Hello everyone!

I hope you liked the first chapter a little bit, and everyone is still down for me to start this story over because I have new and better ideas! Anyways Chapter 1 was on the shorter side and I am planning on making the rest longer but I wanted to put out a short preview. I also put picture of certain characters on my profile page, under images. Well I hope everyone is having a good day and reviews would be greatly appreciated!

Thank and Lots of love,

Brooke

I forgot to put this in my last chapter, but disclaimer: I do not own the Hunger games, nor do I own all the characters in this story.

Chapter 2

I have officially survived my first full week of training and I can say with full confidence that every ounce in my body hates every minute of it. I am sore. I am tired. And most importantly I am greatly annoyed. Being here doesn't make me happy, I hate my life five days a week from exactly 7:30 AM to 4:00 and I'm ready to give up if it was at all possible. The people of my district say it is is an honor and privilege to get to train at the academy and even have the slightest possibility of going to the games; as if sending a child to do a deadly task is actually a blessing. District 2 is ignorant of the world around them and only seem to care for the other Districts only during trade or when it comes to murdering their children.

I walk home from the academy by my lonesome self, ditching all the plans my friends have made because frankly I just want to curl up into bed and never get out. I have been told I am quite melodramatic but that's besides the point. Michael was staying overtime as usual today and I wasn't intending on training longer than required much to my family's dismay, or wait for him to get done because we all knew I would be waiting for hours. Walking to Victor Village wasn't that far but with a sore body it felt like hours; putting one foot in front of the other I finally approached my home and unfortunately I came to the sad realization that my parents were sadly home. Now don't get me wrong...I hate my parents with a strong passion that would surprise most people considering they are the poster childs for District 2 but honestly I don't even think Michael and I are their children because we are nothing like them. My dad Blade, he won the 45th hunger games at the age of 17 years old and it had became obvious that Michael is the spitting image of him on a physical standpoint, they are hardly alike when it comes to personalities. My father was known for his skills with the sword and did quite the job of killing the competition with his physical skills and his undenying talent of being the perfect liar. He was able to convince many of the tributes to trust him, be their ally or friend and most did; he took advantage of them and lied to them throughout the whole games which has prompted him to be the pathological liar he is today. Sometimes he lies about big things, things that should never be lied about but most of the times it's small things; things that really don't need to be lied about at all, it's just a reaction of his I suppose. He isn't always a d*ck but most of the time he is; he always likes the reminisce a lot about the games and tell stories from them which I know are over dramaticized since I've been forced to watch and study his games at least 15 times. It's as fun as it sounds. Despite the many flaws my father has he still can be sympathetic and loving at times, there are traces of a good father in and at the end of the day he is still a lot better than my mother in my opinion who honestly the worst human being I have come across.

Destiny Ryan. How do I even begin to fathom how terrible she is as a tribute, victor, human being and most importantly as a mother. She won the Hunger games a few years after my dad, and her tactics well, they were different from my dad's. Destiny used to be a beautiful girl, long flowing hair, tall-thin frame with a glowing complexion but she used that to her advantage; she was quite honestly an ace at the knives, she could throw those things faster than some of the guys which caused a lot of anger on their end due to the upstaging. Well anyways she did not make her talent known at the beginning of the games, she used her looks. Seducing every male tribute possible till they were merely wrapped around her finger and then she would kill them except for one. Her district partner. He knew of her strengths with throwing knives and made sure to be cautious of her throughout the games and took her a lot more seriously than other tributes. Normally my mother's tactics would be considered as a female from District 1's usual antics but my mother did put a spin on hers; she had the undying physical and mental abilities of a typical District 2 tribute and combining that with her mind games made her a force to be reckoned with. Continuing with her District partner he eventually turned on her at some point toward the end of the games, and tried to get her when she least expected it and when he had her trust the most. Clearly that didn't turn out well for him or else I wouldn't be here, she outsmarted him and beat him at his own game which is what caused her to be victorious in the end. Later she came home and met my father and boom! Michael and I were gifted to them and eventually they married. Now you can take a guess on what issues my mother has but honestly there is a lot; she rather bad trust issues which causes her to think she needs to control everything she possibly can (me) thanks to her district partner. (F*ck you district partner) She has extremely high standards for all of us, most can't be met which angers her a lot; she is also very manipulative like she was in her games and likes to take advantage of the innocent as much as she can. In addition she has an addiction to painkillers, likes her martinis shaken not stirred and likes to pretend she is still young and beautiful by having a ton of plastic surgery. Not to mention she is passive aggressive, rude, arrogant and honestly could care less about me, her own daughter. In the end my mother is not a nice lady, and I can proudly say the only way I resemble her is through our looks, not morals or personality. So that is why I have never had a very strong relationship with my parents because I cannot trust or stand either one of them, making me thankful for the many trips they have to take to the capitol.

Regardless of my rather strong feelings toward my parents there was a short time when we're all happy but those days are long gone, and I still have to live with them until I can move out on my own and hopefully start a completely different life without them. But for now I just have to get through these next few years, and try to make it out with my sanity still intact. Walking inside I can hear some murmuring in the kitchen but I can't really understand what is being said; now I would go up to my room and just ignore but slight problem, I am starving. No one is going to stand in the way of me and food, not even my god for saken parents.I creep down the hallway quietly before I silently make my way into the kitchen, not trying to make my presence that known. Taking light steps I make my way over to the fridge and pull it open slowly, doing my best to not shake or move any of the items in the fridge that could cause any attention towards me.

"Aila, you're home" my mother calls. Well that didn't go as I wanted. "Yes, I'm back, just came in here to get something to eat...you know because such a long day of training." I reply.

My mother looks me up and down, almost sizing me up like I was a tribute from her games rather than her own daughter. "Eat something healthy for you. Your training is very important and you're starting to look a little plump." she adds with a small fake pout.

Giving her a tight smile, I slam the refrigerator door closed and turn to her "You're right mother, maybe I should start cutting back a little bit but if we're all giving out advice and being the loving and caring family that we are right now, maybe you should lay off on the botox. I'm really having a hard time telling what emotions you're feeling lately, all I see is your resting b*tch face" I begin to smile in triumph because I know I hit her where it hurts the most. She can make fun of my weight all she wants, but the ironic thing is I'm built exactly like she used to be, she just has a hard time accepting it.

My mother replies with an icy glare, and storms out of the room before anyone can say anything else; I look toward my dad as he tries to hold back laughter and shakes his head. He probably wants to scold me but clearly he knows what I said was true. "You're too much sometimes Aila" he finally speaks up.

"Hey she started it...and besides you clearly found it funny based off the smile you have on your face" I remark back as I pull out leftovers from nights before, placing it in the microwave I wait for it to warm up, and then proceed to lean against the counter crossing my arms. This banter between my mom is a usual when she is home, she has a hard time giving me a compliment so she replaces those with rude remarks.

My father lets out a small sigh and finally speaks up "It was funny, not nice but funny" he watches me intently and as I don't reply at first he continues "Aren't you kids supposed to respect thy mother or father or something like that?"

"I will start doing that when I get some respect" I say with another tight smile. "Besides it's not like she didn't start it, I was minding my own business you know?" My father shakes his head agreeing with what I said "Anyways" he begins "how was your first week of training and where's Michael at?"

"It was fine, I'm tired I suppose...oh and yeah he's still training so I just came home" getting my food out of the microwave and making my way over to the counter so I can eat.

"Aila we've been over this" my dad scolds "You need to start putting in that extra time like Michael. This isn't let's goof off whenever you want anymore, it's serious stuff. I'm expecting you to start putting in more effort"

I restrain from rolling my eyes because he knows damn well that I'm not going to the games. We all know I'm not cut out for it, and he knows some of my emotions toward the games, so me going to academy is really a waste of time when I could be getting an education or something a lot more valuable, that will actually have a greater and more important effect on my future.

Trying to change the subject I ask "So how was the usual capital visit?" My father looks up at me and simply replies "Fine, just business and political stuff as usual" Liar. He always has the same answer, no detail which has raised questions in my mind. There has to be something going on up there, there has to be. No one can go up there weeks at a time and have it only be business; I've heard the rumors of all the crazy sh*t that goes on up there but I know it's not safe to talk about. Not to mention the fact that I am known for running my mouth so me talking about all this stuff isn't the best idea, but that doesn't mean I don't want to know.

It was Saturday morning and I was contemplating if I wanted to go out and be social today or spend my weekend in the confines of my room where I would be safe. secure and comfy. Although I would usually pick the latter option I decided to go out, something about sharing the same air as my parents for the whole entire weekend didn't necessarily sound too promising. I was usually a pretty big home body but when they were here I was never home, I tried to go out as much as possible so I could see them at the bare minimum.

Grabbing my swimsuit I decided I would in fact meet my friends at the ditch today; the ditch was a local swimming hole that was hidden away from the city and was a small hike into the woods but nothing too followed a small path and climbed over a few rocks and you were there, it was a rather big hangout for teenagers of District 2 and this particular weekend many of the trainees were getting together to celebrate the start of a new session of training. What a thing to celebrate.

Sliding on my black two piece I threw a pair of denim shorts on over the bottoms and a flowy grey shirt to cover myself so I didn't have to walk there half naked; I decided to leave my hair down today, it wasn't a usual for me but why not. Putting on sandals and grabbing my bag I quietly walked down the hallway, and down the stairs where I grabbed something small so I would have something to eat down there, because I knew all that would be there was crappy beer.

I walked out the door making my way toward the path, I walked in silence enjoying the fresh air and finally make it to the path. I felt calm as I walked, being surrounded by nature, large, beautiful pine trees towering over me and the smell of fresh natural air rather than the over the almost dirty air that was in certain areas of District 2 because of all the factories. Finally I made it through the path and could begin to hear the chatter of teenagers as I climbed over a few rocks. Once I reached the sand that surround the lake I saw the large amount of familiar faces; many were swimming in the water, others just talking and hanging out. I passed the crowd and eventually found my friend April.

April Jackson. We had been friends since grade school, best friends I suppose. One day a couple of boys were making fun of April, calling her names, making fun of her crazy curly hair and I walked right up to them told them off and punched one kid in the face. It got me suspended for a week, and also got me in a lot of trouble at home but it also got me a best friend. Ever since then April and I have been inseparable, she ended up going to the academy just like me and she has helped make it in a small way bearable. Many people always thought it was funny how April and I ended up as friends, as she is quiet, reserved, a little shy but sweet as can be; then you have me, a loud mouth, sassy, and also very feisty but we balance each other out. April can help keep me in line,and help me keep my cool at times and she keeps me out of trouble for the most part while I make sure no one messes with her, we just work.

"April!" I yell and quickly see my best friend turn around and smile. She walks over calling my name back as we meet in the middle, "I didn't think you were going to show up" she explains.

"Eh, I decided I would grace everyone with my presence" I remark back and April just laughs. "Come on let's go in the water, before everyone else does" I continue and April nods her head agree with me. I begin to take off my tank top before April speaks up, "Looks like someone's catching a glance" and I turn to see where she's looking off. Standing under a tree surrounded by his friends, I see Cato giving me his usual smirk. Looking me up and down I let out loud groan, "He's disgusting" I comment with much disdain in my voice, and continue to giving him an icy glare before turning back to April.

"Wow, I can really see you like him a lot" she giggles, and waits for me to finish changing.

"Oh shut up" I laugh giving her a small shove before running off into the water; stepping in it's cold at first causing a small shiver to run down my spine but my body quickly adjusts. I fully emerge myself into the water, shutting my eyes tight as I get my hair wet.

"This feels amazing" April says and I nod my head as other trainees swim over to us to talk, we spend the time talking about other things besides the games or the academy which is a nice change since that is what will be unfortunately taking up these next few years of my life. Soaking up the sun I enjoy my time and try to let my mind wander to more positive things, before getting out to find something to drink; looking at the table I figure out the only thing that is really left is the beer. I fill my cup up and quickly grimace at the taste of the stale beer and regret my decision.

"Not much of a beer drinker I see" someone comments, and I quickly whip my head up to see Cato right before me.

"Not really." I reply shortly, and then proceed to speak "I'm not really sure why people are getting drunk off this stuff, I can't even gag down one sip"

"People do it because it's the most rebellious thing to do here or as a tribute" he explains.

"That's not true, there are plenty more rebellious things you can do here" I explain. Cato raises an eyebrow at me, a little surprised as he asks "Like what?" I laugh thinking of what you could possibly do, "Well we could boycott the academy"

"I knew you were going to say something like that" he says with a shake of his head.

"Honestly how can you expect anything less" I reply and then we both stand there in a small silence. "Well I see you're not drinking any beer."

"I don't drink" he explains. Figures this kid would never do anything like this, it would affect his precious training. "Yeah I'm not surprised" I remark quickly.

"Wait what the h*ll does that mean?" he asks with a little bit of anger in his voice. What a hot head.

"Cato let's be 100% real here, all you do is train, and you strike me as the type to not do anything that is somewhat rebellious like drinking in order to make sure your air quote 'in the best shape possible' end air quote, you never have any fun, I hardly ever see you at these things and maybe you're such a douche bag at training because you constantly have a stick up your ass everyday and never know how to have at least a little bit of fun." I state, and watch as he looks at me in shock. He knows how blunt I can be so I don't know why he's even a little surprised that I said all that. Before he can even get a word in I walk away, not wanting to hear him quip up a stupid comeback or try and insult me. I don't really care about his opinion and he knows that I am right. Most of these kids care way too much about this whole thing because at the end of the day only two kids go to the games, and that doesn't mean they are going to make it out alive. These parents send their kids to go train for something that could potentially kill them, just to have the possibility of bring pride to the family, and glory to a District that is so far up the Capital's ass it's ridiculous. And maybe I should be thankful for living in a District that probably has better living conditions than most of the other districts, but the only reason we have these living conditions is because we stuck by the Capital's side during the rebellion. The fact of the matter is we are the Capital's b*tches, we give them whatever they ask and for goodness sake we give them more men than any other district for them to make Peacekeepers. Don't even get me started on the whole "Peacekeeper" thing.

And that is why I am of ashamed of the District I come from.

Wooo Chapter two! I hope you enjoyed it and don't forget to check my profile for all my character images and also please review!

Have a wonderful day :)