THE 31st HUNGER GAMES

Chapter 5

I pull my hand away and before I know it, Backerly is pinning me to the sofa. He says in my ear, "apologise now! Or you'll be in big trouble in the arena!" This now concerns my life. I growl, "sorry. She just insulted my mom. So at the end of the day, she deserves it." I regret the last few words for Backerly could withhold sponsor gifts from me. He really shouldn't be a mentor.

The next day of training, I tell Patrick, the guy from six, that I'll be his ally. We decide not to let other tributes know of this arrangement. I tell him to tell his mentor not to inform Backerly of this arrangement. Because Backerly might tell Alice, who seems like she might be joining the career pack. She's always hanging out with them.

Alice has always been a good hunter. I've hunted with her before and she can kill animals viciously with throwing stars. It's scary. But having trained myself like a career, I'm strong and fierce too.

I'm at the edible plants station when all of a sudden a strong hand grips my shoulder. It's the boy from district one. He pulls me to a side and snarls, "wanna join the careers? I know you're hiding what you've got." Glaring at him, I growl, "not interested in your bloody shit." "Well I guess I'll be killing you in the arena first chance I get then," He retorts.

The third day of training comes and I try out the weapons to get a feel of them, deliberately throwing them sideways or using them badly so that other tributes don't target me. The boy from two, whose name seems to be Drake, mocks me upon seeing my skills. I'm afraid Alice will betray me and tell them that I'm actually quite good, but she doesn't. Instead she mocks me too and says loudly in front of the other careers, "looks like you're really lousy."

Private sessions come along and I refuse to let Backerly give me any tips or talk to me. I'm extremely pissed off at him.

It's my turn for the private session soon. I walk in and pick up the knives. I throw a knife at the dummy and it hits the heart. This is what I've been training for. To show how awesome I really am. I throw the spears fiercely and hit the dummy's in the brains, stomachs and ankles which are the weak points. Then I use to sword for sword fighting. This sword is longer than the ones I usually use and I mess up a little to my disappointment.

When the training scores come out, I get an eight. It's not a bad score but with five years of hardcore training I should have done better. Alice however, scores a low six. Looks like she might be leaving the career pack earlier than expected.

I go to my room, wanting to rest well and be well prepared for the interviews tomorrow. In my room, I find a small note on my bed.

It said:

Jackie,

Alice hates you for real. She and I have a close relationship because of some reasons you should know but have never been told. It has to do with your father. Don't get close to Alice in the arena. I'll help you to the best of my ability.

-Backerly.

I crumple the note and throw it into the dustbin. I seriously hate Backerly for being such a confusing person. I wonder what my father has to do with all this. Could Backerly be involved in his stupid business? I don't know and I don't care.

Suddenly, Valetia my stylist comes running into my room screaming, "THAT IDIOT JUST DID THE WORST THING EVER!"