A Crafted Kind of Games: A Hunger Games Fanfic

Chapter Four

When Anna comes into the train car, both Adam and I immediately stand. She looks us over with her eyebrows arched downward. Something about tells me she could kill me in two seconds if she wanted. Adam must feel the same way, because he shudders.

"Trust me, boy. If I wanted to kill you, I would've done it by now." She must have noticed him. Adam gulps, obviously extremely nervous. I'm not ready for her first question. The only weapon I've ever used is are butchering knives, and I doubt those'll be in the arena.

"Weapon of choice?" Anna barks.

"Bow and arrows." Adam immediately says. I stare at him. Where did he learn to use bows?

"Interesting. Not many archers come from Ten. She looks over at me.

"You?"

"Umm, I can work with butchering knives, and I can run a bit."

She looks at the ceiling and sighs. "You'll have work to do in training, girl."

I nod, ready for that question to be over. "She can't just run. She's amazing. She came in first place in every race our school's ever had." Adam pipes up.

Anna looks at me with newfound interest. "Is this true?" She demands.

"Yes.." I say. Great. Now I owe Adam another favor. One for saving my life, and another for saving my reputation with our mentor. I'm not good with favors. Then, I remember something.

"Adam can build fires in half a second. I've seen it."

"Yeah, but I doubt building fires is going to help me win."

"You'll be able to survive longer!"

"I'll be an easier target! Fire attracts other Tributes, Skylar, and I'm not good with melee attacks! If I get jumped, I'm dead!"

"But you won't get jumped! You'll be in some cave, toasty warm, shooting anyone who tries to get you right in the heart!"

"SHUT THE HELL UP!" Anna suddenly screams, and we stop.

"God, it's like I'm dealing with five-year-olds! Skylar, don't misjudge the talent of running in the arena. You'll be able to get away faster. Adam, building fires can be a useful tool when used right. Now, the two of you quit it before I blow a fuse! And trust me, you do not want to see that happen."

Now it's my turn to gulp.

"Both of you can explore the train and do whatever now. Curfew is eleven, though. I suggest you find your rooms before then." Anna spoke with high authority.

She left the room, and Adam turned to me. "We should go searching for those rooms." He said. "I don't think I feel the need to be injured before the arena." His tone is harsh. He must still be ticked after the argument. I am too. "I'll see you later, Adam." I say, my tone equal to his. We head off, in different directions, to find our rooms.