He volunteered.
How could he? How could he leave me? How could he just... go in that arena and kill everyone?
I wait for the Peacekeepers to let me in to say goodbye. Cato's family is in there now. Most likely, they aren't saying goodbye. They're probably telling him "see you soon" or something like that. They're so confident he'll win. I bet Cato is too.
But I'm not.
Even though he's been training all his life, the Gamemakers are much more powerful. They could kill him off instantly.
The large doors swing open. Cato's parents step out. Cato's father glares at me. He's never liked me. I always think, whatever, but for some reason, today it scares me.
"Miss!" I turn. A Peacekeeper is making an ushering motion. Oh.
"Thank you," I mumble and step inside. The doors close behind me.
"Sage!" Cato sounds surprised. "I didn't think you'd come. You seemed... mad."
"I am!" I say. Tears I didn't know I was holding in come raining down my face. "Please come home."
"I will. I'll win for you, Sage." Cato wraps his strong arms around me. "I promise, I'll win."
I shrug. "I don't care if you win. Just come home."
"There's no other way. Besides, it'll be easy. I can win this!"
"Don't be overconfident," I say.
"One minute!" the Peacekeeper calls.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Cato demands, stepping backwards. He seems mad. He is always quick to anger.
I wipe away my tears. "Don't be overconfident. You have the skills, just don't—"
"Shut up, I'll win!"
We stare in silence at each other.
"Cato—"
"Time's up!" Peacekeepers come in.
"Wait!" I cry.
"Time's up, missy!" They drag me out, screaming and protesting. Cato's face is blank.