"Twelve, I couldn't believe it!"
But as if that wasn't surprising enough, Katniss' score was announced shortly after, and the result: Eleven!
Effie Trinket let out a shriek, and everyone began to congratulate Jacob and Katniss for their admirable scores, something that is rarely seen, especially coming from the same district.
"There must be a mistake. How... How could this happen?" Katniss could understand Jacob's score, but hers was something she couldn't comprehend, so she asked Haymitch about it.
"I guess they liked your spunk. They need a show, and they need some players with strong character."
"Katniss, the girl on fire, and Jacob, the dark knight," says Cinna, and Portia, who stepped towards Jacob, said, "I'll do my best to make you a special costume. Everyone will love you in your interview."
"More fire?" Jacob was intrigued, as he remembered that Peeta didn't get any of this, but he was different, so he whispered, "I hope it's black fire..."
"That might be possible." Portia replied with a smile.
Jacob walked over to Katniss and said, "We've done it perfectly, Katniss. All the tributes will think twice about coming after us if we're together."
"The two of you will be a deadly duo." Cinna commented with a smile.
The conversation took place in a tense and expectant atmosphere. Jacob, sitting next to Haymitch, decided to address the topic of his alliance with the tributes from District 11. He looked at those present, including Katniss, Cinna, and Effie, and began to express his thoughts.
"I believe forming an alliance with the tributes from District 11 is a smart strategy." Jacob began with a firm voice. "Thresh and Rue are strong and have valuable skills. Besides, I like them and I think we can trust each other if we take the first step."
Haymitch, with an ironic smile, interjected, "Trust in the Hunger Games, that's an interesting concept. But you're right, Jacob. If we can ensure the alliance is solid and mutually beneficial, it could be a great advantage for both of you and the kids from District 11."
Effie, concerned, couldn't contain herself and said, "But, Jacob, you must consider the dangers of trusting other tributes. In the Hunger Games, loyalty is volatile and can change at any moment."
Jacob nodded seriously. "I understand, Effie. I'm aware of the risks, but I also see the opportunities. We can't allow the career tributes to keep pounding on us without a fight. We need to unite and support each other if we want to survive. Taking them down will be the first step, and Katniss and I are a problem for them."
Cinna, with his soft but firm voice, chimed in, "Jacob is right. The career tributes are a constant threat, and the union among the weaker districts may be our best defense."
Katniss, with a pensive expression, added, "I liked Rue, and if Jacob trusts her, I can support this alliance. But we must stay alert and remember that, at the end of the day, we are all competitors."
Jacob nodded, grateful for Katniss' support. "Exactly, Katniss. We must remain vigilant and remember that we are in the Hunger Games. But if we can work together and protect each other, we will increase our chances of survival."
The conversation continued, with everyone expressing their concerns and opinions. Although mistrust persisted, Jacob knew that his alliance with District 11 was a valuable card to play in this deadly game. His determination and persuasion gradually began to convince others that it was a sensible decision.
At the end of the dinner, the group reached a tentative agreement. Jacob felt satisfied to see his alliance taking shape, but he knew there were still many challenges ahead. The Hunger Games were treacherous and merciless territory, but he was willing to do whatever it took to ensure his own survival and that of those he had placed his trust in.
...
In the darkness of his room, Jacob was alone with his thoughts. He reviewed over and over the possibilities of winning the Hunger Games alongside Katniss, as Peeta had done in the original story. Doubt and uncertainty swirled in his mind, but there was also a spark of hope that refused to fade.
"Is it possible? Can we achieve the same outcome?" Jacob whispered to himself as he paced back and forth. Excitement and anxiety mixed within him, creating a whirlwind of emotions.
At that moment, his intelligent assistant, the cold and monotonous voice that only he could hear, interrupted his thoughts. "Based on the data collected regarding your physical, mental, and strategic abilities, the chances of you winning the Hunger Games are 45%."
Jacob furrowed his brow at the response, seeking more details. "And what do the statistics say about the strongest tributes? How do we compare to them?"
The assistant continued in its robotic tone, "The strongest tributes, according to historical records, have an average victory rate of 55%. However, your hand-to-hand combat skills and strategic prowess place you above average."
Jacob absorbed the information, feeling a mix of determination and concern. He knew he couldn't rely solely on statistics and cold data. The Hunger Games were unpredictable, and anything could happen.
"I understand that the odds are against us, but that doesn't mean we can't overcome them," Jacob muttered to himself. "Katniss and I are stronger together, and we must capitalize on that. We have to find a way to win."
The intelligent assistant responded emotionlessly, "Cooperation and teamwork can significantly increase your chances of survival and victory. Additionally, it's important to consider the weaknesses of other tributes and use them to your advantage."
Jacob nodded, taking in his assistant's words. He knew the path to victory wouldn't be easy, but he was willing to fight with all his might. With determination and hope as his allies, he promised himself that he would do everything possible to defy the odds and emerge victorious from the Hunger Games.
With those thoughts in mind, Jacob prepared for the tough battle ahead. He knew that their fate was in their hands and the decisions they would make alongside Katniss. Together, they were determined to challenge expectations and write their own destiny in the Hunger Games.
...
The next day, before Katniss woke up, Jacob and Haymitch were in a room, speaking in hushed voices.
"Haymitch, I've been thinking of a strategy that could surprise the other tributes," Jacob pointed out. "Do you remember the fake love story that Katniss and I have been crafting?"
Haymitch raised an eyebrow, intrigued by what Jacob had to say. "Yes, I remember. A story to gain support from the Capitol and sponsors. What do you have in mind?"
Jacob smiled, a spark of excitement in his eyes. "Well, I thought we could take that fake love story a step further. We can make it seem real, so convincing that even the other tributes will be surprised. This, of course, both inside and outside the arena."
Surprise reflected on Haymitch's face, along with a hint of admiration. "How do you plan to do that? Won't it be dangerous?"
Jacob nodded, aware of the risks. "I know it will be risky, but if we manage to convince the other tributes that we're a couple in love, we could divert their attention and strategically confuse them. While they're distracted, we can seize the advantage. Katniss has already agreed; we just need to do our best."
Haymitch considered Jacob's words, pondering the audacity of the proposal. "It's an interesting idea, Jacob. It could work if we do it right. But we must ensure it's believable, that no one suspects it's a charade."
Jacob nodded solemnly. "I know, Haymitch. Katniss and I have been practicing, refining our acting. We want it to be so real that even we ourselves come to believe it in a way."
Haymitch nodded, impressed by Jacob's dedication and ingenuity. "I'm surprised, kid. I didn't expect you to have such a cunning strategy. If we can execute this effectively, we might catch the other tributes off guard and gain a significant advantage."
Jacob smiled, satisfied with impressing Haymitch. He knew the path to victory would be difficult, but he was willing to take risks and use all the resources at his disposal.
"I'm willing to do whatever it takes to survive and win these games," Jacob declared with determination. "If that means acting like a desperate lover, I'll do it. Our goal is to emerge victorious and return home."
With their strategies in motion, Jacob and Haymitch continued working together, fine-tuning the details of their plan. They were prepared to face any obstacle that came their way in the Hunger Games and prove that they were more cunning than the other tributes could imagine.
"And what about the training in these past few days?" Haymitch asked as he would personally guide the tributes he advises.
"You can train us together, I have no problem with that, but ask Katniss out of respect." Jacob said. He had no issue forming an alliance with Katniss, and he believed she felt the same way, but it never hurts to ask.