Fire and Ice // Cato Hadley

"Tomorrow they will bring you in one by one for your individual evaluation. Now is the time to show them everything. Well, what you haven't already" Haymitch stated, sending a glare towards me.

"I didn't show them what I could do Haymitch I just showed them up on an obstacle course" I snapped towards the man before shoving food into my mouth.

"The game makers will be watching so be sure to show off your skills" he began, ignoring my comment. "Peeta show them your strength."

Peeta sent a small nod and I trained my eyes on Haymitch who was looking right back to me.

"Ive saw you with the knives, I haven't with the bow" Haymitch stated, studying me intently. "Do what you think will make them remember you. Both of you."

**

The waiting room was just like every other room for training. It was a grey dark room with black chairs. As soon as we entered Peeta had of course taken off to be with his new found friends. I quickly parted from him, making my way to a seat in the very back of the room alone. As time went on the room became less and less filled until it was only Peeta and I.

"Juniper Archer" the intercom spoke. I stood, flickering my eyes to Peeta who was clenching his jaw nervously. A small smirk crossed my lips and i shot the boy a wink before walking towards the doors that opened for me. I entered the room we had spent that last days training in and looked up to see a group of gamemakers joking around and talking.

"Juniper Archer" I spoke, their attention turning to me. "District 12."

My eyes fell from them, scanning the room for what I wanted. The first thing my eyes fell on was a set of throwing knives. I began moving towards them, eagerness filling my steps. Once I reached them I picked them up, running my fingers along the edges. They were much nicer than the ones I used back in 12. The weight was different making me question if I should try them. Worst come to worst there was the bow, and I knew I could handle that, I just wasn't sure if I wanted to show all of my skills just yet. I turned to the targets, three body like figures standing in front of me, and arranged the knives in my hands. I held the first one, my hand shaking as I raised it. Taking a deep breath in, I threw the knife, letting out a shaky breath as it landed off side of the target.

"Shit" I muttered under my breath, turning to the gamemakers who were now laughing and ignoring me. I turned my eyes back to the target, preparing myself and throwing the second knife in my hand with more confidence. This time it landed right in the center of the target, sending a smile across my lips. That was until I turned to the gamemakers once more. They were now standing around a roasted pig, talking and joking, paying no attention to me. Rage filled me, and when that happened I seemed to do dumb things. I couldn't hold myself back as I walked over to the bow, the one thing I was best at. I didn't even think about staying low anymore as I grabbed an arrow and loaded the bow. I pulled the string back, my aim not towards a target, but instead at the apple sitting in the hogs mouth. I breathed out, releasing the arrow and watching it fly into the apple, pinning it to the wall behind. All of the gamemakers fell silent, some screaming as they jumped back. All of their eyes fell on me as I quietly stood below, bow still in hand.

"Thank you" I stated, bowing sarcastically. "For your consideration."

I turned on my heel, sitting the bow back down where it came from and leaving the room quickly. I didn't care anymore if they didn't like me. Who was I to give a shit? In the end I was in this alone. I always would be.

**

"Are you crazy?" Effie asked, her squeaky capitol voice filled with anger. I sat on the couch in our penthouse, tapping my foot anxiously as the woman scolded me.

"I got mad" I responded shortly, the woman glaring at me.

"Your actions reflect badly on all of us" Effie said in response, pointing towards Peeta and Cinna who were joined with us as well.

"Not just you Juno" Peeta added, hearing the nickname leave his mouth sent anger through me.

"Don't call me Juno" I spat at the boy.

"They just want a good show that's it" Cinna stepped in, backing me up against the criticism. Haymitch walked down the stairs and I closed my eyes waiting for him to begin scolding me as well.

"Well finally!" Effie exclaimed. "I hope you are aware we have a serious situation!"

I popped my eyes back open, Haymitch's silence confusing me. That was until I saw him walking towards the chair across from me, his thumb up in the air and a smile on his lips. This sent me into a smile as well, laughing slightly at the mans face.

"Nice shooting sweetheart" he spoke as he took the seat. "What did they do when you shot the arrow?"

"They looked pretty scared" I said with a smirk as he laughed in return. "What did you say again? Thanks for your-"

"Thanks for your consideration" I said softly, snickering softly as Cinna joined in with a smile.

"I don't think they'll find this funny if the gamemakers decide to take it out-" Effie began before Haymitch cut her off.

"On who? On her?" he motioned towards me. "On him? I think they already have. Loosen your corset. Have a drink. I would have given anything to see it."

I softly smiled to the man as he nodded to me. Luckily the conversation ended as the tv began showing Caesar, beginning the program in which we would be rated on our performances. This was a way for even more sponsors to pick a tribute. After today I was certain I would have none. The tributes were shown in order from district 1 to 12. The careers of course had good scores as usual. I paid special attention to Cato, who happened to make a score of 10. I sighed, of course he would. My anxiety began filling me as we continued to watch each tribute shown with a score. Maybe I had ruined all of
my chances, all because I couldn't keep my anger down.

"District 12" Caesar spoke, causing all of our attention to focus on the screen ahead.

"Peeta Mellark, with a score of 8."

Gasps filled the room, Effie patting Peeta on the back and Haymitch sending him a satisfied nod. I looked to the boy, sending him a nod as well. Of course his only smirked back to me with a cocky look in his eyes. I turned my attention to the screen once more as my name was spoke.

"Juniper archer from District 12" Caesar spoke. I watched as his face fell in shock as he looked at the paper in front of him. I pulled my hands into fists, my leg tapping on the floor. It was bad. It had to be. I blew it, I knew I had.

"Score of...... 12" the man spoke, causing my eyes to shoot to the screen as he smiled and nodded, a 12 showing beside the picture of myself on screen. Effie jumped up with a squeal and Cinna smiled brightly, patting me on the leg.

"I thought they hated me" I spoke as everyone celebrated around me.

"They must have liked your guts sweetheart" Haymitch spoke as he stood and everyone raised a toast, everyone except Peeta who sat on the couch in shock.

"To Juniper Archer. The girl on fire!"