Gladiators -- Clato

-Blue Blood-

Zora finishes up the outfit with some minimal makeup, and then I'm ready.

When I see Cato, for the first time I fear him. He's in the same getup as I am, but with his muscular arms bulging from the sleeveless breastplate, his eyes gleaming white fire framed by golden wings, I would almost believe he bleeds not red, but blue.

It is said that Cato Hadley bleeds blue. Yes, in District 2 it's quite common to say this about him. He's this larger than life, godlike figure to people.

I, however, know that the Hadley son bleeds bright crimson like the rest of us. even he is not immune to the slight of a knife or edge of a sword.

But, for this one, shining moment, he is indestructible. He is as bright as the sun.

I don't realize I'm gawking until Cato's rough laugh breaks me out of the haze. He moves close to me, examining my outfit. His lip curves upward in a satisfied smile.

"Hey, you look good. honestly if I was one of those outer district idiots I'd be terrified of you."

I allow myself the slightest smile at his compliment. "that's the idea," I say.

The response seems to fuel Cato's excitement. "oh, she's talking now." he towers over me, almost a foot taller than me. I feel stupid looking up at him like a little kid, and I cross my arms, looking away so he can't see my cheeks turn red. god, why does he have to be so...

"What are you thinking, Clove? you've gone all red," Cato grins.

"Nothing!" I blurt all too loudly. "Just shut up."

"Fine, fine, I won't push it," he mutters. "Let's go talk to those two." he nods to the District 1 tributes, who stand by their chariot, looking quite disinterested with each other.

There Cato goes. Already calculating possible alliances. I remember Enobaria insisting we get to know the other careers, so I agree reluctantly and we make our way over to Marvel and Glimmer.

When Glimmer sees us coming, her perfect features light up in excitement. Maybe it's because of Cato. Maybe she's just bored.

"Oh, hi!" she exclaims. "Cato, right? I'm Glimmer, that mopey guy over there is Marvel," she bounces.

She didn't even address me. I don't like this girl already. I cross my arms. "I'm Clove." I growl at her.

She blinks a couple times, almost like she just realized I was there. She laughs lightly and smiles. "oh, right. nice to meet you."

I resist the urge to say something sarcastic and instead turn my gaze to Marvel. Cato seems preoccupied with Glimmer, and I don't want to think about that. He realizes me looking his way and extends his hand awkwardly. I shake it, equally as awkwardly. Marvel doesn't have the typical District 1 air about him. He's more reserved. He looks more normal. Really, I could see him as one of the stone workers in our District easily. A working boy.

"She's something, isn't she?" he mumbles, motioning to where Glimmer animatedly talks to Cato. "The chick never stops talking."

I snort, looking at the feathered headdress she has on. "yeah," I agree.

"Keep this between you and me, but I don't see her lasting too long. She'll probably trip on herself and fall off a cliff or something." Marvel smiles slightly.

I really want to laugh. He's funny, I'll give him that. I settle for a smirk. "I'd bet on it," I quip back.

Marvel laughs. It's a nice sound, really. Kind of quiet. Not like Cato's roaring laugh, more gentle. I decide that maybe Marvel is alright.

I know he's looking at me though. Sizing me up. I'm not exactly sure in what way yet; it's obvious we're going to be allies, but his relaxed tone catches me a bit off guard. I have a theory, but I need to test it out first.

"So. Glimmer. she your type?" I ask absently.

Marvel's eyes widen. "oh, fuck no. I bet I couldn't count on two hands the number of guys she's messed around with back in 1."

This doesn't surprise me. I lean back against the District 1 chariot, glancing quickly at Marvel. He's got intuitive blue eyes, focused attentively on me. Something about his scrutiny makes me nervous.

"You gonna ask what my type is?" he prods.

Damn, he read my mind. I play into it, although really this conversation is just a way for me to find out if I can use it to my advantage.

"Yeah. I'm asking now." I tip my head.

"You know, I've always had a thing for short brunettes," he knows what he's doing, and although this is what I was fishing for, it still comes as a surprise to me. Marvel is indeed flirting with me.

I try and give a convincing raise of my eyebrows "Oh?"

"So, Clove, what's your ty-"

I'm saved from the awkward conversation by the trumpets sounding to signal for us to get in our chariots. Marvel gives me a wave and a wink and then turns to get into the chariot.