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May The Odds Be Ever In Your Favor	By : CJ_Wallace Category: G through L > The Hunger Games Trilogy Views: 12259 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 1
Disclaimer: I do not own The Hunger Games Trilogy and make no money off the posting of this story.

Chapter List
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Note before Chapter: As I can't find a way to respond to Reviews, until I can figure out how to do that, I will respond to them before the chapter. So, in response to the review I have recieved, which I'm very grateful for, MiCD refers to Minor Character Death. As this is a Hunger Games fic, there will be plenty of it ;)

Also, for those who wish to review, please please please don't hold back. I love your thoughts, and your opinions, and even those who wish to criticize my work.

Chapter Three
I woke when the door opened in the wee hours of the morning. It was the girl I had seen before, whom Jade had called Avox. I had little patience for her, especially in my cranky state, and so I watched her carefully through slitted eyes. She placed a new pile of clothes at the end of the bed, then glanced up. I saw her jerk back and freeze, staring at me, a quizzical expression on her face. Her head tilted to the side, but she didn't speak, nor did she even seem to realize I was awake. After a second, she smiled, sighed and left the room, shaking her head silently.
When I was alone, I slowly untangled myself and stretched my sore limbs. It had been a long time since I had slept like this. It was something my father had taught me to heighten my awareness and to protect myself if I felt danger. I knew I would be sleeping like this for the rest of my life; unless I made it through The Hunger Games alive...
The thought forced me from the bed and I stripped out of my dress, tossing it to the floor. I pulled on the tight black pants and the loose short-sleeved tunic that went with it. I quite liked the clothes, despite the circumstances, and found I could move in them easily without being exposed. Seeing as I wouldn't be disturbed for some time, I began my morning exercises. I was halfway through a kata when my door opened again. I dropped my arms and slid out of the stance fluidly, looking over my shoulder to see Sid watching me. I pursed my lips, but didn't speak, waiting for him to give me my orders. The sun was coming up, and it lit the room with a dull red glow.
After a moment, Sid nodded and motioned me to follow. "We're nearly to the Capitol. I thought maybe you'd want to get some break-fast in you before we arrived. You may answer to let me know you understand."
I made a small noise in my throat, but I didn't speak. I was still furious with the man for punishing me for no reason other than Jet's outburst, but I followed his instructions carefully. He said I could answer, he said nothing of talking. I was seated at the table and buttering a slice of thick toast when Jade and Jet joined us. Jet sat quietly in his chair and began to shovel food onto his plate, refusing to look at me the whole time.
Jade joined Sid, looking a little sourly at the two of us. "If you can promise to be civil, you can speak," she said offhandedly.
"I only have one question," I muttered as I picked up the mug I had poured coffee in. I hadn't had coffee in years, but the smell and taste was enough to chase away any foul mood I had previously had.
Jade glared at me. She obviously expected something sarcastic or snarky. I think I shocked her when I addressed Sid.
"What's your real name? I mean... Sid has to be a nickname. It's been driving me mad." I grinned at them innocently, thoroughly enjoying myself for the first time.
Sid's eyes fixed on mine, and for the longest time he did not blink (although I did) for several minutes. It was as if he thought I was mocking him. He must have realized I meant no harm because he gave a slight cough and looked away. "Obsidian," he retorted. "My name is Obsidian. My last name is irrelevant, and hasn't been used in so long, I barely remember it. You can call me Sid, or Master Obsidian. I prefer Sid."
I wanted to laugh, but he was so serious I couldn't help but just nod. I had very little dealings with the precious glass, but I knew its uses were many and it was very expensive. "Master Obsidian it is then, it's a beautiful name. You should be proud of it."
He rolled his eyes and frowned deeply. "So... you two had plenty of time to think last night. What did you come up with?"
Jet looked up from the eggs he was wolfing down. "I'm still not working with her, however, she's right. Without allies, I'll die in the bloodbath. I think I have a good idea of the tributes I think I can use..."
I chuckled quietly and finished my piece of toast, brushing the crumbs from my fingers. "And I’ve memorized the names of every tribute and decided which ones I wanted to pick off first. Don't worry," I assured Jet as he glared at me. "You were rather low on the list..." It didn't seem to improve his mood. "I also came up with a few more questions."
Jade sighed and put a hand on Sid's shoulder. "Well, they'll have to wait until later. Finish eating, we'll be arriving shortly. You'll want to greet the Capitol with some enthusiasm, if you want some sponsors anyway."
"Actually," I said, forking a link of sausages and lifting them onto the small plate in front of me. "Sponsors were the thing I was wondering about. I know sponsors are important, and they have to do with the gifts in the arena... but how do we get sponsors?"
Sid decided to answer that one. "You get them to like you, of course. Which shouldn't be too hard for you two... if you smile and play nice. The more people like you, the more likely they are to send you things you want or need in the arena. Coming from a richer District, you have better chance of getting the more expensive gifts as well. Jade and I will choose your gifts for you and decide when you need them, if you need them, but without sponsors, we have no money to do that."
That excited me. "For things that could spare me from death, I'd be willing to be Jet's bodyguard." I held up my hands, to show I meant no harm, then skewered a sausage and took a bite. It was so delicious, it was hard not to moan as the juice dripped down my chin, which I quickly wiped with my napkin.
"How do we get them to like us?" Jet asked, ignoring my gesture.
Jade piped up, frowning at him. "You compliment the Capitol, your fellow tributes and you do everything to show your excitement to be entered in the games. Remember, you two volunteered, they're expecting tributes who want to be there! If you act like this is the biggest waste of time, you'll be forgotten quickly. In your interviews, you'll have chance to shine and show the Capitol, and District One, that you're worth keeping alive. You'll also be evaluated on training days, and a private session where you'll be scored on your abilities; which helps and hurts at the same time."
My confusion must have been evident, because Sid clarified for her.
"If you're strong, the other stronger tributes will feel threatened. If you're weak, you could be targeted." He paused, thinking it over. "Of course, you may be overlooked, but it's rare. Especially in Pack districts, where you're supposed to be skilled. I don't think you can play dumb, but getting an 8 or a 9 wouldn't be too bad. For your district, it's average and to be expected."
I frowned, knowing if I showed all of my skills, I would get a high score. I hadn't considered keeping anything hidden, but it was a good idea considering. "So we have to make sure we appear useful enough to keep around, but not too clever that we appear a threat... that's going to be a huge challenge in itself." My contemplation was cut short when the train went dark suddenly. I gasped loudly and held the table tightly as my eyes adjusted and I could see again.
"Well... here we are," Jade said as we entered the tunnel to the Capitol.
I felt foolish and stood slowly. I couldn't help it. Complete darkness had always been something that terrified me, and I couldn't let that happen again. If anyone found out... I grit my teeth and took a deep breath, calming myself.
Jade cocked her head, appraising us for a moment before nodding. "You look presentable enough. Could do with a pleasant expression, but that's your choice. Everything else, your stylists will take care of. Keep your mouths shut and maybe they'll have mercy on you. You two will change your tune by the Tribute Parade. If not... well, may the odds be ever in your favor. Now go out there and show the crowd their tributes... their heroes."
I wiped my mouth once more and flashed Jet a huge smile. He was just rising from his seat and didn't look too enthused. The Train was starting to slow as I exited the car and I steadily walked down the hall that was made of a tall window that showed the Capitol in all its glory. Or rather, showed off the arriving tributes. I looked up the crowd cheering and waving to us. I was speechless, gazing up in amazement and awe.
I waved back hesitantly, but when I felt Jet step up beside me I cozied up next to him, lifting my head to whisper in his ear. "This could be a lot of fun if you let it." I giggled and took his arm, as Jade had held Sid, waving more enthusiastically to the crowd. I had decided to force him to look good for the cameras, and if he took the bait, we could have a glamorous reception.
Jet sighed and gave a sly smile, pulling me in next to him and lifting a fist into the air as we had in District One. His face transformed immediately and the darkness from his brow lifted. His black eyes sparkled brightly as he finally took in the sight I had. Brightly colored people with strange decorations and implants and make-ups. By time the train had come to a stop, we were laughing and rushing to exit. The crowd had flooded the station, but there were Peacekeepers holding them back. They all looked so happy as they threw confetti and showered us in flowers of all sorts.
I looked up at Jet as he stepped off the train and wrapped his arm around my waist loosely, noticing for the first time the height difference between us. I had known he was tall, but he towered over me, and even lifted me off my feet a little when he turned us both to address the crowd on all sides. He looked so much better laughing and enjoying the attention. When we finally released each other, I smoothed my tunic and began braiding my hair sloppily as we were ushered by our mentors and Kingfevin, who looked shocked, but pleased. As we walked, I saw a beautiful rose lying on the ground, one I recognized. I gave a sharp cry of excitement without meaning to.
Breaking away from the group and ignoring the cries of the adults who were guiding us, I stopped short of an angry looking Peacekeeper and dropped to my knees as he lunged for me, reaching for the stem. The Peacekeeper almost tripped over me, but with an accidental step, his foot landed on my hand, crushing the thorns into my palm. I was jerked roughly to my feet and escorted back to the group, but I held up my bloody prize proudly, the sapphire rose miraculosly unharmed by the incident.
When I was brought back, Jet took my uninjured hand and pulled me away from the Peacekeeper angrily, glaring defiantly at the man. Without a word, Jet examined the new marks on my hurt hand. He looked at me seriously, and I could feel the cameras zooming in on the cuts. Jet flipped my hand over, looking closely at the ring on my hand, and even holding my fingers as if to show it off. Taking the rose from me gently, he brought my palm slowly to his lips before weaving the flower into my braid. I could hear the crowd's roar as I pulled my hand away and blushed for the cameras.
I glanced back at him with a wink, nodding my approval. We were doing very well, and all eyes were on us. He was going to use his manners and his upbringing as a weapon and I my mind games, my weak charm and my sharp wit; heroes indeed. I smirked and resumed our walk, my hurt hand clenched and my other hand on his crooked arm as he escorted us to where our styling team were waiting.
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May The Odds Be Ever In Your Favor