| JOULES | THE HUNGER GAMES

Three

The train compartment was the most lavish place either of the tributes had ever seen. Joulianna ran an outstretched finger along the polished wooden drinks cabinet and whistled lowly. Geo stared at the crystal glasses and shiny silverware set out on the table. Skeeta encouraged them to sit down, and when the tributes did, they found themselves sinking into the chairs far more than they expected; and felt almost drowned by the plush cushions smothering them.

A servant approached them from behind, back rod-straight and movements robotic as he placed a large silver dish in front of them, laden with golden, flaky pastries, steaming bread rolls, a platter of assorted meats and cheese, and scarlet berries swollen with juice. Joulianna helped herself to a heaped plateful of everything. Although she had never gone hungry as a Victor's daughter, she knew she still needed to build up her strength to last in the arena.

Geo stared in awe as a steaming cup of velvety hot chocolate was placed in front of him. Neither tribute had ever seen such gluttonous food, but they tucked in without hesitation nonetheless.

James entered the compartment, only picking up a bread roll before collapsing into the seat opposite both tributes. He pulled out the bottle of whiskey from his pocket and poured himself a generous glass, taking it neat. Technically, there was meant to be two District 5 mentors, but usually James took on the role of mentoring both tributes, as his partner was often too inebriated or drugged up to even leave their room.

"We need to figure out a strategy before we reach the Capitol." James breaks the silence, "Will you two be allies? What are the strengths we will show your sponsors? How will we present you? The sponsors are looking for someone interesting- someone to root for. You each need a clear role to play in front of the audience." James addressed both of them but Joulianna had already heard all this before. She had run through her mind countless times before which would be the best strategy for her to play.

She had always planned to be a lone wolf. It would be difficult enough to keep herself alive, never mind to bear the responsibility of someone else's life. Geo's Nan flashed through her mind, her gentle gaze reminding Joulianna of the promise she had made. "I'd like to be allies", she said cautiously, looking at Geo for his thoughts on the matter.

He looked relieved, and for a moment she wondered if he and his Nan had had a similar conversation. "Me too." He simply said.

Joulianna looked back at her father who raised an eyebrow at her questioningly, knowing she had never expressed a desire to have allies before. Nevertheless, he turned to Geo and asked, "Do you have experience with any weapons? What are your strengths, son?"

Joulianna noticed Geo had turned a little green, but she was unsure whether it was because of the rich food paired with the unfamiliar rocking motion of the train, or if he was sick at the thought of the arena. Probably both.

"I... I don't have any experience with weapons, sir. I-I work in the hydroelectric complex. I help wire the circuits, so I suppose I'm quite deft. It can be fiddly sometimes." District 5 supplies power to all of Panem, which is produced in three complexes- solar-electric, steam powered and hydroelectric. Almost the whole of the district's workforce work at one of these three complexes, but a select few are born into their family trade, and work in a bakery, tailor's or apothecaries for the rest of their lives. Other than the Grey Zone, the very depths of poverty, the majority of District 5 was able to survive on their wages. In fact, other than the Career districts, District 5 was one of the wealthiest districts. In some ways it was the heart of Panem, supplying all corners of the nation with power and energy. Ironically, however the people of District 5 seem to lack power, usually relying on knowledge alone to survive the Hunger Games.

Geo didn't escape the majority, as Joulianna noted the slight desperation in his voice to present his few strengths that would assist him in the games.

"Dexterity is good," James assured him, "Can you set any traps? Snares?"

"I've set loads of mousetraps before..." Geo hesitated, as if searching for something more impressive to say. He glanced at Joulianna, a hint of insecurity in his eyes, as if he was scared she would retract her offer of an alliance.

"That's better than nothing." James shrugs. "Most years the careers ignore all survival skills to hone their weaponry, but setting traps and knowing how to find food is often the difference between life and death. Don't forget that." Geo nods.

James then turned to Joulianna, "You know what you can do, but don't show it off in front of the other tributes. I want both of you to train your weaker skills when the time comes, don't let them know what you can do. Especially the careers."

Bothe tributes nodded, and Geo hesitated before asking, "What is it you can do? There was rumours you've trained with weapons back in 5..."

Joulianna looked at her father, then back at Geo, considering whether to tell him. She gripped the knife next to her now empty plate, spinning it between her fingers before throwing it over her father's head in one swift motion. It soared over his head as he sat unflinchingly, and plummets into the wall behind him, sinking perfectly into the seam between two wood panels.

Geo stares at her in shock, wiping his hands against his pants nervously. "Knives are my specialty, amongst other things", Joulianna smirks wickedly. James chuckles, sipping his whiskey.

"Now, when we get to the Capitol, sponsors will be looking for standout characters to root for. Coy, cocky, mysterious, charming- take your pick, but that is who you will have to be from the moment this train pulls into the Capitol, up until you're in that arena."

A silence hangs in the air as both tributes realise that to save their own lives, they must play up to the Capitol- playing a part, just a chess piece in the grand scheme.

"Think on it", James smiles as he leaves the room, taking his whiskey with him.

A/N
Thanks so much for choosing to read this story!
Next chapter will be the tribute ceremony + meeting a new character which I'm very excited about. Please comment any storyline suggestions or romance (👀) tropes you'd like me to include.
ALSO A NEW HUNGER GAMES BOOK AND FILM COMING OUT!!!
🚨🚨NOT A DRILL PEOPLE🚨🚨

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