𝔖𝔱𝔞𝔯 ℭ𝔯𝔬𝔰𝔰𝔢𝔡 - Clove and Cato/Clato

XXIV

Cato and Enobaria gave me an approving nod before we walked in opposite directions. I said nothing as Cinna walked me to my designated tube that would lift me up into the arena.

Once we entered the room, I felt a heavy wave of anxiety flood over me. Cinna must've sensed it because he grabbed my arms reassuringly and faced me toward him. "I'm sorry we didn't get to bond much," he started, "but I'm betting on you, miss gladiator," he smiled, tossing a golden coin in the air.

He held his palm out to me as the coin glistened in the or light; the image of a gladiator imprinted on it. I looked up at him and he nodded for me to take it. "Thank you," I said softly, taking the coin.

He pulled me in for a hug. "Good luck," he whispered. "I'm counting on you." I sighed as one of the peacekeepers told me it was time to get into the tube.

Once I was inside, it sealed behind me and I began to wonder why Cinna, Katniss' old stylist would put his faith in me.

As I began to ascend, more peacekeepers came into the room and began attacking Cinna. I shouted and begged for them to stop, but my efforts were futile.

They were going to kill him.

I hadn't even entered the games, yet and my mind was consumed by the events of Cinna. When the sun hit my face, it brought me back to reality. It was not nearly this bright last year.

I glanced around and couldn't seem to find Cato or Enobaria. The tributes were more spread out in a full circle instead of a half, and we were surrounded by water. I knew I had to make it to the cornucopia, otherwise I would be at a disadvantage. I knew the others would beeline it there, too. This bloodbath would be nothing like last year; these guys have experience.

There was no way I would be able to make it out of there, but I knew I wanted to survive long enough to mend things with Cato. I wanted to survive long enough to give him a proper goodbye, and to see him again, the real him.

My heart raced as the countdown began. Everything was happening too quickly. It seemed like yesterday that I was in this arena and now I was back.

...3
...2
...1

I dived into the water, feeling the rush of adrenaline hit me at the same time as my body temperature dropped from jumping in.

There wasn't much water in my district, but there was a pool at the academy. My father had me practice in cruel ways when I was only a child.

Though I hadn't swam in years, the muscle memory mixed with adrenaline kicked in to turn me into a decent swimmer. It brought me back to when my dad pushed me into the pool for the first time, and I relied on my adrenaline to survive.

I pulled myself up to the closest platform and began sprinting as fast as I could to the cornucopia. I scouted out my knives from a mile away and scooped them up in one swift motion.

Out of nowhere, a tribute that I didn't recognize used a spear to trip me. I tried to get up as fast as I could, despite being caught off guard, but I was met by the sharp weapon. My eyes widened and I froze, only imagining Marvel was the man behind the spear.

Suddenly, a large silver blade flew over my head and sunk into the chest of the tribute, causing him to drop the spear. I whipped my head around to see Cato standing brutishly behind me.

"Cato..." I sighed in relief. He offered his hand to help me up, and I took it. He then picked up his sword from the lifeless body. "I didn't know you could throw swords," I noted, impressed.

He smirked at my admiration, "I took it up after seeing your amazing knife throwing skills" he said with a wink.

"Would you two quit chit chatting?" Enobaria emerged from the other end of the cornucopia. She nodded for us to follow her, and we swiftly made our exit into the woods.