𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐁𝐎𝐃𝐘 𝐊𝐍𝐎𝐖𝐒 | ᴄ. ʜᴀᴅʟᴇʏ

Score

"Are you absolutely mad!?" Effie's shrill voice demands.

We are sitting in the living room of our living quarters and I have just told an eager Effie about what exactly I did for my one-on-one with the Game Makers. She is not pleased. Peeta got off the hook okay, he threw some weights around apparently. I don't think it's quite as flashy or noticeable as Effie had in mind. But the disdainful little sniff she gave Peeta is nothing compared to the lecture I have been enduring the past half hour. 

"Mad, yes. I thought that would have been obvious." I snap back. Effie glares at me, though I can't exactly claim to be scared. The bright green tule corset exploding around her small frame, along with her powdered green wig are rather ruining the effect.

"You do realize, that your actions reflect badly on all os us? Not just you!" Effie exclaims. 

"The Game Makers just want a good show, it'll be alright." Cinna pipes up in my defence. I shoot him a thankful look before Effie resumes scolding me.

"How about it's just rude, Cinna? How about that?" 

The door creaks and an intoxicated looking Haymitch walks in. He sends me a large grin. I return it because a drunk grin from Haymitch, is still better than another reprimand from Effie.

"Nice throwing, sweetheart." For once, I am less irritated with the nickname. Haymitch laughs, a scratchy bird like sound that makes me grin a little wider. 

"How did they react, when you threw your axe at the apple?" Haymitch asked. 

"Well. . .I guess they seemed pretty shocked." I said carefully.

"Oh, did they? Can't imagine why." he said with another strange laugh. "What did you say again? "Thank you for. . . ?"

"Your consideration." I finished for him, looking down at my feet to hide the smile blossoming across my face. Odd how someone I hate has quickly become my favourite person in the room in a matter of minutes.

"Genius!" Haymitch says.

Effie scowls. "I don't think you're going to find this funny when the Game Makers decide to take it out-" 

Haymitch cuts her off. "On who? On her?" He gestures to me. "On him?" He gestures to me. "I think they all ready have. You don't get a lot worse than sending kids out to the Hunger Games. Now, loosen your corset, have a drink." 

Effie continues to scowl at Haymitch, but finally sits down.

We eventually progress into dinner. It is awkward, and without much conversation, but I almost find the silence peaceful. I focus my attention on the large heaping mashed potatoes I am eating and try to forget about everything else. It works for a moment, but my mind drifts back to my training score, as it appears to enjoy doing. My training score! It's supposed to be broadcasted any minute now! 

I stand up quickly and remind everyone.

"Yes! Everyone to the living room!" Effie trills. 

We are herded onto the couch, and I am squashed between Peeta and Cinna. Effie turns on the TV and I begin to drum my fingers in anticipation as Caesar Flickerman begins his opening speech.

"As you know, the tributes were rated on a scale on one to twelve after three days of careful evaluation here in the Capital's training centre. The Game Keepers would like to acknowledge that we had a very promising batch of Tributes this year. First training score, Marvel." I recognize the sandy haired career from the first day of training. "Marvel has earned a score of nine. Glimmer, with a score of nine. Cato," I tense when I see an image of the muscular career flash on the screen. "With a score of ten."