Fair Fight

Chapter 14

I pull on a pair of stretchy, black trousers and a tight-fitting matching jacket with the number 4 emblazoned on the back. Training Centre attire. Before I went to bed last night, Finnick briefed me on how I should play my game. Tactics and more tactics. He said I should be on the outskirts while training with the other tributes. Not to show my skills, but to save that for my private encounter with the Gamemakers. That makes sense. I'm already high on the kill list of the other tributes, showing them what I can do would just be telling the whole world my strengths. Not a good idea. I'm lucky to have Finnick as my mentor. He knows everything. I'm not sure if Reid has consulted my brother yet for advice. I doubt it. It's Reid's own fault if he messes everything up.

After a mug of hot milk and cinnamon and a bowl of oatmeal, Reid and I are led to an elevator that will take us down to the training centre, by an Avox. The Training Centre is below the living quarters, and we rode the glass lift down. I'd been in an elevator once or twice before and it wasn't a pleasant experience then nor was it now. I hate the feeling of being trapped inside something which I have no control over. Eventually we reach steady ground and most of the other tributes have arrived. Immediately, Reid stalks over to the Careers. He must have made an alliance with them before the parade last night. It isn't uncommon for some of the more vicious competitors to team up and hunt down the weaker ones. When you're in an alliance you can get more sleep, food and you feel less vulnerable. Although nearer the end of the Games, the tributes tend to turn on one another. Basically you are walking into a giant trap. I'm staying well away from them.

Before we are allowed to train at the stations, we are briefed by a strapping, big woman named Atala. "Most of you will  think that combat is the most important thing to excel in. You're wrong. Basic survival is key. More often than not, tributes die from natural causes. Be warned."

Atala's words sink into my brain. She's right. How are we supposed to know what plants and berries poisonous if we learn how to throw a mace. Or where to find fresh water? The majority of the tributes take no heed of Atala's speech and head straight to sword throwing, knife wielding and weight lifting area. Unlike me and a few of the other smaller tributes. A boy about my age is at the net making station and I decide to join him. Even though I'm an expert at net making, I could use the company.

"Hello," I say, "My name's Emma. District 4," holding out my hand in greeting.

He looks up at me out of watchful brown eyes, "I know who you are. My name's Tren. District 6."

"Pleased to meet you, Tren. What age are you?"

"I'm 14. Why are you even here?" he asks.

"Well, I thought you might want someone to talk to and I can help you with this, I know all about net making."

"That's not what I meant. Why are you even here in the Capitol? For the glory? Just because your brother is such a big shot, doesn't mean you are? What's the point in volunteering for the Games when you're so young, you won't win anyways." That stung. Biting back a retort, my heart pounded. How dare he even talk about something like that? It's not like I wanted to be here. I did it to not cause Annie any more grief than necessary.

Instead of talking back I calmly said, "Well, I'll leave you be then." And headed off in the direction of trident target practice. An area Finnick specifically told me not to go. I was so not letting some boy from District 6 get me worked up. I was going to let off some steam.