This is my first time to write a story. Actually I'm having second thoughts on publishing this because I know that this is not as good as the other fanfictions. My addiction for CLATO is really insane, and I love everyone who are sharing their CLATO works that's why I decided to share this too. I'm thinking of making this different from other fanfics. I'm not really a writer, I actually suck at english so please if you have any comments or suggestion, don't hesitate to put it on the reviews or PM me.

The title is from the song "Stitch by Stitch" by Javier Colon. It always reminds me of them whenever I hear that song.

POVs will be alternate, starts with Clove's, then Cato's on next chapter.

Disclaimer: I don't own anything.

STITCH BY STITCH

by: infamy-not

Chapter One - Almost a Perfect Lovestory (Before the Reaping)

We are selfless, merciless, vicous, and ambitious because we need to. We need to be strong to survive this, to bring honor and fame to our family. We grow up with this kind of environment, with this kind of thinking. We don't have a choice. This is our destiny.

We are friends. Actually we are more than friends. We started dating when i was 14 and he was 15 and we are together for almost 3 years. We share something that only the two of us can share. We are very comfortable with each other because we understand one another. Other people don't know what we're going through, they don't know what we feel, but I know what he's into and he know what I feel too. It's like we are made to comfort and complete each other.

AT THE TRAINING CENTER

Cato and I are the best fighters at the training center that's why it wasn't really shocking when our mentor announced that, "Cato and Clove, you're going to volunteer tomorrow at the reaping." Both of us didn't move, striked our meanest smirk, hiding what we really feel at that moment. Our co-trainees congratulates us. We should be happy, really. Our hardworks are finally bearing fruits. But something is not right. I can't manage to be happy when I know that weeks from now, I need to kill that one person that understands me, that only person that cares for me. That one person i really love, though, Cato doesn't know it yet, but I'm sure of myself that I'm in love this person.

I should have know it. Dating Clato is really not a good idea. I can still remember the day I first saw him at the training center. He was just a boy, he wasn't as huge as what he is today. But I instantly saw his edge among the other trainees. At how he carries that sword, how he wrestled, he was different. And I can also see that he also feels the same way with me, at how he looks at me. Watching me as I throw the knives at the target. That's why it didn't surprise me when he came up to me after the training. "Hey you heading home?" Cato asked. "Nope. I'm staying. I need to practice." I answered shortly. "Ahuh. I don't think you still need it. I saw how you throw your knives. You're ok." I forced a laugh. What an arrogant boy, I thought. I know I'm not just ok, my performance was impressive. But I managed to stay cool. "I know but I still need some improvements regarding other weapons." "I can help you with that." Uh-oh. This doesn't look good. I can feel that this boy if flirting with me, I need to stay away from any distractions. "Come on. I'm going to teach you on wrestling and you'll teach me with knives." I see what we're having here. He's asking for help too. It was mixed emotions, relieved because I know that his only intention is to learn some knife techniques and disappointed coz that is his ONLY motive. Come one Clove! Get a hold of yourself! You're starting to act like other irritating stupid teenage girls. "OK we can do that." "That's what I'm talking about!" Cato smiled.

Everyday we're like that. Having our private sessions then hanging out after. I don't know what came with me but I find myself opening up with this person, and surprisingly he is opening up to me too. It's like we are different persons when there is only the two of us. At the training center, we are arrogant, snob, merciless ans selfish. But when we're at the comfort of each other, we're just like any other teenagers. We bring out the best in each other, at trainings and at keeping each other sane despite the stress of the training.

"Pizza's ready, what movie did you pick?" Cato shouted from the kitchen. "The Notebook!" I answered, laughing. "UGH Whatever." I know I'm not the girly type but still I'm a girl, and I like romantic movies. We're having our weekly movie marathon at Cato's house. Since his parents are peackeepers assigned from other districts, he's always alone at his home. Actually, we have the same situation regarding our parents. "You'll love this. Trust me." "Yea sure" He lie at the sofa with his head on my lap. That's our usual position when we're watching movies. Then suddenly he looks at my face. "What?" "Uh nothing" He was kinda startled because of the stuttering. And what was that? He's blushing? "Really, what's that?" "Uh promise me first that you won't laugh at me." "What?" "Promise me." "OK sure" "I like you." "wha-" He kissed me. Is this really happening? I was really shocked but eventually I kissed him back and whispered between our lips, "I like you too".

After that, nothing really changed except that we can now say that we are extra special to each other, we are exclusively dating. But of course, we need to keep it a secret because our parents and mentors won't agree with our relationship knowing that it would be a distraction. But we're very much ok with that. We don't need them to be happy anyway.

And now I'm here at the training center, reminiscing all the wonderful memories that Cato and I shared, knowing that we can't bring those memories back, knowing that only one of us will come back in district two. I can feel my tears breaking but I managed to compose myself. I have all the time that I want when I go home after this.

So? What do you think? Kinda dull? LOL. But it's only the introduction. I'll try to be better with the future chapter. I'm planning to make 5-10 chapters. Depending on the reviews and of course, depending on the flow of the story. :)

Please do give me some reviews. Positive or not, I'll take it. It'll motivate me to be better. you can also give me some suggestions.

Thank you for reading this.