Once Upon A Hunger Games

Chapter Two

Rumple:

We were waiting in the train. We had about seven hours left before we got to the Capitol. I was nervous, but that was just what everyone expected. I was the town coward. I ran away from Peacekeeper training because an Oracle told me that I would die if I continued in the training. I broke my leg so that I was no longer able to work. If my leg was still like this in the games, I had no hope.

I still couldn't believe that I was going into the games with Belle. She was the most beautiful maiden in District Seven, and as far as anyone knew, the world. She was the only girl that Gaston assumed was good enough for him. He was actually going to propose after the reaping. Now that she's coming here though, he is probably weighing his next options.

I met Belle the first year at school. I instantly had a crush on her. Soon enough I realized that everyone else did too. She was intelligent, beautiful, kindhearted, and a hard worker. She read books quite a bit, and that was the only thing that people didn't like about her. I think that I might be the only one who admires her for her love of books.

Anyway, we were on the train watching the Reapings to pass the time. Verona turned on the television, and we watched. The District One tributes were named Hades and Zelena. They looked pretty tough. District Two tributes were named Emma and Killian. Killian had a hook for a hand. Something about him just made me mad. District Three's tributes were Archie and Cinderella. District Four's were Ariel and Eric, Five were August and Ruby. Six were Marian and Robin. Then we showed up for District Seven. I watched Belle get reaped, then me. District Eight tributes were Kristoff and Anna. District Nine's were Tinker Bell and Will. District Ten's were Mulan and Shang. Eleven's were Aurora and Philip. Finally, District Twelve's were Snow White and David. 

After all the Reapings were over, we still had five hours left. Belle pulled a book out of her pocket and began to read. 

"I'm going to my room now." I announced.

"Okay, but you need to be in here when we arrive at the Capitol." Johanna said. I nodded and headed to my room. I laid down and went to sleep to pass the time. I woke up four and a half hours later. I slid out of the bed and walked back to the living room.

"Just in time." Verona said as I walked in. "There's the Capitol."

As we arrived, there were crowds of Capitol people cheering our names. I was surprised that they knew our names, but then I remembered. We were televised to all of Panem. Belle put on a meek smile and began to wave. I wonder if she had already begun her strategy, or if this was just her. One thing is for sure, this will definitely work for her.

Once we get out of the train, Peacekeepers escort us to a small car that will take unto the Training Center. The car is small, Belle, Verona, Johanna and I are all smushed together. Luckily, the car ride is short, so we aren't smushed for too long. We get out of the car and make our way to one of the Training Center's elevators. We step into it and Verona presses the button labeled District Seven. Each district has a whole floor.

We arrive at our floor. Belle's mouth drops open, and I am shocked. This is the most luxurious place I have ever seen. Silver and gold everywhere, glass tables with soft chairs, silk curtains, vibrant colors, fuzzy rugs, you name it. I heard the elevator a few moments later and turned. Blight, another previous victor, stepped out.

"They want me to mentor too this year Johanna." he said. 

"Fine." she huffed. "I'll train Belle, you take Gold." she said to him. Blight was to me my mentor now. Fine by me. Johanna wasn't really my type of person anyway. Blight directed me to my room. It was also very luxurious. I stepped in and sat at the end of the bed. Blight continued standing.

"So, what are your skills?" he asked me.

"Well, I am pretty good with a spear, but my true skill is strategy. All of the other tributes may be strong, but I'm smart. Plus, I'm good at making deals." i finished.

Blight thought about it for a moment, and nodded in approval, just as Johanna did.

"How about weaknesses?" he challenged.

"My leg. It's broken." I said.

"You do know that they fix that right? No previous injuries allowed in the games. It's an unfair disadvantage. President Mills thought o that years ago." he said, as if I should have known that.

"Really? When do I get it fixed?" I asked eagerly.

"You get it fixed right before you go into the arena. You will have to go through the Tribute Parade, Interviews, and Training with a bad leg. Sorry." he said. I sighed, then Belle walked into the room. Blight looked her over, then I could see it. He had a crush on her. Belle had this effect on just about everyone, but she didn't seem to know it.

"Rumple, Verona says it's time to meet our stylists and get ready for the Parade tonight." she said. I nodded, and she walked out.

"Is that the girl tribute this year?" he asked calmly.

"Yes. Her name is Belle." I answered with adoration. He gave me a strange look.

"Well, you heard her. Come on!" he said. I followed him out of the room to meet my stylist.