life in the vivid dream // gaby (blitz)

On days where enduring the poisonous anticipation of my death is close to unbearable, I like to come to the pool and watch the other tributes swimming or floating as part of their training regime. All the water within a day’s travel from my home was pestilent, full of battery acid or oil, and being able to swim was always just a dream; something reserved in reality for the immense, mutated sturgeon that swirled up currents in the lakes for boatman flies to ride. However, I don’t mind only being able to admire the motions of the others as they navigate this second liquid world – it’s hypnotic, soothing, their buoyancy a rare certainty in this new and terrible city.

I know that I’m not the only one who feels the same. There are many other tributes from landlocked Districts (or landlocked as far as I know, with my limited and deeply filtered knowledge of the rest of the country) who also stand and gaze, staying a wary distance from the edge of the pool where malicious trainers sometimes prowl, waiting for someone to offer themselves to be taught “the hard way”. Today, one tribute in particular keeps catching my eye. Her hands tell me she’s from District Seven without me needing to read the slow bubbling urge for rebellion and disorder, which all Lower District residents seem to have, in her face. Every time, I pause and smile at her – trying to invite her to come and introduce myself. Every time, I’m uncertain whether she’s doing the same in her own way, or eyeing me up and down to assess my vulnerabilities. There’s no need to deny that some would reveal themselves whether she was looking for them or not.

The splash of the water echoes off the walls, akin to the rush of blood I hear when I cup my hand against my ear. A tribute laughs, a merciful break in what is otherwise focussed silence. The trainers frown, less approving of our fun than we are, but I can see the District Seven girl’s face brighten a little. I take it as my opportunity to approach, remaining silent, but hoping th warmth in my face is enough to reassure her I mean her no harm.