A/N
After a long M.I.A. session, I am back in business. Sorry for the wait on the last chapter. School gets in the way of everything. Ugh. Also, I had tons of camps this summer, so I will try to post chapters as quickly as I can. If I can. Trust me, I will not abandon you!
Enjoy!
Chapter Eleven: To Safety
Katniss POV:
I had no idea how long we had been walking. But I know it was not pleasant, or comfortable for that matter. Neither Cato nor I talked the entire time. I didn't know what I was supposed to say to him. No matter what was going on, I still couldn't trust him. I mean... he had saved me and all that, but that doesn't make him any more trust worthy that he had been before. He was still vicious. Deleterious. Insane. He is still the same Cato, as far as I know. And for the record, I'm rather smart.
At least it seems that way...
Anyways. We had been walking through this cave for what seemed like hours. There was no end. No light other than what emitted from the one flashlight that we had, and I was not allowed to eat. Cato came up with the bright idea of preserving our food for when we get out. If we get out. Although Cato seems totally comfortable and confident with this entire situation. I don't know how he does it.
How can he be so level headed? So calm in the midst of something that could potentially kill us? I don't know about him, but I kind of enjoy my life. And if he doesn't... that'd be an enormous surprise, considering the size of his ego.
Sighing, I glance over at the muscular brute, examining his stature curiously. He was alert, as he is on a hunt, his eyes darting from left to right as he searches for something only he would think to look for. Cato's icy blue eyes were always fixated on something important to his survival. He always had something on the brain that determined the outcome of all of our lives. I could see right through those cold irises, but there was always a massive wall right there, and I couldn't get passed it.
It was like trying to solve a puzzle with jagged pieces. There wasn't enough for me to work with. He wouldn't let me in. Or anyone, for that matter. So I decided, like the idiot I am, that I was going to use this moment to try and figure him out.
"How long have you been in training?" My eyes never left Cato, watching as he tensed up at the question. Although, he did not hesitate to answer.
He shrugged, not giving me a single glance. "Since I was about five. But then it was only a half day thing. I wasn't into it."
"What made you get into it?"
"Why do you care?" Just as always, he put up his wall, his eyes narrowing slightly.
I avert my gaze from him as I grab onto a rock and lower myself carefully onto the next level of the cave. The ground was cold and wet. My boots squeaked on top of the damp rock as my feet hit the next level as I let go of the rock I held tightly to so as not to strain myself. The process of movement was a good time filler, because I honestly didn't know how to answer the brute. But to my surprise, I didn't have to.
A quiet sigh escaped his lips, quickly hidden by the echo of his own feet hitting the ground. "I was five when my dad gave me my first sword. He's a victor himself, so he has high expectations of me. But I didn't have any interest in fighting. I didn't even want to be around fights at training. Of course, at that age, training was mainly just learning survival skills." He clears his throat, running his fingers through his blood splattered blonde hair.
It was actually a good look for him... I think...
"Anyways. I used to be one of those kids that was kind of... unsocial, I guess. I didn't have a lot of friends. And back then, my friends were the ones that I avoid now. The ones that hate violence, you know?" I nod thoughtfully, processing all of the information and showing my genuine interest to keep him talking. It was the first time he was being open with me. I had to listen. I just had to.
Cato didn't look at me as he swung is sword carelessly at his side, moving the flashlight around in curious examination of the cave walls. "I had no choice but to keep in training. I wanted to make my father proud. Nothing else mattered. I didn't care until I was about eight. One day in training I was assigned a partner. Her name was Clove Malone. Also known as my district partner. She showed me how to have fun with killing. Of course, she had been murdering innocent people since the age of fetus."
At first I thought he was just joking around. Because really, that wouldn't make much sense, would it? But then I realized what it meant. And I didn't really like it. Who would?
"Her mom died giving birth to her. Not that she was happy about it. I think she just thought of it as a sign. That killing was what she was supposed to do with her life. Well, anyways. With Clove's guide, I committed my first murder at the age of nine. It was a rush. Made me feel... powerful. Like I was stronger. Better. Of course, I was a weakling then, but still. I don't know. Ever since then I put in more hours. Training became my way of life. I got up at 4:00 every morning to get to the Academy first, and weight trained till 6:00 AM. After that, everything would be me and my sword."
Suddenly the ground gave way, and I was laying underneath the grounds I was originally on. Groaning, I sit up, rubbing my head. Hopefully nothing happened to it. The last thing I need is to black out again.
"Katniss?" Cato peers over the gaping hole in the ground, shining his flashlight down at me. "You okay?"
I nod, picking up my own flashlight and getting to my feet. "I'm good."
Shuffling on the rocks and loud sounds of rubble falling indicated that he was coming down to investigate. After all, there had to be a reason for there to be an empty space beneath the cave. What a weird arena. I swear. There is nothing I want more than to get out of here right now. I just want out. But right now, there's nothing much I can do about it, seeing as how I'm trapped in a freaking cave.
I jump down from the pile of rocks I so painfully landed on, looking around curiously. It definitely wasn't like the other cave. Not at all. It was circular. Actually, it was a perfect circle. The ground, as it is supposed to be, is all stone, but the wall was completely made of dirt. Solid packed dirt, but dirt nonetheless. My eyes widen, scanning the area in complete awe. And judging my Cato's silence, I'll bet he feels the same.
"Where-" I stutter, running my hand along the dirt walls. "Where are we?"
As always, Cato answers sarcastically. "An arena."
"Thanks. I didn't know-"
Cato cuts me off, walking to the center of the area with his flashlight focused on something that looked a little out of place. "Katniss, look."
There was a long, thick box sitting nonchalantly on a rocky pedestal, a little suspicious if you ask me. If I were the one who saw it first, I wouldn't touch it. But Cato being the first to spot the box, he would investigate. Of course. I mean, there could be something dangerous in there. What if it is some kind of mutant spider, and we will die because there's no way out of this place. There is a large possibility that that is the case. Seriously. This is the Capitol we are talking about. They always have some crazy scheme in action.
Before I could object, Cato's large, callused hands were lifting the lid of the box. Because his back was turned, I couldn't quite see the expression on his face. But his silence meant something important was in there. Whether is was good or bad. It meant something will happen to change our plans of getting out of here.
Cato POV
The lid was heavy. A little too heavy if you ask me. Probably because it was trying to keep something in. Something huge. But come on. It wouldn't be anything I can't handle. I'm practically unstoppable, as everyone knows.
Not to brag but... it's true.
After all, I haven't gotten a single scratch this entire time. Not one. I haven't even been the slightest bit hungry. Not one bit. Well... that's actually because we have loads of food. I don't think we'll run out any time soon. The problem is, Clove had most of the food with her. Dang. I guess soon I'll know what hunger feels like.
Anyways. The lid eventually came off, of course. And what was inside completely shocked me. It definitely was not what I had expected, but I wasn't objecting. The contents of the box were all too valuable. Before I knew it, my hand was inside the cold metal box and wrapped around the grip of an arched shape, with a thick wire connecting the two ends.
A bow, better than any I had ever seen was one item that I found. Along with it came a quiver of arrows, with a steel point and iron shaft. The Gamemakers must really want Katniss to succeed. Or... they're following the plan me and the other Careers had all along. Giving her hope, then ripping it away. But something made me fickle about that. I wasn't sure if it was the right thing to do. Shouldn't everyone get a sure chance of winning?
Turning around, I hold the bow and quiver out to the brunette with deep grey irises. "I believe these belong to you."
I couldn't help but grin as I see her face light up, snatching up the weapon excitedly. It was obvious that she was also surprised that it was given to her, but of course she was ecstatic to have a new bow in her possession.
"Cato... this is steel... the strongest metal there is! You know how much damage this could do?"
"A lot?" Chuckling, I turn back to the box to see what else was in it. Although, I had a pretty good idea. But another hand grabbed the handle before I could. Katniss lifted it up, a smile still on her face as she looked it over. I couldn't believe how excited she was about it. And I have to say... seeing her smiling lifted a huge weight off of my chest. Like all of the sudden I was drifting through the air... weightless.
Wait. What am I talking about? That's not okay, Tenae. Not okay.
But I couldn't stop smiling as I watched her twirl the steel sword around as if she was the best swordsman in Panem. It was... entertaining. In a way. However, being the serious one in the pair, she regained her composure quickly.
"I'm sure you'll use this well..." She handed the sword over to me, nodding slightly.
"Thank-" I was cut off be the ear splitting sound of rock skidding against rock as the pedestal lowered into the ground. "What's going on?"
My hand tightened around the grip of my sword, shining my flashlight around the small area. It was silent for quite some time. As if something was about to happen and both of us knew about it. But we didn't. At least, we didn't know what exactly was going to happen. I guess we'll find out soon enough.
Glancing over, I caught sight of Katniss' silhouette, and almost lost it. Her dark brown braid had fallen onto her back, exposing her delicate jaw structure and her slender neck. I could just make out a tiny glint in her eyes as she scanned the area, probably a reflection from the light of my flashlight. She had an arrow strung into her new bow, prepared for battle if something was to jump at us. And for some reason, she looked... different.
Gulping, I averted my gaze from her, reminding myself that I came into the Games to win. Not to die for some girl. That's not how this works. That's not how I work. And I wouldn't allow this.
Then, light burst into the cave, and the sound of rock on rock returned. For the first time in what seemed like days, I could see the sunlight. And man, it was great. The darkness of the cave disappeared, and I could see again. But the quickness of the light damaged my eyes a little. I'll be seeing spots for a while.
Katniss emitted a sigh of relief, loosening her grip on her bow and racing out of the cave as fast as she could. I followed suit, lowering my own weapon and stepping onto the grass for the first time in a long time. Taking in a breath, I could smell the pollen in the air, the scent of dew on the fresh green grass. It was like I had never been outside before. I felt so... free. It was about time.
The sun beat down on my back, and it actually felt good to be out in blistering heat. I mean, I could use some water right about now, but still. It felt pretty good.
Soon we were walking again. But this time, I could actually see where I was going. It was pretty awesome. As for Katniss, I could really tell she missed the outdoors. The entire time she was closing her eyes and inhaling deeply, she was running her hands along tree trunks as we walked. Sometimes she would even sit down and talk to the plants. It was a little strange at first, but then she told me of how her father sit with her and talk to the flowers outside their house. How it is said that talking to them and singing to them helped them grow.
After a while, I began to sit with her instead of leaning against a tree a few feet away. But I wouldn't talk to the plants. No no. I wasn't into that stuff. But I couldn't tell Katniss she wasn't allowed to. Even if she was my enemy. It was at least nice to give my ally the chance to enjoy something in the arena. After all, there isn't really anything fun about being trapped with a bunch of kids that want to kill you.
At least, that's probably what she feels like. Because no one wants to even come close to me. Which kind of sucks because it beats the purpose of killing. I kind of need to see the others tributes in order to terminate them.
"Hey, look!" Katniss pointed through the trees in front of us, looking from me to the area of which she had spotted. "The lake! We're back at the Cornucopia."
"Good," I stated with a slight huff. "Maybe Clove and Marvel are waiting for us there."
Although, that probably wasn't why Katniss was excited about it. Because when we reached the clearing, she threw down her bow and arrows and tore off her jacket, running hastily towards the lake. Well... someone was hot.
As in... the temperature, that is.
I have to admit. Katniss is kind of entertaining. Much like Clove. Minus the blood thirst. She has a heart. A real one. Not artificial and faked for cameras or whatever. And in some ways, I admire her commitment to her sister. Although she was kind of hard to read, and her emotions were off the chart insane, I considered her a worthy ally.
Man, the things she can do with that bow...
Grinning, I set my sword down and sat against the same boulder I slept on a few nights ago. The one where Katniss and I had our first actual conversation. And of course, I'm already regretting my thinking this. I feel the need to protect her. Get her to the end. Even if I don't really want to, and if it's going against everything I've ever been taught.
Even if I might even have to kill her in the end.
At least she is safe.
For now...
A/N
Looks like Cato's icy heart is finally thawing! Can't wait to see where it goes. Again, I'm sorry about the shortness. I kinda just wanted to get to the point. Next chapter I will try to make it a bit longer. Okay so, review if you'd like. Also, if you have any suggestions as to what will happen next, please tell me! Thanks for reading!
~ Charlotte :)