A/n last chapter before they go into the games.

I walked to the pool.

The only place I could think of going.

I'm pretty sure me and Kat are the only ones who have used it.

I rolled the hem of my pants up the my knees and sat down on the edge.

I let my feet into the icy blue water.

One last moment of relaxation.

"Cato?"

It was bread boy.

I jerk my head back.

"What the hell do you want?"

He walked closer to me.

"Keep her safe?"

He must know my plan.

To ditch the Careers and stay with Kat.

"Of course."

He walked away.

Someone else called my name.

I turned around.

It was Katniss.

"Can I join you?"

She was in shorts and a tank top.

I nodded.

She sat right next to me.

She grabbed my hand.

"I'm sorry." she said.

"Why?"

"I shouldn't be scared of you. Just...the look in your eyes when I saw what you did to those dummies...I."

"Shhh." I said as I cradled her head.

"I'm just stupid, aren't I?"

"How are you stupid?"

"For falling in love with you. Only one of us can make it out of there. I cannot live without you, Cato."

She started crying on my shoulder.

"You will win this. I'll always be with you. I promise."

I opened her hand to give her a small necklace.

It had a simple tree on it.

"I had it specially made for you, Kat."

She put it on.

"I love it."

She started crying again.

This time even worse.

I started putting my hand on her head.

"Stay with me tonight. Please?"

"As you wish."

I woke up the next morning in Katniss' bed again.

"You need to go." She said

I saw fear in her eyes.

Today is the day.

"Okay."

I slide out the side door when I see Zeus.

I run for the door to the stairs.

I made it on time.

He didn't see me.

I run down the stairs to my room.

I quickly get dressed.

"Hey, lover boy!" Clove said.

"Hmmm?"

"Good luck."

"Good luck." I told her.

I smiled at her.

"One more thing, lover boy."

"Yes?"

"Make sure Marvel or Peeta don't rip off her head. I promise I won't."

She put out her hand so I could agree with this promise.

"Thanks."

"Last thing. I swear. Keep her safe. Put her in a tree or something. Go hunting and find food. The second that cannon fires, grab a sword. And a few back packs. At the same time keep her out of harms way. Then leave us. Leave the Careers and go be with her. She'll need it."

I smiled.

Zeus started pounding on the door.

"Time to go. Come one now."

For the first time since I volunteered, I was scared to death.

Of death itself.