The Equestria Games

The Equestria Games, by Prismatics. Chapter 8

"So, Game Matrix, now that you've seen the tributes on their first day of training, what do you think of them?"

"Well, Scott-" Game begins.

"Spotlight." The other announcer explains sternly.

"Whatever John," Game says, ignoring the sigh of frustration from his co-host, "Anyways, like I was saying, I think that this years Games are going to be... interesting, to say the least."

Spotlight raises an eyebrow. "Oh really? And why is this? Anything in particular you can tell the viewers?"

The perky announcer smiles excitedly. "Well, I saw the blooming beginnings of a beautiful friendship, a few small alliances made, and most importantly, I saw who is going to make up this years career pack!"

"Well... isn't it... isn't it kind of obvious, Matrix? We already know who's going to be this years pack. It's not exactly hard to figure out."

"Shut up, Mike. Now, is there any more questions? Or shall we let the viewers get back to our regular scheduled programming?"

"That about wraps it up, Matrix. We just wanted to hear your opinion on our latest batch of tributes."

"Well than I'm Game Matrix, saying good night, and may the odds be-" He stops abruptly, glancing at his partner.

"Ever in your favour!" Spotlight finishes with much enthusiasm.

* * *

The elevator doors silently slide open, allowing the three ponies inside to enter the luxurious suite before them. The scent of something delicious and fruity finds its way to the pair of tribute's noses, immediately causing their saliva glands to work overtime.

The other members of their entourage are already seated at the table, patiently waiting for them to sit down so they can dig into the extravagant spread before them.

Twilight places her book down on the table. "Well, nice of you two to finally join us. Sit down, I can tell you're both hungry."

Both gratefully slip into their chairs and wordlessly load their plates with various salads and rolls. The others follow suit shortly after, and a silence slips over the table as they enjoy their meals. Pinkie is the first to finish, and sits back in her chair, sighing in appreciation.

After a short while, every last plate is cleared, and they pass small talk as they sip a special fruit drink for dessert. Only once they are finished does Twilight decide to breach the subject of their training.

"So, how'd you do?" She asks.

Azure remains speechless for a few moments at the abrupt question, before answering. "I tried all of the fighting stations. I'm not good at anything, it seems." She decides to leave the encounter with the careers out. She doesn't need to know about it. It doesn't matter, anyways.She doesn't need to know about that. It doesn't concern her anyways. Twilight slowly nods, filing away the piece of information. She studies her face momentarily, catching a small, telltale light in her eyes. Her years of experience working with tributes taught her how to understand them. She's hiding something, ,she thinks. I'm going to have to ask her about it at some point.

"So, did you work on any non-combat skills? For example, trapping, agility, edible plants training, anything like that? Those skills are just as useful as fighting tactics, you know. It's one thing to simply be stronger than your opponent, but if you can outsmart them, you have a better chance of defeating them."

"We-ell... Not as much as the weapons training. I didn't exactly think those were the priority. I mean, it's a game about killing other ponies, right?"

Twilight facehoofs, pushing her annoyance down into the recesses of her brain. "Well, technically yes. But starvation, dehydration, and exposure can kill just as easily as a sword. So perhaps you should consider investing some time at those stations a bit more. Got it?"

She turns to Snowy, taking in his proud stance as he grins at her. I think I know his answer before I ask the question... She asks him the same thing as before, a bit hesitantly this time. "And how did you do, Snowy?"

"Great! Turns out I don't even need magic to be skilled with weapons!"

She sighs again, before responding. "Same advice for you. Spend more time on the survival stations tomorrow. You can be great with a sword, but nothing can protect you from heatstroke. Well, there are many things that can, but you have to know how to use them. Other than clouds." She shakes her head to clear. "But anyways, lay off the weapons training for a bit. Also, start thinking about what you're going to show to the Gamemakers to impress them." She gets up from the table, wiping her mouth with an elegantly designed napkin, before walking off to her bedroom. Before she leaves, she makes a dismissing gesture with her hoof. "Ok, you two are free to go."

The stylists sit confused, wondering why they didn't get a word in at all during the short discussion.

* * *

Azure sits on her bed, staring out the window at the brightly coloured ponies of the Capitol. She watches as they go about their day to day lives, walking home from work late at night, picking up foals from daycare centers, and talking to eachother as they pass on the streets. Is this what perfect is supposed to be like? She feels a twinge of sadness for her home, before realising she had nothing there, anyways. I'd honestly rather die here than return to my lonely life back home... The sound of a door creaking open behind her dispenses her thoughts, and she turns to face the newcomer. With only a slight sense of surprise, she recognizes her mentor in the doorframe.

She looks around quickly, spots the mare sitting on the bed, and smiles slightly. "Can I come in?"

Azure returns the smile, gesturing inwards. "I don't see why not."

Twilight walks over, and sits beside her, staring out the window as she had done moments ago. A moment of silence passes, before Twilight speaks up again.

"So... there's something I wanted to talk to you about. It's about training today. Something happened, didn't it?"

Azure is taken back by the not-so-subtle question. Not knowing how to react, she stands there, mouth slightly open as if she was to say something, but no sound comes out. Twilight sees this expression and nods slightly.

"It's ok, Azure. I'm your mentor. I'm here to help you, I just need to know what happened." I'm willing to bet that it had something to do with those blasted careers... She thinks to herself, before vaguely gesturing to explain.

The smaller mare reasserts herself, and starts speaking. "Well... fine. Near the end of training today, the careers asked if I wanted to join their crew-"

Twilight interrupts her with an abrupt question. "And how did you respond?"

She flashes her a quick look of annoyance, before replying. "I kind of... blew up on them." She looks at her mentor, and notices the widened eyes and concerned expression, instantly masked.

"I see..." She shakes her head grimly, exhaling audibly as she does so. "This isn't good, Azure. They're going to hunt you down now. Nopony defies the careers without them being upset about it."

Azure's voice becomes worried, and her face radiates her fear. Her words come out stuttered. "W-what am I g-going to d-do?"

Twilight looks down at the floor and sighs. She pauses before speaking, concentrating on the words themselves. "Well, there's not much you can do, I'm afraid. Just... survive." She mentally demerits herself on the useless advice, but drops interest in it moments after.

Azure chuckles a bit, and forces a grin. "Thanks. I guess that advice is better than nothing. I'll do my best."

Twilight smiles genuinely, and places a reassuring hoof on her shoulder. "That's what I'm hoping for. Don't worry, I'm not about to let somepony die one more time." There's a trace of sadness in her last sentence, but the younger pony fails to notice it. Instead, she nods, and resumes watching the Capitol in silence. Twilight watches with her for a few minutes, than pats her one more time, and gets up to leave. At the hallway, she turns one more time to look at the relieved filly. She smiles once more, and gently closes the door behind her.