"Listen, Mandarin. Your names in there once, your only twelve. Your not gonna get picked. I wont let you go to the Games.""But it was me..."
"and it was only a dream. Your not going to the Capitol. I promise."
I rub her cheek softly. she throws a knife at the wall, the way i tought her and so many other children in District Two, and begins to walk home.
I watch as she does, waiting until shes out of sight until i let the breath i am holding go.
Cato, who's been beside me this whole time, grabs my hand and takes me in his arms.
"Dont worry, Clove. They arent going to pick her. Im going to the Games and coming home, and next year you'll do the same. Mandy wont ever have to."
He lets me go when we're at my house. Well, mine... The house ive been sharing with Mandarin and her brother Adonis since my parents died four years back.
I kiss his cheek lightly, and he bends down and kisses my lips.
"Dont worry Clove. She will be fine."
I nod slightly and walk to the door.
"Oh, and Clovey?" Cato says, and i turn and look at him, my hand resting on the doorknob.
"What Cato?"
"Wear something pretty."
I sneer at him and roll my eyes.
I pull open the door, hearing his snicker, and walk straight up against Adonis.
"Clove."
"Adonis."
We stare at each other for a bit, the possible chance of us being separated very presant.
Its his last year, so im not too scared for him.
Im only 17, and Mandy's only 12.
If anyone is in danger, its me.
I look at the silk white dress hes holding.
Reaping day clothes.
"This was my moms reaping dress.
For her fifth reaping."
"Are you sure you want me to ruin the dress?"
I hug him anyway, because i know what this dress alone means to him.
After i put it on, i leave my hair loose and slightly waivy over my shoulders.
"You look so pretty Clove."
I turn around to whre the small voice came from, and see Mandarin standing in my shadow.
I lean forward and kiss her head lightly.
"Your always pretty Mandarin."
Adonis looks at me, a faint smile on his lips.
"Shes right. You do. You look absolutly pretty."
"Mandarin Arachel!" the escort says.
No. No. NO. This cant be happening.
I see her on the screen,making her way to the stage, and it wakes me up again.
I sprint forward out of the 17 box.
" I volunteer! I volunteer for District Two!"
Some kids are looking at me like im pathetic, becauseim only 17.
18 is when your aloud to volunteer in the Career districts, and im a first.
Theresnever before been a 17 year old tribute from a Career District.
But im by far the best.
Im only 17, and i already teach. Id like to see Malia do that.
Oh wait... She was killed by district 10 last year..
"NO! CLOVE! No Clove, you cant!"
She looks at me , screaming and crying, clinging onto me for dear life.
I pull her loose and Angie, her best friend, takes her away.
I can see the faint glimmering of tears in her own eyes aswell.
I try to smile encouraginly at my students, al 12 to 14 year olds.
But i cant, its to hard.
I know that maybe,just maybe, i'll never see them again.
Angie lets a few tears escape, and i swallow back my own.
"Well? Come on up, dear."
I do as the escort says, to shocked to even blink.
"I promised you you wouldnt have to go." I whisper to Mandarin, who sobs even louder.
"And whats your name?"
"Clove. Clove Massae."
I manage to make my voice strong and tough, despite the fear of it breaking for all of Panem to see.
They all need to know im the one to beat. Im the future Victor.
The boys bowl is next, and my eyes immediatly find Cato's.
I know his plan.
Hes going to volunteer, and hes going to win.
If he doesnt i can win, but if he does, i need to sacrifice myself to get him home.
I shake my head, nearly invisible.
He nods slightly at me, and i feel my eyes narrowing.
I feel like a 5 year old, about to throw a tantrum.
But i dont wanna flip out on tv, and not when Mandarin and Adonis are watching me.
"James Trauma."
I still look at Cato.
I know James, and hes a wimp.
I could take him out in the Bloodbath, and other wise in his sleep.
"No." I whisper to Cato, whos already jumping out of the box.
"Cato Bryans. I volunteer aswell."
Crap.