Through the Struggle (Through the Eyes Sequel)

Chapter 3

The next morning I wake up with my arm draped around my forehead. I turn and wipe the sleep from my eyes. I squirm out of the blankets and head to the shower. I wash the sleepiness from my body and step out, changing into the same training clothes as last year. I French braid my hair down my back and pull down some loose strands so I don't look completely bald. I slip on the pair of matching boots and close the door to the room behind me. I walk down the hallway to see Trachea, Omar, and Hummer sitting down at the table eating breakfast.

"Good morning," Trachea says and I take a seat next to Hummer.

"Ariston, you know the drill for training. Hummer, you might be alittle new, but stick with Ariston and you'll fit in with the rest of them." Omar explains while chewing sausage strips.

"Got it. Hang with her, and hate her. Sounds easy." He chides.

"Good one." I mock and roll my eyes. He chuckles.

"What's your weapon anyways?" I ask, digging into my breakfast.

"Bow and arrow."

"Better not turn out to be like Iris." Trachea jokes and they laugh. I can't help but chuckle. Hummer sits there, perplexed.

"You have to be a victor." Omar says and jokingly pats him on the head. He fumes with anger while we stand and dump our plates off.

"Let's go, newbie. We have training to do." I say and walk towards the elevator. Hummer flexes his jaw and steps on the elevator with me.

It's a short ride to the training center and once the doors open, all eyes fall on us. Mainly people look at Hummer. Few look at me, like the ones that said they wanted me dead. The girl from 8 begins to yell threats at me and I simply roll my eyes and ignore her. I see the boy from 5 looking sympathetically at me. He mentioned during his interview about how he supported me. I guess not everyone from 5 hates my guts, but the people from 8 sure do.
Then, I see the creep from last night. District 4. He's flirting with Amma and instantly I storm over there. I grab her arm and pull her behind
me.

"What's the problem?" He asks rudely.

"Don't ever lay a hand on another girl again," I warn him and jab a finger in his direction. "or I'll kill you myself."

He huffs and pushes my hand away and storms off.

"Oh my god, is he a-" Amma begins but I cut her off.

"Just stay away from him. He's trouble." I say and begin walking back to where Hummer is waiting. Amma follows quickly.

"That's funny. He seemed nice."

"He's a creep, Amma. I mean it, stay away." I explain and she nods, looking back at him. We make it back to Hummer and see him waiting with a bow already in his hands, ready to start training.

"My brothers over there by the Kama station. That's kinda his thing." She explains and we look over and see her brother, Kyan, swinging the curved blades in both hands and striking each target perfectly, meaning an instant kill.

"What your skill?" I ask her.

"Axe."

Almost instantly, I'm reminded of Lua, and how she died hand and hand with me, all due to an axe in her chest. A shiver runs through my body and my face goes pale.

"You alright?" Hummer asks, stepping uncomfortably close. I nod shakily and and try my hardest to shake away the memory.

"I'm gonna go to the knife throwing station. I'll meet up with you guys afterwards." I explain and begin making my way over. I see the girl from One has the same skill as me, and she seems to be just as good. When she throws the knife, the throw is parallel, which I prefer some spin cause it's better accuracy, but she seems to be doing alright with it. Although, her form is a little off and she's kinda sloppy.