Hunger Games World -- 3

This wasn't the first time I've been on a train, I went to Atopsville to get my airship liscense, but this was certainly the nicest. The bulky exterior contrasted against the sleek interior. Each car looked like the pictures in magazines from Victoirg and Erus Natio. The walls were dark polished wood. Silver tables in one car, and persona rooms in another made all the difference between this ride and my lasr.

    Wells told me it was only a few hour ride to Sector Kost, and two days from there to the Arena Lands. He advised me to bathe and dress before we picked up my partner.

As I explored my car, I thought about this Kiera Malcomb. The video of her reaping was grainy and black and white, so I hadn't a good look at her. I wondered what her talents were, and what she knew.

    I had begun to question my talents and what I knew.

    Oh no.



-x-



   There wasn't anything extravagant in the wardrobe in my room. I frowned, my eyes switching from the drawers and hangers to the mirror. Having just showered, my hair was stuck in a limp sheet around my head. Dissatisfied, I picked at it with my fingers until  it stuck up in dusty brown spikes. My vision refused to magically clear after a few blinks, forcing me to stumble around and shove a pair of thin rectangular glasses onto my face. I grabbed the first fabrics to hit my fingers, and settled for mediocre on my clothing. I was used to the proper clothing of Sector Rogue.

   Wells was waiting for me in the entrance car. I felt the speed of the train lurch, then slow down. "Well, here we are: Sector Kost." I grinned. I've always wanted to go to Kost. Sadly this was a drop-your-tribute-and let's-go sort of stop. Wells pulled the other tribute into the car, sliding the door shut and linking the catch.I watched her intently. She didn't meet anyone's eyes, not even her keeper. She had a pair of goggles around her neck, and pulled them up to cover her eyes. She shifted her weight from foot to foot. Her keeper put a hand on her shoulder.

   "Goggles down, sweetie." She complied, looking at me when she did. I grinned, considering if I should offer my hand or something.

   "That's it?" I felt my face drop.

   "What do you mean 'That's it?' ? I have a name!" I said, on the defense now. There was no chance of that handshake now. Her keeper, a tall blonde woman, tightened her grip on her shoulder.

   "I'm sorry I was rude. Kiera Malcomb," she said, not alluding to even maybe being sincere. She stuck out her hand. I accepted.

   "Codah Aleksandar," I half-smiled, hoping to get off on the right foot with her. "May the odds be ever in your favor."

   "You'll do. Mel, where's my car?"

   "Now, now, you've only just gotten on! This is Mr. Well-" 'Mel' was cut off by a violent shake of the train. "To you room... it's late."