i own nothing
No it can't be. I count the days on my fingers as Morgan and Luke laugh and walk away. I haven't trained other than in school for so long. What with being with Clove and all the hospital trips but it's true reaping day is tomorrow. I start to run
"Where are you going!?" Clove yells after me.
"To train before tomorrow" She runs up to me.
"Cato you're amazing and they aren't going to pick you" she links her hand with my own.
"But if you feel the need to train I'm coming with you." she speaks with confidence as if she's certain it won't be us tomorrow. I smile down at her
"Thanks" we train for hours. I practise every move I've ever learnt with a sword and work on strength. Clove is near by throwing her knifes beautifully. She stands on the other side of the room and chucks them at moving targets never missing the bullseye. Finally the sun starts to set and it's time to take her home.
"Come on my talented beauty" I say and she blushes and nods. We quickly hurry hand in hand to her house but when we get there she whispers.
"Can you stay?" I nod and we go inside.
"Mom Cato's going to stay is that ok?" she asks, the lady at the table nods but I see her eyes and I have a feeling she has no clue what's going on.
"Mum went mad when dad got taken by the peacekeepers last month" she explains. She rushes upstairs. She opens the door to her room and walks in I'm about to follow when I'm stopped by a strong hand on my shoulder. I turn around to see a strong well-built brown haired boy.
"Where do you think you're going?" he says in a harsh voice.
"I...I...I" I stutter
"My sister's room is off limits!" he snaps and grabs my head in a way that it would be simple to snap my neck if he felt like it.
"SHANE LET HIM GO!" Clove snaps when she comes to the door and sees what's going on.
"But he...he...but"
"NOW!" Clove yells and he releases me.
"Don't do anything and don't ever hurt my sister or you'll have to deal with me" he mumbles then stalks away.
"Well that was ...Interesting" Clove says with a laugh and walks back in her room motioning for me to follow. I sneak a peek behind me then hurry in.
"He doesn't like me does he?" I ask.
"Shane feels the need to protect me" she says then she turns to look at me
"Ever since my dad was taken. The reaping's got him freaked out too." she finishes I nod.
"I'm going call my mom so she doesn't freak" Clove nods and I walk out of the room pulling out my cellphone and dialing my mom's number.
My mom picks up on the second ring.
"CATO WHERE ARE U!" she screams
"I'm staying at Clove's tonight" I reply
"No you're not!" my mother says sternly.
"Yes I am Clove's freaked out about the reaping." I reply.
"Don't you think I want to spend your last night before the games with you?" my mother asks.
"Who says I'm going in the games?" I ask her.
"You're going to volunteer like we've always intended for you to." she replies simply.
"No"
"What did you just say to me?!" she snaps
"I said no mother I'm not volunteering I'm staying with Clove tonight and for the rest of my life." I reply
"No you will not!" my mother yells.
"I will" I say and hang up. Then I walk back to Clove's room.
"What were you arguing about?" she asks innocently
"Nothing" I reply. "Clove why did you lie to me?" I ask.
"What are you talking about?" Clove asks.
"Last night you told me your face got cut by your parents arguing and throwing stuff. Today you say your mom went made weeks ago when your dad was taken by peacekeepers. So I ask you Clove .How did you cut your face?" she looks down.
"Clove tell me" I insist in a harsher voice.
"He was mad...it wasn't his fault I was late he was just mad that's all..." Clove whispers not meeting my eyes. I lift her chin and make her look me in the eyes.
"Who is he? I ask.
"Shane" she says terror in her voice and eyes. I let go of her chin and storm over to her brother's room and bang on the door.
"YOU DID THAT TO HER!" I scream and Shane opens the door and I feel fear in the pit of my stomach.
"Don't make me hurt you kid" he says looking down at me with hate in his eyes. I have never been so afraid of someone...EVER.
I swallow my fear.
"You hurt my girlfriend" I say.
"She's my sister" he snaps.
"Doesn't make it right, I don't beat up my little sister" I snap back.
"She was late" he says.
"So?" I ask.
"If dad was here she would have never been late, just because he's not here doesn't mean she can ignore his rules!" he yells.
"You can't just hurt people because you're mad at them!" I yell and he picks me up by his shirt.
"I don't plan on hurting her again so zip it" he says and drops me then slams the door in my face. I get up and dust myself off. I go back to Clove. She hugs me.
"It's ok Cato it really is I'm fine" I shake my head
"Anyone hurting you is not ok so no more secrets" I say and she nods
"I promise." she whispers and kisses my cheek. Then she goes and curls up in her bed and I lay next to her holding her in my arms.
"I love you so much Clove" I whisper
"I love u too" she whispers and snuggles in closer to my chest.
"I'm scared Cato "she whispers after a few minutes.
"I know, it's going to be ok" I whisper back and with that we fall asleep.
please review thanks for reading