The Rebel Queen

16

Peeta and I walk slowly into the public training range. I notice the two newcomers already smashing their weapons into one another and circling in the dirt. They both shine in the winter sun, their bodies pretty much bare save their armor. There is a clang as their weapons meet, metal scraping metal as they try to push one another over. Peeta glances at me and I place my hand on his arm.

"They are strong," he says. 

"So are we," I say and he just shakes his head.

"They are fighting without shields and using real weapons," He says and I just shake my head.

"Yes, but we will be using ours too, so it's even," I say. He shakes his head, looking at the two as they disengage and start laughing at each other. 

"I still think this was a bad idea," He says and I glance at him. I carefully squeeze his arm and pull up my sword.

"If you would rather fight her, I'll take on Apollo over there," I joke and he chuckles a little. "Relax. We are just accessing skills. We only fight to first blood in matches like this." Johanna and Finnick notice us and start walking over. they stop a little ways off and set their weapons in front of them in militia like synchronization. 

"Good day, Lady," They say and I roll my eyes. 

"I'm not your Master," I say. "You don't need to address me like I'm going to chop your head off if you step wrong."

"We swore our weapons to you, Madam," Finnick says, looking up and I cross my arms. 

"Yes, we shall see shortly the kind of use I will find in the warriors who bare them," I say, looking between the two. "Who would like to go first?" Johanna smirks and steps forward.

"Ladies first is the typical etiquette,"  she says and I nod, glancing at Peeta.

"So be it," I say. "What would you like to use?" Peeta glances at me.

"You are letting her choose?" He asks and I nod.

"I presented the challenge, set the time," I say. "She will choose the conditions." Johanna looks between us and nods at the blade in my hand."

"We can use swords," She says. "I won't need the advantage of my own weapon." Finnick chuckles and I nod to Peeta.

"Get her a sword and a shield," I say and he blinks a moment before going to grab the weapons from the rack.

I look at my wrapped hands and tighten my arm guards and pulling my left arm into my shield. The leather grip of my sword is cool in my fingers and I carefully pull it as Peeta hands the woman warrior the weapons. She turns the blade over and winks at him, but he turns and walks over to me. 

"Be careful," He says and I grab onto my necklace.

"She isn't the first enemy I have faced," I say. "I have always had protection with me. Today will be no different." He sighs and rests his head against mine. 

"Just promise me you will not be foolish," He whispers. "This is not a known enemy." I take a deep breath and nod, resting my hand on his shoulder.

"I promise," I reply and he slowly lets go, kissing my forehead. 

"Good luck, Moonlight," He says before he turns and walks over to stand beside Finnick.  

"Done making out?" Johanna asks and I turn to look at her, raising my sword. 

"Well, for now perhaps," I say, carefully setting myself. "We fight to first blood. Defeat me and earn a place on my council. Be defeated, and you will become a common soldier."