As it ended up, training with the other tributes was amusing, to say the least.

No, strike that.

It was downright hilarious.

Half of them looked as though they'd never used a weapon before in their life and the other half had a pathetic, weakling look to them. The two that were most intriguing to watch were the girl and the boy from District 12. The two who had stolen our spotlight in the Tribute Parade. The girl had a fierce, determined look behind her scrawny frame, and the boy was watching the girl like he'd take a knife in the heart for her. Together, they made quite a pair.

Cato was just to the left of me, and I watched as he sliced training dummies to shreds. This image reminded me of a much simpler time, so many years ago.

I proceeded to whip three knives at three stationary targets, and smirked as I felt the eyes of the impressed, yet at the same time, fearful tributes watching me.

Training here was a joke. Naturally, the Career pack was beginning to form and Cato and I met up with other tributes from Districts 1 and 4. This years pair from 4 did not look exceedingly promising, the boy having a slight limp and the girl being frail and elderly looking, despite the fact she was sixteen, seventeen at the most. A quick glance between Cato and I, and it was soon only us and the two from 1. We strutted around the center, showing off and refining our skills.

Climbing was easey.

Survival skills were simple.

Running was no problem.

Cato and I had been training for these Games all of our lives, and the mundane tasks that the trainers recommend we practice were getting old. However, there was one station that I refused to touch.

The fire starting station.

"Clove, you coming?" Cato called while holding a flint over some kindly. He was with the District 1 girl, Glimmer and her partner Marvel. I tried not to let my jealousy creep out as I fought to keep a steady voice.

"No thanks, you think I need to waste me time there?" I managed to sneer as I turned away.

Cato just shrugged and began striking his flint over the dry twigs and a fire sprung to life.

I couldn't help but jump slightly as I took a step back. It was my biggest secret, and I couldn't tell anyone, not even Cato. Because in the Arena, it could easily be turned against me. The girl from District 12 had already unknowingly exploited it, and I refused to let anyone else get an edge over me.

Yes, it was true.

I was afraid of fire.

A Note From The Author:
Sorry for the delay and this chapter being so short!
It's been my spring break and I've also been suffering from writer's block for this story...
However, if you want more Clato, check out my headcanon blog .com :)