The Silent Revolution: a Hunger Games Fanfic

Chapter 2: Welcome to the Capital!

Athena

    "Welcome to the Capital!" Selesta Pimpin, the world's most annoying escort, chirps. I've been on a fancy train for ages with no one but this infuriating woman, as we head for the Capital. During the entire ride, she seemed intent on keeping a steady stream of meaningless chatter dancing around the car. Besides her, and perhaps a few Avoxes, the train was empty, which was probably new, since there are no longer District Two mentors or another tribute to keep me sane. Instead, I'll meet some posh Capital boy who will be responsible for my life in a few hours, once me and the other tributes go to the school to meet our mentors. I think that I'll hate him, some Capital airhead like Selesta with far too much power.
    As we pull into the station, I notice a boy waiting on the platform. He had light brown hair, pale green eyes, a starched uniform, and seemed rather nervous as he stood there, mouthing words and looking around the station. As he notices my train, he brightens somewhat as he anxiously tries to smooth down his messy hair. I smile, liking him instantly, then catch myself. Who is this boy and what is he doing here? The answer is clear. He's my mentor, come to greet me. Is he supposed to be here? Probably not, but why bother to come when he'll officially meet me later? The answer pops into my mind unbidden. Maybe he cares. But that's ridiculous. He's Capital, practically a murderer.
    The train slows to a halt as Selesta says "Let's go, go, go!" She has the annoying habit of repeating words three times.
    She escorts me off the train and approaches the boy on the platform. "Mr. Alder, what are you doing here?"
    "I wanted to meet Athena," he says hesitantly.
    "Did the Academy send you?"
    "No, but they never said I couldn't come."
    "You shouldn't be here!" Said Selesta with more force than I thought possible coming from her.
    "But-"
    "Leave NOW! You will officially meet her later, at the Academy ice breaker session."
    I find myself offering a reassuring smile as he is shooed out the door by my frazzled escort, who is dressed in a horrid mix of neon green and orange. Just to annoy her, I throw a knife I stole from lunch (they should get better security) at the fancy wooden wall of the station.
    "That's mahogany!" She exclaims, shocked and scandalized. I roll my eyes as we walk towards the training center, where I'll be staying for the next few days before the games. Apparently, this train station was built specifically for the games, since it was right next to the large building.
    "In around an hour, we'll go to the Academy to meet your mentor. Let's pretend that Mr. Alder wasn't at the station, shall we?"
    "Ok" I mutter, too busy thinking to really care. Why would this Mr. Alder person, who's apparently my mentor, try to meet me at the station? Judging by Selesta's reaction, he didn't have to be there. In fact, he wasn't even supposed to be there. So, why bother? Whatever, I'll meet him soon anyway and learn what's going on.
    After dressing in my huge room and wandering the vacant halls of the second floor (apparently the Capital boy was allowed to stay at his house, since it's pretty close anyways) it was time to go meet our mentors.

Leo

    Welcome to the Capital. Yes, that's what I'll say when I meet her. I think to myself, mouthing the words over and over again. I don't even know why I came. I can't let her win, not when my best friend is in the arena with her. I don't know why I bothered showing up when it will just make things harder if I grow attached to her. I don't know how I'll be able to send her into the arena hoping she'll die. Although I haven't met her, I find myself feeling responsible for Athena. No, she can't win! I say to myself. Sam has to. What would my parents say if they knew I was questioning the Hunger Games? They'd probably tell me not to worry about it, and that those from the Districts are hardly more than animals. But are they?
    Finally, the train pulled in—I've been waiting for around an hour—and a Capital woman—Selesta Pimpton, District Two escort—walked out, followed by Athena.
    She walks over and says "Mr. Alder, what are you doing here?"
    "I want to meet Athena," I say nervously.
    "Did the Academy send you?"
    "No, but they never said I couldn't come."
    "You shouldn't be here!" Responds Selesta forcefully.
    "But-"
    "Leave NOW! You will officially meet her later, at the Academy ice breaker session."
    Athena gives me a kind smile as I am shuffled out of the door and shoved towards home.
Clementine