Broken by the Games

Victoria

"What the HELL was that back there?!" I shouted at Meena, but to only have her give me subtle glare which only made me angrier. "I did NOT spend my whole life slaving away in that academy just for some asshat to ruin it because they were jealous that I looked heroic while they just looked like some whiny brat." Her response was a smirk. A smirk that made me absolutely furious as to bring my fist down on the small table infront of her and sending a few splinters of wood flying. She didn't flinch, but instead spoke:

"Okay, chill you tryhard, there's plenty of time for psycotic bloodlust once you get into the hell we've just signed up for. And just a heads up, it isn't nearly as fun as you think. Now calm your man tits, sit down, and try the tea, it's delicious."

"Why you little BITCH! You got everything easy back home, that won't be happening once I get a hold of you in the games. I'll snap you like a-"

"She's right you know." I turned my head to see a woman with a long scar extending from her left temple to the right side of her nose. I was mortified, the winner of a previous year's Hunger Games just saw me show such disrespect to a lady.

"I-I y-you're" was all I could manage to get out. The woman in the doorway only laughed, "Sorry to interrupt your rage but hey, I didn't come out here not to give advice on how to not die." She sat down in a plush chair and put her feet up on the table I smashed my fist into. "Quite a punch I must say, but it'll be hell tryin' to explain that one to Effie. Don't worry though, I'll cover for ya! Oh! Where are my manners! I'm Victoria Harrison, winner of the 67th annual Hunger Games, and also just happen to be the only one that felt like showin' up. Now as I was saying about what this young lady here said was that she was right, the tea is delicious!"

She gave a hearty laugh followed by a long, thick cough. Victoria then cleared her throat before going on. "Really though, try some it's delicious. Okay, okay, anyways the whole Hunger Games thing." her expression suddenly got more serious, "When you first get into that arena, it'll still feel like a game. However, I promise you one thing, seeing the death of a friend, or hell, even and enemy, it'll never be the same. You'll be wishing to have never signed up for the madness and will only want to run back home to be coddled. As you know, you'll still have to witness many more deaths to actually get to be coddled, but you can figure that all out on your own.

Being the arrogant person I was, I didn't believe it for a second. Of course, I didn't say anything about it, but after a few minutes of her spiel I just started daydreaming. Meena however was attentive and willing to hear her words.

"And now that we're done contemplating mortality, lets finally discuss some tips. Really the only thing I can tell you that the academy hasn't is that you need to be likeable in your interviews and pretty much anytime you meet a potential sponsor and to be wary of your allies. Basically just tell them what they want to hear, even if it means stretching the truth. So now that you know that," She stretched her arms outward and yawned, "I'll be on my way. Will be watching for you in the games, good luck to both of you."

And with that, she departed. That really was the only highlight of the ride, I slept for most of the remaining time, but when we finally got to the capital, I was legitimately amazed. People say it's a luxury to live in District 2, the color in everything, the bright lights, the buildings, hell, even the people said otherwise. Meena couldn't help but break her stoic character to stand in awe with me in response to this new wonderland.

When we got off, we were bombarded by questions and excited shouts of people. Still sleepy from having just woken up, I stretched my sore limbs and then sauntered up into our destination.