Born to die

by DamnHyper

Born into the harsh, Game-crazed world of District 2, Cato and Clove were doomed from the very start. But that didn't mean they couldn't have their fun every now and then. A series of drabbles from when they met to the end, rated T for language and violence later on.

First sight

The first time Cato sees Clove they are seven and at their first training session at the Centre. The instructor pairs him up with her to practice wrestling. At first, it's almost too easy for him, big and brawny Cato to overpower and floor lithe and lean Clove. But soon, he learns she's not all she seems to be. As he pins her to the floor, she smiles for the first time.

"You've got nice eyes."

Cato's brow furrows in bewilderment; he wasn't expecting a compliment.

And in that moment, she takes advantage of his temporary weakness and she has flipped him over and he is the one floored, in all senses of the word. She grins, looking at him straight on the eyes.

He stares steadily back into her eyes, feeling a mix of admiration and wounded pride. He notices how her eyes aren't black like most of District 2's population, but a very dark brown, with the slightest gleam of gold.

"You have nice eyes too" he breathes. And then, he throws her off him and smirks as she crumples into a pile beneath him. But she doesn't cry, he notices. Instead she throws her head back and her laughter rings out through the Centre as clear as a bell, her eyes crinkled eyes just barely slits.

"Nice one…Cato"

The first time Cato sees Clove he is already gone.