The Wolf and the Mockingjay, Part 1, Chapter 3
Title: The Wolf and the Mockingjay, Part 1
Fandoms: Doctor Who/The Hunger Games fusion
Rating: Teen+ for violence
Pairings: Rose-Martha friendship; Jack/everyone
Characters: Rose, Martha, Ninth Doctor, Donna, Reinette (expy), Jack Harkness, Jackie Tyler, Mickey Smith, River Song, loads more; HG characters come in more in Part 2, but Cinna, Caesar Flickerman, Claudius Templesmith, Plutarch Heavensbee, Finnick Odair and President Snow appear in this part; OCs Nokia, Lace, Gem, Sulla and Livia.
Summary: Rose Tyler is chosen for the Hunger Games. Martha Jones volunteers to save her little sister. When they meet in the arena, something happens that will change the world.
Chapter 1: The Reaping
Chapter 2: The Capitol
The next day, Rose hit the archery stand as soon as she could. River had her fire while moving again, moved targets while Rose wasn’t looking and gave her progressively less time to turn around and get off a shot, had her fire at closer targets alternating with ones farther away, and finally had her fire from behind cover.
“You’re still making yourself too much of a target,” she said. “Leave that much of your body hanging out, and someone could put a knife or spear in it.”
As Rose’s arms ached, she went off to the wild game station, where she learned to field dress small game and also learned why one shouldn’t eat raw rabbit. Not that she was tempted.
And then, at lunch, a funny thing happened. Instead of spreading themselves out, one after another, kids from other districts started sitting at Rose’s table. It started with Lynda and Martha, but soon, Sunshine from Eleven, Georgette from Eight and Nokia from Three joined them.
“Nokia is a pretty name,” said Rose.
Nokia, a small, quiet, dark-haired girl, said, “My parents named me after a piece of antique electronica at the district museum. Same with my brothers Sony and Kodak.”
Sunshine was tall and strikingly beautiful, with skin a few shades lighter than Martha’s, huge dark eyes and enviably thick, shiny black hair. She, too, seemed very quiet. Georgette, a pale redhead, was a bit more talkative. Conversation was sparse, but astonishingly normal, if shallow.
And that was how it went for the rest of the training days. The Careers took up one corner of the cafeteria, while other tributes either scattered themselves around the room or gravitated to Rose’s table. Rose learned their names: Chip from Three, Toby from Eight, Feather from Ten, Furrow from Eleven, and Benj and Scooti from Twelve. Chip was sarcastic. Toby was nearly sick with anxiety and didn’t eat much, even though he was already far too thin. Feather always looked like she’d been crying. Furrow was subdued and sad, thinking about his family. Benj was resigned, Scooti determined.
Every district had its own stereotype. District 1 was vain and silly. District 2 grew brutes. People from Three were weird. District 4 was sex-obsessed. Five’s people made Three’s look normal. Six was for druggies, District 7’s people were rugged and a bit thick, Eight’s were bad-tempered, Nine’s were dumb thugs, Ten’s smelled of manure (and had sex with their livestock), Eleven’s talked funny, and Twelve’s were hopelessly inbred.
The stereotypes certainly didn’t seem true of this group. Okay, Furrow and Sunshine did have accents that sometimes made them hard to understand, and, yes, Nokia and Lynda were both a little off-center, but Chip was quick-witted, Martha was obviously sharp as a tack, Georgette was nice, Feather was as well-groomed as any of them, and Benj and Scooti seemed perfectly normal. And Toby - he was just scared. All Rose could think was that she’d have probably made friends with all these kids, if only they weren’t all supposed to go into an arena and kill each other. And for what?
Lynda sniffed, throwing a disdainful look at her fellow District 5 tribute. “Rodrick’s trying to make nice with the Careers over there. Looks like the guy you came with is, too.”
Rose looked over, and, sure enough, Adam was hanging around the Career table, talking to the girl from District 2. It was . . . odd. Was he trying to ally himself with the Careers?
District 2 caught her looking, threw her a poisonous glare, and then sidled closer to Adam.
“Unbelievable,” Rose muttered. She had no idea what kind of game he was playing, but, from where she sat, it looked like he was going to get himself stabbed in the back if he didn’t watch out.
Then lunch was over. She spent the afternoon learning to throw knives and studying up on how to treat your own wounds. Which came in handy, since she cut her hand with one of the throwing knives.
***
Finally, the last day of training arrived, and, with it, her individual session with the Gamemakers. The Doctor advised her to show them everything she could do, so, as she went in, she was laying out, in her mind, what she’d do. She very nearly tripped over a huge weight, left in the middle of the floor by another tribute, as she crossed the floor. Absently, she picked it up and heaved it back onto its rack. It wasn’t any heavier than the larger grain or flour sacks she’d had to stock at Henrick’s.
She picked up a pistol bow first and shot every bolt in its quiver as fast as she could. She managed to hit the targets on all the dummies, and the bull’s-eye on three. Then she used a longbow to put arrows in three more targets. She climbed up onto one of the climbing structures, and, holding onto it with her legs, shot a heavy bag all the way across the gym. Figuring she’d done enough to be judged on, she used a chain dangling from the climbing structure to swing to the floor, landing on both feet without a bounce, and stood in front of the Gamemakers.
The head one wrote on a pad he was holding for a moment, and then nodded at her. “Thank you. You may go.”
She left, hoping River’s tutelage would be enough to get her a good score.
***
That evening, she, Adam, both of their stylists, the Doctor, Donna and Reina gathered to watch the training scores. Reina had been absent at dinner, and now, coming back to the common room, she made jaws drop. She looked like she’d been dipped in liquid copper up to her armpits. Rose had absolutely no idea how you could even get into a bodysuit and gloves like that; they seemed to have no seams or fastenings. Her hair had been replaced by a wig made up of long curls of what looked like various metals hanging to her waist, and she had bits of copper foil stuck to her face and lips. Adam gawked. Donna reached over and shut his mouth.
Reina looked pleased by the reaction. “Like I said, copper is the new gold. Donna, Doctor, you’ll need to get changed.”
The Doctor scowled. Donna sighed. “After the scores, Reina,” she said.
“Where are you guys going?” Rose asked.
“To an unparalleled networking opportunity,” said Reina.
Rose blinked at her, nonplused, and looked to the Doctor for help.
“A party,” he growled in tones he might’ve used to announce his own execution.
“What Bubbles and Giggles here are trying to say,” said Donna, “is that tonight is the customary pre-Games party. Everyone except the Gamemakers will be there - mentors, former victors, current and potential sponsors, escorts, trainers, stylists and prep teams - and it’s a good opportunity for us to scare up more sponsors for you.”
“You scare,” said Reina, sitting down with a catlike air. “I tempt.”
Donna snorted, but didn’t say anything else, as the scores were starting to be announced.
The Careers reliably scored between eight and ten, with the District 2 girl getting a nine. Most other tributes were around the five or six region. Tiny Martha managed an eight, which impressed Rose. Adam got a six, and Rose drew her breath, not sure she wanted to see her own score.
Nine!
Rose blinked at the score, wondering if there’d been a mixup with another tribute. She couldn’t have scored the same as District 2, right? But no correction was aired, and they went on to the rest of the districts. Once Benj and Scooti from Twelve were awarded a seven and eight, respectively, Rose looked around.
The Doctor was obviously pleased. “I knew you could do it.”
“Yeah. Congratulations,” said Adam. “I’m going to bed.” He stood up and left.
After he was gone, Rose turned to the Doctor. “I’m worried that Adam has the idea he’s going to get in with the Careers. They’ll slaughter him.”
The Doctor sighed. “I’d guess that’s his strategy, too. It happens every year. There’s always some idiot who thinks he can talk his way into the Careers and then stab them in the back, and it never works. They’ll toy with him here, just for amusement value, and then cut him down at the Cornucopia.” He looked at her expression. “He’s not your responsibility, Rose. You need to think about your own strategy. We’ll talk more about that tomorrow.”
She nodded, feeling uneasy. Two more days, that was all. Two more days, and then she’d find out just how good she was at surviving.
Then Jack’s big, warm hands were on her shoulders, easing the tension in them. “Don’t you worry, sweetheart,” he murmured in her ear. “You’re going to have people lining up to sponsor you. And after your interview, there’s not going to be one person in the whole Capitol who won’t be on your side. I promise.”
The Doctor reverted to his customary scowl. “Hadn’t you better get changed, too, Jack?”
“Can’t improve on perfection, Doc.”
“Don’t call me Doc.”
“Boys,” called Donna, “if you don’t mind putting them away for a moment, it’s time for all good girls to go to bed, and for me to get changed for the party. Say goodnight, Rose.”
“Goodnight, Rose,” said Rose. She gave the Doctor and Jack her cheekiest grin and got up to leave. “Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.”
Jack caught her hand and kissed it. “Oh, my lovely Rose, I intend to do things you can’t pronounce.”
“Goodnight, Rose,” said the Doctor firmly, giving Jack a disapproving look.
“Night, everyone. See you tomorrow.” Rose took herself off to bed. It was strange, but, even though she missed home terribly and was trying not to think about the upcoming Games, she was truly enjoying her time with the Doctor, Donna and Jack. If only we’d met a different way . . .
***
The Baths was the Capitol’s biggest, most exclusive club, and tonight, it was the place to be seen. There was a dance floor, catwalks crisscrossing over huge tanks of water that occasionally had people in them, alcoves with tables where people could talk or . . . not talk, and an ever-present Avox waitstaff to keep everyone’s plate or glass full.
On the dance floor, all the action centered around Amy Pond, former victor and mentor for District 4. Most of her clothing was long gone, leaving her in skimpy black lingerie, impossibly high heels, and iridescent tattoos. She was tall and lean and red-haired and unbelievably sexy, and everyone wanted a piece of her. She gave just enough to keep them interested, but seemed almost wrapped up in her own world, dancing to the thumping beat of the music.
Over on a couch, her colleague, former District 4 victor Finnick Odair, who wasn’t wearing much more than Amy was, sat with Jack. The two of them were kissing and caressing, murmuring to each other in between.
Then Jack stood up, announcing he was “going in,” and made for Amy. They danced together, and Jack leaned in to whisper in her ear. Amy drew back in mock outrage and smacked him lightly across the face. Jack protested the treatment and made for stylist Cinna, whose ear he also whispered in. Cinna chuckled, then slapped him, too.
Meanwhile, Amy sashayed off the dance floor straight for the Doctor, who was brooding at a table. When she reached him, she straddled his lap and leaned in to nibble on one ear. The Doctor didn’t respond, and, after a moment, Amy got up, pouting, announced he was no fun, and moved to a booth. There, she sat down in the lap of Ace McShane, victor and mentor to District 3, and started making out with her.
If you knew what to look for, there was a pattern to it. Jack caught Donna on a catwalk and gave her a drunken twirl, leaning in to kiss her neck. River Song came in and sat down to chat with the Doctor. One of the Avoxes took a drink and an innocuous note to sponsor Plutarch Heavensbee, who was sitting at a table where Reina was holding court.
If you knew what to look for, you could see a fire spreading.
***
Next day, Rose had a lengthy session with Reina on presenting herself. Reina taught her how to walk attractively in heels in a long gown, how to sit attractively, how to answer questions attractively, and, in general, how to be attractive. Rose was fairly certain she’d never get quite the same shimmy to her hips Reina walked with. She managed well enough not to trip herself, though, and Reina sent her off to the Doctor.
He seemed to consider her a moment as she sat down, and said, “I’m not going to coach you on what to say or do during the interview. You have the right instincts for that already. You’re charming, and charm goes a very long way in the Capitol.”
“Some of the other girls are prettier than I am,” Rose said, shifting a little uncomfortably under his regard.
The Doctor shook his head. “Doesn’t matter what they look like in pictures. It matters what the audience sees behind their faces. You have a kind of appeal - you’re tough, but still vulnerable - that will win hearts. All you have to do is be yourself, and the sponsors will follow.”
Rose wasn’t so sure of this, but she nodded anyway. “So, what are we going to talk about?”
“What will happen in the arena,” the Doctor answered. “Rose . . .” He stopped, looking hesitant, but determined. “I need to know that you’ll fight in the arena.”
“Of course I will,” said Rose, feeling he was getting at something else, but not understanding.
“Not just to survive.” The Doctor looked straight at her. “To kill.”
Her eyes narrowed. “You mean, hunt other tributes down?”
“Yes, if you have to.”
Rose shook her head. “No, I don’t think I could do that. I’ll kill to protect myself, but I can’t imagine . . . no. I’m not going to hunt people down like animals.”
The Doctor clearly wasn’t satisfied. “Do you want to go home? Because, if you do, you’re going to have to compromise some of those high principles.”
“And do what, Doctor? Go home and know the only reason I can see my mom is because I killed a bunch of other kids who just wanted to see theirs again? How would I even live with that?”
“The way we do.” The Doctor’s tone was clipped, harsh. “Me, Sarah Jane, Donna - we did what we had to do to survive. It’s a different morality in there, Rose, and the sooner you get used to that, the more likely you are to come out again.”
“Donna only killed one other tribute in her Games,” Rose said.
“Donna got lucky. You may not.” The Doctor fiddled with his blue-tipped pen again and lowered his voice. “River told me you befriended some of the other tributes. Don’t think for a moment they won’t turn on you. And you have a minute, tops, to say whatever you want to say without anyone listening in, so let’s hear it now.”
Listening in. Rose realized, belatedly, that she probably hadn’t been truly alone since the reaping. She gathered that the Doctor had somehow temporarily disrupted any bugs.
She took advantage of it. “Doctor, what am I supposed to do? Become what they’re trying to make me? Prove the Capitol right when they act like we’re all animals out in the Districts? I want to get home, I want it more than I can say, but I still want to be me. They don’t own me.”
“Then survive!” the Doctor hissed. “Panem is rotten. From the inside out, from the head down. It doesn’t have another ten years in it, as things are, and Snow knows it. He’s clinging to power. They’ve specialized the Districts too much, and the Capitol has become too greedy and complacent. You have the chance to fight for a new world. Don’t miss it.” He glanced at his pen, which blinked. “Damn.”
He sat back again, his face closing off, and Rose knew they were being observed again. “Of course, I can’t tell you what the arena will look like, but I can give you an educated guess. Every few years, they try something different. Last year was one of those times.”
Rose nodded, shaking off her frustration about not being able to continue with their previous conversation. She remembered the previous year’s Games. The setting had been an open pasture land, almost completely flat and covered with tall grasses. It had made seeing other tributes’ cooking fires far too easy for the hunting Careers. And then one of those cooking fires had gotten out of control . . .
It had been a short Games.
“This year, more likely than not, they’ll go with the usual varied landscape. Be prepared for woodlands. You hit all the survival stations at training?”
“Yeah. I just hope I remember the edible plants.” She shivered; the reality that the Games were bearing down on her was just setting in.
Unexpectedly, the Doctor’s hand curled around hers. “Rose,” he said, voice gentle, “I want you to know that I believe in you. It’s been a long time since I coached a tribute I truly thought had a chance of winning. I see a spark in you that I haven’t seen in . . .” He trailed off and pulled his hand back, retreating into himself again. “Just remember all we’ve talked about, and don’t worry about your interview tomorrow. You’ll do fine. Better than fine.” He smiled, easing the creases at the corners of his eyes. “You’ll be fantastic.”
***
The next day, Rose belonged to Jack and the stylists. Aurelius worked on her hair, wrapping it up and pinning it around a little rubber form on her head. When he finished with that, he started pinning in little copper cogwheels to decorate one side. Meanwhile, Marcus did her fingernails and toenails. They were red, but with a coating that, under the lights, shimmered yellow and orange, like flames. Priscilla did her makeup, using copper and bronze on her eyes and a warm red on her lips.
After hours of prep, Jack came in with her dress. The inside was soft satin, luxurious against her skin. And the outside . . .
It looked like it was made of molten metal. Yellow, but with every ripple tinged reddish orange. As she moved, the dress even seemed to throw off sparks.
“The fabric’s been treated so it’ll constantly be changing under the lights,” Jack explained. “You’ll look like you’re on fire out there.”
“It’s . . . it’s gorgeous, Jack,” Rose said through a curiously tight throat.
Jack brought over a pair of earrings and a bangle for her wrist. “These aren’t your best accessories, though, Rose. That smile of yours is. That and these huge brown eyes. You’re going to have the audience eating out of your hand.”
Rose took a shaky breath. “So, hopefully, I’ll be eating out of theirs soon?”
Jack’s eyes caught hers in the mirror, and, somehow, Rose knew his playboy-stylist façade was just that. His eyes had gone cold and hard, but his anger wasn’t aimed at her. There was something much deeper going on with him, and she wanted to know what it was.
“You’re beautiful,” he told her, voice soft with conviction. “And you are worth fighting for.”
Then the moment was over, and she was ready to go. Jack escorted her to the elevator, where the other District 9 people were waiting.
“You look beautiful!” the Doctor blurted. Donna blinked at him, and Reina smirked. The Doctor backtracked quickly. “I mean, you’ll do fine for the cameras. Could make a difference as far as sponsors are concerned.”
Donna gave him a pained look. “May I offer an unqualified ‘You look beautiful’?”
“Thanks, Donna,” said Rose, and she accepted compliments from Reina and Adam as well. She still wasn’t sure what kind of game Adam was playing, but decided it didn’t matter.
The tributes were gathered backstage, lining up in preparation for going on. Rose almost laughed. It looked like they were kids dressed up for some kind of bizarre dance. Like the graduation formal for the Factory-side high school, when the families of graduates often spent money they didn’t have for fancy clothes they didn’t need, because it was the one time in their lives they could.
Someone ushered them up to the stage, where they took their seats, and the interviews began. Rose found herself listening to the others with great interest. The girl from One, whose name appeared to be Lace, was bubbly in a dress that looked like it was spun from sugar. The boy, Gem, was a constant stream of innuendo. Both of the Twos, Livia and Sulla, presented themselves as aggressive killers. They matched in black leather.
On and on they went. Chip was funny, Nokia eccentric. The Fours, Shella (in a dark blue-green gown with a neckline that bared her sternum) and Reed, played sexy and boisterous in turn. Rodrick was arrogant, Lynda sweet.
When they got to Martha, the audience was extra attentive. Her volunteering for her sister seemed to have piqued the Capitol’s curiosity. And she did look lovely, in a green gown with silvery butterflies decorating the skirt, even if her hair reminded Rose of the pineapple atop the fruit tureen at breakfast.
“My family means everything to me,” Martha told Caesar Flickerman. “Tish is my sister. I’d do anything for her. And . . . since she told me to win, I guess I’ll have to.”
That got a lot of applause. Rose had to admire her spirit.
A few minutes later, after poor Toby fumbled his way through his interview, Rose was called. She stood, hoping her knees wouldn’t knock together too loudly, and, remembering Reina’s lessons, crossed the stage to Caesar.
“Rose Tyler,” he said, “did you know you’ve kicked off a fashion revolution?”
Rose smiled and put her head on one side, the way she did when trying to get customers to stop haggling. “Well, Reina - our escort - says copper is the new gold. But that’s thanks to Jack. Just look at the clothes he makes!” She gave a quick twirl, drawing applause and cheers. “I think this is my second-favorite thing about the Capitol.”
Caesar gladly played along. “What’s your favorite thing, then?”
“My bath.” She made a sound of sheer pleasure. “I could soak in it forever.”
“Oh, I know what you mean. I soak in mine for hours - now, wait a moment, Rose.” He leaned in confidentially. “I was told that, if you have stage fright, you should imagine the audience naked. But now, I think they’re imagining me naked.”
Rose leaned in and stage-whispered, “Uh-oh - so am I!”
The audience roared, as did Caesar. “Oh, Rose, I may have to keep you. Tell me: Who’s your fella back home?” He raised his eyebrows.
She shook her head. “I don’t really have one.”
Caesar leaned in, putting an arm around her shoulders. “Now, sweetheart, don’t be shy. There has got to be a guy back home who’s pining for you.”
“I’m serious!” Rose insisted. “I mean, there’s Mickey, who’s sort of my boyfriend, but I’m a little gun-shy. My last boyfriend turned out to be . . . well, kind of a nightmare.”
“Say no more,” said Caesar. “We’ve all been there. Some of us, more than once.” He cleared his throat and tapped his chest, and the audience obediently laughed.
Rose took his arm. “Aww, who could be mean to you, Caesar?”
“Okay, now I simply must keep you.” Caesar looked up at the box with the Gamemakers. “Can I keep her?”
“No!” yelled one, drawing more laughter from the audience.
Caesar sighed. “Too bad. I know I’ll be pulling for you, Rose. Who do you have back home who’ll be pulling for you, too?”
“I’ve got my friends, especially Mickey, who’s practically family,” said Rose, “but mainly? My mom. My dad died when I was just a baby, and I’m all she has.” She could feel tears pricking her eyes. “I’ve got to get back to her, no matter what. I’ll fight as hard as I can, and I’ll get back to her. I promised.”
“I believe you.” He kissed her hand. “Our hearts go with you, Rose Tyler.”
The buzzer signaled that time was up, and Rose was dimly aware of applause as she made her way back to her seat. She breathed out a sigh of relief and relaxed, glad to have her interview over.
Adam was up next, and he put in a decent showing, making some quips about his opening ceremonies outfit and Factory life. Rose felt her mind wandering a bit through the Tens - she was suddenly exhausted - but was drawn back by how gorgeous Sunshine looked in her white-and-gold gown, with all that glossy hair falling in waves down her back. At last, when Benj was done with his interview, they were released.
By the time Rose got back to the Training Center, all she wanted was dinner and her bed. Dinner was easy enough; there was a spread laid out, and, not even bothering to shed her gown, Rose loaded up a plate and sat down to eat. The whole team was there: The Doctor, Donna, Reina, Jack, and Adam’s stylist, Ophelia. Reina was seemingly chattering with the air, but Rose could pick out the glimmer of an earbud when she turned her head.
“You both did well tonight,” said Donna. “We’ve had a couple more calls about sponsorships, and Reina expects more after the interviews air.” She gestured at them with her fork. “Tomorrow morning, you’ll have to be up early for the transport. We’ll have to leave early for the Games Center, too, so you won’t be seeing any of us.”
Rose’s stomach suddenly felt like lead. “Any last-minute advice?”
“Don’t stick around at the Cornucopia,” she said. “It’s a good place to get killed. Grab something if you can and then book it out of there. Find cover, and find water. Remember, it’s a game of attrition. The longer you can hold on, the better your odds will be. We’ll do what we can, but don’t make the mistake of relying on us. And try not to kill each other. That sort of thing never goes over well back home.”
The whole group watched the interviews as they aired. It was strange, Rose thought, to watch yourself on the television. Had she really looked like that?
Jack gave her a squeeze from the side. “That little tongue-in-teeth smile of yours? Money in the bank, baby doll, money in the bank.”
“It’s just the right amount of innocent sex appeal,” agreed Reina. “Four oversold herself, in my opinion.”
Considering what Reina had worn the previous night, Rose thought she could talk, but Reina seemed to be able to get away with a lot just by virtue of being Reina.
Adam yawned and stretched. “I’m going to bed. Night, everyone.”
His leaving apparently signaled that the gathering was over. Ophelia left next, followed by Jack.
“I’ll see you early tomorrow, sweetheart,” he said to Rose.
“You will?” she asked.
He nodded. “Last person you’ll see before the Arena is me, honey. I’ll be with you in the launch room.”
Rose felt herself relax just a little. It was comforting to know she’d have a friend there, right before . . .
Reina let an Avox help her into her coat and went to catch the same elevator as Jack. Just before she left, though, she turned and said, “Rose? I’m not allowed to bet, but if I could, my money would be on you. Good luck, dear.” With that, she was gone.
Donna looked surprised. “Well, that’s a first. Reina doesn’t just say things like that, Rose. Take heart.”
“Thanks, Donna,” said Rose. “For everything. I’m glad you’re on my side.”
“You bet I am.” Donna wrapped her in a hug. “Let’s just get you home, okay?”
“Yeah.” She turned to the Doctor. “Any last words of wisdom?”
He shook his head. “No. You’ve got everything you need to come out of this alive, Rose. I believe that.” He shuffled his feet, looking awkward.
Rose took the initiative and moved in for a hug. He smelled good, like clean skin and his worn leather jacket. A little of the smoke of District 9 clung to him, too, and she felt safe, just for a moment.
Finally, she drew back and looked in his eyes. They startled her. His blue gaze wasn’t cold and distant anymore; it was full of a longing she couldn’t begin to name. Whatever he needed, she wanted to give it to him.
He stepped back, breaking their gaze. “Best get some sleep,” he said gruffly.
“Not sure I can,” said Rose.
The Doctor reached out and poured wine from a carafe into an empty glass. He picked it up from the top rather than the stem and handed it to her. As he did so, Rose saw something drop from his fingers into the wine, making a little plip. It fizzed briefly before disappearing altogether. She looked at him, a question in her eyes.
“Drink a glass of wine before you get into bed,” he said pointedly. “It’ll help you relax.”
She nodded and took the glass. “All right. I’ll - I’ll see you, then.”
To her surprise, the Doctor drew her near and kissed her forehead. “You will. I know you will.”
Rose forced herself to walk away, turning just as she left the room to wave at the Doctor and Donna. They smiled and waved back, and she continued on to her room.
Inside, she set down the wine beside her bed. Whatever the Doctor had put in her wine would help her sleep, she knew. Best save it for after she’d bathed.
The Avox girl she’d tried to speak to the other night was in her room, tidying up. “Um, excuse me?” Rose said. The girl looked up at her. “Would you help me take my hair down? I’m not exactly sure what Aurelius did with it.”
The girl nodded, and Rose sat down and let her take the pins out. It took several minutes to get them all. The girl then helped Rose out of her dress. Rose found herself surprisingly unselfconscious about being naked in front of the girl. Who knew what else she’d seen in her life?
Rose handed the dress to her, taking the opportunity to slip her hand into the folds of fabric enough to take the girl’s hand. “Just make sure Jack gets this, okay? Thanks.”
The girl squeezed her hand, and Rose caught the shimmer of tears in her eyes as she gave Rose a slight smile. How long had it been since anyone had touched this girl with kindness?
She left, and Rose took a long, hot shower, washing away all the makeup and beauty treatments Jack’s team had used on her. She pulled on a silky nightgown, drank the wine, and slipped into bed.
Within seconds, she was asleep.
***
Morning moved fast. Rose was awakened at what her mother would have called “the ass-crack of dawn” by Jack, who hurried her through dressing before they went up to the roof to catch the hovercraft that would take them to the arena. She made herself eat breakfast on the way, even though she didn’t feel like eating at all. The thick porridge and sausages nearly stuck in her throat, but she forced them down.
The trip to the arena took about an hour, and then she and Jack were ushered into her launch room. There, she was allowed to bathe, and Jack finished her grooming, pulling her hair back into a ponytail at the nape of her neck and securing it with an elastic. Then he helped her dress in her arena outfit. The pants were dark green with multiple pockets, all of which were empty, and she had a sturdy brown belt to hold them up. Her shirt was black, and the jacket she was given was dark gray.
“It’s a good color,” said Jack. “Actually less noticeable than black in low light. The material holds in body heat, so it’s a good bet there’ll be some cold weather, and it’s waterproof, too.”
Last were the boots, which fit perfectly. “Good treads on these,” Jack commented. “How do you feel?”
The question broke something in her, and Rose, to her horror, began to sob softly as the reality of being in the Games hit her. She'd been holding terror at bay with activity until now, trying to keep the fact that she might be about to die, possibly horribly, from her mind. And she just couldn't do it anymore. Jack gathered her to his chest, making soothing noises and running his hands over her back. In a few minutes, she pulled herself back together with the determination of a Tyler woman.
“Thanks, Jack,” she sniffled, and then said, desperate for anything to say that wasn’t connected to the Games, “You smell amazing, by the way.”
He gave her one of his I-would-do-anything grins. “That’s because I’ve got cologne tattooed into my skin.”
It was such a weird thing for him to say at the moment that Rose started laughing helplessly, almost hysterically. Jack laughed with her, and they sat down to wait. He gave her a glass of water, which she sipped as the minutes ticked away.
“It’s been good to know you, Jack,” she finally said. “Tell the Doctor and Donna - even Reina - that for me if I don’t make it out, okay?”
“I will,” he promised, squeezing her hand.
She looked away. “Tell me the truth, Jack: Do you think I have any chance of winning? Please, just tell me the truth, even if it’s not what you think I want to hear.”
He used his fingers to turn her head toward him and looked her in the eyes. “Yes, Rose Tyler. I absolutely think you have a chance. You’re smart and you’re tough and you’re better than the Careers. They don’t know what it’s like to fight, really fight, the way you have all your life.”
His voice steadied her, and, as the announcement came that it was time to launch, she stood, feeling oddly removed from it all. This was just another fight, and all she had to do was tough it out.
Jack took her face in her hands. “You really are worth fighting for, Rose.” Then he kissed her gently, like a brother might. “Go get ‘em.”
She stepped onto the plate, and it began to rise.
Chapter 4
A/N: Some of the dresses that inspired me for the interview looks:
Sunshine
Martha
Shella (District 4)
Lace (District 1)
Fandoms: Doctor Who/The Hunger Games fusion
Rating: Teen+ for violence
Pairings: Rose-Martha friendship; Jack/everyone
Characters: Rose, Martha, Ninth Doctor, Donna, Reinette (expy), Jack Harkness, Jackie Tyler, Mickey Smith, River Song, loads more; HG characters come in more in Part 2, but Cinna, Caesar Flickerman, Claudius Templesmith, Plutarch Heavensbee, Finnick Odair and President Snow appear in this part; OCs Nokia, Lace, Gem, Sulla and Livia.
Summary: Rose Tyler is chosen for the Hunger Games. Martha Jones volunteers to save her little sister. When they meet in the arena, something happens that will change the world.
Chapter 1: The Reaping
Chapter 2: The Capitol
The next day, Rose hit the archery stand as soon as she could. River had her fire while moving again, moved targets while Rose wasn’t looking and gave her progressively less time to turn around and get off a shot, had her fire at closer targets alternating with ones farther away, and finally had her fire from behind cover.
“You’re still making yourself too much of a target,” she said. “Leave that much of your body hanging out, and someone could put a knife or spear in it.”
As Rose’s arms ached, she went off to the wild game station, where she learned to field dress small game and also learned why one shouldn’t eat raw rabbit. Not that she was tempted.
And then, at lunch, a funny thing happened. Instead of spreading themselves out, one after another, kids from other districts started sitting at Rose’s table. It started with Lynda and Martha, but soon, Sunshine from Eleven, Georgette from Eight and Nokia from Three joined them.
“Nokia is a pretty name,” said Rose.
Nokia, a small, quiet, dark-haired girl, said, “My parents named me after a piece of antique electronica at the district museum. Same with my brothers Sony and Kodak.”
Sunshine was tall and strikingly beautiful, with skin a few shades lighter than Martha’s, huge dark eyes and enviably thick, shiny black hair. She, too, seemed very quiet. Georgette, a pale redhead, was a bit more talkative. Conversation was sparse, but astonishingly normal, if shallow.
And that was how it went for the rest of the training days. The Careers took up one corner of the cafeteria, while other tributes either scattered themselves around the room or gravitated to Rose’s table. Rose learned their names: Chip from Three, Toby from Eight, Feather from Ten, Furrow from Eleven, and Benj and Scooti from Twelve. Chip was sarcastic. Toby was nearly sick with anxiety and didn’t eat much, even though he was already far too thin. Feather always looked like she’d been crying. Furrow was subdued and sad, thinking about his family. Benj was resigned, Scooti determined.
Every district had its own stereotype. District 1 was vain and silly. District 2 grew brutes. People from Three were weird. District 4 was sex-obsessed. Five’s people made Three’s look normal. Six was for druggies, District 7’s people were rugged and a bit thick, Eight’s were bad-tempered, Nine’s were dumb thugs, Ten’s smelled of manure (and had sex with their livestock), Eleven’s talked funny, and Twelve’s were hopelessly inbred.
The stereotypes certainly didn’t seem true of this group. Okay, Furrow and Sunshine did have accents that sometimes made them hard to understand, and, yes, Nokia and Lynda were both a little off-center, but Chip was quick-witted, Martha was obviously sharp as a tack, Georgette was nice, Feather was as well-groomed as any of them, and Benj and Scooti seemed perfectly normal. And Toby - he was just scared. All Rose could think was that she’d have probably made friends with all these kids, if only they weren’t all supposed to go into an arena and kill each other. And for what?
Lynda sniffed, throwing a disdainful look at her fellow District 5 tribute. “Rodrick’s trying to make nice with the Careers over there. Looks like the guy you came with is, too.”
Rose looked over, and, sure enough, Adam was hanging around the Career table, talking to the girl from District 2. It was . . . odd. Was he trying to ally himself with the Careers?
District 2 caught her looking, threw her a poisonous glare, and then sidled closer to Adam.
“Unbelievable,” Rose muttered. She had no idea what kind of game he was playing, but, from where she sat, it looked like he was going to get himself stabbed in the back if he didn’t watch out.
Then lunch was over. She spent the afternoon learning to throw knives and studying up on how to treat your own wounds. Which came in handy, since she cut her hand with one of the throwing knives.
***
Finally, the last day of training arrived, and, with it, her individual session with the Gamemakers. The Doctor advised her to show them everything she could do, so, as she went in, she was laying out, in her mind, what she’d do. She very nearly tripped over a huge weight, left in the middle of the floor by another tribute, as she crossed the floor. Absently, she picked it up and heaved it back onto its rack. It wasn’t any heavier than the larger grain or flour sacks she’d had to stock at Henrick’s.
She picked up a pistol bow first and shot every bolt in its quiver as fast as she could. She managed to hit the targets on all the dummies, and the bull’s-eye on three. Then she used a longbow to put arrows in three more targets. She climbed up onto one of the climbing structures, and, holding onto it with her legs, shot a heavy bag all the way across the gym. Figuring she’d done enough to be judged on, she used a chain dangling from the climbing structure to swing to the floor, landing on both feet without a bounce, and stood in front of the Gamemakers.
The head one wrote on a pad he was holding for a moment, and then nodded at her. “Thank you. You may go.”
She left, hoping River’s tutelage would be enough to get her a good score.
***
That evening, she, Adam, both of their stylists, the Doctor, Donna and Reina gathered to watch the training scores. Reina had been absent at dinner, and now, coming back to the common room, she made jaws drop. She looked like she’d been dipped in liquid copper up to her armpits. Rose had absolutely no idea how you could even get into a bodysuit and gloves like that; they seemed to have no seams or fastenings. Her hair had been replaced by a wig made up of long curls of what looked like various metals hanging to her waist, and she had bits of copper foil stuck to her face and lips. Adam gawked. Donna reached over and shut his mouth.
Reina looked pleased by the reaction. “Like I said, copper is the new gold. Donna, Doctor, you’ll need to get changed.”
The Doctor scowled. Donna sighed. “After the scores, Reina,” she said.
“Where are you guys going?” Rose asked.
“To an unparalleled networking opportunity,” said Reina.
Rose blinked at her, nonplused, and looked to the Doctor for help.
“A party,” he growled in tones he might’ve used to announce his own execution.
“What Bubbles and Giggles here are trying to say,” said Donna, “is that tonight is the customary pre-Games party. Everyone except the Gamemakers will be there - mentors, former victors, current and potential sponsors, escorts, trainers, stylists and prep teams - and it’s a good opportunity for us to scare up more sponsors for you.”
“You scare,” said Reina, sitting down with a catlike air. “I tempt.”
Donna snorted, but didn’t say anything else, as the scores were starting to be announced.
The Careers reliably scored between eight and ten, with the District 2 girl getting a nine. Most other tributes were around the five or six region. Tiny Martha managed an eight, which impressed Rose. Adam got a six, and Rose drew her breath, not sure she wanted to see her own score.
Nine!
Rose blinked at the score, wondering if there’d been a mixup with another tribute. She couldn’t have scored the same as District 2, right? But no correction was aired, and they went on to the rest of the districts. Once Benj and Scooti from Twelve were awarded a seven and eight, respectively, Rose looked around.
The Doctor was obviously pleased. “I knew you could do it.”
“Yeah. Congratulations,” said Adam. “I’m going to bed.” He stood up and left.
After he was gone, Rose turned to the Doctor. “I’m worried that Adam has the idea he’s going to get in with the Careers. They’ll slaughter him.”
The Doctor sighed. “I’d guess that’s his strategy, too. It happens every year. There’s always some idiot who thinks he can talk his way into the Careers and then stab them in the back, and it never works. They’ll toy with him here, just for amusement value, and then cut him down at the Cornucopia.” He looked at her expression. “He’s not your responsibility, Rose. You need to think about your own strategy. We’ll talk more about that tomorrow.”
She nodded, feeling uneasy. Two more days, that was all. Two more days, and then she’d find out just how good she was at surviving.
Then Jack’s big, warm hands were on her shoulders, easing the tension in them. “Don’t you worry, sweetheart,” he murmured in her ear. “You’re going to have people lining up to sponsor you. And after your interview, there’s not going to be one person in the whole Capitol who won’t be on your side. I promise.”
The Doctor reverted to his customary scowl. “Hadn’t you better get changed, too, Jack?”
“Can’t improve on perfection, Doc.”
“Don’t call me Doc.”
“Boys,” called Donna, “if you don’t mind putting them away for a moment, it’s time for all good girls to go to bed, and for me to get changed for the party. Say goodnight, Rose.”
“Goodnight, Rose,” said Rose. She gave the Doctor and Jack her cheekiest grin and got up to leave. “Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.”
Jack caught her hand and kissed it. “Oh, my lovely Rose, I intend to do things you can’t pronounce.”
“Goodnight, Rose,” said the Doctor firmly, giving Jack a disapproving look.
“Night, everyone. See you tomorrow.” Rose took herself off to bed. It was strange, but, even though she missed home terribly and was trying not to think about the upcoming Games, she was truly enjoying her time with the Doctor, Donna and Jack. If only we’d met a different way . . .
***
The Baths was the Capitol’s biggest, most exclusive club, and tonight, it was the place to be seen. There was a dance floor, catwalks crisscrossing over huge tanks of water that occasionally had people in them, alcoves with tables where people could talk or . . . not talk, and an ever-present Avox waitstaff to keep everyone’s plate or glass full.
On the dance floor, all the action centered around Amy Pond, former victor and mentor for District 4. Most of her clothing was long gone, leaving her in skimpy black lingerie, impossibly high heels, and iridescent tattoos. She was tall and lean and red-haired and unbelievably sexy, and everyone wanted a piece of her. She gave just enough to keep them interested, but seemed almost wrapped up in her own world, dancing to the thumping beat of the music.
Over on a couch, her colleague, former District 4 victor Finnick Odair, who wasn’t wearing much more than Amy was, sat with Jack. The two of them were kissing and caressing, murmuring to each other in between.
Then Jack stood up, announcing he was “going in,” and made for Amy. They danced together, and Jack leaned in to whisper in her ear. Amy drew back in mock outrage and smacked him lightly across the face. Jack protested the treatment and made for stylist Cinna, whose ear he also whispered in. Cinna chuckled, then slapped him, too.
Meanwhile, Amy sashayed off the dance floor straight for the Doctor, who was brooding at a table. When she reached him, she straddled his lap and leaned in to nibble on one ear. The Doctor didn’t respond, and, after a moment, Amy got up, pouting, announced he was no fun, and moved to a booth. There, she sat down in the lap of Ace McShane, victor and mentor to District 3, and started making out with her.
If you knew what to look for, there was a pattern to it. Jack caught Donna on a catwalk and gave her a drunken twirl, leaning in to kiss her neck. River Song came in and sat down to chat with the Doctor. One of the Avoxes took a drink and an innocuous note to sponsor Plutarch Heavensbee, who was sitting at a table where Reina was holding court.
If you knew what to look for, you could see a fire spreading.
***
Next day, Rose had a lengthy session with Reina on presenting herself. Reina taught her how to walk attractively in heels in a long gown, how to sit attractively, how to answer questions attractively, and, in general, how to be attractive. Rose was fairly certain she’d never get quite the same shimmy to her hips Reina walked with. She managed well enough not to trip herself, though, and Reina sent her off to the Doctor.
He seemed to consider her a moment as she sat down, and said, “I’m not going to coach you on what to say or do during the interview. You have the right instincts for that already. You’re charming, and charm goes a very long way in the Capitol.”
“Some of the other girls are prettier than I am,” Rose said, shifting a little uncomfortably under his regard.
The Doctor shook his head. “Doesn’t matter what they look like in pictures. It matters what the audience sees behind their faces. You have a kind of appeal - you’re tough, but still vulnerable - that will win hearts. All you have to do is be yourself, and the sponsors will follow.”
Rose wasn’t so sure of this, but she nodded anyway. “So, what are we going to talk about?”
“What will happen in the arena,” the Doctor answered. “Rose . . .” He stopped, looking hesitant, but determined. “I need to know that you’ll fight in the arena.”
“Of course I will,” said Rose, feeling he was getting at something else, but not understanding.
“Not just to survive.” The Doctor looked straight at her. “To kill.”
Her eyes narrowed. “You mean, hunt other tributes down?”
“Yes, if you have to.”
Rose shook her head. “No, I don’t think I could do that. I’ll kill to protect myself, but I can’t imagine . . . no. I’m not going to hunt people down like animals.”
The Doctor clearly wasn’t satisfied. “Do you want to go home? Because, if you do, you’re going to have to compromise some of those high principles.”
“And do what, Doctor? Go home and know the only reason I can see my mom is because I killed a bunch of other kids who just wanted to see theirs again? How would I even live with that?”
“The way we do.” The Doctor’s tone was clipped, harsh. “Me, Sarah Jane, Donna - we did what we had to do to survive. It’s a different morality in there, Rose, and the sooner you get used to that, the more likely you are to come out again.”
“Donna only killed one other tribute in her Games,” Rose said.
“Donna got lucky. You may not.” The Doctor fiddled with his blue-tipped pen again and lowered his voice. “River told me you befriended some of the other tributes. Don’t think for a moment they won’t turn on you. And you have a minute, tops, to say whatever you want to say without anyone listening in, so let’s hear it now.”
Listening in. Rose realized, belatedly, that she probably hadn’t been truly alone since the reaping. She gathered that the Doctor had somehow temporarily disrupted any bugs.
She took advantage of it. “Doctor, what am I supposed to do? Become what they’re trying to make me? Prove the Capitol right when they act like we’re all animals out in the Districts? I want to get home, I want it more than I can say, but I still want to be me. They don’t own me.”
“Then survive!” the Doctor hissed. “Panem is rotten. From the inside out, from the head down. It doesn’t have another ten years in it, as things are, and Snow knows it. He’s clinging to power. They’ve specialized the Districts too much, and the Capitol has become too greedy and complacent. You have the chance to fight for a new world. Don’t miss it.” He glanced at his pen, which blinked. “Damn.”
He sat back again, his face closing off, and Rose knew they were being observed again. “Of course, I can’t tell you what the arena will look like, but I can give you an educated guess. Every few years, they try something different. Last year was one of those times.”
Rose nodded, shaking off her frustration about not being able to continue with their previous conversation. She remembered the previous year’s Games. The setting had been an open pasture land, almost completely flat and covered with tall grasses. It had made seeing other tributes’ cooking fires far too easy for the hunting Careers. And then one of those cooking fires had gotten out of control . . .
It had been a short Games.
“This year, more likely than not, they’ll go with the usual varied landscape. Be prepared for woodlands. You hit all the survival stations at training?”
“Yeah. I just hope I remember the edible plants.” She shivered; the reality that the Games were bearing down on her was just setting in.
Unexpectedly, the Doctor’s hand curled around hers. “Rose,” he said, voice gentle, “I want you to know that I believe in you. It’s been a long time since I coached a tribute I truly thought had a chance of winning. I see a spark in you that I haven’t seen in . . .” He trailed off and pulled his hand back, retreating into himself again. “Just remember all we’ve talked about, and don’t worry about your interview tomorrow. You’ll do fine. Better than fine.” He smiled, easing the creases at the corners of his eyes. “You’ll be fantastic.”
***
The next day, Rose belonged to Jack and the stylists. Aurelius worked on her hair, wrapping it up and pinning it around a little rubber form on her head. When he finished with that, he started pinning in little copper cogwheels to decorate one side. Meanwhile, Marcus did her fingernails and toenails. They were red, but with a coating that, under the lights, shimmered yellow and orange, like flames. Priscilla did her makeup, using copper and bronze on her eyes and a warm red on her lips.
After hours of prep, Jack came in with her dress. The inside was soft satin, luxurious against her skin. And the outside . . .
It looked like it was made of molten metal. Yellow, but with every ripple tinged reddish orange. As she moved, the dress even seemed to throw off sparks.
“The fabric’s been treated so it’ll constantly be changing under the lights,” Jack explained. “You’ll look like you’re on fire out there.”
“It’s . . . it’s gorgeous, Jack,” Rose said through a curiously tight throat.
Jack brought over a pair of earrings and a bangle for her wrist. “These aren’t your best accessories, though, Rose. That smile of yours is. That and these huge brown eyes. You’re going to have the audience eating out of your hand.”
Rose took a shaky breath. “So, hopefully, I’ll be eating out of theirs soon?”
Jack’s eyes caught hers in the mirror, and, somehow, Rose knew his playboy-stylist façade was just that. His eyes had gone cold and hard, but his anger wasn’t aimed at her. There was something much deeper going on with him, and she wanted to know what it was.
“You’re beautiful,” he told her, voice soft with conviction. “And you are worth fighting for.”
Then the moment was over, and she was ready to go. Jack escorted her to the elevator, where the other District 9 people were waiting.
“You look beautiful!” the Doctor blurted. Donna blinked at him, and Reina smirked. The Doctor backtracked quickly. “I mean, you’ll do fine for the cameras. Could make a difference as far as sponsors are concerned.”
Donna gave him a pained look. “May I offer an unqualified ‘You look beautiful’?”
“Thanks, Donna,” said Rose, and she accepted compliments from Reina and Adam as well. She still wasn’t sure what kind of game Adam was playing, but decided it didn’t matter.
The tributes were gathered backstage, lining up in preparation for going on. Rose almost laughed. It looked like they were kids dressed up for some kind of bizarre dance. Like the graduation formal for the Factory-side high school, when the families of graduates often spent money they didn’t have for fancy clothes they didn’t need, because it was the one time in their lives they could.
Someone ushered them up to the stage, where they took their seats, and the interviews began. Rose found herself listening to the others with great interest. The girl from One, whose name appeared to be Lace, was bubbly in a dress that looked like it was spun from sugar. The boy, Gem, was a constant stream of innuendo. Both of the Twos, Livia and Sulla, presented themselves as aggressive killers. They matched in black leather.
On and on they went. Chip was funny, Nokia eccentric. The Fours, Shella (in a dark blue-green gown with a neckline that bared her sternum) and Reed, played sexy and boisterous in turn. Rodrick was arrogant, Lynda sweet.
When they got to Martha, the audience was extra attentive. Her volunteering for her sister seemed to have piqued the Capitol’s curiosity. And she did look lovely, in a green gown with silvery butterflies decorating the skirt, even if her hair reminded Rose of the pineapple atop the fruit tureen at breakfast.
“My family means everything to me,” Martha told Caesar Flickerman. “Tish is my sister. I’d do anything for her. And . . . since she told me to win, I guess I’ll have to.”
That got a lot of applause. Rose had to admire her spirit.
A few minutes later, after poor Toby fumbled his way through his interview, Rose was called. She stood, hoping her knees wouldn’t knock together too loudly, and, remembering Reina’s lessons, crossed the stage to Caesar.
“Rose Tyler,” he said, “did you know you’ve kicked off a fashion revolution?”
Rose smiled and put her head on one side, the way she did when trying to get customers to stop haggling. “Well, Reina - our escort - says copper is the new gold. But that’s thanks to Jack. Just look at the clothes he makes!” She gave a quick twirl, drawing applause and cheers. “I think this is my second-favorite thing about the Capitol.”
Caesar gladly played along. “What’s your favorite thing, then?”
“My bath.” She made a sound of sheer pleasure. “I could soak in it forever.”
“Oh, I know what you mean. I soak in mine for hours - now, wait a moment, Rose.” He leaned in confidentially. “I was told that, if you have stage fright, you should imagine the audience naked. But now, I think they’re imagining me naked.”
Rose leaned in and stage-whispered, “Uh-oh - so am I!”
The audience roared, as did Caesar. “Oh, Rose, I may have to keep you. Tell me: Who’s your fella back home?” He raised his eyebrows.
She shook her head. “I don’t really have one.”
Caesar leaned in, putting an arm around her shoulders. “Now, sweetheart, don’t be shy. There has got to be a guy back home who’s pining for you.”
“I’m serious!” Rose insisted. “I mean, there’s Mickey, who’s sort of my boyfriend, but I’m a little gun-shy. My last boyfriend turned out to be . . . well, kind of a nightmare.”
“Say no more,” said Caesar. “We’ve all been there. Some of us, more than once.” He cleared his throat and tapped his chest, and the audience obediently laughed.
Rose took his arm. “Aww, who could be mean to you, Caesar?”
“Okay, now I simply must keep you.” Caesar looked up at the box with the Gamemakers. “Can I keep her?”
“No!” yelled one, drawing more laughter from the audience.
Caesar sighed. “Too bad. I know I’ll be pulling for you, Rose. Who do you have back home who’ll be pulling for you, too?”
“I’ve got my friends, especially Mickey, who’s practically family,” said Rose, “but mainly? My mom. My dad died when I was just a baby, and I’m all she has.” She could feel tears pricking her eyes. “I’ve got to get back to her, no matter what. I’ll fight as hard as I can, and I’ll get back to her. I promised.”
“I believe you.” He kissed her hand. “Our hearts go with you, Rose Tyler.”
The buzzer signaled that time was up, and Rose was dimly aware of applause as she made her way back to her seat. She breathed out a sigh of relief and relaxed, glad to have her interview over.
Adam was up next, and he put in a decent showing, making some quips about his opening ceremonies outfit and Factory life. Rose felt her mind wandering a bit through the Tens - she was suddenly exhausted - but was drawn back by how gorgeous Sunshine looked in her white-and-gold gown, with all that glossy hair falling in waves down her back. At last, when Benj was done with his interview, they were released.
By the time Rose got back to the Training Center, all she wanted was dinner and her bed. Dinner was easy enough; there was a spread laid out, and, not even bothering to shed her gown, Rose loaded up a plate and sat down to eat. The whole team was there: The Doctor, Donna, Reina, Jack, and Adam’s stylist, Ophelia. Reina was seemingly chattering with the air, but Rose could pick out the glimmer of an earbud when she turned her head.
“You both did well tonight,” said Donna. “We’ve had a couple more calls about sponsorships, and Reina expects more after the interviews air.” She gestured at them with her fork. “Tomorrow morning, you’ll have to be up early for the transport. We’ll have to leave early for the Games Center, too, so you won’t be seeing any of us.”
Rose’s stomach suddenly felt like lead. “Any last-minute advice?”
“Don’t stick around at the Cornucopia,” she said. “It’s a good place to get killed. Grab something if you can and then book it out of there. Find cover, and find water. Remember, it’s a game of attrition. The longer you can hold on, the better your odds will be. We’ll do what we can, but don’t make the mistake of relying on us. And try not to kill each other. That sort of thing never goes over well back home.”
The whole group watched the interviews as they aired. It was strange, Rose thought, to watch yourself on the television. Had she really looked like that?
Jack gave her a squeeze from the side. “That little tongue-in-teeth smile of yours? Money in the bank, baby doll, money in the bank.”
“It’s just the right amount of innocent sex appeal,” agreed Reina. “Four oversold herself, in my opinion.”
Considering what Reina had worn the previous night, Rose thought she could talk, but Reina seemed to be able to get away with a lot just by virtue of being Reina.
Adam yawned and stretched. “I’m going to bed. Night, everyone.”
His leaving apparently signaled that the gathering was over. Ophelia left next, followed by Jack.
“I’ll see you early tomorrow, sweetheart,” he said to Rose.
“You will?” she asked.
He nodded. “Last person you’ll see before the Arena is me, honey. I’ll be with you in the launch room.”
Rose felt herself relax just a little. It was comforting to know she’d have a friend there, right before . . .
Reina let an Avox help her into her coat and went to catch the same elevator as Jack. Just before she left, though, she turned and said, “Rose? I’m not allowed to bet, but if I could, my money would be on you. Good luck, dear.” With that, she was gone.
Donna looked surprised. “Well, that’s a first. Reina doesn’t just say things like that, Rose. Take heart.”
“Thanks, Donna,” said Rose. “For everything. I’m glad you’re on my side.”
“You bet I am.” Donna wrapped her in a hug. “Let’s just get you home, okay?”
“Yeah.” She turned to the Doctor. “Any last words of wisdom?”
He shook his head. “No. You’ve got everything you need to come out of this alive, Rose. I believe that.” He shuffled his feet, looking awkward.
Rose took the initiative and moved in for a hug. He smelled good, like clean skin and his worn leather jacket. A little of the smoke of District 9 clung to him, too, and she felt safe, just for a moment.
Finally, she drew back and looked in his eyes. They startled her. His blue gaze wasn’t cold and distant anymore; it was full of a longing she couldn’t begin to name. Whatever he needed, she wanted to give it to him.
He stepped back, breaking their gaze. “Best get some sleep,” he said gruffly.
“Not sure I can,” said Rose.
The Doctor reached out and poured wine from a carafe into an empty glass. He picked it up from the top rather than the stem and handed it to her. As he did so, Rose saw something drop from his fingers into the wine, making a little plip. It fizzed briefly before disappearing altogether. She looked at him, a question in her eyes.
“Drink a glass of wine before you get into bed,” he said pointedly. “It’ll help you relax.”
She nodded and took the glass. “All right. I’ll - I’ll see you, then.”
To her surprise, the Doctor drew her near and kissed her forehead. “You will. I know you will.”
Rose forced herself to walk away, turning just as she left the room to wave at the Doctor and Donna. They smiled and waved back, and she continued on to her room.
Inside, she set down the wine beside her bed. Whatever the Doctor had put in her wine would help her sleep, she knew. Best save it for after she’d bathed.
The Avox girl she’d tried to speak to the other night was in her room, tidying up. “Um, excuse me?” Rose said. The girl looked up at her. “Would you help me take my hair down? I’m not exactly sure what Aurelius did with it.”
The girl nodded, and Rose sat down and let her take the pins out. It took several minutes to get them all. The girl then helped Rose out of her dress. Rose found herself surprisingly unselfconscious about being naked in front of the girl. Who knew what else she’d seen in her life?
Rose handed the dress to her, taking the opportunity to slip her hand into the folds of fabric enough to take the girl’s hand. “Just make sure Jack gets this, okay? Thanks.”
The girl squeezed her hand, and Rose caught the shimmer of tears in her eyes as she gave Rose a slight smile. How long had it been since anyone had touched this girl with kindness?
She left, and Rose took a long, hot shower, washing away all the makeup and beauty treatments Jack’s team had used on her. She pulled on a silky nightgown, drank the wine, and slipped into bed.
Within seconds, she was asleep.
***
Morning moved fast. Rose was awakened at what her mother would have called “the ass-crack of dawn” by Jack, who hurried her through dressing before they went up to the roof to catch the hovercraft that would take them to the arena. She made herself eat breakfast on the way, even though she didn’t feel like eating at all. The thick porridge and sausages nearly stuck in her throat, but she forced them down.
The trip to the arena took about an hour, and then she and Jack were ushered into her launch room. There, she was allowed to bathe, and Jack finished her grooming, pulling her hair back into a ponytail at the nape of her neck and securing it with an elastic. Then he helped her dress in her arena outfit. The pants were dark green with multiple pockets, all of which were empty, and she had a sturdy brown belt to hold them up. Her shirt was black, and the jacket she was given was dark gray.
“It’s a good color,” said Jack. “Actually less noticeable than black in low light. The material holds in body heat, so it’s a good bet there’ll be some cold weather, and it’s waterproof, too.”
Last were the boots, which fit perfectly. “Good treads on these,” Jack commented. “How do you feel?”
The question broke something in her, and Rose, to her horror, began to sob softly as the reality of being in the Games hit her. She'd been holding terror at bay with activity until now, trying to keep the fact that she might be about to die, possibly horribly, from her mind. And she just couldn't do it anymore. Jack gathered her to his chest, making soothing noises and running his hands over her back. In a few minutes, she pulled herself back together with the determination of a Tyler woman.
“Thanks, Jack,” she sniffled, and then said, desperate for anything to say that wasn’t connected to the Games, “You smell amazing, by the way.”
He gave her one of his I-would-do-anything grins. “That’s because I’ve got cologne tattooed into my skin.”
It was such a weird thing for him to say at the moment that Rose started laughing helplessly, almost hysterically. Jack laughed with her, and they sat down to wait. He gave her a glass of water, which she sipped as the minutes ticked away.
“It’s been good to know you, Jack,” she finally said. “Tell the Doctor and Donna - even Reina - that for me if I don’t make it out, okay?”
“I will,” he promised, squeezing her hand.
She looked away. “Tell me the truth, Jack: Do you think I have any chance of winning? Please, just tell me the truth, even if it’s not what you think I want to hear.”
He used his fingers to turn her head toward him and looked her in the eyes. “Yes, Rose Tyler. I absolutely think you have a chance. You’re smart and you’re tough and you’re better than the Careers. They don’t know what it’s like to fight, really fight, the way you have all your life.”
His voice steadied her, and, as the announcement came that it was time to launch, she stood, feeling oddly removed from it all. This was just another fight, and all she had to do was tough it out.
Jack took her face in her hands. “You really are worth fighting for, Rose.” Then he kissed her gently, like a brother might. “Go get ‘em.”
She stepped onto the plate, and it began to rise.
Chapter 4
A/N: Some of the dresses that inspired me for the interview looks:
Sunshine
Martha
Shella (District 4)
Lace (District 1)