Scars Of Our Love | Cato Hadley X Male Reader | Vol. 1

17 - A Gift From Above

Snap! The fire burns a bright orange, slowly dancing around in circles as I stare at it. I pull my knees close into my chest while leaning against the rough trunk of the tree behind me.

It has always fascinated me, Fire. It can do so much damage, kill hundreds of creatures and people, and cast clouds of smoke over the biggest of cities. Yet, it was still so beautiful. I could sit and watch it for hours. Cato lay on his side, propping himself up on one arm while he held his sword in the other. The others all gathered around in one big circle.

Cato and the other careers were laughing and joking with one another, almost as if we were normal kids enjoying our lives. Peeta sat quietly, not partaking in conversation, as did I. Nobody seemed to mind my company, Marvel got over the whole thing after some talking with Cato. The only person who I don't think likes me is Glimmer, she constantly gives me jealous looks or mutters things under her breath. At first, I couldn't tell why she was jealous, but after realizing that she only made angry remarks when Cato gave me attention, I began to see why. 

Suddenly a loud shriek erupts through the dead silence of the night causing us to turn our heads. "Who wants it?" Marvel says, quickly picking up his spears and standing. I heard the sound of  leaves crunching as Cato shuffled around, he started back at me. "I'm gonna go," he says before following.

"Wait for me!" Glimmer yells while stumbling over toward Cato. The three quickly disappear into the forest's darkness, leaving Clove, Peeta, and me.

I suck in air through my teeth as a light breeze blows through the trees. My stomach quietly grumbled, begging for the taste of food. I simply ignored it, not wanting to break into my precious food. I had barely eaten for the whole three days I'd been here, sometimes I'd eat a bit here and there but even then I only took small portions.

It didn't bother me, the hunger that is. Back home it was normal to feel like this. Constantly feeling weak or tired, even during long grueling work days in the forests. Yea, there was the Canopy, but everything still costs money. Even with my hunting and the strawberries I sold, my family would still sometimes go hungry. Those were the days when I felt I was at my worst. Whenever I failed to bring home something, whether it be from the lack of money or the poor hunt, I can never forget the looks of sadness on Ana's face. Knowing she would endure the pain of starvation till I could provide.

It wasn't like my dad or sister blamed me. Ana would simply smile or tell me that I could do better tomorrow, while my dad would just mutter something and go off to bed. Deep down though I always blamed myself. It hurts when you fail to provide for those who depend on you. Worse than the pain of hunger or dehydration. They were nothing compared to the strain I put on myself.

My stomach grumbles again, only this time it was much louder. Peeta turns to me, his eyes glistening against the light of the fire, shiny like that of a puppy. "Here I have some extra food," he says while reaching into his bag, and pulling out a small silver box. "No. No, it's ok. I'm not that hungry anyway," I reply gently, pushing his arm away from me. He offers a weak smile before pushing further toward me, "I insist, take it. It tastes pretty good."

I feel the glands in my mouth salivating as he opens the tin, clusters of dried fruit. My fingers hover over them for a second before picking one out. I couldn't distinguish what type of fruit it was but it was delicious. Nothing compared to the meals served at the Capitol, but just the taste of food alone helped re-energize me.

"Thanks," I say with a quick smile. He nods, looking proud of himself. I follow his eyes as they turn to Clove, who sat on the other side of the fire. Her arms were tightly crossed over one another. She was trying to hide it, but I could see her hands clutching the knives on the sides of her vest. She still didn't trust us. I didn't blame her, I probably wouldn't trust me either.