Culling

Part I • Chapter X

She was dressed in a tight black spandex outfit, complete with black boots and a leather belt. Her hair was a golden color and was plaited back into a braid that fell past her hips.

She stopped, spotted me, and glided over to my side.

"Hello!" She smiled at me as she reached me. I could tell that she had about a foot on me in height. Her accent sounded exotic as well. 

It was like she couldn't get any more perfect, even her eyes were glittering an ocean blue color and shone with goodwill. 

"My name is Juliana. I am here to help you prepare to fight off these horrendous beasts."

I was suddenly very nervous. 

"Hello, Juliana. I'm Sang." I shook the proffered hand she had thrust in my direction. Thomas left the current group of tributes he had been addressing and made his way over to the two of us.

He nodded at her as he reached us. "Juliana."

She smiled at him. "Thomas."

And then they kissed.

Passionately.

Juliana being very much taller than Thomas made the embrace quite the sight. A few men in the background had actually dropped whatever weapons they were currently holding onto the ground. I knew my mouth was open in shock as well. No one could look away. 

Yet it was so adorable at the same time.

Thomas was the first to pull back and wrapped his arm around Juliana's waist, pulling her to his side. All eyes were now on the two of them, but he and Juliana were only focused on me. "Miss Sorenson, may I call you Sang? This is Juliana, my wife. She is originally from district one and is actually the daughter of the previous master of this hall. He was the winner of the 56th games."

"Juliana, my dear, thank you so much for this." He nodded in my direction while giving her a loving look. 

She was gazing at him with the same kind of affection, it actually almost made me feel lonely and wistful. 

I hoped that someone would love me like that one day.

The moment passed, and they let go of each other. 

Thomas addressed me again. "Juliana was practically raised in this hall. After winning the games her father became a bit eccentric..."

"That is putting it kindly." Juliana chipped in pleasantly, as if Thomas was just stating a well known point. She wasn't at all insulted at her husband's choice of words to describe her father.

"Well yes, quite true. There is a story there behind that. Perhaps Juliana will tell you one day. For now though; I was going to take over your training myself, since we both know that you do not fit in with the typical tribute stereotype. However, when I arrived home last night, Juliana approached me and wanted to know how I had planned on proceeding and-"

"He is too soft." She lightly punched his shoulder in a joking manner. Although maybe it wasn't that light if the grimace on his face was any indication.

"Juliana takes training very seriously." Thomas nodded to me. "She requested that she mentor you, of sorts, for a week or two at least. Do not let her appearance fool you, she is extremely strong and could beat over half the men here into a bloody pulp. I know she can kick my ass."

I heard a man scoff in the background, as if insulted, but for some reason I didn't doubt Thomas' words that Juliana was deadly. 

Sure she looked like an angel, but as soon as Thomas had mentioned training I swear I saw the devil in her eyes.