The Games We Play

Chapter 12: Training Scores

Willow's POV:

     After the big fight, day three of training went away like a blade of grass after you trim it.

     Today is the day that we have our training in front of the gamemakers.

     I wouldn't say I'm nervous, just....I don't know.

     I walk towards the bathroom to brush my teeth and take a shower before I go to training. It's one of the last days to actually take a shower. You never know with the games.

     There might be tons of water, or the liquid could be scarce. But if we had a water source, who would want to touch it? I mean, it might be poisoned, or could even have flesh-eating water bugs living in it.

     You never know.

      I get out of the shower and the air dryers turn on. Even though Mom hated it, I kinda like it. It's like a heavy wind that is indoors.

      I get dressed in the clothes the Aces set out for me.

      Yes, I said Aces not Avoxes because a family friend of ours, Beeetee, made a device to allow you to talk without a human tongue. I think it's kinda gross, but it's cool.

Rye's POV:

      I wake up to the shower next to my room running. "Willow", I think.

      She always woke up early when we were little and the habit hasn't changed since. She gets it from Dad. He had to wake up pretty early to work at his bakery.

      Unfortunately, I got the other end of the bargain. I'm a heavy sleeper like Mom. But maybe my mind will wake up. Nah, probably not.

Finn's POV:

     Ok....and I look fine. I want to impress the gamemakers, because, you never know, looks might get you somewhere.

      Anyways, I'm sitting at the kitchen table drinking Hot Cocoa, sweet and bitter, with a dash of salt.

      Don't judge me, it reminds me of home. I'd hate to admit it, but I'm homesick.

      I wonder how Mums and Dads games were like. Were they filled with water or were they dry, barren land? I never really paid any attention to the games in school. I kinda wish I had now.

     How many victors are there allowed to be? I know that there was only one victor legally allowed when the games came to be, but I heard that they are changing that rule for the finale.

     I hope they at least allow two. I wouldn't be able to live with myself if Willow died for my selfishness.

     And I know that I couldn't leave Jamaica. She's like a little sister to me. Even if she has a bit of an attitude, she's still worth saving.

     And then there's Rye, that guy is my bro. When I say that, I mean it. He gives me ideas for the  perfect pranks. He even helps me control the crowd.

      I could never leave any of them. It's as simple as that.

Jamaica's POV:

     I hate getting up early, but the stupid Capitol says it's rude to sleep past 8am.

     To be honest, I'd rather be rude, but that's just my personality.

     I got up after like 20 minutes and took a shower. Of course, being a Mason, we aren't that sensitive, so putting boiling hot water on our skin feels like heaven.

     I decide to go outside to the roof for a while just to clear my mind and think- Wait, where did that come from? I mean, it's good advice, but that's not me.

     I guess it's spending too much time with Rye. You know how he is, throwing out information that you would never need out there, just waiting there to be claimed be some random person.

     And, I guess that person is me. Ughhhh...

     As I'm standing on the edge of the roof, I think about why they would have Hunger Games anyways.

     Maybe it was to lower the population. But why would they send innocent children to fight to the death? That's just cruel. And I've had my days of revenge, but that's just wrong.

     I'm not saying that I'm innocent or any of my other friends are- Oh, no.

     I start to hyperventilate and start shaking badly, like, really bad.

     What if I have to k...kil...kill my only true friends.

     I know what I'd do. I'd never forgive myself, that's what.

     They probably wouldn't care if I died- Maica, stop thinking that way. Your friends love you.

      When I go into that arena tomorrow, how will I tell Rye my secret? Will I tell him before? I don't know.

     All I know is that, currently my eyesight is turning into red and yellow dots, my hands and feet are numb, and that I have the sensation of falling.

     Is it normal to see pitch black in the morning?