All cameras focused on Jacob, and when he mentioned that he was willing to sacrifice his life to win, everyone understood what he meant. Ever since coming into this world, his first thought was to escape his reality. He wanted to get out and avoid his destiny at all costs.
According to his desires, the orb took them out of their reality, and if this were another world, Jacob would prefer to live his life here. But this world was chaotic, where a war would erupt in the near future, and it was there that Jacob contemplated fulfilling missions as a purpose for living. He wanted that 'something' that would drive him forward.
His first steps were merely intended for survival. He wanted to survive and emerge victorious regardless of the consequences. But as his plan progressed, so did the doubts of whether he would be able to survive or not. There were also certain doubts about what would happen if in the end there would be only one survivor.
But today, his words were not just a show; they held a certain truth. He had no one, both in this world and the other, so if he had to die, what better than saving Katniss and having her take charge of the future and her family as planned? However, that didn't mean he would give up on survival. That's why he had been striving so hard, even now. Both he and Katniss would survive.
The roar of the crowd was deafening; Jacob had erased everyone from the minds of the spectators with his brutal declaration of loyalty and sentimental love.
Walking back, Jacob looked at Katniss, who was silent, and asked, "How do you think they sees me?"
"You did well..." Katniss didn't have much to say as she felt a wave of emotions in her chest. His words felt so real to her that she wanted to ask if they were true or false.
After that, everyone stood up for the anthem. Jacob stood firm with his head held high, as this was a mandatory show of respect, and on every screen, an image of Jacob and Katniss side by side could be seen, and for certain minds, the only thing they would think of is that their relationship is unsalvageable.
Poor tragic couple, they will die. At least one must be saved. However, both Jacob and Katniss know the truth, and many on their team recognize that truth.
After the anthem, the tributes line up to return to the Training Center lobby and their elevators. Jacob walked indifferently alongside Katniss, discussing trivial matters along the way.
The elevator they took was accompanied by the tributes from districts eleven and ten. We all looked at each other in silence, but we understood that we were now allies, the best front to eliminate the professionals, or at least that's what we would attempt. Eventually, both of them reached the twelfth floor.
"How did we do?" Katniss asked as she entered the main room.
Haymitch, with a skeptical but intrigued look, was the first to speak. "Well, kids, I heard the interview. It was a convincing and moving story, Jacob. But now we need to make sure it's not just empty words for the future. We have to back up that story with actions."
Jacob nodded, understanding what Haymitch meant, so he said, "You're absolutely right. We can't just tell a story and expect people to believe in it. We have to demonstrate our connection, our strength as a team, and what we're willing to do as a team in the arena."
Katniss joined the conversation, her gaze fixed on Jacob. "Although I don't fully like that idea, I agree. We have to show the Capitol and the other tributes that we're a formidable team. We need to work together, support each other in every challenge we face..."
Effie, with her characteristic enthusiasm, interjected. "Exactly! We have to ensure that every move, every action you take, supports that false love story. People must see the passion and determination in you."
Cinna, the stylist, added his perspective. "The image you project is crucial. We need to make sure that every detail, from your appearance to your behavior, conveys that connection and strength. The audience must believe in you and what you feel. Jacob, you did a good job; for a moment, I even believed it."
Portia, Jacob's stylist, approached him and gave him a look of complicity. "Jacob, you have the potential to surprise everyone. Your appearance, your attitude, everything can change the perception they have of you. I trust that you can do it."
Jacob nodded, feeling the confidence and support from his team, and responded with sincere words. "Don't worry, I won't disappoint your expectations. Together, as a team, we will overcome all the obstacles that come our way. We will show the Capitol and the other tributes what we are made of."
With a mix of determination and excitement, the District 12 team committed to working together, supporting each other, and doing whatever it takes to uphold the false love story they had created. They knew the path wouldn't be easy, but they were willing to face any challenge with bravery and strategy.
With this newfound momentum, they prepared to face the upcoming days in the Hunger Games, confident that their alliance and fictional love story would lead them to victory. Together, they were ready to defy all expectations and change the game.
...
The atmosphere on the twelfth floor became slightly lighter and warmer after the intense conversation about strategies and supporting Jacob and Katniss's fictional love story. Aware of the imminent reality of the Hunger Games, the team decided to take a moment to talk about trivial things and enjoy each other's company before the big day.
Sitting around a table, sharing a cup of hot tea, the conversation veered towards lighter topics. Effie began talking about the decoration of the reception rooms in the Capitol, highlighting their bright and extravagant colors. Haymitch let out a sarcastic laugh and joked about how he preferred the simplicity of his own house in District 12.
Cinna, always calm and enigmatic, spoke about his experiences as a stylist in the Capitol, mentioning some of the eccentricities of certain individuals he had worked with in the past. Portia joined the conversation, sharing anecdotes about the challenges she faced while designing the costumes for the District 12 tributes in previous years.
Amidst the laughter and stories, Jacob and Katniss exchanged knowing glances, acknowledging the gravity of the impending situation. Although they felt connected and committed to their alliance, they also knew that tomorrow they could be fighting for their lives in a ruthless arena.
However, in that moment, they decided to set aside their worries and embrace the warmth and camaraderie of the team. They talked about trivial things like favorite meals and hobbies, trying to find a bit of lightness amidst the darkness that surrounded them.
As the night progressed, the atmosphere grew increasingly calm and contemplative. The team members realized that, although the conversation seemed trivial, every word and shared laughter served as a reminder of the life and humanity they were fighting to preserve in the Hunger Games.
Silently, they rose from the table and bid farewell with hugs and words of encouragement. Jacob and Katniss knew that dawn would bring an unimaginable challenge, but they felt strengthened by the bond they had forged with their team.
Effie took both of their hands, with genuine tears in her eyes, and wished them good luck. She thanked them for being the best tributes she had ever had the privilege of sponsoring; then, being Effie and seemingly obligated by law to always say something dreadful, she added, "I wouldn't be surprised if next year they finally promote me to a decent district!"
"You deserve something better, Effie." Jacob gave credibility to the woman's words with a smile on his face.
Then she kissed him on the cheek and quickly walked away, whether overwhelmed by the sentimental farewell or by the possibility of improving her fortune was unknown.
"One last piece of advice?" Katniss asked as she saw Haymitch approaching.
"When the gong sounds, you must run as fast as you can. Jacob, you're good enough to get involved in the bloodbath, you and Thresh would make a strong duo, but my advice is not to risk going to the Cornucopia. Both of you should run, keep a great distance from the center for as long as possible, and find a water source. Understood?"
As he thought about something, Haymitch added, "If you're far apart, don't try to meet on the first day unless you're with allies. Moving without a weapon so openly is just asking for your death."
"And then?" Katniss asked.
"Stay alive." Haymitch replied.
It's the same advice he gave them on the train, but now he's not drunk and laughing.
"Thank you, Portia, for everything in general." Jacob said a special goodbye to Portia, who was his stylist, and nodded to Cinna with a smile, just like Effie. As for Haymitch, they would see each other in the morning, so there was no need for a farewell, or so Jacob believed. Nevertheless, he decided to say goodbye and thank him for all his efforts, while indicating that all of this would end someday, but these words were only heard by Haymitch.
As they retired to their rooms, each of them carried with them the awareness that the next day, in the arena, their fate would be uncertain. But they also carried with them the support, love, and determination they had found in that brief moment of warmth and camaraderie.
Tomorrow at dawn, they would be awakened and prepared for the stadium. The actual games wouldn't start until ten because many of the Capitol residents wake up late, but as competitors, Jacob and Katniss had to wake up early. It was unknown how far the battlefield chosen for this year would be.