Once the reaping concluded, Peacekeepers escorted us through the large doors of the Justice building and into individual rooms. Once inside and the Peacekeepers shut the door behind them after exiting quite abruptly, I turned the door handle, and, to no surprise, I found it locked. Taking extra caution in case we tributes wanted to make an escape? I doubted there would be any need for that, considering we both volunteered. But then again, District two always had volunteers.
I let go of the handle and sigh loudly, walking around the room, lazily clapping my hands as I go. Everyone else in District two would either be heading down to the train station now to watch when the tribute train takes off, or waiting around in the Square. I yawn, bored, and crack my knuckles as I hear the door open.
The man who walked through the door was my father, followed by my mother and older brother, Alex. My brother was a Victor, going back a few years to the 68th Hunger Games. He was seventeen when he won; a year younger than what I am now. Having been the only one in our immediate family to have gone into the Games, he knew exactly what it was like to be in there. And he believed I could manage.
'You ready for your moment of fame, little bro?' Alex said as he clapped me on the shoulder.
The corner of my mouth lifted into a half smirk. 'You know I am.'
He chuckled happily and patted me on the back several times. 'That's what I like to hear.'
I chuckle and shove him like we usually did when we messed around. I hear my father clear his throat and I turn my attention to him like I was disciplined to at home, dropping my arms to my sides and going silent, showing him that he had my full attention. 'Dad.'
He took a step toward me, never breaking his gaze away from me. We were the same height, so we were at eye level. It was an advantage on my behalf since it made my father less intimidating.
'Make sure you remember what you are going into the Games for.' He said blandly.
I raise my chin, holding my head high so I appeared taller than him and not in the least intimidated. 'I won't lose track of my goal. I haven't for the past eighteen years, and I never will.' I told him confidently.
My father eyed me carefully, furrowing his brow as he did so. He had piercing blue eyes like me, though I got my blonde hair from my mother. He eyeed me for a moment longer, analysing my hard expression and my body language. Once he was content with himself, he said 'Don't do anything stupid. Make District two proud. Bring us home a Victor.'
I don't move. I just send him a blank expression back. 'I plan to.'
With that, and clearly feeling satisfied with himself, he gave me a slight nod of his head and made his way out of the room, leaving myself, my brother and mother.
Alex stood to the side as our mother threw her arms around me. She started fussing over my clothes and hair. I gently grabbed her wrists and told her to stop smothering me.
'You be careful out there, Cato dear, alright? You take care of yourself. Don't let anyone hurt you. I don't want my boy going anywhere but back home after these Games, understand?'
'Yes, mum. I understand.' I said. That was the full truth. I completely understood what I had to do. 'I'm coming back. Don't you worry about that.' That was partially a lie. Though that depended on whether Clove made it to the finale with me or not. If she didn't, I was going to bring home the crown. If it were down to the two of us…well. She would be the one returning home.
