Chương 115: You have no enemies

After training, Jacob and Katniss are together, waiting for Haymitch and Effie to appear for dinner.

When they are called to eat, Haymitch immediately pounces on Jacob. "So at least half of the victors have indicated to their mentors to request them as allies."

"Well, I'm incredible and all, but I didn't do much more than fight the man from District Two. As for Katniss, she shot arrows." Jacob smiled and then said, "I'm really impressed. She should have shot like that when she faced Clove, and maybe I wouldn't have lost my fingers..."

"Is she... that good now?" Haymitch looked at Jacob and said, "Well, I know why Brutus wants her now."

"I'm considering Brutus, but Johanna, Finnick, and if possible, the ones from District Eleven should be part of our group."

"Of course, they should." Haymitch sighed and ordered a bottle of wine. "Well, considering their questionable indications, I'll tell everyone that we are still deciding."

"Start telling those who will be our allies. I'll consider at the end if Brutus can be trusted or not. I need to eliminate the problems as soon as possible."

Katniss looked at Jacob without knowing what to say. Why is he so oppressive towards the participants from District Two and District One?

...

Two days had passed in the desolate training field, where survival was the only goal and the bond between the participants was forged in the fire of adversity. Amidst that chaos and desperation, Jacob found an unexpected ally in Brutus, and together they decided to forge a friendship that transcended mere alliances.

Despite the expectations and pressures surrounding the participants, Jacob and Brutus realized they were not enemies. They understood that they were trapped in a hell from which neither could escape, and the only way to survive was by supporting each other.

Instead of treating each other with hostility and distrust, Jacob and Brutus treated each other as true companions. They shared their experiences, helped each other in training, and provided emotional support in the darkest moments.

But they were not the only ones. The training field was filled with individuals who had set aside labels and rivalries to focus on survival. They all understood that in that inhospitable place, the opinions of others didn't matter. Indifference to judgment and prejudice had become an unwritten norm.

Regardless of their origins, circumstances, or backgrounds, they all shared a common goal: to survive. The participants supported each other, exchanged knowledge and skills, aware that unity was their best weapon against the constant threat they faced.

The barriers that once separated individuals faded away. It no longer mattered if they came from different districts or if their loyalties had been tested in the past. Now, the only loyalty that mattered was to those willing to fight by their side.

Within that training field, the friendship between Jacob and Brutus grew stronger. Together, they faced challenges, sharing laughter and moments of relief amidst the harsh reality that surrounded them.

In a world where mistrust and violence were commonplace, Jacob and Brutus showed that camaraderie and mutual respect could flourish even in the most desperate circumstances.

As the days passed, the friendship between Jacob, Brutus, and the others became a refuge of hope amidst the chaos. They knew that their unity was their greatest strength and that only together could they survive that ruthless game of life and death.

The final day of training concludes with the private sessions. Everyone has fifteen minutes in front of the Gamemakers to impress them with their skills, but Jacob doesn't know what any of them can show.

There are many jokes about it during the meal. What they can do. Sing, dance, undress, tell jokes. Mags, whom he can now understand a little better, decides to take a nap instead.

Jacob had already decided what to do and jokingly told everyone that he would tell a story to the Gamemakers.

Haymitch said to surprise them if they could, and that's what Jacob was about to do.

The dining hall grows quieter and quieter as the tributes leave for their performances. It's easier to maintain the irreverent and invincible attitude they have all adopted when they are together.

As people disappear through the door, the only thing most can think about is that their remaining life is counted in days.

Jacob and Katniss are finally alone. He leaned over the table and took Katniss's hands.

"Have you decided what you're going to do for the Gamemakers?"

Katniss shook her head.

"I can't use them for target practice this year, with the force field and all. Maybe I'll make some hooks. And you?"

"No idea. I'm still thinking about telling them that story I mentioned." Jacob said as he contemplated it more and more.

"You would leave them speechless..." Katniss smiled at the thought of Jacob's performance, which would be one of the most anticipated due to his perfect score in the previous edition.

After a few seconds, they sat in silence for a while, and then Katniss blurted out what was on her mind.

"How are we going to kill these people, Jacob?"

"And why would we do it this time?" Jacob shook his head and said, "Maybe the arena will take care of that. Don't you think they've noticed?"

"I don't want them as allies. Why did Haymitch want us to get to know them better? It will make it much harder than last time. Except for Rue, maybe. But I guess it doesn't matter. In any case, I wouldn't have been able to kill her. She looked too much like Prim." Katniss seemed increasingly worried about that.

Jacob smiled and said, "We can choose not to kill, wait until the stars support the sky."

"What do you mean?" Katniss looked at Jacob with confusion, but at that moment, it's his turn, and he leaves after kissing Katniss's forehead.