Here's Chapter 9! Sorry I didn't have a chance to upload over the weekend, and you guys didn't really write many reviews so I didn't have much inspiration to to be honest...soo please review because it really helps give me inspiration to write, and it means that the next chapter will be up faster! Hope you guys like it
Chapter 9
CLOVE
I wake up with dread. Today is the reaping. Today's the day that Cato will leave me and possibly never come back. As that thought enters my mind, I immediately snuggle closer to him, entering his warmth. I've stayed at his house every night since the fight with my dad, and I don't know how I'm going to face him once Cato's gone. Cato's arms wrap around me, but his sleep doesn't falter. What am I going to do? Once he leaves, I'll have to go back to my own house, facing the eternal wrath of my father. He'll punish me severely for leaving, and then even more for not accepting my volunteer spot that I had. Plus, Cato will be gone, off fighting a much greater battle, and as strong as he is, he could never come back.
I sit up and watch Cato breathe in and out slowly, not wanting this moment to end. Not wanting to march over to the reaping with the rest of District 2 to watch Cato volunteer, and then have everyone watch with surprise when I don't. But, as much as I wish it did, time doesn't stop. Cato opens his eyes, and grabs me in a tight embrace. I sink into it, letting myself fold into his arms. "Cato…" I mumble into his chest. "I know, Clove." He speaks, his voice filled with sleep and sadness. "I'll be fine ok? Don't worry about me. I'll come back in a few weeks and rescue you. Just…don't let you're dad even near you ok?"Cato, I can take care of myself…have you met me? And you better come back. I say, looking up into his eyes. "I don't know what I'd do if you didn't."
We slowly get up, dressing in fancier clothes for the reaping. Completely stupid if you ask me. I'd be much more comfortable in my training outfit. We eat, and then walk in silence beside Cato's parents and sister over to the main square of our district. We join the large crowd of people there, as everyone in the District must be present. Cato and I part, and I cast one last glance in his direction, our eyes meeting. I look away as soon as tears enter my eyes. I won't cry. I'm Clove Williams, and I don't cry. I stand with the females, and he stands with the males, the square separated by gender.
As soon as everyone has filed into the square, our Mayor steps onto a large stage that is now centered at the end of the square. He walks towards the microphone, and speaks. He reads us the history of Panem, as he does every year. I tune him out, not caring to listen again. He then reads the long list of past District 2 victors, and the many that are still alive stand tall, as people look their ways. He then introduces our representative from the capitol, Tillie Bell, a pink haired woman constantly wearing bright clothes. She walks forward to the microphone, and begins to speak. "Happy Hunger Games! And may the odds be ever in your favor!" She smiles with extremely white teeth, before walking towards the two large glass balls filled with thousands of names from the 12 to 18 year olds in our District. "Ladies first!" She says, just as she always does. She reaches her hand deep into the ball. I just hope that whoever's chosen won't be a small 12 year old, or someone who will quickly become the joke of the Hunger Games, as there won't be anyone volunteering for their spot. Tillie's hand closes around a slip of paper, and pulls her hand out. She reads out the name."Clove Williams."
CATO
Clove. Clove was chosen to enter the Games. Fuck. Well we weren't expecting that to happen. I watch, my eyes wide in shock as she walks up to the stage. Now we're going to enter the Games together, and only one of us will make it out. It'll be her. What I said before still stands; I'll make sure that she is the one who lives.
Her head is high and her face is proud as she stands on stage. Obviously to look tough to all the other Districts as they watch us. Finally, Tillie speaks again. "Now, are there any volunteers that would like to take her place in the Games?" Silence. Of course…they wouldn't dare volunteer because Clove won that spot fair and square. Just our luck. "Ok!" She smiles as she walks over to the male's ball. Here goes. "Now to choose our male tribute to represent your District for the 74th annual Hunger Games!" She reaches into the ball and pulls out a paper, reading a name that doesn't register in my brain. A somewhat tough looking 14 year old walks forward, and she asks for volunteers. I lunge forward. "I volunteer!" I shout. She grins, and I walk up to the stage. I can feel Clove's eyes boring into my head, but I don't look her way. She must have thought that I wouldn't volunteer because she is entering. Well, she thought wrong.
I stare straight ahead as the mayor reads the treaty of treason as he does every year. I don't listen. All I can hear is my heart pounding in my chest as I think about what's going to happen. In just a matter of time, I'll be dead. I have no intention of coming back after the Games. Clove will win, and receive the fame and glory of District 2, and she'll be able to live without me, will forget me. Without her I wouldn't be anything, which is why I'm going to give my life for her.
He finishes, and signals for Clove and I to shake hands. We do, and our eyes meet. Hers are burning with questions and anger. I move my head slightly, trying to tell her that we'll talk later, before turning away. We face the crowd as the anthem plays. We're ushered into the Justice Building when it ends, to say our goodbyes. The peacekeepers lead us into separate rooms, and I wait a few minutes before my parents and sister burst through the door. "We're so proud of you son, you'll be great in there." My dad says, a large smile on his face. They think that I'm going to come back to them, but I won't. I can't tell them that though. "Good luck, and we love you." My mom says, her face proud as well. Our District gives fame to the whole family when their kids enter the Games, so my family will be showered with gifts even when don't come back.
Ally rushes forward and hugs me. I squeeze her hard, and look her in the eyes. She's crying. "Ally, I love you ok?" I say, sadness filling my body. This is the last time I'll see her. "You'll be alright without me. Don't worry." The tears stream down her face and she lets out a sob. She's the only one in the family who knows how much I love Clove, so she must have some idea of what I'll do. I lean down and whisper in her ear, so that only she can hear."I love you Ally. I'm not coming back, but always remember that ok? Clove will take care of you when she comes home and you'll be fine without me." She looks up at me, and lets out a loud sob."Shh Ally you'll be ok." I say, and squeeze her one last time."I'll always love you." I say, and the peacekeepers start commanding them to leave. "I l-love you." She chokes out, before being pushed out of the room.
Okeeyyy so please please pleasee review! I hope you guys liked it! xo I'll update soon...but review and it'll be sooner! Thanks so much to everyone that reads this and I love you all xoxo