Culling

Part I • Chapter VIII

The two men studied each other for a moment before Octavius nodded to him, waved to me and he and Aakil went back to their group.

"We are all set now." Dr Green spoke up as Mr Blackbourne turned to face the rest of us. "Pookie needs her beauty rest and the rest of us need to catch some sleep as well. Especially since we don't know what tomorrow will bring."

Mr Blackbourne pushed his glasses up with his finger and looked at each of us one by one. "Apparently the procedure is this; after we form a group and are assigned a room, we have to make our way to the training hall. It is the building right before the residential building, so it is on the way to our final destination.

After we get to the training hall we each have to individually register our location as well. Since there is no official end to this gathering, and most people are forming groups still, we should leave now and complete that step. Afterwards we will be able to go to our residence and relax for the rest of the evening."

☜♡☞

We were chauffeured by bus from the gathering.

The bus paled in extravagance when compared to the train. However, seeing that the seats were made of velvet, I was positive it still wasn't the same kind of bus that the everyday person normally rode.

It also seemed kind of silly to be riding anywhere. All the buildings were located in the same area, after all.

The bus driver was a chatty old man who nonchalantly informed Kota that the location in which we were confined was a few miles dozen miles in radius, and also was fully guarded against breakout attempts.

He was also quick to emphasize that any escape endeavors would be thwarted with a vengeance.

That was comforting to know.

The driver went on to inform us about how lucky we were, that the Capital was here to cater to our every whim. Because apparently we also had a spa, our own dining hall, and other amenities.

Like we were on a vacation or something.

During the majority of the trip I mostly wondered how this could be afforded year after year. Especially as I considered that a few miles away from my very own district, stood a hazardous city that the Capital claimed was too costly to clean.

Victor sat next to me on the bus. I asked him about it, he informed me that it was all political.

It wasn't long before we pulled into a gated road, drove past what looked to be outdoor training grounds and were dropped off in front of sliding metal doors. Victor remained next to me as we exited the bus, which I appreciated, and when I shook in nervousness he grabbed my hand in his own.

"Our very first tributes of the night!" An excited man greeted us as we walked through the doorway.

In fact, he basically jumped up and down in joy at our arrival. He was almost as short as me, balding and slightly chubby. He also wore so much jewelry that he seemed to be reflecting the light from the many lamps in the hall.

"I am so very excited to see you all! I cannot tell you how very honored I am to be in the presence of such heroes!" Our greeter was all wide smiles and almost swooned as he spoke before a stern looking man next to him cleared his throat disapprovingly.

Victor, who hadn't let go of my hand, laughed a little under his breath. I noticed Gabriel and Luke were also smirking at the man.

I hoped that this poor guy would not be assigned to us past tonight, because I had a feeling that he would be the perfect target for pranks.