Chapter 2

I only allow myself to relax once I'm sitting on a comfortable couch in the Justice Building. I'm surrounded by shelves on which books are stored with caution. Right in front of me there's a wall, a wall from where pictures of past victors are staring at me. There is no way I would not make it. In two or three weeks, my portrait will be hanged here, where is its place. I was born to win.

Kar and Dad slowly enter the room. I put my future-victor-smile on when I notice they don't seem to be proud, not even happy for me.

- Do you realize what you've done? Kar says, finally looking me in the eyes.

- I do.

- That's silly, Clove. Look, I know you've seen my trying to volunteer and I understand that it might be tempting but, you were never prepared for this like I was.

His voice was harsh and his eyes were dark just like the tone of his voice. I don't mind him being so cold to me, he has always been, and I know what it is in reality. Jealousy.

- I trained by myself, I response calmly

- C'mon Clove, slicing beef isn't preparing for the Hunger Games! he grumbled

- Do you think because you were not capable of volunteering, the basement was left abandoned? I ask in a sympathetic tone. I trained, I trained hard and I will make it. I will come back with all the money and glory and your jealousy doesn't even touch me. You failed and I will succeed, that's all.

We stay a few seconds staring at each other in the eyes, in the gray eyes we had in common. His glance is furious and mine is deadly ; we had always been this way. Testing each other, arguing, fighting for the attention, to get the upper hand. I was raised like that, or left to raise myself in that mind.

- Aren't you proud that someone is going to win in this family? I fiercely ask Dad.

He has not said a word yet, just sitting in the corner and looking at us like nothing matters. It takes him time to react, to finally stand up and open his mouth

- Proud? Proud? he repeats louder. Proud that the arrogant girl that is my daughter soils my name by making a fool of her brother and by volunteering at fourteen because she thinks she is better than anyone else? Proud that her self-esteem will get her killed?Why should I be proud of you?

The whole time he was coming closer and closer to me, supporting the glance I hoped was determined. He talked like he never knew me; that I never was his daughter. To be true, have I really been? Did he ever took care of me, worried about me? No, he has never did for me.

- Help! I scream. Peacekeepers!

They immediately burst into the room with their weapons and their white helmets.

- They annoy me, I simply say. Make them go away.

I know they will never dare to hurt Dad, he is way too respected, but they have to make him quit the room. And right now that's all I want.

Before he walks out, Dad drops a few words for me that make my blood boil in my veins with rage.

- You know what Kar? I'm not watching the Games this year. Those tributes are complete fools.

Watch out Panem, because Clove is ready to prove you wrong.

- What's wrong with me?

I can't stand the weird look is giving me since we started eating. It's both disgusted and filled with anger. Usually that's how I look at people, not the contrary. With Astra, Brutus is one of the numerous victors District 2 counts and I can tell that he doesn't like me.

- Ho ho. Tiny but snapping as I see.

He laughs at me. Swear if I could I would cut his tongue and make him swallow.

- Look at her Cato, she seems to be pretty offended we do not take her seriously, he adds with a wide smile while the other ferret smirks.

Astra is just starring at us, with interest, as if something great was happening. I hold on to my fork as if my life depends on this little piece of iron. I must not show my anger. Calm down, Clove.

- Do you think she will scratch me if I keep going? Brutus asks.

Again his stupid sidekick giggles. He should not be, I can still see little red cuts where my nails entered his skin sooner this day. I bite the bullet though, trying to act like I don't care those two jerks are making fun of me. They'll see, they'll all see what I'm up to.

- You don't fool us Darling. I can see your clenched fists. You mind what we are saying don't you? he follows, leaning over the table to come closer to me.

I look up to him and then back on my plate. I'm not giving him satisfaction.

- Fine. Get rid of her soon, Son. You don't want a dead weight, do you?

The knife flies across the room, nearly cutting some of Brutus' dark hair. The blade finally ends up into a painted women's heart behind him. I stand up and start walking out of the room when I hear a voice calling me back.

- Could you do that again?

Brutus seems happy now, judging by the evil grin on his face.

- Yes.

- Now?

- Now.

- Show me your guts Girl.

His eyes shrink as he focuses on me. I took Cato's knife from his own hand and weight it for few seconds. Then throw it so that it will land right where I want it to. Into the door's lock. Before I can do anything, Astra lets out a little scream and run to see how I managed. Brutus sneaks behind her, looking over her shoulder. I don't need to, I know exactly what happened. The blade is now completely into the lock with only the handle out. I know it because that's how I wanted it to be.

- Hands off Astra. This girl is my tribute.

And I never miss.