THE HUNGER GAMES LOVE STORY: KATO

Ch 1

So the time of the Hunger Games had once again begun. Cato lay sprawled on his back on the luxurious sofa, staring up at the ceiling of the train. His partner, Clove lay on the couch across from him, busily sharpening her knives with a devious smile playing at her lips. They did not acknowledge each other apart from the infrequent glances of appraisal. Cato liked Clove. She was as bloodthirsty as he was, but had an even more twisted mind, she was sadistic like him, and had a knife fetish. He had seen her training with them back in District 2, and knew what she was capable of. She would be a good ally to keep, and he promised himself that he would let her be until the last possible moment, but he secretly wished that someone else would kill her before he would have to.

Cato had no doubts about winning. This was his life, he had spent his whole childhood preparing for this moment, preparing for the day when he would volunteer to be a part of the Hunger Games, and this was his moment to shine. He wondered what other tributes he would have to look out for. He chose not to watch the rest of the reapings because he loved the element of surprise, of seeing them in person before he made any judgments. He knew that he would recruit Clove and most likely both from District 1, but who knows? Maybe there was an underdog among the other districts somewhere. He would have fun picking them out and hunting them down himself.

Cato, amusing himself with his different killing gambits, and Clove, busy admiring and sharpening her weapons, spent the rest of the train ride consumed in their own thoughts.

…..

The train ride was not an extremely long one, as it exceled in celerity. It was not very long before all the tributes had reached the capitol, and even shorter still until they were all dressed in their special attire to be presented to the rest of the capitol. The first two districts, as usual, looked very domineering, powerful, and intimidating. The only other district to catch the audience's eye was District 12, with their flaming costumes winning the favor of many from the crowd. The people from the Capitol saw themselves as possible sponsors for these two tributes; the Careers saw them as threats. Malevolent glares were exchanged frequently, but other than that no words were exchanged. The districts were more focused on one thing: showing off their skills during the training sessions.

The first training day went well. Clove showed off her blade throwing abilities, Cato sent countless spears zooming across the room with alarming celerity, Peeta enjoyed decorating his arm to camouflage it, and Thresh showed off his impeccable strength. Cato kept a close eye on both tributes form District 12, hearing about the whole "star-crossed lovers" thing going on, trying to see if it was really a sham to gain more sponsors. Peeta was very endearing to Katniss, and they spent most of their time together, but Cato could see no displays of affection on Katniss's side. He smiled an evil, crooked smile. He would have a fun time tearing these two apart in the arena. Especially Katniss. He wondered if she ever actually smiled. She always wore a weird crossing between a frown and a grimace and didn't bother talking to anyone other than Peeta if she could avoid it. There was something about her…was she a possible threat? He would have to wait until they received their scores but he had only seen her use a bow once or twice..granted she had nice aim but he doubted it would amount to much. Would she be one of his first victims? No, he would kill Peeta first and make her watch. He'd really give her something to grimace about.

"Cato?" huh? Cato was snapped back into reality as Clove repeatedly called his name. She tilted her head to the side and eyed him curiously. She then resumed her bored expression and told him that it was time for lunch, and walked away. It was assumed he would sit with her, and Cato was irritated for a second that he was expected to just follow her. But the moment of anger soon passed and he briskly followed her to the Career table, taking long, easy strides that displayed his confidence and arrogance. Right before he sat down he eyed the District 12 tribute curiously. Katniss had taken her seat next to Peeta, as was expected. Cato puffed out his cheeks before turning his back to her and immersed himself in the conversation at his table.

Katniss P.O.V

I sighed as I played with the salad on my plate. Peeta sat across from me, talking about different types of bread he used to make with his dad, and goodness knows what else. I stopped paying attention a while ago, but nodded my head occasionally to make it seem as if I was really interested in what he had to say. I find this works with people, as long as they don't start asking any questions..then I'm screwed. As peeta continues his monologue I like to let my thoughts wander freely. Usually they settle on prim, or gale, or memories of my father, and how my mother had been before his death had changed her. Recently my thoughts have gone to the other tributes. There were a few scary ones, Thresh and the Careers basically. I didn't trust any of them, and as long as they stayed out of my way, I would stay out of theirs. I had no interest in being friends with someone I would have to kill soon enough. That's why I felt guilty about talking to Peeta so much. What if we were the only ones left, what then? I couldn't kill him, so I hoped either I would die or him. We can't both live.

I think about our chances of actually surviving it, or at least making it past the first day frequently. That Cato is one scary looking killing machine. He's been eyeing me, and I can only guess what that twisted, sadistic mind of his is thinking up; probably different ways to kill me. I made a mental note to keep as far away from him as possible during the games. And his partner Clove…well if she isn't the Devil's right hand I don't know who is. Her knife- throwing abilities are uncanny, and she eyes everyone like they're a fresh piece of meat. Stay away from her too then eh? It was time for another nod to keep Peeta's monologue going. I casually nodded my head and gave him a small smile, a sign of encouragement for him to continue. Well, there was no stopping him anyway, until he asked that stupid question. "What do you think?" I nearly choked on my salad. Oh no here comes the questions! "Umm.." I had no idea what the question was referring to, so I used an Ol' trick of mine "What do you think?"

I held my breath and hoped it would work. Peeta looked startled, but he easily answered the question "I think we have to watch out for Districts 1, 2, and the boy from 11. They seem dangerous". I sighed and added "And foxface. She seems sly". Peeta let out a light laugh. "Foxface?" he was clearly amused. Yeah, you know the girl from District 5 with the red hair?" Peeta rolled his eyes but contemplated what I had said before answering "You know, she really does have a fox face". This time it was my turn to laugh. I take it all back, I'm glad I was at least talking to Peeta. He really took my mind off of things. And finishing my meal together with him, in our happy bubble, I did not notice or feel Cato's stare from across the room.