Dakota's POV:
It's been a few days since the parade. Enobaria and I are still going over tactics and strategies that I'll need once the Games begin, and boy do I need them...because the Games are tomorrow. I've been trying to keep my mind off the topic, but really, how can I? When it's all I prepare for every minute of every day since the Reaping. I can't help but feel like my life's on a timer, ticking...ticking...waiting for the last second to pass, then my times up. How long will I even last?
I've noticed that the blonde male from district 2, Cato, seems to be watching me closely, as if he's daring me to show my skill and give up the act. But there's no way he could possibly know that I'm actually good with weapons...right? At least that's what I keep telling myself. I'll have to watch out for him in the arena.
I've also noticed that Peeta still seems to be trying to convince Katniss that I'd be a valuable ally. I really don't know what he sees in me. Katniss seems like a very stubborn person though, so I doubt that Peeta can convince her in time. Besides, I think Katniss's favorite activity of all time is...glaring at me. I swear that seems like all she ever does all day, it can't be healthy...
I decide to go to the training room. I know I can't really train, since I'm not supposed to show my "skills," but I'm going to try studying the different plants, so at least I know what to eat and what not to, and what was poisonous and what was healthy. Besides, I had been practicing with my throwing knives each night in private with Enobaria, so at least I had that. I hop on the elevator and press the button to take me to the floor of the training room. After several seconds quiet ticking, the elevator beeps and the door opens. I step out and enter the large room in front of me.
As usual, I'm greeted with most of the tributes, each practicing what they were best at. I see the computer screen that we can use to study and look up plants, and head over to it. I notice a girl with orangish red hair, a slender build, and pale face is currently using it. I smile and tap her shoulder lightly, clearing my throat.
"Um, excuse me? Can I use this?" I ask, smirking slightly. She whips her head around, startled. Her eyes are almost...fearful? Did I scare her? I didn't think I was at all intimidating. Oh well.
"Y-Yeah, sure. I um, was just finished, ac-actually," she tells me, turning and quickly walking away as I wince at her stuttering. Oof. Hey, wait a minute, wasn't that the girl from district 5? Finch, I think her name was. I thought she might be a threat before, but now...? I don't even know anymore, it could even just be an act, like mine. I'd just have to wait and find out.
After about 15 minutes of studying and searching up as many plants as I could, I decided it was probably enough. I didn't want to pack too much information into my brain and then forget it five minutes later. I start to wander around the room, watching the others train, still searching for threats or allies. I get so lost in thought as I watch the tributes that I'm not looking where I'm going. And guess what? I bump into someone...again...just my luck. Well, face plant might be a better description, since my face slammed into the person chest. Damn, that hurt. Some one must work out a lot. I look up at the person, and same as last time, I'm met with those beautiful crystal blue eyes. Cato.
He smirks at me, crossing his arms over his chest, making him look even more intimidating. "Wow. You really have a thing for bumping into me. What's your excuse this time?" He teases, still smirking at me. I put a hand on my hip and raise an eyebrow.
"Are you sure its not the fact that you seem to have a thing for getting in my way?" I sass at him, a smirk of my own appearing on my lips. He snickers slightly, stepping closer to me.
"Oohhh, sassy! Better watch your mouth little bitch, Cato's one for revenge," I hear Marvel jeer. Man was I gonna enjoy shutting him up. I shift my gaze over to Marvel and keep a calm expression.
"Who are you callin' bitch?" I ask, stepping over to him and grabbing onto his collar. He sighs.
"I think we've been in this position before, babe. Are you gonna take this somewhere, or stand there and make a "threat."...Cause I'm free tonight if you wanna-" I cut him off by kicking him with my knee "where it counts" (if you know what I mean) and he falls backward in pain. I really wish I could punch the shit out of him then and there, but I have to remember that I'm not supposed to show that I can fight. Instead I bend down over him and smirk.
"Oops, did that hurt? Well don't worry, it's gonna hurt a lot more when I get my knife to your throat," I mock, turning on my heel and starting to walk away. I'm stopped by a hand grabbing my wrist. Their grip is tight and firm, not letting me go. I turn back around. It's Cato...of course...
"If I were you, I'd be careful and watch my back. I'm not the only one that likes revenge," he warns me, his signature smirk on his lips. But as I look into his eyes, I can almost see what looks like a hint of real concern. I'm probably just imagining it, though. Cato doesn't care about me...probably. At least, I know I'm nothing special to him. I smile at him.
"Thanks for the advice, sweetheart. I'll remember that," with that, I pull away from his iron grip and leave the room. I can feel his confused stare on my back the whole way out, but I keep my head held high. If Snow couldn't break me, no one could...