Strong (Johanna Mason Fanfic)

First day of Training

        I am awoken by a loud repetitive knock on my door. I see Lance, who probably passed out,  sprawled out on my bed.  I know that Livia is probably trying to get me out of my room.

        "Okay, I'm coming. I'll be there in ten!" I yell. 

        I jump into the shower and clean up after yesterday's event. Once again, I mess around with the buttons, alternating between boiling hot water, and icy cold jets. I finally find the perfect temperature and press the button that has pine scented shampoo and bathing gel. I step out of the shower and the air-dryers engulf me in a hot wind turbine. My hair falls just at my shoulders, softer than usual and my body finally feels clean. My legs, waxed from yesterday are shining in the sunlight from the window and my body is actually soft and free of scars or cuts. 

        I walk toward the drawers where I find an outfit laid out for me. Tight black pants, a tight black tank top, both made from a strange stretchy plastic-like material, and black shoes. They fit me perfectly and I look at myself in the enormous mirror. I look good. For once, I look good. I turn to Lance, who still is sprawled out on my bed. I tap his shoulder, nothing. I see that the bottle of liquor that he brought is empty. Does he feel the same way I do? He doesn't have that rebellious attitude though. I slap him, I hit him, I yell at him, still nothing. I finally kiss him, nothing. I go ahead and take a bucket, meant for dirty clothes and I fill it up with icy cold water. I then dump it all over him. He frantically jolts up and screams. He falls to the ground almost as fast as he got up. I cannot restrain myself from laughing my ass off for a good minute or two.

        "What the hell Johanna?!" he yells.

        "Dude, chill, you passed out. Had to wake you up somehow..." I laugh as I run out of my room to the dining room. 

        I run into Blight and we battle for who gets the first serving of the fluffy pastries. I take a bite, unable to restrain myself from a good sigh. I plate myself tons of fruit, two more buns and a cup of hot chocolate. I eat up as Blight and Griffan admire me. 

        "What? I'm hungry!" I laugh as I finish my last sip of hot chocolate. 

        As if on cue, Lance stumbles into the dining room. I see he took a shower, probably in my room and he is half-running, half-stumbling to the food table. He finally slumps down in his chair. 

        "Okay, this is the first day of joined training. You must not reveal any impressive skills. That will get you killed in the first minute." says Blight.

        "What are you good with, Lance?" asks Griffan.

        "Axes, anything, I guess. I could do with a sword." he replies.

        "Okay, Johanna, keep up your frail and scared face. Hide your skill, I guess and find yourself a nice surviving activity." she says.

        "I was planning on doing that." I snap.

        Once we are all done with breakfast, we walk to the elevator and we go down to the Training Center. I cling onto Lance's arm and put on my scared face. The doors open and we both walk in. I gasp at the size of the room. So many weapons... I could die here. We are some of the first tributes here. Once everyone arrives, the training woman speaks about the activities provided and how they can serve during the Games. I zone out at some point. I look at the array of the most beautiful axes I have ever seen. I see big, long, sharp blades, deadly just by the look of it. Even though I am deadly with those things, I stop myself. 

        The bell rings and we are now allowed to do what we please. I go with Lance to the plant station. The instructor seems pleased to have some students. I learn about some edible plants and how to distinguish poisonous ones from safe ones. We then move on to the knot-tying station. I learn how to trap someone and leave him dangling by one leg from a tree and how to make a noose. I could use this in the arena if I am desperate to die at my own hands.