CATO'S POV
Clove won't let her eyes even move from the wall she is staring at. Her head is tilted slighty as I'm telling her everything, my hand reaches out for her but her guard is back up. I thought I had finally broken her walls down- I was wrong.
"Get out." she says with an edge. Without another word, or even a glance I leave. Closing the bedroom door it slams. I didn't mean to do that. Once in my own room I punch the wall repeatedly. My forehead rests on the doorway, that I didn't bother covering. I whip the door shut, causing a huge noise. My eyes are stinging; filling with water. I squeeze them shut tightly. I don't cry. But I have never felt this pain, it's worse then the first time I trained. It's ten times worse then getting knocked on my ass, and even worse then the time I broke my collarbone in a combat scenario. Words of my father ring
Love can kill you Cato. It can kill just like a knife, a sword, it's a kill that consumes every part of you. Don't undermine it.
"FUCK! FUCK." I continue to scream words into my empty room.
My back hits the wall, I slide down; my knees are as close to my chest as they can be. The moon outside shines to illuminate the can I kill, when I am already dead inside? Fight my brain says, kill and feel nothing. Humanity is gone. I pull myself together, and only wake up to see the sun on the horizon. There's a pair of clothes on my bed. It's a simple tee shirt, water resistant pants, a pair of boots; the sun is all I can look at. So many mornings with Clove. Shaking my head, I sulk to the elevator. Brutus is waiting for me; Clove must already be gone.
"You look like shit." He grunts.
My chest puffs out. I breathe deeply. "Yeah, I know."
The doors open to the warehouse we started in, at least I think that's where we are. I am escorted to a strip on concrete. Out on it is a hovercraft. Brutus puts his hands on my shoulders- the same way a coach would to his trainee. He whispers in my ear.
"Show them what you are made of."
He gives me one last pat on the back, and I begin the walk to the craft. Brutus is watching me, I know it. Did he tell Clove the same thing? Where is she? My question is answered on the hovercraft. She's sitting there in a black shirt, pants and boots are similar to mine. Her hair is pulled back from her face, still she doesn't glance at me. I take a seat across from her in hopes of getting one. I don't though. Her face is intimidating today, and I know it won't be fading anytime soon. The hovercraft lifts from it's platform; a woman has something that looks like a needle, I hold out my arm- not even asking what it is. I wince at the pain. It's not until the girl from District 12 asks, that I find out it is my tracker. I scoot towards the edge of my seat, elbows on my knees taking these kids in. Twenty three on you will be dead. May the odds be ever in your favor I want to say out loud, but I don't. Suddenly the hovercraft tips sideways. We have landed. Peacekeepers are waiting at the door for us. Each of us is escorted by two of them to a room. The door closes behind me. I feel like it was a seal. My stylist Kaymo is waiting with a jacket for me. He explains that it won't completely protect me from the elements, but he tried his very best. Clove has one just like it apparently.
"THIRTY SECONDS" an automated voice says on an intercom.
Kaymo nods and directs me into a tube. It seals. I slowly rise on a silver platform. The sun is so bright. My eyes adjust quickly though. I catch sight of Marvel, he nods to me. I don't see either one of the girls.
"Fifty, fourty nine, fourty eight, fourty seven..."
There's a digital countdown on the bloodbath. A voice is counting too. I am searching for Clove. I find her, her eyes look so focused, her face- so determined. All around the circle are faces of fear, but not Clove's. I want to call out.
"Eleven, ten, nine..." The voice slowly fades, the clock hits zero, and a high pitched noise booms. Everyone is off of their plates. I go charging and pick up the first weapon in sight. This is the hunger games, not child's play.
Okay, okay. I know this is a chapter with only Cato's POV; but I figured his was the best to experience the first moments with. Don't worry I will be continuing with their time in the arena- right up until the end. Sadly that does mean Cato's POV will be what the last two chapters are written in. My next chapter will be with Clove- I PROMISE YOU. Anyways, keep reading, favoriting and reviewing- I love hearing what you have to say!
-L.
