Honorary Chapter: by August Rush - District Eight

"Training will begin in an hour. I expect you both to be ready by then." My escort grumbled. She was so bossy.

This whole time, the parade, everything, I'd been thinking about Angel. It hurt me to think about it, but somehow I couldn't bring myself to stop. I felt guilty if I forgot her. It was hard.

In an hour I was taken, along with my partner, to the gymnasium of the Training Center where all the other Tributes were gathered. I scanned the room, so many big and buff boys, no, men! And then there was little ol' me. I was the youngest out of everyone, so everyone assumed I was the weakest. I wanted to show them how strong I was, but deep down I knew they were right. They were always right. I was weak, and little. August Rush, the kid who can't do anything. I'll die in the bloodbath.

I did notice however, the girl with no arms. She stayed away from everyone else I saw, and some people stared at her as they walked to a new place. I couldn't believe them, they all were so rude.

And I watched her district partner, he looked like a nice guy, he was strong and had big muscles, probably 'cause he was Career, but he seemed humble. Trustworthy. No one is trustworthy in these games. I had to remind myself of that every time I saw someone's soft side. I had to know that those were just fleeting moments, that they weren't acceptable. I sighed and wandered over to the plants station. Some of the other girls were over there so I backed away. But I backed right into Coriolanus, the boy from Five with the President's name.

My breathing rapidly increased and I slowly turned around. He held a long sword in his hand and stared at me menacingly. My eyes began to water but I gulped and held my ground. Mainly because I was scared to move, and my feet wouldn't listen to common sense. My first impulse was to run. But Coriolanus was big and scary. I didn't stand a chance. I locked my body and braced myself for yet another beating, I thought coming here I could escape all that, but I was wrong.

But he didn't strike me. He just stared. I almost thought I had some poison on me that paralyzed him on impact, but his silver eyes blinked and pierced my soul. I quivered in fear as he approached, slow at first. He began raising his sword ever so slowly but then stopped.

"Hey man, why don't we keep it at a friendly level alright?" The District Four boy had stepped in. And for a moment I thought my first impression might be right.

Coriolanus began to smile eerily. Like he always did, his mouth inhumanly stretching from ear to ear, and his eyes piercing into your heart, making your mind go blank and your balance tipped off. "Wanna fight?" He asked almost in a whisper, his crackly vice sounding old man-ish. I gulped again, Four motioned for me to go but I shook my head. I would never abandon a friend, not that I ever had any.

Angel.

I sighed. I needed to get back to her.

"No thanks," Four muttered, holding his hands up in defense. Coriolanus swooshed his sword side to side, stepping closer to Four as he did so. Four backed away, looking around for a trainer.

I saw one, standing aimlessly by the door. Without a sound I waved my hands above my head and looked at him. He saw me and saw Coriolanus and Four. He ran over and talked Five out of his little charade. Then Five went to the dummies and chopped 'em up.

I turned to Four. "Kaleb." He said, holding out his hand. I shook it but didn't smile. I gulped, swallowing my fear and I spoke; "August."

"I know." F-- Kaleb --said. "So, you alright little buddy?" He asked. Overall he was a very nice guy.

I kind of grew to like him as the day wore on.

We went over to his district partner and talked with her. She was extremely nice and immediately made me feel at home. I felt I could trust her, so I told her some things about my district and life and she told me things about her life. I was intrigued by her talk of this contraption she used to eat, and open doors, it was so fascinating. Even for a twelve year old.

I told her about Angel, and about Rufus and Farus. About my poems, and about Mai and the other volunteers. She liked to listen, but I wasn't sure Kaleb did. Either that or he didn't show it.

Either way, I like them both. And wished the outcome of these games would be different. If we'd all lived in the same district, we would make great friends. I saw that whenever someone stared at Tay, Kaleb would trip or drop some tools to get their eyes on him. It was a nice thing to do, and when kids laughed at me Tay would laugh at them. We all would. And they'd get confused and stop.

"Let's be allies." Kaleb suddenly suggested. I had wanted before to ally with Taystarian because I couldn't stand the thought of leaving her alone in the arena, abandoning her. But now I wanted to ally with her even more because she was such a nice person.

"Okay," Tay smiled. I was hesitant though. One thing puzzled me.

"Why me?" I asked it bluntly. And then thought I'd better explain more. "Why did you help me with Five, why out of everyone, every Career, why choose me?" Kaleb shrugged, and I could tell I'd stepped into something.

"You remind me of my siblings back home. My sister is younger than you, and my brother, well-" he chuckled. I smiled and nodded.

"Okay." I said. "I'll do it." Tay grinned and gently kicked my behind while she sat on a box. We all laughed and then continued tying knots, or making mini snares the size of our fingers. Tay used her mouth, and it was fun to watch.

It was all great fun, but when the day was over we were all dragged back to reality and the fact that the three of us didn't really have a chance at anything. Survival wasn't really an option for Tay and me, it could be for Kaleb but he chose for it not to be. Or maybe he could save the two of us, but that would only end in two of our demise.

Things were just complicated.