I was eighteen, and this was going to be my year. When the escort for District 2 pulled out the name for the males, I didn't even give her time to finish before stepping forward and calling out in my bravest voice, "I volunteer." It was no surprise to anyone. I was the best at anything, and being eighteen this was my last year. I had trained my entire life for this and there was no way I was going to pass my last opportunity. The people I liked to call my future careers, the people I trained with secretly, stood up and cheered as I walked up to the stage that had been set up in front of our justice building.
"Well, then," she said smiling, "What is your name, handsome?"
"Cato," I said without emotion. It was all for the cameras though. On the inside, I was more then excited to get these games on. I lived for this, but I didn't want to go in seeming to cocky, not until I got a good look at my competition. This game wasn't all about brawn, but brains as well, and I was going to play smart.
"Well, District 2. Here is your brave male tribute. Mr. Cato," the escort said.
There was an erupt of applause and a few people were chanting my name. I had a reputation here in District 2 as being deadly with a knife, or just about any weapon you handed to me. If anyone was going to win the Games this year, it was me. Or that was at least, the rumors going around the District, if I were to volunteer.
"Now, for our female tribute," she began as she pulled a name out of the bowl. She was once again cut off by a female volunteering.
Cassidy Helo stepped forward for the females. Like with me, Cassidy's friends called out in applause as she walked up to the stage. Cassidy was the only eighteen year old who had trained to be a career so it was unlikely she would have anyone oppose her. When Cassidy was half way to the stage, it would seem that I had spoken too soon.
"I volunteer as well," called out a voice from the sea of people.
I could not see who it was, only a hand reaching out into the air. The crowd around the voice turned toward it and parted. I heard a few gasps come from the future Careers. I did my best not to react when I saw who it was who volunteered.
Standing there in the center of the crowd with her hand held high and a smirk on her face was Clove.