I Never Asked For This

Extra Help ♢ Training Day 1 ♢ Majesty & Arion

thefirstcareer

"You think they’d listen to me? I’ve tried my hardest to change the mindsets in that damn academy and they just don’t listen. They all see me as some girl who talks about gardening and herbs all the time. They forget that most of them have never known the feeling you get when you become a murderer. They don’t know how it feels to be hungry or fear for their life. To tell the truth they’re just as pampered as some rich child coming into the academy for the first time. And they yell at y'all for being lazy and weak, I’m sure the smallest tributes in my Games could’ve torn any of those teachers. They all still wish they were picked by the committee instead of some teacher.”

I quietly laugh off my rant and shrug my shoulders. “Excuse my language, but honestly, they all don’t listen. Trainees and trainers. Then they ask every year how District 2’s careers out beat us or how some outlier took the crown from everybody. They don’t listen. Such a shame.”

Knowing Arion would choose to learn aim downstairs made teaching him about herbs easier. Hopefully, this year they have a trainer to help the tributes with their aim because learning it on his own may take longer than he has.

“Don’t worry about waste, Arion, I have enough money to waste, better to use it on something useful instead of makeup and hair products. Well, I wouldn’t say that stuff is useless dealing with the Capitol crowd every day but I’m bullseyes can be helpful and fun. That’s how my father taught me aim years ago. Thought it was useless then besides the fact that I was earning money from winning, turned out to be an actual lifesaver.”

I felt a little happy with Arion’s knowledge of nightlock, finally somebody who listened in my classes. Still, nightlock is usually more interesting to students than learning about more helpful herbs because it could be used to kill. Even putting nightlock juice on an arrow could make an arm shot fatal. Yet nightlock doesn’t have the power of making people hallucinate, which belladonna, or nightshade, does. People usually ignore the similar berry, but making a tribute hallucinate before dying is much more powerful then sudden death, and much more dangerous for any allies dealing with it.

“Alright then, that’s an easy question. This is a harder one. What is a Belladonna? What does it do?”

I sat quietly listening to Majesty go off about the inner workings of the academy. Or rather, the negligence of the academy to think outside the box. One had a fair amount of Victors and some of them worked as trainers across the District, or at least stopped in as a "guest speaker." But for the most part, the bulk of the trainers had never stepped foot in the Capitol, let alone were considered by the committee as a tribute to be. At least that's what I've heard. Honestly I never really paid much attention to any of them beyond their role as a teacher.

Majesty aside there's maybe one, two I actually enjoyed learning under. Isodice was the first one who recognized I showed potential for dual wielding weaponry and was willing to work with me on perfecting the style, and Madden would let me stay past the academy's hours of operation to keep working on the track. Something's telling me he knew what my situation was like at home and was willing to turn a blind eye when he saw me taking another lap, giving me the silent, "Just don't get caught." look before he left for the night.

"S'alright. Why don't you just, you know, do it without them knowing, giving tips regarding diet that is? Tell 'em it'll help future tributes in the Arena, bring more fame and glory to One. They'll probably eat that crap up." I said with a roll of my eyes.

Despite the sarcasm I did wish I was going into this with a little more foresight. I overheard one Victor who stopped by the academy say there was usually a small library in the training center. If there was I made a mental note to stop by and see if I can dig up anything.

I forced air through my nose and reclined back in my seat as I mulled over the properties of Belladona. The prefix "bella" made me assume it was appealing the to eye, maybe meant to mislead someone who finds it? But that can be too obvious and an easy conclusion to jump to. You couldn't go on names alone, or appearances.

"It's...a plant, I can tell you that much." I mused aloud, "And it's...poisonous?"

Extra Help ♢ Training Day 1 ♢ Majesty & Arion

thefirstcareer

“I guess you can see waking up early as practice for the Arena. Still you should get as much sleep as you can. Don’t want to be tired during the Games. Just imagine that.” I chuckled a bit, mainly to not think about what I said too much, Overworking the poor tribute-to-be. I’ve never seen that happened before to tributes and I’d hate for him to be the first.

“Just make sure to get some good rest the day before, okay? Also remember to eat and drink as much as you can, wouldn’t want to be hungry or thirsty before the Games. Unless you want to practice surviving without much, since you’re use to such luxuries. It might help when you’re in the Games. One of the key things the Career Training doesn’t teach you is how to survive without much food and drink. I’m sure it’s the biggest killer of District 1 tributes. We’re not taught to “survive”, we’re taught to win.”

I realized how true that was years ago. Nobody would ever teach careers how to survive without no food, parents would see it as going “too far” unless they were as infatuated with the games as most career tributes were.

I didn’t know what we could use for ranged training and bagels were of course not going to help (Ancora would’ve probably scolded us too) so I thought about buying a bullseye board.

“Well then, maybe you can ask one of the instructors’ downstairs about ranged attacks then. Unless I can find a bullseye board somewhere. If I can’t I’ll buy one. Us mentors can leave and go to some of the stores outside of here to find sponsors and other things. But, for now we can learn about herbs.”

I walk over to the living room and take the Herb textbook from the couch then walk back to the table.

“So, why don’t we start with Nightlock. What do you know already?”

"Maybe that's something new you can introduce back at the Academy, how to survive rather than win." I said with an air of sarcasm. Or at least, what I intended to be. The best way to survive the Games was to not volunteer at all, but given how deep our District was in the craze I think there was a better chance in me getting outta' this alive than One taking to a more Outlier mentality.

There were a handful of tips we were given how to maintain and not grab the first thing we could find to eat. Protein was a tributes best friend, something I'm sure half the other kids here didn't realize when they walk into a room with anything they could possibly want and blindly stuffed their faces. Most of this we learned in courses on how to hunt and appropriately cook our keep, but other than that, as Majesty stated, kids from One were used to "luxuries."

Even then, just because you find something "edible" in the Arena doesn't mean it's safe. I think just as many Careers have kicked it as Outlier because they mistaken something poisonous to be safe, all the more reason I wanted to focus on plants and poisons.

Assuming the Arena would even have natural terrain to survive off.

"You don't have to go crazy or anything. I'll just use whatever I can downstairs." I said holding back a slight yawn. I appreciated she was willing to buy something to help me out, but it seemed a little wasteful given everything was available downstairs.

"That's it's one of the most frequent natural killers in the Arena." I scoffed. Whether it was found in the Arena or provided by a sponsor gift at least one person always died from nightlock, "There's no turning back once you eat it, it'll kill you in a matter of seconds."

Extra Help ♢ Training Day 1 ♢ Majesty & Arion

thefirstcareer

I told Shinei to wake up Arion at 3:00 before going to sleep myself the night before. Of course that gave me barely anytime to sleep but it didn’t matter right now. I have almost three hundred days every year that I could dedicate to sleep, these next few weeks I had to dedicate myself to making sure Sparkle or Arion get out alive.

I walked down to the dining room at 2:55, dressed in casual wear. Sweater and slacks. Not the most “Capitol Appropriate” outfit but I could’ve cared less. It’s too early in the morning for elaborate dresses, done-up hair and makeup. When I got to the dining room the food was already ready, which surprised me, must’ve been Shinei’s idea. I should’ve thanked her more often.

Arion came to the dining a few minutes late, giving me some time to doze off. I woke up, however, when I heard his voice.

“Good morning to you, Arion.” I yawned. The poor boy seemed more tired than I was. Did he get any sleep? Should I send him back?

“I know, early, but you all go down at nine or something and I wanted to use as much time as I could. Don’t want to waste any of the time we have together. Plus, I made sure that Argon, Sparkle and Ancora won’t be waking up anytime soon. Now, what do you want to learn? You said you needed help with herbs and far-ranged shooting, do want help in one those subjects? Or is there something else that you want to focus on.”

If there's one thing I've come to appreciate about Majesty's role as a mentor it's that she was actually willing to go the extra mile as opposed to leaving me to my own devices for the sole reason of me, "being a Career." Even if it's before the crack of dawn. Back home training started fairly early, why should now be any different?

"S'fine." I said sinking into a seat across from her, "I doubt I'll actually have the chance to wake up at my leisure in the Arena, might as well not get used to it, right?" There was an air of both sarcasm and realism to my words, but for what it's worth I was hoping I was at least able to get one uninterrupted night of sleep before the inevitable. It almost made me wish I had actually passed out up on the roof...

I made a mental note to go up there again tonight.

"Either or is fine. I mean, you know better than anyone what my strengths and weaknesses are in terms of herbs. I've been looking through the book you gave me though, as much as I could at least with everything going on."

I've been wanting to sit with the book more often, but between the parade and being dragged this way and that, I haven't had much time to. I know I'll have everything at my disposal later on during the formal training period, but I still wasn't too keen on exposing my weaknesses like that with everyone potentially watching.

"As for the ranged stuff goes, I'm not really sure how we'd do that here. Unless the bagels on the table there can double as projectiles in your book." I said over a forced laugh, "Or, if there's something else you think I should focus on first and foremost...?"

I was tempted for a moment to tell her about my meeting with the other Careers last night. About the strengths and weaknesses they aired out in the open. It still surprised me in a way, the blind trust they put in one another to disclose the things that they could best wield and what can best be used against them. Then again they might have been blowing smoke out of their asses the way I was.

Extra Help ♢ Training Day 1 ♢ Majesty & Arion

I felt like I had just fallen asleep when a series of sharp knocks on my door woke me. I hadn’t been sleeping well since we got here: between everything that happened with my family hanging in the back of my mind, the stress that came with knowing my days were numbered, and the overall artificial feel of the room. In part I was glad today was the first day of training, at least it would keep me busy and not cooped up with Majesty, Argon and Ancora watching my every move. I can deal with Sparkle and the other Careers, last I heard they would be keeping their distance from me downstairs to help me “play up my gimmick.”

You wouldn’t hear me complaining about it.

I groaned into my pillow and forced myself out of bed at the second series of knocks. I half-expected to see Sparkle on the other side of the door with that trademark smile I’ve grown to hate going on about how we should be up early, but instead found Shinei. That’s when I remembered that last night Majesty said she wanted to do a sort of informal “training” before I headed downstairs. I just didn’t expect it to be this early.

“I’ll be out in a few.” I said, still half asleep. The avox nodded and held out a bundle of clothes before leaving me with a small smile. A set of training clothes with the number 1 stitched on both sleeves. Back home we just had our last names on the back of our shirts, that way the trainers knew who they were scolding when someone drew their attention.

I was still groggy, but pushed myself to shower and change. I reminded myself that in a few days I may not have the opportunity to actually wake up and might have someone, or something do the job for me as a surprise alarm clock. Majesty was alone in the parlor and there was some elaborate breakfast spread on the kitchen table. That was an inevitable mistake a majority of the kids here were going to make: stuffing their faces then going down to training. They’ll cramp up in a heartbeat. Not to mention, it isn’t going to help them out in the Arena where they might be lucky to find a squirrel to cook.

“‘Morning.” I greeted, suppressing a slight yawn, “I didn’t think you meant this early.” I had gotten back down to the apartment late last night, mostly due to the fact I spent more time on the roof than I anticipated. And then you know, I almost fell asleep once I had the peace and quiet I had initially set up there to find, “Anything exciting happen last night after I left?”

The Ride Begins♔After the Chariots♔Majesty & Arion

#woo finally #closed #ride begins

thefirstcareer

I sighed as Sparkle left the room, her bouncing blonde curls bringing memories of days long ago. I wonder if it was hard for my mentor to teach me. Was I this hard to deal with? Did I ever have problems with Moonshot? I never remember fighting with the small, shy boy who always stayed behind me. I remember being his protector, his friend. Yet things change and as much as I know that I hate it with all of my power.

The room went quiet and I was alone with Arion again. As much as I wished that I could train these two as allies I knew it wasn’t going to work anymore. They were on different paths now, and there was nothing I could do.

“Just promise me something, Arion, please,” my voice became raspy, I felt like I was holding back tears. I didn’t want to start crying, not in front of them. “Don’t kill her.” I finally chocked out. I didn’t look him in the eyes while I said it. I couldn’t. Promises are useless in the arena and can easily be broken. I’d forgive him if he did break it. Yet I just wanted the feeling that they wouldn’t kill each other, even if they lied back to me.

“I’ll tell Sparkle the same thing, I just, it’s hard for PR, you know?” I try to laugh but it barely came out right. I turned my body away from him and stared at the television screen. “First”, a famous Capitol movie romanticizing the love story between District 11’s tribute and District 7’s tribute during the first games before their tragic deaths. And the story of the victor who avenged them.

I hated it with all my guts, anyone who knew him would hate it. But it got my minds off of them for a few seconds and onto another story.

“You can watch with me if you like or go upstairs, do as you please. Tomorrow morning I’ll wake you up a little early for special training before your real training. You and Sparkle will be separately trained for now on. I’ll keep you two as far apart as I can.

Don’t worry, this little scuffle won’t be reported to Argon or Ancora. Just don’t act like asses around them and they won’t give you their little speeches. And I can assure you, Argon hates tributes who don’t like their partners, especially when he favors one partner over the other.”

I didn’t have the heart to answer Majesty’s plea, mostly because I couldn’t. I wouldn’t tell her what she wanted to hear, and I think even she knew that if I had my words would have been empty. Not that promises really carried any sort of weight in a situation like this I saw how upset she was getting over this and decided to spare us both the headache of the subject and let it die without another word.

“I don’t do love stories.” I said over a scoff, “I’m going to head up to the roof though, get some air. I won’t be too long, I promise.” I gave her a reassuring smile, “And, thanks, for everything. I know this whole thing isn’t easy for you either, and I’m really not trying to make it more difficult than it already is.”

I could really care less if Sparkle and I’s spat ended up pissing Argon off. I wasn’t here to appease him, and if he wanted to waste his breath telling me off, so be it. The only person’s well being I was concerned with was my own. Call me selfish, I don’t care. It was my life on the line, not his.

I gave my mentor a nod and bid her good night before stopping by my room to wash up and change out of the “costume” from the parade and into a pair of shorts and tshirt that I found in the dresser. It didn’t surprise me that the Capitol already pre-stocked the place with clothes to my size, like they knew I was coming.

I needed to get out of here.

Before I became lost in the prospect of my sister’s hand in my Fate, I shut the door to my room and made for the elevator to the roof.

The Ride Begins♔After the Chariots♔Majesty & Arion

thefirstcareer

“You two! Come on, be a little nicer to each other. You don’t want to be the worse enemies you have in the arena. District partners are supposed to be partners and even though one of you will have to die it’s better to have some type of ally or somebody who cares in the arena, so be a little kinder to each other.

My district partner, God rest his soul, was the most important person in the arena for me beside myself and he helped me through so many situations and taught me things I’d never thought of. He taught me how to survive hunger and how to scavenge and prolong food. You two can learn a lot from each other and I wouldn’t want you two becoming enemies. You have enough enemies. ”

I could feel my face turning red and I began to get worked up. I was really beginning to care for the two of them, something that I hated completely but I couldn’t stop. Every year I fall in love with the tributes just to see them die. I see them as my daughters and sons, sisters and brothers, yet I can’t do anything to save them. But they can save themselves.

“You two need some fresh air, alright. I don’t think any of the other rooms are open but the 12th-floor observatory. Maybe you’ll the tributes from there or something. Remember to be nice. Plus the view is gorgeous up there and I think you two will love it. I’ll explain to Ancora and Argon that you two have been trying to get some new friends.” I stood up and began to walk to the parlor, grabbing the remote for the huge television that sat in the middle of the room. I then look back at them and tried to smile. “Try to be nicer to each other, okay? That’s all I ask, I promise. I care a lot for you both and I don’t want either one of you to hurt the other.” I then began to laugh “If you don’t start being nicer to each other I might just lock you both in a room together until you two hug it out. Don’t tempt me, alright, I’ve done it before.”

Neither Sparkle or myself spoke after Majesty said her peace, but it was painfully obvious the both of us were biting our tongues. Things were different now as opposed to all those years ago when she had won: the atmosphere in One was more intense, tributes weren’t swayed by emotions or compassion, just the drive to win whatever the cost may be. As much as she wanted the two of us to be “friends,” or whatever was as close to it as we could get, I just genuinely had no desire to. I’d rather not be on speaking terms than force something just to appease her, but given the emotions in her face I wasn’t about to create more stress for her than she was already under.

And mind you, I’ve been trying to be civil with my partner.

“I’m going to freshen up downstairs in the Prep area and then “try to get some new friends.” Sparkle said with an air of disdain. Even though she didn’t look at me I knew where the sentiment was directed. She slipped her shoes back on and looked quickly into the mirror in the parlor, “I’ll be back shortly.” She smiled at Majesty and disappeared through the apartment’s door, leaving my mentor and I alone.

I let my shoulders relax and a long sigh pass from my mouth once I heard the elevator outside close with a distinctive ding!, “I really, don’t mean to be causing you more grief with all of this. We just, don’t, get along, and I’m not about to start kissing ass just to inflate her ego.” I knew my choice of wording was poor, but I was going to be blunt, “I know it’s not what you want to hear, but I’d rather just avoid her and spare you the stress of having to deal with this every time the both of us are in the same room.”

The Ride Begins♔After the Chariots♔Majesty & Arion

thefirstcareer

“It’s the truth, Sparkle, you don’t know if you’ll win or not. Even the best fall, some even earlier than their peers who were casted as lowly in the beginning. I’ve seen careers who’ve trained since they could walk die to outliers who could barely hold spears. It’s not a game of odds, it’s a game of chance.”

I looked down, thinking of all the tributes who’ve died who came into the games willingly, happily. Who thought they’d win. Some were my tributes, some were from Two or Four. EIther way these tributes came in with the best training money can buy and the best skills on earth, yet one simple mistake or one small blunder killed them. Instead of the victor crown they’re given a casket.

Sparkle could easily end up like one of them if she doesn’t realize she’s imperfect, that she needs help just like anyone else. That the A’s at the career school doesn’t mean that she has a 100% chance of survival. Probably not even a 50% or whatever the hell the Capitol believes right now.

“I know you don’t want to believe that you’re imperfect and everything but everybody is and the quicker you realize your flaws the better. That way you can train yourself before the games. That goes for the both of you, though I think Arion is good at finding out his flaws.”

I already knew what Arion might need help with, but Sparkle? I can’t see it, not yet.

“Anyways, the betting system could easily be rigged by anybody. From big corporate goons in the Capitol, the government, or rich families in the district that want lots of sponsors for the tributes coming from their family. I’ve seen it happen many times before.”

I flipped through the screen to check each score. Besides the careers who got 3-1s and 2-1s, most people got 10-1s and 20-1s and even 60-1s.

“Hey, the District 11 kids got a whole 5-1, both of ‘em. I guess you two need to watch out for those two. The little sob story is definitely going to get them some sponsors and they don’t look weak either. Don’t ignore them because they’re outliers.”

Once the slideshow was over I put on the Capitol’s radio. Two women spoke on the reapings and chariots, at this time District 5.

“So, what are you two doing next? Training or bed?”

“Well, there isn’t a chance in hell I’ll fall to the hands of an Outlier, or Career for that matter.” Sparkle spoke harshly over a sip of the last bit of her wine, the same way a parent would whenever they were through discussing a topic with a child. It only highlighted her arrogance, and the truth behind Majesty’s statement. This was more so a game of chance than who has the best odds, and the way I see it everyone had as good of a chance of walking out of here as the next person.

She glanced over me after waving down an avox for a refill, “Care to share these flaws, then, A?” She said with a smile, “I mean, I might be able to help you-”

“I’m fine.” I cut her off. I knew it was only a matter of time before she pieced things together herself, whether she started snooping around my room, caught wind of Majesty helping me or watched me like a hawk during training. If I’m lucky she’ll skip out on training, but that still left me open to the other Careers watching in on me.

“Ugh, seriously, what’s the matter with you?!” She huffed and pulled her glass from the avox who was refilling it, “I’ve been nothing but nice to you since we left One and all you’ve done is attack me whenever I try to help-”

“I’m not attacking you-”

“Yes, you have been!” She was on her feet at this point, “We’re in this together, A. If I needed help with anything, you’d be the first person I’d ask!” She looked to Majesty for confirmation or back up, all I could do was groan internally.

There were few people back home I’d be willing to ask for help, teachers aside, Blaze being the only one more or less. Whether her intentions were genuine or not, she was still competition and I wasn’t about to open up to her now only for her to exploit me later. Her moaning and complaining was enough to keep my mind from lingering on what Majesty had said, the possibility of wealthy families tampering with the betting system.

I really didn’t know how far my sister’s influence was, and it unnerved me to consider the possibilities.

“I don’t know about you, but I could use some air.” Sparkle said, placing her glass and napkin down on the table.

“I second that.” I followed up immediately and set my own cup down.

Sparkle pressed her lips together and glanced at me out of the corner of her eye, “By any chance are we allowed access to the training floor before the formal training period begins? Unless, you would prefer us to meet with Ancora and Argon?”

It was painfully obvious she was being spiteful in asking if she could train anywhere aside from the roof. I was still planning on going up there, and hoped she would be allowed to go downstairs so that I could have a moments peace before this all started

The Ride Begins♔After the Chariots♔Majesty & Arion

thefirstcareer

“Well first we should look at the scores Then you can go out. Maybe we should also wait for Ancora and Argon?”

I looked up the scores for Sparkle and was astounded by them. They really do think she’s going to win. I showed them on a hologram so both Arion and Sparkle could see. Her face from the reaping showing besides her betting scores and her name and district above everything.

“Sparkle Victoria, District 1, Betting Scores 1-1.”

“That’s wonderful Sparkle! That means they think you have a 50% chance of winning. It’s so rare for somebody to get a 1-1, not even some of the best career victors have got that. Even I only had a 3-1, which is like a 40%!”

Sparkle smirked “I could do better, I will do better!” she said.

“I don’t remember if they go past 1-1, but you can try.”

Then I swap to the next tribute, Arion.

“Arion Metaxas, District 1, Betting Scores 5-1.”

“That ain’t bad Arion, ain’t bad at all! I think that’s a 60% chance of winning. It’s really good compared to some tributes. I remember one year a tribute got 100-1. They were twelve so nobody expected much out of him. Still, I’ve seen some low numbers for older tributes too.”

I looked to the next one, the District 2 girl got a 2-1. Didn’t expect anything worse from 2.

“I forgot to ask you two, do you want to look at the other tributes betting scores? It doesn’t matter much so I understand if you just want to leave, it’s really just all guessing right now and probably a few of the fiercest lookers will turn out to be weaklings in battle. But still, nothing bad about being too prepared, right?” I said, spinning my spoon around my tea cup.

“If you don’t want to it’s fine, I’ll be here however and will call you two when Argon and Ancora come in, unless you’re asleep. They’ll be fine.

“If it’s any consolation, I’ll still keep you around.” Sparkle said with a smirk

I really didn’t pay much mind to the betting score. As Majesty said, it’s just a number that doesn’t truly define how we’ll really do in the Arena. Sometimes I feel like it’s just a way for the Capitol to entice it’s citizens into gambling their savings away and keep them wrapped around the Game Maker’s finger and in support of the Games.

“I think it would be valuable to take a quick glance over them all, or at least, the ones who you think are most likely to pose any sort of competition in the Arena.” Sparkle replied and looked to me for my response..

“It couldn’t hurt.” I shrugged, “It’s anyone’s Game at this point.”

“Anyone’s?” Sparkle repeated over a light scoff.

“Yes. Anyone’s.” I replied looking her in the eye, “For fuck’s sake, you’re acting like you won this damn thing already.”

“Well, I do have the best odds at the moment.”

“And all it takes is a damn arrow shot from 100 yards away or drop of poison to put you on your ass.”

“I think someone’s a little jealous about his odds.” She sang aloud and turned back to Majesty, “May we see the rest of the tribute’s scores, please?”

I sighed internally and let the argument fade at that. If there’s anything I can count on more than the scores at this point, it’s her arrogance and the likelihood of it being the cause of her downfall.

The Ride Begins♔After the Chariots♔Majesty & Arion

thefirstcareer

“I’m sure you two should get some sleep tonight, alright?” I said, taking another sip of tea. “You two have a big day tomorrow. You’ll be making some of first real impressions with the other tributes and the gamemakers, don’t wanna be all tired and groggy, right? That’ll make you look like fresh-meat to most of the other tributes and the gamemakers.“

I thought about how they could get closer with the other careers. They seemed to be a hard crowd to penetrate this year. Sparkle would be are best chace to get in if the mentors wouldn’t be so supportive this year. Don’t get me wrong, I’m friendly with victors from two and four, but when they think a tribute is bad news they’ll make sure they don’t get into the career group regardless of how much I beg. I do the same thing some years.

But that’s one thing to worry about, something more important was making sure they train well and are ready when the games do begin. Career group or no career group I still need to get them out. Hopefully they have high odds. Shinei walked towards me holding a small tablet.

On the tablet read "BETTING SCORES”. It’s like she could read minds. “So, kids, are you ready to check out your ‘betting scores’.” I say, as Shinei placed the tablet on the table and pressed a button that turned the tablet screen into a hologram projection.

“If you don’t know what these scores are it’s what the Capitol public thinks you’ll do in the Games. There usually not as reliable as training scores, though sometimes their even better. Some are posted by poll websites, others Hunger Games centered magazines. The most popular one, however, is the Capitol Express’s daily updated Betting Scores. Their the "official” ones and are projected everywhere. They say gamemakers use them sometimes to help with the training scores.

A huge group of dedicated men and women calculate your age, gender, district, personality, training score and how you’re doing in the games to give you the odds of you coming out or not. Helps the people betting on the games, but also potential sponsors. I’ve always believed they are just as important as training scores. It’s kinda like horse racing betting.“ I sighed, "Not like you two are horses or anything.”

“I don’t think a run is going to make or break either of us.”

“For a duo who are used to working hard around the clock a run would seem like a walk in the park.” Sparkle nodded then turned to Majesty, “We need to stay in top shape and not fall from our training schedule, not that it would hinder me that much.”

The idea of sharing a run with her was still the furthest from how I wanted to spend my evening, but I was honestly beginning to get a little restless. It had only been two days since this shit-show began and a part of me was itching for something to do aside from being paraded around as a dead man walking.

I watched Shinei pass Majesty a tablet and rolled my eyes internally at the idea of “betting scores.” It was common practice to bet on tributes, some of the kids in the academy would even jump in on the gamble especially if it was someone they knew competing that year. I really never held stock in them, literally and figuratively. I’ve seen kids with a score of 12 win and those with 4′s and 5′s. Numbers didn’t mean shit when it came to the Games, but for whatever reason seeing my own made me both anxious and disgusted.

“The only difference is the have four legs and we have two.” I said sarcastically.

“Oh, c’mon, A. Don’t tell me you’re not the least bit curious. I’m sure your little gimmick got you some attention.” Sparkle sat up straighter in her seat and looked to the tablet eagerly, “I am ready whenever you are!”

halesrps

#self

The Ride Begins♔After the Chariots♔Majesty & Arion

thefirstcareer

“Everyone has something to learn, Sparkle. Maybe you may be interested in making nets or the battle simulators. Just try to impress the gamemakers alright, no playing around. They don’t watch you during the private training.”

Sparkle was probably right, however. The career training wasn’t as perfect as training in the Capitol but it isn’t that far off. Compared to what the kids from the outlying districts may know, Arion and Sparkle would be perfectly fine.

“It’s also very good to refresh your memory before the games. Don’t want to forget something you thought you knew when it counts.”

Sparkle’s excitement for Victor life brightened even my mood. Once she gets home I’m sure she’ll know the real pains but I’m sure she’d be good at keeping a smile on. If she gets home. But at this point Sparkle seems to have the best chance of leaving out.

“Thank you, Sparkle. Fashion has always been a hobby of mine. I used it as a way to seem much more human to the Capitol viewers. They love fashion, and when somebody likes fashion they like them. Back then interviews were 10 whole minutes so I spent 3 just talking about fashion to them. Needless to say a lot of fashion companies and modeling firms and fashion magazines sponsored me. Having a hobby really helps in the games, sometimes. Even the ones that seem frivolous.”

I agreed that keeping a few secrets to yourself was a good idea, especially for Arion. But I still wanted him to speak on something, just something little. Something that could help Arion and Sparkle bond a bit.

“You share you don’t have any small little talents to share. I mean, you’re a rich boy, Arion, I’m sure youn had time for a million hobbies. Even if it sounds stupid. We won’t judge, right Sparkle?”

Sparkle nods as she gets more wine. “Keeping too many secrets won’t help you much. It’s always good to express your likes, dislikes, wants and emotions.”

“I suppose.” Sparkle sighed, “Might do a bit of good bonding with the tributes from Four. You should try and get the tributes from Eight while they’re over there, A. They’re bound to weave something up during training.”

“Whatever you say, boss.” The idea of her courting the tributes from Four was more entertaining than anything else given the girl’s stone-cold personality and boy’s arrogant attitude. Whether I ran into any other tributes during the training period I was leaving in the hands of Fate. I wasn’t going to deny it would be a useful tactic, and it didn’t take her relentless chiding to remind me of that. To an extent, I was willing to act civil with her in the off chance it would secure her trust in me, but the more she spoke the more I saw I already done so without even trying.

Would I use that to my advantage? Of course. Especially since-

“What do you mean they won’t watch us during our private training?”

“I mean, I certainly wouldn’t want to watch the Outlying Districts pitiful attempts to impress the Game Makers and spectators, but we’re going to be going first! We should have their undivided attention.”

Sparkle’s tone matched my own. I knew how vital scores were in terms of increasing the odds of being sponsored, and I can tell even she was counting on an audience to pay attention.

Hearing Majesty call me a “rich boy” almost felt more like an insult than an observation. For the most part the entire District was wealthy. Kids were either indulging heavily in their parents money or spending all the time in the academies training for the Games. I didn’t care for my family’s business and I only pressed to go to the academy as an excuse to get away from them. Now that I thought about it, the only thing I can remember of the last few years was being at the school from sun up til sun down and repeating the cycle 5, sometimes 6 days a week.

Was I really any better than any of the other Career tributes then?

The only thing I looked forward to after the final Reaping was figuring out where I wanted to go with my life, and I highly doubt that would win over a crowd who was probably already skeptical about me...

I chewed down on my cheek, “Most of my “hobbies” tie in with training, so-”

“All work, no play. Sounds like a Career to me.” Sparkle smiled, “C’mon, A. What is it: sports, track, hand-to-hand, book work-?”

“Track. Yea.” I said, focusing on one point that wasn’t too out of place.

“I don’t think I ever saw you on the field, then again, I’m naturally agile.” She shrugged.

“Or maybe I was just too fast for you to see.” I said sarcastically.

“Real original, A.” She rolled her eyes, “How about you and I start a training schedule over the next few days, when we’re not with the other Careers or scoping the competition that is: start with a morning run, spend a little time working with simulators together...”

You can heard the growing excitement in her voice as she started dictating “our” schedule together. I let her ramble on until she looked at Majesty eagerly for approval, “Oh! Maybe we can even get a little run in tonight. I heard the roof and skyline is lovely!”

The Ride Begins♔After the Chariots♔Majesty & Arion

thefirstcareer

“Important things first, I guess. Your training will take about three days, four if you’re lucky, depends on how the gamemakers are feeling.”

I wouldn’t think they would give this batch of tributes any more time then needed. They weren’t too impressive or too interesting, even Sparkle seemed normal compared to the other careers brought in to fight from 1. They’re is nobody to really root for besides the kids from eleven or the beauty from 10, or, if you’re going by who has the biggest chance to win, Sparkle.

Bets, I almost forgot about bets. I’ll check how their chances looked based on the betting boards later. Don’t want them too scared, or too brash.

“For the first day a trainer will teach you all a few basic skills, but after that it’s all up to you.”

“For the most part, however I’d say that many things are similar to back home. It’s just the real deal here. No playing around .”

I then thought about how to explain victory life. I didn’t want to tell the absolute truth and of the struggles of staying sane after winning. So I sugar coated it, like the people at home always do when teaching the children of the games.

“Victor Life is, well, kind of amazing. You’re whole life is in the spotlight, especially if they loved you during your games. It’s been 26 years since I’ve won and they steal knock on my door for interviews and photo shoots.” I giggled, but it was nothing less then the truth. The Capitol loves seeing those bright faces they’ve destroyed continuously until we can’t fake the smiles anymore. Then we’re nothing but trash to them.

“Parties, modeling, friends, all important factors in Victor Life. I don’t hate it at all. Plus we all get a Victor talent to show off. Mines is designing fashion and wigs. It’s really fun. I’m sure you two have some talents besides fighting, right?”

A lot of careers lived their whole lives training, but something about Arion and Sparkle made me think they were a little more then that.

“Three days seems sufficient, not that we need it.” Sparkle smiled over a sip of her wine. I was half-in half-out with the training period. There were a few things I wanted to brush up on, but at the same time I didn’t want this whole ordeal dragged out more than it needed to be.

“I think we can skip the basics.” I muttered aloud, “Is anything different?” I asked Majesty. I was expecting the usual stockpile of weapons, survival techniques, but I wouldn’t be surprised if there were some things the Capitol had the academies didn’t.

“Let the kiddies learn how to jump, run and climb. We can focus on more important things. Unless you want to go mingle with the Outliers and try to win some of them over while I work on the other Careers since someone may have started us off on the wrong foot.” Sparkle glared over at me.

Her mood changed quickly once Majesty started talking about life as a Victor as if it was already guaranteed for one of us. We’ve heard interviews and lectures from past Victors in the academy and it never did strike me as worth the price you’d have to pay to achieve it. Honestly, it sounded a lot like living with my family, but more intrusive with the Capitol watching you like a hawk.

“You make it sound so much more enchanting than I thought.” Sparkle sighed, “I absolutely love your line back home. My parents are always sure to be up to speed on the latest and great products! I’d love to learn more about it if we have some free time between training and all the excitement here.” She brushed a napkin against her lips after taking a bite of her steak, “Oh, I’m a woman of many talents. I don’t think I can pick just one I would love to showcase. What about you, A? Give me a glimpse of the real you, beneath that bad boy persona.”

My eyes lazily shifted to her from the void space on the table I had been staring off into, “What fun would it be if I just unloaded all my secrets right now?”

“And a mystery boy.” She grinned, “Well, if we are going to be working together we’d have to know a thing or two about each other, right?” She turned to Majesty for confirmation.

The Ride Begins♔After the Chariots♔Majesty & Arion

thefirstcareer

“We are going to our apartment building. I’ll show you two around. Ancora will be here shortly, but right now she’s busy getting interviewed by a popular Capitol magazine that only writes about the Games, victors, tributes, escorts and etcetera.”

Before the elevator began to move the Oak and Melody, the kids from eleven, and their mentor Harvest walked in.

I said hello to Harvest but didn’t speak to the tributes. I have my own to worry about and I do not need to be sorrier for them than I already am. They said hello to Sparkle and Arion, however, both smirking. They really think they stand a chance.

It took only a few moments for us to get our apartment. An avox waited in front of the dining room table. I waved at her.

“Hello, Shinei.”

She nods, a small smile appearing on her tanned face.

She escorted us to our seats and began to pour us water while pointing us to a bowl of juice and wine.

“We’ll get our food, later, love, we’ll be waiting for Argon and the new escort.”

She nods again and stands in front of the door.

“That is are avox, Shinei. It’s spelled differently then Shiny but is pronounced that way. She will be taking care of us, though I believe a few other avoxes will be working with her during the day. She works at night. Avoxes can’t talk but they can hear, so if you need anything speak with her.”

I sat up from my seat and walked to a tea kettle. Shinei began to walk to it, wanting to pour some for me, but I stopped her. I’ve always hated how some people just use their maids and avoxes (or even their children) to do whatever they pleased. If you are able to do something you should do it.

I sat down, looking back at Shinei. “That will be all, love, I’ll call you when the brat comes in with the escort.”

She giggles a bit before leaving into the kitchen.

“Well then, you two. What do you want to talk about? Interviews? The Capitol? Your life here? Victor life? Training? I’ll answer any of your questions as fully as I can.”

“Charmed, I’m sure.” Sparkle flashed a smile at the pair from Eleven that carried the same arrogance as theirs. I gave them a glance and nod of acknowledgement, rolling my eyes internally at their smug grins. Unlike every Career who walked in with the same chip on their shoulder, they weren’t going to make it far.

I did have a small degree of respect for any Outlier who volunteered for the sake of helping their families or taking the place of a little kid who was way too young to be here. They would play up their sob story during their interview, the Capitol would throw some pity their way if they’re lucky, but they result was more often than not the same. They realized too late they were in over their heads and the only thing they brought home for their families was a casket full of grief.

Genuine intentions or not, they’re still two more people in my way of getting back home.

The apartment wasn’t anything Sparkle and I weren’t used to, but she still rambled on for a good few minutes about the design and decor. I don’t know what it is about an Avox that unnerves me, but I made it a point to stay clear of them back home. The academy was loaded with them and most kids never hesitated to wail on them during training when they were used as live targets.

“A cup of the best wine and piece of your best cut steak.” Sparkle said sweetly to Sheinei as she fell into a seat and kicked her shoes off, “Mmm, Victory life would lift the mood.” She replied to Majesty.

I still didn’t have much of an appetite and decided to just stick with the water, “Training is similar to back home, right?”

“Please, I’m sure the facilities here make the academies look like child’s play.” Sparkle chuckled over a sip of her wine.

The Ride Begins♔After the Chariots♔Majesty & Arion

The chariot ride wasn’t much compared to last years or any of the years before. Sparkle stole the show, waving and throwing kisses. She flipped her golden hair and stroke a pose for the crowd, making them scream for her.

“They definitely want her to win.” I whispered to Argon as we watched.

No other tributes shared her enthusiasm, even if they tried. Not the other careers, not the pretty girl from 10, not even Arion. Not like I expected him to give the Capitol what they wanted, shoot, I did not expect him to even try as hard as he did. He smiled and he waved, it was nothing like how Sparkle did it but there was an effort put into it. Maybe he isn’t so damned after all.

Once the chariot stopped in front of the President’s Mansion Sparkle caught a rose and put it in her hair. I couldn’t help but laugh, it’s like the selection committee gave us the perfect tribute. The perfect victor.

The young President’s speech wasn’t too long this year. It wasn’t a special year, not another decade or five years gone by, not a Quarter Quell. It was just the 36th games.

His speech ended on a peculiar note, however.

“Tributes shouldn’t fear the Games, just like Capitol and District soldiers didn’t fear the fight they were getting into during the Dark Days to keep our country standing. This is a privilege,o a privilege to leave you district and stand here, in front of all of us in the Capitol. A privilege to be alive right now in our presence representing your beautiful districts. Don’t take it for granted. ”

The mood lowered between Argon and me. Are happiness at Sparkle’s good job and Arion’s good attempt made us forget completely of the reaping, of what may happen to Arion once he got into the Games just for being a little “rebellious”.

However, the young president isn’t too powerful, not yet. What he may have seen as offensive may not be what the gamemakers saw as offensive. They were the ones that really mattered. I hoped he hadn’t ticked them off too.

Once everything was over I rushed Sparkle and Arion to the elevator to our floor.

“This won’t take long, you two. We have the first floor, of course, just have to get above the basement. Argon will be a little late, he’s talking to a few other victors. Making sure you two have a good shot in the career group and selling Arion’s ‘gimmick’.” I said, before turning to them.

“How did the chariot ride go for you two?”

I always found the parade to be one of the most humiliating parts of the Hunger Games. It’s worse enough most of these kids were torn from their homes knowing they were probably going to die, but to put on display like they were a celebrity was rubbing salt in a wound. Most of the time the Careers are up the attention while the Outliers fell still and silent from being overwhelmed by the crowd.

This type of environment wasn’t anything new to me, and it was only to shut Sparkle up that I put on a fake-ass smile and waved while she was soaking in the spotlight. I tuned out the majority of what was happening. The sooner this was over, the better.

“Coulda’ shown a little more flare there, A. But, I’ll take it.” Sparkle smirked once the chariot pulled up into the stables, “How about we steal a word with the duo from Two, hmm? Get things in motion before training.” She flashed a smile and wave as their chariot rolled up beside ours.

“I’ll take a rain check.” I mumbled when I saw Majesty walking to meet us. I grabbed Sparkle’s hand and moved to meet our mentor, not before catching the eye of the guy from Two and see him shoot daggers at me. If he was trying to intimidate me, it wasn’t working. If anything I found it amusing, especially if he bought this whole “gimmick” that I was supposedly playing up. The thought made me crack a grin and shoot a wink his way. His scowl tightened.

“What are you doing?!” Sparkled whispered harshly, “We’re supposed-”

“Making friends.” I replied lazily.

We met Majesty before she could bitch at me again and followed her into the elevator. I let out a sigh of relief as the doors closed and sealed us from the noise outside and began to rise. I groaned internally at the thought of Argon, someone who wasn’t my biggest fan to begin with, trying to “sell my gimmick.” Ultimately it wouldn’t matter much come the Arena. I’d have to establish myself on my own, and in part, I wouldn’t want it any other way.

“Oh, it was spectacular! I can already tell the Capitol adores us!” Sparkle bounced in place, “Did you enjoy watching, Ms. Garnett de Conte?”

“Everything I could have hoped for.” I said sarcastically. I took off the suit jacket that was two sizes too small for me, the stylists way of “showing off my physique,” and started unbuttoning the shirt that had been choking me the entire time.

“At least wait ‘til we’re upstairs, A.” Sparkle smiled, “Not that I mind-”

“What happens now?” I looked to Majesty. It was still fairly early in the afternoon and training didn’t begin until the following morning.

“Thinking a step ahead, A. That’s why I keep you around.” Sparkle looked to Majesty eagerly.

First Impressions ♢ Train ♢ Majesty & Arion

#juuust wanted to get d2 and 3 in there #first impressions

thefirstcareer

“It happens too often, tributes loose somebody and then they loose their minds. A friend of mines, the 14th Hunger Games Victor from 11, Harvest, did the same. Killed 12 tributes in her games after her district partner was killed by an ally. On accident.”

Sparkle seemed to smile at that, another reason why I felt the career system so disgusting, they actually make these kids like the idea of killing to win. They idolize people who kill a lot, even outliers like Harvest. A pacifist tribute, even one from one, would be seen as under her. Under them all.

“I’d advice you to not get too close to other tributes. You having to kill them is bad enough, but watching them die? Nothing hurts more then that.” Argon says. He sighed, and looks over at the clock.

“You two should get some rest. You should, too, Ancora. We should be in the Capitol in a few hours. Well, unless you want Arion to stay a little longer with you, Majesty.” Argon said.

“Well, I guess I could ask him. You want to stay up a little longer, or get a nap in before we get to the Capitol?” I asked.

I was a little surprised by Argon’s comment. He had struck me as one of the more ruthless Victor’s to come out of One, but no one walked out of that Arena without some type of scar, be it physical or mental. It showed he was still human, and almost made me wonder how Sparkle would be if she walked out of the Arena alive.

And that’s a pretty big if.

“I don’t know about all of you, but I can use a little beauty sleep before we get there. Gotta’ look our best for the crowd, right, A?” Sparkle smirked as she rose to her feet and stretched before disappearing from the car.

I sighed and rubbed my eyes. For as quickly as everything had happened today it felt like I had been awake for hours and the idea of going to sleep was tempting. I think I just wanted a little bit of time to myself before I virtually lost all privacy for what could arguably be the rest of my life. Thinking about it, I really didn’t know what more there was tha-

“Hang on.” I muttered reaching forward for the remote on the coffee table and flipping the television back on.

“Ah, yes! All of the Reapings should be available for viewing at this point.” Ancora beamed as she turned her attention to the screen, “Perhaps someone should go fetch Ms. Victoria- Oh-!”

“Been there, done that.” I said as I fast forwarded through Sparkle and I’s Reaping. It was sort of strange watching it from a birds-eye view. I didn’t regret what I had done, what I had said. If I wasn’t going to make it back, at least I got what I needed to off my chest.

“This is what I wanted.” I hit the play button once the Reaping for Two began. Their enthusiasm surpassed both One and Four’s. They didn’t have a Selection Committee the way we did, but kids didn’t volunteer the way they would out in Four or the Outlying Districts-

“Oh, my!” Ancora gasped when one girl tackled another after she had raised her hand to volunteer. Just being able to obtain the title of tribute was a fight into itself out in Two, and most of the time the kid who lost the fight wasn’t in any shape to go into the Games.

“What is your name, m’dear?” The escort bellowed at the girl who took the stage.

“Domitia Kagan!” She announced proudly and pumped her fist into the air. The crowd cheered and applauded, not paying attention in the slightest to the girl who laid unconscious near the back of the 18 year old section.

“And for the bo-”

“And you say I made a scene.” I rolled my eyes watching a brawl break out between one boy and a handful of others. Watching closely it seemed more like he was going out of his way to be a dick and hit anyone he could to prove himself worth the status as tribute. When no one else challenged him, he stepped forward.

“Remus Bradeen!" He went on with the usual speech of how he’ll bring honor and glory to Two “when” he wins. That earned him a glower from his partner and before they went at it, the escort introduced them as the tributes from Two and raised their hands in the air, as if they were a pair of heroes going into battle. District Three was next, and despite their Victory last year, the girl and boy took the stage with little confidence.

I shut the television off and turned to Majesty and Argon, “Anything else you wanted to go over?”

First Impressions ♢ Train ♢ Majesty & Arion