Chapter 1: The Meeting
"Hello, I'm Annie, and you are?"
I stared at the hand a girl drew out for me to shake. Not much people had the nerve to talk to me, considering I'm a popular kid. I looked at the friendly person with red hair and typical-District-Four sea green eyes. I shook her hand anyway.
"I'm Finnick Odair. Nice meeting you. Ummm... you must be new to this training school?"
"Yes, I am. I didn't want to join the training, but I was forced, so I'm here," she replied.
"I'm actually old here, by the way. Trained ever since I can remember," I added.
"Oh, really? Well, I didn't know, of course." She smiled at me.
"Everyone new fall in line here in front!" Mags, our instructor was already calling our attention. She may be an old woman, but she sure can still fight good. I know that because we're great griends.
"Bye," Annie said, leaving.
I watched as she joined two other newbies. Later on, they were asked to introduce themselves. Then, the old ones including me got to be named by Mags.
"All right everyone, please choose a part-"
And of course, every female classmate of mine went rushing to my side. All except the new girl, Annie.
"Now, now, girls please get away from Mr. Odair." Mags scanned the room, then noticed how Annie made no movements at all. "Hmmm... Finnick, you'll be with Annie."
I don't protest for no apparent reason, even though I wonder if she can even hold a weapon.
All the girls took a deep sigh and found themselves a partner. I heard my previous partner murmur, "But I was his last year."
"Everyone with partners may begin to practice now. First day of trainings are meant for preparations anyway." And with that, our teacher took a seat, as if we were not being trained for survival at all.
"Okay, so Finnick, where do we begin?" Annie questioned.
"How about let's begin with educating you with all the weapons here," I replied.
"Ummm... I actually know about weapons already. How about we just tie some knots first?"
"Alright then," I responded.
We move toward the Knot Section of the training arena. It was the farthest room from the assembly area and we were the only ones who came there.
"Are you sure you'd rather be here," I asked.
"Well, yes. Now show me the basic knots."
We spent half an hour making each knot I have known of. After that, I suggested we practice our battle skills, this time she didn't protest.
We walked back to the training arena.
"Choose a weapon, Annie," I told her, grabbing a trident. I'm really so much better with a trident than with any weapon.
Annie took a sword from the weapon cabinet.
"Nice pick. Now, let's fight," I sniggered.
"Bring it o-"
Before she can even finish her sentence, I attacked her somewhere in her stomach, but she quickly dodged the trident.
"I may be new here, but I know how to fight, Finnick." She looked at me her intensifying eyes glowing because of the light's reflection.
"Yeah, right!" I swinged the trident on her feet but she leapt just in time. Then, for a split second she leapt again, now nearer to me and held the sword across my neck. I can't believe I didn't notice her move. I dropped my trident as soon as I thought of a great strategy.
"You really are good..." I spoke, twisting her wrist and held the sword against her neck instead, "...but not good enough," I continued with a smirk.
As she was putting her hands up to surrender, she kicked me in the shins with enough force for me to drop the sword. My legs ache so much I couldn't get my nor her weapon. She hurriedly bent down and caught the sword with a speed I've never seen before.
"I guess I won, Finnick," she said with a smug look on my face.
Then I realized we were circled. Everyone was staring at us, including Mags. I suddenly get a little annoyed by Annie. I don't always lose in battle training, in fact I've never had here.
Annie draws yet again her hand for sportsmanship. I shook it reluctantly with a fake enthusiasm in my face. "Congratulations, partner."
"You don't look at all happy? Why?"
I think she took hint of my tiny annoyance for her.
"Oh, nothing. Hey, I think let's try swimming next time," I suggested.
"Okay," she grinned.
The bell rang, signaling break time. Before even the bell stopped ringing, everyone in the room were already gone, happy to finally be fed.