A/N: Hey guys! So this story is slightly different than the actual books. First of all, it focuses on Clove and Cato, as you probably figured out from the description. Only small details will be tweaked, so it won't be too different from the original story. Also, I wasn't sure what Clove was supposed to look like, so I sort of just came up with her appearance on my own. Sorry that the chapter is so short! I just kind of want to see if anybody likes this before I continue. Anyway, enjoy!
Disclaimer: I do not own the Hunger Games or the characters in it.
Reaping Day
Cato stood among the crowd of seventeen year old boys. He could feel the wind blowing through his blonde hair, chilling his body slightly. Next to him, teens were chattering about who would be chosen. Some were gambling and discussing the odds, while others were arrogantly talking about volunteering. Cato scoffed at them.
The Games aren't a joke you idiots, he thought to himself. Half of you would be dead before the first sunset.
The crowd fell silent as a tall woman approached the microphone. She had long, sleek, brown hair and large green eyes. Her tight red dress hugged her body as she walked. "Hello," she said slowly. "It is time to select your tributes for the 74th annual Hunger Games."
The crowd went wild at the mention of the games. Again, Cato laughed in disbelief. Cheering for the death machine that could take their children. How wonderful, he mused.
The woman dug her hand into the bowl on her right. "Ladies first," she said teasingly. She paused to read the name, before informing the crowd of the lucky girl. Cato strained to hear, but failed to catch the name over the chatter of the crowd. He peered at the stage, trying to see if he could at least identify the tribute by her looks.
His heart skipped a beat as a girl with long brown approached the stage.
"Clove," he whispered. The mass of people clapped, many relieved at not being chosen to kill or be killed. Clove walked to the woman on stage, nodding at her. The teen faced the crowd, and gave them a charming smile. She seemed unfazed by the entire ordeal. Cato stared up at her, not believing his eyes. Once the noise died down, the woman picked out the name of the male.
"Spencer Grale," she read aloud. Again the crowd cheered, but this time slightly less. No matter how much District Two enjoyed the Games, nobody enjoyed to see young teens go. It made the event less enjoyable, as one of their tributes barely stood a chance to win. Unfortunately for the district, the boy was only fourteen this year. As he reached the stage, the woman called out to the audience. "Any volunteers?"
"I volunteer as tribute." The words slipped out of Cato's mouth before he could catch them. Another round of cheering erupted, people calling out to him.
"'Atta boy, Cato!" "Way to be, man!" He could hear the audience congratulating him on his bravery, but all he wanted to do was get to Clove. The people around him fell quiet as he moved towards the stage. Spencer passed him as he left the platform. "Thank you," the young boy mouthed.
Cato smiled reassuringly at him.
He and Clove locked eyes as he took his place next to their announcer. Her expression was unreadable. He painted a smirk on his face and winked at her, knowing it would make her feel better. Finally, he faced the crowd. Somewhere in his mind he thought that this might be the last time he saw many of these people.
Remembering that all of Panem was now watching him, he put his hands in his back pockets and smiled his most seductive smile for the cameras.
"Ladies and gentlemen, your tributes for the 74th Hunger Games."
Well, Cato thought. So much for that history test.
A/N: Phew! So, that was the first chapter! I hope you guys like it. Reviews would be very much appreciated. I'm also looking for a beta, so if you're interested, PM me and I will love you forever!