outsider [h.s]

14

Jess and I practiced for a reasonable ten minutes until a whistle brought our group back together, Harry laying out a blood stained mat which seemed to hold nothing but either victory or a detrimental defeat.

I couldn't help but let the slightest amount of fear take over me, not because of what's about to happen, but because of what the outcome of it could be.

All during my childhood violence was never tolerated, my district having no patience for the outbursts of anger and aggression. People in District Four would only get into political fights, what things to change in our policies or improve in society always a discussion at the dinner table. So now as I stood here mentally preparing myself to be what I was always told to refrain from even thinking of, I couldn't help but wonder what my parents would think of all of this. They would most likely frown upon me, a look of disappoint set in their features, and for some reason I think I wouldn't mind it.

"First things first, please avoid one another's face. Mostly all of the blood on here came from that and I'm tired of trying to get stains out." Our instructor refers to the mat, and I understand his reasoning. "Plus we want the ladies of this district staying beautiful, so please just don't punch them in the face."

Jess and I laugh at this as Harry goes and retrieves a whiteboard, writing several things on it before flipping it around.

On it are different matches, the first one being between Jess and I. We both look to one another, feeling awkward at the fact that I will have to fight my own friend.

"Jess and Rose please step onto the mat." Harry says, and we do just that. "I know you probably don't want to go at each other, but sometimes your friends are your worst enemies, and may end up betraying you. So for just thirty seconds imagine they've done that terrible, inexcusable thing to you, and it'll be over before you know it."

His words don't exactly encourage me to attack Jess, or do anything at all. When the bell is rung we both stand there for a few moments, unsure what exactly to do.

"Remember your rank depends on this," Harry says as he stands watching us with his arms across his chest.

I sigh before deciding not to waste another second, pushing Jess roughly. she seems startled by my action, faltering back a good two feet before lunging right back at me. We then begin full out slapping, hitting, and kicking one another until the final bell rings, us high fiving one another before stepping off the mat.

"Next up is Lance and Daniel," Harry announces. "Rose come over here."

His body hasn't moved and his eyes are set on the fight going on in front of him, "what?" I ask, annoyed that he feels the need to command initiates everywhere.

"You don't have to fight Daniel if you don't want to, I can give you a mid level score for it."

I'm offended that he'd even consider me turning away from something everyone else must do because of a few exchanged words, "no way in hell." With that I walk back over to Jess, Harry ringing a bell and letting us know that it's now Lance against me.

As I step onto the mat I notice how broad Lance's shoulders are, and how his dark blonde hair seems a bit too long in the front as it slightly covers his eyes.

I'm not even prepared when the bell rings, Lance advancing forward before connecting his fist to my abdomen, the blow knocking all air out of me, and he doesn't stop there. Next he is hitting my ribs multiple times, alternating sides with ease. After a few more cuts he stops, grinning as I clench my stomach before bending down in pain.

He turns to Daniel, giving him cocky a thumbs up, and I quickly gather what strength I have left, "Lance." I say, and when he turns around I swiftly kick him in the private region, just as the final bell rings.