On the third day of training, they begin calling all the tributes during lunchtime for their private sessions with the Gamemakers. District by district, first the boy and then the girl. As always, District 12 is left for last, so Jacob was waiting with Katniss as they talked about slightly important matters.
"I'll get a perfect score, what do you think?" Jacob had a cunning smile on his face. Sure, he was somewhat confident because of what he had been doing in the past year, but there was something else that gave him that confidence.
"Are you that confident?" Katniss didn't quite understand Jacob's unpredictable behavior. She knew he had a touch of narcissism, but having this kind of confidence was something she couldn't even reach.
"Any score is good. I'll do my best to catch the sponsors' attention... That's what you recommended, and Haymitch said it too..." Katniss had heard Jacob's explanation about whether to stand out or not in the private evaluations.
She knew what she was about to do, and Jacob didn't press her too much or it could make Katniss uncomfortable. She remembered that her partner's character was something special, within the normal range for those about to participate in deadly games.
He was lucky to have gotten closer to Katniss, and they both appreciated having a few peaceful days before the games. Moreover, an ally is much more comforting than anything else.
As the people dwindled in the dining hall, Jacob told a story about an intelligent dog.
Max, a curious and playful dog, decided to put on a hat and suddenly became a super-intelligent dog! His mental abilities multiplied, and he realized that he could now communicate with other animals.
Encouraged by his newfound intelligence, Max embarked on a series of exciting adventures. Alongside his new friends, a talkative parrot named Polly and a clever cat named Whiskers, they formed a team and became the neighborhood's heroes.
Katniss fixed her eyes on Jacob. In some way, she could feel that this boy seemed unaware of what was about to happen. At least for her, Jacob didn't seem to have any specific goal by offering himself as a tribute. Everything indicated to Katniss that Jacob was simply wandering aimlessly.
No one returns after the session.
As the room emptied, Jacob spoke louder and with more calmness. When it was the turn of District 11, Jacob looked forward and said loudly and sincerely, "Good luck, Thresh."
"Same to you!" Thresh responded with a nod.
Then Rue was called, and they were left alone in the room. "Well, my turn is about to come..."
Jacob stood up and started stretching his muscles. He didn't seem nervous, as if this was nothing to him now.
"Don't end up bragging like you did in your training..." Katniss said seriously.
"I wish you luck with your archery. Remember, if you don't want to hit the target, aim for something else... The joke is to surprise those old folks..."
"[Jacob Barber!]"
The voice on the dining hall's speaker sounded shortly after Rue entered for her private session, and Jacob slowly walked away, bidding farewell to Katniss for the last time.
...
Jacob entered the gymnasium and found himself surrounded by a tense and expectant atmosphere. The Gamemakers, with their serious looks and furrowed brows, watched him closely from the other side of the room. Jacob could feel the intensity in the air as everyone awaited his performance.
All the Gamemakers, along with Seneca Crane, stood in silence. In the center of the room, there was a sword rack displaying various types of swords.
Jacob felt the coldness of the gymnasium, reminding him of his first time entering a courtroom as he approached the center. A mix of excitement and arrogance ran through his body. His mind was filled with questions: Could he impress the Gamemakers? Would his skills and training be enough to exceed their expectations?
For an entire year, Jacob had been meticulously preparing for this striking presentation. He knew he had to leave a lasting impression on the Gamemakers, and that required dedication and effort.
From day one, Jacob immersed himself in rigorous physical training. He spent hours in the gym, strengthening his body and improving his endurance. He practiced acrobatic movements, impressive jumps, and choreographed routines that combined strength and grace.
But his preparation was not limited to the physical aspect alone. Jacob also delved into the study of entertainment and acting techniques.
Furthermore, Jacob made an effort to create a visually impactful presentation, although later those techniques or movements wouldn't serve him entirely in a real fight.
Jacob's heart was beating rapidly, but he also felt a spark of determination. He was determined to give his best and show them that he was the perfect candidate for the job. He reminded himself of all the hours of practice, effort, and dedication he had put in to reach that moment.
"One year later, and I'm finally here..."
About a year ago, Jacob set out to master the handling of the Kusarigama, but he didn't have access to a specialized weapon. He decided to take a sharp knife and a sturdy rope to create his own homemade Kusarigama.
With great determination, Jacob began his training from the moment he arrived in this world. He started practicing basic movements, learning to swing and control the knife attached to the rope. Every cut and spin was meticulously executed, although he faced some initial challenges and accidental cuts.
However, Jacob didn't get discouraged. He continued practicing over and over again, learning from his mistakes and perfecting his technique. He focused on the coordination between the knife and the rope, adjusting his grip and movements to achieve precise control.
As time passed, Jacob noticed how his skill with the Kusarigama improved. His cuts became faster and more accurate, and his ability to control the trajectory of the rope became smoother. Every training session became an opportunity to polish his dexterity and strengthen his mastery of the improvised weapon.
Gradually, Jacob began to experience the true fluidity of the Kusarigama. He learned to use the momentum and swinging of the rope to increase the speed and power of his cuts. He discovered new ways to entangle and untangle the rope, adding variety to his repertoire of movements.
Over time, Jacob achieved impressive mastery of the homemade Kusarigama he had created. His cuts were fast and precise, and he could control the rope with astonishing dexterity. He felt proud to have overcome the initial challenges and turned a simple knife and rope into an effective weapon.
This rigorous and persistent training demonstrated Jacob's dedication and determination to master the handling of the Kusarigama. His acquired skill not only provided him with self-confidence but also a unique proficiency in handling an unconventional weapon.
"Well, let's get started with that..." Jacob took a step forward and grabbed a knife along with a rope. Standing in front of the vigilantes, he shouted loudly, "District twelve, Jacob Barber!"
Some of the Vigilantes who had high expectations for Jacob nodded, not missing a single detail of his presentation.
At that moment, seeing that he had the attention of most of the vigilantes, Jacob decided to surprise everyone by creating his own Kusarigama on the spot, demonstrating his improvisational skill and ability.
As the vigilantes watched with curiosity, Jacob began working quickly.
With agile and precise hands, Jacob tied the rope to the handle of the knife, making sure it was securely attached. He used strategic knots to ensure the strength and durability of the improvised weapon.
As the Kusarigama took shape, the vigilantes watched attentively, amazed by Jacob's creativity and skill. They couldn't believe he was creating a functional weapon at the moment.
Once he finished securing the rope to the knife, Jacob held his creation high, proudly showing it to the vigilantes.
"One day, while I was starting my work in the mine, I thought about the shape of the pickaxe. Then, with my striking mind, I imagined it as a long-distance weapon if I tied a rope to the tip of its back handle. But the pickaxe is too heavy to use as a weapon, and the rope isn't strong enough."
Jacob briefly explained how he had improvised the Kusarigama with the available elements, showcasing his ingenuity and ability to adapt to any situation.
"The weapon is mainly used for close-range combat and is characterized by its versatility and ability to entrap, disarm, or incapacitate the opponent. I replaced the pickaxe with a knife, and the results were good. I'm sure it's a versatile and highly lethal weapon."
"The Kusarigama is handled with skill and precision. The user can spin the weapon around their body using the rope and weight to perform quick and surprising attacks. The rope can also be used to wrap or entangle the opponent's limbs, immobilizing or disarming them."
"The versatility of this weapon allows the user to adapt to different combat situations. It can be used in both open spaces and narrower places, leveraging the length of the rope and the sharpness of the knife to attack and defend."
Having captured the attention he wanted, Jacob finally said, "However, it is important to highlight that the handling of this improvised weapon requires significant skill and practice. The coordination between the knife and the rope, as well as mastery of the movements and techniques, are fundamental to its effectiveness in combat."
Without wasting any time, Jacob began to demonstrate his mastery of the newly created weapon.
Jacob prepared for his demonstration with the Kusarigama, determined to impress everyone with his skills. With the weapon in hand, he approached the line of strategically arranged training dummies.
With agile and precise movements, Jacob started striking the vital areas of each dummy. The Kusarigama's rope slid swiftly, wrapping around the arms and legs of the dummies, while the knife's edge delivered accurate cuts. Each strike was forceful and showcased his weapon mastery.
The audience watched in awe as Jacob moved with grace and dexterity, skillfully coordinating the handling of the Kusarigama. The combination of the rope and the knife resulted in a stunning spectacle, showcasing the range and versatility of this weapon created before their eyes using just two simple things.
After finishing the demonstration with the dummies, Jacob headed towards an area where several sandbags were arranged. With precise and fluid movements, he made swift and accurate cuts on the sandbags, demonstrating the power and control of the Kusarigama. The sand flew in the air, creating a captivating visual effect.
However, Jacob wanted to take his demonstration to the next level. He decided to challenge an expert instructor who was in the audience. He requested the instructor's participation, and the instructor accepted the challenge, preparing for the fight.
The two faced off in the center of the stage, with Jacob holding the Kusarigama. The instructor attempted quick attacks, but Jacob showcased his skill by dodging the strikes and countering with agile movements. Using the chain of the Kusarigama, he caught the instructor's attacks and threw him off balance.
In a crucial moment, Jacob disarmed the instructor with a precise knife movement, leaving him unable to continue the fight. The audience erupted in applause and admiration at Jacob's masterful exhibition with the Kusarigama.
Jacob's demonstration was a resounding success. His mastery of the Kusarigama, combined with his ability to strike the vital areas of the dummies and cut the sandbags with precision, left everyone impressed. His capacity to face the instructor and disarm him showcased his skill and bravery.
He executed fast and precise movements, demonstrating his control over the rope and how he could manipulate it to deliver effective cuts and spins.
The vigilantes were impressed by Jacob's dexterity and the smooth handling of his improvised Kusarigama. They acknowledged his ability to adapt to any situation and creatively utilize available resources.
However, Jacob wasn't satisfied and later announced that he would face three instructors simultaneously in hand-to-hand combat.