Thain Byrns POV
That night my sleep was filled with disturbed dreams. I struggled to push them to the back recesses of my head but still, they reappeared again and again. The face of the girl from district three, Sealia, intertwined with images of Quinn, the boys, my mother, my father, the Boss, everyone dying. I’d awakened each time drenched in a cold sweat, fists clenched, eyes frantically searching for any source of comfort; anything that could tell me that my worries were unwarranted.
Light seeped through the curtains and I sighed; a sense of relief flowing through me as the darkness gradually receded. Slow and deliberately, I stumbled out of bed and into the shower.
What’s wrong with me?
What’s wrong with me?
What’s wrong with me!
Concentrate.
In an attempt to distract myself from the disturbing thoughts that plagued me, I angrily scrubbed at my arms and body with a rough bristled brush until all my skin felt raw and tender. Still, I felt a strange unease. Even as I dressed in the clothes that had been left at the foot of my bed I couldn’t stop myself from returning to my agitated state of mind. My thoughts wandered aimlessly and I made the effort to pinpoint my source of discomfort
“Hello? Earth to Thain, come in Thain.” Finnick laughed as he snapped his fingers in front of my face. “Could you wipe that grimace off your face for at least two seconds while we talk?”
I rolled my eyes and gave a huff of impatience. “Well, what then?” I snapped.
“I was saying that we should get down to business. Training starts today and we have to start coming up with plans and strategies. My first question was if you’d like to be coached separately or together?” he asked, looking from Annie’s face to my own.
“Together?” I repeated with a hint of disbelief.
“Yes, together. Really Thain, I know that you feel like going at it alone will improve your chances but think, be smart about it. The winners of these games all usually have one thing in common. Now, what is it?”
I understood the point he was trying to make but I stubbornly refused to acknowledge it aloud. Sure, it made sense; most of the Hunger Games were usually won by Career tributes. The odds were constantly in their favor; they always had proper nutrition growing up, were trained since birth to wield weapons of war, and attracted sponsors like magnets. Their true power, however, was inside the arena. They fought with numbers, easily overpowering lone tributes.
They hunted like a pack of deadly predators; always searching for a weak victim to surround and subdue. After the chariot rides, as I’d headed to the elevator, I couldn’t help but notice the hungry looks the district one and two tributes had in their eyes as they surveyed the crowd of tributes with superiority. Their eagerness to begin the massacre was nearly tangible.
“They’re all a bunch of arrogant assholes?” I quipped, smiling darkly at Finnick.
“Hah! Well if it were just that I wouldn’t be worried at all. You certainly outshine them in that aspect.” said Finnick with a grin; not giving the slightest hint of discomfort at my sarcasm. “They always work in a large group; the Career Pack. Even other tributes that have managed to win, they haven’t done it alone, they make alliances.”
I was about to make another sardonic remark when Annie interrupted, “If you don’t mind, I’d actually like it if you and I were a team in the arena,” she gave me a shy smile, “we could always split up if things don’t seem to be working out, or if you feel like you want to be alone.”
I considered it; thinking about the previous talk I’d had with Finnick. Obviously, if I stayed with Annie in the games I’d always have the constant worry on my back of whether I’d have to be the one to kill her or not, but on the other hand, I’d always be around if-and-when Finnick sent us any sponsor gifts. “Fine, together.” I muttered, “But, I want to make it absolutely clear; we’ll work together equally, if I see that you’re holding me back or putting me in danger I won’t hesitate to leave.”
“Deal.” Annie nodded, appearing pleased that a decision had been made.
Finnick frowned a little but nodded as well before he continued to address us, “Ok, well since that’s settled I also have other news.” He scratched his head nervously and then looked directly at me; whatever he was about to ask, I was the one he knew he’d have to convince, “ahem- so this morning I received a message from Gloss and Cashmere,” he paused and took in my suddenly livid expression, “-and another from Brutus and Enobaria…”
I took a deep breath, attempting to keep a calm and composed demeanor, “And? What do they want?” I demanded, though I had a faint idea of what he was about to say.
“As you know they’re this year’s mentors for district one and two, which normally make up the heart of the Careers. Sometimes, if they see someone they like they make exceptions. Anyway, after the chariot rides they were… Impressed, I guess you could say, with you.”
I noticed his expression seemed anxious and I quickly pieced it together, “Me. Just me?” I asked, glancing pointedly at Annie, “What about her? I mean, if they’re serious about this she’s the real ‘pick of the litter’ here. I left the Academy remember? I haven’t had any real hands-on training.”
“Don’t be so down on yourself Thain,” Annie interrupted, “You’re strong and smart. I could almost bet you’ve even had more training and experience from being on those boats than me. Honestly, if it wasn’t because I’ve known you since you were a kid I’d be terrified to even be in the same room as you.”
I looked at Finnick sharply, my brows scrunching in anger, “Well, if they want me on their team they can just go jump of the nearest cliff. I’m not joining them.”
“Don’t be so quick to dismiss them.” Finnick said hastily when he saw me beginning to rise from the table, “I’ll tell their mentors that you’re still thinking about it. Listen, you don’t want to get on these guys’ bad side. They’re lethal, and you don’t want them to have a specific grudge against you when the games start. Just think about it ok?”
“Fine, I’ll think about it.” I replied in an ironic tone; putting imaginary air-quotes around the word think. They all had another thing coming if they thought I’d even consider being a part of their group. I’d been less than thrilled at the thought of having to work with Annie in the arena, and this was a girl that I’d known and played with as a child. The thought of feigning friendship with the Careers was enough to literally spoil my appetite. I strode away to my room without another word. I could honestly not think of even one reason I’d lower myself to such a level.
When I peered at the clock and I saw that it was almost ten, the allotted time when we were supposed to gather at the training room, I stalked over to the elevator and prepared myself to face the other tributes. I relaxed my posture and settled into my usual glower; it was easier to handle things when I was concentrating on the mission ahead of me rather than my nerves.
There would be three days where all of us tributes would be allowed to practice together. Three days to cram as much combat and survival information as possible before we’d be thrown into the arena. Then, on the last afternoon, we’d all get the chance to show off our special skills in private before the Gamemakers.
“Nervous?” asked Annie as the doors to the elevator began to slide open.
“No.” I lied, trying to ignore the sudden pressure that was building up in my chest. I’d never had a problem with claustrophobia before, though, I supposed with my line of work I’d never had to test out that fear. The actual training field was underground; a sort of subterranean gymnasium under the building.
We arrived fairly early, I could see only a few other tributes milling around the center of the arena. The room was enormous, more like a stadium, and was filled with various obstacle courses, weapons, and training stations. As far as I could tell, there were also experts at each location, ready to assist us if we needed mentoring or wanted to practice with a partner.
We joined the rest of the tributes and waited as more of the other competitors assembled in the center of the gym. I vaguely noticed, and ignored, the looks that the district one and two boys gave me; questioning, and expectant. In no time just about everyone had arrived; the only ones I was sharply aware of, the pair that had yet to appear, were the two tributes from district three.
Where is she?
Err- them. I guess the boy isn’t here either…
They. Where are they?
As if in direct answer to my questions, a low ding sounded across the room, signifying the arrival of an elevator. The doors slid open and I caught a glimpse of the pair. The boy marched out stiffly, apparently still upset with the girl, and then stopped abruptly, midstride. His face looked almost pained and I could only guess he was just realizing the competition was more severe than he’d expected.
I turned my attention to the girl who hadn’t moved from her position in the doorway, and wondered what exactly they’d been arguing about. Her face looked distressed as she observed the boy, but then, with a heavy sigh, she moved forward to exit the elevator when the doors began to slide shut.
“Get a move on three! We’d like to start this thing before the end of the day!” taunted Lander; the massive boy from district one. He smirked at the pair and pointedly tapped his jewel encrusted watch, his token I assumed, in a show of exaggerated impatience.
The girl’s eyes widened in apparent alarm and she hurriedly began to rush forward. Then, as if her expression hadn’t been enough to betray her emotional state, the moment she took a step forward her legs shook and her boot caught on the lip of the door. She threw her arms out wildly and only barely managed to catch herself before her face hit the ground.
“Graceful!” crowed Vita, the female counterpart to Lander. She snorted and my blood boiled when I heard a couple of the other tributes join in their mocking laughter. The girl’s face went beet red and she pushed herself up on her elbows. I grit my teeth and squeezed my eyes shut, willing myself to stay in my place.
Don’t do anything stupid.
She has to fend for herself.
She has to pay more attention.
Think about yourself.
Thankfully, as the girl pulled herself up onto her knees, her district partner seemed to come out of his stupor. The boy hurried to her side mumbling something, and offered her his hand. She smiled gratefully and together they joined our large circle of tributes. The head trainer, a heavily-muscled man named Noah, stepped up and started explaining the training schedule.
“You’ll be free to travel from area to area as you wish. As you can see, each station provides help and information on various things. There are posts that are strictly for combat training and others that have survival techniques. “ Noah turned then and stared pointedly at the Career tributes, then at myself, before continuing, “I’m also sure that you’ve all noticed that there are assistants all around the arena. They are there with a specific purpose, and that is to help you in any way you need, whether it’s as a sparring partner or a guide. You are all forbidden-“ he stared at our group, “-I repeat, forbidden to engage in any combative exercise with another tribute.”
With his papers in hand, Noah continued and read down the list of skills that were offered at each station. I heard the Careers snicker and caught sight of Cyrus, the male tribute from two, imitating Noah. He puffed his chest out and waggled his finger at Lander. “It’s forbidden I tell you.” He stage whispered.
I rolled my eyes and when Noah released us headed straight for the weapons area of the gym. I eyed the tridents and spears greedily, my fingers itching to hold them.
“You sure that’s a good idea?” Annie whispered beside me.
I flinched slightly. I hadn’t realized she had followed me. “Yeah, why wouldn’t it be?”
“Finnick told me that it would be a good idea to hide your skills, to just show them to the Gamemakers in the private sessions. That way the other tributes wouldn’t know what to expect in the games.”
I frowned. “Hide my skills? Annie, I’m not about to hide and pretend I’m a lesser fighter than anyone. I want everyone, and especially those Careers, to know what I can do. I want them to see, to fear me.” I reached around her and picked up a handful of spears, “And if I were you, I’d show them some of your moves too. Honestly Annie, look around. Haven’t you noticed? They’re staring at everyone, including you, like you’re a piece of meat.”
She opened her mouth in an attempt to argue but then snapped it closed; she’d caught sight of one of the Careers from two, Kora I think her name was. The brutish girl smiled wickedly at Annie as she picked up a sword and started attacking the dummies around her. “Maybe… Maybe you have a point.” said Annie.
I nodded. Then in a lower voice added, “You know if I were you, I’d try as hard as I could to impress them. You know? Bring out the big guns; show them what you can do. Maybe then they’d ask you to join their pack.” I tried not to sound too hopeful but it was difficult to disguise my feelings. It was perfect now that I thought of it; if the Careers decided that they wanted Annie on their side then I wouldn’t have to worry at all about her. Technically, I’d be keeping my promise to Finnick; I’d be keeping her safe by putting her in the strongest alliance possible, also, I would be free of the burden of having to have her as a partner in the arena.
Annie’s eyes went wide as she took in my expression. “I thought you said you didn’t want to join the careers.” I didn’t respond and she slowly seemed to understand, “Oh, you’re… you’re trying to get rid of me.” she stated, no question in her voice.
“Any way I look at it, it’s the best thing to do, for me and for you.” I said sincerely, “I’m not going to lie to you Annie, I’m not exactly thrilled with the idea of having you as a partner and it’s not because of a lack of skill on your part.” I added the last part quickly, “Let’s be honest, there can only be one winner and, if it’s at all possible, I’d rather not have to be the one to end your life.”
She blanched slightly at my words and bit her lip fretfully. “So then our alliance is off?” she asked quietly.
“No. Not yet anyway.” Her face looked confused so I elaborated, “I-I promised Finnick to try and take care of you, and if you don’t manage to get in with the Careers I promise I’ll keep up our end of the deal. I’ll stay with you in the arena as long as possible.”
She paused to think about what I’d said and almost instantaneously smiled, “Deal. What station do you think I should go to first? Should I go somewhere else or stay with you?”
“I’d think it’s better if you tried out the obstacle course. You’re small but agile, show them your speed. Then, when I go to try something else you should come to this station. If I remember correctly, you had a pretty deadly aim with a spear.”
“I did,” she grinned, “and still do.”
I turned back to my spears and easily began flinging them at the targets before me. Each hit the center with a satisfying thunk and I couldn’t help but grin. With my peripheral vision I noticed that the Careers were showing off; evidently, they’d thought of a similar strategy. They were trying, and succeeding, at intimidating the field of incompetent tributes.
Seconds later, I lost myself in a world of targets and dummies, spearing each quickly and easily. My aim was lethal; any spot my eye landed on, my weapon was sure to follow. Spears sliced through mannequins like butter, tridents impaled themselves in targets that were yards away, and every bull’s-eye was hit the first time. When I manage to skewer three thick dummies with one spear, on the first hit, I realize the previous cacophony in the room had disappeared. I turned and saw that the majority of the tributes, most noticeably the Careers, had stopped what they were doing to watch me.
Lander, the apparent leader of the Careers, smiled malevolently; pleased with what he’d witnessed. He turned and took a single step in my direction before something else seemed to catch his interest. I turned to look at whatever had caught his attention and felt my pulse accelerate at the sight before me.
No!
The anguish I felt was sharp and visceral. There’d been no time to prepare; it’d been a stealthy ambush upon my senses. Immediately, I knew that Annie wasn’t going to be the weakest tribute. She would not be my only worry, or the first victim the Careers would prey upon.
No.
Get up!
Everyone can see!
You’re making a fool of yourself.
Do something.
You’re making yourself a target!
Everyone will see how weak you are.
Upside-down, hanging by her foot, flailing her arms around, grunting and panting, was Sealia. She was completely red-faced as she made the effort to untangle herself from the roped bridge she’d been attempting to climb. Her district partner, the younger boy with the glasses, stood under her at the edge of the ladder and tried to talk her through the process of freeing her leg. It wasn’t until a pair of assistants climbed up themselves and untied the knots that held the bridge in place that she was finally liberated from the tangle of ropes.
I could hear the Careers roaring with laughter and, again, I struggled with the urge to settle things with my fists. I turned back to my target and tried to concentrate, like I had before, on nothing more than my trident.
Stop that!
Concentrate.
Just think about the target.
Ok… No, don’t turn.
Don’t look at her…
Though I tried, it proved to be near impossible to ignore her. I traveled to different stations hoping that each new task would somehow pull my attention away from the clumsy, mess-of-a-girl that stumbled along through obstacle after obstacle. Each time she tried anything physical she’d stumble and fall, trip and collapse. I couldn’t concentrate anymore. My mind was filled with a constant worry.
It wasn’t until the day had ended and I lay in bed attempting to find sleep, that I realized that most, if not all, of the stress and grief I’d felt throughout the day came from a single cause. My worries emanated from one source and one source only. Her. Sealia.
I tossed and turned, afflicted with a new question. It wasn’t until I was in a state of mid-sleep, somehow conscious yet somnolent, that I realized the answer.
Why am I worried about her?
… Because, because she’ll surely be the first to die…