Power to the People: The Thirty-ninth Hunger Games

Chapter 20

Buckwheat Mager

I could do this on my own, but it would be easier with someone else. That way I wouldn't have to stay up at night and I'd have someone to help keep watch. A lot of the other Tributes were already allying. I wasn't interested in more than one ally. They'd just get in my way. I wanted someone unassuming and quiet, someone I could outrun if I had to.

The boy from Ten seemed like a good choice. He kept to himself and didn't look overconfident. I didn't think our alliance would last long, since he'd probably die, but he'd help me for a few days. I poked around the Games building until I found him on the observation deck drinking tea.

"You looking for an ally?" I asked. No need to hem and haw. I wanted an ally. If he did too, we could work together. I'd be a good ally and he'd be dumb not to consider it.

"I was considering it," he said. He took my frankness in stride and didn't even put down his tea.

"How about me?" I asked. He looked me over.

"What are your qualifications?" he said. I squared my shoulders and stood tall.

"I'm strong, I'm smart, I learn quick, I can build a fire or shelter, I'm a good shot, and I'm usually a friendly guy," I said. I hadn't exactly learned how to build a fire or shelter yet, but I knew I could learn in two days, tops.

"That is impressive," Arden said. "Are you sure I measure up?"

"You'll do," I said with a cheerful smile.

"Then I guess I can't refuse," he said. His voice was so soft and polite I couldn't tell if he was sarcastic or not, but he shook my hand and confirmed it.

"But enough about me. What are you good at?" I asked as I took a seat next to him. He offered me one of his cookies. It was dry and crunchy. Someone messed up in the kitchens.

"I thought I'd learn to shoot a bow. I don't think I'm brave enough to kill someone with a knife," he said.

"Hey, good idea. I think I'd rather use a sword, though. They look really cool. Of course I'd rather not fight at all, but I need to be able to if I have to," I said. I wanted to ally with Arden for utility, but it seemed I'd also picked a good match in personality. I liked to joke around a bit, and Arden had a thick skin. We were going to get along well.

Arden Grake

As soon as Buckwheat was out of sight, he was out of mind. It wasn't that he was forgettable. It was just that I was consumed with worries about my family. Were they all right without me? My little brothers could be a royal pair of terrors. It was all my parents could do to keep them in line, and I tried to help as much as I could. It was like we were a family of three parents and two children. I knew it was silly, but I felt guilty getting Reaped when I should have been helping.

I'd always worried about letting my parents down. They always knew what to do and what they were doing in life. They had everything figured out and all I had were questions. Even in the limited opportunities of Ten, I wanted to make sure I made them proud. It wasn't enough for me to be a farmer or a butcher. I wanted to be something better than that. But in the end, I didn't even know what I wanted. They had their lives all planned out and I knew I wanted to put on a good show, but I didn't know what that was. I wanted to be a good example for my little brothers. If they grew up and saw I was a deadbeat, they'd have no reason to be different.

Not that it matters anymore, I thought. I didn't have a future. I wouldn't have to worry about disappointing anyone anymore. I just hated the pain I was going to cause them when I died. My only consolation was that I wouldn't be around to see it. My heart ached inside me as I thought about what was going to happen. I wasn't going to disappoint them, but I was never going to make them proud either.

Unless I win. Having a Victor in the family would certainly be something to be proud of. It was the best future anyone in Ten could hope to have, even if it was an impossible dream for us. If I won, I could be there for them and give them the support they needed. My parents wouldn't have to worry about raising my brothers anymore. They'd have time to do what they wanted and we could be a real family.

All my life I'd worried about my future. Now the decision was made for me. I had one chance, all or nothing. I'd give my family the world or I'd fail them. I never thought the pressure could get even worse. Now, in addition to success or failure, my actions would dictate my life or death. I had to be stronger than ever, and it scared me.