45

Me and Vad just talked about life, which was nice. It was refreshing having a different opinion about everything and just someone to listen, even with my boy problems.

I went to bed later, though the nerves got the best of me, I was tossing and turning all night. At one point I looked over at the clock.

3:30 A.M

No point trying to sleep now.

I look at the ceiling sighing, I whip off the blankets getting dressed for training. It's still weird to think about I was just getting trained, now I'm the trainer.

I heard walking around in Vad's room, I dig through my bag looking for some workout clothes.

I threw on the black pair, braiding my hair so it's out of the way leaving just a couple strands loose.

I go out of my door, Vad coming out too. " Your ready?" He asks.

" Yea."

We go down the stairs walking out the door, the cold air makes me shiver but it feels refreshing at the same time.

Luckily his house is really close to the academy so the walk was only 7 minutes.

I open the door quickly, walking fast to the corridors. I knock on their door waiting for a response. Nothing.

I knock again harder this time. Evie peeks her head out of the door looking at us.

I let out a relieved sigh, " Morning sunshine."

" Morning." She mumbles tiredly.

" Are you and Fero ready?"

Fero comes dragging to the door also. " We're ready."

I can't help but laugh at the two, they looked like zombies walking behind us, the quietest I've heard them.

I go into one of the private rooms, locking the door behind us before turning back to the three of them. "First thing to wake you two up, I want you to run 10 laps around here."

They look at me and Vad like I asked them to run around the whole district that many times. " Come on.. the faster the better." I say cheerily.

Evie rolls her eyes starting to run, Fero followed. "Off to a great start." Vad leans in smiling over at me. I chuckle, we both go to sit on the small row of bleachers watching the two run.

Once they were done they were heaving.

" Ok, I can show you some tips reguarding breathing." I taught them how to breath when they fall tired. It'll help if they're chasing, or being chased.

" Now I want you to run 5 more using that breathing."

They look at me before running again reluctantly. "Once your tired try the breathing. That's the point, see how you feel."

We watched them run, I could tell they were getting tired but running faster, meaning they were using the breathing.

" Good, good job. Take a fast break. Help eachother stretch."

They took turns helping eachother. I could tell Vad was getting bored I figured we could have a little fun with them.

" I want 20 push ups, take a minute break then another 20!" I yell.

" Seriously?" Evie whined glaring at me.

" Yea. Did I stutter?" I question.

" Our legs and arms are killing us." She said sitting there.

Already they are giving back talk which annoyed me. Our district would grumble but still do it.

" Get up before your body starts cramping. Regardless, your going to do what I tell you. Or we can run again?"

" Come on.." Fero said lowly to Evie. She rolled her eyes following Fero.

" Don't you guys have those foam swords for training?" I whisper to Vad.

He looks at me playfully a smirk falling across his lips.

He jumps up going in the supply closet. I notice Fero watching, following him, good he's observant.

He comes out walking normally to them. They look at him before he winds up hitting Evie in the back.

" OW!" She yells turning to look at Vad which he returned with a slap from the fake weapon.

Still he hits her repeatedly.

" DODGE! Fero, help her!" I yell.

" How? I don't have anything!" He yells.

" Figure it out!"

He looks at Evie who is still getting beat with the fake weapon.

Evie is trying to catch it but Vad was toying with her a smile on his face. I roll my eyes going to the supply closet grabbing another one.

I throw it to Fero, " Come on! MOVE MOVE!"

He takes the noodle, attempting to hit Vad but he would parry it, " stabbing" him. Then attacking Evie again.

" Ok! Vad stop flirting and get over here. You guys take a rest."

Vad comes back, I eye him. " What?" He scoffs. "Your not flirting with my tribute." I laugh.

" I wasn't flirting." He says annoyed.

I give him a sarcastic nod, " Ok."

I make them run, push ups, sit ups, a good workout. They're going to be sore tomorrow but they need to build muscle and get fit as fast as possible before even stepping foot in with our tributes to spar.

I look at the small clock 5:35

" Ok kids, we need to go into the main room now to get introduced to the other kids, remember what I said yesterday."

They nod, looking 5 shades paler.

" Don't worry, your not training with them yet. Your going to just watch." I reassure.

They looked a lot better once I said that, no doubt being in the room with all of them will be just as stressful. But it will be good to watch maybe they can pick up on something.

We walk out of the private room going down the hall where we hear chatter. We walk in seeing all the kids coming from the main doors going into their groups, talking, laughing, and realizing that we just walked in.

Soon everyone was looking at us, I see Cato walk in with Enobaria. I look over to Vad rolling my eyes. "She acts like she's happy to retire, but I think she doesn't want to."

Vad laughs, " I was just thinking the same thing."

" That's ok I guess, less for us to do."

We both laugh, I turn to still see everyone looking at us. Cato looked mad, but he looked away quickly looking at some of the kids pulling out weapons.

" How about you introduce the fresh meat?" One kid said. The rest chuckle.

I look back at the kids, mentioning for them to come up by me.

" As I think you all already know.. these are 12. Evangeline Marcos and Fero Mosinee. They'll be here until reaping for this years Games, they'll train with us until then."

Enobaria pipes up giving them all a stern look. " And I expect you ALL treat them with the most respect... And if I hear otherwise there will be punishments."

They all fell more silent then they were before. They all were terrified of her.

I give a confident smile. " I'm glad we're all on the same page. You two, go to the survival station. The rest of you... 25 laps."

They all jumped to run. I give 12 a look, them rolling their eyes knowing not to complain... their room was about a quarter of the size and they only needed to do 15 in total.

They went with another trainer there, they were learning about plants I'm pretty sure. I walked back to the corner where Vad was, he looked a bit bothered.

" You good?" I ask.

" Yes."

I looked at him, confused. He glances at me before rolling his eyes looking back at the kids.

" What?" I ask more sincere.

" I'm fine." He says a little shorter this time.

" Vadddd."

I walk to be directly in front of him. My hands on my hips waiting for him to say something. " I'd talk before they are done."

" I'm just getting death stares from your boyfriend and my sister."

I don't bother to turn, " I wouldn't even worry at this point, we both know we're not being anything more then friends."

" OUCH" he says, acting hurt.

I laugh. " Sorry.Just platonic."

I finally turn, avoiding looking anywhere near Enobaria or Cato, I'm sure I'll get talked to later from one of the two, preferably Enobaria.

I'm not even close to be ready to talk to Cato.

I watch them run, trying to pass eachother, watching their breathing, their body language, every little thing I can notice.

I see two smaller girls weaving through the crowd, they are all to familular, Priya and Macy. A small smile comes to my face watching them.

Once I followed where they went, watching them. They were some of the first ones done. They both looked a me, I give them a smile which they returned.

I know they want to jump out of line but they know better then that.

I haven't spoke really to them It's just been crazy.

" Stretch!!..... That means you too Blake!" Cato yells dominantly. Seems everyone flinches for just a second when he yells. I even did by how loud it was.

" Insecure much?" Vad whispers as he walks pass me, he goes into line with all his buddies, they all whisper, nudging him as he walks all looking at me.

I roll my eyes, walking through the kids, as expected Macy and Priya are teamed together. " Work harder ladies!" I yell, they look at me, I give them a cocky smile walking past.

They glare but end up smirking. I go to the small station where 12 was. They were looking at some plants, inspecting them.

" How's it going?" I ask.

" Fine, though the kids are scaring the crap outta me." Fero whispers.

I smirk, " You'll get used to it, You'll be looking at the other tributes like that when training."

" Cato scares me." Evie says so quietly, I chuckled that's rich coming from her.

I try to hide my smile " Like I said if he or anyone else gives either of you trouble let me know."

I give her a little nudge on her shoulder " I don't think Vad will let anything happen to you either."

Her face gets so red I laugh, actually laugh. " Shut up." She says pushing me, I know it was playful but it was still kinda hard.

" Ohhh getting a little spunky now huh?" I say, maybe a little to loud giving her a little push back.

" Let's see the newbies fight." One of Vads friends say eyeing Evie up like a meal.

" No." I say bluntly eyeing him.

" Why not?" Cato pipes in, walking lazily closer to me and my tributes.

I sigh looking at him. " Because they haven't even been here for 24 hours.. that's why."

Everyone went quiet, waiting for what was about to happen. I saw mischief in Cato's eyes he'll push his luck.

" It'll be good practice, I'm sure they can protect themselves." He says eyeing the two of them up. " And if they can't..it's all good for training right?"

" No, they aren't ready."

" Or maybe they're just to weak." He says with a cocky smirk.

" Cato." I try to say as levelly as possible.

" Kaylaya." He mocks my tone taking another step forward.

" Stop." I say quickly.

" Stop what?"

I clench my jaw, he cocks his eyebrow waiting for me to respond.

" I'll do it." Evie pipes up.

I turn around. " No."

" I'll be fine."

She eyes me, I know she doesn't want to appear weak, she wants to gain respect from them. But this is just Cato being mean.

" I get to pick who she's against."

" Fine." He says with a smirk.

Enobaria is looking between us two, I know she's debating whether to intervene or not but apparently she decides against it.

" Vad, get up there." I say giving him a look.

He looks at me before walking up there.

He knows to go easy, and I can trust he'll do just that.

" Of course." Cato scoffs.

Vad smiles tautly, " What's the issue?"

He looks over at Vad, " This is going to be a boring fight. Actually.." He trails off pushing up his sleeves, " How about we fight little Blake?"

" Cato!" Enobaria says sharply.

" If you want a fight so bad,me and you can go Hadley." I challenge.

He shuts up looking at me if I'm serious. I know even if he hates me at the moment, he won't hit me..or I think. But if he wants to fight with me, I'll fight him. If thats what he really wants. He just wants a fight.

" Guys..." Enobaria finally says.

" No. If he wants a fight, I'll give him a fight."

The center was looking between us ready for something to blow.

I smile. " I'll let you think about it when they're fighting." I look over to the two, " Get it over with."

And with that I walk back, I can see Cato out of the corner of my eye but I'm not looking at him, I refuse.

Fero comes over, standing next to me. I see Priya and Macy on the other side of the room looking at me.

Priya eyes me and Hadley- no, glares at Hadley.

Evie and Vad go on opposite sides of the mat. Evie takes a breath focusing on Vad, Vad looks unsure what to do.

People are cheering for Vad, saying let her have it. He looks at me one more time before advancing on Evie.

He takes a couple punches, physcing her out, she side steps around him, just watching. Vad goes again but she ducks turning getting a hit in his side.

" Ohh.. she's got a little power." He says with a smile.

She still goes round, he picks up the pace. He manages to try pushing her but she shoulders him back.

He steps back a couple feet. " Come on.. you fight like a girl." She says a small smirk on here face.

People laugh around the side lines. I cross my arms watching. Vad feels a little embarrassed. So he tried harder.

He shoulders her back, that seemed to bother her because she swings though it was a tad sloppy hitting him in the face.

He grabs his face, a laugh coming from him. " That's how you want to play 12"

" Bring it on 2" she says.

" You asked for it."

He comes at her trying to tap her face, he gets one lightly slapping her face. But she dodges the others.

Eventually I can tell she's trying, same with him. They were all over the place, people were cheering. Finally Vad had enough, he charged her, tackling her to the ground.

She was below him squirming. " All you need to do is submit 12."

" Nope." She says stubbornly.

She tried to get at his face but Vad pinned her arms. She stopped for a second looking at him, breathing heavily.

" Your done 12, just say it."

She still was breathing heavy, she would stop them squirm. Why wasn't she submitting? Then I see her move her leg up slowly, he would think the movement was her squirming. She takes her leg kicking him just above his groin hoisting him off of her.

He falls, soon she was on top of him, straddling him just like he was just seconds ago, she made a stabbing motion, and slitting motion. " Submit." She says proudly.

He scoffs, tapping out.

She smiles rolling off.

I look at her then at the crowd trying lightly to not smile. Vad was still on the ground. " She didn't break anything did she Blake?" I ask.

He flips me off still laying there catching his breath. Some of his buddies help him up. He looks over smiling at us.

" Nice job." I tell Evie as she walks back over to us.

Fero slings his arm around her, saying something to which they both laughed.

" Still up for the fight?" I ask peeking my head over to Cato.

He looks over to me, " No."

" No?" I question stepping forward.

He clenches his jaw.

I couldn't help but smile as I walk closer to him."Did Hadley just reject a spar? Is that what I'm hearing?"

" Everyone practice!" Enobaria yells. They stand for a second before going, unhappy they can't watch this unfold.

" Go take a break." She yells at us.

I look over at her then at Cato." That's what I thought." I say almost seductively looking in his eyes then at his lips for just a brief moment before going to get a drink of water.

Training was done for the day, everyone was excused. Priya and Macy had their sights on me since the closing remarks.

" Outside Now." Priya said pulling me with. " 12, come too." She says. They eye me following warily.

" First off...." She lightly hits my shoulder. " that's for leaving us forever and not bothering to talk to us." She then lightly hits my head, making my laugh "And that's for running away to get your children. 5 hours of unnessasry looking for you."

" Sorry..Sorry." I say.

" What was that?!" Macy says loudly. I see people looking over to us. " Not here." I say lowly.

" How about we go for a walk?" Macy suggests. "Then you can introduce us to your friends."

I look over at Fero and Evie. They looked unsure but I know Pri and Macy are the best friends they are going to get. " Ok."

We walked a little ways before I explain everything, how dumb Cato was being.

" He's literally ridiculous.." Macy mutters. I look at her surprised, that's a lot coming from her. She's normally so nice.

" I see you two improved a lot." I mention looking between the two girls.

" Yea, I saw you two run laps around some of the others." Fero said. They both smiled, lightly blushing at him.

Fero is kinda cute, not my type but it seems like they are according to the girls, though I wouldn't get to attached.

That pit grows in my stomach.

This is only temporary, though we have time so why worry about it now?

" So where have you been staying?" Priya asks.

" With Vad."

She looks at me like I'm stupid. " Well, that's one reason Hadley is probably mad. He openly admitted he didn't like Vad."

" He doessn't know I am."

She looks at me dumbly for a second, " You better hope he doesn't find out, Then he will kill Vad."

" Where else am I supposed to go?"

" Your old house.. Your new house..."

I sigh, " I don't want to stay at my old house."

" Why not?"

I give her a look. " Oh.. sorry, I didn't think of that." She said softly. Macy hits her under the table.

12 looks confused, but they don't say anything.

" And everything is still new, I don't want to talk to him yet so that house is out." I admit. " But.. I guess I'll just need to toughen it up and stay at my old house."

" We can always stay with you." Macy suggests.

" I agree, it's closer to the academy." Priya adds wiggling her eyebrows.

I giggled at her gesture, " I'd like that."

" Then it's settled." Priya says

I mean, I guess it works." Yea, I'll just need to get more clothes which is all..."

At the house. Me and Cato's house.

" We'll come with you." Priya says.

Fero yawns looking between me and Evie " Me and Evie will go back when you go. I think I might want to take a nap."

I let them go, I think they gained respect from today. When they were a distance away Macy looks from them to me " They can fight for being from 12. I was impressed, honestly."

" Evie can, I don't know about Fero." I say quietly.

" I think they can do more then you think." Priya says. I look back at 12, they were laughing with eachother. " I hope your right."

I call a car for us to take to the house, I felt a nervous pit in my stomach the kind of nervous I felt before the games. No doubt is he's home he'll pick a fight.

I thought picking a fight with him would make him stop. But I know his ego was bruised. Oops.

Now I just need to deal with the repercussions.

With Cato you never know, especially at this point.

I didn't notice my leg was shaking. Priya looks from my leg to me " We can just go grab the clothes if you want us to."

I smile. " No, I'll come in. I'll need to face him sometime, he might not even be at home anyways."

They smile, " Ok."

We arrive to the house, my heart was beating so fast it felt like I was going to throw up. We all go out walking up the house.

" Doors locked." Macy muttered. I pulled my keys unlocking the door. I walk in first, the first thing I see is Cato with another girl on the couch.

It's like everything stopped. My breath hitched, my eyes widened, for a couple seconds I couldn't even move.

As soon as he realizes the door opened he turned around about to say something but when his eyes met mine his face fell into a terrified look.

I feel the burning rage speed to the surface, all I could do for just that second was laugh. " And I'm the one who couldn't be trusted right?" I spit before making my way up the stairs.

" Shit..Kay!" He calls but I ignore him.

I go up the stairs, when I get through the loft is when I feel hot tears run down my face.

I hear Priya yelling something but I don't want to listen I get in my room shutting the door, breathing heavily.

What the actual heck is wrong with him?! I just caught him actively cheating on me..

I go in my closet grabbing a couple bags stuffing everything I can fit into them. I look at myself in the mirror.

I look at the small red splotches appearing when the glisten of tears, I run my hand over my face taking a few breaths.I see aspen's chain on the dresser, I put that on. Beside it was the ring Cato gave to me.

Because he "loved" me so much, oh how he could never lose me, his life would never be the same. I laugh to myself another lie.

In a week or so it's my birthday when he was supposed to propose offically. I take the ring shoving it in a drawer slamming it shut with a loud boom.

I take my bags, Priya and Macy were upstairs in the lounge area, guarding my door. " Do you need help carrying anything?" Macy asks.

I take a breath " Yea, here. Just carry these."

They take some of the bags, we go back down stairs where Cato literally just slammed the door in the girls face.

He turns around quickly. " Let me-"

" No." I say quickly shaking my head.

" Kay.. Just let me-."

" How do you think your going to explain your way out of this one?" I ask.

He parts his lips just a tad before closing them again.

I nod giving a jeering look. " We're done."

" Don't-" He tried to say grabbing my hand but I pull it away. " No."

" It wasn't what it looked like." He said quickly.

I stare at him for a second before blinking a couple times. " It looked like you were getting pretty comfortable." I spit.

" We're leaving." Priya says grabbing me before Me or Cato had a moment to even respond.

" Don't follow Hadley." She yelled back before closing the door.