Chapter Twenty-Nine
I glared at Gato as I stood in front of the Cornucopia. Thunderclouds rolled overhead and I rolled my eyes at how cliché the Gamemakers were being.
"I'm going to kill you, Kitty." He growled, removing his sword from its scabbard. I felt the rush of oncoming fear, but stifled it; I couldn't be worrying over my past with Peece's life on the line. Instead, I let a sneer make its way onto my lips.
"Not if I kill you first, Pussy Cat." I taunted, taking out my own sword and shifting into a dueling position.
"Not gonna happen. I'm going to avenge Shimmer."
I snickered. "Ah yes. Love seemed very high this year. So, did you and Shimmer kiss?"
Gato's eyelid twitched and he growled, "Shut up."
"Aw, she didn't even give the Big Bad Cat a kiss?" I laughed, watching his reactions.
"Shut… UP."
I sneered as a few drops began to fall. "Not even a peck on the cheek? Poor Kitten, no smoochies for you."
"SHUT UP!" Gato roared, raising his sword and charging me.
Our swords clashed loudly in the silence of the large open space. I spun and slashed at him, but Gato was ready and blocked my attack. The rain was coming down harder and it was etting a little harder for me to see. I took a step forward and forced Gato back before he fought against my strength and pushed for me to step back.
I wouldn't give in, but I did step to the side, disconnecting our swords and sending him falling forward. I swung my blade, but Gato rolled to the side and I just barely stopped my sword from sinking into the mud. I snarled and rushed at him, jumping up and kicking him in the jaw to send him flying back into the mud. Gato pushed himself up and I snarled as he swung, our blades clashing again. Once more, I stepped to the side and Gato tripped forward, his sword sinking into the soft earth below him. There was no way he would be able to get it out in time to save himself and that was fine by me.
I sheathed my sword (how chivalrous of me) and threw a punch for his jaw. Gato put his arm up and lashed at my chest, winding me and making me stumble backward. I coughed and ducked the next fist, lifting my mud-covered boot to try kicking at him. He dodged my foot and sent a blow that made me imbalanced. I fell into the mud and rolled to the side as Gato's boot slammed down where my head had been.
I snarled angrily at that and lashed upward with my fist, catching him in the diaphragm and causing him to wheeze, backing away so he could catch his breath. But I followed and threw another punch for his jaw, snapping his head to the side. He deflected my next punch and kicked me in the stomach, sending me backwards a few steps. Gato was going all out now; he was determined to win and his fist were flying, covered in mud and water as he attempted to get a hit in. Sadly, I was excellently skilled in blocking attacks, so for every punch he threw, my hand and arm were there to deflect it.
But he got a cheap shot in. slamming a blow to my chin, he jabbed my in the side and kicked me in the stomach, sending me slamming into a tree. I rolled to the side as Gato charged me and he also slammed into the trunk.
I jumped up and hefted a giant stick, swinging it and cracking him in the back of his skull. If he was going to play dirty then so was I. I swung again and caught his shoulder, smiling at the satisfying crunch I heard. Gato yelled out in agony and rounded on me, brandishing a slightly smaller branch in his hand. I smirked and swung my stick, his coming up to slam against it.
I swung once more and it was almost as if we were sword-fighting. I grunted and glared at the boy in front of me before smashing my branch into his, effectively breaking not only the tree branch, but also his hand. Gato gave an excruciated cry as I watched the blood drip from his skin. That was going to scar. Luckily, he'll be dead before anyone who cares will notice.
"I'm going to kill you!" Gato roared, charging at me; my eyes narrowed and I ran to meet him.
Just as he pulled his arm back to hit me, I jumped up and kicked out, nailing him in the nose. I landed on my feet as Gato landed on his back, splashing blood everywhere. I smirked down at him and made to move away, but Gato grabbed my leg and slammed me into the ground. I glared at him and tried to stand, but Gato didn't give me that chance, pinning my arms down with his legs and removing my sword from its sheath. My eyes widened in fear as I realized what was going on. Gato was about to kill me.
I closed my eyes, awaiting the blow from Gato that was sure to come. It would be painful losing another life, but I had to be strong for Peece. Just as Gato was about to bring the sword down on my neck, I heard the sharp twang of a bow and heard the thunk of an arrow; Gato froze with his arms over his head and ever so slowly, he fell backwards. I slowly climbed to my feet and looked over to where Peece was holding a bow with grim determination set on her face.
"Peece," I breathed. "You did it. You won. We're going home!" I ran to her and swept her into my arms, spinning her around despite the many aches in my body. "We're headed home." I whispered, staring down at her.
Just then, Caesar Flickerman's head appeared above us and he grinned. "There's been a change of plan tributes. The earlier law has been rebuked. We apologize for the earlier confusion, but there is only to be one tribute that survives."
His head disappeared and I felt cold dread fill my stomach because this was my newest worst nightmare. I had to kill Peece.
