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𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐄𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓

    𝐈𝐍 𝐀 𝐒𝐌𝐀𝐋𝐋 𝐑𝐎𝐎𝐌 just outside the gymnasium sat twenty-four tributes in their usual training attire, anxiously waiting for them to start calling them in one by one for their individual assessment. As usual, they will go in the chronological order of their District, starting with 1 and ending with 12.

    It seemed everyone was on edge because no one was saying a damn word. The silence in the air was thick and eerie while all the tributes sat in nervous anticipation. Not even the Careers spoke, though they do look more reserved than the rest. It wasn't until they called the male tribute from District 3 in is when hushed whispers started and some would stand just to stretch their legs or pace.

    Sage Rowan sat in silence next to her District partner, back leaning against the wall, arms cross and a blank expression. She would occasionally look over at Lorcan, who was hunched over, elbows on knees and head bowed, causing his wild golden locks to fall in front of his face naturally. He has met her gaze twice now, each time he would muster up the best smile he could manage for her, though it always seemed forced.

    It took everything in Sage not to go over there and speak to him. She has to do it soon, she needs to tell him the game plan, whatever that may be. Her decision to make sure he emerges victorious in the arena and her vow to do everything in her power to make sure it happens was a wake up call for the fifteen year old. It gave her a purpose, something to fight for and something she is willing to die for. Someone.

    The need to speak to him is purely strategy. Lorcan needs to know that they are going to be in an alliance together. He needs to know not to run off after the countdown, making her job harder by searching for him. In all honesty, he is not going to have a say in this. It's not like she thinks he will decline working with her. To better his survival, it is the smartest move on his front, given her incredible skills, both physical and survival. Sage's goal to save him and then take herself out in the end is simply a need to know basis.

    It wasn't long before they called in District 4. First Azebel went, her head held high and shoulders back. She is definitely not one to show weakness, given how scared she truly was. If Sage didn't want to clock her for what she said about Lorcan, she might actually admire it. When they called in Lorcan, the male lifted his head first before standing up, looking over shoulder briefly until his eyes met her familiar pair. Sage recognized the worried gleam in his stare and only gave him a brief nod of reassurance, basically wishing him luck without actually voicing the words. He seemed to understand and nodded back once before disappearing behind the double doors.

    Next to her sat Chance, who's leg has been shaking uncontrollably since the moment they arrived. He kept clicking his tongue with the roof of his mouth while also drumming his fingers on his thighs. At first, Sage had tried blocking him out completely, she has done a pretty decent job in ignoring him, not trusting him with anything he might say to use against her with the Careers. She believes he might have formed some kind of alliance with them in exchange for intel on her, though it was a stretch. Sage has less than forty-eight hours before she can know that for sure.

    Still, his anxiety was making her crazy and she wanted to chop his leg off to keep from bouncing as well as cut out his tongue to keep from clicking anymore. After another minute, Sage finally snapped. "Would you relax?"

    "What?" Chance muttered in a low tone.

    "Stop with the knee shaking and the tongue clicking. It's driving me insane."

    Chance stopped shaking his knee and crossed both legs under the chair while also clearing his throat. The two sat in silence for the next ten minutes before they finally called in the female tribute for District 8, meaning they were up shortly. Sage could feel Chance glancing over at her, and knew he was about to speak before he did.

    "Do you know what you're going to do?"

    Sage had given it a lot of thought. After coming to the conclusion that she will not be taken out without making sure Lorcan makes it home, she had finally put in some serious thought in her individual assessment. She doesn't want to do too well, she doesn't want to plant a target on her back more so than she already has. Showing off to prove a point may have felt good at the time, but it only proved she can handle her own and it most definitely painted a target on her back. Especially with Districts 1 & 2.

    But she doesn't want to get a bad score either. She can't, honestly. Getting a bad score after her little stunt the other day would only prove that she blew the individual assessment on purpose. So her best bet was getting a 7 or an 8. They are both high enough to say that she may have held back, but not enough. Anything lower would be too weak and anything higher will give her too much attention and an even bigger target.

    So she's decided to do what she knows she is very skilled at and take control of it. But of course, she can't tell Chance any of this.

    "Yes." She says plainly, refusing to go into detail. "Have you?"

    "Nope, not at all."

    Sage turned to him, brow raised. "Well, if you want to be in an alliance with the Careers so badly, I'd suggest figuring it out in the next ten minutes."

    Chance scoffed a bit too loudly, earning some curious looks. After a minute, he shook his head before turning to the redhead. "You don't know anything, Sage."

    The way he said her name made her skin crawl. The redhead snapped her head in his direction, about to respond but was interrupted by the announcer speaker overhead. "Sage Rowan. Report for individual training."

    Letting out a loud sigh, Sage got up and walked towards the double doors that opened for her, not once looking back at her District partner who watched intently as she disappeared behind the doors. It was strange, even as the doors both closed, she could still feel his stare lingering on her back.

    Shaking off the strange feeling, Sage continued forward, taking a moment to look around the gymnasium that looked much bigger without everyone in it all at once. The only people she was focusing on were the Gamemakers, Seneca Crane to be exact, who sat like he was on a throne, talking and laughing with his fellow comrades as they munched on some snacks and drank large glasses of red wine. All Sage wanted to do was shove that wine glass deep down their throats so they choke on it. Instead she has to put on a show and be their entertainment for the time being.

    When she got close enough to the Gamemakers, one of the men seemed to have caught her by the corner of his eye and pointed at her, Crane having to calm his laughter and turn around, the rest settling down as they faced the young girl before him. Crane cleared his throat. "State your name and District."

    "Sage Rowan, District 9."

    Nodding with interest as if he didn't already know who she was, Crane did a motion with his hand telling her to proceed. Looking around, Sage turned to see one of the instructors that would officiate the assessment. He was heavily built, a lot bigger than the last instructor she had fought previously. He was covered in the regular armor instructors wore, his face hardened and emotionless.

    Sage had a feeling by the way the Gamemakers were watching intently, leaning over to one another to whisper something in the other's ear, that getting a much larger instructor for her was planned, like they expected her to do exactly what she did the other day. They weren't technically wrong in that assumption.

    As if knowing what she was going to say before saying it, the instructor pointed to the small glass wall that held multiple weapons, just like before when she first sparred the other day. She really didn't want to do the same thing, she thought she'd have something original made up, something that would surprise the Gamemakers. But of course, she could think of nothing. This was honestly just going to be a go with the flow type of situation.

    With all eyes on her, Sage moved forwards and observed her options. A lot more weapons to choose from than before, but a certain weapon stuck out the most. She gravitated towards it, like it was made just for her. A sickle sword. It was a bit longer and had less of a curve than a regular sickle, but it was definitely a familiar weapon and judging by the two sided sword the instructor already had in his hands, Sage thinks this might be the best option.

    The air was tense and for some reason, the only sound the redhead could hear was her own breathing, which was unsteady and hitched. Trying to clear her mind, she closed her eyes and breathed in through her nose and out through her mouth twice before opening her eyes, nodding to the instructor that she was ready. He didn't waste any time, gave no indication that he was going to attack, just lunged at her by bringing his sword down on her.

    It was an easy block, Sage lifting her sickle sword to clash against his, pushing off and twirling out of the way before taking a stance, the sickle sword raised behind her waiting for another advance. The instructor didn't stop the attacks, swinging once and then twice at the teen girl, but Sage managed to dodge them by dropping to the ground and swinging her legs in a full circle in the air before kicking him in the shin, causing the instructor to stumble back, nearly losing his balance. 

    Sage never took her eyes off of his foot movements. He is a big man, meaning he had to rely a lot on his balance when sparring, at least that is what Sage assumed. It's not like with Lorcan who always stumbled over his own two feet and really struggled with it. This male obviously has more control and years of training to perfect it, but it was clear he once struggled with balance just like Lorcan by the way he looks down when he steps. It's only happened twice, but it was enough for Sage to pick up on and put two and two together. 

    So maybe it can be a struggle again, if she makes it one.

    Sage was back on her feet just in time for him to swing his sword, but the redhead dodged left then right before hitting him in the side of the face with the hilt of her sickle sword. He seemed surprised, but recovered quickly. Sage swung her own sword at him once than twice, but the instructor evaded them effortlessly. When she went to swing again, he gripped her wrist tightly before punching her so hard in the gut, it took the wind right out of her.

    Stumbling back, Sage struggled to catch her breath as the man did not back down. Rules of sparring are simple, it's only over until one of them has them in a killing blow position. He then kicked her in the same stop, causing the redhead to drop hard on her back. Coughing from the impact, Sage laid there, curling her knees up to her chest, arms tucked in from the impact. She whimpered loud enough for him to hear, giving him the opportunity to approach her. She could see his shadow hovering over her, and when she felt a rough hand on her arm, she gripped the hilt of the sickle sword.

    The instructor turned her over aggressively, sword raised high to receive the 'killing' blow, but Sage managed to catch his wrist upon turning before pressing the end of her sickle sword against the padding of his armor right over the heart, the clanging of the sword and his armor echoing in the gymnasium. The instructor stopped, knowing she just had given the death blow.

    Sage couldn't help herself as a cocky smirk spread on her lips. "Oops. You're dead."

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   "𝐒𝐀𝐆𝐄! 𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐄 𝐎𝐍, 𝐈𝐓'𝐒 about to start!" The sound of Bird's squeaky voice caused the redhead to roll her eyes from the dining table. She has yet to finish her supper, which she has helped herself to a second serving of glazed ham and mashed potatoes.

    Thanks to the padding in the tribute outfit they were forced to wear, there was barely any bruising where she had been punched and then kicked during individual training. Her skin was a bit sensitive, but the worse the instructor had done was knock wind out of her. They had spent the time they got back talking about how everything went. Well, they were trying too. It seems neither tributes were that excited to reveal how the training went.

    Now, no one was surprised when Sage passed on sharing exclusive details, simply telling them they are about to find out how it went. It was Chance than everyone seemed to be a bit surprised with. It seems he refused to talk about it, brushing it off with a pissed off expression. He was angry and embarassed, so it could only mean one thing... he fucked up his assessment majorly.

    Sage didn't know how to feel about that. In all honesty, she is pretty satisfied with how hers went. She thinks she did well enough to earn her a pretty decent score but had held back enough so it wouldn't be too high. A 7 or an 8, that's what she wants.

    "Sage, seriously, come join us." Walker was the one to call to her. The redhead groans, deciding to take the cheese tray with her as well as her water, carrying it over to the living area and taking a seat on the sky blue sofa in between Tatyanna and Walker.

    The projection screen was set up and showed the Capitol's nation symbol with the anthem playing in the background. Sage tucked her feet under herself as she munched on cheese and crackers. Tatyanna grabbed some pieces, winking at the girl before handing over her glass of wine to the redhead.

    "Whatever the score is, I say we get you drunk tonight." Tatyanna encouraged with a wicked grin.

    "I like the way you think." Sage states with a sigh, taking the glass and chugging the remaining liquid in one gulp before handing her the glass, her nose scrunched up in distaste. "That's disgusting."

    Walker chuckled, reaching over and handing her his own glass of what she presumes is whiskey. "Here, try this and compare."

    Sage did as she was told and shot back what was in the glass, coughing from the intense taste and setting the glass down on the table before her. "That might be even worse, but I think I might like it better."

    Both her mentor and stylist laughed as the former got up to get himself another drink. Walker nudged Chance on the shoulder on his way, causing the unusually quiet boy to glance up at him. "Want to try one? It will take the stress off waiting for the score."

    Chance rubbed his face tired before nodding his head. "I think I might need the whole bottle, then."

    Walker naturally assumed he was joking, pouring the boy a small glass and handing it to him. Sage watched Chance carefully, the way his jaw tightened and how he squeezed the glass. That was enough for her to understand he was not kidding. He was extremely nervous about these score results, only making the redhead more curious to how badly he must have messed up during his individual training.

    The anthem seemed to come to an end and soon enough Caesar Flickerman appeared before them, hair as green as a lime. He wore a large, frightening smile as he addressed the camera, cards in his hands.

    "Good evening, Panem. Thank you for joining me as I present to you all the test scores of this year's tributes for the 68th Hunger Games."

    One thing Sage has always respected of Caesar Flickerman is that he is original. He always tries to change things up, never going for the same introduction every single time, especially during the interviews, where he does go out of his way to hype up each tribute, raving about each of their strengths to get sponsors curious and interested. From what she can tell, it seemed like a personal choice, wanting to give each and every tribute a fighting chance no matter their odds.

    "As you know, the tributes are rated on a score between 1 and 12 after three days of careful evaluation. They are then asked to present a special skill to our Gamemakers in an individual assessment. Tonight, I will reveal to you all exactly what those scores are."

    Sage gave her full attention to the screen, setting the cheese tray between her and Tatyanna and crossed her arms over her chest. A part of her was a bit nervous to know what she had scored, but the other part, the main one, was more worried about Lorcan's score. She is hoping he got a good one. He needs a good score. It will help him with sponsors, which will in turn help her keep him alive.

    As always, Caesar went in order from 1 to 12, starting with the boys first.

    "From District 1 - Blaine, with a score of 9. From District 1 - Edith, with a score of 9."

    "From District 2 - Richard, with a score of 10. From District 2 - Gertie, with a score of 9."

    Tatyanna scoffed, waving her hand at the screen. "Oh, lookie there, the Careers received outstanding scores. It's such a surprise, like they don't have a home field advantage with all their training and special treatment."

    That was able to get a smile from the redhead, looking over at her stylist who was in the middle of flipping off Bird who told her to quiet down, before looking down at the redhead and winking.

    "From District 3 - Gunner, with a score of 6. From District 3 - Harmony, with the score of 7."

    Sage felt herself tense, knowing who was next. She tried to keep her expression neutral as Caesar went on to the next District, digging her nails into her thigh and bit her tongue from the pain.

    "From District 4 - Lorcan, with a score of 8." Sage did everything to conceal her expression, but a part of her was cheering in happiness. The score is better than she could have hoped for, so happy whatever he had done impressed the Gamemakers.

    Sage was so excited that she almost missed Azebel's score, which turned out to be an 8 as well. She can only imagine the look on her face when she got the same score as Lorcan, who she deemed was too much of an idiot to win the games. She hopes Lorcan rubbed it in her smug little face.

    District 5 - Axton with a score of 5 and Claroline with a score of 6.

    District 6 - Turner with a score of 8 and Bobbi with a score of 4.

    District 7 - Tavis with a score of 7 and Ember with a score of 6.

    District 8 - Ricci with a score of 7 and Marcie with a score of 5.

    "Everyone this is it," Bird gasped, shushing everyone though no one was really talking. The room became an uncomfortable silence and Sage found herself actually worried about how she did. Nothing more than an 8. Please nothing more than an 8.

    "From District 9 - Chance, with a score of... 4."

    Shock consumed everyone, even Sage. She knew he had done terrible, but damn that was definitely not a score she expected. She thought at least a 7 or 6 maybe, because he is someone who would expect a 9 or a 10. But a 4? That's just... very surprising.

    The redhead looked over to see Chance gritted his teeth, staring at his score with a hard expression. Walker reached over and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Hey, buddy, it's alright. It's not that bad."

    "Don't fucking patronize me, Walker!" Chance snapped, shoving his hand off his shoulder. "I choked in there."

    Walker was about to say something but was cut off by Caesar who started speaking once again. Everyone's attention was back to the screen and Sage once again dug her nails into her thigh in order to contain her nervousness.

    "From District 9 - Sage, with a score of... 10."

    A loud cheer erupted from the woman next to her, Tatyanna jumping up from her seat and screaming loudly, jumping up and down. "Yes! That's my girl! That's what I'm talking about!"

    Bird let out a loud shriek of happiness along with Tatyanna. Walker was now looking over at Sage, a proud smile on his lips. "Way to go, kid. I think that's the highest score someone from the lowest District has ever received in a very long time."

    Sage hadn't realized her jaw had dropped, completely stunned. She was not expecting that score at all. That was the last thing she wanted. Not only was she the first tribute from a lower District to score such a high score, she also scored a 10, making her score higher than some of the Careers. The only other person with such a high score was Dick.

    How did this happen? She didn't think her assessment was worthy of a 10. It didn't make any sense... How the hell did she get a 10?

    "Sage, this is wonderful news! Why don't you look more happy?" Bird questioned, standing in front of her. Sage blinked once, then twice before shaking her head and snapping herself out of her thoughts.

    "I just... I just wasn't expecting that." Sage finally forced herself to say, forcing the best smile on her lips.

    "Whatever you did in that gymnasium, just remember it once you get to that arena." Walker told her, handing her a drink to celebrate. They had all been too busy celebrating her score to pay attention to the rest of the scoring.

    Sage leaned forward and drank the whiskey slowly this time, her eyes locking on a familiar auburn pair that was filled with so much anger and jealousy that Sage could practically feel it radiating off of him. A part of her actually felt bad, seeing how hurt he was at his score, how he had seemed to screw up so badly he received one of the lowest scores and then just seconds later, Sage received one of the highest. That has to be difficult.

    And when Chance got up and stormed out of the room, Sage honestly did not blame him one bit. Walker had noticed his departure as well, excusing himself and following him, leaving Sage with two stylists and an escort who were still celebrating her amazing score, as the redhead tried to figure out what the hell happened that made her receive that high of a score. She knows for a fact she didn't deserve that score so... what the hell is going on?

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Sorry for disappearing for a bit, but I had struggled with what I wanted to do with the individual training. Once again, I'm terrible at describing fighting scenes, it actually might be one of my biggest writing challenges but I'm hoping to more I write them, the better I'll get.

Anyway, only one more chapter before they are in the arena! I can't wait for the next chapter! The interviews are going to be so much fun to write. What did everyone think? Hope you all enjoyed!