Sorry about this, I'm just glad I've got it finished in time :)
After a relaxing shower and a change of attire, I head to the dining room to still my hunger and talk strategy. I’m not particularly a great strategist, but I guess that’s why Taylon’s here for.
I’m the last one to arrive, and it’s clear that they’ve all been waiting for me, so I quickly sit down next to Jasmin.
Once I’m seated, I start filling my plate with all kind of Capitol delicacies as Talon starts talking, “You’ve portrayed yourself as strong and confident tributes tonight, and I want you to stick with that attitude tomorrow in training. I’d also suggest you visit every station and try to pick up as much as you can in such limited time.” Then, after a curt once-over, he asks “Do you already have any particular skills I should know about?”
“I’m pretty decent at tree climbing.” I offer timidly. It’s probably not worth mentioning, but it can’t hurt.
He nods appreciatively and then turns to Jasmin. She glances at me before addressing him, “I’d rather not tell you in front of him.”
I don’t see why she doesn’t, but Taylon seems to understand, “Alright, we’ll discuss that in private some other time then.” He sighs and rubs a lazy hand across his chin, “So you two won’t be forming an alliance together?”
I look at her expectantly. We haven’t talked about a possible alliance, so it isn’t truly ruled out yet. There’s still hope.
But the hope comes crashing down when she replies with a simple “Yes.”
“Well, you might want to reconsider, because I talked to District Four’s mentor and escort just after the parade. The boy tribute was there too, charming fella. Anyway, they suggested forming an alliance together with One.”
Both Jasmin and I look at him incredulously. But before either of us can speak up, Taylon quickly does, “Of course, nothing is set in stone yet, but I want you two to give it a thought.”
My mind’s made up already. I don’t even question why they’d possibly want to even consider having me in their alliance. Sure, as soon as they realize how worthless I am, they’ll back out, but for now, my chances of survival suddenly look a whole lot brighter.
“No. No way.”
“You’ll need allies out there, Jasmin.” Taylon informs her, calmly, though there’s a hint of annoyance in his tone.
“I don’t.” she stubbornly states, she even crosses her arms.
He sighs, “Alright. Tomorrow is a busy day. Why don’t the two of you try to get some sleep, and then we’ll continue this conversation tomorrow.” he suggest.
I haven’t finished my plate, but conversations like this tire me, so I nod and follow Jasmin as she too makes her way to her room. Without so much as a good night, she closes the door behind her.
I sigh and enter my assigned chamber. It’s provided with all the grandeur the Capitol has to offer, but I can’t seem to enjoy the luxury when all I long for is the simplicity of home. Although I can, and very much do, appreciate the bed.
But sleep doesn’t come, no matter how tired and comfortable I am. I lie awake, restless for what feels like hours before finally getting up. I glance around. The room feels tiny all of a sudden, cramped and very much like the cage it is. The door however, isn’t locked.
So step outside, and walk around aimlessly. But then I remember hearing Maxfield say something about a garden on the roof.
+++
A loud, buzzing sound snaps me out of my thoughts, and when I look up in the direction of the source, my eyes land on a boy and a girl, as far as I can make out. For a brief moment I wonder how I haven’t noticed them coming up here, but then I remember that I was zoned out for probably quite some time. I squint my eyes in an attempt to get a clearer view, but they stay mere figures in the distance.
Too tired and reserved to introduce myself, I quickly head for the elevator before they spot me, if they haven’t already.
And then, when I get back in bed, I fall asleep before my head even touches the pillow.
