I'll Protect You
Chapter 9 – The Script
Cato's POV
I just stood there, too shock to move. I'm quite sure though that my eyes are about to go out from their sockets. Glimmer broke the kiss and smiled up at me, even though I knew that I didn't kiss her back or did anything to make her felt like I reciprocated whatever the hell she felt.
I just stared at her in disbelief as she went up the stage. Too occupied about what recently happened, I haven't noticed the clacking of Clove's heels as she went away.
Clove's POV
It's been too long since I've felt this overwhelming feeling to choke someone out of their breath. What the hell is up with that bitch? She better not show up first in the blood bath or else I might be able to stop myself from skinning her alive.
Someone nudged me and I turned; the icy glare still implanted on my face. It immediately wore off as I saw Enobaria giving me a calculated look.
"Enobaria, what are you doing here? It's the interviews! I'm quite sure you're not allowed to-"
"Clove, come with me. The president demands to see you." She said in a flat voice.
Suddenly, I felt cold. What now? He's been always demanding to see me nowadays. I could feel the stares of the other tributes as I followed after Enobaria.
We finally reached the mahogany doors and knocked. Enobaria pushed it open and yellow light streamed through the little opening between the doors.
"Seems like you've been demanding to see me quite frequently, Crane." I said, nonchalantly. Seneca Crane had always used the name of the president if he ever called for me so as to not arouse suspicion for the guards.
"You'll be saying this story in the interviews. Now go, your turn is near." He said, ignoring my latest comment.
I took the papers from him and read a part of it.
When I just read the first sentence, mixed feelings were exploding right in my mind right now.
What the hell is this? I can't... I can't do this!
"I thought... why? Why this?" I asked, wide eyed.
"Add up some story, of course." He smirked, and motioned me to leave at once.
It took me a lot of effort to make myself calm while going back towards the back stage.
Cato's POV
"Rumours had been roaming around the Capitol that you have lots of lovers waiting back for you at District 2. So tell me, Cato. Who's this special girl?" Ceasar Flickerman inquired for like, the third time. Time had seemed slow since Clove had left – again – at such a very inconvenient time.
I showed a confused expression, and said, "I haven't really had a lover, actually."
"So you haven't got some special girl, then?"
I thought hard. Only one girl comes to my mind.
"Well, there's this one girl, though." I said, musing.
Giggles suddenly filled the room. Between giggles – that seemed all so stupid – were audible words such as "District 1!" "kiss!" "Glimmer!"
"Oh really? And who's this girl, then? Lots of people saw you kissing one of the tributes. Is it Glimmer?" Ceasar asked, clearly amused.
Oh hell, what now? She's the one who kissed me, not me!
"No. It's actually my District partner. Clove." I said firmly. Suddenly there were a chorus of "hurt noises" and "Poor Glimmer!" or "Unfortunately unrequited".
Ceasar got more amused, and said, "Oh. Then what's your relationship with her? Are you two lovers?"
Why is everyone being so corny? I answered, "No. She is-"
But the bell that signalled the end of our interview had rung.
"How unfortunate, seems like we don't have much of a chance to know more about Cato." Ceasar said among the audience before motioning me to stand up with him, and sounds of disappointment intensified.
"Ladies and gentlemen, Cato! From District 2!" Ceasar shouted among the crowd as I raised my hand to show confidence.
I made my way back to the backstage and met Clove, looking nervous. I was about to give her a gentle squeeze in the shoulder when she heard her name got called and went to the stage, leaving me just staring after her.
Clove's POV
It's a good thing that Cato wasn't able to make it when he was about to give me that squeeze. He'll just make it even harder for me to do this.
Of all the stories Crane could use, why does it have to be this one? But what choice could I make, if I won't do it, Crane will have my family killed.
"We all know her as the girl who handles knives well. Well, ladies and gentlemen, here she is, Clove Martin!"
I made my way up the stage as I heard Ceasar Flickerman announce my name. I tucked in the papers Crane had given me at the hidden pocket of my dress.
The time I had settled in the chair, I was rubbing my hands together and Ceasar immediately throwed me a question.
"So, how are you feeling?"
"I'm good." I said with an air of fierceness, and immediately added, "Nervous, really."
By then, he had asked questions about me, my family, or my experiences in the training center. He had all been so entertaining, funny even. All my tensions and nervousness were slowly slipping away. But then, we drifted upon a very sensitive topic for me.
"Have you seen your district partner's interview before you?" Ceasar inquired.
"Umm, not really. Someone called for me and I was away for a moment." I said, and then confusion started to dwell on me. What happened on Cato's interview?
"Oh, that explains it. You seemed to be... quite at ease when you entered. We asked Cato if he had some special girl. And he mentioned you. Well, the time was up before we could even hear his anwers. So, what's your relationship?"
And then, I felt as if I was detached to the world. Hell no, I can't do this...
"Clove? Is something the matter?" Ceasar asked. I'm quite sure my face distorted to that of fright. I immediately wiped it away, cleared my throat and looked at everyone firmly.
Oh well, here goes the script...
Cato's POV
Damn, all this special girl and special boy thing really is troublesome. What the hell is with the Capitol? All they had in mind was love, love and love when all the other Districts are dying. They're insane.
"We asked Cato if he had some special girl. And he mentioned you. So, what's your relationship?"
I snorted; we're just best friend, that's all. What's malicious with that? I would be really amused at their reactions if Clove denied all those romantic imaginations they're having.
But then what took me off guard was Clove suddenly looked sick. How the hell could she be sick of me?
I snickered; I better punish her again later.
But then, her answer took me more off guard than her expression.
Her expression was suddenly back to firm, and she looked like she meant every word she said.
"We had been best friends. But right now, he's the guy I mostly despise."
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A/N: Ooooh, so what is Seneca Crane really up to, then? The story's getting pretty mashed up. For all the lovely reviewers who reviewed, thank you very much! Unfortunately, exams week is really near, and I might not be able to update this fast. Also, I'm having really small inspiration to work on. (Too distracted about exams, I can't even find my Clato inspiration anymore. ) So, anyways, don't forget to review!
