"Why him?" Peeta had held onto the faint hope that one of his two brothers would volunteer as a tribute, just like Katniss did for her sister, but he never expected that the person who had caused a scene a moment ago would volunteer as a tribute.
As Peeta's thoughts raced to find a clear answer, he looked at Jacob, who approached with a smile on his face, and after their eyes met, he walked beside Katniss.
The mayor finished reading the grim Treaty of Treason and then indicated for Jacob and Katniss to shake hands. When she touched Jacob's hand, she could feel that it was cold and calloused.
Jacob, who had wiped the cheerful expression off his face, looked at Katniss with a calm gaze. His clear eyes conveyed to Katniss, without needing to speak a word, that it was a pleasure to meet her. For Katniss, this handshake was like gaining strength and knowing that she wasn't alone, although perhaps this was just her perception of the events.
As they turned towards the crowd, everyone began to hear the anthem of Panem.
Jacob, observing all the expressions fixed on him and Katniss, thought that it would be very bad if he had to kill Katniss. To prevent this, he had some plans, but if they didn't work and if he made it to the final, killing her wouldn't be a problem.
As soon as the anthem ended, the officials immediately placed Jacob and Katniss under custody. It didn't mean they were being imprisoned or anything of the sort, but sometimes for the sake of smoothness, Peacekeepers accompanied the tributes to the main entrance of the Justice Building as a protocol.
"I wonder who was the idiot who would try to escape their fate when they were already chosen as a tribute, isn't that right, peacekeeper?" Jacob looked at a peacekeeper with a cunning gaze, but the peacekeeper didn't reprimand him for any of his questions.
Once inside the building, Jacob was led to a room where he would be left alone. But just as the Peacekeepers were about to leave, he asked with some doubt, "Gentlemen of justice, if I have no one to say goodbye to, can't you take me directly to the train?"
But once again, no one responded to Jacob's words, leaving him alone in this luxurious room. When he was alone, he muttered softly, "Damn, they don't even respond to my words... Well, I guess, all things considered, I don't feel so bad..."
Looking around, this is the most luxurious place Jacob had been in since he arrived in this world. There are thick fur carpets and delicate velvet sofas and armchairs.
Jacob at least knew these things because his grandmother took great care of her living room, things that older women cared about. Without any worries, he casually lay down on a sofa while pondering trivial thoughts.
He knew that this is the time given to tributes to say goodbye to their loved ones. But since Jacob had no one, it was a waste of time to stay in this boring place.
But just as Jacob was contemplating his life and what he should do once he got on the train, the door opened, and an old man he was very familiar with greeted him.
"Old Ben?" Jacob was surprised and quickly sat up on the chair.
Ben walked towards Jacob after the Peacekeepers closed the door behind him and said, "Young Jacob, from the moment I met you, I saw in your eyes the weight of a difficult destiny. The Hunger Games are a ruthless test, but remember that the true battle is fought within yourself."
Jacob then noticed a ring on old Ben's hand and asked, "What does this ring mean? Why are you giving it to me?"
"This ring has been passed down through generations in my family. It represents strength and resilience in the face of adversity. It is a reminder that even in the darkest moments, hope and courage can shine within each one of us."
"Thank you, old man. I thought you were a stingy old man when I first met you... Did we make any money from the bets?" As he asked this, Jacob looked around and pointed, "Don't forget to use that money for good deeds. As for me, I will win the games."
Ben looked into the eyes of the young man before him, for some strange reason, ever since he met Jacob in the mines, he knew he was a young man who despised the world. He seemed to have a hidden motive behind each of his actions, as if he were interested in the Capitol's movements and the Peacekeepers. It was because of these peculiar actions that he invited him to join his group, who abhorred the Capitol.
"Only a few of us thought you would volunteer as tribute. I was also the only one who believed you when you mentioned that the first female tribute would volunteer. I don't care how you knew, but I want you to know that we are all grateful for your bravery."
After saying that, Ben pointed and said, "True victory lies not in destroying others, but in finding compassion and empathy even in the fiercest battles. Don't let the thirst for blood cloud your judgment. Remember that we are all human beings, with dreams, hopes, and fears. Even you have fears."
Jacob absorbed the old man's words, feeling a slight relief in his heart. "Thank you for your wise words and for this ring. I promise to carry it with me as a reminder in the arena. I will survive as long as possible without reaping a life..."
"May it accompany you on your journey and provide you with strength. Remember, you are more than a tribute. You are a human being capable of changing the world."
"I will win!"
"Everyone in our group will support you!"
The ring that the old man gave Jacob was a delicate silver jewel. It had an elegant and simple design, with a smooth and polished band that gently wrapped around his finger. In the center of the ring, there was a precisely engraved symbol, enigmatic yet powerful.
The symbol consisted of an intricate spiral unfolding from the center outward, representing the constant flow of life and energy. It was a symbolic design, evoking strength and resilience amidst challenges. The curved and smooth lines of the symbol gave a sense of fluidity and harmony, conveying a feeling of calmness and hope.
Though modest in size, the ring radiated a silver glow when light reflected on its surface, as if it contained a spark of hope and bravery. Its simplicity was its beauty, and its profound meaning was revealed to those who wore it with conviction.
Jacob contemplated it with admiration and respect, feeling a special connection to the ring. It became a tangible symbol of his determination and a constant reminder to stay true to himself in the toughest moments.
"They really should have made money..." Jacob gave them recommendations on how to bet to at least earn some extra money and fulfill some side quests.
Just as Jacob looked at his ring, waiting for the moment to be taken to the train, the door opened again, and he saw someone he thought he wouldn't see again.
"What are you doing here?"
Peeta stared at Jacob, his face reflecting confusion and curiosity. He approached cautiously and finally spoke. "Jacob, I can't help but wonder why you volunteered in my place. Why take such a risk? Why make that decision?"
Jacob shrugged and looked away. "It has nothing to do with you, Peeta. It was a personal choice I made. I have my reasons and special circumstances."
Peeta furrowed his brow, unsatisfied with the answer. "But we're not friends, Jacob. Who would be crazy enough to face death?"
Jacob sighed and finally looked Peeta directly in the eyes. "You don't need to understand, Peeta. I'm here because I have my own battles to fight, my own reasons for facing these games. I don't want you to feel responsible or burdened with that. Just let it be and enjoy the games. Maybe I'll win."
Peeta seemed surprised by Jacob's indifferent attitude. "But, Jacob, we're from the same district. How can you be so sure of surviving?"
Jacob let out a bitter laugh. "District 12 is not a place where we can afford to be sentimental, Peeta. Here, everyone fights for their own survival. There's no room for weakness or sentimental relationships. Each person must take care of themselves."
Peeta lowered his gaze, disheartened by Jacob's cold response. He knew he couldn't press his companion further. "Alright, even my brothers didn't volunteer in my place, so I'm infinitely grateful to you, even if that makes me selfish..."
Jacob nodded and stepped away, leaving an uncomfortable gap between them. He didn't want to involve Peeta in his own problems and challenges. He knew his struggle in the games would be lonely and dangerous, and he preferred to maintain a distance and not form emotional ties with anyone.
"I'll try to survive, it involves special factors... But remember one thing, even in District 12, you won't be free from battles. Don't get too comfortable and live as much as you can."
With a farewell gesture, Jacob walked away, leaving Peeta with unanswered questions. Each had their own secrets and burdens to bear, and in the Hunger Games, survival came above all else, even friendship.