It was the third time she had caught him watching her in the cafeteria. Being a quiet girl, she didn't have many friends. In fact, she only had one friend that went by the name, Clove. Feeling his eyes follow her every move, she shifted uncomfortably in her seat as she waited for her friend to join her. Being born and raised in District 2, she was different from most of the kids. She wasn't physically well-built nor was she cunning like most of the kids. This was a trait she saw within all the kids in District 2. They were always so ready to join The Hunger Games. Her parents always worried she would be next but judging from how well District 2 was treated… Most of the kids often volunteered themselves as a form of gratitude to how well the Capitol has treated them.

Clove finally made her way over to the table and sat down next to her.

"Jas… You haven't touched your food." Clove said

Jasmine looked at her plate and there sat a ham and egg tart, untouched. She managed a small smile before lifting her fork to cut into the tart to take a bite. She wasn't really feeling hungry after she found out that he was watching her. They were always in the same classes but she always sat at the back of the class to avoid being called upon while he sat in the front, always confident in everything he does. Everyone in school knew who he is and most feared him. She never learnt his name even though almost the whole school and nearly everyone in District 2 knew of his existence. That would probably be one of Jasmine's traits. Blending in the background.

"Jas… Are you okay? You don't seem like yourself today." Clove said

Jasmine looked at Clove and mustered her most convincing smile, "I'm okay… I think it's because of my mother's sandwich this morning."

Clove looked at her suspiciously but still nodded, not wanting to doubt her friend. She tried to take another bite of the tart before giving up on eating it. As soon as the bell rang again, school was over.

"Clove? I've got to head back home first. I'll see you tomorrow?" Jasmine said

Clove nodded and waved at Jasmine just as she stood up from the table to leave. She walked the hallways quickly, not wanting to feel the gaze of that well-built blond boy. Once outside of school, Jasmine sighed and turned left from the school to make her way back home. Like most of the other parents in District 2, Jasmine's father works at a weapons-making factory and her mother stayed home.

Jasmine was just 2 houses away from home when she suddenly felt like she was followed. Not wanting to turn around, she quickened her steps, breaking into a run. She was picking up pace until she tripped over a rock that she didn't notice. She fell forward and twisted her left ankle in the process.

"Ow!" Jasmine exclaimed

Jasmine was feeling her left ankle and wanted to assess the damage when a pair of hands scooped her off the ground with much ease. She closed her eyes not wanting to know who the person was. Many speculations clouded her brain, but only one stood out. She felt herself moving which only made her shut her eyes tighter. When the person finally stopped, Jasmine thought this was it but a warm voice she knew so well came through Jasmine's self-induced darkness.

"Jasmine! What happened?"

This time, Jasmine opened her eyes to find herself sitting on the chair in her kitchen and her mother squatting in front of her so that they were at the same eye level.

"Honey? Are you okay? Do you hear me?" Her mother asked, worriedly.

Jasmine blinked a little as her mother started to fuss over her. She eventually spotted the now swollen ankle and gasped.

"I'm fine." Jasmine said
"No, you're not. How did you get this?" Her mother asked
"I fell." Jasmine replied

Her mother stood up and said, "I've always told you to watch where you're going. Your father will hit the roof if he knew what happened to his little girl."

"Please don't tell dad." Jasmine said
"I won't but the bandage will." Her mother said

She turned to walk out to the living room and Jasmine heard her speak, which must be to whoever brought her here.

"Cato dear, thank you for bringing Jasmine back. She wouldn't have made it home without you. Could you go in and make sure she stays still while I go get the medical kit?" Her mother said
"Sure." Cato said

Cato. She's heard his name before. Usually when she's in the market and some kids were gathered talking about him. Truth be told, Jasmine had always wondered if she could put a face to that name and her wish came true when he walked into the kitchen. Upon seeing that the face was the guy who had been watching her in school, Jasmine's eyes widened a little in shock before she tried to busy herself so that he won't talk to her. Unfortunately for her, that wasn't going to work.

He sat down opposite her and looked at her, "You like falling over, don't you?"

Jasmine kept her eyes on the fruit bowl in the center of the table and focused on the apple when he bumped his fist on the table lightly but loud enough for her to jump and look at him.

"Got your attention now." Cato said

Even though he had gotten her attention, Jasmine couldn't find her voice. Looking at him, she was both scared and surprised at how good-looking and well-built he was. Realizing at how intensely he was staring at her, all elements of surprise disappeared to make way for more fright.

"You don't speak much, huh?" He said
"N-No... I do speak." Jasmine said, softly

Cato smirked, "Not when I watch you."

He moved his chair nearer to her so that their knees bumped each other. Jasmine tried to move her chair further back but his long leg hooked the right leg of her chair, making it unable for her to do so. Jasmine closed her eyes for a millisecond and opened them again to see Cato's face close to hers. She nearly fell off her chair as her attempt of a quick reflex failed her. Lucky or unlucky for her, Cato's hand made a quick grasp for her hand and she was saved the misery of falling on her butt.

"What is this?"

The two of them looked up to see Jasmine's mother looking at them with an eyebrow raised. Not even breaking a sweat at the situation they were caught in, Cato merely smiled at Jasmine before setting her hand gently on her lap.

"You better be careful. Don't want you falling again." Cato said
"Oh! Jasmine! Thank goodness Cato's here. Just leaving you here for 5 minutes is good enough to create another accident with you!" Her mother said

Cato smiled and stood up, turning to face Jasmine's mother, "It's not a problem, Mrs Lykerson."

"I really shouldn't have kept you here from your practice sessions. I'll explain to your mother later." Jasmine's mother said
"Thank you but it's my choice to stay here with Jasmine. She could have gotten more injuries and I wouldn't want that to happen to her." Cato said

Jasmine looked down at her feet and kept her gaze there to avoid any glances from Cato. He was really starting to scare and annoy her at the same time.

"Would you like to stay for dinner?" Her mother asked

Jasmine looked at her mother and then at Cato, hoping that his answer wasn't what she didn't want to hear. Cato smirked at her before turning to her mother with an apologetic smile.

"I'm sorry, Mrs Lykerson. I'm a little behind in my training and should get going. I do hope that you will invite me over again to try your cooking." Cato said

Jasmine's mother smiled, "Of course! Anytime you're free, just follow Jasmine home and I'll prepare a splendid dinner for you."

Cato smiled and nodded, "I look forward to that day."

Her mother smiled happily as she walked Cato to the door. He turned around to look at Jasmine before saying 'good-bye' to her mother, and turned to walk away from Jasmine's house.