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"How was training?" Haymitch asked when he arrived at dinner that day fifteen minutes late. He picked up a plate from the buffet table and served himself. When he was done he went over to a metal bucket filled with ice that usually held bottles of wine to keep them cool but today it was empty. He looked at the bucket puzzled, and then started clawing through the ice as if a bottle might be hiding from him. When he realized that there was absolutely no liquor in there he started looking around the table if he missed something.
"Training was great actually," I folded my arms and leaned back in my chair. He didn't seem to hear me or at least didn't acknowledge that he did. Instead he just continued wildly searching the table. "I asked a lot of questions just like you told me too. I got a lot of helpful tips, especially one stating that it's best to keep you sober."
Haymitch stopped what he was doing and looked up at me, "Sober?" His face darkened in color and he said the word like it was a harmful disease that he might die from. Lurex tried her best to stifle a laugh. Lurex and Elisasvet had decided to join us for dinner, which I was glad for.  Haymitch strode over to the table and sat down, pushing his plate aside and leaning forward to rest his elbow on the table and chin in his hand.
"I made sure to inform the staff not to serve anymore alcoholic beverages to this floor," I added and returned his glare.
"And tell me, who exactly told you this?" His fingers started drumming along the table impatiently.
"Both of your old tributes suggested it."
He scowled, "I'm an adult, and I can do what pleases me."
"You don't act like one," I replied. Which earned me an annoyed grunt from him. "Maybe if you decide to help us I'll give you what you want most right now," I reached under my chair and carefully lifted a glass full of white liquor. A few drops of it spilled of the floor and Haymitch's eyes lit up at the sight of the glass in my hands.
"I don't appreciate being blackmailed."
Cosmo, Lurex, and Elisavet were silent during this, they all stared as Haymitch and I argued back and forth. "I wouldn't call it that, it's more of a simple trade. If you give me what I want, I'll give you what you want," my fingers lightly tracing the rim of the glass. "Or I could just drink it if you aren't up for it," I said but regretted it almost immediately. I'd never had a drink before and I wasn't going to start now. But if he really did want the glass that badly he'd stop me before I could actually get it down. Slowly I lifted the glass to my lips.
"Fine, you win," He held his hand out for the cup and I gladly passed it to him. A few drops how managed to make it down my throat, which burned and I struggled to keep a straight face.  I don't know how he managed to drink that stuff by the galloon.
He scowled but took a long swig from the glass, draining half of it. Then he set it down and went to his food, angrily cutting into a piece of meat. He wasn't happy with me, but then again was he ever? Sense I met him he did nothing but glare at me.
"What about the other stuff I told you to do?" He finally said after a long pause.
"I'm good at throwing knives!" I explained, I couldn't hide my excitement for long. And why I was happy I had finally found a way to possibly hurt people, I don't know. It wasn't something to be happy about, but for some reason it gave me a little hope that I wasn't useless after all and I could defend myself and Ajax if the moment came up.
"And I can use a sword if it's absolutely necessary. I'm not great but I can at least block a few hits," I continued, "And from what I observed, Cosmo is pretty good with snares and traps," I gave him a sideways glance and smiled.
"The trainer was pretty impressed," Cosmo said shyly.
"I'm proud of you Cosmo!" Elisavet beamed at him, which only seemed to make him blush.
"More than I expected from both of you," Haymitch still was mad but he looked a little surprised by the progress we had made. "But it's only the first day. You two still have more training to undergo and then private sessions."
"But they're doing so well already!" Lurex also sounded proud of us.
"You two," he gestured to both the stylists, "Just got into this business, I've been doing it for years. They're barely scratching the surface of well at this point."
"Don't be so hard on them, this all must still be a shock," Lurex tried to protest.
"Just because they seem good now doesn't mean they'll be the same in the arena," Haymitch's voice had a strong tone of finality, Lurex didn't protest any further. Instead she pouted and went back to eating.
"There's still other things you need to consider like strategies for the arena, what to show for the Gamemakers, Sponsors, allies_"
"I got us some allies," Cosmo interrupted at the same time I was about to open my mouth and say the same. I was a little shocked that he spoke up so quickly and he looked proud at what he accomplished.
"Oh really?" Haymitch sounded skeptical, "Who?"
"Damian Stanton," he said.
My stomach tightened up and I thought I might be sick. The nightmare of last night started to replay in my head. Ajax screaming in the distance, Neo lying dead in a pool of his own blood, me struggling against invisible forces holding me down, then Damian coming to finish me off. This couldn't be happening.
"Damian Stanton," Haymitch echo and scratched his chin trying to remember something. "Blue haired boy, right? And he wants you as an ally?" Haymitch asked sounding a little impressed, Cosmo nodded.
"There are others too, with him," Cosmo added and began saying the names of a few others who had joined the alliance with him. I recognized some but my mind was on others things. Panic rose in my chest, it felt like I might run out of air. Everyone else was talking about the games and considering Damian as a good ally.
"NO!" I cried so loud everyone else fell silent.
"What's wrong?" Elisavet asked from across the table.
"You can't have Damian as an ally."
"Why is that?" Haymitch asked annoyed, "There's very few Tributes I've seen from Capitol that actually look like they stand a chance, he seems like_"
"He's a jerk!" I blurted out, "He hates my guts! He would love nothing more than to kill me himself with his own bare hands!" I turned to Cosmo, "He's just using you, Cosmo, don't trust him. I know him, he'll slaughter us in our sleep the first chance he gets."
"Maybe you should decline the offer," Lurex said after seeing how worked up I was.
"No! This year is different but something's never change. In this case Damian and his group are the Careers. I feel there's a better chance of survival if I hang with them, the Careers always last the longest," Cosmo protested.
"But Cosmo," I pleaded, "what will happen when it's just the Careers? He's going to kill you the second he_"
"Not if I get him first!" Cosmo cut me off. His voice shook and fear was written all over his face and hidden deep in his brown eyes. His hands were clenched into fists under the table, but I could see them shake slightly. He was scared, terrified, and his thought this was his only chance.
"We seem to be at a disagreement here," Haymitch looked amused.
"I've also got allies," I said directing my words to Cosmo that maybe he might change his mind "Their Neo and Ajax stone."
"Ajax, the seven year old?" Haymitch asked.
"Of course, I'll do whatever it takes to protect him."
"And Neo? Him I can see as having a good chance in the arena." I turned to Cosmo pleading with my eyes. See? You stand just as good a chance with us too, I wanted to say.
"You can stay with them then, but I'm staying with the Careers," Cosmo stated.
"Cosmo, I know you're scared but please…" I barely knew this boy, but I had the strong urge to keep him miles away from Damian. He was my partner after all, didn't that mean anything? Weren't we supposed to stick together?
"I'm sorry Aradhana," He didn't look at me, or anyone else. But stood up and stocked out of the room.
"He's using you!" called after him but he had his head down and kept walking. Elisavet excused her herself as well and tried her best to run after him, even though she was in five inch heels and tripped about three times. I held my breath hoping she wouldn't twist an ankle.
The rest of dinner felt quite awkward to me. No one else bothered to talk and silently ate and then retired to bed shortly after.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The next few days passed and were definitely the most stressful days of my entire life, and I wasn't even in the arena yet. Meal times I dreaded, Cosmo never spoke unless it was to excuse himself and he never made eye contact with me. Lurex and Elisavet only showed up for breakfast but ate in a hurry then quickly ran off again, claiming it was to finish something "top secret." Lunch time was somewhat less stressful sense lunch was held in one room with all the Tributes. I sat with Neo and Ajax at a table in the far corner, sometimes Lystra Craft or Flutter would join us. Up close I noticed she had tiny butterflies framing her eyes and trailing down both arms.
Neo seemed to try extra hard to get a smile out of me, cracking jokes, or even telling stories from when we were younger. Ajax would join right in and I surprised myself by laughing at almost everything they said, it never lasted long though. Sometimes I couldn't help myself from looking over at the other tables.
I didn't like the idea of Cosmo hanging around Damian and his crowd, or what he referred to as the Careers.  Which was made up of only a few other tributes that I barely knew. There was a boy who stood over six feet tall, with golden skin and short cropped honey colored hair, I think his name was Angelos but he was too intimidating  to actually ask him if that was right. Then there were the twins, Aric and Arissa, who were both seventeen and also went to our school. I never talked with them much, maybe because they were Damian's friends. They both had red hair, green eyes, and fair skin, but the one thing that stuck out to me was the tattoos on their hands. Aric's left hand had the Chinese symbol for yin, while Arissa had yang. I barely recognized Aric, his hair normally was perfectly styled but today it fell in his face, like he didn't care to even bother with it. Arissa's long hair flowed past her shoulders with golden streaks running though it, and she had piercings running up and down each ear. Currently she was flirting with Damian, which wasn't a surprise sense she seemed to flirt with any guy within a five mile radius. But Damian flirted right back.
In between them sat a boy, probably around fifteen or sixteen, he looked totally miserable. I didn't know his name, but his skin was a lit mint green, and his hair hung a little past his ears and was black with a bit of a blue shine in the light. Then finally there was girl with rosy cheeks, pixie cut brown hair, big blue eyes, tan skin, and she was trying to have a conversation with Cosmo, who was blushing slightly and trying to hid the fact that his hand were trembling. She was tiny and looked like the kinda of girl who liked beautifies and cuddling with kittens. I couldn't imagine why Damian had her in the Careers group. I couldn't even think why Damian wanted Cosmo, maybe he knew it annoyed me.
I tried directing my attention back to the conversation my table was having, currently Neo was complaining about his mentor, "….and I don't even think she likes me much, I mean what's not to like?"
"Well…" I started, Neo turned to glare at me before I could continue.
"You do come off us arrogant sometimes," Flutter admitted.
"That's just an act, you know, to throw them off the trail," he said like he was a genius or something.
"What trail?" I asked.
"The trail that leads to my darkest secrets, inner desires, and true feelings that are buried deep down," Neo said.
"What's buried deep down is a little girl begging to come out!" Ajax giggled to himself, which started the whole table in fits of laughter, except Neo, who just smirked at his brother and playfully punched him lightly on the shoulder.
"Who's your mentor anyway?" I asked curiously.
"Johanna Mason, she hasn't given me much to work with, it always turns into arguing between us. But she did tell me ten different ways to kill someone with a stick and two rocks. My partner isn't much help either; I think she's just too scared to really do anything."
"Your mentor knows ten ways to kill someone with a stick and two rocks?" Flutter asked astonished. Neo just shrugged.
I spent the rest of the time taking mental notes on every station, trying to soak up any piece of survival information I might need. I listened carefully to everything Haymitch shared, sense he was now cooperating so I wouldn't threaten to take away the liquor again. I made sure to pass the advice along to my friends. I practiced throwing my knives as much as possible, not satisfied until I got a direct bulls eye, even then I still didn't quit. Neo finally caught on that I wasn't in the mood for jokes at that time and held his tongue, except at lunch, and even helped correct me if I did something wrong. Like at the rope station I felt like strangling someone just because I couldn't tie a simple snare. Neo calmly sat down next to me, took my hands in his and guided them as I tried again, and finally was able to figure it out.
As the days went by and the hours passed my panic level seemed to sky rocket. Realization kicked in, I was going to be in the arena soon. I panicked and seemed to get mad at everything. I snapped at Ajax for fooling around with some knives, he stared at me with such hurt in his eyes. I had never yelled at him like that before, never said a hateful thing until then. I tried apologizing driving myself to tears. Neo tried reassuring me that Ajax understood that I was just tense and he wasn't mad at me just surprised. I couldn't help it though, I felt like a nervous wreck and most of the trainers didn't seem to appreciate that I'd snap at them every once in awhile, but not too surprised, others Tributes started to freak out as well. We were like fish out of water, just weren't prepared for something like this.
Neo was the only one who was patient with me, he'd comfort me, wouldn't talk back if I yelled at him (though sometimes I could tell he really wanted too) and held me while a silently sobbed. I had never cried in front of him before, he seemed a little shocked the first time I burst into tears. At first he just stood there staring at me weirdly then awkwardly rubbing my back. Ajax pushed him aside, hugged me and tried to make me laugh. He gave his older brother a look like; this is how it's done. But after what seemed like the hundredth time Neo seemed use to it and knew just what to do. I couldn't believe how stable he was through all this and how easily it seemed for him not to panic, but I know he was hiding what he felt, just like he always did when he was embarrassed to show it. I looked up at him, he had his arms around me but it was like I wasn't even there. He just stared absent mindedly at the far wall. I could see the horror in his eyes as he too realized just what we were in for. And I realized I had never seen him look like this before, he looked so….vulnerable.
Of course Damian took advantage of that, poking fun at him, insulting him, and mocking everything Neo did. It got to the point where Neo looked like he might explode and didn't even think twice as he ran over to Damian and punched him right in the nose. Guards had to separate them and sent them straight back to their rooms instead of finishing the rest of the training day. Luckily Neo hadn't broken Damian's nose but did hit him hard enough, he covered his face as blood dripped from it down his mouth and neck. I made sure to scold Neo the next time I saw him.
Then finally came the day when we had private sessions with the Gamemakers, who had sat on the sidelines watching us as we trained. Basically this was the time was could display our talents and they would rate us based on how well they thought we did. We sat at the same table we usually did at lunch time. I was too nervous to eat anything. I was afraid I might puke in front of the Gamemakers and get a bad score. There was not much joking among us today, instead we talked about what we might do for the Gamemakers or discussed what advice our mentors had given us that day.
"The first few minutes after the gong rings, is a blood bath," Haymitch had told Cosmo and me that morning at breakfast, "If you're smart, you'll head for the trees while the others are too busy killing each other for the items at the Cornucopia."
Neo and I made sure to drill this fact into Ajax's head. He was not, under any circumstances, allowed to head for the Cornucopia. The second the gong rung and it was safe to step of the mental plate, he was to run for the woods (if there even were going to be a forest in the arena this year) find a big tree and hid in it until one of us got him. If there wasn't any trees or foliage in the arena then he was suppose to run as far away from the Cornucopia as was possible.
"I'm going to blow the Gamemakers minds with my wicked sword fighting skills! Just blow their minds," Ajax said smugly, a tone I noticed he got from his brother. Ajax seemed to be the only one who was actually eager for private sessions.
We sat waiting for our turn with the Gamemakers watching as each separate Tribute left for their private time in the gymnasium. The wait seemed to go on forever, which didn't seem to help the butterflies in my stomach. Sense there was 29 tributes this year. The floors 1-5 had three tributes instead of two like the rest of us. I didn't know why there was such an over flow of Tributes this year, maybe the rebels were hoping we'd kill each other off so then they wouldn't have too.
Neo had decided he'd spend his private session throwing spears and his favorite, the trident, at targets and dummies for the Gamemakers. Maybe even swing a sword or too. As he said this there was no smugness in his voice, no confidence in his mood as the normal Neo I knew believed he could do anything. He sounded hollow.
Flutter and even little Lystra Craft were sitting with us today. Flutter wasn't talking much but listened as Ajax bragged about how he had taught himself how to handle a sword. She didn't seem annoyed or bored by him, like I normally was when he started talking and would never stop, but I'd suffer through it just so I wouldn't upset him. But no, she listened and every once in awhile she'd ask a question. Lystra twirled a blonde lock of her curly hair between her fingers nervously. I asked her if she was okay but she just waved me off and went back to playing with her hair, until it was her turn to show the judges what she could do. She shoots me a worried look but I encourage her to go on and not to keep them waiting. She reluctantly nodded and hurried off.
My heart pounded as Tributes leave for their private time and don't return afterwards, we were instructed to head back to our rooms after the session was over. Before I know it Cosmo is called and he disappears through the doors and heads for the gym. I can't help but feel nervous for him, what if he chickens out and just stands there? What if he's too scared to do anything? I pray I he doesn't choke up. I don't know why I care what happens when I barely know this boy and he's already betrayed me for Damian.
Minutes pass and then they call me. I stand up from my table. Neo gives my shoulder a comforting squeeze while Ajax smiles giving me two thumps up. I took a deep breath then headed for the gym. The second I walked in I saw the Gamemakers sitting on the stands that line the walls. Their all Rebels from what I can tell. I notice one opens a notebook to a clean page, ready to take notes on me. The others talk quietly amongst themselves.
I head straight for a rack of weapons and find a few small throwing knives and daggers. Then silently walked over to where a few targets are set up and began doing my thing. The first few tries weren't great. I didn't hit the center but two struck the outer red circle of the target and one a little closer to the middle but still too far from the center. My hands were quivering and my breathing had picked up.
Calm down Hana, calm down, I think to myself and I try to clear my head. Have a goal in mind and when times are hard, remember that and it will keep you going, have faith and stay strong, Lurex's words replay over and over in my mind. I think of Ajax and the knot in my stomach settles. I'm doing this for him, I can't let him down. And I can't risk getting a bad score either, if I want any chance at all in a Sponsor then I have to try.
I try throwing the blade again, sending it somersaulting threw the air and watching in amazement as it hit the bulls eye. I jump and squeal for joy but quickly stop when I hear some laughter from the stands as the judges are amused at the sight me waving my arms wildly and squealing like a little girl. I retrieve my knives, color flowing to my cheeks as I do.
I throw another knife at a different target this time, it's shaped like a human silhouette. It hit the center of the forehead, right between where the eyes would be, and then send another piercing the place where the heart would have been. I glance at the Judges who are either stuffing their faces or whispering to each other.
I look around and find a dummy, perfect. I don't want to bore the judges so I decided to spice things up a bit. I've only ever done this a few times back home."I bet you can't throw three darts at the same time!" Athanasia once said to me in that high pinched whining tone she did when she was annoyed by something. In this case it was me beating her at a simple game of darts. I smiled, reliving the memory in my head as I proved her wrong.
I selected three knives, each with a thin razor sharp blade. Then arranged them between the fingers of my left hand, like I was pretending they were claws growing from my knuckles. Then slowly raised my arm and sent them sailing across the room toward the dummy. They all hissed through the air as they hit the dummy making it wobble as it was struck. Two blades hit the chest, one hit embedded itself in its head.
I continued like this, trying to find more challenging things to hit like a small stain on the wall, a plate being thrown in the air, or a light fixture over head. I tried to find more ways to show off in front of the judges until I was later dismissed. I felt like I had done my best but wondered, was it good enough?
I wasn't able to meet up with Neo or Ajax to ask how it went with them and when I tried knocking on Cosmo's door there was no answer, so I gave up and went back to my room. I curled up on my bed and tried shutting my eyes in hopes of taking a nap. I heard a faint knocking at my door, it was Lurex coming to get me for dinner. I was pleased to find her and Elisavet had decided to stay for dinner this time.
They both eagerly asked Cosmo and me how the private sessions had gone. I told them about my knife throwing. They praised me but I wasn't in the mood to hear their encouragement.
"What about you Cosmo?" Elisavet asked.
I didn't think he'd answer but surprisingly he lifted his head and said, "I just tied a few knots and made a few traps to show them," he shrugged and went back to eating. She patted his back and praised him as well, but that was all the talking she was able to get out of him. He still refused to even acknowledge my presence.
We had finished dinner and decided to go into the sitting room where we'd watch the recaps of the games. I curled up into a plush chair. Lurex turned on the TV then came to sit at my feet. We waited for the scores to be announced but apparently we had finished dinner a little early because they were still showing the family interviews.
Clips of the Tributes families and friends flashed on screen. But none of them were my parents. I watched as more people appeared on screen, I sat waiting to hear my mother's soothing voice or see my father's smile. But I knew my eagerness was in vain. Marios Stone came on screen next, I wondered if Neo had seem this or if he even cared that his father was alright. His hair was matted and rumbled, like he had just gotten out of bed. Dark shadows hung under his sleepy dark green eyes and he looked like he hadn't shaved in weeks. Neo had told me bitterly one time that his father was a ruthless drunk. Mr. Stone rambled on and on about his children's upbringing, half the things I knew he must have made up sense he left his family right after Ajax was born. But what got me mad was when he said, "I'm proud of my boys!" when the interviewer asked how he felt about them being a part of the games. He should be horrified by the fact that they might not even make it out alive and be dead within a few days time.
His interview end and was followed by a girl, something was familiar about her. She had blonde hair that hung past hair shoulders, pale skin and sad pale blue eyes, and her cheeks were dotted with like golden hearts, almost like freckles. Athanasia, I realized as my heart seemed to skip a few beats. I almost didn't recognize her without her rainbow hair and soft pink skin. The interviewer asked her questions and she gladly told them about growing up with me, Neo and Ajax. I barely heard her words though. She was alive! I couldn't believe what I was seeing! And how did they find her for the interview?
"Is something wrong?" Lurex looked up at me. I must have said something out loud without even realizing it.
"That's my friend!" was all I was able to get out.
Her image faded away and I was sad to see her go, but at least I didn't have to worry about her anymore. Haymitch muttered, "Finally," as the scores were being announced in order of the district we had been assigned too. Pictures of the tributes came on and under them flashed their score, a number between one and twelve. Lystra Craft had scored a four, that giant that had joined Damian had scored a terrifying eleven (and yes, it now confirmed that his name was indeed Angelos) I wonder what he did to score that high. Aric and Arissa had both managed to get a seven. Cosmo's picture came on screen next with the number seven flashing under his name.
"Seven?" Cosmo said surprised.
"You deserve it, must have really wowed the judges!" Elisavet said.
"Must be a bunch of softies this year," Haymitch rudely blurted out. Elisavet shot him a glare like daggers piercing his heart. Haymitch just ignored her.
I started biting my nails as my photo pops up next and the eight flashing below it. Eight? Eight! I let out air I hadn't noticed I had been holding and smile proud, eight that was wonderful! Wasn't it?
"That's above average, more then what I expect from you guys," Haymitch smiles and I don't know whether to take that as a compliment or feel angry with him. "I'm impressed," he added.
Lurex is telling me something, probably about the upcoming interviews or congratulating me and my score, I simply nod but don't pay her much attention. Instead I keep my eyes glued to the screen to finish watching the rest of the Tribute scores be announced. Ajax scored a four, I can't help but feel bad after he had been so eager and had so much faith in himself. Flutter got a five, followed by that the boy in the career pack with the green skin, whose name was Koios, had scored an eight as well. That tiny girl Cosmo seemed to admire, Angeliki, scored a ten. Again I couldn't help but wonder how she had done it. And finally Neo and Damian had both tied with the same score of ten. That seemed to be the end of the Tributes scores, the anthem played and the image of the Mockingjay flashed on screen. Haymitch stood and turned the TV off, "Tomorrow is interviews, I suggest you both get some sleep. You'll need it sense you'll be spending four hours with me tomorrow to help you two seem appealing to the crowd," he seemed to dread the idea as much as I did, "and also four hours with an instructor to help you on presentation," he said, then stocked out of the room.
"I have to go finish the arrangements for your dress!" Lurex cried and gave me a hug before quickly running off as well. Elisavet turned to follow her. Which left Cosmo and me alone.
"You did great!" I said trying to sound happy for him.
"Thanks" he still wasn't looking at me but headed for the door and shut it behind him. Tomorrow was going to be a long day.

Description
"How was training?" Haymitch asked when he arrived at dinner that day fifteen minutes late. He picked up a plate from the buffet table and served himself. When he was done he went over to a metal bucket filled with ice that usually held bottles of wine to keep them cool but today it was empty. He looked at the bucket puzzled, and then started clawing through the ice as if a bottle might be hiding from him. When he realized that there was absolutely no liquor in there he started looking around the table if he missed something.
"Training was great actually," I folded my arms and leaned back in my chair. He didn't seem to hear me or at least didn't acknowledge that he did. Instead he just continued wildly searching the table. "I asked a lot of questions just like you told me too. I got a lot of helpful tips, especially one stating that it's best to keep you sober."
Haymitch stopped what he was doing and looked up at me, "Sober?" His face darkened in color and he said the word like it was a harmful disease that he might die from. Lurex tried her best to stifle a laugh. Lurex and Elisasvet had decided to join us for dinner, which I was glad for.  Haymitch strode over to the table and sat down, pushing his plate aside and leaning forward to rest his elbow on the table and chin in his hand.
"I made sure to inform the staff not to serve anymore alcoholic beverages to this floor," I added and returned his glare.
"And tell me, who exactly told you this?" His fingers started drumming along the table impatiently.
"Both of your old tributes suggested it."
He scowled, "I'm an adult, and I can do what pleases me."
"You don't act like one," I replied. Which earned me an annoyed grunt from him. "Maybe if you decide to help us I'll give you what you want most right now," I reached under my chair and carefully lifted a glass full of white liquor. A few drops of it spilled of the floor and Haymitch's eyes lit up at the sight of the glass in my hands.
"I don't appreciate being blackmailed."
Cosmo, Lurex, and Elisavet were silent during this, they all stared as Haymitch and I argued back and forth. "I wouldn't call it that, it's more of a simple trade. If you give me what I want, I'll give you what you want," my fingers lightly tracing the rim of the glass. "Or I could just drink it if you aren't up for it," I said but regretted it almost immediately. I'd never had a drink before and I wasn't going to start now. But if he really did want the glass that badly he'd stop me before I could actually get it down. Slowly I lifted the glass to my lips.
"Fine, you win," He held his hand out for the cup and I gladly passed it to him. A few drops how managed to make it down my throat, which burned and I struggled to keep a straight face.  I don't know how he managed to drink that stuff by the galloon.
He scowled but took a long swig from the glass, draining half of it. Then he set it down and went to his food, angrily cutting into a piece of meat. He wasn't happy with me, but then again was he ever? Sense I met him he did nothing but glare at me.
"What about the other stuff I told you to do?" He finally said after a long pause.
"I'm good at throwing knives!" I explained, I couldn't hide my excitement for long. And why I was happy I had finally found a way to possibly hurt people, I don't know. It wasn't something to be happy about, but for some reason it gave me a little hope that I wasn't useless after all and I could defend myself and Ajax if the moment came up.
"And I can use a sword if it's absolutely necessary. I'm not great but I can at least block a few hits," I continued, "And from what I observed, Cosmo is pretty good with snares and traps," I gave him a sideways glance and smiled.
"The trainer was pretty impressed," Cosmo said shyly.
"I'm proud of you Cosmo!" Elisavet beamed at him, which only seemed to make him blush.
"More than I expected from both of you," Haymitch still was mad but he looked a little surprised by the progress we had made. "But it's only the first day. You two still have more training to undergo and then private sessions."
"But they're doing so well already!" Lurex also sounded proud of us.
"You two," he gestured to both the stylists, "Just got into this business, I've been doing it for years. They're barely scratching the surface of well at this point."
"Don't be so hard on them, this all must still be a shock," Lurex tried to protest.
"Just because they seem good now doesn't mean they'll be the same in the arena," Haymitch's voice had a strong tone of finality, Lurex didn't protest any further. Instead she pouted and went back to eating.
"There's still other things you need to consider like strategies for the arena, what to show for the Gamemakers, Sponsors, allies_"
"I got us some allies," Cosmo interrupted at the same time I was about to open my mouth and say the same. I was a little shocked that he spoke up so quickly and he looked proud at what he accomplished.
"Oh really?" Haymitch sounded skeptical, "Who?"
"Damian Stanton," he said.
My stomach tightened up and I thought I might be sick. The nightmare of last night started to replay in my head. Ajax screaming in the distance, Neo lying dead in a pool of his own blood, me struggling against invisible forces holding me down, then Damian coming to finish me off. This couldn't be happening.
"Damian Stanton," Haymitch echo and scratched his chin trying to remember something. "Blue haired boy, right? And he wants you as an ally?" Haymitch asked sounding a little impressed, Cosmo nodded.
"There are others too, with him," Cosmo added and began saying the names of a few others who had joined the alliance with him. I recognized some but my mind was on others things. Panic rose in my chest, it felt like I might run out of air. Everyone else was talking about the games and considering Damian as a good ally.
"NO!" I cried so loud everyone else fell silent.
"What's wrong?" Elisavet asked from across the table.
"You can't have Damian as an ally."
"Why is that?" Haymitch asked annoyed, "There's very few Tributes I've seen from Capitol that actually look like they stand a chance, he seems like_"
"He's a jerk!" I blurted out, "He hates my guts! He would love nothing more than to kill me himself with his own bare hands!" I turned to Cosmo, "He's just using you, Cosmo, don't trust him. I know him, he'll slaughter us in our sleep the first chance he gets."
"Maybe you should decline the offer," Lurex said after seeing how worked up I was.
"No! This year is different but something's never change. In this case Damian and his group are the Careers. I feel there's a better chance of survival if I hang with them, the Careers always last the longest," Cosmo protested.
"But Cosmo," I pleaded, "what will happen when it's just the Careers? He's going to kill you the second he_"
"Not if I get him first!" Cosmo cut me off. His voice shook and fear was written all over his face and hidden deep in his brown eyes. His hands were clenched into fists under the table, but I could see them shake slightly. He was scared, terrified, and his thought this was his only chance.
"We seem to be at a disagreement here," Haymitch looked amused.
"I've also got allies," I said directing my words to Cosmo that maybe he might change his mind "Their Neo and Ajax stone."
"Ajax, the seven year old?" Haymitch asked.
"Of course, I'll do whatever it takes to protect him."
"And Neo? Him I can see as having a good chance in the arena." I turned to Cosmo pleading with my eyes. See? You stand just as good a chance with us too, I wanted to say.
"You can stay with them then, but I'm staying with the Careers," Cosmo stated.
"Cosmo, I know you're scared but please…" I barely knew this boy, but I had the strong urge to keep him miles away from Damian. He was my partner after all, didn't that mean anything? Weren't we supposed to stick together?
"I'm sorry Aradhana," He didn't look at me, or anyone else. But stood up and stocked out of the room.
"He's using you!" called after him but he had his head down and kept walking. Elisavet excused her herself as well and tried her best to run after him, even though she was in five inch heels and tripped about three times. I held my breath hoping she wouldn't twist an ankle.
The rest of dinner felt quite awkward to me. No one else bothered to talk and silently ate and then retired to bed shortly after.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The next few days passed and were definitely the most stressful days of my entire life, and I wasn't even in the arena yet. Meal times I dreaded, Cosmo never spoke unless it was to excuse himself and he never made eye contact with me. Lurex and Elisavet only showed up for breakfast but ate in a hurry then quickly ran off again, claiming it was to finish something "top secret." Lunch time was somewhat less stressful sense lunch was held in one room with all the Tributes. I sat with Neo and Ajax at a table in the far corner, sometimes Lystra Craft or Flutter would join us. Up close I noticed she had tiny butterflies framing her eyes and trailing down both arms.
Neo seemed to try extra hard to get a smile out of me, cracking jokes, or even telling stories from when we were younger. Ajax would join right in and I surprised myself by laughing at almost everything they said, it never lasted long though. Sometimes I couldn't help myself from looking over at the other tables.
I didn't like the idea of Cosmo hanging around Damian and his crowd, or what he referred to as the Careers.  Which was made up of only a few other tributes that I barely knew. There was a boy who stood over six feet tall, with golden skin and short cropped honey colored hair, I think his name was Angelos but he was too intimidating  to actually ask him if that was right. Then there were the twins, Aric and Arissa, who were both seventeen and also went to our school. I never talked with them much, maybe because they were Damian's friends. They both had red hair, green eyes, and fair skin, but the one thing that stuck out to me was the tattoos on their hands. Aric's left hand had the Chinese symbol for yin, while Arissa had yang. I barely recognized Aric, his hair normally was perfectly styled but today it fell in his face, like he didn't care to even bother with it. Arissa's long hair flowed past her shoulders with golden streaks running though it, and she had piercings running up and down each ear. Currently she was flirting with Damian, which wasn't a surprise sense she seemed to flirt with any guy within a five mile radius. But Damian flirted right back.
In between them sat a boy, probably around fifteen or sixteen, he looked totally miserable. I didn't know his name, but his skin was a lit mint green, and his hair hung a little past his ears and was black with a bit of a blue shine in the light. Then finally there was girl with rosy cheeks, pixie cut brown hair, big blue eyes, tan skin, and she was trying to have a conversation with Cosmo, who was blushing slightly and trying to hid the fact that his hand were trembling. She was tiny and looked like the kinda of girl who liked beautifies and cuddling with kittens. I couldn't imagine why Damian had her in the Careers group. I couldn't even think why Damian wanted Cosmo, maybe he knew it annoyed me.
I tried directing my attention back to the conversation my table was having, currently Neo was complaining about his mentor, "….and I don't even think she likes me much, I mean what's not to like?"
"Well…" I started, Neo turned to glare at me before I could continue.
"You do come off us arrogant sometimes," Flutter admitted.
"That's just an act, you know, to throw them off the trail," he said like he was a genius or something.
"What trail?" I asked.
"The trail that leads to my darkest secrets, inner desires, and true feelings that are buried deep down," Neo said.
"What's buried deep down is a little girl begging to come out!" Ajax giggled to himself, which started the whole table in fits of laughter, except Neo, who just smirked at his brother and playfully punched him lightly on the shoulder.
"Who's your mentor anyway?" I asked curiously.
"Johanna Mason, she hasn't given me much to work with, it always turns into arguing between us. But she did tell me ten different ways to kill someone with a stick and two rocks. My partner isn't much help either; I think she's just too scared to really do anything."
"Your mentor knows ten ways to kill someone with a stick and two rocks?" Flutter asked astonished. Neo just shrugged.
I spent the rest of the time taking mental notes on every station, trying to soak up any piece of survival information I might need. I listened carefully to everything Haymitch shared, sense he was now cooperating so I wouldn't threaten to take away the liquor again. I made sure to pass the advice along to my friends. I practiced throwing my knives as much as possible, not satisfied until I got a direct bulls eye, even then I still didn't quit. Neo finally caught on that I wasn't in the mood for jokes at that time and held his tongue, except at lunch, and even helped correct me if I did something wrong. Like at the rope station I felt like strangling someone just because I couldn't tie a simple snare. Neo calmly sat down next to me, took my hands in his and guided them as I tried again, and finally was able to figure it out.
As the days went by and the hours passed my panic level seemed to sky rocket. Realization kicked in, I was going to be in the arena soon. I panicked and seemed to get mad at everything. I snapped at Ajax for fooling around with some knives, he stared at me with such hurt in his eyes. I had never yelled at him like that before, never said a hateful thing until then. I tried apologizing driving myself to tears. Neo tried reassuring me that Ajax understood that I was just tense and he wasn't mad at me just surprised. I couldn't help it though, I felt like a nervous wreck and most of the trainers didn't seem to appreciate that I'd snap at them every once in awhile, but not too surprised, others Tributes started to freak out as well. We were like fish out of water, just weren't prepared for something like this.
Neo was the only one who was patient with me, he'd comfort me, wouldn't talk back if I yelled at him (though sometimes I could tell he really wanted too) and held me while a silently sobbed. I had never cried in front of him before, he seemed a little shocked the first time I burst into tears. At first he just stood there staring at me weirdly then awkwardly rubbing my back. Ajax pushed him aside, hugged me and tried to make me laugh. He gave his older brother a look like; this is how it's done. But after what seemed like the hundredth time Neo seemed use to it and knew just what to do. I couldn't believe how stable he was through all this and how easily it seemed for him not to panic, but I know he was hiding what he felt, just like he always did when he was embarrassed to show it. I looked up at him, he had his arms around me but it was like I wasn't even there. He just stared absent mindedly at the far wall. I could see the horror in his eyes as he too realized just what we were in for. And I realized I had never seen him look like this before, he looked so….vulnerable.
Of course Damian took advantage of that, poking fun at him, insulting him, and mocking everything Neo did. It got to the point where Neo looked like he might explode and didn't even think twice as he ran over to Damian and punched him right in the nose. Guards had to separate them and sent them straight back to their rooms instead of finishing the rest of the training day. Luckily Neo hadn't broken Damian's nose but did hit him hard enough, he covered his face as blood dripped from it down his mouth and neck. I made sure to scold Neo the next time I saw him.
Then finally came the day when we had private sessions with the Gamemakers, who had sat on the sidelines watching us as we trained. Basically this was the time was could display our talents and they would rate us based on how well they thought we did. We sat at the same table we usually did at lunch time. I was too nervous to eat anything. I was afraid I might puke in front of the Gamemakers and get a bad score. There was not much joking among us today, instead we talked about what we might do for the Gamemakers or discussed what advice our mentors had given us that day.
"The first few minutes after the gong rings, is a blood bath," Haymitch had told Cosmo and me that morning at breakfast, "If you're smart, you'll head for the trees while the others are too busy killing each other for the items at the Cornucopia."
Neo and I made sure to drill this fact into Ajax's head. He was not, under any circumstances, allowed to head for the Cornucopia. The second the gong rung and it was safe to step of the mental plate, he was to run for the woods (if there even were going to be a forest in the arena this year) find a big tree and hid in it until one of us got him. If there wasn't any trees or foliage in the arena then he was suppose to run as far away from the Cornucopia as was possible.
"I'm going to blow the Gamemakers minds with my wicked sword fighting skills! Just blow their minds," Ajax said smugly, a tone I noticed he got from his brother. Ajax seemed to be the only one who was actually eager for private sessions.
We sat waiting for our turn with the Gamemakers watching as each separate Tribute left for their private time in the gymnasium. The wait seemed to go on forever, which didn't seem to help the butterflies in my stomach. Sense there was 29 tributes this year. The floors 1-5 had three tributes instead of two like the rest of us. I didn't know why there was such an over flow of Tributes this year, maybe the rebels were hoping we'd kill each other off so then they wouldn't have too.
Neo had decided he'd spend his private session throwing spears and his favorite, the trident, at targets and dummies for the Gamemakers. Maybe even swing a sword or too. As he said this there was no smugness in his voice, no confidence in his mood as the normal Neo I knew believed he could do anything. He sounded hollow.
Flutter and even little Lystra Craft were sitting with us today. Flutter wasn't talking much but listened as Ajax bragged about how he had taught himself how to handle a sword. She didn't seem annoyed or bored by him, like I normally was when he started talking and would never stop, but I'd suffer through it just so I wouldn't upset him. But no, she listened and every once in awhile she'd ask a question. Lystra twirled a blonde lock of her curly hair between her fingers nervously. I asked her if she was okay but she just waved me off and went back to playing with her hair, until it was her turn to show the judges what she could do. She shoots me a worried look but I encourage her to go on and not to keep them waiting. She reluctantly nodded and hurried off.
My heart pounded as Tributes leave for their private time and don't return afterwards, we were instructed to head back to our rooms after the session was over. Before I know it Cosmo is called and he disappears through the doors and heads for the gym. I can't help but feel nervous for him, what if he chickens out and just stands there? What if he's too scared to do anything? I pray I he doesn't choke up. I don't know why I care what happens when I barely know this boy and he's already betrayed me for Damian.
Minutes pass and then they call me. I stand up from my table. Neo gives my shoulder a comforting squeeze while Ajax smiles giving me two thumps up. I took a deep breath then headed for the gym. The second I walked in I saw the Gamemakers sitting on the stands that line the walls. Their all Rebels from what I can tell. I notice one opens a notebook to a clean page, ready to take notes on me. The others talk quietly amongst themselves.
I head straight for a rack of weapons and find a few small throwing knives and daggers. Then silently walked over to where a few targets are set up and began doing my thing. The first few tries weren't great. I didn't hit the center but two struck the outer red circle of the target and one a little closer to the middle but still too far from the center. My hands were quivering and my breathing had picked up.
Calm down Hana, calm down, I think to myself and I try to clear my head. Have a goal in mind and when times are hard, remember that and it will keep you going, have faith and stay strong, Lurex's words replay over and over in my mind. I think of Ajax and the knot in my stomach settles. I'm doing this for him, I can't let him down. And I can't risk getting a bad score either, if I want any chance at all in a Sponsor then I have to try.
I try throwing the blade again, sending it somersaulting threw the air and watching in amazement as it hit the bulls eye. I jump and squeal for joy but quickly stop when I hear some laughter from the stands as the judges are amused at the sight me waving my arms wildly and squealing like a little girl. I retrieve my knives, color flowing to my cheeks as I do.
I throw another knife at a different target this time, it's shaped like a human silhouette. It hit the center of the forehead, right between where the eyes would be, and then send another piercing the place where the heart would have been. I glance at the Judges who are either stuffing their faces or whispering to each other.
I look around and find a dummy, perfect. I don't want to bore the judges so I decided to spice things up a bit. I've only ever done this a few times back home."I bet you can't throw three darts at the same time!" Athanasia once said to me in that high pinched whining tone she did when she was annoyed by something. In this case it was me beating her at a simple game of darts. I smiled, reliving the memory in my head as I proved her wrong.
I selected three knives, each with a thin razor sharp blade. Then arranged them between the fingers of my left hand, like I was pretending they were claws growing from my knuckles. Then slowly raised my arm and sent them sailing across the room toward the dummy. They all hissed through the air as they hit the dummy making it wobble as it was struck. Two blades hit the chest, one hit embedded itself in its head.
I continued like this, trying to find more challenging things to hit like a small stain on the wall, a plate being thrown in the air, or a light fixture over head. I tried to find more ways to show off in front of the judges until I was later dismissed. I felt like I had done my best but wondered, was it good enough?
I wasn't able to meet up with Neo or Ajax to ask how it went with them and when I tried knocking on Cosmo's door there was no answer, so I gave up and went back to my room. I curled up on my bed and tried shutting my eyes in hopes of taking a nap. I heard a faint knocking at my door, it was Lurex coming to get me for dinner. I was pleased to find her and Elisavet had decided to stay for dinner this time.
They both eagerly asked Cosmo and me how the private sessions had gone. I told them about my knife throwing. They praised me but I wasn't in the mood to hear their encouragement.
"What about you Cosmo?" Elisavet asked.
I didn't think he'd answer but surprisingly he lifted his head and said, "I just tied a few knots and made a few traps to show them," he shrugged and went back to eating. She patted his back and praised him as well, but that was all the talking she was able to get out of him. He still refused to even acknowledge my presence.
We had finished dinner and decided to go into the sitting room where we'd watch the recaps of the games. I curled up into a plush chair. Lurex turned on the TV then came to sit at my feet. We waited for the scores to be announced but apparently we had finished dinner a little early because they were still showing the family interviews.
Clips of the Tributes families and friends flashed on screen. But none of them were my parents. I watched as more people appeared on screen, I sat waiting to hear my mother's soothing voice or see my father's smile. But I knew my eagerness was in vain. Marios Stone came on screen next, I wondered if Neo had seem this or if he even cared that his father was alright. His hair was matted and rumbled, like he had just gotten out of bed. Dark shadows hung under his sleepy dark green eyes and he looked like he hadn't shaved in weeks. Neo had told me bitterly one time that his father was a ruthless drunk. Mr. Stone rambled on and on about his children's upbringing, half the things I knew he must have made up sense he left his family right after Ajax was born. But what got me mad was when he said, "I'm proud of my boys!" when the interviewer asked how he felt about them being a part of the games. He should be horrified by the fact that they might not even make it out alive and be dead within a few days time.
His interview end and was followed by a girl, something was familiar about her. She had blonde hair that hung past hair shoulders, pale skin and sad pale blue eyes, and her cheeks were dotted with like golden hearts, almost like freckles. Athanasia, I realized as my heart seemed to skip a few beats. I almost didn't recognize her without her rainbow hair and soft pink skin. The interviewer asked her questions and she gladly told them about growing up with me, Neo and Ajax. I barely heard her words though. She was alive! I couldn't believe what I was seeing! And how did they find her for the interview?
"Is something wrong?" Lurex looked up at me. I must have said something out loud without even realizing it.
"That's my friend!" was all I was able to get out.
Her image faded away and I was sad to see her go, but at least I didn't have to worry about her anymore. Haymitch muttered, "Finally," as the scores were being announced in order of the district we had been assigned too. Pictures of the tributes came on and under them flashed their score, a number between one and twelve. Lystra Craft had scored a four, that giant that had joined Damian had scored a terrifying eleven (and yes, it now confirmed that his name was indeed Angelos) I wonder what he did to score that high. Aric and Arissa had both managed to get a seven. Cosmo's picture came on screen next with the number seven flashing under his name.
"Seven?" Cosmo said surprised.
"You deserve it, must have really wowed the judges!" Elisavet said.
"Must be a bunch of softies this year," Haymitch rudely blurted out. Elisavet shot him a glare like daggers piercing his heart. Haymitch just ignored her.
I started biting my nails as my photo pops up next and the eight flashing below it. Eight? Eight! I let out air I hadn't noticed I had been holding and smile proud, eight that was wonderful! Wasn't it?
"That's above average, more then what I expect from you guys," Haymitch smiles and I don't know whether to take that as a compliment or feel angry with him. "I'm impressed," he added.
Lurex is telling me something, probably about the upcoming interviews or congratulating me and my score, I simply nod but don't pay her much attention. Instead I keep my eyes glued to the screen to finish watching the rest of the Tribute scores be announced. Ajax scored a four, I can't help but feel bad after he had been so eager and had so much faith in himself. Flutter got a five, followed by that the boy in the career pack with the green skin, whose name was Koios, had scored an eight as well. That tiny girl Cosmo seemed to admire, Angeliki, scored a ten. Again I couldn't help but wonder how she had done it. And finally Neo and Damian had both tied with the same score of ten. That seemed to be the end of the Tributes scores, the anthem played and the image of the Mockingjay flashed on screen. Haymitch stood and turned the TV off, "Tomorrow is interviews, I suggest you both get some sleep. You'll need it sense you'll be spending four hours with me tomorrow to help you two seem appealing to the crowd," he seemed to dread the idea as much as I did, "and also four hours with an instructor to help you on presentation," he said, then stocked out of the room.
"I have to go finish the arrangements for your dress!" Lurex cried and gave me a hug before quickly running off as well. Elisavet turned to follow her. Which left Cosmo and me alone.
"You did great!" I said trying to sound happy for him.
"Thanks" he still wasn't looking at me but headed for the door and shut it behind him. Tomorrow was going to be a long day.