Cato heard her call his name through his bones.

A horrid sound. Full of pain, fear and desperate pleading.

And so he ran. Faster than he actually thought he could, faster than he had pushed himself running to the Cornucopia, faster than volunteering back at District 2.

He just knew he had to get to Clove.

He didn't love her. How could one love another in such few days? His father probably didn't love Cato, and he'd had years to love him. So no, Cato didn't love Clove. But he did care.

Cato sped through the trees, his vision breaking a gap and immediately scanning the scene. Thresh had her. One large arm locking around her neck whilst Clove kicked and clawed hysterically.

"CATO! CATO!"

Time slowed down. For him, anyway. He was supposed to be fast. But how come it took so long for him to take the steps? Clove continued her struggle until Thresh threw her down, yelling something about the little girl from his District.

Cato had never seen Clove like this. Terrified, helpless, with tears falling down her face. He realised with a jolt that Katniss was there. The arrogant, stupid District 12 girl that he detested so much sitting stunned on the ground. He ran faster. He could kill her.

Cato almost slapped himself in shame. Clove. He was saving Clove.

Cato kissed her once. It was weird how he was recalling this as Thresh was killing her now. As the rock came down on Clove's head, Cato remembered the feel of her lips against his for two seconds.

Her protests were feeble now, just small whispers of "Cato, help me, please". Thresh and 12 were gone now, leaving her battered body. It was cruel, so cruel to have left her die. At least me and Clove had killed our victims quickly.

Finally, I am at her side. Her hands grip mine tightly, and I am surprised with her strength. She will never faze to amaze me. However, this time, it scares me. I am scared that she's using too much of her energy in her grip, and not enough on living.

I'm actually scared now. "Clove, please stay with me. You're alright, you're fine. Hey remember when those tracker jackers came down? You healed so quick, you were so strong. How about some strength now eh? Here let me take you back to the supplies, I'll…"

She is still smirking on her deathbed. "You're just scared because you know you won't make it without me."

I almost smile back, but then she takes a shuddering breath and coughs up blood.

"We were supposed to go home together."

"I thought you were just going to kill me off when it came to it."

"Didn't… didn't the kiss change your mind about that?"

"Yeah." Her eyes flutter shut. "Yeah, it did".

We weren't lovers, we just enjoyed each other's companies even though it was short.

Like life is.