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The sirens of the Capitol stirred from their rest, signaling that today marked the commencement of our training. Reflecting on the events of yesterday with Coriolanus and perceiving a hint of kindness from him had heightened my anticipation. I was eager to delve into the details of his plans for me within the arena. Would the training be a personalized one-on-one session, or would it be part of the opulent yet somewhat ignorant tours that we were accustomed to enduring before the actual training sessions?
Upon rousing from last night's restless sleep – if one could even call it that, given Jacob's incessant snoring – I found myself contending not only with his disruptive sounds but also the relentless whining of a fellow tribute expressing homesickness. Despite my own yearning for home, I endeavored to conceal the negative emotions with thoughts of the good times. Desperately, I sought to recollect my mother's stories and the laughter that echoed around our dinner table. I recalled my aunt's words, affirming how fortunate I was to be in the Capitol. If only she knew the truth...
Observing the various tributes stirring awake under the gentle rays of the sun filtering through Panem's clouds, I couldn't help but notice the contrast to my initial day here. Today unfolded as a gray and rainy day, a stroke of luck for us all since the day's training was scheduled indoors. If our mentors could also manage to avoid their obligations, it seemed that today's weather was favoring everyone, myself included.
While the suggestion was made for us to have breakfast earlier than usual, many of us chose to take up the offer. Surprisingly, it was this proposal that prompted some tributes to rouse from their slumber, transitioning from mild irritation to the realization of their growling stomachs. Not to forget that it was known for some mentors to taunt them with meager amounts of food. Had it not been for Coriolanus's act of kindness the previous day, I might have assumed that a few pairs of envious eyes would be fixated on me for the rest of the evening after my modest feast – a realization for which I was genuinely thankful, given my current position.
"Miss Swan." A voice, sharp and tinged with my own fear, summoned me while I checked on Jacob, reciprocating the concern he had shown for me earlier that morning. A Peacekeeper approached me carrying a tray, its color matching the red hue of the Academy's uniform, prompting me to ponder if red was the Capitol's predominant color. "Yes?" I responded, attempting to quell my apprehension by focusing on the simplicity and formality of the Peacekeeper's uniform in contrast to mine. In all honesty, witnessing the differential treatment meted out to the Peacekeepers in comparison to us stirred a slight sense of envy within me. Yet, observing their adept handling of social interactions, including the unexpected call of my name, hinted that perhaps I was still fortunate to be confined within the Capitol's world.
"Mr. Snow has made it clear that you will be having breakfast today, ensuring you are well-fed before training." Came the unexpected announcement. My eyes widened in shock, finding it almost too good to believe. Attempting to express my gratitude, I found myself speechless. The Peacekeeper, perceptive to my unspoken thanks, understood the genuine desire to express appreciation for yet another kind gesture, one I couldn't let pass unnoticed. Before I could convey my thanks, and just before the Peacekeeper departed, he made a subtle indication, signaling an important detail that Snow had mentioned. "Mr. Snow also specified no sharing this time, not even with Jacob." He pointed out, directing attention to Jacob, who exchanged a knowing look with me, as if he understood the kind of person I truly was. It was as though I was expected to devour the entire buffet practically on my own, especially with no cameras from outside the Zoo to monitor us. Expressing my thanks once again, this time with a clearer nod, I acknowledged, "I'll return the tray once finished."
