“And now we honor our third Quarter Quell,” says the president. The little boy in white steps forward, holding out the box as he opens the lid. We can see the tidy, upright rows of yellowed envelopes. Whoever devised the Quarter Quell system had prepared for centuries of Hunger Games. The president removes an envelope clearly marked with a 75. He runs his fingers under the flap and pulls out a small square of paper. Without hesitation, he read, “On the seventy-fifth anniversary, as a reminder to the rebels that even the strongest among them cannot overcome the power of the Capitol, the male and female tributes will not only be reaped from their existing pool of victors, but from the strongest of the other nations too.”
***
We sit together in our penthouse room at the Capitol, Haymitch, Peeta, Effie, Cinna and I. The room looks completely different since last time, but the overlaying theme still appears to be ornate and lavish.
“Is this even necessary?” I ask, watching Haymitch cross the room to pour himself a drink. “We’ve already watched the reaping.”
He takes a long sip before smacking his lips. “No one, not even me, is fully aware of what these new tributes are capable of. I’ve collected as much information as I can on them and have, generously, decided to share it with you, so yes sweetheart, it is necessary.”
I open my mouth to retort, but Peeta interrupts me. “Katniss,” he says turning on the couch to better face me. “I think this is a good idea. Aren’t you even a little curious about the other tributes?”
I cross my arms and scowl. I didn’t want to know these tributes. It would make it harder to kill them, in the end. But everyone, even Cinna, was looking at me expectantly so I spit out a “fine” and slouched in my seat.
“Great.” Haymitch says drily, turning to the wall where photos and blurry footage were being displayed. “Last year was child’s play, this year you’ll be dealing with experienced killers.”
“Clary and Jace,” Peeta said, watching the small red-head and her blonde brother.
“Yes,” Haymitch replied, “both shadowhunters, and both dangerous.”
“The girl still looks soft.” I say, watching her struggle.
Haymitch smiles at me, pleased that I’m paying attention and contributing. “Yes, Clary is definitely the weaker one. She’s only begun her training recently, but Jace has been preparing for his whole life. Don’t underestimate him.”
The images changed and it’s footage from the reaping. Two kids, no older than sixteen, stand with their faces held high.
“Teresa and Thomas.” Haymitch said, watching them closely. “Shouldn’t be too difficult to kill, they’re lacking in real experience.”
“They’re children.” I say.
“They’re smarter than you.” Haymitch replied, “And quicker. If the arena is a puzzle, these two will figure it out.”
“Possible allies?” Peeta asks.
“Let’s wait until training to decide on that.” Cinna says easily. Haymitch nods and the images switch again.
“This is Rose and Dimitri,” Haymitch says, as we watch the two wrestle with each other. “Extremely dangerous. Both have been trained in hand to hand combat for their entire lives.”
The tall guy, Dimitri, finally pins Rose to the ground. She glares at him fiercely and squirms against his strong hold, but he just smiles down at her fondly. Her gaze eventually softens and a smile curls around her mouth.
Peeta must’ve seen me watch the whole exchange, he grabbed my hand and squeezed it reassuringly. “Hey,” he murmured, just loud enough for me to hear. “It’s going to be fine.”
I nod, not quite meeting his eyes and return my attention to Haymitch, who is already describing the next two tributes.
“-demigods. I’m not sure if I really believe it, but we shouldn’t take any chances. Annabeth is supposed to be the daughter of Athena, and Percy the son of Poseidon. So if there’s water, stay away from him.” Haymitch laughs to himself and Effie joins in, high pitched and nasally.
The images switch and I recognize these tributes.
“Tris and Four,” I breathe as Peeta sits up in his seat.
“Unfortunately, yes.”
I remember their reaping more clearly than any other. They were both volunteers, much to the dismay of the originally picked male tribute, Peter. The had grasped hands and looked almost excited.
“They’re both fearless, well trained,” the footage shows both of them jumping from a tall building, and throwing knives at each other, “and Tris is a known Divergent. Which means any mind games the Capitol tries to play on her won’t be affective.”
“These are tributes to watch out for,” Cinna adds, watching in a awed fascination as the two on screen hit every target they shoot at.
It sounds like they’re trying to scare me, but I can see the softness in Tris’s eyes. “We have more to fight for.” I say, and Peeta squeezes my hand again, reminding me that he was still holding it.
No one answers, too busy watching Tris fight someone twice her size. She’s small, but knows how to use it to her advantage.
The images switch again, it’s a boy and girl in a forest. The guy, tall and blonde, wields a sword like it’s merely an extension of his arm and the girl shoots arrow after arrow with perfect precision.
“Ah yes, the Pevensie siblings,” Haymitch says. “They’re trained, but their weakness is their benevolence. Rumors say they were once kings and queens, but I doubt they’re naturally inclined to kill.”
“If there is only one set of arrows at the Cornucopia...” I trail off.
“Make sure you get to them first.” Haymitch says solemnly.
“Natasha Romanov and Clint Barton.” Peeta says when the images change.
“Yes, another duo to watch out for. They’re most commonly known as Black Widow and Hawkeye” Haymitch says, turning towards footage of them shooting in the street. “Part of the Avengers Initiative, they’ve both faced much tougher opponents than this.”
“Another archer?” I ask Peeta, watching as Hawkeye pulls arrow after arrow out of his seemingly endless supply. My skill with a bow was the only edge I had last year, how am I supposed to survive with other’s just as good, if not better than me?
He doesn’t answer, and when I follow his gaze to the close up off Natasha’s face, I shove him in the stomach with my elbow.
“Ow!” He says, disentangling our hands. “What was that for?”
Cinna laughs from his seat and even Haymitch cracks a smile. “Don’t let her distract you, Peeta. She’s just as deadly as she is beautiful.”
The screen goes black and that’s all of the tributes. There are less than last year, but each one is twice as hard to kill. Cinna and Effie excuse themselves and Haymitch leaves with a reminder of the Tribute Parade tomorrow.
“Peeta, how are we going to kill these people?” I ask, when we’re finally left alone.
Peeta doesn’t answer right away, just bites his lips and looks down. “The same way we did last year.” He says finally.
It’s a lie, a flimsy one at that and I don’t bother reminding him that these tributes are quicker, more skilled, and much deadlier than the one’s last year.
“They’re not going to let two of us win this year, Peeta.” I whisper, not like he needed the reminder.
He grabs both my hands in his and doesn’t speak until I look in his eyes. “Katniss, it’s going to be okay. You’re going to make it, I know you are.”
I nod, letting my head fall on his chest and I try to believe him.