Clove opened the door of her new house and breathed in the fresh air surrounding it. She walked down to her car, parked helpfully at the side of the house, she was glad she was able to drive, it meant she didn't have to rely on anyone for times and lifts and other activities that she would need to attend in order to fit in and make a comfortable start at her new school. And since her parents were not at home very often, it was extremely convenient.
Clove's parents had jobs that meant that they were not at home very often; they would stay away for very long periods of time. This meant that Clove would often have the house to herself. She had become used to this and it didn't faze her, in fact sometimes she relished in the freedom that was granted to her. However, her parents had decided that they would move close to her Aunt Effie, so that Clove was not completely isolated. This meant starting afresh for Clove. New school, new friends, new place. One thing that would never change was Clove's love of athletics. She was a track runner, middle distance being her preferred option but she was talented in all areas. Her emersion in athletics would soften the newness of the move as she had met some of the athletics team at her new school, Capitol High, and had become very close with a few.
…
I got in my silver polo car and checked my phone before heading off to my first day.
A message from Katniss: Nearly at school, I'll meet you by the entrance! Can't wait to see you. Ooh and Finnick, Annie, Jo and Gale will be here too!
I reply: Thank you can't wait to see all you guys soon! Been too long! On my way now.
I knew Finnick from when I was younger. My dad, Brutus, who was a top athlete, was friends with Finnick's dad, Chaff. Finnick and I had swum together when we were younger, he was always better! Then when we had gone to different schools, we would meet at swim meets. We had also done athletics together, at which I was better, and had seen each other at track meets. It was at these, which were thankfully very often, that Finnick had introduced me to his friends: Annie, Katniss, Jo and Gale. I was instantly very close with Katniss, she and I were mostly in the same races so would always be doing prep and warming up at the same time, and were really good friends with all of the others!
As I drove to school I got another text, this time from Finnick: 'Hey Clovie, can't wait to see you kick the others asses on land and in the pool! I'll be at the front, you'll notice me because everyone else will be fawning over me!'
Dear Finnick, always the joker! I had missed spending so much time with my best friend, and now I would get to be at his school!
I quickly reply: 'Can't wait, but surely you have yourself mistaken for Gale there!'
It was always a standing joke between Gale and Finnick as to who was the hottest. They were both fairly good looking, well, probably more than that, but I would never see Finn in that way, he was too much like a brother to me, and Gale had become a really close friend.