56th Annual Hunger Games

Chapter 4: 7 Does Not Equal 11

Two days went by since the knife throwing event, Tes left sore as she laid on her bed, staring up at the blank ceiling. She had just come back from the last training before the private session. She ditched lunch for an early shower, her body covered in grime and sweat. An hour until the gamemakers test her, giving her a score that determines whether she has a chance in the arena. Her mother was given a 10, the best score received by anyone of the 10th district. Tes remembered when she told her the story of her private session. The way the gamemakers weren't paying attention so she screamed at the top of her lungs as she used her dual swords, throwing them into the manikin's chest.

"You ready?"

Tes jumped at the words, turning to see Jackson resting against the doorway, his hair wet from his shower.

"To be judged by the people creating the very thing that's going to kill us? No, not really," she scoffed, her eyes drifting towards him. His tank hugged his wet skin, outlining his very existent abs. She couldn't deny he was attractive. Anyone with eyes could see that. Shame his personality didn't quite match up.

"You'll be great. Only a knife throw away from a 10 at least," he smiled, his words oddly genuine. Tes stared at him, tilting her head.

"What?"

"I think that's the first nice thing to ever come out of your mouth this entire time," Tes teased, a chuckle leaving his lips as he smiled.

"I can be nice from time to time. Only to those that deserve it," he spoke the last part under his breath, but she heard, a small smile creeping on her lips.

"Don't worry either," Tes started hesitantly, unable to think of anything more to say. God, she was awful at this.

"Anyway, I just thought we could head down to the waiting room together. Zoella has been breathing down my neck all day," he expressed, frustration hidden behind his words.

"Um... sure. Can you give me five minutes to dress?" Tes stuttered, her voice wavering. Jackson smiled and nodded, leaving Tes alone in her room. 'The games must be getting to his head,' she convinced herself.

Fifteen minutes later the two had arrived at the waiting room, tributes sitting along the chairs bolted to the wall awaiting their turn. Tes instantly caught eye of Elm, sitting in similar gear to Jackson, though his shirt was a slightly lighter colour. The girl next to him, Maple she believed, radiated fear and anxiety so thick it could be cut with her knife. Sucking in a breath she took her place amongst the tributes, taking her knife in her hands and played with it. She threaded it through her fingers, balanced it on the tips of her fingers. It wasn't until a shadow appeared she had stopped, her view of the room blocked by the redheaded girl.

"Felaesa, but you probably already know that," she smiled, extending her hand towards Tes and Jackson. Of course, Jackson returned the gesture.

"Nice to meet you" Jackson replied, Tes looking anywhere but the interaction unravelling in front of her.

"Listen. I know your abilities. You're both strong and strategic. Some a bit more impulsive than others. I for one know when to take the risk, and is strong with a blade. I think it would be in your best interest if you align with us," she spoke eloquently and matter-of-fact like, as though she was doing Tes a favour by even having this conversation.

"I work alone," Tes stated, earning a raised eyebrow from her left.

"How about you? Do you work alone or do you want to survive?" She quipped, her words itching at Tes' skin.

"I'll join," Jackson said, though his words didn't reach his eyes, as though he wasn't 100% into the decision.

"Fabulous! We'll meet when the games start to discuss," she leaned in close between the two whispering "who to kill first."