Disclaimer: I do not own the Hunger Games nor the characters except Lera- she is mine xD. (I always forget to do this :D) Enjoy! :)

Training. The thought hit Cato as his eyes opened. He stood up and stretched a hand to pull on his training costume. He felt good and there was no pain in the muscles- something he hasn't experienced in a long time. Back home, in District 2 he was forced to train for more than 8 hours a day (and he also went to school)- fighting, shooting until he just couldn't continue. And even then he was made to run a mile or two. Every night he could feel his body tear up from the inside out, he was desperate to get some sleep. And this harsh programme continued for more than 12 years now. Until he was 18, ready to volunteer for the 74th Hunger Games, which he just had to win.

His father organized the training of children in District Two himself so Cato was meant to be in the Games. His father did everything he could to prepare him and Cato can't let him down. The boy himself imagined it as an honor- to show himself, his father and his District he could win. That he would be worshiped as god and could live his life carelessly, the way he wanted to.

After breakfast he headed for the training room. It was not that different from what he had back home. In fact it was quite the same, only much bigger. He looked at the others- not that much of competition. He smirked- he was the best. And he was going to win these games. And he will be honored.

- Good morning, Cato. – greeted Clove arrogantly. They used to train together by Cato's father fighting school (that's how they called it) so they knew each other. If you listen them speak, you would say they hate one another and just play nice- hypocrites. But it's not the truth- it's way more simple. In fact the Careers just talk like they are the best- they are arrogant in their nature. So, although it seemed like Clove's insulting Cato, she was actually being nice.

Lunch was served at the hall. Here they had the chance to talk to other tributes if they wanted to. For the moment Lera had no such desires so she quietly walked to over to grab something to eat. Salad, she thought was fine as she wasn't quite hungry.

Before she realized it, she was standing next to Cato, who had locked his eyes on her, while grabbing food for himself. She turned over to face him and let out a sigh. She hasn't seen him for years and had missed him. This was no time to renew their friendship however, as one of them, if not both, would be killed in less than a month.

- Hello. – he said. – I couldn't help but notice you cannot get your eyes off me.

She smiled. This was the Cato she remembered- arrogant and always self-concerned.

- Yes, I was exploring the competition. – she said matter-of-factly.

- And? What did you find? – he asked, curiosity taking the better of him.

- Nothing much, really. – she challenged him.

Cato bit his lower lip, suppressing the urge to push her. He knew Lera was messing with him and he knew he could easily shut her up with violence. He wouldn't hurt her, though. Just teach her who's the boss.

She stayed for a while, not letting her eyes off him. She could see it was pretty easy to piss him off, just like it was years ago. He hasn't changed at all. It they were allowed to fight, as they would be in the arena after a few days, she most likely wouldn't dare talk to him like that. He was way more powerful and stronger than she was.

Cato couldn't come up with an appropriate response so Lera walked to an empty table and started eating quietly, while her ex-friend walked to another one, where Glimmer, Marvel and Clove were waiting for him.

- Who was that? – Glimmer asked and although she tried to keep her voice steady, higher tones appeared unwanted.

- She's from Four. Seemed interesting when we were training.

Glimmer nodded. At this state she wanted to know everyone as well as possible to have higher chances in the arena. But that wasn't the only purpose she was asking.

A few tables away, Lera smirked. That girl, Glimmer, seemed to be way too concerned about Cato. Bad for her, because he wouldn't doubt killing her.