The goodbye time in the Justice Building passes by uneventfully. All my family has known about me leaving for almost a month now. They didn't feel it was important enough to send me off here. We had a big celebration last night for me. I've had enough time to say farewell to them.
Some of my past instructors from the Academy come visit me. Each one seems thrilled that I am the one competing this year. If only my friends felt that way. Not one even one of my peers come to visit me. Is it like this every year?
After my hour of visiting time is up, Peacekeepers come to escort out the back door. The Justice Building backs up to the main train station that Clove and I will be leaving from. The train ride will be a first for me. I've ridden in cars and buses around the district before, but never a train. I see Brutus and Enobaria, our mentors, waiting for Clove and I to board the train. Calisa shuffles over to me the second she notices me. "Cato, is it?" I nod. "Well then,Cato, the other tribute will be out any minute and all of us will get on the train. We'll be there by tomorrow evening. I'm sure you will love the train ride!" She squeaks in her capitol accent.
After standing still for a bunch of pictures Calisa gestures to Clove and I to get on the train. I let Clove walk up the stairs first. Enobaria and Brutus follow behind me. The second we are completely in, the door slides close and I begin to feel the train move. The train reminds me a lot of the lobby at the Academy; thick carpet, finely painted walls, plush seats, and delicately carved wooden tables are all around the room. I walk forward to the center of what appears to be the main room and take a seat on the couch. Clove follows me in silence. "Don't think you two will just be relaxing before the Games. We may not be at the Academy anymore, but you still are going to train just as hard." Brutus sighs. We both nod. "Why don't you get started now? Calisa, show them to their rooms. Change into something better for training and be back in ten minutes." He orders to us.
"Follow me," Calisa chirps. She begins to walk down a hallway across from where the door is. If it was up to me, I'd sit on this couch for another hour or two, but it's not, so I stand up and follow her along with Clove. She opens a door," Clove,dear, you can have this one. If you need anything just ask. There are plenty of Avoxs on this train." The next door she opens is mine. I walk in and lock the door behind me.
The room is fairly similar to my previous room at the Academy, only a lot bigger. My room could probably fit in here at least 3 times. I would have loved to have this sized room while I was at the Academy for seven years. There is another door that most likely leads to the bathroom. I've only heard about the extraordinary showers they have in the trains and Capitol. We have pretty basic showers back home, just hot and cold water settings. I am definitely looking forward to trying these ones out when I have more time tonight.
I search through the drawers that contain enough clothes to last me months. Finally I find a pair of loose fitting shorts and a comfortable shirt for whatever Brutus has in mind for us. I throw my current clothes into a pile in the corner of my room and slip my new outfit on.
Clove is already there when I arrive back. At first when I walk in, no one notice's me. Everyones eyes are on Clove doing sit-ups. She does them effortlessly. After a few minutes of standing there, Enobaria turns around and sees me. "Are you going to join her?" She scowls. I chuckle,"I'd rather not." Brutus joins in,"Well, you aren't having anything good for dinner tonight. Do the exercise or I'll be sure to tell the kitchen not to make you anything at all." I sigh and drop down and begin doing the sit-ups.
We do a ridiculous amount of exercise for about three hours. Everything from push-ups to leg lifts and squats. Clove doesn't say one word the entire time. To be honest, the only time I've heard her talk today was when she volunteered. Brutus and Enobaria switch off observing us every thirty minutes. They watch to make sure we're doing everything perfectly and consistently.
By the time dinner is done I'm exhausted. All I want is a big meal and a glass of ice water. That sounds outstanding right now. While we wait for our food to be prepared, all Calisa seems to want to talk about is how amazing the stylist is. Eventually when the food comes out she quits talking. The avoxes in red bring out everyone's plate. Each one is filled with what appears to be a creamy pasta with vegetables and possibly lamb meat in it. My mouth is already watering for it when my food is placed in front of me.
I'm upset when I notice the food on my plate isn't the same as everyone else. Instead of the pasta dish, I have a simple piece of grilled chicken on top of brown rice. "Why don't I have that? Did you run out or something?" I ask to the avox with anger and confusion in my voice, even though I know she won't answer me. "Maybe next time you should listen when we tell you to do something." Brutus scowls back. I shoot him a glare but, eat my food anyway. The chicken is dry and has absolutely no flavor. The Academy's food is way better than this. I eat it up anyway. I doubt I'm getting anything else to eat.
Yay! Longest chapter yet! Thank you for all your reviews! Seriously, when I get a review I get soo happy.
Oh, I forgot to tell you guys... I don't own the Hunger Games! Just incase, you thought I did, I don't...
