Chapter 1 Volunteering

Cato's POV

"Finally" I said. "Reaping day, it's my time to volunteer so I can win and bring pride to my district."

I saw my mom look at me from across the table in disbelief.

"I can't believe your volunteering today Cato."

I stared back "What. What mom, did you really just say that", I said hollowly.

"Yes I did."

I gave her the death stare. "Mom, you guys were the ones who told me to join the training program so I could volunteer and win the games."

Then my dad walked in before my mom could reply and he said "Theirs my champ, our future victor."

My mom stared coldly at the ground and said hollowly "Yah their he is."

"Thanks mom" I said rolling my eyes walking out the door towards town square were the reaping is starting to take place.

It's funny how they call it the town square even though here in District 2 it's a circle.

Our announcer, Tinka took the stage and said "Happy 74th"

she's new, our old announcer Tiffy said "Happy Hunger Games" not "Happy 74th."

"It is now time to select one boy or girl to participate in the 74th Hunger Games."

She isn't that good at announcing,

"Ladies first."

Hmph first she says girls now she's saying ladies, "Clove Fuhrman." CLOVE! Oh no! She is close to me, she's one of my friends. I dont want to see her get killed.

"Now for the boys, Mason Shank."

I don't know him but oh well. "I volunteer as tribute."

I walked to the stage and the twelve year old looking boy looked at me and mouthed "Thank You" I said allowed "no problem kid."

"Introducing this year's volunteer. What is your name", Tinka said.

"Cato Ludwig."

"Well introducing the two tributes from District 2 Clove Fuhrman and Cato Ludwig."

We walked into the justice building and no one came to say goodbye to me.

We rode through the town surrounded by people and before we knew it we were on the train.

We both watched as District 2 faded off in the distance. I might not see it again I thought.

"Why did you do it", said Clove.

"Did what?"

"You know what you did, you volunteered."

"Oh, well because I'm eighteen and this was my last year to be eligible to participate in the games so I volunteered." I said.

"I was going to volunteer at eighteen too but I was reaped"

we both gave a chuckle and we didn't talk for awhile.

"Why did you want to know why I volunteered?" I asked.

"Oh I was just wondering", she said hollowly.

"There was another reason."

"Really what was it?" she asked.

"The other reason was to protect you."

She was taken aback by this and gave a long sweet smile.

I smiled back at her as I stared into her emerald green eyes. I could get lost in them forever.

"Well I guess I know who my ally is in the arena" she said.

"Yah we will make a great team."

"Well I'm going to sleep night Cato see you in the morning."

"Night Clove we will be in the capitol by tomorrow."

"Yah" she said closing the door.