with it I could use it.

I also tried out the war axes and they were okay, closer to the sickles than anything else I've tried. I'm not as used to any of them, but what I am isn't an option. I have to adapt or I won't survive. Even after our conversation, I'm still going to try and make Acacius the Victor. He deserves it more than he's letting on.

I guess we both agree on it being one of us....

Right now we're on our way to the final compulsory session. Tomorrow morning will be the last session with just us two, then it'll be the private session in front of the Gamemakers.

The doors open to the sight of multiple tributes trying out the weapons stations. I guess with this being the final session, they want to at least get some in. Acacius and I share a look, my throat being cleared as he nods. I nod back, going left as he goes right. I survey those using the weapons stations.

The two from 4 are pretty good, but also wobbly. The boy from 3 is definitely not used to the weight of the sword he's using. The guy from 5 seems to be getting good with an axe. Both of the Tributes from 6 seem to be doing better as well. The girl is practicing with a bow and the boy knives.

The tributes from 7 are somewhat better, the female seems to have a better shot then the other. The tributes from 8 are in a similar situation to 7. The girl from 9 isn't that good with a sword but she's trying. I spot the careers laughing as they watch them, making me roll my eyes as I continue towards the camouflage station.

I start to mess around with the paints as I watch the other tributes. The next round of contestants step up and work on their combat skills. The two from 10 don't show too much promise, especially the young girl who is just thirteen. Alice, the girl from 3, seems pretty skilled with a spear. Though, not enough to be a real threat compared to the careers.

Dagan has proven his capabilities with a machete and sword. He definitely could be a real issue in the games. I look closer as he moves, chopping off the arms of a dummy. His movements can be slow and erratic. That could be used against him if he's not careful.

The two tributes from 12 seem less of a threat compared to everyone else. The twelve year old boy can barely hold the sword, his arms thin and weak. The female tribute isn't much better, her strength definitely not there as she tries to learn how to use an axe.

"What're you doing all the way over here...by yourself?"

I jump, turning to see Augustus smirking at me. He's about twice my size in both height and build. His arms are definitely bigger up close, making me gulp as I meet his bloodthirsty eyes.

"I'm just..."

"Just what?"

He steps closer, his jaw tight as he glared down at me. I lean away, feeling small as he towers over me. The thought of him being my downfall nicks at my brain until I push it down.

"I know what game you're playing..."

"Isn't it the same one as you?"

I look up, holding his eyes as he smirks. He lets out a small laugh, leaning closer as his eyes harden. I try my best to keep my face stoic as his voice drops.

"I see how you're playing it...don't think your little stunt worked the other day. Everyone else may be blind, but I can see right through you and your brother."

"And what do you see?"

"I see two people who I'm going to leave for last. I'm going to pick every..last..one of these other suckers off. And then I'm coming for your brother. I'm going to kill him nice and slow, as painful as I possibly can right in front of you. Then it's your turn."

"That's if we don't kill you first."

I keep my eyes on his, my face the same neutral expression. He laughs, leaning down towards my ear. I hold my breath, my hands freezing over my chest as his breath invades the space around my ear.

"Don't make me laugh. Good luck, 11...the odds are never in your favor."

He walks away, not sparing another glance my way as I slowly relax. I don't relax fully, my jaw tight as I scan the room. No one seems to have noticed, not even Acacius who is working at the fire station. Taking a deep breath, I turn back to the paint and other camouflage items.

——

"So our main threats are the careers, obviously, and Dagan, Ivette, the girl from 3, and maybe the ones from 7 and 8 right?"

"Yeah."

I take a bite of my dinner, looking out at the city. No one really eats together in this apartment but Acacius and I. Ditus eats with their friends on another floor. Seeder eats in her room, and Chaff is usually already drunk or halfway there by now. The designers and prep teams have their own apartments near by and don't seem to have much time for meal breaks anyway.

"What is the plan for tomorrow?"

I look up towards my brother before taking another bite of my pasta. He takes a drink before answering me. We seem to eat most of our meals here in my room and tonight is no different.

"We're going to do one final personal training before going to the private sessions. Seeder mentioned something about them last night when you were taking a bath. Pretty much, we get fifteen minutes to prove to the Gamemakers to give a high score so that we get more sponsors. It also will put a target on our backs-"

"We already have targets on our backs."

"What?"

"Augustus, the guy from 1 cornered me today...said he would be saving us both for last before killing you then me. He also said both deaths will be slow and painful, so I guess that's something to look forward to."

Acacius ignores my joke, seeming deep in thought. My eyes narrow as I watch him, sipping my juice. I set down the glass before reaching for my bread with a garlicky spread over the top.

"Are you gonna share what's going on under...there."

I gesture towards his face, taking a bite of the bread. He looks up, snapping out of his head. He meets my eyes, his hand resting against his chin as he offers a smirk.

"I was just thinking...if we already have the targets on us, why not go all out and get the highest scores we can?"

I smile, swallowing as I think over what he said. I cock my head, humming as I meet his eyes. We have some planning to do.

⚔️

A/N

Gotta say these two are a good team.

When they want to be anyways...

Drink water!!!!!!!?!!!!!!!?!!!!!!!

Love
-the Author