I stirred, sitting up to observe my surroundings. Neon lights, loud music.... and a very drunk Libra, dancing with Leo, both of them clearly too wasted to think straight. Libra laughed loudly at something Leo had said, the two practically blurs on the dance floor. They both looked like they were genuinely enjoying themselves. I smiled slightly, trying desperately to sit up. The ache in my back, however, had me going stiff. Was I drunk too?

"About time!" The only thing I saw was blonde hair. Sagittarius. "I've been waiting for my dance partner to wake up." I chuckled, groaning as he pulled me off the ground. "How are you sober?" He laughed, raising his glass. "Got drunk before that lot. Alcohol's outta my system." I frowned. "What do you mean, that lot?" He laughed once again, pointing toward Libra and Leo. I noticed that Aries and Gemini were also with them-Aries shoving Leo away from Libra and Gemini trying to dance with Aries.

"Let's dance, yeah?" I shook my head vigorously. "I'm drunk. I'll fall." Sagittarius grinned lazily, leading me toward the dance floor. "Well, that's the fun of it." Libra somehow managed to dance her way over to us, leaving Leo at Aries' mercy. God, I felt bad for him. "Hey, Aquarius, they're playing an old song!" Libra was screaming. And she wasn't aware she was screaming either. "TICK TOCK, TICK TOCK!" Libra was a girl gone wild. "Hey, throw me that glass!" The bartender smirked, throwing a shotglass to Libra, who (surprisingly) caught it. Sagittarius grabbed a bottle of whiskey from the bar counter, filling Libra's glass.

"DRINK! DRINK! DRINK!" The glass had been drained in less than a second. Libra threw her shotglass to Sagittarius, who filled it again. I placed my hand over his just as he was about to hand it to Libra. "What are you doing?" Sagittarius grinned toothily at me. "She's already had 12 shots and three bottles. Apparently her record is 30 shots and 5 bottles." I wrenched the bottle from Sagittarius' hands. "Hey, what's the time?" I called to the bartender. "4:30 AM, Miss."

Training will commence at 7 AM tomorrow morning.

"Guys, we need to go!" Libra had (somehow) managed to get her hands on two shotglasses instead of one and was gulping them down at the same time. That girl's tolerance for alcohol was inhuman. Borderline supernatural, if I was being honest. "Why?" Libra came up for breath. "HELP ME!" Leo screamed, holding his hands above his head so that Aries couldn't kill him. "Calm down, guys! Okay, let's go." Libra really hated conflict. Even though she was severely drunk, that peacemaking quality of hers was hardly affected by the alcohol. "Let's go, Leo." She grabbed Leo's arm, letting the District 4 tribute put an arm around her waist.

I realised that Libra's ballgown was gone, replaced by a short, chic golden-black cocktail dress. I looked down at my own clothing, realising that I was wearing a vibrant red cocktail dress. Gemini wore a silver bodycon minidress with a modern frill on one side. Her dress sparkled under the club lights.

(Libra's dress-once again, just imagine the wings)

(Aquarius' dress)

(Gemini's dress)

"Let's go!" We all hurried out of the club, finding one limo parked outside for all six of us. We piled in, spreading ourselves out once we were inside. Aries and Leo sat on either side of Libra, Leo striking up a conversation with the District 12 tribute while Aries glared at him menacingly. Gemini sat next to Aries, helping herself to the luxuries provided in the limo. Sagittarius sat next to Leo and I sat next to Sagittarius. The two of us were having a surprisingly deep conversation about the Games.

I lowered my voice so nobody else could hear me but Sagittarius. "Why did you give up on surviving when you were chosen?"

"I know there's stronger, faster people out there. I'm a realist-I acknowledge and accept the truth, unlike those clowns." He pointed to Aries and Leo, who were both jostling Libra toward themselves.

"It's funny, how much they want her company."

"I think it's funny how stupid they are."

"What do you mean?"

"They're obsessing over someone who might kill them. And, to be honest, I think Libra will kill them."

"You really think so?"

"She tries to act like the underdog, so that when the Games begin, she has the element of surprise reserved as an additional asset."

"Whoa..."

"Whoa is right."

"We're here, losers!" That last line came from Gemini, who was impatiently hurrying out of the limo.

Libra left the limo next, Aries and Leo following suit. That left just Sagittarius and I in the limo. Sagittarius took my hand, looking completely sincere, which was odd, since I could smell the liquor on his breath. "Hey, I know we just met, and we're probably both going to be dead in a months' time. But, god, I'd kill myself if I never did this." I frowned. "Did what?" I asked.

He answered, alright. With a kiss. And, somehow, I was drunk enough to kiss him back. My hands snaked around his neck, his warm skin prickling against mine. Sagittarius slowly pulled away, his gaze lingering on my lips. Why did he pull away? I was enjoying that kiss.... I pulled him back toward me, placing my lips on his-

"No. You're drunk, and so am I." He sighed, ducking out of the limo. "Let's go." I took a deep breath, shocked at how respectful Wild Child Sagittarius could be. He took my hand, helping me into the elevator.

"Eight floor."

His piercing blue eyes met mine. "Good night, Aquarius."

He kissed me gently before the elevator doors closed.

My fingers drifted to my lips instinctively.

What a night.

"Welcome, tributes, to the first day of training."

Libra stifled a yawn, her head falling onto my shoulder.

Cute.

I smiled, stroking her head gently.

"Mr Astor Reyes! Miss English De Loughrey! Now's not the time to sleep."

Libra jerked upright suddenly, nodding at the coach out the front. "Apologies." The coach nodded, hurrying on. "Today, you will be training with weapons. Partner assignments are as follows: Aries Hunt with Sagittarius Harrington, Gemini Clemonte with Pisces Morgan, Scorpio Van Doren with Capricorn Bechtel, Cancer Humphries with Taurus Carr, Aquarius Tudor with Virgo Holloway and Libra English De Loughrey with Leo Astor Reyes. Please pick your weapons and gear up."

I smirked at Libra. "You're going down, Angel."

"You wish."

We both walked away to collect our weapons. I grabbed two double-edged swords with saw-like edges before snaking off to see what Libra was using.

"Seriously Angel? You'll take me down with nun chucks and... those?"

Libra smiled. "You'd be surprised."

"And your time begins... now!"

Swinging the swords expertly, I rushed forward, Libra in my line of sight, sword blade aimed at just the right angle...

Before I felt a nun chuck hit me in the head.

Libra towered over me, my swords in one hands and her nun chucks in the other. She dropped the swords at her feet, smirking triumphantly, before reaching into her pocket for something. A small phial, shut with cork, was now in her hand. Libra pulled the cork off the bottle before throwing it in my direction.

"Ka-boom."

The phial exploded overhead, releasing small spikes that would've definitely embedded themselves into my skin had I not been wearing protective gear. I instinctively reached for my sword, but found that my bodysuit would not let me. What was going on?

"Mr Astor Reyes. Your bodysuit reacts to the stimuli around it. In this instance, Miss English De Loughrey threw an instant grenade at you which contained certain quantities of venom in it that would've immobilised you immediately upon contact." The coach helped me off the ground. "She could then kill you with ease and take your resources and weapons before continuing on her way." The coach nodded at Libra, showing her approval for the District 12 tribute's approach to armed combat. "Impressive, Miss English De Loughrey. Let's hope you can keep it up when you face Ms Clemonte."

Libra shuddered, eyeing the fearsome District 2 Career who she was to go up against.

"Mr Astor Reyes. You showed impressive technique. I would like you to face Mr Hunt." Now it was my turn to shudder. Aries walked over to me, smirking slightly. He twirled his spear around carelessly, casually intimidating every tribute. Stopping only inches from my face, Aries firmly set his spear down. "This should be fun, District 4. I'm going to break your face and then wipe the floor with your blood." I laughed, taking a step closer to Aries. "That's if I don't break your face first, punk." Aries growled, wrapping his finger around his spear. "Oh, is someone scared?" I teased, knowing I would regret it. "If you want to back out, it's not a problem, I'll just take my imminent victory-"

"And your time begins now!"

I rushed forward, crossing my swords over my chest for extra protection. Aries readied himself in a counter-attack stance, spear brandished in his off-hand. Just as I was about to strike my first blow, Aries switched stances deceptively fast, hurling his spear at my leg. I felt my leg stiffen, the technology of the bodysuit slowing my movement. With whatever power I had left, I struck a blow at Aries' thighs, effectively bringing him to the ground with me.

"Impressive, both of you. Mr Hunt, your change in stance was a smart move. You, however, should've been more ruthless with where you threw your spear." Aries? Not ruthless enough? "My Astor Reyes, I once again saw a rash, unplanned approach to that fight from you. Good attention to basic muscle function when you immobilised Mr Hunt's thigh." Coach helped us both up before turning to face all the tributes. "That brings training to an end for today. Standout performers were Miss English De Loughrey-excellent use of unconventional weapons. Miss Clemonte-impressive performance with a variety of weapons. Mr Harrington-phenomenal use of a bow and arrow. Mr Van Doren-no hesitation in performing the most gruesome maneuvers. And today's best performer was Miss Humphries-unique and unrelenting approach top the use of daggers.

"I was impressed by all your performances in general. Some of you, however, would do better to actually use your weapons than cower in a corner." Coach stared pointedly at Pisces. "I will see you all tomorrow morning. A reminder that you will be attending your interviews today."

We all thanked Coach before going our own separate ways. I walked up to Libra, fingering her wings. "Tough training session, huh, Angel?" Libra rolled her eyes, laughing. "Well, it's over now." She paused. "Hey, a few of us are hanging out before the stylists capture us again. You can come, if you want." I smirked. "I'd love to, Angel." I paused, wondering whether or not I should ask Libra about last night. Even though it was a bit hazy in my memory because of how drunk I'd gotten, I remembered dancing with Libra quite clearly. I also remembered kissing her at midnight, doing shots with her, saying goodnight at the elevator...

"About last night..." Libra frowned. "What about it?" She looked so oblivious. My heart sank when the realisation hit me: what happened between us was nothing more than a drunken mistake from her side. I remembered feeling things, while she remembered... nothing. "Leo, last night is a massive blank for me." Her gaze met my own, making me feel things I knew she didn't feel for me. "What happened?" I sighed, tearing my gaze from hers. "Well, we went to the club for the after-party. You and I... we went shot for shot. Got real drunk. Danced. Kissed. You know, typical drunk stuff, I guess."

Libra was surprisingly nonchalant about the whole situation. "Alcohol makes everyone go funny, huh?" She laughed. "Hey, it was just us having some fun. That happens sometimes between friends and it's fine, you know?" I smiled, determined to keep my pride. "Yeah. I bet you wish you remembered kissing me, Angel." Libra snorted. "Oh, please, that might be the only good thing about not remembering what sounds like a wild night." She frowned once again. "Hey, Aries was there, right?" If my heart hadn't sunk to rock bottom before, it definitely had now. Even though they hadn't talked all night, she remembered Aries being there. And we had kissed more than once, but she failed to remember my presence.

"Yeah. He was there. Gemini, Sagittarius and Aquarius were too." Libra nodded. "Well, go get changed-we're leaving in 20 minutes." I nodded, smirking. "Looking forward to seeing you soon, Angel."

"Well, I never took Angel for such a fashionista."

Leo walked back and forth impatiently. We were all waiting on Libra to come out of her suite. As if on queue, the elevator doors opened...

...Revealing a middle-aged man dressed in a ridiculously bright purple suit. "Well, that was a bust," Sagittarius sighed. "Angel, Angel, come on...." Leo continued pacing back and forth.

"I'm here!" Libra ran toward us, looking effortlessly stunning in a floral-print mini dress. I looked down at the military green cargo romper I wore, sighing internally. Even though I had been trained to be tough and intimidating, to be the girl who was better at wielding a sword than wearing a dress, I wished that I could just be normal for once. I wanted to shop for dresses with all my friends. I wanted to sit at my vanity and play around with my makeup for hours on end. I wanted to look beautiful.

Vanity is weakness.

I leveled my gaze, settling into my signature scowl. "Took you long enough. Let's go." Libra nodded, walking up to Aries and planting a kiss on his cheek. I watched, astonished, as the tough boy from District One went red, eyes wide open. Libra giggled, taking his hand. I tore my gaze from the scene. If only I could be Aries' Libra. "We leaving or what?" Sagittarius and Aquarius went into the limo first, followed by Leo, Aires and Libra. I got in last, closing the limo door behind me. "Hey, I just had an idea-let's play Truth or Dare!" Sagittarius exclaimed. "Don't be an idiot Harrington, we're not babies," Aries growled. "I think it would be fun," Libra volunteered. Leo smirked. "Let's add drinks to it." Aquarius began shaking her head profusely.

"We do not need a repeat of yesterday."

"Hey, I think Angel wants a repeat of yesterday. Honey, if you want a kiss, all you gotta do is ask-"

"Watch your tongue, District 4." Aries seethed.

"You know what? Let's play with drinks-if you don't want to do the Truth or Dare, you drink. We'll do some scotch with soda water so nobody gets drunk."

Libra to the rescue, as usual. "Alright, let's do it." I nodded at Libra, who broke out into a smile. "Alright, let's do this thing! Gemini, you should start."

I smirked, my gaze landing on Aquarius and Sagittarius. "Sagittarius, truth or dare?"

"Dare!"

"I dare you... to kiss Aquarius."

Sagittarius' eyes widened. Aquarius looked like she was going to faint. Libra began squealing silently.

Sighing, Sagittarius planted a kiss on Aquarius' lips.

"Alright, I did your dare, my turn! Libra, truth or dare?"

"Truth?"

"Would you rather date Aries or Leo?"

Bad question. I watched as Aries began to glare at Sagittarius, his scowl deepening by the second. For some reason, Leo looked... hurt. Like he knew Libra's answer. He looked down at his feet, his ego failing him for once. I could see the turmoil in his eyes, and the angry tension in Aries' glare. Libra looked at both tributes before reaching for a shotglass, gulping down its contents.

"Moving on! Leo, truth or dare?"

"Dare!"

"Okay, I dare you to... put on these acrylic nails." Libra threw Leo a packet of glittery pink acrylic nails. Leo smirked. "You're just jealous that I'll look better in these than you, Angel." He pulled the nails out of the packaging, staring at the nails like they were some unsolvable puzzle. "Need some help?" Libra chuckled.

"I'm too proud for that, Angel." He pulled a nail out of the packet, removing the backing and attempting to stick it onto his nail. It hadn't even been a second before the nail fell off. Leo picked it up once again, determined to get it right. After what felt like an eternity, the tribute managed to get one nail on himself successfully. "YES! Okay, my turn-Gemini, truth or dare?"

"Dare, and I'll break your face off if I don't like the dare you give me."

"Whoa, cool it! Okay, I dare you to... go hijack a car and follow us!"

I smirked. "Something fun, for once." Steadying myself, I tightened my core muscles, pulling myself out of the (now open) sunroof of the limo. I spotted a bright red convertible and jumped onto it with no hesitation, pushing the driver to one side. "Sorry, gotta borrow your ride. Hope you don't mind." Pushing down on the accelerator, I wove through the traffic until I was directly behind the limo. I could just make out Libra filming me and Leo cheering from behind the stained glass.

Before I knew it, we had arrived at our destination. I thanked the (terrified) driver of the convertible before leaping out of it. "Whoa, Gemini, that was SICK!" Sagittarius complimented me. "I would never work up the courage to do that," Aquarius added. Something told me that wasn't true. "I can't believe you ACTUALLY DID IT! Libra gushed. "Well, you wouldn't have been so good if it wasn't a good dare..." Leo smirked. "IT WAS SO DAMN AWESOME-"