Scars That Never Fade- A New Generation of Hunger Games

Chapter 14

I woke up the next morning with a new plan in my head. Since I found out the truth about Wake the night before, I decided that today would go much differently as originally planned. We had talked about using a bow and arrow for the evaluation, which with the Capitol weapons, I had found myself to be quite good at. But since I didn't know what Wake was planning if I got a high score, I decided to use a sword. I was decent with it. It would put me in the middle of the pack, not a high score, not a low score. Then, when everyone knew I had used a sword, they wouldn't let me have it, and I'd go for the bow and arrows.

Breakfast was quiet, as usual. Haymitch was trying very hard to stay sober, even though he went through moody, but sometimes insightful withdrawls.

"Haymitch," I began, "what's your advice for today?"

He swatted imaginary flies and laughed to himself. "Hmmm... All I can say is show them what you're best at, sweetheart." I knew Haymitch was right, but now that Wake had tricked me, I didn't know what to do.

I scribbled down my situation to Volker, who I trusted. He replied, "use the arrows. You're the best at them." Even though I didn't trust Wake, was he right? I didn't want to think so, but what else was I supposed to do?

Waiting for the evaluation session was extremely stressful. I was to go last, which didn't help. I watched as each of the career pack came in and out, looking pretty pleased with the job they had just done. They all gathered there, snickering and looking over at me and Volker, who had averted his attention elsewhere. They had seemed to acquire a new ally, a girl from Nine. How strange, I thought, I was certain she was a morphling addict.

A small, dark skinned girl from Eleven exited the evaluation room with a pained look on her face. That meant it was Volker's turn. He went in, looking more confident than I had seen him before.

I turned to the girl from Eleven. She looked distraught. "Hi," I said to her, trying to be friendly.

"Hi," she replied, "you're the girl from Twelve, right?" I nodded.

"My name's Fern," I said, extending my hand to her, "what's yours?"

"Mayara," she replied timidly, "but no one's going to remember that because I'm going to die."

"What?" I said surprised, "you don't know that at all!"

"Yes I do!" She leaned in closer, "I'm going to step off the platform early so no one has to kill me."

"No!" I exclaimed, "You can't do that! Please don't! Join my alliance, or something, just don't make me watch that."

"I don't know," she said, "what's the point? I don't stand a chance. I'm unskilled, weak, and now I'm going to have a terrible score. Plus, I'm almost fifteen, and most of the tributes are older than me."

"Join the club," I said, "I just turned fourteen a couple months ago." She nodded.

"At least you'll have some sponsors," she said glumly, "I've seen what you can do with the bow, you have a good chance-" She was cut off by Volker's exit from the evaluation room. I looked at his face, which was impossible to detect. My turn. My stomach sank to my toes.

"Good luck," whispered Mayara. Romy gave me a thumbs up from where she was sitting across the room. I took a deep breath, and went to push open the heavy door to the evaluation room.

There were several different weapons laid out, an agility course, camouflage materials and trap-making materials. I knew what I had to do.

"Fern Hawthorne, District 12."

"Whenever you're ready." The Gamemakers watched me with intrigue. Could the so-called "diamond in the rough" do anything besides smile and look pretty in a white dress? They were about to find out.

I picked up the bow and arrows and made my over to the target dummy. This was so much more frightening when all eyes were on you. I guess that's what the Games are like, I thought to myself.

I put the arrow in the quiver, just like I always did, and pulled it back. My father's words echoed in my head, "keep your aim true." Then Theo's, "keep your eye on the prize." I let go, watching the arrow fly in slow-motion. Bullseye. I felt like jumping up and down. Just show them you're consistent, Fern. I pulled back another arrow, and let it fly. Not a bullseye, but pretty darn close. I bit my lip. This was a huge opportunity to show everyone what I could do. Now wasn't the time to spoil it. I drew the last arrow back, trying to steady my hands, which shook violently. I let it fly.

Right in the thigh. My heart sank. I just ruined my chance. I threw my remaining arrows to the floor, disgusted with myself. I gritted my teeth in rage, running over to a rack of heavy weapons. I pushed it over, the weapons clanging loudly as the toppled to the floor. I punched a dummy and pushed it to the floor. The Gamemakers looked at me silently with surprise. Horrified at what I had just done, I ran out of the room.

"You still have more time!" the Gamemakers shouted to me. I shook my head.