Sorry it took me a while to update. I've been busy doing spotlight for a show. Hope you enjoy this chapter!

I head up the stairs back to my room and survey the damage. Not too bad. I throw my clothes from last night into the laundry bin and change the sheets on my bed. I wonder if my parents will stop home or just go directly to the reaping (all peacekeepers who are parents get reaping day off to come back to district 2 in case their child gets selected for the games). I shower then pick out a flowy white blouse that I tuck into a cranberry high-waisted skirt that I will wear to the reaping. The gold sunflower locket Cato game me matches nicely with the outfit. I slide on some sliver, ruffly flats and brush my hair out.

I'm putting on makeup and desperately trying to hide my hickey when I hear my parents fumbling with the lock at the front door. I quickly scan over my room, making sure nothing is out of place and apply a 5th layer of concealer on my neck. Alright, everything is good. I hear my Mom's sing-songy voice, "Clove! We're home sweetie!" "Hey Mom, Dad, I'm just getting ready for the reaping. I'll be downstairs in a second." I quickly tuck Cato's locket into my shirt and make my way down the steps.

Half-way down I notice my mistake. Cato's tie is still on the banister from last evening. I hope that my parents won't notice and I will be able to throw it into a vase or something, but no such luck. My mom picks up the tie, "Honey is this yours?" she asks my dad. "I don't think so," he says while looking it over closely. "Clove, what is this doing here?" My brain is thinking up a million excuses and I'm trying to decide which one to use when I notice the small C that is embroidered on it. (Really, Cato? Getting your clothes marked with your initials is not really helping me.) I'm about half a second away from telling my parents that Cato had left it here when he came over to borrow some milk (pathetic excuse, I know) when I realize that my name starts with a C as well. "Oh Daddy, I got that for you yesterday." Ok, time to lay it on thick, "I got chosen to volunteer for the games this year and so I thought you could wear it to the reaping today. It has a C on it for my name, so everyone will know that your daughter got selected."

"What? Clove, are you going to the games this year?" "Yes." "But you are only 17." "I beat all the 18-year-olds, Daddy." My father gives me a clap on the back and my mother gives me a hug. "Wow, my Clove, the youngest district 2 tribute in decades!" "We are so proud of you." my dad adds. "Well I guess I had better get changed and look good since we will probably be on camera!" and with that my mom runs upstairs. Honestly, is her appearance all she can think about right now? I mean I just told her I was going into the Hunger Games where I could possibly die! Well, I'm not really going but still, she could have at least cared about my safety a little more. Luckily my father is not so shallow. He is still standing at the bottom of the stairs holding 'his' tie. "Clove, I know you will do excellent this year. Just wait until we get to move into victors Village." Well, I would be moving there, but somehow I don't think Cato's invitation extended to my parents. "Oh, Clove, who is the male volunteer going to be?" "Cato Woods." I respond, trying to sound as indifferent as possible. "Oh." said my father, his mood dropping just a tad, "He is rather large... however, I bet he is no match for your knife skills." Then, as if remembering something, he adds, "you two are friends, right?" I nod. "Well, if you can't bring yourself to do the dirty work, turn the alliance against him. That way the blood won't be on your hands. I'm sorry you have to compete against your friend." Again I only nod. There is really no way for me to respond to this. "Clove?" Yes?" "He was your best friend, wasn't he?" "Yes." "You can't let anyone know that, Clove. If any of the other tributes find out, they could use it against you, lure you into a trap. And if viewers don't believe you can kill each other, then sponsors may support the other career districts. Do you understand?" "Yes." I tell him only half-listening to his advice. Its not like I'm actually going into the arena, and if i was I wouldn't want to be thinking about this anyway.

My dad goes upstairs to change and I'm left alone with my thoughts. That's how it usually is for me anyway. Living alone, in this big house for most of the year (my parents are only home for a total of 50 days a year (25 each)). I honestly don't know what I would do without Cato for company. I would probably go crazy from just being alone thinking all day long. I sit down on one of the couches in the living room and brainstorm what I will say to Cato as I bid him farewell in the justice building. My parents come downstairs 10 minutes before we are due at the reaping. We head over to the District Square and sign in. My parents walk around with me to where I see Cato standing with the tribute selector off to the side. All adults are required to stay in a separate section (With the tribute selector being the exception) so they both give me a hug and watch me as I head over to Cato to take my place. As I'm approaching him he looks up and sees me and my parents. He gives them a friendly wave which they return then turns to me and starts laughing. "What?" I ask him, a bit roughly. Really what is there to laugh about today? "I really like your dad's tie." The next thing I know we are both laughing our heads off as I retell the story to him about what had happened. "I can't believe they bought that story." He says, grinning broadly. "Hey, I'm a great liar." I respond.

I look around to see if either of our parents are watching. Nope, the coast is clear. I stand on tiptoe and lean in close to Cato's ear. He bends down so I can whisper, "Any sign of Saylee yet?" "Yea," he replied, "She was here earlier, I can't seem to find her in the crowd now though... Oh, there she is." Sure enough Saylee is already standing in position, ready to leap onto the stage. I see her turn around and notice us looking at her. She gives a thumbs up and I relax a bit, knowing our plan is still a go. The tribute selector who had been somewhere else, has now returned to stand between Cato and me. I know the reaping is about to begin. Sure enough our escort Zura Shine begins giving a speech then the district mayor talks and reads the list of 23 past victors from our district (by far the most out of all the districts) but I'm not paying attention. Cato and I are busy having a silent conversation... Alright, so it might have been eye sex, but come on, I don't know if I'll ever see him again after today! No. Don't think like that. I pull my focus back to the stage as our escort reaches into the girls reaping ball. She picks out a slip and reads in a high, clear voice, "Saylee Roed."

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