Clove woke the next day to a soft tapping at her door. "Just a few more minutes." She mumbled.
"Come on, Clover. It's time to wake up," Kawino's voice said.
"I don't want to," she groaned.
"I know, but still."
"Okay, I'm up." Clove got out of bed realize how selfish it was to complain about that to him though he'd never say so.
"Good, I'll be in the dining room if you need me."
"Okay, I'll be there soon!"
"Thank you," he called, before footsteps headed down the hall.
She shook the sleep off and headed into the bathroom. Then she ran into her first problem the showers were a bit...complex to say the least. 'Why do they need so many buttons?' Clove thought. "Kawino! Do you know how the showers work?"
"Mostly now, why?" he asked.
"I can't figure it out!"
"Are you decent so I can come in?" he asked.
"Yes, I am."
He came in dressed in an all-black uniform like suit looking tired, but otherwise well. "Okay, give me a second, any smell you want?"
"Um… not really."
"Okay," he said, typing in a rapid series of buttons. With that, the shower sprang to life. "There you go, that should be alright."
"Thanks, Kawino." Clove smiled a little.
"No problem Clover, it'll stay on as long as you're in."
"Okay, I think I got it."
"Good enjoy," he said, leaving and heading back to the dining room.
Clove smiled a little stepping into the comforting heat. She was washed in almost no time but didn't want to get out yet. It was nice to feel all her muscles unlock.
She sighed knowing she's going to have to get out. 'Come on Clove you can do this.' She thought. She got out being immediately dried off.
"That's new." She muttered heading out and finding clothes waiting on her bed. They have black, mid-length, skin-tight athletic pants, a dark red tank top, and black sneakers. "Guess this is my training gear."
She slipped it all on noting that it did compliment her well. "Nice." She had to admit. She pulled her hair into a ponytail and headed out.
She found everyone minus Yizziki and Sabina waiting for her. She gave a small smile and sat down. "So, first training day today?"
"Yeah, think you're ready?"
"As I can be."
"Good, that is all I can ask for."
"How should I go about this?" Clove asked since despite being well-trained, it's quite different in front of all the people that will be trying to kill you.
"You need to hold an air of confidence."
"Right, of course."
"Also, be on the lookout for allies."
"I will. Should I just watch or show off or what?"
"Not everything, but show off some things."
"So like the knives?"
"Yes if you want show off your knife skills."
"Do you think it would be a good idea to?"
"Maybe, I personally didn't," Kawino said.
"Really? Not at any point?"
"Not until the solo ones."
"Well, yeah, obviously but why not?"
"You don't want to give away your best strength."
"Okay, I won't. At least not today."
"Thank you," he said.
"How long until I'm supposed to head down?"
"Twenty more minutes," Enobaria said.
"Okay, plenty of time." Clove nodded and got herself some food.
"That was the idea," Kawino said as Sabina and Yizziki came in yawning. "How are you girls?" Kawino asked.
"We're okay." Yizziki yawned.
"That's good then."
"Yeah, how are you?" Sabina asked, sitting beside him and across from Cato and Clove as Yizziki sat at the other end of the table.
"As good as I can be. Just trying to figure the plan out."
"Right, any luck so far?" she asked.
"Not really much farther than we've already discussed."
"Oh, I see?" Sabina said confused a little
"It's a bit hard to explain."
"Well, then I won't ask."
"Maybe later," he told her.
"Okay," she said, and Clove this time fully awake noted a hopeful tone to the Capital girl's voice. She looked over at her brother looking for anything there. He seemed to just be confused at why she was interested. She made a note to keep an eye out though.
"So, then how do you two feel?" Yizziki asked.
"Pretty nervous," Cato admitted.
"You'll both do great," Kawino said.
"I think so too but it's still unsettling. Weren't you?"
"Of course I was," he said.
"Well, so are we. We'll make sure not to seem that way in front of the other tributes, though."
"That's the best option."
"The only one really."
"Yeah, if you want to be technical."
"Well, we can't seem weak to them."
"No you can't."
"We need to seem like normal Careers. Well, normal Careers in love."
"Yeah, that's a tricky one."
"Well, not really."
"Really?" Kawino asked confused.
"How would it?"
"I don't know; love is weird."
"Well, it shouldn't."
"Huh?"
"Be that tricky."
"Oh, right okay."
"You guys think you'll have it down?"
"Yeah, we should be fine."
"That's good, then eat."
Clove nodded keeping quiet, but watching Sabina. She wondered if Sabina would be good for her brother if that happened. 'Could, be but who knows?' She thought to herself. 'Guess we'll see if it does come to that.' Sabina caught sight of Clove watching her and blushed slightly
Twenty minutes later, Clove and Cato went down to the training floor. They stepped out holding hands. They stood straight and confident, surveying the area. There were the usual careers and a few other who looked promising.
They headed over to the other Careers. "So this is 2 huh?" asked the girl from 1.
"Yeah, I'm Clove; this is Cato."
"I'm Glimmer and this is Marvel," she said, gesturing to him.
"Are you guys really together?" Marvel asked.
"Yes we are. Is that a problem?" Cato asked
"No, just surprising."
"Why is that?" Clove asked
"You just never see it."
"Yeah, and that is something we can use."
"How so?"
"We can gain sponsors and while we are all together, we can split gifts," Clove said.
"Good point."
"So that all works out for us."
"Just don't distract each other too much."
"We won't; we're smarter than that."
"Let's hope so."
"You doubt us?"
"We barely know you, yet."
"Fair, enough but we'll be fine."
"Okay, then let's just keep an eye out for the other tributes."
"Right, now my mentor is concerned about 12 this year."
"Really, 12? Did they give a reason?"
"She is built like an archer."
"Hmm… alright, we'll keep an eye on her. What about her district partner?"
"No use as far as I can tell right now, easy pickings."
"Think they'd be willing to separate if the girl turns out to be useful?"
"Probably."
"I guess we'll see."
"Yeah, for now talents?" Glimmer looked down saying nothing. "Do you have any?"
"Of course, I'm a Career after all."
"So, what are they?"
"Well, I can shoot a bow and arrow."
"Long range weapon... useful." Clove admitted. "Why were you so awkward about it though?"
"I have a little trouble. Not often but it happens."
"How so?"
"I occasionally see double at times."
"Well, that is problematic."
"I was going to have my eyes looked at then I got drawn."
"Keep it down. There are background districts here." Clove hissed a reminder.
"I didn't say it very loud."
"Still, you need to be careful."
"I will be."
"So how do you shoot with that then?"
"Same as anyone."
"Doesn't it screw up your aim though?"
"A little bit yeah."
"Any less aim based talents?"
"I'm great with traps."
"That can be good."
"Yeah, for both animals and humans."
"Great, then what about you, Marvel?"
"I have a talent with spears."
"Typical Career standard?"
"Just above."
"What about you two?" Glimmer asked.
"I am great with swords and spears," Cato said.
"And I have close to perfect aim with knives."
"Perfect?"
"Close to."
"Well, that's amazing if true."
"It is," Cato pitched.
"Good we can use that,"
"Where's 4?"
"Over there," Glimmer said, pointing to the camouflage.
"Shouldn't we go talk to them?"
"Yeah, we should."
The four of them headed over.
Four was just working on looking like grass. "Hmm, pretty impressive," Clove inquired.
"Thank you," the boy said.
"You guys the rest of the Pack?"
"Yeah, that would be us."
"Cool, I'm Reels; this is Macey," the boy introduced.
"Nice to meet you I'm Clove, this is Cato, Glimmer, and Marvel."
"I assume we're sticking with the usual pack."
"Well, maybe small additions."
"My mentor says we should keep an eye on the girl from 12. She has the build of an archer."
"Really in 12 of all places?"
"He's certain."
"That's still odd though."
"Very but I think it's worth at least looking into."
"Fine, I see no reason not to."
"You two have any skills but the camouflage?"
"I am good with scythes," Reels said.
"Hmm, interesting."
"I am with curved blades."
"Okay, pretty strong Pack then."
"Yeah, so far this year."
"Did you guys notice the boy from 11?" Reels asked.
"No why?"
"He's a mountain. We really should look into him."
"Well, we'll see. It's at least worth consideration."
"Definitely."
"Big doesn't mean smart."
"Of course, we'll see though."
"Yeah, I guess we will."
"Any other notable ones?"
"Not as of yet, but keep your eyes peeled."
"We will."
"Good so on to training."
"Is it really necessary?"
"No, but we need to do something," Clove said.
"I guess."
"Besides maybe we can learn new skills or perfect bad ones."
"I'm sick of training though."
"We need to make sure we do not go rusty."
"Seems like an awfully short time for that to happen."
"It still could."
"Well, I guess."
"Just small things."
"So, separate?"
"Yeah for now."
"Got it, that works."
"Meet up later." They nodded and all headed off.
Meanwhile Kawino was sorting through the sponsors that had come for them so far, it was not as much as he would have liked. "Damn 12." He muttered. He grunted and read through some of the one's taking much longer than it should trying to remember the stuff he had time to try to learn and they still seemed to swim in a mess of symbols at times.
He groaned letting his head fall to the table, partially confused and partially irritated. "Enobaria," he groaned.
"Kawino, are you okay?" She asked coming over
"I can barely make sense of any of this."
"You mean the sponsors list?" She asked
"Yes, it's just all getting dizzying and confusing."
"Okay, calm down, I can help." Kawino nodded carefully sitting up. "Okay, now let's figure this out slowly."
"Okay," Kawino nodded.
"So where are you having troubles?"
"Trying to figure out what it says," he admitted, looking down.
"This says how much money we have for Cato and Clove if the games were to start today."
"So, how much is there?"
"At the moment 45,000 coins."
"Is that a lot?"
"Yes, it's a very decent amount." She said.
"Decent?"
"It's like saying pretty good."
"Pretty good isn't good enough!"
"Kawino, stay calm," she said carefully, not wanting to yell at him
"I can't. That girl from 12 can ruin everything!"
"She won't ruin things."
"You can't know that! It's life or death and she's going to try to save herself just like everyone else!"
"She will fail; Clove and Cato will not."
"I don't know. I'm not so sure anymore."
"Don't say that, Kawino."
"I'm just scared."
"I know," she said, hugging him.
"Clove and Cato will be fine though," she insisted.
"Are you sure?" he asked.
"Yes, I am. They're them."
"Perfect," he muttered.
"Well, no but amazing."
"Sure, right." He said
"I promise. Just have some faith in them."
"I do, I just don't know what to do."
"Well, that's what I'm here for."
"Right I forget I'm not alone sometimes... sorry," he said.
"It's okay. It can be easy sometimes."
"Can it? I thought it was just me."
"No, it happens a lot the first year."
"Okay maybe I need a break then?" Kawino asked.
"It would be best."
"Okay," he said, letting her go and leaving the room to find Yizziki and Sabina.
He found them in the living area and right away, Sabina asked, "Kawino, what's wrong?"
"Nothing just worry and stress," he admitted, sitting beside her
"Well, maybe I can help."
"You think so?" he asked.
"Yeah and I'll try at the very least."
"Well...okay," he said, after a pause to think.
"Can you trust me enough?"
"I think so, you seem nice."
"Good, so what has you so stressed?"
"Well, mostly the lack of money. It's all that girl from 12 and her stylist's fault." He growled.
"They had to compete somehow," she sighed.
"Well, they're stealing all of our sponsors."
"Well then, you could steal them back."
"How?"
"You get the people to love them. Head out and tell people how wonderful they are. People will listen to you; you charmed more than a few people last year and Clove is your sister."
"I can do that?"
"Yes you can and I could help if you want."
"You wouldn't have to."
"I know, but I want to."
"Well, okay, that would help."
"So, I can come along?"
"Of course." She smiled brightly showing impressively white teeth. "So, now?"
"If you want." She said
"The sooner the better."
"Okay, then we can go now," she said. She got up and offered a hand up. He stared for a second and then slowly took it.
"Thank you," he said, getting up.
"No problem I don't mind." She said blushing.
"So… let's go…" He was a bit red himself.
Yizziki smiled from her chair, she could think of much worse people for her cousin to date. She notices they hadn't let go as they head out. 'They'll be together before the slaughter starts.' She thought smiling a little.
Sabina and Kawino had just gotten down and out to the streets. "We should start with the richer people."
"Right, more money."
"Exactly follow me." She said gently leading the way
"You know where to look?"
"Yeah, I go to that part of town a lot."
"Okay, lead the way." She smiled and headed towards a series of white marble buildings "So, how do we even go about this?"
"We approach the betting booth."
"And say what?"
"First we ask for their attention."
"Just like that?"
"Yes, it is easy in places like this."
"Okay, seems simple enough."
"Then just speak from the heart," she said.
"I think I can handle that."
"I have faith in you."
"Thank you, Sabina."
She smiled, "It's my pleasure." She said
"Ready then?"
"If you are."
"I think so."
"Okay, I'll stay right by you." She said
"Thanks."
She nodded as they headed towards a smaller building Even so early in the Games it was madness. There were so many people sprinting around. "This is crazy."
"This is how people place bets."
"I didn't expect it to be this hectic."
"It usually is."
"Doesn't seem very likely to get anyone's attention."
"You can do it, being a victor helps."
"So just anyone of them?"
"Yeah."
Kawino hesitated but went up to a random woman. "Excuse me."
She turned to face him and then gasped. "Oh my! You're Kawino Yetter!" she said excitedly.
"Yes I am," Kawino said, still feeling a little weird at being immediately recognized. "If you have a minute, I wanted to talk to you about my tributes this year."
"Oh! Of course, I would love to hear more about them!"
"Well, first of all, you know the girl's my sister, right?"
"Yes, of course, I thought she must be related somehow; given you share a last name," she said.
"Well, she is my twin sister. I love her more than anything in the world."
"Oh, I see this must be difficult for you both," she said.
"Yes it is. I really need to make sure she wins. If only it wasn't for Cato."
"What do you mean?" she asked confused.
"They had been together two years strong. It would kill her to lose him."
"Oh no! I didn't know that," she said sadly.
"Yeah, it's a really hard situation. There both pretty much perfect, but there's only one victor, you know."
"Yes of course, if there is any way I could help them I would," she said.
"Well, we're trying to figure out a way around that but for now we can really use some more money."
"Of course!"
"Then that's really the only help we need at the moment."
"I will donate to them."
"Thank you, Ma'am."
"It's my pleasure." He moved onto someone else and a similar process repeated itself and through it, all Sabina stuck with him encouraging him.
Eventually, they had to head back to the Training Center though. As they left Kawino took Sabina's hand. "You okay?" she asked, blushing.
"Yeah, I feel a little better," he said, smiling.
"I'm glad to hear it."
"You know you really helped me," he said, blushing a little himself.
"Well, it was my pleasure."
"So, do you want to spend time together tomorrow?" he asked.
"Yes, I would."
"Really?" he asked seeming hopeful.
"Yes really, I like being around you."
"You do?" he asked
"Yes I do."
He stared at her trying to figure out what to say. After a while, he settled for, "Why?"
"What do you mean why?" she asked
"Why do you like being around me?"
"Well, you're kind, caring, smarter than you believe, a good listener, and you didn't even hesitate to help my aunt and cousin which makes you a rare kind of person."
"I'm not perfect though."
"Kawino, I promise you no one is perfect," she said, gently placing a hand on his cheek.
"You are."
"Y...you think I'm perfect?" she asked.
"Well, yeah, I do."
"Kawino that is unbelievably sweet, but I am not perfect, I'm glad you like me though." She said stroking his cheek.
"I haven't seen anything wrong with you."
"Maybe not yet, but I have my faults," she said.
"Like what?" he asked clearly skeptical.
"I have patience problems, not a lot of self-confidence; I didn't think what these games were doing to the participants until Yizziki brought it to my attention a few years ago," she listed off.
Kawino just shook his head. "I don't believe you."
"Kawino, it's true, I promise," she said, placing her other hand on his other cheek and looking him in the eye.
"You're just trying to make me feel better."
"Kawino, I promise you it's true, and besides no one needs to be perfect. I like you just as you are now," she said.
"Really?"
"Really, I swear," she said, leaning her forehead on his.
"Well, I like you as you are, too."
"You promise?" she asked readying her courage.
"Yes I promise." She smiled and pressed her lips to his for a short kiss. Kawino was shocked to say the least but did return it. She pulled back seeming nervous, but happy. "What was that for?" Kawino asked.
"I wanted to do that for a while."
"Oh?" Kawino blushed. He knew what a kiss was. He'd seen Cato and Clove do it a lot but never himself until then.
"Yeah, I like you a lot, Kawino."
"I hadn't realized you meant... that way."
"Well, I do," she said.
"Well... I'm not good with emotions, but I really did like that."
"That's a good sign."
"I figured so."
"Well, would you like to again?"
"Yes, I would." So she leaned up and kissed him again this time longer and a bit deeper. He immediately returned it this time, his arms instinctively wrapping around her waist. She smiled into it her own arms sliding up and around his neck though she didn't know whether to deepen the kiss any more or not.
It was a while before they separated both smiling. "So, how do you feel?" she asked gently.
"I feel great, actually."
"Me too, that was amazing," she said.
"So, what does this mean?"
"Well, if you want we could be a couple now," she said nervously.
"Like Cato and Clover?"
"Yeah, like them."
"I would like that."
"So would I," she said.
"Then I guess we are." He smiled and pulled her into a hug.
Later, they were back at the Training Center and Cato and Clove just got out. All four met in the elevator. "Hey Clover," Kawino said.
"Hey Kawino, what were you doing?"
"I...we were getting sponsors. With great luck might I add."
"Really!? That's great!" she said.
"Definitely, something else happened while we were out though."
"Something good or bad?"
"Well, I think it's good."
"Okay, so what happened then?"
"We got together."
"Like you and Sabina?" Clove asked.
"Yes."
"Kawino, that's great!" she said.
"It is?"
"Yes it's wonderful," she said, hugging them both.
"That will really help you, Kawino."
"I need to talk to her at some point though."
"The don't hurt my brother talk?" Sabina asked.
"Maybe."
"What else could it be?"
"Just, know we are talking later." Clove said.
"Okay."
"Good, that is all I ask of you."
"Just know I would never hurt him."
"I certainly hope not."
"I swear, I will never even think about it."
"Well, that helps."
"He's already been through way more than enough for one lifetime."
"I know; that's why I worry."
"Of course and it's expected to but you won't have to with me."
"Okay, you have my trust for now."
"Thank you, Clove. I won't let you down."
"You had better not."
"I understand completely."
"I'm just being sure." The door slid open on their floor.
They exited with the new couple leading the way. "So you trust her?" Cato asked Clove.
"Not completely, but I trust her enough for the time being."
"That's good at least then."
"Yeah, and I really think she'll be good to and for him."
"So do I."
"He'll need her in case we don't..." She trailed off sounding nervous and sad
"Clover, don't even say that we will."
"I know I know I'm just afraid."
"I know. I am too, but it'll be okay."
"I hope so, Cato. I really do."
"I promise it will."
She hugged him. "Thank you, Cato."
"No problem, Clover."
"Still thank you."
"We need each other," he said.
"You've seemed fine."
"No, I've kept strong for you," he said.
"You don't need to do that, Cato."
"Yes I do."
"No, it's not good to."
"I know that, but you need me."
"Sometimes you need to think of yourself."
"Not always though."
"No, but sometimes. Especially in times like this."
"I want to be strong for you."
"It's still not good."
"Maybe but it happens."
"Cato, I'm serious."
"I know you are."
"Why are you fighting it?"
"Because I don't know what will happen if I don't."
"What is there to worry about?"
"I am not sure."
"Just, please."
"Okay, later."
"Okay, fair but you better."
"I will; I promise."
Days later, it was time for the Private Sessions. "Ready?" Kawino was asking them as they ate.
"As we can be."
"Good, that is all I ask. I know you guys will both do great," Kawino added.
"I hope we do," Clove said.
"You will."
"Okay, if you say so."
"Just keep confidence in yourselves. You have reason to."
"Right," they both said, nodding.
"Hold nothing back."
"Nothing at all?"
"Nothing at all, show them everything you've got."
"Okay, we can do that."
"Then there no reason to worry."
"You seem calmer," Clove said.
"You know, I am."
"It's nice to see you this way though."
"Just a bit odd," he muttered.
"Yeah, but in a good way."
"Still feels weird."
"A good weird?"
"I'm not sure… just… different."
"Well, that could at least be a start."
"To what?"
"To making sure your life keeps getting better."
"Well, I guess it is."
"It is the best possible start."
"Well, that's good then."
"Yeah, it is," Clove said as Sabina and Yizziki arrived.
"Hey Kawino," Sabina smiled coming over.
"Hey Sabina," he said, standing and hugging her
"Someone seems much better."
"I have you here." He said, keeping her close
"Well, I'm glad to be."
He smiled a little as she placed a gentle kiss to his lips before they sat down. "Plus I realized that even if 12's girl is an archer she can't be good enough to beat them in the scores."
"Impossible, we have that locked down," Clove said.
"Exactly," Kawino nodded.
"We'll do great," Cato said.
"About time to head down."
"You can do this," Kawino said.
"Thank you, Kawino."
"No problem, you can do this."
"Should we go now?"
"Yeah, it's probably best so you can get it over with quickly."
"Okay, we'll see you soon."
"Yeah we'll be waiting," Kawino said. They nodded and headed for the elevator. Kawino smiled as the doors slid closed.
Cato and Clove held their heads high with the Career smirk as the doors opened on the training floor. They were the second group to arrive. So they just went and took their seats. Slowly the room began to fill and then they started calling in tributes. They called in Marvel, then Glimmer a bit later.
"You're next," Clove said carefully.
Cato nodded keeping his demeanor but squeezing her hand. "It'll be alright just stay calm and stick to what you are best at." He said gently.
"I will." Clove nodded. "You too though."
"I will. I promise," he said, as his own name was called and he gave her a quick peck on the lips before heading in.
They were watching him the second he walked in. He just smirked and went right over to swords requesting an opponent. Soon one walked in grabbing a sword of her own.
They both to stance and Cato took the first swing. It staggered his opponent and kept pressing his advantage, pushing her onto the defense.
It was long until she had to pull back. He disarmed her for good measure and held his sword at her throat. Since he obviously wasn't to actually kill the trainer, it was over and he moved to spears.
He threw near perfect accuracy missing only one center target. He shook off the mistake moving on but soon he was dismissed. He felt confident as he headed up.
Clove was called in seconds later. She stood and walked in with nothing but confidence as she headed straight for the knives and set the moving targets to as fast as they could go. She threw each knife with practically perfect accuracy.
She didn't miss a one which actually earned an impressed whistle from the Gamemakers She turned to a stationary bull's eye target and through a knife right through the bull's eye then another at the same on hitting the first knife perfectly on the handle and knocking it right through the other side.
It won her a soft round of applause as she stopped. Then she was dismissed and headed right back to her floor.
Cato was waiting right outside the elevator. Clove immediately went into his arms once it opened. "How did you do?" He asked holding her close
"Clearly amazed them with my knife throwing abilities."
"Of course you did," he said proudly.
"What about you?"
"I impressed with swords and spears, I think."
"You must have if you used them."
"I missed one targets center." He sighed.
"Out of what?"
"Twenty-Five."
"So yes. You definitely impressed."
"Yeah, I hope."
"Don't be hard on yourself."
"Right, okay, I'll try and calm down," he said.
"Good and we'll see tonight anyways."
"Yeah, let's go tell Kawino."
"Yes, let's," he said letting go and taking her hand.
They headed to what could only be called the living room. They found him and the others there. He looked pretty calm actually. "Kawino," Clove said, coming over.
"Clover! How did it go?" he asked, as they sat beside him.
"Great, they seemed very impressed."
"Good, that's great news! And you Cato?"
"Same, mostly."
"That's perfect then. We can definitely work with that."
"Yeah, I think we'll place high."
"I'm sure. We'll see exactly how high tonight though."
"Yeah, that's really all we can do."
"There's no reason to worry there though."
"Yeah, we nailed it this time."
"I knew you would."
"Thanks, Kawino."
"It's only true."
"Still it's nice to hear it from you."
"Well, I'm glad to help."
That night they were all gathered to see the results. Once they started playing, it wasn't long before they showed them both with a ten. They all cheered at that. "Excellent job, guys!" Kawino smiled.
"Thank you." They said hugging him.
He returned it as the other names went through… finally ending at Katniss, who scored an 11. The room went silent for a moment. "HOW?!" Clove finally exclaimed in disbelief.
"No idea," Cato said stunned.
"That's okay. We can still work with your scores though they weren't the highest." Kawino said, managing to keep his composure for them but Sabina noticed his knuckles were turning white.
"You think this will be okay?" Clove asked.
"Yeah, they're still very high scores."
"That means people will still support you."
"So, again, you did great."
"So we stay calm then?"
"Exactly."
"Okay, okay so what do we do now?"
"Get some rest for interview coaching tomorrow."
"Okay, got it, goodnight, Kawino." Clove said hugging him before leaving with Cato.
"Goodnight!" Kawino called.
Sabina came closer once they were gone and said quietly, "Kawino, I can tell you're not as okay as you say."
"I well..." He sighed and nodded sinking into the couch. "I just don't get it." He sighed as she cuddled up to him. "That girl has already been stealing all the sponsors and I can only imagine what will happen now."
"Kawino, you have already gained Clove and Cato tons of sponsors, others will still sponsor them."
"Just because I have the sponsors doesn't mean I can't lose them."
"You are not going to lose them; they are smart and good enough to stay alive."
"I meant lost sponsors."
"You won't lose them either most of them locked in and what you told them really is true," she added.
"I know I just I can't deal with 12 continuing to ruin everything."
"Once in the arena the many still beat the few."
"Maybe you make a good point."
"I do. She couldn't take the Pack head on."
"I barely could have alone and under ideal circumstances," he admitted.
"And that was in everyone for themselves instead of six-plus against one."
"Yeah, I suppose you make a great point."
"So try to calm down."
"I will."
"Good, just have confidence in the two of them."
"I do, it's just 12 is such an unknown threat this year."
"You suspected it since you first saw her though."
"I know but not this."
"No one expected that."
"Exactly, she should have been a normal 12."
"Well, you can't put an entire district into a category like that. That's what they do."
"What do you mean?"
"Those in the lower districts always put you Careers in the same category."
"Yeah, that's true huh?" He asked pulling her closer.
"Mmmhmm."
"You know Sabina, you are amazing," he said, looking down at her with a warm smile.
"So are you, Kawino," she said, taking his hand.
"Thanks, but compared to you I'm not all that."
"Well, to me you are."
"You are to me too," he said.
"Then that's all that matters."
"Yeah, I guess it is," he said, pulling her up to him and kissing her.