The Things We Lost In The Games- A Clato story

3.

Clove
She just ran. Away from the center, from her problems, her memories of her mum, the toughts of the quarter quell. She went to the hill. That was her safe place, where she could be alone. Well, not entirely alone, Clove and Cato were always there together. They even met here for the first time.
Clove was 6, Cato was seven. It was a day after Cloves mother left, the day she found out. The day she first got hit by her father. She was crying, when someone sat next to her.
"Hi! I'm Cato! What's wrong?"
Clove smiled at him, and that's how they became friends. But it didn't last long. A year later they were chosen to be district partners, so everything changed. They were forbidden to talk to eachother, so they wouldn't become friends. They didn't talk to eachother until they started training together 6 years later. But Clove never let Cato in, she didn't want to get attached to him, because she knew she had to win the games, maybe even kill Cato.
And there she was, again, thinking about the boy she definitely didn't like that way or any way. But she missed him. She didn't want to admit it but she did. She kind of tought he will follow her. But obviously he didn't. Why would Cato Hadley, THE Cato Hadley, who all the girls ran after, come after her, Clove, who was just a short girl, who shut out everyone, because she was scared to get attached. To anyone. She was scared. Scared that they would leave her, just like her mum did. A single tear fell from her eyes, dropped to the ground. When she heard someone coming, she quickly wiped her eyes. It was Cato.

Cato
He saw her wipe her eyes. She must have been crying. But she didn't want him to see. She hated him, never let him in. He really wanted to change that.
"Are you okay?" He asked. But why did he ask that question? She was obviously not okay. Now she thinks he's just asking that because he's polite. But he wished she knew the truth. That he cared for her, more than he was supposed to.
"Yes, of course. I'm fine, as always." She smiled at him, but he saw the saddnes in her eyes.
"You know you can tell me the truth right? I mean... not that you have to trust me, I know you don't but... maybe it would make you feel better if you talked to someone." Well that came out weird. Now she thinks I'm just miserable, he tought. But maybe he is. He never really had friends, because every time the others hang out with each other, he has to take care of his siblings.
Clove looked at him with her eyes filled with tears.
"It's not that I don't trust you" she began, "but I don't want to burden you. Or anyone. That's why I always say I'm fine." Cato took a deep breath before answering.
"You are not a burden Clove, I hope you know that. Never was, never will be. Especially not for me." Clove looked at Cato, but he looked away. He shouldn't have said that. But that was the truth, and he really wanted her to know it. And he most definitely shouldn't say this, but he did anyway. "I care about you Clove. When I said you can tell me anything, I meant it." He looked into her eyes. They were brown and beautiful.
This was enough for Clove, she finally started letting her feelings out. They never said it out loud, but Cato was her best friend her entire life, so she could talk to him. She always told him everything. Except for one thing. So when Cato asked, if her dad was hitting her like he was hitting her mum, Clove lied to him. She didn't want him to know. She didn't want anyone to know. After that, Cato just listened, and when she stoped talking, he said something again, he knew he shouldn't.
"Maybe I could help, Clove. I know I've said it already a million times and you never wanted to come to our place to stay, but you still can! You and Tommy could be safe. Safer than at home." She looked at him, and he regretted what he just said. Why would she accept help from him, if she didn't even trust her until now.
"I'm sorry Clove, I didn't think when I said that. I understand if you don't trust me enough for this, I just really don't know what I was thinking, and..." He started explaining, but Clove interrupted.
"Thanks Cato, that means a lot. Really, it does. But it would only get worse if I didn't show up at home. But maybe I do need your help." Clove looked at Clove with hope in her eyes.
"Cato could you take in Tommy for the night? I know it's a lot to ask for, since you have all your siblings, but I'm scared of my father's reaction to me not getting chosen to be a tribute, and I really don't want Tommy to hear us fighting." Cato smiled at her.
"Of course. I'm sure the kids will be happy, since Ben and Tommy are best friends, they would love a sleepover. And if they are already mentioned , I should go pick them up. You should stay here, relax a little, I will take care of Tommy. I'll be back soon." Cato started to go off the hill, but Clove spoke after him.
"Thanks Cato!" and she smiled at him. He smiled back, then ran off the hill, still thinking about her.

I hope you guys liked this chapter, please tell me if something is not right, or you have ideas how I should continue it❤️