Torn: Sequel to Ruthless

Chapter 5

Octavia

Peacekeepers swarm the four of us, tearing the girl away from my district partner. I barely have time to register what's happening when a firm hand grabs my arm, pulling me back just in time to avoid a barrage of kicks from the District 1 girl. Turning to face the person who saved me, I'm met with Kai's gorgeous eyes. For a second, I almost forget to breathe.

"Thanks," I mumble, my voice barely above a whisper.

Before I can think any further, I turn away, a blush creeping across my cheeks. Why does he have that effect on me? Back at the Training Center, I long to collapse into my bed and sleep through the rest of the day. But Arachne has other plans. She insists we have dinner together as a "little group," whatever that means. I share an eye-roll with Apollo before reluctantly following her lead.

Dinner is a feast of lamb stew, rice, and an assortment of chocolates for dessert. But Enobaria, ever the perfectionist, only lets me indulge in one of the mouth-watering treats, lecturing me about the dangers of "unhealthy" foods before the Games.

After dinner, I finally retreat to my room, craving rest. But as always, Enobaria has another task for me—take a shower before bed. I strip off my clothes and stumble into the shower, exhausted. The warm water soothes my tired muscles, and I let out a relieved sigh. As the gold paint from the prep team slides down my bronze skin, I can't help but feel like I'm washing away the weight of the day. A quick shower, and then I'm back in bed, barely able to keep my eyes open before sleep overtakes me.

The next morning, I wake to the sound of Arachne screeching at me to get up. Groaning, I force myself out of bed and stumble into the closet, pulling out my training outfit—a skintight black unitard and boots that are perfect for moving quickly. When I step into the dining room, Arachne gasps in disbelief.

"What in the world are you wearing?" she exclaims, her voice high-pitched with shock.

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

He gives me a wink, his gaze lingering a bit longer than necessary before he turns back to his breakfast. The spread before me is vast: eggs, bread, cheese, meats, and fruits. I grab some bread, eggs, bacon, and cheese, making myself a sandwich. The mix of flavors hits my tongue, and I close my eyes for a moment, savoring the simple pleasure.

"Apollo, Octavia," Brutus says, breaking the peaceful silence, "I'm assuming you know today's Day 1 of training, yes?"

"Mhm," Apollo mutters through a mouthful of food, barely looking up.

I nod, my mind already focused on the day ahead.

"My advice," Enobaria says, her tone icy, "Trust no one. Especially after yesterday's incident. You can form alliances if you want, but avoid the District 1s at all costs. You know what happened last year."

Arachne, sensing our reluctance, pushes us into the elevator early. "Who knows what might happen in the next thirty minutes? You could be late!"

We're not late. In fact, we're so early that the training area isn't even open yet. When it finally does open, I waste no time. I head straight for the sword station, eager to practice before the other tributes arrive. Apollo watches, impressed, but I ignore him. The trainer at the station gives me a few pointers, and just as I'm finishing up, the next tributes step off the elevator. I swiftly put the sword away and move to the spears.

"What's got you in such a rush?" Apollo asks, following me with his eyes.

I glance over at the two tributes from District 9, who have just entered. "Them," I mutter, nodding in their direction. "I don't want them to know I can use a sword."

Grabbing a spear, I aim at the target and throw it, making sure to look as if I'm struggling with the weapon. The spear hits the bullseye with surprising accuracy, and I'm met with a flurry of shocked looks from the other tributes.

"Well, that didn't work," I mutter under my breath, shaking my head at my own attempt to blend in.

The next tributes to arrive are the District 4 tributes. Apollo wastes no time asking them for an alliance, and to my surprise, they accept. Kai offers me a small but dazzling smile when our district partners aren't looking. I can't help but smile back.

Throughout the day, I train with all the weapons and rope courses, saving survival skills for last. Every time I make eye contact with the girl from District 1, I can't help but shoot her a dirty look.

Before lunch, I start mentally listing the tributes I see as threats: District 1, Apollo, District 4, the District 7 girl, and the District 10 boy.

Finally, lunch is announced. I grab a salad and sit with Apollo, Kai, and Seena, the District 4 girl. As soon as we sit down, Apollo pulls us together to discuss our plan.

"So, 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 more concrete, Apollo."

"Yeah," Seena agrees, raising an eyebrow. "For example, who should we target in the bloodbath?"

Apollo trails off, lost in thought for a moment.

"District 1," I suggest firmly. "They're the biggest threats. We should take them out first."

Kai smirks. "See? The thirteen-year-old is better than you at strategy, Apollo." He flashes me a playful grin, and I feel my face flush bright red.

"So, Octavia," Seena asks, her tone light but curious, "Any other strategies?"

"Districts 7 and 10," I say thoughtfully. "They seemed like threats to me this morning."

Seena's face pales almost instantly.

"Are you alright?" I ask, concerned.

"Yes," she replies, her voice a little strained. "Just give me a moment."

Seena recovers quickly, but I can't shake the feeling that she's hiding something.