The Story
When they gather together for dinner, Katniss notices that Jacob has been smiling ever since he entered the dining hall, even after taking a shower.
After all, he must have told the story to the Gamemakers. Once the soup is served, Haymitch gets straight to the point that is on everyone's mind.
"Alright, so how were your private sessions?" He exchanged a glance with Jacob. Somehow Katniss isn't too thrilled about what she did, so she mumbles, "You first..."
Jacob recounted his experience with Haymitch and Effie. He mentioned the story he had told the Gamemakers during his evaluation, and Effie got excited, suggesting that he could share it at that moment. However, Jacob declined her proposal.
"No, Effie, it's not the right time." Jacob calmly responded. "The story I shared with the Gamemakers was a very personal message, and I prefer to keep it between us for now."
Effie seemed a bit disappointed but then made a curious observation. "Could it be that the story is about Katniss?" she asked with a smile. "After all, she has been a constant source of inspiration for you."
Jacob frowned, somewhat irritated by Effie's suggestion. "No, Effie, it's not just about Katniss," he firmly replied. "The story goes beyond that. It's a reflection on sacrifice and power, on what one is willing to do for those they love."
"Why would that story be about me?"
"To show that he will do everything he can to defend you. That's what everyone in the Capitol expects, in any case. Isn't that exactly what he just said?" Effie said, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.
"Similarly, I hope you didn't say too much." Effie sounds like she's about to cry. "That kind of thinking... it's forbidden, Jacob. Absolutely. You'll only bring more trouble upon yourself and Katniss."
"I have to agree with Effie on this," Haymitch says. Portia and Cinna remain silent, but their faces are very serious. Of course, they're right. But even though I'm worried, I think what he did is amazing.
Haymitch, always more pragmatic, interrupted the conversation. "Let's put speculation aside. What did you do, Katniss?" he asked directly, hoping to get useful information for his strategy.
"I guess this is a bad time to mention that I hanged a mannequin and painted Seneca Crane's name on it." Said Katniss. This has the desired effect. After a moment of disbelief, the disapproval from the room hits her like a ton of bricks.
"You... You hanged... Seneca Crane?" Cinna murmurs.
"Yes. I was showing off my new knot-tying skills, and somehow he ended up at the end of the rope."
"Well done, Katniss." Effie says in a choked voice. "How did you even know about it?"
"Is it a secret? President Snow didn't act like it was. In fact, he seemed eager for me to know," Katniss muttered.
Effie leaves the table with a napkin pressed against her face. Now Katniss has upset Effie. She should have said that she shot a few arrows instead.
"You'd think we planned it." Jacob looked at Effie and gave her a smile. "Well, Katniss' thing was dark, but my story was good. I made them understand that I was willing to eliminate my enemies."
"Wait, you didn't plan it?" Portia asks. Her fingers press against her closed eyelids as if shielding herself from a very bright light.
"I didn't," Katniss said, looking at Jacob and seeing that he hadn't planned it either. "Neither of us even knew what we were going to do before going in."
"And, Haymitch?" Jacob wiped his mouth and told them, "We decided we want Johanna and Finnick as allies in the arena."
"Good choices, I'll take care of that."
"Aren't you too obsessed with Johanna?" Katniss asks, slightly annoyed.
"Is that important right now?" Jacob raises an eyebrow, a little irritated.
"Well, something good amidst all these atrocities." Effie nods excitedly, while Haymitch merely grunts in approval. It's evident that Katniss has earned their respect and trust with her actions.
Although Jacob doesn't reveal all the details, he keeps his future strategies secret. He knows that the right time to unleash his plan will come, and in the meantime, he must keep his allies close and his enemies in the dark.
The conversation continues, with Haymitch and Effie offering advice and discussing different scenarios. Jacob listens attentively, knowing that his ability to navigate the games largely depends on collaboration, pretending that there is no established plan.
As the day progresses, Jacob realizes that he is surrounded by people who, in their own way, care about his well-being and success in the games. He appreciates the trust and support they provide, but in his heart, his determination is fixed on protecting Katniss and ensuring that both of them survive this nightmare.
The story he shared with the Gamemakers was just a small glimpse of his unwavering commitment. And while Haymitch and Effie may speculate about its content, only Jacob knows the true depth of his intentions and how far he is willing to go to keep those he loves safe.
"Let's go see those training scores."
They gather around the television, and a red-eyed Effie rejoins them. The faces of the tributes appear, district by district, and their scores sparkle beneath their photos. From one to twelve. Predictably high scores for Cashmere, Gloss, Brutus, Enobaria, and Finnick. Low or moderate scores for the others.
"Have they ever given a zero?" Katniss expresses her doubts.
"No, but there's a first time for everything," Cinna responds.
And it turns out he's right. Jacob gets a twelve, which was predictable given his previous performance, but Katniss also does, making history in the Hunger Games. Although no one feels like celebrating.
"Why did they do that?" Katniss is confused.
"So that the others have no choice but to target you for elimination," Haymitch says in a neutral voice. "Go to bed, leave me alone for now."
Jacob raises an eyebrow, confused. Was he being scolded too? Of course not, his previous score was also a twelve, it should have been celebrated.
...
Jacob finds himself in his room, engulfed in darkness, when his smart assistant notifies him of an important message from District 13. Curiously, he opens the message and reads the words displayed on his screen.
"[Show us what you can do, and we'll help you!]" the message says, direct and challenging.
A chill runs down Jacob's spine as his eyes glide over the glowing words on the smart assistant. A sense of satisfaction and strength takes hold of him, and a cold smile forms on his face.
It was an invitation, an opportunity to prove his worth, his ability to change things and exert his influence. Jacob knew that District 13 was known for its resistance and desire to fight against the oppression of the Capitol in the future. This response was an indication that they had recognized his potential and were willing to collaborate, but only if he demonstrated his worth.
The darkness surrounding him seemed to intensify as Jacob weighed his options. This was the opportunity he had been waiting for, the chance to showcase his strength and leadership.
His smile widens as determination burns in his eyes. He wouldn't disappoint District 13 or himself. He was willing to do whatever it takes to pass the test and earn their support.
The cold darkness of the room becomes his ally, a refuge where he can plot his plans and prepare for the upcoming challenge. He knows it won't be easy, but he's ready to overcome any obstacle and eliminate anyone who stands in his way.