The training Centre. A place for the proudest parents to send their children. Districts 1, 2 and 4 all had them; district 2's was the biggest. Each year the students who" shined the brightest", you could say, would be forced to volunteer for the hunger games. Clove, being only 15, would most definitely be up to volunteer this year, as this year's trainees were weak in the girls department. She was a lot better than the strongest of the 18 year olds, because as her mother once told her "she never misses."
What her parents didn't know, what nobody knew, was that Clove pictured her parents as the targets when she threw knives. She hates them. Shoving her into the training center because they wanted to bring pride to the family, money, and the right to brag to everyone they knew. At first, she was scared, and then she picked up a knife when she was only 7, and nearly killed that 13 year old bitch Aqua. She provoked me, Clove thought with a smirk on her face. She had hit her right in the arch of her back. Usually she would get thrown out, but she was naturally gifted and they knew it. She could win.
At the age of 14, they get to train with the boys. At first it was awkward, and most of them were weak and couldn't dodge. But then she met Cato. He was strong, could crush people, and had the will to kill. He would definitely be up this year as well, and after a year of training together, she wasn't afraid of him. She knew his strengths and weaknesses, but he also knew hers. This would be interesting, she thought. She didn't hate Cato, he had helped her after all, but he wasn't particularly likeable either.
It was 9pm, closing time at the training center, and as Clove packed up her things and went to leave, she heard someone calling her. "Hey Clove, wait" it was Cato. She growled under her breath and turned to face him. "What Cato? I'm going home." He smirked, and came to a stop in front her, towering over her. "Just wanted to say, looks like it's going to be us this year eh, everyone else is weak as shit. District 2 is definitely slacking." He was still doing that, Clove had to admit, stunning side smirk. It was also annoying though, because he over used it to project his cocky attitude. "Yeah, well, we're going to team up right? Then I'm going to slit your throat when it's down to the two of us" Now she was smirking, looking at Cato's slightly shocked face. "Well if that's how you're going to play it, my little four leaf Clover, bring it on." And he walked off before she think of a witty reply, she walked out the doors just as Enobaria was locking up, the previous victors would forever have to keep watch and then select the two tributes each year. They would have to work with them after all. "Don't get too close little one, you pair are the best we have this year." She was smiling, a fake, mocking smile. She was such a bitch. Clove flipped her off and then ran home, to her small run-down home on the end of the district. Her parents were arguing again.
Clove was used to it, and she always stuck up for her father, because when on his good side he brought her knives and taught her combat moves. But that's all you get with him, no cuddles, no stories before you slept. They only had her because they needed a new house. Her mother looked down on her, tutted at every word she spoke. She had a little brother, Carlo, who she loved more than anyone else. He was 6, meaning he would be working at the training Centre next year. She didn't want him to, he was strong, would probably get picked to be put in the games when he was old enough. If Clove didn't win, he was their parent's second hope, but he wasn't liked any more than she was. Constantly seeking approval. He understood it all already; you grew up fast in district 2. If she was lucky, he may become a peacekeeper. But that was unlikely for a scabby family like ours.