The Hunger Games « Niam/Ziam

Chapter Seven: Dinner for us

-Liam-

My room is across the hall from Lynna's. It's twice the size of Niall's bedroom, and my 'bedroom' was about as big as the closet in this place.

This place reminded me much of the woods outside of district twelve. I thought of the me, Niall, and the meadow the girls used to go play at. I stared at the interchanging wall, I had found the forest setting, it was beautiful. I could see Reyna's beautiful curls, I could hear Cyna's laughter as Lynna tickles her to death, and I could just feel Niall's body heat as he in my arms as we watch them, waiting for the day we could have little ones of our own.

Good times. Those were the times when The Hunger Games was in the back of our minds and when our future was a little more achievable. Our future will be better...if I win.

"Ah, Liam, finally decided to show up I see?" Simon comments when I get to the table late.

"I didn't know there was a set time." I said, in all truth I had spent to much time staring at the forest scenary and day-dreaming.

"There wasn't, I just thought you might want your food to be warm." Simon said.

I said nothing and sat next to Lynna. Lynna had devoured her first plate already, for such a small girl she ate quite a lot. We all ate in silence until Maralie spoke up.

"So, training starts tomorrow. This year there's a little change. This year, the training will be broadcasted as well through the Capitol and districts."

"So they are going to watch us...practice, train?" Lynna asked.

"Um...Yes. It is suppose to be more interactive for the viewers. I'm not exactly sure." Maralie bit her lip.

"That's a first," Simon said, Maralie glared at him,"look, this is what you do, cameras or not, don't show them any skills you may possess. Only work on skills you may lack at. Lynna, play the weakling card, I know your killer with a slingshot and I know your fast. Liam, everyone thinks of you as a career, exploit that, make them think you are one, that you've been training for this your whole life. Completly overshadow Lynna and broadcast yourself. It is the only way you may live through the beginning." Simon finished.

"I will not ally with the careers." I said, crossing my arms.

"You will if you want to go home." Simon said.

"I can survive. Lynna and I can get through, together." I say.

"Lynna, are you quite finished with your supper?" Simon asked.

"I am." she said, shortly.

"Of to bed with you then, big day, hardwork tomorrow." Simon said. Lynna slowly walked out of the room. Maralie sits quietly on the otherside of Simon. I watch him and wait for what I already know he will say.

"We both know Lynna is tough and can take care of herself, but lets face it, she isn't going to make it, and you know that." he pauses," Remember, be selfish in that arena. Be whatever you have to be to win...for Niall." He crushed my entire argument with just those two words. Niall wanted, expected me to come back home. If I didn't he would surely join me in eternal rest. I couldn't let that happen, not yet.

"I will do what you tell me." I say.

"Good, now go get some sleep." Simon and Maralie both say good night and I walk in my green bedroom and fall asleep to the sound of birds chirping in the forest.