Chapter 7

I go outside the training room and wait for Cato. When he finally comes out he's trying to hide it, but I can tell he's pleased with himself. We then make our way up to our floor where Jaylia, Enobaria and our stylists are waiting. We have dinner, but I'm to excited to get my score to even know or care what I'm eating. Finally after what seems like forever we make our way to the living room to watch get our scores. The highest anyone has ever gotten out of 12 is a 10 and I am positive I got at least a 10. Then after a quick introduction and explanation, there's a picture of Marvel and the number 10. After him Glimmer scored an 8 and then it's Cato's and a big 10 fills the screen.

"Good job" I say and give him a hug which he returned. I don't know if it was just me but it seems if he held on a little longer than needed. Then he let's go and we turn our attention back to the screen. A picture of me fills the screen and the number 10 flashes. Yes! Jaylia jumps up and down with joy and I am extremely proud of myself but I don't show it.

"Aren't you excited?" Jaylia asks

I just shrugged "I was expecting it" I reply in a nonchalant voice, which really masks my pride.

Cato turns to me and says with a smile "Good job"

I can't help but smile back.

We then turn our attention back to the screen. We see a picture of Leena and a number 9 flashes on the screen. I nod in approval she'll be a good ally. I sort of zone out until district 11. The big guy got a 10, not really a surprise but the little girl somehow manages to get a 7. Then its district 12s turn. First is the boy and I'm very surprised when he gets an 8, a career score. Then it's Katniss's turn Cato and I both lean in curious to see what she got. Her picture comes up and then the number 11!

"What!" I jump up in surprise and rage. On the other side of me Cato did the same.

"Now kids calm down" Jaylia tries to tell us.

But I'm so mad I don't care. I pull out the knife I always keep hidden up my sleeve, and point it at her. "I don't think you understand," I say, as she seems to shrink with every word I say, "I am not going to calm down when making a good impression literally means life or death So don't you dare tell me to calm down." I leave it at that and storm to my room, knife still in hand.

I went straight to my room and slammed the door. Some people might think that's an overreaction, but what I said is true. This isn't something where second or third place is ok, if you don't win, you die. When I first got to the Capital I was so sure I was going to win, but now I'm not so sure. Stop it Clove. You're going to win. You're the best life thrower in all of Panem.

Since I never had a proper family to give me motivation, I had to do it myself. For a while I tried to make my father proud, but I soon realized it was hopeless. He doesn't care about me; the only person I could make proud is myself. This way the person I let down, if I fail, is myself. But even if I let myself down it wouldn't matter because it would mean I was dead. I lay on my bed suspended in misery until I hear a knock at the door. When I open it I see Cato.

"Hey can I come in." I wanted to tell him no, to slam the door in his face and continue sulking, but to my own surprise I nod. Well you know what they say; misery loves company. I close the door behind him and I awkwardly stand by the door.

"You okay?" he asks. I'm surprised by the genuine concern in his voice.

"I'm guessing that's not the only thing that's bugging you," he continues when I don't respond. I sigh,

"It's a long story" I reply plopping down on the bed.

"I've got time" he responds

"It's just my whole life has been about the Hunger Games. I train, I fight and then I either win or die" I finally confess

"So your afraid to die?" he doesn't say it in a judging way, more like he's curious.

"No" I respond "More like I'm afraid to win" He still looks confused so I continue

"It's all I've ever known and I guess I don't know what I would do with my life after its over." Then I mumble more to myself then him, "I'm not afraid of death, it might actually be welcome after the hell I've been through"

"What do you mean" he asks looking alarmed.

"It's nothing" I mumble my eyes subconsciously go to the scar on the back of my hand.

"What's that?" he asks. I try to move my hand but he grabs it before I can. He looks down to see a big scar on my hand. I try to pull my hand out of his grip but he's to strong. He suddenly rolls up my sleeve to reveal a long jagged scar from the top of my shoulder to my wrist.

"What is that?" he demands. I'm taken back by how much he cares.

"It's nothing" I reply. I then pull myself together and in my normal voice add "What like you don't have a few battle scars"

I was about to give in and tell him anything, but then I thought again. He's still my competition, allies don't last forever and if I want to win he will have to die. I'm not going to let one bad day ruin my chances of winning. "Its nothing"

"What do you mean it's nothing! This is a big deal"

"Look Cato I'm not about to spill all my secrets to a guy who in a few days will be trying to kill me" I turn around and compose my face

"We don't have to kill each other" he mumbled quietly.

I turn around in shock "What do you mean of course we have to try and kill each other. Only one can live its just how..." before I can finish he cuts me off with a kiss.

When he breaks away he says, "It may not last forever, but we still have now" and with that he leaves, leaving me more confused then ever.