Born to Die (Clato Fanfic)

Chapter 4

"Hold still," Tessa whispered in my ear as she dabbed at the blood glued to my face. I looked straight ahead too embarrassed to make eye contact with anyone. We were in a little corner of the gym, which was apparently the medical room, but it was basically a chair and a first aid kit.

Why did I have to pass out? I lost, and everyone saw.

Of course, everyone knew I was going to fail. I had no chance, but I wanted to prove them wrong. Instead, I took a nap on their perfectly sanitized mats. They were probably mopping up my spilled blood right now. I noticed Cato practicing with the spears, my name still carved into his flesh. I immediately jerked my head the other direction.

"Clove, you need to keep your head still," Tessa hissed as she applied a cool gel across my nose. I nodded which only got me more disapprovals.

"What injuries do I have? I asked in a quiet voice, careful to keep my head straight.

"Minor concussion, bruised nose, black eye, thats about it." she said like it was nothing. I guess it was nothing compared to what could happen in the Games. At least I would heal quickly.

I glanced down at my hands, stained red with blood. Cato's blood. I bit my lip nervously. There was no way Cato would let me out of this. I practically gave him a tattoo. That wound would take a few years to heal completely, if it ever did.

"How's Cato?" I asked glancing in his direction.

She peaked out behind me and squinted across the gym. "Looks fine," she said holding an icepack to my head.

She laughed but I didn't see what was so funny. "I hope you like what you did because it will be there for a while."

Way to go Clove.

"Do you think he'll kill me?"

"Let's just hope you aren't in the Games together." she said with a wink.

The Games. If I can't survive a fight with Cato, how will I make it through the Games?

"Well, looks like I'm done," she said starting to pack up the little medical kit.

"Wait, Tessa?" I said sitting up straighter.

"Yeah?"

"Do you think Ryker will kick me out for cutting Cato?" I asked barely able to say his name. I didn't feel worthy, which was stupid.

She laughed so hard, that several people stopped to glance in our direction. She actually had to use me for balance to keep from falling over.

"Are you kidding me?" she laughed, wiping her eyes. "He lives for that stuff."

I let out a sigh of relief. "So I'm good?"

"He actually probably likes you more now." she said with a shrug.

"That's good," I said smiling. "Better get back to practicing." I hopped down to the floor with little pain.

"Clove, wait." she said with a nervous smile. "I was thinking, that maybe you would like my help?" I felt a stab to my heart. She didn't think I was good enough. She thought I needed her help.

"You said I was good! You convinced him to let me in!" How could she think that I needed special training? I tried to push past her but she blocked my path.

"Just listen!" she said grabbing a hold of my shoulders. We locked eyes and she smiled. "You are one of the best throwers I've ever seen," she whispered, "But we need to work on fighting and strength." I had to admit she was right. "Meet me early tomorrow morning, and we'll have a private session." She patted me on the head and walked away without another word. I was left standing alone. I considered not going as I walked over to the knives. My mind wouldn't stop spinning as I threw.