Chloe DeBenedetto

We are quickly marched onto the train by Peacekeepers, with Zorrelia leading us. I glance at Cato to get a better look at him: his hair is dirty blonde, and like I said before, he's like a giant compared to my average 5'5 height. He looks frightening; I feel bad for all the others tributes that aren't Careers… he looks as if he has no mercy either.

The train is amazing; there are so many expensive looking things here. I've never seen anything more luxurious in my life. There are multiple train cars. We're in the main one right now - there's a sitting area and a very high quality TV. Zorrelia taps my arm for a couple seconds, but I'm zoned out - taking in all of the new scenery.

When I notice she's tapping me, I turn my head. Cato scoffs. "You're going to be the youngest Career. Can you at least try to pay attention? It will get you killed in the arena if you don't," his words drip with venom. But I'm only a year younger than you…

"Whatever," I say, "we're not in the arena now. So calm down," I shoot him a look that's sharper than my throwing knives.

Zorrelia looks distressed. "Come on now, you two. No bickering! Now where are your mentors…" she scans the train cart, realizing they're not here. "I'll find them. I'll be back in five minutes, tops."

I look up at Cato, he's at least a foot taller than me. His blue eyes show confidence; like he's been training for this his whole life. Well, he technically has.

"Hey, the Reapings are going to be aired soon," he tells me with an attitude.

I shake it off. "Zorrelia should be back any minute with our mentors. We'll watch it with them."

Cato nods, and Zorrelia bursts through the door, two people behind her. We get situated on the soft couch and the introductions are made.

The woman speaks first. Her hair is dark, in contrast to my light blonde and her eyes match her hair, almost black. Her skin is very pale, while mine is light tan. "My name is Madisyn, but I go by Maddie. I won the Hunger Games three years ago; the 71st Games. I'm 21 now." Cato looks her up and down approvingly. "And your names are?"

"Chlo-"

"Cato Vindisi," he says, putting on a bored look. "Great to meet you," he concludes with sarcasm.

"I'm Chloe DeBenedetto," I put on a dazzling smile.

"I like you," Maddie says to me. "I'll take this one, she has potential," she notifies her male counterpart.

Cato shoots Maddie a rude look. I don't think anyone has ever picked someone else over him.

"I'm William, but you can call me Will. I won the games five years ago," I quickly do the math in my head - he's 23, assuming he was 18 at the time. He has sandy-colored hair, almost like Cato's, and his teeth are the brightest white I've ever seen. He's tan, and his eyes are a stunning blue.

"Looks like I'll be mentoring Cato."

"Well, then. Now that we're all friends," Zorrelia smiles happily, "let us watch the Reapings!" Maddie takes the remote and turns on the right channel. The Reapings are just beginning, starting in District 1.

5:30pm: Dinner
Dining Car

"I'm very excited for the Games, I mean, their going to be great! Just look at these tributes… very different from last -"

"When do we get to the Capitol?" Cato interrupts yet again. "Your voice is giving me a fucking headache! I need to get out of this hell hole!"

"Excuse me," Zorrelia says, her voice cracking, tears freely spilling out of her eyes. She runs out of the dining car and goes to her room.

Maddie and Will are laughing hysterically. Maddie did a spit-take. "24 hours until we arrive in the Capitol," Maddie finally says through giggles. "You really told her off!"

Cato smirks. "Thanks."

"Cato! Stop!" I laugh while he chases me. We're in some kind of meadow, dotted with trees with at least a million flowers. This is beautiful place oozes nothing but happiness as this attractive young man chases me.

"I'm gonna get you, Chloe!" he says, catching up and throwing me over his shoulder.

I punch his back lightly and he lets me go. Cato picks me up and spins me around until I'm very dizzy. He puts me down and reaches down to pick up some flowers.

Next thing I know, there are flowers all over me, but mostly in my hair. Before I can throw them back at him, the sky seems to become enraged.

Lightning strikes and sets a tree on fire, which topples over and spreads. The flame is getting closer and closer to him until…

"CATO!" My eyes pop open, and I can't tell if I've said this for real, or if it was just in my head.

My question is soon answered when Cato's body appears in the doorframe. "What the hell? What's so important that you had to wake me up? Stupid bitc-"

"Cato! Are you okay?" I throw the blankets off and rush to his side. I throw my arms around him.

I suddenly realize Dream Cato and Real Cato don't have the same personalities… This one is much fiercer and has no feelings… I'm blushing so hard, and I'm thankful for the darkness.

"Are you mentally stable?" Cato says seriously, throwing me off of him. Tears well up in my eyes for a minute, but I hold them back. I'm an excuse for a Career. My parents wouldn't be happy.

"I just had a dream…" I tuck some loose blonde hair behind my ear. "I'm sorry… I just thought something happened to you…"

"So you would be upset if something happened to me?" That smirk again - I can't see it, but I know it's there.

"No, it's just… we're… we're District partners. I care for you a little," WHERE IS MY INTIMIDATING CAREER PERSONALITY GOING?

"Oh, Chlo-bird," he mimics Zorrelia's nickname for me. I sit back down on my bed.

"I'm sorry for waking you up," I have to kiss Cato's ass to stay on his good side. I figure you probably don't want to be enemies with this guy.

"I can never go back to sleep once I'm awake," he tells me.

"Neither can I. Wanna strategize?" I ask.

"I'd rather be sleeping," he mumbles softly. "But sure. I have nothing better to do."

"What are you good at?"

"What am I not good at, is the question. I excel at swords. My strongest weapon, I think. What about you?"

"Throwing knives," I say with a psychotic edge. "I love hearing that choking sound when a knife is lodged in someone's throat," my eyes sparkle.

"Forget what I said about you being seventeen; you'll be a great Career. Look at you," he laughs, with pride in his voice.

"Aww!" Zorrelia shrieks from the doorway.

"Didn't I already tell you?" Cato snarls at her. "Your annoying. I don't even know what the point of your job is. An escort? We can take on the Capitol without you, thank you very much."

"I will not be told off again by a tribute!" Zorrelia yells. I'm surprised Maddie and Will aren't awake with all this commotion. "Cato, you obviously like Chloe!"

"Her?" Cato laughs, motioning towards me. "Yeah, I'm in love with Chloe DeBenedetto. Look at her, Zorrelia. Cato Vindisi, soon to be Victor of the 74th Hunger Games, would never go for a girl like her! We're strictly in a temporary alliance, and that's all!"

I don't know why, but my heart breaks at these words.