Katniss didn’t know what everyone’s problem was. She was trying to be nicer and it still didn’t work. She was going to yell at CInna for the stupid advice. All he had done was confirm her worst fear which was that she was in love with the most difficult person in the entire world. Now what? How was that supposed to help her or anyone else for that matter? She would have thought trying to team up with Johanna and Finnick would have done something good but it made her feel sick to her stomach. Katniss was getting pretty angry with how the first day was going. She was getting mixed signals but she thought she might be too and CInna’s general message was to start growing up and seeing a bigger picture.

She walked over with Finnick but felt someone tap her shoulder. Katniss had been hoping or expecting to see Haymitch or Gale but instead she saw Johanna, her long hair tucked back into a long low ponytail. Katniss made a bit of a face, unable to conceal her displeasure. Still, Haymitch wanted Johanna as an ally and though that irked Katniss, she couldn’t write off the weird girl just yet. “I think I will take you up on that offer.” Johanna smirked and folded her arms. Katniss had to think about what she was referring to but it finally clicked. Katniss wasn’t sure if she felt prepared to go toe to toe with Johanna Mason. Johanna was a bit older but still, she was pretty intimidating nonetheless. “You’re not having second thoughts are you?” She snorted and headed over to the mat where they could spar in the middle of the facility. 

“No.” Katniss muttered, her patience wearing thin. She glanced around and saw most people doing their own thing. Katniss was a bit deflated that her efforts to make friends hadn’t worked but maybe if she held her own against the princess, Johanna, then maybe people would take her efforts for seriously. “I just don’t want you to break a nail.” Katniss said as she felt more like herself as she got into her fighting position, as did Johanna. A few instructors were watching the pair of women closely, making sure the fight didn’t turn into anything serious. She could have sworn she heard Gale say something but by that point, Katniss had tuned everything out around them. All that mattered was proving that she wasn’t some kid, that she could earn her own worth without CInna or Effie or Haymitch or Peeta. Making the first strike, Katniss aimed two consecutive punches toward Johanna’s face while she kept her stance wide and firm with her left arm guarding her face defensively.

Of course in the arena, one wouldn’t be fighting so formally but for now, it would do. Johanna dodged them with ease and retaliated with a few punches of her own which Katniss dodged or blocked. It seemed they were just getting a feel for one another but the animosity was steadily growing. “You’re all everyone’s talking about. I’m sick of it.” Johanna hissed as she aimed a high kick for her head, which Katniss grabbed and pushed Johanna back a bit, knocking her off her balance.

“Same here.” Katniss shot back. 

When they had gone back into the massive training area, Gale couldn’t help but notice something up with Haymitch and Johanna, they were speaking and then Johanna made a beeline for Katniss. Gale didn’t know what to think about it so he motioned Prim to the weight while Iva and Yelven went to fiddle with the knot station. Gale watched carefully as his friend and Johanna exchanged a few words and moved to the mat where they were going to fight. While Gale knew it wouldn’t escalate because that was against the rules. He tried to keep most of his attention on what he and Prim were doing though. If he showed too much concern for Katniss, it might make things look suspicious for him and her. The last thing he needed was some love scandal to sweet the Capital again. It was hard enough to see her throw herself at a guy she didn’t even talk to before the Games.

“Let’s see where you’re comfortable.” Gale said to Prim as he looked at the array of weights they had. They had small hand weights and even ones with bars. Gale wasn’t used to such sophistical equipment but he had gotten the gist pretty easily and someone was keeping watch to ensure they were doing things right and taking the best kind precautions as needed. Gale figured he could lift a few free weights while Prim found what suited her best. She could either do something light and do a lot of reps or find something more challenging but then do less reps. He knew it would be hard to make too much growth in the time allowed but he was pretty happy if he could make the difference between her holding onto something for ten seconds and twelve seconds if it meant escaping a bloodthirsty career while she was trying to hide and stay out of the way.

Meanwhile Iva and Yelven were doing a good job with some others working on how to tie knots and use the surrounding area to their advantage. Of course if they knew the arena was going to look like, then they might have a real advantage but it please Gale to see people branching out. His eyes wandered back to see Katniss and Johanna trading some punches but he still didn’t see the point in them getting to close. He wondered if she was still upset about Johanna’s undressing the night before. He blushed and glanced back to Prim, finding it easier to think about her than Johanna and Katniss getting physical. He saw Prim pick a heavier weight and he moved behind her to spot her and make sure her form was good and that she wasn’t struggling with anything.

“Okay so just let me know if you need any help, Prim.” He said to her as he glanced back to see Katniss had deflected a kick. He looked back down at Prim as he watched her get ready. A few people stopped what they were doing to see what the two hot headed women were going to do now but Gale pushed it ou tof his mind once more.