Deceived: The 500th Annual Hunger Games

Chapter 75 - The Train to the Capitol

CHESTER LITTLETON'S P.O.V

The train ride, as usual, wasn't long for District One. This time, they'd put the different districts on separate trains, instead of cramming the twenty four of us onto the minute trains they provided. Is it me, or is there genuinely more space - or do I just feel less claustrophobic?

Septimus adjusted his eye patch as Domitia let herself sink into the leather seat next to her cousin. "This entire thing is wrong," she moans for the tenth time. "Forcing us in, what a twist that is..."

My eyes can't help but roll around my sockets, annoyed at the sound of her voice. "Of course it's wrong, but it's the Capitol. What are we going to do about it?" I say, wanting to rip my hair out. Why do we have to go back? Ivory could've been killed immediately - the noble battle for victory could've been fought between Septimus and I.

We all know he would've let me return home if we had the choice; Roxen is gone, therefore, he is mentally gone.

"At least there are three of us - some districts have one amateur. District Five stand no chance," Septimus points out.

Racking my brains, I think of who else has an advantage or disadvantage. "To be honest, District Five and Six are screwed, whereas District Two and Three are major threats."

Domitia, flicking her brunette hair, sighs loudly. "Are we all allying or..." She trails off, expecting a yes.

"No." My reply, cold, harsh, fills whatever silence would've been there if I had kept my mouth shut. "A truce, yes. An alliance? Not a chance."

Septimus nods. "Not unless we have no choice. It all depends what the other siblings are like. Eunia isn't a part of that Career life. Phoxus and Spikelet aren't exactly like that either. We all know that I'm not going home."

"Septimus," I mumble. "You could."

He shakes his head; his mousse coloured hair floats around his head. "No, Roxen isn't here. I'm here to help you get home Chester."

Domitia doesn't hide her emotion; she is obviously offended that her cousin would rather save the - potentially - future mayor of One than her. I also have a child - does she? No, not yet.

And if it all goes to plan, she never will. She'll be dead.

"Septimus, we could ally if you want to," I request.

Septimus nods. "I'll think about it. Thank you, Chester. Letting me live past the bloodbath will be good; I don't want to get emotionally attached to anyone in this arena though, I don't want my death hurting anyone other than myself. Physically."

Completely understanding, I nod my head and retreat to the buffet area, pull a steaming croissant onto the warm plate and make my way over to the drink service station. Orange juice to accompany my pastry, I think.

Making my way over to Septimus, Domitia storms off. Typical girl attitude from One. Septimus doesn't attempt to stop her, but he looks slightly bothered by the event. "Look," I say. "I'm not allying with Domitia, okay?"

"Neither am I!" He holds up his glass of whatever he has and takes a sip. "You do realise that we won't be able to take over the cornucopia?"

"What says we can't?" I ask, stroking my chin. "Who do you think will get it?"

"The potential of District Three, the alliance made from the last games and maybe even District Two could take it over," he says. "You are right though - if we kill Arlu, Rhymer and Phoxus, we're at the advantage. This is about getting you home, to Dusk."

My face can't help but smile at his caring nature, but something in my stomach twists - killing them isn't necessary, is it? "What if no one kills? Think about it, Septimus. The only ones willing to kill are you and Persei. The rest of us want this all to stop."