Safe and Sound

The Volunteer

I lie in my bed, staring blankly at my ceiling and counting down the minutes until my mother will come to wake me. I think about the rest of the children in my district, or in Panem, and wonder how many of them managed to fall asleep last night, because I didn't. Cato snuck out at sunrise, undoubtedly to the training centre, and I spent the rest of my time simply worrying about the events of the new day. A few moments later I hear a light knock at my door and my mother's soft voice telling me to get up and wash, because today is an important day. I close my eyes for a moment and take a deep breath, before lifting myself from the comfort of my bed and proceeded to get ready. I never understood why we here in district 2 celebrate the Hunger Games. Do they not realize that it is simply a bloodbath? I was offered the chance to join the training centre on my 8th birthday, and really wasn't sure what my answer should be. I knew my parents wanted me to go for it, and my brother signed up straight away, I suppose he wanted to live up to his name - Brutus, a previous district 2 victor, but I was more reluctant. I know the odds mean nothing, and that anyone could get reaped, and so I attended a few sessions. I'm not useless, but I'm not a killing machine either, I suppose that's how I wanted it to be. My brother on the other hand, well he was never the same after he started training. Last year was his last reaping, and I was very surprised when he didn't volunteer, but glad of course. I ran my fingers through my hair one last time as I left my room and found my mother in the kitchen.

"You look so pretty, Althea" she smiled, planting a small kiss on my forehead before pushing me towards the door, "Cato's waiting for you, you have some time together but you need to be home before the reaping so we can go down together, ok?"

I see him as soon as I leave my house, pacing along the path between my home and my neighbours'. He glances up as the door closes with a soft click, and smiles widely as he approaches me. His blonde hair is slightly spiked, and he is almost glowing in the sunlight. I feel a small worry swirl in the back of my mind, the same one that has bothered me every year since we were old enough, but quickly push it away. He wouldn't do it this year, he won't volunteer.

"You look wonderful, Al," he whispers before leaning down to kiss me. I grin and bite my lip as he pulls away, taking my hand in his and leading me away, "I was wondering if we could go for a walk? I'll have you home before the reaping." I nod and for a few moments we walk in a content silence, before I decide to speak.

"You're going to volunteer, aren't you?" my voice is steadier than I expected and I sound fairly calm, strong, but he sees right through me. He sighs, pulling me around to face him. He doesn't confirm or deny it, simply studying my face for what seems like forever. I stare back, immediately finding the spark of determination in his eyes and knowing anything I say will have no effect on his decision.

"You'll wait for me?" he asks, sounding more vulnerable than I can ever recall him sounding.

"Of course" I reply with a sigh, "I just wish-"

"I know, but this is how it is. It's how it was always going to be," I nod, and he leans down to press his forehead to mine.

"I love you," I whisper against his lips, and he smiles.

"I was thinking, maybe, when I get home, we c-could get married? If you want to I mean-" Cato stops himself, watching my eyes widen in shock, but I quickly blink it away. The last thing Cato needs right now is any kind of doubt from me. I push up onto my toes and softly place my lips on his.

"Come home to me, Cato," I whisper as I pull away, leaning back onto the heels of my feet.

"I will, Althea," he nods, and there's that determination again.

Maybe, just maybe, he'll be ok.

Next – The Reaping