Chapter 4:

Waking up for the second time this morning was more than welcome. A strong pair of arms encircled my body, protecting and sheltering me from the outside world. I looked toward the clock, 9:00. No, no. The games are starting in an hour and a half, no, I don't want to die. I didn't realise that I had began to hyperventilate. A soft shh'ing sound could be heard from behind me, it was Cato trying to calm me down. I turned in his hold and looked into his face, I could only imagine what mine looked like. A look of terror. His eyes held an affection you'd see a man give his loved one. He placed a chaste kiss to my forehead, "Its going to be alright Peeta, please don't worry, trust me, I'll keep you safe". I believed every word he said, "O-o-okay, I b-belive you Cato".

He smiled and pulled me toward his chest. We stayed embracing each other for what seemed like forever….

Bang! Bang!, "Peeta! You have a big big day ahead of you, up up up!" Effie's shrill voice burst through. The words only made me curl in on Cato more. "H-how am I ment to survive Cato, I can't fight, or hunt or anything" I said, terrified. "I'll do that Peeta, I want you to run from the cornicopia, run as far as you can. I'll get weapons and supplies and then ditch the careers. Hide somewhere and don't come out unless it's me" He said, ferocity and determination flowing through his comforting voice. "O-okay, just don't die"...

A few hours later, and I was no longer cuddling with Cato, but scared in confined glass tube, willing myself to not fall apart. The platform suddenly rose, at first all I could see is a blinding sunlight, yet I could smell the distinct scent of oak trees. It smelt like the woods I use to sketch in, use to. I looked to my right and sure enough Cato was standing next to me. My knees nearly buckled at the sight of him. He mouthed 'run', and nodded his head behind me, at a thick looking part of the forest. I shakily nodded back. He returned to a stance, which looked deadly, maybe he could protect me, no not maybe definitely.

10 - I thought of my abusive mother and how i'd never see her again

9 - I thought of Katniss, the girl I saved which was probably going to kill me

8 - I thought of my younger brother, how is he suppose to survive with that monster

7 - I thought of lethe, just glad that he's old enough to move out, away from them

6 - I thought of my dad, oh how I'll miss him…

5 - I though of Prim, the sweet young light that got saved

4 - I though of Gale, one of my two friends

3 - I thought of Madge, oh how I'll miss her witty comments

2 - I'm going to die….

1 - I think of Cato, I'll survive this for him, but he will win, not me….

BANG, the gong sounded. I immediately turned and bolted for the forest, screams took place for the eerie silence. I chanced a look back and saw chaos at the cornicopia. It looked as if everyone was fighting each other, even the careers. I hope you're okay Cato, I have faith in you. I have to keep going, I carried on running and met the dense tree line. I sprinted through the rugged terrain which was quickly tiring me out, but I had to carry on. I'm nowhere near far enough yet. I carried on going until I heard an ear piercing cannon, then another, followed by another. I counted twelve. Half the tributes gone already! But I had to keep going and find a good hiding spot, I could think then.

I eventually found a small cave, just big enough for me and Cato yet we could both conseil ourselves in it. It was situated by a small lake which could be our water source, I just hope the game makers haven't polluted it or anything. I sat near the entrance of the cave, but not close enough for anyone to see. I could hear twigs and leaves breaking and crunching, Is this Cato.

"Peeta" someone whispered. "Peeta" they repeated.

I dared a small look out, It was Cato. I immediately ran out to him and hugged him. He sighed with relief and dropped the supplies, hugging me just as tight. "I've found a cave we could stay in?" I stated yet with question in my voice. "That will be perfect" he beamed.

We finally set up, he had picked up three bags of food, two water canteens, a double sleeping bag, a sword which was his, and a lightweight knife for me. "The careers" Cato spoke. "They all turned on each other straight away, it's so strange, my district partner Clove killed the girl from one, and the boy killed her. There's no career alliance anymore. I'm not sure why".

"I'm just glad that you're safe" I said. With that he slung his arm around my shoulders and pulled me into his side. "We're safe at least, this is good for us, it means that no one will be hunting for tributes tonight" Cato spoke wisely. He then pulled a trap out of a bag I hadn't seen before, it was about a metre in length, just big enough to go outside the cave entrance. " I got this just incase, I'ts better to be safe than sorry hey" He said with a shrug. I just nodded at him.

Later that night we sat down to eat, we decided to eat a bread roll each with some meat. As the bread will keep hunger away, and help keep our supplies from dwindling quick. I looked toward him eating and gave him a goofy smile. He returned one and we both began to laugh. He then came and sat next to me, our bodies touching. The heat that emanated from his was more than welcoming. "I don't think we need to take watch, I mean we're pretty concealed and the trap will do the job" Cato spoke softly, I just nodded tiredly and let my head rest on his shoulder. He pulled the sleeping bag out and laid it out in front of us. He then procceded to pick me up and lay me in it. Slipping in beside me, he pulled me onto his chest, he made a great pillow. I sleepily looked up at him and smiled, he pressed a kiss to my lips. "Night Peeta", he said whilst wrapping his arm around my back. " Night Cato"