District 7 Train

Norman remembered his parents saying goodbye, his father crying and his mother remaining stern. They both knew it had been up to chance whether or not he'd be Reaped, but neither had expected the outcome that had. He remembered a co-worker coming to say goodbye, leaving Norman with one piece of advice: "Do what you do in the forest, Norman. Be the first to spot anything." He had taken the advice and was prepared to use it, along with his size, to every inch of his advantage. He sat in his room on the train, looking around at the gaudy setting. "This decoration for everyone that is likely to die seems a bit stupid," he thought. Standing, he stalked to the door and let himself into the hall, aiming for the dining car.

Trudging into the car, Norman noticed the female tribute and their mentor were already there. "Looks like I'm late to the party," he thought. Helping himself to a glass of juice, cranberry he believes, he moves to sit beside the female, "Aspen, Norman. You've got to remember her name." He adjusted himself on the chair, "Too plush and soft... ugh." He had heard the mentor, Errik, introduce himself as Norman had entered the car. Taking a sip, he waved his finger, "Norman," he said, introducing himself.

Norman took note of Aspen sliding out of her dress and took another sip of his juice. He nodded when Errik told Norman his name. Standing, Norman strolled to the tray of food. Grabbing a plate, he placed a few eggs, a pork chop, some greens, and a roll onto the plate. Topping off his glass of juice, he returned to his chair, placing the plate on the table in front of him. Cutting a piece of the pork chop, he placed a cut of egg on it and placed it in his mouth. Chewing, he looked to Errik. "Was honestly hoping for some real advice," he thought to himself. Finishing his bite of pork chop, he took a swig of juice. As he began cutting another piece of pork chop, he spoke. "Well, you know Errik. That's quite stupid," he took his next bite and spoke again. "You've actually been in the Games. You know what it's like. If this is all the "advice" you have to give us, I may as well walk into the Cornucopia, grab a knife, and slash my own throat. Quite stupid, don't you think? That's all your advice gives us though, if it can even be called advice." Finishing his bite, Norman wipes his mouth and takes another swig. Cutting a new piece of pork chop and egg, a final "Stupid," can be heard from him before he turns all of his attention to his meal.

Sighing, Norman took another bite of pork chop and egg. When Aspen had taken his roll, he let out a gentle chuckle. Wiping his mouth on his napkin again, he stood and walked to the table again. Grabbing a spare napkin, he stacked two more rolls on it. He took hold of the pitcher that contained his cranberry juice as well. Returning to the table, he noticed that Errik was standing to get food as well. Placing the pitcher to the upper-left of his plate, he placed one of the two rolls on his plate. Wrapping the other loosely in the napkin, he tossed it to Aspen. Sitting back down he returned his napkin to his lap. Cutting a fresh bite of pork and egg, he watched his mentor, thinking of what he'd said.

"I think," Norman began, taking a fresh bite after the two words, "If Aspen and I stick together, just us two, we should be able to make it pretty damn far." Norman finished chewing, swallowed, and took a fresh swig of juice. "I personally don't feel a massive group will do us any good," he began, cutting a fresh bite of pork, which was quickly disappearing. "A large group could get us found quickly by the Careers." He looked over at Aspen, questioning her thoughts on that without words. Taking the new bite into his mouth, he turned his attention to the windows.

Norman stopped mid-bite as Errik spoke. Glancing at his "mentor," even if he could call Errik that now, he opened his mouth, and not for food this time. "You know what Errik? That is the exact same stupidity that I was talking about earlier. Look, if you'd rather leave us on our own and make your ass happy here in the Capitol, be my fucking guest. But do not fake it one moment and bullshit it the next." Norman stood, leaving his plate where it sat on the table. "I'm done. You can try with him, Aspen. I don't care. When we get to the Capitol, would you get me? I'm going to my room," he asked Aspen. Stalking towards the direction of his room, Norman noted the bottles of alcohol. Grabbing one, he turned back to Errik. "Here, why don't you start early? he said as he threw the bottle at Errik, watching it shatter above his head. Taking another for himself, he stalked away to his room.

Norman sat onto the corner of his bed, laying back onto it. When Aspen entered and threatened to throw a bottle at him, he muttered "Don't." Popping the top off of the bottle he had, he took a large swig of the liquid. It had a fruity aroma, so he assumed it was a white wine. He recognized it from family parties. "So. We just gonna stay here until the Capitol?" he asked Aspen, not bothering to take his head off the bed. "If so, we need to have something to do to keep us entertained. I mean we probably won't get through this by ourselfs," he spoke the last sentence in a mocking tone. Taking another swig, he propped himself up on an elbow. "That, or go to sleep."