#cotcpara

The morning was brutal. I was back in my room, but for a change my whole body ached. Disorientated I turned on my other side, and managed to fall out of my bed. The impact between my shoulder and the carpeted floor sent waves of pain through my chest area.  While coughing and clutching my right side, I managed to get back on my feet and walk into the bathroom.  The floor to wall mirror showed my entire body in its full glory. Marks of purple, black and green were everywhere, and the burn on my thigh was a bright red.  I certainly looked messed up.

Luckily some of the creams they had put on the burn had soothed it, and it was nowhere as painful as the day before.

After taking a quick shower and putting on some clothes I made my way to the dining room. It was strangely enough empty, but I figured that Ryner might be talking with Gaby about the private training. Last night he and I had planned my whole training down to the smallest detail, so I knew that it could take some time.

I decided to order some food in the meantime, and decided on an omelet with some fresh fruit and a cup of tea. In addition to talking about training, Ryner had been clear on that he expected us to eat varied and healty. Bye, bye pancakes.  The omelet was fantastic, and I quickly finished my entire plate. Gaby and Ryner still wasn’t anywhere within sight, so I decided on reading one of the books on the coffee table. This wasn’t very typical me, but soon enough I was engrossed in the play about two star-crossed lovers from families that hated each other.

When I woke up in my soft capitol-bed for the second time it was not my head that hurt. Every single muscle protested after yesterday’s training, and rolling out of bed proved to not be an easy thing. I knew by the dull light shining through the curtains that I had at least woken up early today. Instead of putting on the t-shirt and jeans that I wore yesterday, I walked over to the huge wardrobe and pulled out the training ensemble.

After a short breakfast where Ryner and I actually had held a pleasant conversation I made my way to the stairs. After all we were only on the second floor, plus that I didn’t really want to bump into anyone. Not yet at least. I jogged lightly down the stairs and pushed open the door marked ‘training room’. It was even bigger than I expected, and I recognized most of the physical stations that we had practiced in our suite yesterday, except for Pegasus riding obviously. The sword station was currently empty, and I was simply just dying to show off my skills there. Unfortunately Ryner , my father, had decided that we shouldn’t show anyone my competence with weapons  until private training. That was why he had gone to such lengths as to make a gym in our suite.

It seemed like the tributes were mingling after the parade, and I decided to join them. After all I needed to get a better impression of them, and this was my first proper opportunity. I could see Ayla talking with someone further away, but although I tried to wave it seemed like she did not see me. I would have to have a chat with her later.

 Scanning the crowd I saw Rose, the girl I had barely talked to on the hovercraft.  She was standing alone, and I took advantage of the opportunity and headed confidently in her direction. I noticed she was wearing a really nice dress, and was planning to compliment her on it. I tried the best I could to seem confident, but truthfully I was happy that I knew someone that was not engrossed in a conversation with someone else.