Disclaimer: The characters belong entirely to Suzanne Collins

Hey guys. I know, I'm a liar. I said two weeks and I was so, so wrong. Sorry it's been forever. I've been pretty busy looking up college apps and scholarship apps and school but still.. I have applied to UC Irvine and UC Davis. Prayers that I get in!

Thank you to all of you who reviewed! Really, it means everything.

I hope u like this chapter.

Review if you don't hate me!

..


...

Giant, organ-eating, monster butterflies flutter around in my chest as I try to get up the courage to just walk over to him. I am sure he knows I'm staring at him. I've been staring for at least five minutes.

Most of the Tributes are in this section of the Training Center, but it's large enough that everyone can have their space. Cato has more room than most since the others have learned to steer clear of him when he's got a sword in hand. The near gutting taken by the girl from District 11 when she wandered a tad too close taught everyone that lesson. Though, she should have known better really. Cato's short fuse is no secret, as well as his habit of rather dramatic reactions. Thanks to these intimidating traits of his, I happen to be the only person within twenty feet of him.

Seeing what nearly happened to District 11 the moment she was in range, I'm surprised and maybe a little insulted that he hasn't even acknowledged my presence yet. I don't know why it's so hard for me to just go up to him. The decision is already made. But as I look at him, covered in sweat, blue eyes narrowed in concentration, blonde hair sticking up every which way as if he didn't bothered to comb it this morning, I find I have a hard time making my feet move me forward. The monster butterflies seem to be affecting the function of my limbs. Their presence is, I'm sure, due to my guilt for Peeta –he's been ignoring me all day though I can't say I'm surprised– and my trepidation for what joining the Careers will mean if I return to District 12. We've always hated the careers and now, I will be one. And so I just stand, watching.

A minute passes before Cato finally turns his blue eyes on me and my heart rate picks up immediately. He confirms my suspicions with his next words.

"Are you just going to stand there all day, District 12, or do you actually have something to say? I know I'm attractive, better than what you're used to, but there's a point when the staring isn't cute anymore."

Of course he knew just what to say to irritate me and make the monster butterflies die down. My feet seem to work again and they walk to him, stopping when I am only a yard away.

"I don't know why you think I would find you attractive, especially in the state you're in." I retort, feigning disgust. "They tell you in District 2 that you're the best, don't they? I suppose hearing that everyday would give anyone a complex." I shake my head and look up to see his narrowed eyes.

"I am the best." He sounds frustrated, probably wondering how anyone could think him less than perfect. His expression is a mixture of aggravation and disbelief and I am immediately reminded of the last time he looked that way. A blush rises to my cheeks before I can control it.

"Anyway," I say sharply, changing the subject, "I just wanted to tell you that I accept."

His mouth lifts into a smirk and he gives me a knowing look.

"Of course you do," he shakes his head like I'm an idiot, "You'd be stupid not to." My embarrassment vanishes and there is a bitter taste in my mouth.

"So I've been told."

He doesn't seem to know how to respond to the sudden change in my tone and just stares at me, as if trying to figure me out. His eyes are far too probing for my comfort. I turn away and wrack my mind for something else to say, but my mind doesn't seem to be working. Instead it is clogged with images of Prim and for some reason my father. I wonder what he would have made of this if he was still alive. I hope he would have been proud of my determination to win, no matter what.

A tugging on my hair brings me back to the present and I look up to see that Cato has a hold of my braid.

"What is it, fire girl?" He asks it quietly, but his eyes betray a mild curiosity and I fear that I've let my expression show too much of what I'm feeling. I knock away his hand but he doesn't shift his gaze.

"You nervous about the private session with the game makers today? Don't think you quite reach our standards?" He gives me a sympathetic look. I'm taken aback by his seemingly sincere concern and, for a moment, I'm grateful that he's mistaken the emotion on my face as self-doubt. Then I register his implication: they're better than me and I have no confidence. "Don't worry," he continues, "I'm sure you'll be just—" I interrupt him, furious that he seems to think he is really doing me a favor.

"Thanks for the vote of confidence but trust me I am not worried," I spit. His blue eyes dance and the edges of his lips lift in a smirk. It's then that I realize he's just teasing me, patronizing me because he knows he'll get a rise. Unfortunately there has always been a disconnect between my brain and my mouth. "If anything," I continue, "I'm worried about having to spend an undefined amount of time with self-centered, vicious, stuck up children."

His smirk falls and he takes a step back. His face is expressionless but his eyes are blazing and I suddenly wonder at the wisdom of angering someone who has such an effect on my possible chances of winning.

"Look, Katniss, I know perfectly well that you reach our standards. If I didn't you wouldn't be here talking to me now," he growls. His hand is clenching and unclenching around his sword and I fight the instinct that's telling me to retreat to safer ground. "You are too easy to get a rise out of, I swear. You don't have to be so defensive about everything, but if the concept of joining me is truly so disgusting to you then don't. No one is forcing you and I'm sure the others certainly won't miss you."

"No!" I say, alarmed and trying to backtrack, cursing my big mouth. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean that. I didn't realize…." I close my mouth, suddenly embarrassed by how harsh my words had been, though really they weren't false. I finally spit out what needs to be clear. "I'm joining."

"What on earth are you two getting so worked up over?" I turn my head towards the flat sounding voice and find myself face-to-forehead with the girl from District 2, Clove. I look down to find that her grey eyes are switching between us curiously.

"Nothing," Cato says flatly, turning somewhat away from us to swing his sword in a graceful arc. "We were clearing up some business. Katniss will be working with us."

Clove turns her silver eyes on me and I am slightly shaken by how penetrating they are. I keep my expression clear. This first impression will either win her over or set her against me and I need as few direct enemies as possible in these games.

"With the noise you too were making it sure seemed like more than just a discussion." Her eyes rake over me before she turns to study Cato intently. He raises his eyes to her and they are once again an impenetrable steel.

"Drop it." His tone matches his expression and it's obvious his patience is spent. Clove stares at him for a moment before shrugging indifferently and then turning to me.

"So, you're one of us now, eh?" Her tone is amused and it makes me nervous, but I straighten my shoulders and stand tall before answering.

"Yes."

She nods, not bothering to hide her smirk. "I don't mind, you're certainly skilled enough. Good luck winning over Glimmer though. But I have a feeling Marvel will be more than welcoming." She is full out smiling now and it is slightly disturbing, to be honest.

Before I can form a response there is a loud clanging sound. We both turn to Cato and I am dumbstruck to see his precious sword lying on the ground several feet away. His face is flushed, hands and jaw clenched tightly together, and he looks as if he is dying to lash out at something. He's terrifying.

"Clove, leave." He bites out, as if moving any muscle too much will be the end of his tentative grip on control. Clove's eyes shine with amusement as she continues to smile, apparently not shaken by his sudden violent reaction to seemingly nothing at all.

"It was nice meeting you, Katniss," she says lightly, throwing one last, almost sympathetic, smile at Cato before dancing away towards the Center's stash of knives. My eyes follow her for a few shocked moments before swiveling back to take in the boy. He seems almost frozen. His eyes are closed and every muscle in his body is rigid.

"Cato," I say it hesitantly, almost as a question. I don't know what set him off in the first place but I certainly don't want to make it worse. Almost a half minute passes and the silence drags on before he finally lets out a deep breath. All of his muscles relax at the same time. When he opens his eyes they are cool and emotionless as they bore into mine. "Go shoot or something. I'll introduce you to Glimmer and Marvel," he clenches his teeth around the last name, "at lunch."

I hesitate before asking my question, "What about District 4? They're part of your group aren't they?"

He shrugs. "Unfortunately. Don't worry about them. They're unimportant."

He turns away from me, picking up his sword and I try not to take offence at his obvious dismissal. What am I, a puppet? I let out a sigh. That's exactly what I am to them. I'm suddenly incredibly exhausted mentally. This day has been too long already and it's not even halfway over.

. . .


..

Lunch comes and I search out the District 2 tributes among the others. I spent the rest of the morning attempting to learn how to make better snares. My father taught me how to set a few, back when we used to hunt, but I know nothing more than simple ones for catching small game. None of those are nearly large enough to catch a human. Just thinking it makes me sick.

I also shot the bow just to make sure that my aim would be straight during my private session. I am slightly nervous about that, despite what I told Cato. My score will determine the amount of sponsors I will get. If I get a low score, I'm dead. One thing I'm not nervous about is Glimmer and Marvel. It doesn't matter whether they like me or not. I've got the protection of District 2 and I trust Cato, however ludicrous that is in a game of murder and backstabbing. He wants me, Clove seemed to accept me, and they lead the alliance so until he wants me dead, I have nothing to fear from the other Careers.

We are all ushered into the lunch room and I look around until I spot Clove. I maneuver around the people in front of me, hoping to get to her before she sits down. It will be infinitely less uncomfortable for me if I'm already with her or Cato when I meet Marvel and Glimmer. Cato would be the obvious choice since he's the one who made the decision to take me on board, but at the moment he is nowhere to be found.

And so, it is while I am in the process of striding purposefully across the room that my path is obstructed by another tribute. Aggravated, I look up to find myself looking into deep blue eyes, and they're not Cato's. I can immediately tell that my district partner is attempting to look aloof, but his twitchiness is a dead giveaway to his nerves. His eyes shift from side to side as if trying to avoid my gaze and I feel my heart clench, unexpectedly.

"Hey," I say softly. He hasn't said anything and I'm not really sure what he wants, but I certainly don't want to scare him off. He seems ready to bolt.

He finally looks down at me and his expression is fiercer than I expect it to be. I keep my expression smooth and meet his eyes unwaveringly. If he has something to say I'm ready to hear it, no matter how much it might hurt later.

"You're joining them then." His voice is rough and shaky and it makes my heart clench again. Though what he says is a statement I can hear, clear as day, the question behind it. Feel the hope that I will tell him 'No, no, I'm not'.

"Yes." His eyes close tightly for a moment and I struggle to breathe evenly as my throat tightens up. He lets out a slow breath and when he opens his eyes again I involuntarily step back at their intensity. They are blazing and desperate and hopeless and sad, so, so sad all at once and I close my eyes because I can't take it.

He doesn't say anything for a long time and we just stand there, nothing else in the room existing, and for the moment, time seems infinite. Only us, in this eternal bubble trying to come to terms with the fact that the odds aren't in our favor. But for one of us, they are practically non-existent, and that's the killer. It's my fault. That unspoken weight of knowledge between us is crushing. It is my fault. If I hadn't reacted to Cato like I did then, in all likelihood, we wouldn't be in the situation we are now. But the worst part, for me, is the recognition that I can't completely regret it. That I know, deep down, my chances of winning have increased with my new position. Increased exponentially. There is only one winner in these games and that will be me. But the look on Peeta's face is almost too much. I try to find the words to tell him how sorry I am, for his situation. But it's hard to speak past the lump in my throat.

"Peeta –"

"Don't." His tone is sharp and I snap my mouth shut, swallowing thickly to control my emotions. I open my mouth to try again but what comes out isn't my voice.

"What's going on here?" Cato. I look up and want to tell him to back off but his eyes are focused intently on Peeta. Slightly narrowed and not at all friendly.

"What do you want dough boy?" He shifts until his shoulder is slightly in front of mine, between Peeta and myself, and then squares his posture and crosses his arms. His muscles strain against the sleeves of his shirt. I ignore the strange feeling it ignites in my stomach.

Peeta raises his gaze to Cato's face and right before my eyes, his expression transforms. The mixture of emotion leaves his face as it is slowly taken over by a thick cloud of rage. He flushes a faint pink and his eyes flame. There is such fury in his gaze that it's actually frightening.

"What do you think you're playing at?" He bites out the words fiercely to Cato who gives no other expression than mildly amused surprise.

"Wow District 12, why are you so worked up?" Cato smirks and Peeta narrows his eyes as his glare turns sharp.

"You know where we are. Only one of us gets out. What are you going to do? If you're really planning on toying with her like that then you are far crueler than I ever gave you credit for. And trust me, that is saying something." His voice is deep and dangerous but when Cato responds his is even more so. I have the uncomfortable feeling that they are now talking about me, but I don't know what they mean. 'Toying with me'?

"I don't know what you're talking about, but this doesn't involve you, regardless," Cato snaps back. "If you know only one of us gets out, stop giving her such a hard time. You wouldn't have made it to the end anyway. You would do well to keep your nose in your own business and out of hers."

"It is my business! She's my district partner and that makes—"

I glance around, finally noticing the silence of the room, and am startled to find 42 eyes trained solidly on us. I swallow nervously. "Look Peeta," I cut him off mid tirade, "maybe you should go."

I don't want him to say anything that will piss Cato off more, especially since I am sure I can keep the careers off his back for a while once when enter the arena. But I don't have a chance if Cato is dead set on hunting him down and killing him first. I also don't feel comfortable having this discussion, or more like dogfight, with such an audience.

Peeta doesn't follow my line of thinking and looks down at me in disbelief and betrayal so strong that I can almost taste it. I feel tears starting to burn at the back of my eyes in response, but resolutely refuse to let them leak out. I will not show weakness. We all stand for an interminable moment in tense silence, all waiting for someone else to make a move, back down. Cato's hard eyes don't leave Peeta.

Peeta glares back at him for several seconds before, finally, he seems to realize that Cato won't back down. His jaw clenches, the only outward sign of his thoughts and then he turns on his heel and walks stiffly away, heading for the lunch line.

The tense atmosphere cracks as the other tributes slowly turn back to their plates.

As the attention fades, I gasp in a deep breath that I didn't realize I'd been holding. I have to close my eyes and force my tense muscles to relax. When I open them again I see Cato has turned to face me, but I keep my head down, not trusting my expression. I hadn't expected that encounter with Peeta. Hadn't been prepared at all. Honestly, he couldn't have confronted me when we were alone?

"You sure know how to draw attention to yourself, don't you girl?" Cato chuckles, his breath ghosting across my ear and raising goose bumps. "First the parade, then that little exhibition in the training center, and now this. One would think you liked the attention." I look up at him to see his eyes are squinted thoughtfully. I feel sick.

"Come on," he says, grasping my shoulder as he turns us toward the center of the room. "It's time to introduce you to the other Careers." I hesitate, and turn back to look at Peeta. He is now sitting on a bench by himself with his head down, his eyes focused on his food. I swallow not sure how to feel, and then turn to follow Cato to the Career table.

...


Review people, review! :D

-maddz