THE 31st HUNGER GAMES

Chapter 3

Jackie's POV

I force myself to heed Backerly's advice and go to my room. I take out the bottle my mother gave me, and remember the letter I have yet to read.

Her words are untidy and obviously rushed out desperately.

"Dear Jackie,

I'm sorry I couldn't protect you from your father. Your father deceived me when he told me he loved me. When we got married, he turned into a monster. I can't tell you what terrible things he was involved in, I'm sorry. I hope you don't become a liar and deceive people like him, no matter what the arena does to you. Stay true to who you are. I love you. Please come home to me. I'll be waiting.

Love,

Mom"

Tears start rolling down my eyes. I can't deceive Alice and break her heart like this. She is the love of my life. And I don't think she means to hurt me either.

I run to Backerly's room and am relieved to find out that Alice is not there.

"We need to change our strategy, Backerly. I can't deceive Alice like that."

"Young man, you've already started the ball rolling. The strategy has begun, it can't stop here. Changing our strategy right now will increase chances of her hating you more. That cold glare you shot her probably planted a seed of hatred. If you suddenly start acting like you love her, she's going to see you as more of a liar. Just continue with the strategy. Now get out of my room. We will discuss training later during dinner."

I hate myself for getting into this terrible situation.

Dinner arrives. Alice doesn't join us because she apparently doesn't want to see my irritating face. I don't blame her for that. I openly tell Backerly about my spear throwing, knife throwing and sword fighting skills. He merely nods and says, "You will survive if you play it right."

<<a few hours later>>

We have arived at the capitol. The people here dress too weirdly for my liking. I stand next to Alice.

Alice suddenly take my hand and whispers, "I love you." Then she waves at the crowd, leaving them to wonder what she said to me. I wave at the crowd, trying to look happy to be here, but deep inside feelings of confusion and fear ripple through my soul.

I spend a torturous 2 hours with my prep team, Crera and Vera, as they tear off my leg hair and style my hair. All I can think of is the hard to understand Alice Cradfield.

I meet my stylist, Valetia. She looks crazy like the capitol people. Her hair is dyed purple and red and she's wearing a shiny golden and silver dress with shimmering green stars dotting it.

"Hello, hello, I'm Valetia and I'm your stylist."

She looks like a crazy woman. Absolutely horrifying. She dresses me in idiotic cowskin suit. I look ridiculous. We're district 10, livestock but the stylists really need to come up with better ideas.

Soon the opening ceremony commences. I seem to attract some ladies. When it's over, we meet up with Backerly, Alice ignoring me the whole time. She is driving me crazy.

We go to our floor. Backerly pulls Alice aside to his room for a talk, while Richila and valetia and Alice's stylist, Craig watch television in the living room. I slip away from the living room and eavesdrop on Backerly.

"He's stupid. He won't survive," says Backerly.

"So you have to help me kill him," replies Alice, her voice sad and worried. I don't understand what's going on.

"Look, Alice. I'm going to try and get you out, not that idiotic boy. I love you,"Backerly replies.

I've heard enough. Rage courses through me and I barge through the door and pin Backerly to the wall.

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