Chapter 1
Thuack! Something hit the targets in the room next door. Strange, I thought I was the only one here. I gathered up my knives and I walked silently towards Room Two. I pushed open the door, and there was Cato, practicing shots with his spears.
"Hey," I said, sitting against the chests that held weapons.
"Practicing," he muttered, "You know, for the reaping." I didn't dare tell him I was planning to volunteer.
"So, you gonna volunteer then?" I asked lightly.
"Might do, might not. Whole of District Two wants me to, but yeah, we'll see" He was so mysterious, that was one thing that irritated me about Cato.
"That's helpful. If you want to go for it, you should, it is your last year." His spear clattered to the ground. He turned towards me in an instant, his hand hitting the metal chest. His brown eyes narrowed and he glared at me.
"Watch it, Clove. Don't you dare tell me what I'm gonna do, alright?" he hissed under his breath. I picked up my two knives and scarpered. There was no point fighting him, although I could probably beat him. I didn't want to waste my chances. It's the Reaping tomorrow.
My mother's gaunt face pressed up against the grimy window greeted me. As soon as she saw me coming towards the house, she ran towards the door and flung it open.
"Where have you been Clove Grace Franklin? You good for nothin' daughter of mine, wanderin' off with that boy, messin' 'round with that damn volunteerin' plan of yours. I don't know why I don't jes' kill ya myself , The damned Capitol don't want ya!" My mother's cackling bounced down the street.
I got to the front door, pushed her inside and slammed the door.
"Shut up, ma! You don't want any Peacekeepers catching you!"
I made her sit down in the fire and made her watch the dancing flames. My little sister Libby came downstairs. I wasn't in the mood for her. It wasn't often Cato pissed me off but when he did, it hurt.
"Hey Clo-Clo!" she was too little, she couldn't even say my name right.
"What do you want?" I snapped at her, but Libby carried on, indifferent to my anger.
"You know, I think Dolly would like a coat. Do you think she would, Clo-Clo?"
"Just shut up!" I yelled, so hard that Libby jumped, but my mother didn't stop looking at the flames. I stormed off to my room, lying down on my bed trying to sleep. I could hear my mother's rusty voice rising through the floorboards.
"Run rabbit, run rabbit, run, run, run. Wait till the farmer gets his gun, gun, gun." I rolled over and pressed the pillow to my ears and slept.