Six of Crows characters in the Hunger Games

Presentation To The Game Makers

Matthias

"So basically, the plan is to get the highest score possible? Anyone could have thought of that!" Nina exclaimed. Kaz rolled his eyes.

"Just do as I say."

"Fine."

Matthias wished they would all get on - these past few days, everyone had been on each other's nerves; a side effect of being here. It was natural, but they should be united at a time like this - not falling apart. Even on the Ferolind, when he and Nina had argued, the team hadn't been like this. It had gone past teasing. They had yet to physically attack each other, but Kaz refused to sit with the others, Nina had snapped at Inej, and Jesper seemed to be avoiding them altogether. All incredibly out of character. As a result of this, conversations were terse conflicts. Matthias wanted to tell them to get it together, to stop it, but couldn't find the words. Thankfully, Inej did.

"We're meant to be friends, and we're fighting each other. If we want to survive, we need to move on. Acknowledge our differences, but not hate them. Please." Nina looked ashamed.

"Sorry, Inej. It's just, even before coming here I was under pressure, and now... well. Everything is different here. I thought that meant we had to be different, too." They hugged.

"Is there anything else that needs to be sorted out, or can we get back to business?" Dejmin. "Good. So you all heard the plan? Now, for tomorrow's interviews, I'm going to tell each of you what I want you to do. Nina, flirt. Inej, be shy. Make them wonder how you got your level. Matthias, glare at the camera, give the shortest answers possible. Mention Nina, and make it clear how you feel about her. Wylan-" Wylan perked up.

"What about me?"

" You might as well just be you. Run from a rich father after mother's death. Unlucky. Don't mention your demo work." Wylan sagged. "And Jesper, you've spent your whole life on a farm in District 10. Got that?" There were all around nods, and some murmured yeses.

"Good."

Later, just as he was going in, Matthias did not feel as confident. It wasn't that he was worried about his performance - he knew that he was good. He knew he could rely on his strength, his skill. What he was worried about was that these game makers wouldn't watch. Wouldn't appreciate. Nina might die if he didn't manage this. They all might. 

As he stepped into the room, he felt worry for his friends. The game makers were already losing interest, and Matthias was only District 9. But then, they were all impressive in their own way. Even Wylan. They would be fine. Matthias was sure of it. And anyway, Kaz would have planned for this. And now it was time to concentrate on himself.

Hours later, Matthias sat with the other crows, waiting to see their scores. Overall, Matthias was pleased, though he wished he had more to show them. It wasn't exactly conventional, but nobody had argued. Nina lay curled up on the sofa, head on his shoulder. Just her nearness made him more comfortable, happier. Nervous - Fjerdans didn't like physical contact - but happy. A voice came out of the box called the TV.

"And now for the training scores. From District 1..." It goes on, till reaching District 7.

"From District 7, Kaz Brekker, with the score of ten!" It went from one to twelve - according to Wylan nobody had ever gotten a twelve, and it was very rare to get a one. Matthias wondered what Kaz - a cripple - had done to get that.

"From District 8, Wylan Van Eck, with a score of eight!" Everyone congratulated Wylan, who had turned pink.

"From District 9, Matthias Helvar, with a score of nine!" Nina jumped on him, hugging Matthias hard enough to crack a rib.

"From District 10, Nina Zenik," Nina went still on top of him, "with a score of eight!" Nina squealed, leaping off him and doing a victory dance.

"From District 11, Jesper Fahey, with a score of ten!" Jesper smiled, obviously pleased, but looking oddly restrained.

"And finally, from District 12, Inej Ghafa," Inej squared her shoulders, ready to face the news, "with a score of 11!" Nina pulled Inej into a hug, closely followed by Jesper, then a rather more hesitant Wylan. Nina pulled him in, and though again unnerved by the closeness, Matthias was happy to be a part of this group hug. There was something missing, though. He looked back to see Kaz gazing at the scene, almost looking sad. But then the moment was gone, and Kaz had already turned away.