CHARADE | Glimmer (THG)

Chapter Twenty

Trigger warnings: Death threats, Fire, Serious burns

Cato zips the tent behind him and waits expectantly. No way out.

I incline my head towards his sword, "Is that to kill me with or to torture me?"

Cato smiles shark-like. I can tell he's enjoying this. "Depends on how forthcoming you are. There are three ways this can you. We can torture you until you give in, torture you until you die, or-"

"Let me go unharmed?" I suggest.

He nods, disgruntled, "Until we have no further need of you."

"Well," I smile tightly, "I prefer that option."

"Yes I rather thought you might."

I shuffle over to Clove. Cato follows me, his sword still held in his hand. I drop my voice, "Your father is being held in the Capitol."

"The Capitol?" Clove repeats. Then her brow lowers as she hisses, "You could have told us that before! Cato and I could have looked for him."

"You would have been caught immediately," I say calmly.

"But-"

Cato places a hand over her mouth, hissing, "The microphones."

She glares at him, and pulls his hand away.

"Think about it." I whisper, "Any tribute spotted unaccompanied away from the Tribute Centre is presumed to be escaping and is executed. You'll stand a much better chance as an honorary Capitol citizen. A Victor."

"She's right, Clove," Cato says, his voice low.

Clove drops her knife, burying her head in her hands. My eyes flicker to the knife and then to the blade in Cato's hand.

Cato's eyes meet mine. "Do you know where her father is being held hostage?"

"The President's Mansion," I whisper. It's a guess but I hope a logical one, "It's the centre of all operations in the Capitol. It's where the Gamemakers work and where they keep dangerous rebels and criminals. Should be fairly easy to get into as a Victor."

Clove raises her head and glances at Cato. They share a look, and then he nods. "She's telling the truth."

He lowers the sword.

"So," I try and keep the tremor out of my voice, "When do you plan on killing me?"

Cato shrugs, casual. But he and Clove meet each other's eyes again. This time it's her that nods.

"Whenever you've outworn your usefulness."

I sigh, "Then let's keep the sponsors happy whilst I'm still here." I raise my voice so that the Capitol microphones can pick us up, and shout, "I promise you I'm not making a move on either of you!"

Cato raises an eyebrow but mercifully joins in with the act, "Oh yeah? Explain why I saw you two with a bunch of roses then."

"I told you," Clove bellows, cupping her mouth with her hands, "They were roses Glimmer got from a sponsor."

"Romancing sponsors now, are you?" And even though he's acting, a dangerous note has crept into Cato's voice, "Are we not good enough for you?"

"Cato, darling," I trill, "Isn't this a little hypocritical of you? After all it's you who's been trying to flirt with me. I've had no part in this drama."

Cato glowers at me, but Clove grins, smirking as she yells, "Oh he flirts with anything Glimmer! And moves on just as quickly! We made promises to each other back in Two. Now look how he treats me!"