(A/N I am changing the order of how things work and what happens and what does not happen, as earlier I said when I made them get dressed in the train instead of their apartments. Just making sure ya know)

I stood in my closet. There was a large selection of clothing here for me, although I had just worn my District twelve clothing this whole time besides the chariot ride. Now I was supposed to wear a simple black shirt and pants, with a stripe going down the side. the tripe as red, and another stripe of silver was next to it.

It also had the number twelve on it, probably for my district. It was tight and annoying, but I had to wear it.

I walked outside of the room, where I met up with Julie who was wearing an identical set of clothing. We where brought down the elevator, and into a huge basement for a training session. The training room was large, and it consisted of different stations.

There was a station for camouflage, with large arrangements of paint and a couple trees. There was a area of grass in the wall, where there where a couple trees and a little campfire. Probably where we learn to start a fire. There was also a station with books in it, and model plants. I would guess that's where we learn whats poisonous or not.

I decided that was where I was going to go first, I did not really want to explore the stations with axes and swords and maces.

"Tributes," Came a commanding voice.

I looked around and saw a woman with a serious face glaring at us. She began to discuss the rules of the training center, no fighting with others until the games, make sure to try and use every station, don't avoid the survival stations, its not all about killing. 

The woman eventually dismissed us, and I went straight over towards the books. Nobody came over here, so I could enjoy some peace. I sat cross-legged on the floor and read a book that described poisonous plants and healing abilities of other plants. It also contained some interesting things like what to do if you broke your leg in the wild.

I quickly read the book at unnatural speeds, soaking in all the information as I went through it. Maybe I have a chance, If I just survive in a little corner of the arena and let everyone else die. I decided that was my best bet, so I focused on reading all the books. I know that also included not getting attached to anybody, but that was easy for me.

"That ones going to die right away," Someone snorted at me as they walked by with a trident in their hand.

"A book worm and district twelve? Yeah, no way," Another voice said, laughing.

I payed no attention and just buried my nose in the book.

"Hey," I heard someone say a couple minutes later.

I ignored them, and kept reading about the ways you can use a rock to help deal with pain.

"I'm talking to you," The person said.

I looked up to see John Laurens. I hid my face in my book, I don't want to make myself look like an idiot in front of someone everyone loved. Laurens sat next to me and peered over my shoulder.

"Hmm... interesting," He said, breathing into my ear as he read my book.

I moved away from him and kept reading, a moment later he was staring over my shoulder again. I stood up, glared at him, and took my book somewhere else. I walked over towards a area in the wall with sand on the ground. I realized it was possible that the arena I might be entering in might be a barren dessert. 

I kept reading my book on the sand, it was the most comfortable place I could find. A while later Laurens came back and to my surprise two more people followed him; Lafayette and Elizabeth.

I kept to myself as they talked about nonsense, I glanced over at them for a second and realized they where practicing some battle tactics in the sand, and training with how to use sand as an advantage. I had already gained this knowledge through reading the book, I was probably not even going to train with the moves though.

Some sand flew into my face and onto my book. I sighed and wiped the sand away, then stood up and left for the book's area again now that Laurens was gone. I sat down again, cross-legged, and continued to read. I would rather take all these books up to my apartment area and read there, it was hard to concentrate with the noises of swords hitting each other.

Then Laurens came over. Again. What is wrong with this guy? I tried to ignore him as I heard his footsteps come up to me. Why does he want with me? I'm just a district twelve guy that's going to die in the Bloodbath. Its not like I could in anyway help him win.

"So, Hamilton, right?" Laurens asked.

Once you get out of the frozen water, the first thing you should do is take your clothing off. By leaving it on, there is a higher chance to freeze to death. I read form my book, Ignoring him.

"So I just came up with this pretty cool idea," Laurens continued.

Then you should immediately get back to your camp (See page 142) and start a fire (see page 57) Then find anything fabric-like that is not wet and use it as a blanket. (See How to Get Warm in the Tundra, page 346) I read.

"What if we team up? We need someone smart to finish off the ideal team," Laurens said.

In the desert, you need to find water while you still have the energy too. The first thing you want to look for is anything green. I read, blocking out his voice.

"You could make traps for the enemies and food, you could make sure we survive through poison, and in return we protect you and kill people," Laurens said.

*

"John, give up, he obviously does not want anything to do with us. Hes probably going to kill himself anyway, look," I heard Lafayette's odd accent.

He pointed at my arm, where the fresh cuts where. It was easy to tell I'd been cutting myself for a long time, As there where scar's as well as fresh wounds on the same area as my wrist.

"Oh my god, you poor human being, you must be really sad," Laurens said.

I felt him touch my arm where the wounds where, and I yanked my arm away. I tried to stop the memories of James being dragged away from me. I was not going to cry right now.

*

Laurens sat next to me, and then hugged me. What the frick is this?  I awkwardly sat still, trying to read my book. I pushed him away from me, and avoided eye contact.

"I thought you needed a hug," Laurens said with a hurt expression.

"John, come on, we need to actually go train. If you don't improve your spear-throwing by the end of this training session we need to have a serious talk about your devotion," Lafayette said in a fatherly way.

"No, I'd rather prefer to chill with this guy," Laurens said.

"Can I join?" I heard a new voice, I glanced up to see Hercules Mulligan.

"Yeah! Hes really nice and talkative. Hes my new best friend, he said so," Laurens said.

"Have you ever seen him smile?" Mulligan asked.

I tried to block out their voices, but they where to loud.

"We should make him smile! hes my new best friend after all," Laurens said.

I sighed as they joked to each other.

"Training session complete!" The woman from before said.

I looked up at a clock and saw it was about four pm. I stood up and walked away, back towards my apartment. I tried to forget about Laurens as Julie joined me in the elevator, but his stupid adorable face kept sneaking into my head.

Once we reached our room Haymitch greeted us from the table, a bottle in his hand. Effie ran up to us and began to explain some things.

"Tonight is the big show! Caesar Flickerman is the host, he'll ask you a couple questions, answer honestly, try to make the audience like you. If you get enough people to like you, they will pay money and send in necessary supplies to you during the games. The more sponsors you get, the more likely you'll win."

"I doubt Alexander has any sponsors, but you Julie, are incredible. Although Alexander was hanging out with Laurens today, that might get him some attention," Effie said, Julie smiled at her.

I rolled my eyes and pushed my way past them. I walked into my room and sat on the bed. I took out the book I had stolen and began to read more about survival, I was pretty good at stealing, that might come in handy.

Although, I was definitely not looking forward to being on a show with millions of eyes watching me.

That was one of my worst nightmares.