The Hunger Games Rue's Point Of View

Chapter 7

The second day of training passes quickly, until that afternoon. I've decided to try my hand at knife-throwing, and I stand at the station observing the knives. Finally choosing one, I grab it lightly and make my way to the targets.

"Aim, focus, and throw straight," I breathe. I throw the knife, hitting the center of the target with the hilt.

I groan and hear inklings of laughter behind me. I see Clove, from District 2 and Glimmer from 1 laughing behind me. Determined now, I grab another knife, standing firmly in front of the targets.

Aim . . . focus . . . throw straight . . . the knife goes in slow motion, hurtling towards the target. The canvas shudders as the knife hits. A solid stick.

I turn to see Glimmer whispering furiously with Clove. I don't smirk, but I want to. I make my way back to a station I'm more comfortable with as the Careers begin towards the knives.

I feel eyes on me, and I turn. District 12's boy is staring at me, and nudges Katniss, who is next to him. I feel the need to get her approval, in a way now, so I watch Clove throw a knife with extreme accuracy, and as she walks toward the target to retrieve it, I take her other knife, sitting next to her. I let her eyes pass over me before I wiggle the knife in front of her, and take off. She sprints after me, dropping the knife in her hand.

"You little -"

I scramble up the net on the wall, placing the knife in my mouth. I'm climbing faster than her, Clove with all her big muscles and her big mouth, and I reach the top, hooking myself in.

I take it out of my mouth, waving it teasingly. "Is this what you wanted?" I ask.

"Give it back!" Clove screeches.

"If you say so," I say, dangling the knife from my fingertips. Before I can drop it, a trainer comes over and tells me to climb down and to give Clove her knife.

"You guys will have plenty of time to fight in the arena," he says. Why does everyone here feel so keen on reminding us?

I place the knife in Clove's hand, and she yanks it back.

"You're in for it," she mutters.

I was in for it anyway, I think. I can't help but worry that I've made myself a new enemy, though.

I glance at Katniss, who seems to be watching it all go down. She turns back to the station she was on with her partner. I feel a gleam of approval from her, though.

The next day flies by too fast, and I feel like I haven't learned anything. Cenia assures me I'll be fine, that I know a lot more than I give myself credit for. But I don't know, she's here to give me reassurance, so she might be lying.

As I wait in the cafeteria for my private session with the Gamemakers, I can't stop my hands from shaking. I grab the seat, clenching my teeth to keep them from chattering.

Thresh is called, and I can only wait impatiently until my turn. The only other people in the room are Katniss and her partner, and they're talking to each other quietly.

My name is called and I stand up shakily. Entering the room I glance at the Gamemakers, who are too excited about their meal than my performance.

I begin at the edible plants test, fingers flying. It's hard not be amazed be all the technology here, and my moment of distraction leads my hand to slip, and I miss a question. I take a breath, and answer the next question.

After finishing the test, I head to the station for slingshots. Using some of the tools, I make one and fire it. It holds up nicely, but it's mostly the material, not my ability.

I'm excused, and I breath a sigh of relief. Exiting quickly, I walk to the elevator and hear them call the next tribute - Peeta Mellark. It takes me a moment, but I realize that's Katniss's partner. I hold on to his name.

I push the button labeled 11 and ride quietly to our apartment. Cenia and Sariah are waiting, and attack me with questions as soon as I step out.

"How were you? Was it scary? Did you do good?" I hear. I brush off the questions, answering simply with: "I think I did okay. Can I go to my room?"

Cenia moves aside and lets me enter my room. Stripping off my training clothes, I take a fast shower, rinsing off the sweat. With nothing better to do, I towel-dry myself and dress simply, in a t-shirt and black leggings. 

I wait on my bed, watching the sun set and the city begin to lull until there's a knock on the door.

 "Rue! They're starting to give out scores! Come out, please!" Sariah calls. I open the door quickly, and Sariah jumps slightly.

"Oh! I guess you're ready. We're going to watch the scores and then eat dinner," she says, letting me pass.

I sit down on the couch, waiting impatiently as they begin with District 1, and move their way up. The anticipation is almost physically hurting me by the time they get to District 7, I bite the inside of my lip. Two more districts . . . one more . . .

"Rue Findon, with a score of . . . seven!" The announcer says. My hands are shaking, so I rub them on my shirt.

 I'm so relieved and happy, it almost makes me miss the next score -

"Katniss Everdeen, with a score of . . . eleven." He says it in a sort of awe. I hear several gasps around me, and I can imagine the Capitol audience doing the same.

Cenia flicks off the screen. "Well, that was . . .  something. Good job, Rue and Thresh. Let's eat, and we'll send you off to bed. It's been a big, big day!"

AN: So, we're almost to the actual Games! Also, it might not be 100% correct right now, because I'm to lazy to go actually check the book. But, keep enjoying the story anyway!