Training Day 1

Signy Freyda, 15

District 10 Female

Signy avoided Connor's eyes as he joined her by the elevator. He'd been cold and standoffish ever since the train ride, and even the nerves about the parade couldn't overcome the awkwardness.

But Connor's expression wasn't as cold today, and he mumbled a quiet "good morning".

"Morning," Signy said back as the elevator opened. "Are you nervous?"

"Very," Connor said, stepping inside. Signy joined him.

"I am too."

"Really?" Connor sounded genuinely shocked. "You were so confident last night."

Signy turned to look at him curiously. Sure, she'd warmed up during the parade; waving and smiling, even blowing the occasional kiss. But she was still nervous.

"I wasn't," Signy told him truthfully. "I was really nervous. But I – I kind of liked it." Connor laughed a little, mostly out of shock.

"I sure didn't," he said. "Those costumes were not comfortable."

"Agreed," Signy said with a giggle. She'd been put in a slinky, cow print dress while Connor wore a cowhide tuxedo. It was awful.

The elevator doors dinged open and Connor looked over at her.

"Ready?" he asked quietly. Signy nodded, giving him a small smile.

They stepped out of the elevator and into the training gymnasium together. The overhead lights were a little too bright, and their low hum filled the room. Almost every other tribute was there, each with a number pinned to the back of their black athletic shirts.

A young woman with blue hair came over, numbering each of them and lecturing them while she worked.

"So, rules. The biggest one is not fighting with the other tributes. You're also not allowed to leave. Any trainer can direct you to a restroom, if you need it. We encourage you to try new things and learn as many versatile skills as you can."

She finished up with Connor and gave him a pat on the shoulder.

"You're all done! Go explore." She gave them both a grin as she shooed them off.

Together, the District 10 tributes wandered towards the survival stations. Both of them looked around, slightly overwhelmed.

"What do we start with?" Connor asked.

"Maybe… edible plants?" Signy proposed. "If we don't find food, we'll…" her voice trailed off before she could say the word. The 'd' word. The 'die' word. Connor seemed to pick up on her discomfort, and gave her a smile.

"Sounds good to me."

There was one other girl at the station. Signy was pretty sure she was from District 9. She was pretty; slightly plump, with golden hair, freckles, blue eyes, and rosy cheeks. She gave the two of them an awkward smile as they approached.

"Hey," she said, not quite making eye contact. "I'm Braulia."

"I'm Signy, and this is Connor," Signy said. "Nice to meet you."

Braulia looked a little shocked, but smiled.

"It's nice to meet you too."

Signy knew she was going into a death match. She knew. But it didn't mean she had to treat people badly, or snub them. Braulia seemed nice, and Signy wasn't going to be a jerk to her for no reason.

And besides, Braulia was actually being really helpful! Neither Connor nor Signy knew much about edible plants, but the girl from 9 seemed fairly knowledgeable. She corrected the mistakes the other two made, but was gentle and polite about it. By the end of their time at that station, Signy knew she wanted Braulia as an ally.

When they parted ways, Signy put a hand on Connor's arm to get his attention.

"Would you be okay with Braulia joining us?" she asked.

"In our alliance?" Connor asked. Signy nodded. "Yeah, definitely. But I kind of want to focus on weapons right now."

"Okay," Signy said. "I'll tell her."

She found Braulia near the camouflage station, struggling with recreating muddy rocks on her leg. Signy knelt beside her.

"You're close," she said. "But you need to add more depth. Shadows and light; that sort of thing. Here, let me."

She took the brush from the girl's hand and began to paint the fake mud over her shin. When she was done, Braulia's leg looked like part of the bottom of a muddy stream.

"Wow," Braulia breathed. "You're good at this."

"I'm a painter," Signy told her. Braulia grinned.

"That's awesome."

"Not as awesome as your plant knowledge," Signy said. "Connor and I wanted you to join our alliance, if you're up for it."

"Really?" Braulia asked, looking shocked. "I'd love to!"

The bell rang to announce lunch, and the two girls met back up with Connor, who pulled them into a huddle.

"The girl from 7 is really good with an ax," he said. "If we want another ally, we should definitely ask her."

"Sounds like a plan," Signy said.

Knowing that she wouldn't be alone was far more comforting than she expected. She knew Darcia had warned her not to fully trust her allies, but neither Braulia nor Connor seemed like they'd betray her. She did trust them.

Hi everyone! Lots of training chapters today :) I don't have much to say in this author's note, so I hope you enjoy the chapter, and please leave a review!

Have a nice day, be kind to each other, and never stop reading!

- Fiona