Torn: Sequel to Ruthless

Chapter 5

Octavia

Peacekeepers swarm the four of us, pulling the girl off my district partner. Meanwhile, a hand grabs me, probably saving me from a shower of kicks from the District 1 girl. Turning to face the owner of the hand, I meet Kai's gorgeous eyes. 

"Thanks," I tell him. 

Then I turn away as a blush covers my cheeks. 

When we get back to the Training Center, I want to do nothing but crash in my bedroom and sleep. Arachne, however, has other plans. She wants us to have dinner together, as a 'little group.' At least, that's how she puts it. I oblige after sharing an eye-roll with Apollo. 

Dinner consists of lamb stew and rice, with an assortment of chocolates for dessert. Enobaria only lets me eat one of the mouth watering treats, lecturing me on why I shouldn't be eating unhealthy foods before the games. 

After dinner, I finally get to crash in my bed. But not for long, because Enobaria, once again, has to tell me to take a shower before going to sleep. I strip my clothes off and trip tiredly into the shower, letting the warm water engulf me. Gold streams down my body, from where the prep team apparently covered my bronze skin in gold paint. 

After a very brief shower, I crash into my bed again, falling asleep almost immediately. 

The next morning, I wake to the sound of Arachne screeching at me. I force myself out of the bed and stumble into the closet, pulling out an outfit. A skintight black unitard and a pair of black boots. Perfect for training. 

I strut into the dining room, and Arachne gasps. 

"What in the world are you wearing?" she screams. 

"Training outfit," I shrug, taking a seat next to Apollo.

He gives me a wink and turns back to his breakfast. An array of foods sits before me, waiting to be eaten. Eggs, breads, cheeses, meats, fruits, the selection is endless. I make a sandwich with some bread, eggs, bacon, and cheese before digging in. An assortment of flavors fills my mouth and I sigh in content. 

"Apollo, Octavia, I'm assuming you know that today's day one of training, yes?" Brutus asks, taking a bite out of the apple in his hand. 

"Mhm," Apollo responds through a mouthful of food. 

I only nod. 

"My advice for you is to trust no one. Especially after the events of yesterday. You can try to form an alliance if you want, but avoid the 1s at all cost. You know what happened last year," Enobaria tells us. 

Arachne sends us into the elevator early as she says, "Who knows what will happen in the next 30 minutes? You could be late!"

We are not late. In fact, we're so early they haven't even opened the training area yet. When they do, I rush in and do a bit of practice with my sword before the other tributes arrive. Apollo looks impressed, but I ignore him. The trainer at the sword station gives me some tips just as the next two tributes step out of the elevator. I put the sword away and move quickly to the spears. 

"What's got you in such a rush?" Apollo asks me. 

"Them," I respond, pointing to the two tributes from District 9, the ones that just came in. "I don't want them to know I can use a sword. 

Grabbing a spear, I throw it at the target casually, trying to show I'm bad at spears. It hits the bullseye, awarding me with a flurry of shocked looks. 

"Well, that didn't work," I mutter under my breath. 

The next tributes to arrive are the District 4 tributes. Apollo doesn't hesitate to ask them for an alliance, and they accept, much to my surprise. Kai gives me a small but dazzling smile when our district partners aren't looking. I smile back at him. During the next few hours, I train with all of the weapons and rope courses, saving the survival skills for last. Throughout this entire time, I shoot the girl from 1 dirty looks when we make eye contact. 

Before lunch, I almost automatically make a list of threats in my head. District 1, Apollo, District 4, District 7 girl, District 10 boy. 

Finally, the lunch break is announced. After grabbing a salad, I sit at a table with Apollo, Kai, and the District 4 girl, who I learn is named Seena. Apollo, ever the true Career, pulls us together to discuss a plan as soon as all of us sit down. 

"What's the plan?" I ask curiously, forking a bit of lettuce into my mouth. 

"First, avoid Rubie and Wonder from District 1, obviously," Apollo begins. 

Kai scoffs, "Give me something I can work with."

"Yeah," Seena adds. "For instance, who should we aim to kill during the bloodbath?"

"Umm..." Apollo trails off. 

"District 1," I suggest. "Aim to kill District 1. They're our biggest threats."

"See? The thirteen year old is better than you at strategy, Apollo," Kai says, making me blush as red as the tomato in my mouth. 

"So, Octavia, any other strategies on your mind?" Seena asks. 

"Um, also aim for Districts 7 and 10? They seemed like threats to me this morning," I tell them. 

Seena's face immediately pales. 

"Are you alright?" I ask her, concerned.

"Yes," she replies, "just give me a moment."

Seena recovers fairly quickly, but I have the nagging feeling she's hiding something.