TMNT Hunger Games (Featuring Your OCs)

Chapter 14: Training Day Four

Interview dresses for Districts 1-4 ^

Leonardo tries to focus on his training, moving his swords through the air fluidly as he centres himself, but he can't help but notice the numerous eyes on him; mainly from the Careers. Shelby and Tyler glance at the blue-masked turtle every now and then, Tyler looking more impressed than angry. Shelby remains straight-faced.

Breach and Jason are the ones putting him off, seeing as their violet and blue eyes seem to look right through him as they glare at him whenever he passes. It's not something he's necessarily comfortable with, but he hides it.

"Congrats on your score."

He looks up, seeing Donatello standing in front of him. The purple-masked District 5 tribute smiles, showing off the gap in his smile.

"Oh...thanks," Leonardo responds. "You too. I didn't expect that from you, to be honest."

He shrugs. "It's not that difficult. Keep the talent hidden, act like a weakling, and then knock people's socks off."

"Nice strategy."

"Thanks!"

There's a pause as Leonardo puts away his swords, massaging his fingers a little as he glances towards the agility course. Destiny is chatting with the girl from District 3, Sarina. Donatello follows the turtle's gaze, a small smile flickering over his lips when he notices the cyborg.

"Leo, for what it's worth, I'm sorry you and Destiny got mixed up in this," he comments.

Leonardo fails to hide his look of shock. "Really? Most people just assume we're too starry-eyed to do anything else."

Donatello chuckles humourlessly. "After seeing your scores, anyone with half a brain knows that isn't true."

"What is this, training or a chatting session?"

The two turtles turn around to see Raphael standing behind them, an eye-ridge perked in amusement. He sweeps to Donatello's side, watching as Scarlet and the girl from District 6 head over to the agility course near Destiny and Sarina. The three boys seem to fall silent as they watch the girls, lips pursed.

"It's not fair," Donatello mumbles. He gestures minimally to Leonardo. "You've got the love of your life. You've got your little sister." He nudges Raphael a tiny bit. His eyes fall on Sarina. "And...I just happen to meet someone that understands me better than anyone, and it's at the Games."

"You've got the hots for the cyborg?" Raphael whispers.

Donatello shrugs, his cheeks slightly pink. "Maybe...it's too early to say anything. But...I wish I had more time to really get to know her."

Leonardo sighs, crossing his arms over his plastron. Raphael smiles a little when he sees Taylor helping Scarlet with agility, her hazel eyes sparkling a little. She looks up, meeting the red-masked turtle's eyes. He waves a little, and she returns it. Scarlet glances between them and imitates a kissing motion. He straightens up, hiding the blush on his face.

"Hey Don, how about we talk to them?" he suggests.

Donatello arches an eye-ridge. "Right now?"

"Yeah. Come on," he urges, nudging the taller turtle towards the course.

Leonardo chuckles a little, looking back at the weapons rack. He notices Yumiko standing at the front of the practice area, whipping daggers at dummies. More often than not, she hits the target with deadly precision. Still, her striking blue eyes are narrowed and she keeps sweeping her black hair from her eyes in frustration.

"You're pretty good with those," Leonardo comments.

She glances at him, faint shock registering on her features. She looks away and flicks another knife.

"I can always be better," she mutters.

He steps to her side, looking her over quickly. "Well, you can adjust your footing. Just a little change, you'll get more torque from your body and therefore, more power in your arms."

She arches an eye-ridge, her black mask accenting the bright colour of her eyes. She shrugs, adjusts herself, and throws. Her dagger lodges in the dead centre of the dummy's heart, sinking in far more than her other ones. Her face flickers with surprise as she looks to Leonardo.

"Woah..." she mumbles.

He smiles and salutes a little. "My work here is done."

With that, he turns and walks the other way. Yumiko manages a small smile as she retrieves the knives.

Meanwhile, Sarina and Taylor look up, noticing Donatello and Raphael heading their way. Destiny and Scarlet have already disappeared across the course, their conversations having ended. The remaining girls smile lightly.

"Hey," Taylor greets.

"Hey," Raphael responds instantly.

Sarina smirks, beckoning to Donatello. The intelligent mutants head off, leaving Taylor and Raphael alone. Raphael stares at her for a second, suddenly nervous.

"So, we've winked at each other," she says with a teasing smile. "But...that's it."

He laughs sheepishly and rubs the back of his neck. "Oh...that, yeah. That outfit was pretty cute..."

She returns the laugh as she flicks her hair. "You got an awesome score on the evaluations. Nice."

His chest puffs up a little with pride. "Well, you know..." He stretches, purposely flexing. "Gotta let all this loose."

She giggles and tilts her head a little, eyeing his build. "That's certainly true." Her face falls. "See, these Games just ruin everything huh? I sense a beautiful friendship blossoming."

"You...do?" His cheeks turn slightly pink. "We could be allies..."

She shakes her head, suddenly a lot more serious. "No...I wouldn't want to see you die." She smiles weakly. "See you later, Raphael."

She turns and walks away. He runs a hand over his head, sighing heavily.

"You liiiiike her," Scarlet teases from behind him.

He jumps, shooting his little sister a glare. She giggles and winks.

"Shut up," he mutters.