Before the Reaping

by astroBaker

CatoxClove shippers, please don't hate me! Heheheh I've always wanted to give Cato a back story, so I did! This is about a girlfriend he had back in District 2, the night before the reaping. No, Ari is not my OC, she is just someone I made up! Anyways, Cato and the Hunger Games are property of Suzanne Collins. Ari was created by me. Thanks for reading!

"Cato?"

Cato rolled over and opened his eyes to the darkness. He rolled over to find the source of the noise; the dark haired Arrasene, who had been his for three years. He smiled gently, and lifted a callused hand to stroke her face. Her brow was furrowed and her eyes were heavy, which unsettled him. It seemed to him that she had been crying, for her eyes were slightly puffy. "What is it?" he asked softly. Of course, he knew the answer already. She was fretting about the coming morning; reaping day.

She shook her head and took a deep breath. "I-I don't want you to volunteer tomorrow," she murmured, lowering her gaze. "What if you get hurt?" Cato shook his head to dismiss the thought. Drawing his arms around her, he pulled her tightly to his chest. She burrowed her face into his short, holding her hands tightly against his sides. "I'm just worried, Cato. I don't want you hurt. I don't want you to home in a box!" Cato stroked her hair and stared straight to the wall. His mind had been set years ago.

"I won't come home in a box, Ari." He soothed, kissing the top of her head. "I fully plan to come home." She sniffed and looked up at him, her lower lip quivering slightly.

"No tribute ever plans to die, Cato." She said solemnly, as if Cato's fate was already sealed.

"Even if something happens, I'll have sponsors. I have training! And…when I come home, you won't have to work any longer. You can come live in the victor's village." He promised strongly, running his hand against her hair. He hated seeing her upset, but what could he do but comfort her? She smiled gently and raised her head to kiss his cheek.

"You'll wear your token, right?"

"Of course; you'll watch me on TV, right?" he said with a wolfish grin. She laughed at his joke; watching the games was mandatory. "So, don't worry, okay? Go to sleep." She rolled over and settled into the pillows, closing her eyes slowly. Cato furrowed his brow, but then smiled. Draping his arm against her, he nestled against Arrasene. He looked up at the ceiling, promising himself that he would win the games. For himself, for District 2, and for Arrasene.

"I love you, Ari."

"I love you too, Cato."