The second morning of training was rather eventful.

Linnet and I arrived early, well before 10 o'clock, along with the Career tributes. I noticed Crystal throwing me hateful glares, but I tried to ignore it. There was no briefing from Atala this time; it seemed we were on our own now. That suited me just fine.

I practiced knot tying, a skill I'd acquired back home working on the docks. After an hour, I got bored and watched Linnet tackle the knife-throwing section.

Naturally, Garnet was there trying to intimidate the weaker tributes. I snorted disgustedly, who did she think she was?

Linnet had a lucky shot and almost hit the bulls-eye, and Garnet didn't seem happy with this. In fact, she clenched her fists until her knuckles turned white. The boy from District 1, Bronze, had to come and settle her.

I had a hard time deciding whether Garnet was sane.

I wandered over to the wrestling station, just in time to see Ace body-slam the trainer ferociously.

Crystal clapped delightedly at the side-lines whilst the trainer was rushed to First Aid. Charming.

I decided to have another try at archery, since my last visit didn't turn out so well. I tried to avoid that silver bow at all costs. The bow I chose was far thicker and made of strong, hard wood. However, it felt much more comfortable in my hands. I notched an arrow, took aim and released the string, holding my breath the whole time.

Not bad. I was only just off the target, piercing the dummy's arm. It could be another to injure someone in the arena.

Oh, God. I was thinking like a Career. The very thought repulsed me.

Linnet came over and nodded in approval.

"Not a bad shot! You're getting good at this," he praised, eyes twinkling excitedly.

I couldn't help but smile slightly. "Thanks. It's not so hard once you find the right bow. I guess all my efforts yesterday were wasted."

Linnet frowned instantly. "No," he said firmly. "You did right to stand up to her. Just because she comes from a rich family, it gives her no right to treat you like dirt."

I glanced nervously over my shoulder to see if Crystal was within earshot. Fortunately, she was giving Garnet some pointers about using a machete.

"What are you going to show the Gamemakers later?" Linnet asked quietly, lowering his voice even though everyone was preoccupied.

My heart rate increased rapidly. I'd almost forgotten about the Private Sessions. I had absolutely no idea what to show the Gamemakers, and my chances in the arena heavily relied on my training score.

"I haven't decided yet," I whispered, clutching my bow anxiously.

"Me neither," Linnet replied. "I guess I could show them a variety of things, proving I have different areas of knowledge."

I thought about this. "You know, that doesn't seem like such a bad idea."

.

Crystal was thrilled about the fact that she got to have her Private Session first.

"Thank goodness!" she cried. "No need to sit in a room full of nervous wrecks."

Velvet gave her a tight smile. "You remember, show them your archery. It's your strongest suit. It will definitely impress the Gamemakers, considering they know your father."

Crystal suppressed a scowl. Velvet could be so dense. She would earn a high score fair and square, not because her father was famous among the Capitol.

"You're using your spear, right?" she asked Bronze as they waited for Crystal's name to be called.

"Of course," Bronze replied haughtily. "It's my greatest talent."

Crystal smirked. Bronze was usually like this. One second he was playful and happy-go-lucky, the next, arrogant and superior.

"My apologies, Wonder Boy. But I can guarantee my score will knock yours straight off the board," Crystal teased.

Bronze grinned. "What're we aiming for, Princess? A twelve?"

"Come on, I'll nail a thirteen," Crystal laughed, trembling with excitement as the Gamemakers called for her.

"Good luck," Bronze hissed. "You'll need it."

"Please," Crystal scoffed, striding confidently into the vast room where the Gamemakers watched from above.

Thankfully, all of their attention was trained on Crystal. They usually got bored around District 5 or 6.

"Ladies, gentleman, I'm Crystal Onyx-Platinum from District One. Prepare to be amazed," Crystal declared with a dazzling smile.

The Gamemakers chuckled and seemed impressed by her charm and confidence.

Crystal selected her favourite silver bow, and shocked the Gamemakers by stepping quite a long distance away from the dummy.

Crystal then centered herself, took a deep breath and released several arrows in a chain. Her aim was perfect, and each arrow split the other directly on the bulls-eye.

The Gamemakers clapped and some gasped in surprise.

Crystal grinned and for the next two minutes, had them absolutely captivated, she shot arrows from a variety of angles to make her all the more impressive.

She left the room to a loud applause.

"Well, that seemed like it went well!" said Bronze.

Crystal winked. "I have that effect on people."

Ace smirked. "Too right."

.

Crystal, Bronze, Ace and Garnet sat with mentors, stylists and escorts in the large District One lounge.

Caesar Flickerman was on the wide screen, about to announce the training scores.

"To begin with, we have the District One female, Crystal, who's earned a ten," he began.

The entire room applauded. It was a great score. Crystal glowed with pride. She would've preferred a twelve, but a ten was good enough.

"Then we have another ten for Bronze. Moving on to District Two, Garnet has received a ten, and a fantastic score of eleven is awarded to Ace," Caesar continued.

The mentors were absolutely thrilled. Crystal gawped at Ace, and once the commotion had died down when the adults went to fetch some champagne to celebrate, she rounded on him.

"What did you do?" she asked, completely stunned.

Ace winked. "Just showed them my impressive sword skills. You really have no idea what I can do with my hands."

Crystal rolled her eyes and grinned. "Trust you to turn the conversation sexual."

"Come on, it's like you don't know me at all," Ace chuckled.

Crystal smiled. Oh, how I'd like to know you better, she thought.

"This is so awesome," Bronze enthused. "We could be the greatest Career alliance in history."

"We will be the greatest Career alliance in history," Garnet corrected sternly.

Ace frowned with determination, and he seemed to double in size as he spoke.

"With scores that like that, we'll definitely get the Capitol talking. We need to be completely unfazed and confident in our interviews," he instructed.

"Yes, master," Crystal muttered.

"I've already discussed my interview angle with Meredith," said Garnet sharply. "I'm going for sly, elusive look. It will make me seem mysterious, according to Meredith."

"Mine's more laid-back and funny, you know?" Bronze added.

"I think mine's pretty much decided," Ace snorted. "Brutal and ruthless. What about you, Sparkles? Need I ask?"

Crystal ground her teeth. Ace was being extremely controlling and smug tonight, and she didn't like it.

"No, Ace. You needn't ask," she spat, eyes glowing with venom.

Bronze laid a gentle hand on her shoulder. A warning. "Come on, play nice."

"Is somebody jealous because she didn't get a higher score?" Ace teased, emerald eyes dancing with humor.

Crystal sniggered. "Please, like I'd be jealous just because I don't waltz around displaying my muscles and frightening people off with my big, mean aura. Does it make you feel special, big man?"

Ace jolted as if someone had punched him. Crystal saw the anger blaze in his eyes, and his jaw clenched furiously.

Crystal stood her ground, meeting his vicious gaze with her own piercing golden eyes.

Garnet began to shake. Crystal had noticed she was quite insecure, despite her brutality.

Bronze took her hand and began to retreat from the room.

"Come on, let's see where our mentors have got to, they'll want to discuss interviews," he murmured. Garnet nodded vigorously and escaped with Bronze.

As soon as the pair had disappeared, Ace slammed Crystal against the wall and leaned down so his face was inches from hers.

Crystal gulped. She'd really lit a fuse. Ace was fuming. His beautiful features were distorted with rage.

"Who the fuck do you think you are?" he hissed.

Crystal raised her chin defiantly, putting on a brave front although she was completely terrified of this boy.

"Crystal Onyx-Platinum. Not Sparkles," she growled.

A low grumbling sound escaped from Ace's chest. How he wanted to teach her a lesson.

"I don't think you realize how you infuriate me, sweetheart. Just so we get this clear, I am the leader of this alliance. What I say goes. Understood?" he snarled.

Crystal winced as Ace pressed his arm harder against her throat, commanding her respect.

"Understood," she said icily. "Now get off."

Ace reluctantly released his grip and Crystal let out a relieved breath.

"I didn't hurt you, did I?" Ace asked softly.

Crystal gasped incredulously at his mood change. "Of course not, I'm fine."

In truth, she'd become quite close to feeling suffocated. Crystal let it slide, she'd taunted his inner monster, and she'd got what she'd deserved.

"We're still good?" Crystal asked hopefully. She truly hoped she hadn't blown it. Her relationship with Ace was important. She needed his strength in the Games.

"We're more than good," Ace chuckled. He seemed as relieved as her. Crystal wondered excitedly whether he needed her as much as she needed him.

"By the way," said Crystal seductively, gazing at Ace through her lashes. She was going to have to make it up to him to get back into his good books. "You're hot when you're angry."

"Thanks," Ace laughed. "I got a kick out of seeing you all trembling and helpless under my control."

"It seemed to me as if last night I was the one in control, playing you like a toy," Crystal teased, reminding him of her moment of glory in the main bathroom.

Ace twitched. That one stung his pride.

Crystal gulped as his gaze became hazy with longing.

"Well, who's the one in control now?" Ace growled.

Crystal gasped as he slammed his lips to hers. Instinctively, she raked her fingers through his golden hair and wrapped her legs around his waist as he lifted her.

Their mouths molded together perfectly, and Crystal barely suppressed a moan as Ace ravished her mouth with his tongue.

Eventually, Ace managed to control himself and set Crystal back on her feet.

It aroused him further to see Crystal breathless and panting.

"Why did you do that?" she breathed. How could they do this?

"Come on, honey. It's just a bit of fun. There're no rules stating we can't enjoy ourselves while we're here," Ace replied simply.

Crystal regained her composure and turned swiftly, flicking her dark hair in his face.

"That's the most your getting out of me for one night, Acey-boy," she teased, leaving the lounge to find her team.

"You just wait, Sparkles," Ace chuckled.