Forever or never

Chapter 3- Tributes and the reaping

(Ok so this chapter is longer than the others and has more dialogue. I hope you all enjoy it. Please comment, vote,like and tell your friends:) )

Chapter 3

Clove’s point of view

"Hello everyone; so we have come to a conclusion and we want to make it clear our decision is final"

Everyone nods growing impatient.

"So firstly our male Tribute is Cato Hadley" Cato lets out a huge whoop and celebrates. Some people join him and congratulate him whilst others storm away in fury.

"Now we don't usually do this, tributes are usually 18, but quite frankly this female has shown more skill than any of the others and that is why Clove Sevina is our female Tribute."

I freeze.

Cato’s point of view

I stop celebrating and stare at Clove's frown. She's clearly in as much shock as the rest of us. She smirks, but I can see she's hiding back the pain; just like I am.

"You are all dismissed except Cato and Clove" Daymonto fills the silence.

Everyone slowly files out, those who had bothered to stay anyway, leaving me Daymonto and Clove.

"Why the hell did you pick her?" I shout not being able to contain my anger any longer.

"She's 17!" I hurl a dummy across the room.

"She has more chance at winning than any of the other girls. This is about pride for district 2, not you. There's no point getting infuriated our decision is final."

"Your decision is bullshit" I storm out the training centre.

Cloves point of view

Cato's furious. He gets angry often, but I've only ever seen him like this once before. It was when a girl a few years old than me, hit me at training. He broke her neck.

"Go" Daymonto gestures to the door, I frown, and I turn to leave.

When I get outside I see the wall and door have been smashed in. Cato's really lost it. I search around trying to figure out where he is; I find footprints leading to his house. I race away. It takes about seven minutes to reach his house and I automatically notice the doors and windows have been smashed.

"Cato!"

No answer.

"Cato!

She runs inside.

I hear smashing glass coming from the kitchen. The whole house has been trashed, Cato made quick work. I see him ripping cupboards apart, smashing glasses and throwing chairs.

“Stop” He turns and stares at me eyes filled with hatred.

"This is your fault” he bellows at me and slowly begins to edge closer.

“You had to go to training today. You had to get yourself chosen.” His hands find my waist and shove me back fiercely into the wall.

"Why Clo? Why have you done this? His hand grips me neck.

"Cato. It’s not my fault; you think I want this? Put me down.”

I start chocking

“Look around, you did this and now you’re chocking me.”

His head glances around the room taking in every detail. His grip loosens and I fall to the floor. Guilt fills his face as he sits down beside me.

"I’m so sorry Clove. I just lost it.”

“I know.”

Silence fills the room.

“What do we do now?”

“Clove, we break up.”

I slap him and run out the house.

Cato’s point of view

I had to do it. If I want to win I can't be seen as weak; Clove is now a distraction. I will have to try my best to avoid her. I will not be seen as weak I'm a Career.

I call an avox to clear up. My family served the Capital during the rebellion so we get access to Capital supplies, despite us already being in one of the richer districts.

I go upstairs and get in the shower; letting the stress of today wash away down the drain. I get out, dry, then throw on a grey t-shirt and boxers then get in bed. It's strange not having Clove's body next to mine. Wait. Cato stop you can't think like that anymore. Clove is an obstacle. I fall asleep quite quickly.

11:30am

I turn over and see Kari- the avox has left my reaping clothes out for me. My reaping clothes are the same every year; simple white shirt, black trousers and smart black shoes. That's a good thing about District2 we don't lack in necessities like districts 10, 11 and 12.

I shower again, get dressed and set off.

The justice building is again in the heart of district 2. It appears to be the same in every district; dull grey stone and today draped in red Capital banners. Cameras are set up in every position to capture each moment.

I go got my blood taken by the Peacekeepers and go to the boys 18 lines. I glance across to the right and catch a glimpse of Clove. Damn she looks hot. Fuck, Cato shut up. I snap back to attention.

"Hello district 2" Valentina our escort taps the microphone. Her blond curly hair hangs around her hips and the ends have been dyed pink to match her eyebrows and eyelashes. She is dressed in a pink waterfall skirt and black corset which had been lined with pink roses. She looks extremely tall until I notice her huge black heels. Her legs have strange pink patterns on them ... I think the Capital citizens call it henna? Whatever it is she looks ridiculous, as usual.

"Happy 74th Hunger Games"

The usual film about the rebellion plays then its tribute time.

"First the ladies" Erg I hate the Capital accents.

She plucks a slip out of the glass bowl.

"Eclipse Jardine"

The first year girl begins to make her way to the edge then-

"volunteer!" Clove proudly strides forward escorted by Peacekeepers.

"Well I see we have a volunteer. What's your name sweetie?"

Clove shoots valentine a death glare ten faces me, eyes locked. “Clove Sevina”

"Let’s have a round of applause for Clove. Now it’s time for our male tribute.”

There is silence as her hand selects another slip.

"Mario Tribeck"

Oh no. Not on my watch.

"I volunteer" I stride forward proudly and stride to the stage.

"Now young man what's your name?"

"Cato Hadley"

"Ladies and gentle our tributes! And, may the odds be ever in your favour. Now shake hands"

Clove's brown eyes lock onto mine screaming hatred and hurt. She shakes my hand, but digs her nails into my skin in the process. I think I might have pissed her off yesterday.

A swarm of Peacekeepers lead us into the Justice building, and then in to separate rooms to receive our goodbyes.