Haymitch's Hunger Games

Chapter 9: Training

'This is your second last day of training' Cecelia reminded the tributes, the next day. 'Make it count, because these skills will surely aid you in the upcoming games. ' She said, her voice filled with authority. She waved her hand as if to tell them, go ahead. As soon as the gesture was made, all the tributes ran to a station. Haymitch decided on archery and picked up the bow and arrow, aiming at the target, he willed himself to concentrate. He was average with the bow, but he decided he might as well get some more practise in. He drew back the bow, and let go skillfully. The arrow flew towards the target, where it buried itself, just off centre. He did this several times, until the arrow struck the middle of the circle. He heard someone clap, and look up to see Zale, his mentor, watching him. Haymitch moved to the knife throwing station, and buried the knife into the centre, on the first try. Zale still watched him, an approving glint, in his eyes. ---------------------------------------------Maysilee struggled to climb the rock tower, that overlooked the training centre, she was almost to the top, lifting her foot up to the next rock, her hand slipped, but she still held on. She thought of her family at home, and felt tears sting her eyes. Her mother would be proud, Maysilee decided. She was only 14- and she thought she was doing pretty well- despite the sadness of Haymitch ignoring her. At that moment, she was so preoccupied with her thoughts, that when she felt a pair of hands, push her off the wall, she fell down to the ground. Maysilee landed on the soft mats, but she felt the air being knocked out of her chest, from the surprising push. As she lay on the ground, she looked up to see the girl from District 3- Diane, waving at her, from the top of the rock climb. Diane smiled happily as if to say I won. Maysilee was startled and closed her eyes. She felt a bruise forming on her right side where she had landed. She listened to the sounds of the training centre, and hoped someone would come and help her, but no one did. A moment later, Maysilee got up, and walked over to where Haymitch was throwing knives. 'Did you see what that girl from District 3 did?! She pushed me off the wall!' She whispered to Haymitch. He stopped for a moment, staring at her in utter disbelief, 'this is the Hunger games, these people are trying to intimidate you, as much as they can. If you were strong, you wouldn't let it bother you.' She looked at him, sadness easing into her. 'Oh yeah? Well maybe if you were strong, you'd have the decency to stop being a coward and acknowledge me.' He looked at her, surprise perfectly written all over his face, and then he walked away feeling hurt.