Edge Of Destruction

Chapter 17

Muttering under my breath, I drag my feet as I enter the physical combat room. The instructor, who I instantly recognise as Troy, stands idle whilst everyone changes into their uniform. Fortunately I am already wearing my uniform so I decide to make conversation with Troy.

"Hi, I didn't know you were an instructor," I state.
"Well I was going to tell you but you went all Katniss on Jalen," he laughs. My jaw drops to the ground and my eyes widen.
"You like Hunger Games," I ask in shock.
"Duh, it is the best!" he grins. I am about to go into a rant about Finnick's death but by now all the other students have crowded around.

"Today, in Physical Combat we will be physically fighting!" Troy's voice rings through the room. "To ensure the strong people don't fight with the weaker ones, I have made a list of your fights." He drags our attention to a little board. Most of the names are unusual to me so I search down the list for my name.

Arianna  &  Mia

My breath hitches in my throat when I see Mia; the same girl who I angered on my very first day here. The same girl who said to me she would get me back. If I was in the castle I would have demanded for a different opponent but here I have enough dignity to not beg people.
I watch carefully at how everyone else fights their opponents, judging where best it is to put my feet and where to keep my hands. I pick up on competitors strengths and their weaknesses. Inevitably it is time for my fight with Mia.

Mia, who is a big, muscular women, glares at me with all her might. Instantly I know I won't be able to beat but I have never gone down without a fight and this bodybuilder women won't make me.

Thoughtfully I position myself into my fighting stance and Mia does likewise.
"Always time to forfiet, Princess," she teases arrogantly.
"Be my guest," I shoot back.

Her face is blank of any emotion and I know talking time is over. She lunges forward and collides her fist into my jaw full power. I am knocked back a few steps and slightly off balance. She uses this to her advantage and shoves her knee into my stomach, which makes me double over. I feel her elbow slam into the back of my neck and I want to scream in agony but I won't let her have that satisfaction. Mia punches my forehead and I taste a sharp, metallic, red liquid.

Any person would have given up by now but years of torture make dealing with pain easier. Maybe easier enough to withstand Mia.

I am back on my feet and throw a hard punch, Mia screeches which fills my heart with happiness. Furious, she jumps forward and thrusts her fist into my lungs. Simultaneously she twists my arms behind my back and drops me to the ground. Why isn't Troy stopping this? I could die. Despite being almost unconsious, Mia is still kicking my ribs and I hear her growl "that is for calling me pathetic, you stupid, ugly, weak princess."

Then everything goes black.

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