dead star shines {cato}

This is exactly what I've been waiting for. A chance to fight. A chance to prove just how worthy I am. Ever since I've been young this is exactly what I've wanted. It runs through my veins with every heart beat, and right now I've never felt more alive. All of my training has a chance to finally pay off, and I'm ever so excited. This is my chance to shine. It's my chance to prove to everyone that district two is capable of having a victor. Many years have gone by since someone from two wore the crown, and it's time that I brought it home. Not a single person gathered here today will stand in my way.

Walking through the training center surveying the scene, I can't help but feel confident. I truly think there is no equal to me. The survival stations hold no interest for me. What does however are the weapon stations. Sure, I know how to use swords and spears, but it never hurts to touch up on what one is most comfortable with. I know I can beat the others with whatever I manage to get my hands on. The weapons laid before me are impressive. A variety of each type of weapon. A curved sword catches my eye which I pick up immediately. The feel of it in my hand invigorates me. No tribute in the vicinity, so I decide to spar with a trainer. They'll be sufficient practice at least for now. I extend my sword toward the trainer clearly taunting him with an aura of superiority. Without saying a word, I'm giving off the impression that I'm better than him.

Allies. The word pops into my head as I trade blows with the trainer. Very rarely do I see solo tributes do well. I've thought about it. Going solo that is. I wouldn't have to sleep with one eye open. There would be no relying on others for food, water, or protection at night from roaming mutts. There ware benefits to having help. My immediate choice of allies would be my fellow careers. Almost as quickly, I decide against recruiting them. They know what they're doing. No doubt the seventy seventh careers would steam roll the other tributes, but it would only make the end game that much harder to navigate. What I need are disposable allies. Ones capable of holding a weapon. Meat shields essentially. Whether its one kill or six, walking out alive is what matters.

That's when I hear the sound of something sharp dragging across the ground. I cringe at the sound because it's something terrible. I've only heard the sounds in school. A crooked grin twists across my face spreading from ear to ear as I spot a kid dragging it along. I could offer to help him, but at the same time I could make it all worse. I could ruin his entire plan on learning to train. I want to make it easier to kill him when the time comes, and yet I want him on my side to shield me until it's time for him to die. I walk over towards him hoping to stop him from dragging that sword, but it's so much more than that. "Sure that's the weapon you want to use? You look bored."