33 The poisonous flower

The next two days, Jacob took his time visiting the different stations calmly. He had learned useful things, and his intelligent assistant had improved the more complex ones, storing all the information in its storage system.

All these things were useful, from making fire to throwing knives, and also learning how to find, create, or locate a shelter.

Despite Haymitch's order to appear mediocre, Jacob continued to be beaten by the instructor, and Katniss missed arrows, earning much criticism from the others. But she only focused on the target she was visualizing, not on being the center of archery.

The Gamemakers appeared right at the beginning of the first day. There were about twenty men and women dressed in intense purple robes. They sat in the stands surrounding the gymnasium, sometimes turning around to observe all the participants and take notes, and other times eating from the endless banquet prepared for them, paying no attention to the tributes.

"Have you noticed?" Jacob wondered to himself when he noticed that several Peacekeepers couldn't stop watching them.

"[In response to your question, master, several Gamemakers have paid special attention to you and Katniss due to your subtle actions and unique situation.]"

Jacob was somewhat impressed. Had their fake approach with Katniss caught their attention so quickly? There were certain things he understood, but he still asked for a more detailed explanation to clarify his doubts.

"[Generating responses, considering all the information retrieved so far...

First observation: (District 12 Rarity): District 12 is known for being one of the poorest and most marginalized districts. Historically, the tributes from District 12 are not usually considered a real threat in the Hunger Games. Therefore, when Katniss Everdeen and you, my master, volunteered as tributes and began to show your intelligence, skills, and impressive strategies during these two days of training, you caught the attention of the Peacekeepers.

Special observation: (Relationship with the audience): It is known that the Capitol's Peacekeepers are constantly looking for ways to maintain the interest and entertainment of the public. Under their plans, being both tributes from District 12, you have successfully captured the viewers' attention due to your connection, mutual affection, and speculations about your stories, which generated additional interest and increased your popularity.

Reputation: Your efforts to generate public attention were triggered not only by your behavior but also by your special performance before volunteering as tributes. In general, District 12 had a greater impact with Katniss volunteering as a tribute instead of her sister, considering this sacrifice noble, and with you, being seen as an example to follow.

Observation by the Peacekeepers: (Potential for a compelling story): The Peacekeepers are constantly seeking exciting and dramatic stories that can attract the audience's attention. The story of the District 12 tributes, with their humble origins and their struggle to survive in a hostile environment, promises a captivating and thrilling narrative, which led the Peacekeepers to pay them additional attention...]"

"That's it..." Jacob was amazed at his intelligent assistant's ability. During this time, he had only been using it to receive special information about the tributes, but he never thought that this intelligent assistant would go beyond its initial observations.

But without focusing on the unexplored abilities of his intelligent assistant, Jacob thought about the consequences of his future choices and what he would gain by continuing to act.

For now, the Capitol's Gamemakers had taken special notice of them due to their unusual ability and strategy, their relationship with the public and the audience, Katniss and Jacob's reputation, and the potential for a compelling and exciting story.

This was definitely heading in a very exciting direction. It was easy to see that their efforts were paying off, and Jacob could even swear that it was a much better situation than what had happened with Katniss and Peeta in the original story.

But with these observations, there were advantages and disadvantages depending on the outcomes.

Firstly, Jacob had the opportunity to impress the sponsors through the Peacekeepers. If he stood out during the training, it was more likely that sponsors would take an interest in him and provide financial support and additional supplies during the games.

This first advantage definitely excited Jacob, but there was something else that could benefit his plans but not entirely. By demonstrating his true abilities, he could form alliances that he had already selected, without making direct connections until the third day, as he had planned.

By excelling in training, Jacob can attract the attention of other competitors and form strategic alliances that will give them a greater advantage during the games, which would be beneficial in their current situation. These alliances can provide protection, information, and valuable resources.

Demonstrating hidden skills at the right moment can grab attention and allow Jacob to showcase unexpected or surprising abilities that other competitors don't anticipate. This can confuse opponents and give him a tactical edge during the games.

However, there are also disadvantages that have been considered not only by Jacob but also by Haymitch, who has already won previous Hunger Games.

Being seen as a threat is a problem. If he attracts too much attention, he may become a target for other competitors. Being perceived as a threat can lead to greater challenges and dangerous confrontations during the games.

By attracting excessive attention, he would definitely draw uncontrolled attention from the Capitol. It is well known that the Capitol closely monitors standout competitors during training. If he attracts negative attention, he could become the subject of surveillance and face increased pressure and scrutiny.

Moreover, drawing attention may also reveal his weaknesses or limitations. Other competitors seeking to exploit his vulnerabilities during the games can use this against him.

Ultimately, attracting attention before the Hunger Games can be a risky strategy, and it depends on one's ability to handle the implications and consequences. All of this has been carefully evaluated, and for now, Jacob has decided not to show anything, facing a potential complication when it comes to gathering allies.

...

Jacob and Katniss had breakfast and dinner on their floor, but at noon, all twenty-four tributes ate together in the gymnasium's dining hall. The food was placed on carts around the room, and each tribute served themselves. The career tributes tended to gather around one table, making a lot of noise, as if they wanted to demonstrate their superiority and show no fear of anyone, considering others insignificant. Almost all the other tributes sat alone, like lost sheep.

Jacob sat next to Katniss at a table, as their strategy dictated they should stick together and engage in cheerful conversation at all times, something Jacob excelled at.

"The Gamemakers are paying special attention to us. We've been doing a good job, which is why we're the most famous duo in these Hunger Games," Jacob shared this information with Katniss.

"I've noticed. They can't take their eyes off us... I guess showing certain abilities won't be necessary to get sponsors," Katniss didn't question Jacob's information as she had also noticed it.

"Have you thought about what you'd like to demonstrate during the individual training sessions?" Katniss smoothly changed the topic to avoid being overheard talking about the previous matter.

Jacob nodded and replied, "Yes, I've been thinking about it. I believe my best option would be to showcase my skills in hand-to-hand combat. But at the same time, I'm also interested in knife handling."

"It's important to keep some skills in reserve to surprise others during the games, as you've said."

"I suppose finding the delicate balance between impressing others and not revealing too much is the best approach, regardless of what Haymitch said. I think otherwise we may not find allies." Jacob absorbed this point.

"Exactly. Additionally, it's important to be strategic in your choices during the individual training sessions. Observe the other tributes and exploit any weaknesses you can identify."

Upon hearing what Katniss said, Jacob understood it perfectly. "I'll definitely be vigilant. And what about you? What do you plan to showcase during your training sessions?"

"The one thing I do well, archery." Katniss smiled, knowing that Jacob had the answer even before she responded.

But at this moment, Jacob, noticing that no one was paying attention to them, said, "Katniss, tomorrow on the third day, I'll start gathering allies. The first one is that red-haired girl who eats alone... She's intelligent but lacks many limiting factors."

The conversation continued as Jacob and Katniss discussed the tributes they considered as potential allies to confront the career tributes.