Crimson

Chapter 4

Konner

Today is the first day of training. AKA watching Careers humiliate us. Georgette is already picking at her breakfast when I sit down at the table. Seren's eyeing the girl with disgust. As I eat, I take in the view from eight stories up. The rising sun, artificial or not, casts a dreamy glow on the silvery Capitol buildings. 

It takes no time for Seren to change from disgusted to panicked. 

"We need to leave, NOW!" she screams, glancing at the clock. 

I roll my eyes. It's 8:52, and training starts at 10:00. Sighing, I let the stylist, who's name I learn is Juvia, dress me in the uniform. Then I meet a pacing Seren and an annoyed Georgette by the door. Her outfit matches mine, from the tank top to the shoes molded to our feet. In no time, Seren gets us to the Training Center-43 minutes early. Then she leaves. 

My district partner and I exchange a look, unsure what to do in the empty space. I pick up a spear and swing it around, getting used to the strange movement. Georgette wanders over to the fabric station, quickly beginning to sew. 

The Careers arrive soon after. They stroll in like they own the place-probably because, in some twisted way, they do. I watch as a boy from District 1, who must be close to my age, grabs a sword and twirls it effortlessly, glancing my way with a smirk. He looks like he was born with that thing in his hand.

Georgette doesn't seem to notice them, her head down and hands busy at the sewing station. She's piecing together what looks like a makeshift sling or strap, though I'm not sure if it's for a weapon or something else entirely. I'm not even sure she knows. She's just focused, blocking out everyone else.

The girl from District 1-a tall, sharp-eyed girl with a permanent glare-makes her way to the knives. She barely glances my way, but I can feel the unspoken challenge in her posture as she throws a knife into the nearest target with deadly precision. I try to ignore the way my pulse quickens.

Fumbling with the spear again, I give it another swing, trying to mimic the ease with which the Careers move. I'm not terrible, but I'm also not fooling anyone. The weapon feels foreign in my grip, awkward and clunky compared to the smooth, practiced movements of the Careers. Georgette glances up from her work and sees my struggle, offering a faint, sympathetic smile. I shrug, trying to laugh it off, but the boy from District 2 catches my expression.

"Better stick to something simpler," he says, loud enough for the other Careers to hear. They snicker, and I feel the heat rise in my face.

I leave the station, moving swiftly to the fire starting station. While I'm struggling to make a fire, I feel a figure crouch down beside me. It's Seraphina. Today, her mess of curls is tied up in a bun atop her head. Her brown eyes seem to sparkle as they meet my dull blue ones. 

"Do  you need help?" she asks. 

My face reddens even more. "Yes," I mumble. 

In no time, Seraphina has started a fire. Then, she proceeds to teach me how, placing her firm hands around my unsteady ones and guiding me through the process. When the heat of the fire flares up in my face, my lips stretch into a smile. 

"It's all about the technique," she explains, her voice steady and calm. "Once you get that down, it becomes second nature."

I focus on her words, trying to soak in every detail. The way her fingers brush against mine, guiding me, sends a warmth through me that has nothing to do with the fire. I can't help but watch her as she speaks, her passion lighting up her face.

"Okay, your turn," she says, stepping back and gesturing for me to give it another shot.

I take a deep breath and try to replicate her movements, striking the flint against the steel with more confidence this time. After a few tries, I feel the spark catch. The small flame flickers to life, and a rush of pride surges through me.

"See? You did it!" Seraphina cheers, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Now we just need to keep it going."

I grin back at her, a real smile breaking through the nerves. "Thanks, Seraphina. I owe you one."

"Just promise me you'll practice," she replies, her tone suddenly serious. "We're going to need every skill we can get when the Games start."

I nod, the weight of her words settling in. "Yeah, I'll practice. I promise."

After the fire station, we move to the next area—a makeshift combat zone designed to test our fighting skills. I watch as the Careers go through a series of drills, their movements sharp and confident. I feel like a fish out of water, but I'm determined to at least try.

"Ready to spar?" a boy from District 2 calls over, his expression challenging. I can tell he's itching for an easy victory.

"Yeah, I'm ready," I reply, more bravado than I feel.

As we step into the center, the others gather around, whispering and exchanging glances. I'm acutely aware of the attention, and my stomach churns. The boy's stance is aggressive, and I can see the muscles coiling in his arms as he grips his weapon.

"Just remember to keep your guard up," Seraphina advises from the sidelines, her voice steadying me.

I nod, trying to focus. The boy lunges at me, and I barely have time to react. I block his first strike but stumble back, losing my footing.

"Come on, you can do better than that!" he taunts, and the laughter from the other Careers stings.

I grit my teeth and force myself to regain my stance. As he comes at me again, I see an opening. I swing my spear, catching him off guard. The move surprises everyone, including me, as he stumbles back.

"Nice one!" Seraphina shouts, and my heart races with a mix of adrenaline and pride.

But the boy quickly recovers, anger flashing in his eyes. He charges again, and this time, I'm ready. I evade his strike, swinging my spear in a wide arc. It catches him off balance, and I push forward, using the momentum to land a hit against his side.

The crowd gasps, and I can't help but feel a surge of triumph.

"Okay, maybe you've got some fight in you after all," he mutters begrudgingly, stepping back.

"Don't underestimate me," I reply, surprised by my own boldness.

As the training session winds down, I find myself in a small group with Seraphina and Georgette. We're all sweating and breathing heavily, but there's a lightness in the air that wasn't there before.

"Konner, that was incredible!" Georgette exclaims, her eyes wide with excitement. "You really stood up to him!"

"I can't believe I actually did that," I say, feeling a mix of disbelief and exhilaration.

Seraphina bumps my shoulder playfully. "I knew you had it in you. You just needed to believe it."

We share a laugh, and for a moment, the looming threat of the Games feels far away. It's as if we've forged a bond in the chaos, a fragile thread of hope amidst the uncertainty.

"Tomorrow, we should work on some more skills together," I suggest, glancing at both of them. "Maybe you can teach me some of your knife techniques, Seraphina?"

"Absolutely!" she replies, her smile infectious. "And I can show you how to defend yourself if someone gets too close."

"Deal," I say, feeling a newfound sense of determination.

As we leave the training center, I can't shake the feeling that we're not just competitors—we're allies in this fight for survival. And as long as we have each other, maybe we'll stand a chance in the arena.