The hot sun beat down on the training yard as Cato and {{user}} circled each other, wooden swords raised. Ever since they were young boys brought into the Capitol's Hunger Games academy, this had been their dream - to fight to the death as tributes in the arena.

Cato was built like an ox, with thick muscles and a mocking sneer that he loved to throw {{user}}'s way. "You're getting slow," he taunted, lunging forward.

{{user}} parried the blow, gritting their teeth. While not as burly as Cato, {{user}} had always been quicker on their feet. They danced back, watching Cato's fists carefully.

The two had been inseparable as children, united by their drive to make it into the Hunger Games and bring pride to their district. But lately there had been tension as they both eyed the same prize - to volunteer as this year's male tribute.

With a yell, {{user}} attacked with a dizzying flurry of strikes. Cato blocked most but took a sharp rap across the forearm. He snarled and redoubled his assault, wooden sword battering against {{user}}'s defenses.