#Frenemies ??? [Mason and Zeki]

I can feel the sweat forming. I've been here wrestling for Ripred knows how long. I've always found wrestling enjoyable. A true test of strength and determination. I gaze toward my opponent for this wrestling match. A few steps to shake his hand and we're back in position ready to strike. A small ringing noise alerts me that the match has begun. I circle my opponent looking for an opening. We lock hands for a brief moment before backing off. For the moment my opponent and I are evenly matched. Neither finding the opening they seek. The next few seconds are the same. More circling and locking hands. I rush my opponent wrapping my hands around one of his legs and take him down only for him to get right back up. A moment later and I find myself on my back struggling against an attempt to lock me in a submission.

Another ringing noise and the round is over. I don't need to look at the score to know I've lost the round. I swear under my breathe before taking a long drink of water. Few moments later the new round begins. This time I waste no time going after his takedown defense. Within moments, I've brought my opponent on the ground. Unfortunately the trainer knows his stuff and keeps to his stomach. Not letting me get control. I bring my arm across his face with his reaction just what I wanted. He curls up a bit to avoid the arm when I switch my arm from his face to his exposed leg. I lock my hands across the underside of his knee and dig my knee in his side. I've locked him in a submission and a few moments later the referee taps my shoulder to let me know I've won.

I shake the hand of the trainer before turning around noticing another tribute is within speaking distance of this station. Watching me perhaps? Who knows. "Why watch when you can participate? Come on over and wrestle with me." I don't expect the tribute to actually come over here. What I do expect is for him to bolt in the opposite direction. No one ever wants to learn how to wrestle. A good wrestling match is worth being fatigued. I could use some time to myself to catch my breathe and recover, but wrestling this man should be fun. Give me a new opponent rather than these trainers who know just about every move I attempt.

I never expected the kid to accept the challenge I threw at him. I can imagine how people see me. Looking so much older than everyone around me. Physique intimidating. Even being from two alone scares some folks here. How he accepted alerts me that he doesn't know what to do. Too intimidated to stay with the same thing being said for leaving. Truthfully? He must not know a thing about how to take someone down let alone know how to wrestle and win at that. Whereas I know several different ways just to take someone down. A headlock with one sweep at the feet. A single leg. Both legs. So many different possibilities. Even better is the many different things one can do on the ground. My favorite would be grabbing an opponent's arm and yanking it in a way it shouldn't be bent.

He steps up to face me. Going along with what he got out of his mouth about accepting. A small part of me feels sorry for him. If our situations were reverse, I'd feel terrified. I'd be shivering in fear of wrestling someone five times bigger than me. I've already issued the challenge so there's no going back on it. I'd look extremely stupid bowing out of a match with someone who's not even from a career district. The best I can do for him is teach him a bit about takedowns and some hand to hand stuff. Not enough to make it useful against say a career, but it could mean the difference in getting a weapon in the bloodbath. I should let this guy go in without experience, but for reasons beyond me this tribute will get my help. Even if its a small contribution, he'll get some pointers.

He's not looking me in the eyes. Can't say I blame him at all. He asks what to do next and suddenly the small amount of guilt I had melts away which turns into excitement. "Once the bell rings you try to take me down and pin my shoulders to the mat for three seconds. Sounds easy in theory right? If it appears to hard you can make me tap." I can imagine how he'll respond. If he doesn't bolt in the opposite direction well I'd be extremely shocked. He already doesn't want to be here. If he stays he'd be showing a lot of guts. I'd respect him a bit for staying. I nod toward the referee and position myself for the start of the match should he accept. My gaze turns back toward my potential opponent. Let the fun begin.