CHAPTER 2

Hello District 2!" It was Eristine Nimbark. "Today, one lucky boy and one lucky girl will be chosen to represent District 2 in the 74th annual hunger games!" Everyone cheered. I looked at Cato. He smiled reassuringly. "Now today, just for a change, boys first!" Eristine pulled out a name. "Michael Orbost," Oh no. Michael. He's not ready! Michael looked shocked, terrified and scared all at the same time. I heard rustling beside me. This can't be happening. "I volunteer." 16 voices said all at once. One was Cato's. I turned around to look at Cato. I was about to cry. Eristine looked around, trying to figure out who spoke first. "Cato Buchanan, please come up to the stage." "No! I screamed. I fainted. On live television. Luckily Arkaia woke me up in time for the girls. I new Marcus was right, I'm good enough to volunteer, and if I want to help Cato, that's what it'll take. "Ladies. Its… Clove Greenleaf. I realised that for once, there were no volunteers. How odd. This was it. "Clove Greenleaf, please proceed to the stage." As I walked onto the stage, I saw Cato, looking sad, hurt. He knew would have to kill me to win, and I know how much he wants to win. I suddenly felt bad. Cato was glaring at me. I felt highly intimidated by my own best friend. What if he tries to kill me? I'm sure he wouldn't do that. Would he? I shakily stood next to Cato. "I present to you, Cato and Clove!" Eristine smiled at us. "Thankyou!" She yelled to the crowd as she pushed us backstage. "Clove!" Cato yelled, his tone worried. I started to think maybe he was going to be nice after all. "Why did you do that? You can't die on me!" Cato hugged me. "I wanted to help protect you in anyway I could, and I realised that this is the only way." I said, unsure of what his response would be. He shook me. "But now we will have to kill each other, Clove!" Cato wasn't too happy. "You might not have to, if we come up with a plan." A voice came from behind us. I recognised it well. It was my mentor, Enobaria. A shiver ran through my spine as I faced her. "Clove, come with me. Cato, go with Brutus." Enobaria pointed towards Brutus. "Hurry along now." She shooed Cato away. " Clove, I'm not happy with you, not one bit." Cato yelled at me bitterly as he walked away. "Okay Clove. I will take you to the Justice Building where people will have three minutes to visit you. Then, on the train to the Capitol, I will give you life-saving advice. Clear?" I new that Eristine was supposed to be making the schedule but Enobaria is not the type to be messed with. "Yes." I replied. When we got to my little room, the first person to visit was Marcus. "Miss Clove, I knew you could do it! This is your year, train hard, listen to Enobaria and for once, have a go with the sword and you'll be fine." Marcus patted me on the back. "Good Luck, Miss Clove." I waved him off, not expecting any other visitors, but I guess I got lucky. Arkaia and Michael both wished me luck, even though they are more Cato's friends than mine. I didn't have any other visitors, so Enobaria came to my room and took me to the train.