Safe and Sound - Hunger Games AU

Scoring - 5

During the training sessions I had spent most of my time perfecting my use of a bow and arrow, now being able to shoot at further away, moving targets. I also developed the skill of knife throwing, which may prove useful in the arena. If these weapons were not made easily accessible for me, then I may not stand much of a chance. John, however had spent most of his time figuring out how to build traps out of natural resources so he could both hunt and injure tributes that may be a potential threat to his safety. Because of out reasonably good shared knowledge of hunting and basic survival, we decided we didn't need to waste our time in these areas and spend more time in traps and weapons.

When it was decided that we had been allowed enough time to develop our skills, we were all called into a room where the tributes would go in for scoring. Marina from district one started and it was later broadcasted that she had received a score of seven for her knowledge of poisonous plants and berries. As the tributes were entered one by one into the scoring hall, the scores remained roughly the same. The average was eight, but one male from district seven scored a ten for disguise. When I was called in, there was a shelf displaying various kinds of weaponry. Following the general rules, I picked up the bow and arrow and aimed it at the mannequin, that was suspended by a machine that caused it to dart about the room. I pulled back the arrow and released it, sending it two inches deep into the spot where the mannequins heart would be. Keeping the bow and set of arrows on my back, I picked up the three knives layed out side by side on the shelf. I threw each one, two landing in the torso of the dummy and one in the head. The gamemakers applauded me rather half heartedly and I left the room with a bow. I was sent to another room, where I waited for my score.

After a while I was taken back to the apartment I was staying in, accompanied by John. He hadn't spoke much of his time in the training centre and I didn't wish to pry.

Once I had changed out of my training clothes and back into the comfortable tshirt and trousers left by my stylist, Effie came bounding into the room, dragging John behind her. “I received your scores, boys!” she said excitedly, a wide grin on her perfectly painted gold lips. “Sherlock, dear. You have received a nine for your skill. And John...” she took him by the shoulders and pressed a brief kiss to his forehead before squeaking. “Darling, they gave you a ten! I spoke to the head gamemaker and he was absolutely blown away by those traps you made... And how you caught that dummy. Oh, Celia said you were so quiet she didn't know you were in the room until you introduced yourself. Watch out, dears. All the careers will want to join alliances with you two.” I cleared my throat and sighed. “If they know we've got good scores, they'll just try to get rid of us first. Leave the more vulnerable ones to crack so they can go in and kill them off.”

Effie frowned and faced me, “Sherlock, don't put yourself down... I'm still proud of you both.” she said and made herself scarce, presumably going to dress herself in whatever fine materials in vibrant colours she could find in her wardrobe. I walked over to John and pressed a kiss to his cheek, wiping at the light trace of gold on John's forehead. “I'm proud of you, you know.” I said softly. He took my hand and I smiled softly. “So is Effie, obviously.”

“You did well too, not everybody gets a nine. And apparently they had that machine on the highest setting and you still hit the dummy. Even though no tribute runs that fast. You'll do well. We don't need allies, we can do it alone, I promise you.” he said, trying to reassure me. I wasn't disappointed in myself. I knew I would do well, and obviously the training had paid off. But I was scared. With John receiving the highest score among the tributes, he and the guy from seven would be the most hated and the highest targeted in the arena. People would want rid of them first, so if he didn't improve, John could be gone. He kissed me softly on the corner of my mouth and then went to lie down. He patted the area beside him and I climbed in, moving under the covers so I could get closer to John. He wound his arms around my chest and I rested my head against his shoulder. I could hear his heartbeat and it was comforting to me to know that he was still alive, and I would do everything in my power to keep it that way for as long as possible.

I never anticipated that the night I lost my virginity would be like this. I didn't expect it to be in the Capitol, in a room a few nights before we would be sent to our deaths in the Hunger Games arena. I didn't expect to lose my virginity to John, who was so careful to ensure I felt no pain whatsoever. He was so kind, so eager in dragging the most incredible sensations from me from the beginning to the build up of my climax. Each beat of my heart heated up the room that little bit more. He was gentle, beautiful. John's face during his release was a wonder, a sheen of sweat covering his body while he thrusted gently, encouraged by my soft mewls and moans of pleasure. The games was approaching swiftly, making each night with John more meaningful. Each night we would make love, tender touches until we both reached the climax we needed. Afterwards, we would keep close, he would hold me make sure I was alright. While we came down and got to the brink of sleep he would run his hands through my hair, stopping me from having any nightmares.

I woke up in the middle of the night. Something wasn't quite right with John. He looked scared, thrashing about in his sleep and making little noises, like whimpers. I shook him gently, “John? John, love... I need you to wake up. You're having a nightmare.” John sat up quickly and grabbed me, gripping my arms tightly. His breathing was ragged, quick and unsteady. He was shaking and covered in a cold sweat. “Sherlock-... Oh god...” he choked, closing his eyes tightly. I felt a pang in my chest and held him tightly, gripping him and rocking him slowly. I shushed him, stroking a hand through his hair gently. “It's alright... It's fine, love. I've got you. I'm here.” I whispered, pressing a kiss to his hair. After a few minutes, his shaking began to cease, slowing down to a few gentle spasms. He exhaled loudly and leaned into me. “You-... They killed you... It was Grant from district three. The one with the spear. He got you and I-... Sherlock, I can't...” I squeezed his hand and held onto it as tight as I could, “I'm here. I'm here, I won't let you go.” I promised, keeping him as close as I could. “I promise you, John. When we get into that arena tomorrow, I'll find some basic supplies and get out of there. You have to do the same thing, for me. Please. Stay with me, we'll find a signal. Anything, I just can't be away from you. Not for too long. I love you.” John nodded weakly and relaxed against me, just allowing me to stroke through his hair until he fell into another gentle sleep. I kept awake beside him, just shielding his body with my own. “I love you...” I whispered into his hair, just listening to his deep breaths.