"Saleah Barnette, winner of the 72nd Hunger Games, and older sister of Rue Barnette, known as the Butterfly in the Capitol for her gentleness, and her love for the winged creatures. She won her games at 18 and then proceeded to live in both the Capi...
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IT WAS SAFE TO SAY THATSALEAHBARNETTE HAD NOIDEA how shewas going to survive the games.
She had no skills whatsoever, besides being able to climb trees and pick fruits and vegetables. There was no way she was going to make it past the bloodbath.
"Don't be so doubtful, you can learn anything if you try hard enough." Orna tried to persuade the girl.
Saleah sighed, "I don't even know what I'd be good at...what'd you use in your games?"
"A mace, but that requires getting a bit up close and personal which I know you said you'd rather not do..so I suggest something like a bow or something you can throw."
"Throwing knives maybe?" Saleah suggested.
Orna nodded, "Perfect. As soon as training starts you head straight for the throwing knives, maybe the throwing star things too, those are much smaller and not as heavy."
Saleah hummed, "What if I'm not good?"
Orna grabbed her hands, "That's why you practice, that's the whole point of the training Saleah. I'm sure someone in there will be familiar with the weapons, maybe try and make some allies who will help you."
"Allies? But what if they turn on me? How can I trust anyone?"
"You'll never be able to fully trust anyone, but I can guarantee these kids just want to survive. They want and need allies, even the careers team up. You can surely find someone. In that arena its important to have some kind of support, and when the time comes it's best to split with your allies when the numbers are low, that way you won't have to...Kill each other."
Saleah grimaced, "If I even make it that far."
Orna gave her a tight lipped smile, "Only you can determine that Saleah, how bad do you want to win? To survive? To come back home to your family? That's something only you can answer. If you want it bad enough you'll make it, I guarantee that."
How bad did she want it?
So so badly.
-
The first day of training had approached. Saleah and Craig had decided it was best to be allies, they would try to recruit some others, but if they couldn't at least they'd have each other.
"In two weeks, twenty three of you will be dead. One of you will be alive. Who that is depends on how well you pay attention over the next four days, particularly to what I'm about to say. First, no fighting with the other tributes, you'll have plenty of time for that in the arena." The instructor chuckled. "There are four compulsory exercises, the rest will be individual training. My advice is, don't ignore the survival skills. Everybody wants to grab a sword, but most of you will die from natural causes...ten percent from infection, twenty percent from dehydration. Exposure can kill as easily as a knife."
