Everything was kind of a blur between our arrival in the Capitol and when I found myself sitting at table, watching the young thing that came with me devour pancakes as if she's never seen them before. It was as if I completely blacked out. One minute I was strapped in, the next I was in a pair of jeans that weren't mine, a grey vintage tee that definitely wasn't mine, and stuffed into some boots that I actually really liked. A knife and fork in my hand, my plate was already full of food - steak and eggs to be exact. I blinked and there I was, in the middle of some fancy room with a girl who was the last piece of the district I left behind. Fucking weird, right?
Before long, the silence was broken by a group of fairly... well, some of them were downright odd, while the one male in the front of the pack was really quite average. He offered a wave to the girl I came with before nodding to me in a more manly fashion. Joining us at the table, I quickly assessed those around me, making immediate assumptions and judgements, as I usually do, but reminding myself that I still had plenty to learn about these strangers. The thing that I found most odd, however, is that no one really introduced themselves to us... not that I had bothered to do that either. The girl and I still hadn't really spoken to each other, so what did it matter if I was less than concerned about doing the same with these people?
Settling in, I could tell everyone was very nervous about what could happen next. The room quieted when the blonde one stood up and introduced herself to us, along with her partner in crime. What came next was only half-shocking, as I expected the twist to be revealed at this time. But the fact that we all had gifts? Powers? Growing vines, seeing the future? I swallowed hard, feeling suddenly uneasy about the words Persephone and Ewya were speaking. Half-bloods? What the actualy fuck was a half-blood? I sat up in my seat, trying to make sense of the rubbish they were spewing. Gods of Olympus? Mortals and affairs and... what? Nothing made sense to me, especially when they mentioned that some of us already knew about this.
They were vague, as if they weren't explaining this to a group of kids who probably didn't even know what Olympus was. As smart as I was, I had no knowledge of this place. Of course, one can only really learn what is taught in schools or books, and some subjects are hard to find information about. Many of the tributes shouted, screamed, demanded answers but were all immediately silenced by the Game Makers. I needed answers, more information, but I wasn't about to riot to get it. I sat back in my seat, knowing that at some point I'd have to get someone alone long enough to explain everything to me.
The sound of whispers caught my attention and I looked over to find the same average looking man from earlier consoling the girl I'd come with. His name was Colin, and her's Marlee, that was as much as I picked up from their exchange. That and something about him being our mentor. I didn't know him at all, I was only familiar with Holland Gage, Six's only victor in the 25 years that the Games had been running. But this guy, he was much older than she and definitely struck me as odd. And yet, he wanted Marlee to trust him, he probably wanted me to trust him, too. And as much as I really wanted to ignore him, I found it impossible to do so.
Within minutes, he was seated next to us with little Marlee perched in his lap. One of the girls that had been in the audience jolted out of her seat, rising up to the stage. Her aura shined a bright blue and she walked as if she was possessed, something I was all too familiar with. On stage, she seemed to be hypnotized, or channeling something from the mummy looking thing that I nearly forgot about. Spouting some nonsense, she sealed our fate as tributes and warned that our kind would not be allowed to rise up and take control. I rolled my eyes, not buying the ridiculous spectacle that was taking place before my eyes. I knew the Capitol really liked to jazz things up, but this was on a whole other level. While Marlee was clutching to Colin as if he was life support, I crossed my arms over my chest and leaned back, waiting for the show to end.
This was, without a doubt, the lamest and most ridiculous trick to play. And, ironically enough, by the way these other tributes were buying it, I was actually slightly impressed.
We were practically all dragged out of the hovercraft as most people were not really feeling like following complete stranger in a town full of people that wanted to see us dying in the most horrible way possible. For my part, I let them drag me, only struggling to annoy them, before being pushed in a room with all the others. From them, it all started to feel really surreal.
That part wasn’t too surreal, but it compensate for what came right after. Every one was talking, screaming, some were crying, but we all wanted answers. I, myself, had start interrogating my mentor when a bloodcurdling voice raised over the others. Silence fell on the room as everyone turned their eyes on the girl standing next to me. I stepped away in chock as I realized it was Arlene. I stared at her, barely listening to what she was saying, the surprise from knowing she was there with me greatly exceeding the surprise of earring her speak weird.
As soon as she was done, our mentor dragged her out of the room and I followed them, it was the most logical thing to do. There was a ton of question I wanted to ask, but right now, getting the hell out of there was what I had to do. Arlene punched our mentor in the face, but before she had the time to get away, he had already knocked her down and she fell on the floor. I tried to reach out for her, but peacekeepers were already dragging me away.
“ Who the hell's my father?!” I yelled out at my mentor.
That was the only thing that mattered and before I was dragged to far away, that one sentence echoed through all that chaos:
I felt like I’d barely had time to breathe since the Peacekeepers had pulled me unceremoniously from my bed last night. I was being pulled in every direction so fast that my head was spinning. I wanted a shower and to crawl beneath cool crisp sheets to hibernate for a few hours. Then I could deal with all this shit but as I came face to face with my mentor I knew sleep was the last thing on my agenda.
“Get dressed, we have things to do and wearing that? How is anyone going to take you seriously?” His clipped tones pissed me off but instead of fighting I nodded and acquiesced. Slipping into my bedroom and dressing in soft brown leather pants and a loose fitting shirts in various shades of green. I felt like a tree but it seemed their taste in clothes was the same as every reflection of our district. Cookie cutter.
We ate in silence. My mentor drinking wine already as he motioned for a pretty young avox to hand feed him grapes. What a pig. I was ready to slip away and maybe catch up on some sleep in a corner before he threw her on the table to screw in front of us but no sooner had I stood up my escort swept in.
“Gamemaker’s have called a meeting, it’s going to be big. Bach?” My mentor did nothing to move, lazing back in the chair as his hand went underneath the avox’s dress. “Bach!” It was then that he looked up, feigning ignorance. Slapping her on the ass he stood.
“Well we best not keep them waiting.” It was then that our merry little party went down to the meeting. The four of us seated at the back as Bach took a swig of a flask he had hidden in his pocket. I rolled my eyes, leaning forward to stare at what appeared to be a mummy at the back of the room.
What unfolded next was a litany of information that had me shuffling nervously in my seat. They knew about what I could do. I was an idiot to do what I had back home but it had saved Reagan so I knew if it came down to it I would have done it again. I twisted my hands in my lap, trying not to reveal just how uncomfortable I was when the next bombshell was dropped. Gods? We were demi-gods? What the hell did that even mean? Iacchus? He was a god? Did this put Reagan in the line of fire too?
“This is bad Bach, real bad.” My escort whispered to the drunk beside me who simply held up his hand as the oracle predicted our fate. We were all fucked, I didn’t need someone else to tell me that. I didn’t give a shit about which God was my father. I just didn’t care. Iacchus loved me. He would never have let this go ahead if it was true. It was all bullshit. If it wasn't...my mother had been lying to me. Everyone had.
I was in a daze when the peacekeepers hustled us from the room, only half paying attention to the newest merry dance we were forced to play. Great.
As the hovercraft lands, each tribute is escorted off by a set of peacekeepers. Of course the power hungry assholes don't want to be gentle or concerned, so when Ana threatens one of them, I laugh in his face. Of course we are all stuffed into an elevator together and each pair gets off floor by floor.
Thank god Ana and I are only about halfway up cause if I was to remain in that elevator with those damn mouth breathers for another moment, I would've killed us all. But once we reached floor Seven, I gladly hopped off with Ana as we retreated to ours rooms, finally for the first time today, being separated from the fucking peacekeepers.
Once inside, I didn't do much. I didn't changed out of my clothes, cause I was dressed in my hunter clothes that were wear in Seven, and I knew this would be the last time id be able to. I went into the bathroom to look at the damage done to my face by that bitch on the hovercraft. She didn't break any bones, and she was stupid to not go for my nose like I did.
I only laughed to myself at her display of 'toughness' and washed the cut. and fixed up my hair before I ad to head back downstairs for some meeting that we were all supposed to be punctual for.
Ana and I met back up and we headed downstairs together, and waited for what seems like an eternity. We had to be on time, but these fuckers who kidnapped us could take their time? Please.
Eventually when the two women that were running this shit show turned up and delivered some interesting news..well, not so much for Ana and myself. But the rest of the tributes seemed pretty shocked. Turns out, all of the tributes this year are demi-gods, like Anatolia and myself.
So thats what it is. We all have a godly parent and we all have a special power. Guess thats how that girl on the Hovercraft pissed fire. However my case, as that of the rest of the hunters, is different. Artemis did not herself give birth to me, but as she creates her hunters and infuses us with her gift, she allows her godly blood to flow through our veins. Its an extremely special and powerful process that allows us to become the child of the virgin goddess. Or something like that, I don't know Ana is a lot better with that stuff.
After I think for a moment, and about what Ana has told me about the god over the years, they are all related in some way, making all the tributes this year, my family? thats fucked up.
I am about to stand up and leave this mess of a meeting, until the fucking twat from the hovercraft gets all fucking mystical. She starts spitting out a prophecy about the Titans ruling and the gods ignoring their tyranny.
Im not really sure, I wasn't listening to a god damn word that came out of that nasty mouth. However, we did learn today that arlene is the Oracle. So I guess she's valuable, but she might die so thats okay.
After her shinning moment ended, I noticed that Ana has long since left. She seemed upset and distraught about the entire thing. Ill have to go talk to her later, but for now Im getting plastered and taking a nap.
Return to the Pits of Tartarus! | | Half-Blood Reaction OS
Two peacekeepers flank Mallory and me, escorting us hurriedly to an unknown destination. We are trailed by the woman who would appear to be our mentor for the games, although she has not conversed with either of us very much. She seems to be rather somber, for a reason I do not know. After all, she is not a past victor, meaning she wanted this job, and had to apply and interview for it, and do other things that only the gods up on Olympus are aware of.
A peacekeeper forcibly presses a gloved hand up against my spine. Anger boils up within me. I spin on my heels, speaking crisply with venom dripping from each word. “The next time you lay a hand on me will be the last time you have hands!” I hiss.
I turn around yet again, marching briskly to the lone door at the end of the hallway with Mallory at my side. Having no intentions of waiting for the peacekeepers, I yank the door open. Surveying the interior of the room for but a moment, I step through the threshold and seek out a secluded area of the room. I shall only observe throughout the duration of whatever in the name of Zeus this is!
Taking a seat, I cross my arms. I swear, in the name of Artemis, if someone does not arrive soon to conduct this meeting, there will be fatalities even before the gong rings out! Seething with rage, I channel the shinobi spirit to enhance my hearing skills. I listen as closely as possible to the eternally boring conversations of my competitors. Could this experience prove any more dreadful? I release my grasp on the skills of the shinobi, tuning out the senseless, mind-numbing words of everyone else in this gods-forsaken room!
It seems as if I have lived longer than the gods themselves once someone with authoritative power finally decides to make an appearance. They introduce themselves as Eywa and Persephone. I would compliment the tastefulness of the latter name had the person behind it not been actively waging war against the Hunters of Artemis by taking two of them captive. Persephone should be disgusted, down in the Underworld, knowing that such a woman carries the same praenomen as her divine self.
It would seem that I have something in common with these runts? I highly doubt this. I am as sure as anything that nobody else here happens to have taken up the sacred oath of Lady Artemis herself. Quite a ridiculous thought indeed, as almost half of the souls in this room are of the male species, and if a man every so much as dared ask Artemis to join the hunt, he would be turned into a stag before you could name the Twelve Olympians, and torn apart by our hunting dogs.
Half-bloods. Every tribute here is a half-blood! That must be the similarity. I curse myself for not coming to this realization earlier! The gods know that this will be a quite interesting year. Essentially, Mallory and I are half-bloods. When we take the oath, a spiritual connection is forged between the huntress and Artemis, and her divine blood is infused with one’s own. It is quite a wondrous process, one that only Artemis herself is skilled enough to perform.
That would very well explain how the female of District Two had managed to procure fire out of thin air on the hovercraft ride. I shall have to make note of this. It is a very important tidbit of information indeed.
I take a furtive glance around the room. A plethora of the tributes are quite confused at this moment, and are learning all at once that their parents all had affairs, and that each and every one of them are related to one of the Olympians. It is just preposterous that they are not all honored! They should be grateful, knowing that the blood of a god or goddess circulates within their veins.
Yes, this year will be interesting indeed. With the powers that some of my opponents must possess, the battles in the arena will be akin to no other. But Mallory and I still carry the advantage, as our powers have been carefully cultivated over the years by our mother herself. We are the only ones who have been aware of our godly relations for quite some time now. Another thing that will prove quite advantageous for both of us. I shall task myself with investigating the powers and abilities of each of my competitors.
It is once the gamemakers cease to spout words into the tense air that a mystical, far-off sounding voice pierces the momentary silence. I eye the speaker intently. Tis the girl with whom Mallory tussled on the hovercraft ride. I have been made aware that she previously resided within the confines of the ninth district.
“I am the spirit of Delphi, speaker of the prophecies of Phoebus Apollo, slayer of the mighty Python. Approach seeker, and ask,” she murmurs.
I am very much tempted to approach this girl, Arlene, I believe her name is, and inquire about the outcome of the games, but I suddenly realize something that could be very beneficial to know so early in this game. Arlene must be the kin of Apollo, as the oracle has always had connections with the god of prophecies. It must also mean that her district partner is the kin of Apollo! Oh gods, how my previous knowledge of Greek mythology will be helpful in this game! I can only begin to fathom the confusion that must be running through the minds of my opponents, save Mallory.
The oracle speaks through Arlene yet again, prophesizing, “Once again, darkness will rise and rule the world. Mute by their own ego, Gods would stay silent as they let Titans reign over the reconstructed land. Daughters of the Titans would reign in sport where no winner can rise. With patience the game of famine would break their parent’s chain. On the 26th year of the Games, the Titans shall rise if no half-blood lives a free life.”
These words do not pique my interest. No, they only spark the festering anger within me! How dare these swine threaten the gods! How dare they so much as suggest that somehow, the Titans will crawl free from the depths of Tartarus! I curse these gamemakers! I pray to the gods that they will smite them down, throwing them into the deepest depths of the Underworld for the rest of time! She can take that prophecy and shove it up her arse!
I stomp out of the room, returning to the floor of this building that is dedicated to the hunters. Throwing open the door, I quite angrily trot to my room, ripping a sheet of paper free from a package before doing so. I hastily begin to draw up a chart of notes for each tribute, because the half-blood that must rise to ensure the eternal reign of the gods must be either myself or Mallory! I shall stand for no other outcome of this wretched game!
0-8-4 ; object of unknown origin | self para | reaction
I refuse to get out of the room they had shoved me into. I refuse to talk to anyone. I know I was acting like a little girl throwing a tantrum but seriously, who could blame me? My fucking head was pounding, my nose was throbbing, my hands stain with blood which I didn't know if it was mine or the peace-keeper and to top it all I had just become a tribute in the hunger games.
But eventually I had to come out. Not because I wanted to but because apparently they were holding a mandatory meeting and hell, did I want answers to all this mess. Entering a room I was shoved into another chair; I get it, I got into a fight in a hovercraft but that little bitch was asking for it. But then again I had to admit I was already planning her dismay. I was boiling with anger already I had to take it out on someone and my target was her.
The minutes ticked by until all the chairs were filled. My black boots kept taping the floor rapidly as I grew impatient. My eyes narrowed as I saw the two ladies look through some files; a part of me wanted to know what was in those files and I would have probably gotten out of my chair and walked up their to demand answers but I guess my mentor knew what I was about to do because he placed a hand on my shoulder. Pushing me down on to my sheet.
Fuck him too.
Before I could do anything the blonde one began talking and talking. I was beginning to grow annoyed and sleepy when she said something that caught my attention.
"foreseeing the future." I sometimes believe that was what I had but then again it was impossible for me to see into the future so I always shrugged it off. But nevertheless I sat up straighter and listen to her explain to us what the hell she was talking about because I was pretty sure she belong in the asylum more than I did.
My eyes grew more wide as she continue to speak. I had never attended school but I was pretty damn sure that those things she was talking about were myths. "And you expect us to believe this crap?" I asked loudly growing angry. I was about to stand up and knock some sense into this woman when my mentor hand tighten around my shoulder. Clenching my teeth I glare daggers at her; a soft growl forming at the back of my throat but deep inside me I knew this could be the truth. It would explain the hallucinations, my ability to heal myself with a few words, it would explain--everything.
But I still couldn't help but cringe at the word half-blood. It make me feel--small. Like I was just half of something. Like they could control me and my life. It made me feel--filthy.
I stood up ready to show these people that I was not some dirty little half-blood they could control just because they were higher up on the hierarchy or whatever the hell was the word of social status. But of course they had already walked out on me; my blood was boiling. They wanted to drop this stupid bomb on us and then just walk out like that! Oh my target changed from that little bitch Mallory to that blonde headed one.
"Oracle, speak of the prophecy you told Eywa and Persephone for them to force these kid into the Hunger Games.”another lunatic in this fucking room. I spun on my heels to face this person and found myself staring at the mentor from district six. I had no idea who the hell he was talking about. What the hell was an Oracle? A prophecy? My blood was boiling!
Then everything in me changed. I sucked in my breathe as I began to feel dizzy. Opening my mouth I sucked in my breathe. Hell no. Not right now. I tried to make a run for the door but the words were coming out of my mouth before I could stop them. They weren't my words but it was my voice.
“Once again, darkness will raise and rule the world. Mute by their own ego, Gods would stay silent as they let Titans reign over the reconstruct land. Daughters of the Titans would reign in sport where no winner can rise. With patience the game of famine would break their parent’s chain. On the 26th year of the Game, the Titans shall rise if no half-blood lives a free life.”
I let out a small whimper when everything came back to focus. Clenching my shaking fist I stared at everyone in front of me, my mouth slightly open. The room burst into chaos but I remain frozen. I was the Oracle but at the same time I didn't know who I was. I was a species of unknown origin.
Then I felt hands on my shoulder beginning to lead me out and I was the one who exploded into chaos this time. I didn't care that the visions of this so-call-prophecy were still in my mind or that I was beginning to feel the first stage of my migraines. All I knew was that I needed to let this anger out. I turned on my heels a bit clumsy and punch our mentor straight in the face. Jumping on him I punched him again and again, until he shoved me off. I wanted to fight back, I wanted to feel powerful.
Instead I fell to the ground, too weak to fight back.
A second later I decided in the favour for the latter. We just arrived in the Capitol after being abducted in the middle of the night, and she had already started to plan outfits and worried about appearances? Although it seemed crazy to me, I could not help but agree to her words so I nodded. First impressions did matter. She smiled and then presented herself as Gaby. I told her my name and smiled back at her before one peacekeeper led me towards one of the elevators, making her let go of my arm. At least she didn’t seem like a bloodthirsty district 2 career.
After a soothing shower and some delicious food I was trying to decide what to wear. Gaby’s words rang in my ears as I tried to find something in the endless row of clothes. I wondered idly whether this was how girls had it in the morning. Eventually I had picked a simple but classy outfit, and the peacekeeper escorted me back to the lobby where Gaby was already waiting. As if we were old friends she latched her arm around mine once more. In fact it looked like we were going to some formal party by the way we were dressed.
She had been right of course. Outside the citizens were waiting like hawks watching their prey, and some of them even had cameras. They began snapping pictures of us, and I mimicked Gaby and smiled for the first ones. The cameras really made me feel uncomfortable so I signalled to Gaby that I went inside.
The Game Makers and a definitely-bordering-to-creepy mummy sat around a desk chatting like they were at a café. The mummy didn’t talk for obvious reasons. I noticed Ayla was sitting on my other side, and I smiled warmly at her when I recognized her. I was about to say something when the meeting seemed to begin.
I was silent for what seemed like minutes after all the information had been conveyed. Although they had talked a lot about several unsettling things like how they would kill us all, and our powers. The only thing I could think about was being a “half-blood” and what that meant. They were claiming that one of my parents had an affair once upon a time. It was the most ridiculous thing I had heard, and thinking about it made me irritated. My mother’s goodness and light flashed through my mind, as did my father’s sturdy character and gentle eyes. I could see how they held hands in the evening, and my father kissing the top of her head every day he came home from work. How did they even dare to say something like that?!
Being occupied with my own thoughts I barely registered that our mentor, Ryner, had seated himself in front of us. I was snapped out of it as Gaby without any warning scratched my chin and said; «What do you say? Do you think we can put on a show for the Capitol, handsome?”
I didn’t get what she meant at first, but I got the idea judging by that chin scratch, the way she said it, and how she was at the moment smirking at me. My face felt very hot, and I was very aware that I was blushing scarlet. I had no idea of what to say, and I couldn’t even bring myself to look up from my shoes. It made it no better when Ryner made it obvious that he had paid close attention. Some of the embarrassment disappeared when he began talking about the god stuff again. I didn’t even pay attention to the fact that he claimed Gaby was my sister, which made the whole situation even more embarrassing, but only to the fact that he seemed to believe in that crap. I was about to attempt to say something when the now-very-creepy mummy woke from the dead and started to talk by command of one of the mentors. It did not make a lot of sense, all this stuff about gods, titans, and powers. The only thing that made sense was that the Game Makers obviously sided with the titans.
We were escorted out by then, and Gaby was clutching my hand. Ryner turned towards us and nonchalantly declared he was our father before hurrying away. Gaby yelled at him, and suddenly launched a gigantic blue ball of fire at him. I blinked. Well, at least I now knew what her power was.
Anger boiled inside of me as I stepped towards him. We were the exact same height. Only injustice made me feel this way, but wasn’t this all unfair? After all he had just destroyed my family, and it was damaged beyond repair. I realized what it had been like to my father, my real father, to look at me every single day if he knew the truth. A hard lump formed in my throat My jaw was clenched so hard that it hurt. Ryner, or whoever he was, put a heavy hand on my shoulder. “Son..” He began before I interrupted him. “You are not. My. Father.” I almost spat at him, before backing away. His hand fell limp to his side. I took Gaby’s hand and we walked to the prep. She said something about winning and focusing on it. My mind was far away but I nodded at the end, hoping she didn’t notice. Hopefully I would get some time to myself during prep, I had to pull myself together so I would be able to smile at the parade.
The moment we stepped out of the hovercraft, I was led into a building along with the blonde male who was wearing nothing but his boxer shorts. I was right about him being my District Partner. We didn't get to talk during the journey to the Capitol, but he seemed pretty nice. From first look, I knew for a fact he wasn't a Career. He doesn't have the average killer appearance that those raised and bred to volunteer possess. It's not common to have someone like him in the Games, especially since we're from District Two, but both of us were reaped and neither of us are prepared.
I latched my arm around his as the two of us walked. He didn't seem to mind, especially since he was willing to hold the District Three girl's hand. "Let's dress up nicely, yeah? There's bound to be a bunch of nice clothes inside our rooms. First impressions matter, but since we weren't looking our best during the Hovercraft Ride, I say we outshine the other Tributes as early on in the Game as possible," I whispered, making sure the Peacekeeper didn't hear us. "My name's Gaby by the way." I gave him yet another smile.
He nodded in agreement, and I was glad he did. "Leo," he replied, returning the smile. With that, we had to go our separate ways.
Once I was inside what appeared to be a dressing room, I immediately got to work on making myself more presentable. I stripped my night gown off. There was a shower, which I used to shampoo and condition. Then I scrubbed away any dirt that attached itself to me as soon as I stepped out of my home. The dryer function helped me nicely, the rush of air blowing away every drop of water that was on me. I then rushed to a clothing rack and picked out an outfit to wear. After putting it on, I worked on my hair, using some products and letting my brown curls give me a natural look. Next was makeup, which I didn't use very much of besides some coverup, eyeliner, mascara, and lipgloss.
I stared in the mirror made a few more adjustments but turned my head when a Peacekeeper barged in. "Hurry up!" he shouted. "Breakfast is almost done, and the meeting is about to start!"
Standing up from my chair, I grabbed a pair of shoes and put them on before following him. I could care less about food. There's a never ending supply here in the Capitol and I can eat any time I want. But I guess a snack couldn't hurt. Besides, I was done changing.
I met up with Leo and grinned at him. He was quite handsome dressed up like that, and I once again latched my arm around his again like he was my date to prom. We grabbed something to eat and a beverage from the breakfast room. The two of us ate quickly, but made sure not to spill anything on our clothes.
Capitolite fans were outside of the room we were about to enter. They were well dressed just like Leo and I, only a bit more colourful and ridiculous for my taste. There were also a few cameras who I assume wanted to capture few glimpses of the Tributes this year. I made sure to be the focus of them for now, and for the rest of my time here. I blew a kiss, posed, and flashed a smile, making sure they knew the beauty and confidence I had, even as a young Career.
Leo didn't take as long as I did with the photoshoot, I think he smiled once for the camera before taking his seat. I followed him and sat down too, waiting.
The two Head Game Makers were there, and so was a freaky corpse in front of the room. They began explaining how we were all special. Two examples were even thrown, news that a Tribute here can grow vines while another can see into the future. Those are incredible powers, and useful ones at that that can help whoever possesses them further in the Games. I knew it. There had to be an explanation why we were abducted. They want this year to be as unique as the ones competing in the Arena.
Twenty four of us were labeled halfbloods by Game Maker Eywa. So that's what we were called? Most importantly, my mom had sex with a God? I knew she was an elegant woman, but never someone who would capture the heart of a Divine Being. So that means I have the blood of a God coursing through my veins. I can manipulate fire, and if my knowledge for Greek Mythology is correct, my father is Hephaestus.
News about us interfering with their plans made me narrow my eyes. They think a bunch of kids with godly abilities is going to overthrow the Capitol's reign over the District? I can see why they're all worried, but why go through all this trouble? Why don't they just kill us all if they were so concerned? They're sick, every single one of them. Making us compete just for their entertainment. Then they'll have relief and satisfaction once we're dead. The lone Victor, is going to be watched, and will sure be unable to enjoy the riches he or she may gain after winning. Being a champion has its price, but it's better than ending up as one of the Fallen faces in the sky.
Then they brought up how we have to look good for the camera, which wasn't really a problem for Leo and I, considering we did that before we even entered the room.
As I continue to take everything in, a very attractive man brought a chair and sat in front of Leo and I. He's our Mentor, and from what I heard, Ryner's really good. But not even the best of the best can have at least one of the Tributes from their District win every single year, even if we had the largest pool of Victors. I turned my attention Leo and playfully scratched his chin with my index finger, a smirk on my lips. "What do you say? Do you think we can put on a show for the Capitol, handsome?"
Before Leo could even respond, Ryner interrupted us with an "Ahem." He sighed and folded his hands on his lap before talking again. "I know incest is common in Greek Mythology, but I hope you two realize that you're siblings," he stated, pursing his lips.
My face turned pale for a second. I was so disgusted with myself. But wait, that means Leo is Hephaestus' son. Now I know why he wasn't freezing in the Hovercraft. He must have powers that are connected to heat or fire like I do. On another note, how was Ryner aware of the fact that Leo and I were siblings?
More questions formed in my head, but as I was about to ask them aloud, the corpse which I assumed was dead earlier came to life and began to speak. I listened and watched, my eyes wide with shock and amazement. Then, the District Six Mentor asked a question, which the so called Oracle responded to. She talked about darkness and Titans ruling the world. I didn't know if it was the truth, but with twenty four other halfbloods in the room and the existence of Gods, I'm not sure what to believe anymore.
Peacekeepers began escorting the tributes out, so I grabbed Leo's hand and left the room. Ryner followed shortly, and once he caught up to us, began to talk. "Look, you two are my... kids. I have a lot to tell you guys, but there's no time. For now, prepare for the parade and gain some sponsors." Then he just turned around and began to walk away. Ryner's my... father? But how was that even possible? Mom described dad way differently.
Most importantly, he left mom with me all by herself, and I felt a huge anger consume me. I clenched my fist. "Hey!!" I shouted which made him turn around. "How dare you walk away... just like you did with my mom!" Tears began sliding down my cheeks. "I hate you!" I exclaimed, and gasped once I saw a large blue fireball escape my hands.
Ryner caught the flaming blue orb in his hand, shrunk it down, turned it to its regular colour, and extinguished it. "Your fire's very powerful... but I advice you not to use your abilities on the very person that gave them to you."
I glared, grabbed Leo's hand and walked away from him. I can't stand him. However, there's no way I'm going to let him affect how I do in the parade and the rest of the Games. I cleared my thoughts and stopped to face Leo before we separate again into our Prep-Rooms. "We can't pay attention to what we were told right now. This is still the Hunger Games, and our minds need to be focused on winning." I gave him a smile. "Let's show them what we got..."
With that, we exchanged a cordial nod and walked into our Prep-Rooms to be dolled up for the Tribute Parade.
