If "WATER" is encoded as "YCVGT" by shifting every letter forward by 2 positions in the alphabet (W->Y, A->C, T->V, E->G, R->T), then which word is encoded as "HKTG"?

Introduction / Context:
This is a classic Caesar cipher problem with a constant forward shift. The example "WATER" -> "YCVGT" reveals a +2 shift applied uniformly to each letter.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Encoding rule: shift each letter +2 positions (A->C, B->D, ..., Y->A, Z->B).
• We are given the code "HKTG" and must find the original word.

Concept / Approach:
To decode a +2 cipher, shift letters backward by 2 positions. We apply -2 to each letter in "HKTG".

Step-by-Step Solution:
H -> FK -> IT -> RG -> ETherefore the decoded word is FIRE.

Verification / Alternative check:
Re-encode FIRE with +2: F->H, I->K, R->T, E->G which returns HKTG. Perfect consistency.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• IRFE / REFI / ERIF: These are jumbled permutations, not the result of a uniform -2 decode.
• None of these: Not applicable because FIRE works exactly.

Common Pitfalls:
Shifting in the wrong direction, or mixing different shifts across positions.

Final Answer:
FIRE