Volunteers: A Hunger Games Story

Chapter 5: The Show

"What?! That's awesome!!" Ben shouted when I told him. Octavia seemed impressed too. "When did you learn how to use a bow?"

"In training. Octavia said it would help." I answered.

"And it shall." she says smoothly. We have to wait a few hours before they announce the scores. In the mean time, Ben and I talk with the other tributes. You can tell everyone is nervous, but we're all trying to hide it. Suddenly, Felix is at my side again.

"Did you see what I left-"

"I did. Why did you do that?" I ask.

"Because. The scores are more important than you think. The higher the score, the more people like you. The more people like you, the more sponsors you get. And- the more people like you, the longer the game keepers keep you alive. Understand?"

"Not really. You're not from my district. I didn't know you before the other day and I thought you hated me. You're not supposed to be helping me. Why are you?"

"Oh, I'm not helping you. I'm helping you help yourself."

"Why would you do that? We're enemies." I remind him.

"Not exactly... We're the same, me and you. Whether you realize it or not."

"What is that supposed to mean?" I ask, narrowing my eyes at him.

"Whatever you want it to mean, Farmer Mila. You're wrong about me. I hope you figure that out soon. I'm not who you think I am. And you're not my enemy." he says. I practically cringe. I know exactly who he is. He acts like he's helping me while assuring me that he's the superior one here. And I don't like it. I don't want help from someone who looks down on me. Ben steps between the two of us, almost as if he knows how uncomfortable I am. The two stare at each other with angry eyes, neither backing down. Octavia appears again.

"The scores are being broadcasted now. Let's go see, shall we?" she says, leading both Ben and I away from Felix. The careers all make rather high scores. Felix makes a ten and that scares me. That's the highest score so far. My heart sinks when they announce that Gem has only made a five. Although, for a twelve year old, this is impressive. The other twelve year old from her District made a three. I pray that Gem isn't the first one killed. I really don't think I'll be able to handle it. My palms are sweaty and I keep wiping them on the velvet couch until Thespie demands that I stop. "District Eleven. Benjamin Seeder. Nine." Thespie and Octavia jump up and throw their arms around Ben, congratulating him, but I don't. I can't. I'm glued to the spot. "District Eleven. Mila Undersee... Ten." I stand up but don't react otherwise. Relief floods through me. I'm tied for the top score... with Felix.

"This is wonderful, sweetheart!" Octavia says, hugging me tightly. This is the first time she's shown me any affection at all, and I like it. I didn't expect it. "I'm so proud of you." she cries, petting my hair. Ben hugs me too.

"We're going to be ok." he whispers in my ear and for the first time, I believe him. Adrian from District 12 makes a nine and the girl from District 12 makes a six. So at the end, Felix and I are still tied for the top score. As soon as the scores are finished being revealed, we're all whisked off on the train to interviews with Caesar Flickerman. I'm backstage while the other interviews are being conducted. I'm trying to learn about all the other tributes to know who I have to look out for. Felix is the first one I know. I get closer to the wall so I can hear what he's saying.

"So Felix, do you plan to make any alliances during the games?"

"Yeah, Caesar, I definitely want Artemis on my team- she's from my district. Have you seen her with a trident? That girl is insane." Felix said and Caesar laughs like this is the funniest thing in the world. "Probably Xander and Leo too... They know what they're doing... Maybe Adrian from District 12. He made a nine in the assessments today."