58Disclaimer: I don't own Avatar or The Hunger Games.
Chapter 5: Getting to Know Each Other Part 2
Toph hadn't left her room even all morning after the irritating wake up call. The boy had rampaged up and down the hall screaming and yelling with some ridiculous Capitol music playing after him. She'd covered her ears with the plush pillows and waited for the hurricane of noise to pass. Soon all was quiet and she removed the pillows, but was quickly confronted with the shout of a thundering voice. Oh Zuko…
Afterwards she just lay in bed, relaxing and wishing herself out of this living nightmare. A timid knock at the door shook from her slumber. Rubbing the sleep from her eyes, she fumbled out of bed and headed for the door. Pulling it open she received a clearer image of the lightweight stature of Aang. "Yes," Toph inquired, raising an eyebrow.
"Oh yeah, um, I thought I'd, uh, let you that um, uh they're calling all tributes to the dining hall, so, uh, we should probably get going," Aang stammered senselessly. He began to rock on his heels nervously as Toph gave him an austere look. "Okay then, let's go."
Toph reached back and closed the door behind her, then heading off down the hallway. Aang stood still watching after her before dashing up beside her. "Um, don't you like wanna get dressed," he asked timorously, gesturing towards her light gray shirt and sweats.
She shrugged off the question. "I'm away from my parents; I think these are fine." Aang gave a look of understanding, and continued walking. They traveled the rest of the way to the hall in silence. Aang stepped in front of her and politely pushed the door open for her. He gave a cheeky smile afore stepping back and letting her enter. Pressing back a smirk she rolled her eyes and stepped through the doorway.
The dining hall was filled with the 24 tributes and mentors, small cliques of people were formed all throughout the room, while the mentors were all towards the back. As she and Aang made their way through the room she felt the gazes of one group turns towards her. Her jaw tensed, of course the small, blind girl is going to be scrutinized first, weak all always killed first. "It's just the Careers, you don't need to worry about them," Aang said, seeming to notice her distress.
She shook her head indignantly and followed Aang to the last group in the crowd. She felt Zuko standing there, but the others she didn't recognize. "Hey guys," Aang piped in.
A chorus of "Hey Aang" came in response. "Who's this," a female voice added. They all turned to look at her. "Oh this is Toph, Toph this is Katara, Jodi and Loki," Aang explained.
She gave a small wave of recognition. "So, why do you think they called us here," he continued. Everyone shrugged.
"I dunno, I mean its only 4:00 so there's nothing I can think of that they'd want us to do this early in the afternoon," a girl, Toph presumed Katara, spoke up.
"I have a feeling it has something to do with choosing mentors, I just didn't think they'd have us do it all together," Zuko chimed in. Before anyone else could make a guess, a ringing could be heard over the noise of the crowd. They all turned to see Roku using his fork to tap against a glass, hoping to catch everyone's attention. Gradually the room quieted so he could speak.
"Hello, once again tributes. I bet you are all wondering why we called you here. Well the other mentors and I thought it would be a good idea for all of us to have at least one meal together, and also it is time to make your choice for mentor," Roku explained, "We will all eat dinner, then you shall make your choice, so please, be seated."
The group of 6 glanced at each other before heading towards the elaborately set table. This is going to be a game changing night.
A/N: I apologize for the delay in posting, life just seems to keep getting in the way of things, but I thank you for your cooperation. I will also be getting Chapter 6 up today or tomorrow, more than likely today, but expect it soon. I hope you like it. The reviews mean so much they are all so great, please continue to submit them. R&R :)