Chapter One

Cloves POV

I sat in the corner of the training center, what was I supposed to do? I know the lady explained everything and about the weapons but all I could think about was how each of these things could kill me even if they just fell off a rack. Maybe no one would notice me, and I could just go home. I wanted to see my friends again, but I knew that wouldn't happen anytime soon. I was stuck at this training center. This training school! I, like every other seven year old in this room, had passed 5 mental tests issued to all the children in District 2 to pick out which kids could mentally handle the Hunger Games. After you pass the first test, they bring you in for a second, if you pass that one you go in again. And so on. If you pass all five tests they send you off to a boarding school in the center of District 2 to train for the games. Each year the trainers and previous victors pick the strongest two students to volunteer, and everyone else is supposed to keep quiet at the reapings. But so what if I had passed a few mental tests? I was no where near able to work with any of these things.

I watched one boy try to pick up what looked to be a throwing axe, but it was too heavy for him and the trainer rushed over before the boy killed someone. I guess today would just be an introduction day for the weapons, and then we would work on other things like strength and stamina. I scanned the room again, counting the people. There were about 10, 11 including me. I wondered what would happen to half these people, obviously if we are all the same age all 11 of us can't volunteer. They must kick some people out of the school.

Just as I was thinking about this, I felt something tap my shoulder. I whipped my head around quickly to see who it was. A blonde boy with blue eyes, stared down at me. He looked a bit tall to be seven, but I didn't mention it

.

"You know, I heard that if you don't show any special skill within the first year they kick you out and send you back to regular school." He told me. Had he read my mind? Either way, he had answered my question. I didn't speak, I didn't know how to reply to that.

"I'm Cato." He said reaching one hand towards me. I grabbed on to it and he pulled me up.

"I'm Clove." I told him. He smiled and looked around the room.

"Well Clove, why are you just sitting around?" he asked.

"Um. . . I guess I just don't know where to go."

"Well I'll come with you. We can go do something together." I liked the idea of that, even though I had just met the boy it sounded better than wandering off to a station alone, so I gave him a slow nod. He started walking to the station with the knives, and I followed.

*Seven Years Later*

"Happy Birthday Cato!" I said coming up behind him and putting my hands over his eyes. "Guess who!"

"Is it. . . the one and only Clover?" Even though I couldn't see his face, I could tell he was smiling, he knew I didn't like being called Clover. I walked over to face him and sat down across from him in the cafeteria.

"Don't call me Clover." I said coolly, glaring at him. He broke out laughing, which made me smile too. I couldn't really get mad at him. "Anyway, I guess I should give you this since it's your birthday and everything." I pulled out a cupcake and handed it to him. Cato graciously took it and broke it in half, handing the piece back to me.

"Where'd you get this?" He asked taking a bite.

"Selma. Who else?" Selma was one of our favourite trainers. She always found a way to sneek in treats to the training center, but she'd only do it for special occasions. "Did anyone get you anything?" I asked.

"I think my mom sent something, but I haven't opened it yet. Maybe Brutus got me a sword that the younger kids can't touch. I'd like that." No one ever receives gifts from victors. But Brutus really liked Cato, and secretly he has given him a couple things here and there. I'll have to admit, I'm pretty jealous.

"He likes you. You have potential." I told him.

"I have more than just potential!" He said, flexing his biceps. "Just look!" I laugh again, which made him smile.

"I think they'll choose you this year." I say. "To volunteer." Cato looked at the ground.

"I don't know. Maybe they'll go with someone older. Wouldn't that be the smarter way to do it?" He asks.

"Not if you're better. Besides, you're sixteen now! You've only got two more years. You'll want to bring home all the glory sooner than later right?"

"I guess so."

"Hey!" Kretel walked up and gave Cato a hug. "I hear it's your birthday!" Behind Kretel was Lucas, who also said happy birthday, and then the two of them sat down with us. They were both students in our year too. Since we started going here, the students our age have decreased to six. If you don't show potential they send you home. Why waste your time and theirs?

"We were just talking about volunteers for this year." I said, trying to bring up a topic. Lucas glared at Cato. And I knew why. Even though Lucas is lethal with a throwing axe, he knew that Cato was better than him. And Lucas hated that. Kretel on the other hand, although such a bright personality outside training is scary when she has weapons. I mean I wouldn't be surprised if they chose her to volunteer this year. Even though most people go for sharp weapons like spears and swords, Kretel's weapon of choice is a mace.

"Really? I heard that they are already looking for people." Kretel said. "They might even have private tests this year, like they do in the Capitol once you get chosen."

"Yeah, they said it was a more fair way of seeing who had what skill, they might even give us scores." Lucas added. The idea of giving us scores made me uncomfortable. I didn't want other people to look at me and then judge me by some number. No doubt it would be a high number, but still. I just forced a smile at the idea before Selma came and told us that our lunch break was over and that it was time to go to training again.

- AN: So this is my first story on here :) This part is really short, but I hope you don't mind. It will pick up, but I needed some sort of introduction. This is my idea of how the Careers work and volunteer and stuff, just remember that. If you have any feedback I'd appreciate it!