A Hidden Fire

As Jacob walked towards the place where they would both focus on training, he silently looked at everyone, drawing his own conclusions with the help of his intelligent assistant.

The assistant provided an explanation based on human behavior and how everyone would react in the arena. The subtle form of killing is characterized by a unique blend of emotions that lead to action and eventually reaction. In this scenario, the experts find themselves being hunted by simple novices in something they themselves are not unfamiliar with, adding an intriguing and challenging element.

The feeling that leads to action is a combination of caution, cunning, and determination. The experts are aware of the threat posed by the novices and must therefore be extremely cautious with every step they take. Each movement is calculated and executed with precision, always maintaining a high level of alertness.

As the experts are being hunted, they also experience a mix of emotions, from initial disbelief to anger and frustration. They may feel challenged in their skill and knowledge, fueling their determination to defend themselves and survive.

The experts' reaction to this unusual situation can vary. Some may choose to confront their pursuers directly, using their experience and skills to overcome the novices. Others may opt for evasion, employing camouflage tactics, ambushes, and the environment to elude their hunters.

It is interesting to observe how the novices, despite their lack of skill and experience, can surprise the experts. They may rely on their wit, improvisation, and sometimes even luck to overcome the barriers set by the experts.

This dynamic of hunting and pursuit between the experts and the novices adds tension and excitement to the situation. The experts are challenged to utilize all their knowledge and experience to avoid being caught, while the novices seek to exceed expectations and prove that they should not be underestimated.

"We must not be underestimated, or they will die, they will all die faster than expected..." A cruel smile appeared on Jacob's face, the same smile his brother saw when he killed that student.

Jacob was unaware that he had a certain degree of attraction to meting out justice in the same way, returning force with equal force. This is something that characterizes him, something special that he had not yet realized.

"It's true that everyone prefers to wield a sword, but as the instructor said, most will die without even fighting against another tribute..." Jacob openly shared his thoughts with Katniss.

Katniss inexplicably felt more confident. Jacob, in one way or another, gave her a sense of trust and made her realize that she was not truly weak considering her size. If asked now, she doesn't regret having trusted Jacob as he had been proving himself to be her ally and the one she could rely on the most.

By the time Katniss was lost in her thoughts, she and Jacob approached an empty station.

"Welcome, tributes!" The trainer greeted them with a sincere smile.

The trainer seems delighted to have students; it appears that the knot-tying class is not going well for the other tributes.

"She has knowledge of traps, but I have no clue..." Jacob looked at the instructor, awaiting guidance.

"Don't worry, I will teach you step by step a trap that will serve you once you enter the arena. This is more than enough with your limited time." The instructor smiled and additionally mentioned that it would take them at most an hour to fully master this trap.

"Record this information..." Jacob whispered this command to his intelligent assistant in a low voice.

"[Understood, master! Recording basic trap creation procedure for humans and animals!]"

The instructor began by describing the necessary materials: a sturdy rope, flexible branches, and a trap capable of supporting the weight of the target. They showed visual examples and explained how to select the proper placement for the trap, identifying common pathways or strategic areas where they would be in a protected position to eliminate or retrieve the prey.

Next, the instructor demonstrated the correct way to set up the trap. They explained how to position the branches, creating a system of pulleys that would lift the target once the trap was activated. They emphasized the importance of securing the connections and ensuring that everything was properly adjusted.

After the demonstration, it was time for practice. Jacob positioned himself not far from Katniss to go through the process together. With the help of his intelligent assistant, he started completing the process step by step. Although he made mistakes, he resolved them slowly even before the instructor said anything.

The instructor supervised each step, and upon seeing that Jacob only needed practice and experience to improve his speed, they corrected Katniss' mistakes and taught her some things up close.

Throughout the process, the instructor emphasized the responsibility and ethical use of these skills. They explained that these survival techniques should only be used in situations where they have control over the area, and they should also protect themselves from their own traps.

Jacob mastered the technique in an hour and stopped when he believed it was enough. Looking at Katniss, who was still practicing, he said, "There are tributes who only win by surviving. We don't have to kill anyone if we know how to survive in the arena and adapt to its conditions."

"Do you think any of us will be able to survive and make it out?" Katniss hadn't thought about this since volunteering. She believed she would do her best and endure until she couldn't go on anymore.

"I'm not that optimistic, not with you..." Jacob stood up from the ground and said to Katniss, "Will you join me for a performance?"

"What?" Katniss didn't understand what Jacob meant, but then he pointed to the hand-to-hand combat training field and said, "I'm going to fight an instructor. I need to give them a real first impression."

"But Haymitch said not to show our best skills. We should listen to him." Katniss quickly caught up to Jacob to stop him.

"And who told you that I'm going to show them how good I am? I just hope to take a few hits and get familiar with close combat without teaching anything."

By the time Jacob said this, he was already in front of the hand-to-hand training area and told the instructor assigned to that area, who wasn't busy, "I want to train..."

"Take the training stick..." The instructor pointed to a rubber staff. As Jacob took it, he knew it couldn't cause any harm but would leave him with a lingering pain for a few hours.

When Katniss saw Jacob take the training stick, it was already too late, and realizing that his striking behavior could show something contrary, she stopped.

Some tributes, especially the professionals, were interested in the tributes from District Twelve since they volunteered. At least Jacob was the one who caused the most mystery about his abilities.

A few minutes later...

The training room was filled with energy and sweat as Jacob faced his instructor in hand-to-hand combat. Although he possessed formidable skills, his goal was to show a facade of weakness and fear, hiding his true power behind a deceptive appearance.

Jacob held a rubber stick in his hands, aware that he couldn't afford to show his real strength. His instructor quickly lunged at him, launching precise and fast strikes. Jacob instinctively retreated, blocking and dodging the attacks as if he were fighting for his life.

Sweat dripped down Jacob's face, but it was hard to tell if it was from physical exertion or emotional tension. Every time his instructor struck him, Jacob feigned pain, letting out groans and expressions of fear, while inside he relished the feeling of power and control.

His movements were quick and precise, but Jacob made sure not to fully expose his ability. It was as if he were playing with his own limits, allowing his true capabilities to remain in the shadows.

Confident in his apparent superiority, the instructor continued launching attacks, unaware that Jacob had much more to offer. Every blow Jacob received, every expression of fear or pain on his face, only served to reinforce the idea of his apparent weakness.

As the intensity of the combat increased, others in the training room began to pay attention. Some murmured, underestimating Jacob and believing he was easily defeatable. But while his body and face showed fear, his eyes reflected hidden determination, an inner fire that burned relentlessly.

When the combat finally came to an end, Jacob fell to the ground, pretending to be exhausted, while his instructor walked away with a satisfied smile. The murmurs of the crowd filled the air, all convinced they had witnessed the defeat of a weakling.

"What a disappointment. I thought he was something more than this..." Cato walked away with an arrogant smile as he looked at Jacob on the ground.

"All this for nothing? Not a single hit landed on him that he didn't deliver himself..."

"At least I'm stronger than him..."

Katniss, hearing the whispers around her, looked at Jacob in surprise. She had never thought he would put on such a great performance. He managed to deceive everyone in such a short time. She was familiar with the look of fear, pain, and expressions of astonishment, so Jacob was definitely dying, but she had to admit he did a good job at it.

Jacob, on the ground, stood up with an internal smile. He knew he had achieved his objective. He had fooled everyone, presenting himself as an easy prey when in reality, he was a relentless hunter. His appearance of weakness was his greatest strength, his secret weapon.

"You have good endurance. You just need to stop fearing the blows, or you'll die easily in the arena." The instructor advised him before leaving.

"Now let's go learn about plants and herbs..." Katniss extended her hand to Jacob with a smile.

"You can train with your bow, but show a different focus, visualize another target and attack... Remember, you will fail in the eyes of these people, but in the arena, they will be your targets." Jacob said as he walked alongside Katniss.

Jacob discreetly withdrew, knowing that he had made his mark on the minds of everyone present. And in his heart, the fire burned, ready to unleash his true power at the right moment.