I kept up a fast pace; I had to keep moving if I wanted to outrun the mutts. As I ran, I could hear Firegirl's footsteps pounding quietly behind me.

It was inevitable that she would follow me; I had a better knowledge of this part of the arena, and I knew how to survive under extreme duress. Any sensible person would see where I was going. Too bad she was signing her death warrant by doing so.

I was surprised she was keeping up with me – most people didn't have the stamina. She was quiet too, she didn't crunch any leaves or snap twigs. I wondered where she had learned that.

About halfway to the clearing, though, I heard her veer off to the right, her footsteps eventually fading. I shrugged. She must have gotten scared by the ever-nearing mutts. Not my problem.

I kept running until I reached the clearing. The mutts were only a couple hundred yards behind me and gaining with every step. Even though I was the fastest runner in the pool of possible District 2 volunteers, if I didn't get to the Cornucopia the mutts would eventually overtake me.

I reached the Cornucopia just as the mutts entered the clearing. I started climbing. There were few handholds, so it was a challenge. I still reached the top in less than a minute, though. I looked down at the approaching mutts and grinned. They'd never be able to reach me; I was too high up and they couldn't climb the slick metal.

I heard a swoosh behind meand ducked, barely avoiding the arrow that whizzed over my head.

I turned around quickly and saw Firegirl nocking another arrow, her stance shaky on the slippery metal surface. How she had caught up with me so quickly I had no idea. I couldn't let her shoot anymore arrows, though. She was far too accurate, and I couldn't duck forever.

So I barreled towards her and knocked her down, flinging her bow over the edge. She was thrown near the edge, her brown hair unraveling from that silly braid she always wore. I heard a chorus of growls erupt and smiled. The pack was milling below us, waiting for a body to be thrown down to them.

I would be more than happy to oblige.

I sat on top of her small form, holding her down with my weight. She squealed in fury and pain as I snapped her right wrist with my thumb and forefinger.

"Now you won't try anything," I sneered. She wasn't going anywhere. "You're mine, Firegirl. You always have been," I whispered softly as I stroked her cheek gently with my thumb.

Her eyes widened in fear. I laughed. "You think I'm going to rape you? Nope, sorry. I don't think the Capitol would enjoy that too much. Besides, I'm so out of your league."

Fear turned to fury. "Get it over with, then, Cato. Brutal, bloody Cato. Show the world just how cruel and sadistic you are," she spat.

"Patience, sweetheart, patience. Something about sticks and stones breaking bones… Though I don't think either would help you right now." I chuckled.

"You're a bastard. Do you know that? Nothing but a sad, sick-minded child who enjoys killing other kids." I knew she was goading me on, trying to get me to lose control.

"Go ahead. Poke the bear. See what happens." I slapped her face hard, drawing tears. She looked at me furiously, her chin stuck out in fear and defiance.

I smiled. "I've been dreaming of this moment ever since I laid eyes on you. I always knew that it would end up being us. Even when-" I cut myself short. She didn't need to know about Clove. She didn't deserve to know about Clove.

"Even when what?" She demanded, the smell of fear emanating from her.

I shook my head. "Nothing. Let's get this over with. I want to go home."

And with that I put my hands around her skinny neck and started squeezing. I should have just snapped her neck and gotten it over with, but I figured the Capitol would enjoy a good show.

Her eyes looked at me accusingly as she tried to free herself from my grip with her one good hand. I smiled sadistically. Even if she had both hands, she'd never be able to get me off. Her mouth opened and closed like a dying fish gasping for air.

Suddenly her fist shot out and hit my nose, causing it to break. The blood dripped down my face annoyingly. I was startled by her sudden action and inwardly cussed as I involuntarily lessened my grip on her throat. Stupid.

That was all she needed. She twisted her neck out of my hands and somehow got her feet out from under me. I lunged forward to try to immobilize her again, but she put her feet to my chest and used my momentum to push me over the edge of the Cornucopia.

Everything moved in slow motion. I saw the mutts leaping for me, their eyes aglow with hatred. I saw Clove's gold-flecked amber eyes, her jaws open and waiting to latch onto my flesh.

Then I hit the ground and everything went dark.