AN: Thank you for everyone for their patience for this Chapter.
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Peeta POV:
Before Cato leaves for the Academy he had to brand me. I know he didn't want to, but it's law in District Two if he didn't I would be ship back to District 12 or became an Avox, and those option didn't sit well for Cato. On the way to the branding center, I was too afraid to let go of Cato's hand. The Madam drove us to the Branding Center when she finally parked her car; Cato took my hand and led me to the Center while Madam was following us behind. We walked to station three and took our seat as the Madam spoke with lady behind the desk telling her I'm here for my appointment; well my branding for the correct term. I took a deep breath as a man stepped out of from door next to the reception desk.
"Peeta," He called out as he holds my chart.
"That's me," I reply as got off my seat; Cato follows behind, making sure I didn't run away.
"Alright, Peeta, your friend picks out this design and he wants to be right here." He said as he spoke on my right side of my hip. I left up my shirt and lower my pants a bit. What I didn't expect was a giant gun about to be place on my hip. I grab Cato's hand and when then the man pulls the trigger, I started to cry about how bad the pain was. As the pain started to subside, I got a better look of my new branded hip. It was only CII I understand what it meant I only belong to Cato and we will live in District two for the rest of our lives. There was no turning back now.
"Ahhhhhh," I scream as the pain finally settles in.
"Stay strong, Peeta." Cato responds to my scream as he holds my hand.
After the branding, the man gave Cato a little jar of some sorts; I can only guess the words on the jar. We went to back to the waiting room where the Madam was waiting for us. We greet the Madam as she pays the lady at the desk.
"How was the Branding?" The Madam asked as she escorts us out of the Branding Center.
"It was painful, but I'll heal." I said as took my seat, but I wince in pain when I sat down. Cato never let go my hand. He has been quiet all day, maybe he knows he will be leaving for the Academy soon. I went to his room that night before my branding and the same before 68th Hunger Game we spent the night in his bed talking about what would happen if he was pick to participle in the games. I smile, but that same nightmare runs in my head every time each game draw close, but this time Cato was lucky this year.
When we draw near the train station, the more nervous I got. This will be my first year away from Cato. The Madam parks the car and pops open the trunk where Cato's suitcase is waiting for him to take. I got out and follow Cato as he got his suitcase. I hold his hand all the way to the train. Where we share our last good-bye and our hugs for now, but I was too afraid to let go of him. I didn't know I was crying until Cato started wiping them away.
"Be strong, Peeta." Cato said in sad tone as he held me. I just nod my head.
"Before you go, take this." I said as hand my hair comb that the Madam gave me. "A little piece of me." Cato took and place it in his pocket.
"Next time you see me, Peeta, I'll be the District Two new Victor, and you and I can be together." Cato said in promising tone. I smile at his remark. The Madam cut our time so she can say good-bye to her son. When Cato stepped on the train waving good-bye to use the Madam and I continue to cry. The drive back home was quiet, and my hand never felt this cold without Cato's hand.
Cato POV:
As I step on board on the train with Peeta's hair comb in pocket. I have something of her and she something of my the branding I didn't want to do it, but it's law here in District Two and if I want to keep Peeta, she had to get brand with the families District number and owner first letter of his or her names. I'm more motives to win the games so I can return to my little baker. Even that means losing me in quest to get strong and win the games.
Six Years Later:
Peeta POV:
It has been six years since I saw Cato. Now, more than ever the nightmares I have been having since I was little were getting stronger. Now I'm sixteen, my hair is twice as long as it was when I was ten. I still train with Brutus for the Games and I grew a little taller. If do my math game this year, p Cato is eighteen years old. Now it's the 74th Hunger this year, and Cato is supposed to come home if he was drawn to take part of these games. I just took a deep breath as I wait for Cato's train. The Madam was pickier when it came with my clothes, since this will be the first time I ever see Cato since were ten- twelve years. I still have brand on my right hip it became permanent, so every time any guy try hitting on me, I revealed my brand and they backed away.
"PEETA!" a familiar voice shouted, as I was picked up off the ground.
"Put me down, Cato." I said with a laughing fit voice. As he placed me down, I turn and what can I say wow. Cato grown seven inches over me, he has more muscle than I imagined, and dear goodness; he looks like a god. I was too stun for words.
"Here you go, Peeta." Cato said as he place my old hair comb in my hair, I can feel the heat racing to my face. I wrap my arms around him.
"I missed you, Cato." I said.
"I missed you too, Peeta." He said as he return my hug.
We start our way down to the center of the city, where they draw names for the Hunger Games. When we got down to the city square what surprise us is to see President Snow here. The usually he came up to the speaker and starts his speech which was about the history of dark ages, Panem, and District 13 rebellion against the Capitol.
"Now, without further ado, ladies first." He said as pull the first name out of bowl. "Clove Ray," Clove just gave a small smile as she walk up stage.
"Now, the gentlemen," President Snow said before he reach in the bowl Cato shouted "I volunteer as tribute." Cato walk up stage with his confidence smile. This made me nervous because of nightmare coming true.
"For this year, we have the first apprentice Games. So, will the District Two apprentice Please, step forward." President Snow stated and I can tell he is starting at me. I took my step onto the stage between Cato and Clove.
Cato POV:
To be honest, I didn't care if I have to kill Clove but when I heard that there will be an apprentice in the games it does gives the Careers' edge with extra hand to kill off the extra tribunes. When I saw Peeta step forward at first I thought it was joke, but when she took those first steps to get on stage this was no joke.
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AN: Cato is back but this time he has deal with Peeta in The Games now. How will take it.