I Am The Mockingjay.

Chapter Six

*Gale*

   I let out an awkward puff of air as Dawn and I ride the elevator down to the training center. After her burst of honesty last night in my room things were very weird this morning at breakfast. And by her silence I think she regrets telling me. Which sucks because it seems like we could both use a friend at the moment.
   "You're right." I mumble, nudging her arm.
  She doesn't break her a thousand yard stare at the elevator door.
   "Bout what?" She asks in a neutral tone of voice, kinda like Katniss does sometimes.
   "About me being in love with Katniss. I am. Now will you stop?"
   "Stop what?" She asks in the same neutral tone.
   "That. Being stone cold. You could at least be sarcastic." I mumble. The doors to the elevator open and we both take in the scene.
   "Alright fine but if I quit then you have to quit being sentimental it's freaking me out." She says quietly. I stifle a laugh and then I remember why we're down here and my smirk quickly fades. Dawn and I make eye contact and I notice how pale she looks. I raise my eyebrows at her and take a deep breath, she does the same.
Here we go.
   We walk out of the elevator and join the semi circle of tributes, getting a speech from a lady who probably will be supervising us.
   For the duration of the talk the woman gives us I don't listen. I observe. As expected, all the privileged careers give me menacing glares. I return them with equal rage. Sadly, I can pick out the tributes that won't last long. They look down at the floor or timidly look at other tributes, always looking like they're on the verge of tears; they remind me of skittish deer.
   I meet eyes with the girl with bright red hair and fox-like features. She stares me down with a mischievous look and I might be wrong but I swear she smirks. Creepy. I continue looking.
   The tall built guy from District Eleven stands next to his District partner, the small girl, as if he's her body guard. When we meet eyes he coolly looks back at me without a care in the world. He seems to be saying: Go ahead and try to take me out Twelve.
   First, I make a mental note to not anger this guy. But he could be a good ally.
   I then glance down at Rue. She looks innocently up at me. My heart starts pounding because of how much she reminds me of Prim. Before she can see my fear, I give her a sly wink and she gives me a small, hidden smile in return.
   I let out a deep breath through my nose and turn back to pretend I'm listening to the speech. Thank goodness she's dismissing us.
   Haymitch told us this morning not to show our hidden talents, so, I head over to practice with the spears and Dawn heads over to the knot tying station; Which is where I'd rather be since my talent is snares.
    When I arrive the trainer gives me a spear of the correct size and I line up with my target along with Thresh, and some kid named Marvel from District One. I line the long metal stick up with my eyesight and chuck it as hard and fast as I can. BANG! It hits a couple inches away from the bullseye. Not bad... I think to myself.
   I watch as Thresh picks up his spear and prepares to throw. Every muscle in his body is scarily ten times bigger. He throws it hard and the blade meets the target with a bang that makes everyone in the training center jump. But the force put him off center a few inches. Thresh huffs angrily but picks up another spear.
   And then there's Marvel. Without a care in the world he smirks and picks up his spear. And without a second thought he throws, and hits dead center. He shrugs as if it's not his best day and picks up another only to do the exact same thing.
   Bastard... I think to myself. I turn to grab another spear and as I do Thresh and I make eye contact once more. After a moment he rolls his eyes towards the show off behind him, still throwing perfect spears, and I smirk back and roll my eyes as well.
   Yes, I think Thresh could be a possible ally. I throw a few more spears along with Thresh and without speaking we silently approve of each others work and make fun of Marvel. I mean we gotta have some fun if we're gonna die in few days anyway.
   After an hour or so we part ways and I see Dawn getting some practice with knives. She's not bad for someone who's never hunted before. But the girl from District Two is obviously trying to show her up. And I watch I notice that she never misses her target.
   I remind myself to look out for that one and move to the sword fighting station. The boy for District Two is also extremely good with his weapon, and is also showing off. But I can't say that I'm not a little intimidated as he lays waste to countless dummies and limbs roll to the floor. After decapitating yet another one he gives me the same menacing glare that his partner did with Dawn. I roll my eyes and continue practicing with the trainer.
   I'm not bad at sword fighting if I must say so myself. After a half an hour or so I begin to get the hang of interpreting and projecting my partners moves and swings in my head. Playing defense and offense at the right place and time.
   Suddenly there's a tap on my shoulder and I swing around, my sword to District Two's throat.
"Easy Twelve." He says coolly. "Just wondering if you wanted to duel?" He asks with a smile like a snake. I ponder the question. Why in the hell would he want to duel with me? And then I realize. Keep your friends close and your enemies closer. This guy thinks I'm a threat, and I want to keep myself that way.
"Let's go." I reply, keeping my face void of emotion.