Clato: Cuts Beneath the Surface

Chapter 43

I don't do goodbyes well. I think the most uncomfortable thing I've ever had to do is stand still for several minutes as Cordelia hugs me. "I know this isn't goodbye but I just," she sniffles, "I just had to!" When Cordelia finally breaks away, Enobaria approaches. Brutus is with Cato since he and I aren't allowed to see each other until the arena. I'm glad. I wouldn't know what to say after what I overheard last night.

"Remember your training," Enobaria says, "kill as many as you can in the Bloodbath so you don't have to hunt them down. Trust only Cato." She lowers her voice, "Don't be the one to kill him unless you have to. Don't do that to yourself." I nod silently. "You were born a victor, don't forget that."

I turn away, giving Nef a short hug. Earlier he helped me dress in the tribute gear. There's black leggings and a jacket that's thick but won't be much help on a cold night. Already I'm drawing conclusions about where we are all headed.

Enobaria helps me into the clear glass tube that will take me into the arena. "Act like the career you are," she continues giving advice. "Don't panic or show them who you really are. That's not going to help because they will never love you more than twelve. But they can fear you and respect you and they will bet on you if they think you will win. So win." She sighs and I glimpse her fangs. "And come back." I climb into the tube and Enobaria moves to shut me in.
"Thank you," I whisper to her. She nods and seals me in.

I try to breath calmly as the tube rises up. Green grass comes into view. 60...59...58...57...I stand still on my platform, careful not to set off the mines and take in the arena. 40...39...38...There's a large lake near bye, a forrest to my right and a tall field behind me. 24...23...22....In front of me is the massive cornucopia, laden with weapons and food. I spot a set of throwing knives and lock in on them. 18...17...16...I can't see Cato anywhere but Glimmer is right next to me. Hopefully she will stick to the bargain we made with her and Marvel. If not, her death is not one I will regret. 9...8...7..6... I take a deep breath. 5...4...3...When the clock runs out I know I will have only one choice--kill everyone or die...2...1...
BANG!

I sprint for the knives. Panicked tributes, children really, race for the cornucopia. The smart ones dash for the woods. I reach the knives, slinging them over my shoulders and whipping them out. There's a girl from 6 with dishwater blonde hair and wide brown eyes. I tackle her to the ground. She trembles visibly.
"Please," she begs, I drive a knife into her head and stand up, on the hunt for more tributes. I see Cato running a small boy through with a broadsword while Marvel and Glimmer take on the girl from 3. My blood thrums with adrenaline. Then I see her. Katniss Everdeen.

She has a bright orange backpack in hand. Her terrified eyes seek me out and she sprints away. She's at least 200 yards away, tough but not impossible. I throw the knife, it sails true. Then at the last second Katniss pulls the backpack up and the knife embeds in it instead of her head. Damn it! I almost had her!

By now most of the tributes have fled. I see Cato interrogating the boy from 12 but ignore that for now to pursue a heavy set girl running into the field. I chase her down, grab her from behind, and slit her throat. My hands are coated with her blood.

When I return Cato, Glimmer, and Marvel are arguing with the boy from 3 and Peeta, the lover boy from 12. I don't want him around and intend to make my point clear. But for a moment I stay away from the crowd of careers--even Cato. I wander the cornucopia, picking up a backpack, food and a sleeping bag. Them I crouch down and shove the supplies in, surrounded by the cold dead bodies of the children we have killed.

A/N Thanks so much to Clatolover44 for all your support!! The Games have begun! As always, please comment and vote! :)