It just so happens to be a coincidence that the particular 9 tributes Plutarch had noticed and the 4 strong challengers all happen to end up in two elevators. On the elevator of challengers, Rook sets the tone oddly enough by being friendly with the other 3, surprising them.
“I’m just going to let you know, I fucking hate the Careers and my own District. So I sympathize with you guys. Not lying.”
It’s Wolfgang that speaks up and breaks the silence that follows.
“A District 1 tribute that sympathizes with us and hates the Careers. That’s a first.”
Mark is equally surprised, and he immediately sees the advantages this could give. So, he decides to come clean about his motives. “I’m in this solely because there should be only 1 Victor. That’s how it should have worked.”
Wolfgang instantly sympathizes with Mark. “That’s what we were going with. Oak and I were going to volunteer in consecutive years, like Cashmere and Gloss did. Then we heard the Quell twist and decided we volunteer this year and both become victors. But, we’re perfectly prepared to survive without the other if things go deadly. I’m Wolfgang, by the way.”
“Mark. Nice to meet you.”
“I’m Rook. So, I guess we’re the anti-Career alliance?”
Mark chuckles. “I guess you could call it something like that. I’m in.”
Wolfgang chimes in. “Me too. If Everdeen and Mellark could take down the Careers, who’s to say we can’t do the same?”
All four of them talk about each other’s lives as the elevator rises to their respective floors.
—————————————————
In the other elevator, the awkwardness is so thick you could cut it with a knife. Everyone, except Clove, is staring dumbfounded at the sight of the other. Eventually, it’s Cato who breaks the silence.
“Okay.. um.. god, this is so awkward. So um, I’m Cato.”
“Finch, District 5.”
“Marvel, from District 1.”
“Mina, District 12. Lived in District 2 before my peacekeeper dad transferred to 12.”
“Clove, from District 2.”
“Applejack. Born and raised in District 10.”
“Urchin, District 4.”
“Adagio, from District 1.”
“Cameron Spears, District 2. Cato’s adopted younger brother.”
The conversation ends there as all nine resume staring at each other in the awkward silence.
——————————————————————
After seeing Plutarch’s interview with Caesar, Cato and Cameron head to the roof to talk and think over the game plan for the Careers. Up there, they unexpectedly find Marvel and Urchin up there too.
“Well, fancy running into you two again” says Cato.
“Likewise, come up here for the view?” asks Marvel.
“No, we come here to discuss strategy” Cameron answers.
“Well, my district’s fucking split. Fucking dipshit named Rook decided to ally himself with outliers since he apparently hates the Careers” Marvel sneers.
“Ah well, his loss. Means we can kill him without angering your district” Cameron chuckles.
“Yeah. Also, honestly, that elevator ride was just extremely awkward” Marvel continues, which makes the other three nod their heads.
“Like, what was wrong with me? I couldn’t stop staring at her, like she was a goddess” Urchin says.
“Same here, pal” Cameron says.
“Yep, same here. Only it’s two people for me” Cato mutters, which makes the other three look at him funny.
“What?!” he retorts. “It’s the truth!”
“Yeah, I suffer from it as well” Marvel says a couple seconds later. “Either way, alliance?”
“Yeah sure” Cato says. “I’m good with Swords and Spears, and I already know Cameron’s hella good with bow and crossbow and sword if need be, what are you two’s strengths?”
“Tridents, Spears. Swords as well” Urchin states.
“Yeah, Spears here too. Maybe good with a knife, but not in throwing” Marvel comments.
“So do we include the girls?” Cameron states, to which Cato sighs.
“We ask them tomorrow if they want to join. With the way they were looking at us back there, I have a feeling they’ll say yes. I mean, Adagio and Clove are no-brainers but I don’t know about the other three” Cato booms, causing the other three to accept his judgment.
“Guessing your pack leader this year?” Marvel asks.
“Well obviously” Cato retorts. “With Cameron here as my second in command.”
“Fine” Marvel sighs. “Well, I’m off to bed.”
“Yeah, me too. Hope you two get some sleep.”
“Thanks. We will.”
One by one, the four boys exit the roof, not knowing that the five girls from the elevator and the 4 challengers were hiding in different spots on the roof, listening in to the four Careers’ conversation.