A.N: Hi everybody sorry for not uploading consistently, I've got loads of tests coming up and I need the time to revise. I might be able to get some chapters out before next week but I can't promise anything.
Cato P.O.V
As we arrived at President Snow's private hall we were attacked by the flashing lights of the paparazzi, dots of bright lights sporadically flickering with every capture of a shot that will feature in magazines for the next two weeks. The constant stopping and starting to appease the reporters grated on my nerves, we're just media fodder for the next couple of days before were just normal students again. As long as we weren't an interest to them they were done with us perpetual bitches whose regard doesn't come into the fucking equation.
We make the doors after 10 minutes of fucking wasted time; Clove stops me her small hand pressed against my chest "Promise me you'll keep your cool."
"What do you mean?" I said perplexed.
"Oh, come off it Cato, I can nearly see the veins popping out of your neck and we're not inside yet. Just breathe."
"I'm not going into fucking labour, it's just this is a waste of time."
"No, it's not a waste of time. You're just having a hard time acting...civil."
"I don't know how everyone finds it so fucking-"
"Ah, language Cato."'
"Fine, I don't know how everyone finds it so 'freaking' easy" I bent my index and middle finger to emphasise the point of not swearing, it elicited a giggle out of Clove.
"Ok," she talked reluctantly "I'll trust you. For now. Don't make a show of us; we might as well get started in gaining favour, only 2 years until we need those sponsors."
I nodded placing my fist on my hip so she could link me. The entire room was immaculately decorated with a range of coloured cloth draping from the ceiling and tables laden with flowers, the waiters sped around at remarkable speeds catering to the guests that were now bordering on intoxication. "Bunch of pigs" I stated under my breath, Clove elbowed me hard and shook her head in disbelief. "Well done Cato you lasted two seconds."
"Clove sorry," she walked away her bag clutched in both of her hands until she sat down at our seats in the front of the hall "sorry!"
"I didn't think you could be bossed around by anyone."
Oh great what now? It bet not be fucking Glimmer I can't deal with her incessant voice. "What did you just say?" he stood there completely stoic "go on say it again, 12."
"It looks like Clove has a hold over you." He reiterated nonchalantly, his coy smile only adding kindling to the growing fire of rage that was slowly releasing through my trembling fists. I squared up to him, watching him slowly withdraw not physically but emotionally putting up the metaphorical barriers. I placed my hand on his shoulder, gripping tighter with my fingers until he winced with pressure "I wouldn't say anything 12, least I've actually got real friends not the fakes that you follow blindly. They don't even know the real you, you know? The one you're trying to hide," I stared at his eyes that were red and bulging as his walls broke down, one more push shall do it, I leaned in closer making my voice a faint whisper "you fucking fag."
In that split second my hand was nudged hardly by the boy they called Gale, he simply pointed to the table were Clove was sitting. Her legs were crossed and her eyebrow furrowed in an amalgamation of disappointment and anger. I gulped as I noticed she was twiddling a knife from the silver cutlery that decorated the table. I brushed myself down and walked over to Clove, sitting silently in the adjacent chair.
"What was that about?"
"Nothing."
"Cato, it doesn't look like nothing, just look at him," I snorted, a failed attempt at dismissing the conversation "Cato look at him. He's practically broken." I looked out the corner of my eye to the figure that sat on the next table over; he was crying into his lap the tears like pin drops among the bustling crowd of the Capitol philanthropists, Shit, he wasn't supposed to cry he was supposed to get angry. "I didn't mean to-"my voice choked with the sudden flash of images of lying on my bed the welts pulsing in pain from each thwack of the belt.
"I know," she grabbed my hand underneath the table trying to coax me out from my painful memories "don't worry I'll go and see him tonight."
"Thank you."
~xXx~
The lights dimmed to a golden incandescence, as Caesar Flickerman ushered us down the wings of the stage, his voice boomed in the hall his overpowering charisma matched only by the flamboyance of his outfit. A garish dark blue suit matched with its quail blue undershirt and pink cotton candy hair. I waited until my name was called; I was left pondering in the wings, reflecting on my confrontation, I always take it to fucking far.
"Finally, we have our top two graduates of the entire year, with the highest scores ever recorded. Peeta Mellark and Cato Hadley."
I exhaled slowly, forcibly controlling my nerves as I stepped in to the light that bathed the stage, the crescendo of applause fuelling my walk, my eyes transfixed on the figures before me. I shook Caesar's hand and signalled to Peeta to sit down first, I touched his back slightly he was completely calm.
"So Peeta, let's start with you first. How did you feel when you opened your results?"
"I was elated," his voice was steady, unwavering as he spoke to Caesar and addressed the crowd, but I didn't fail to notice him slowly inching to the opposite end of the couch and his sheet white complexion when sitting next to me "to be honest I was surprised, I had a lot on my plate at the time. School, work...other things."
"We didn't know you worked, did we?" the crowd mumbled in reply to his question.
"Oh yeah I work as a baker in District 12, making bread and cakes."
"What's the best bit about working there?"
"Erm, I'd have to say not working in the mines and decorating the cakes. I find it therapeutic and it allows me to do what I want."
"Well, Peeta congratulations on coming to Icarus, you've earned it, hasn't he?" the room filled with a cacophony of cheers and wolf whistles. He blushed loudly his face nearly the same colour as Flickerman's hair, I stared at his face. I guess he was cute.
"Cato, Cato!"
"Sorry," I spoke breaking me out of my fixation.
"How did you feel when opening your results?" my superiority kicked in and I puffed out my chest in self-satisfaction.
"I wasn't surprised really," giggles spreading across the room "I didn't even find the tests that hard and there wasn't any real competition. But I guess there is now." I tapped Peeta's leg feeling him flinch ever so slightly, laughter spread infectiously from table to table.
"I suppose so," an iridescent smile breaking out on his face "what are you looking forward to most in Icarus?"
"Weapons practice," my answer quick and definitive "and the other students. Of course." I winked flirtatiously to the crowd, the amount of swooning becoming audible. The sound broken by the small "Tch" that left 12's mouth. I turned to him, my hand still resting on his leg I tightened; he gritted his teeth and fell back into silence.
"Haha, that's just like you. Peeta Mellark and Cato Hadley, everybody, the top students of the year." The place ruptured into applause as we made our ways to the table.
~xXx~
As I stepped back into the dorm, I approached Clove "Can I stay with you tonight?"
"Sure," she patted my hand and she soothed me with a rub on my bicep, "I'll be there in 10."
We parted on the landing as I headed for her dorm and she headed to mine, as my head hit the pillow I lied down the room still and vacant. I drifted to sleep, wrapped in guilt, fucking great I'm just like him.
A.N: Forgot to mention but thank you for all of the favourites, follows and reviews of both this story and myself. If you could keep them coming, especially the reviews that would be great. Thank you once again :)