Hidden Tragedy (A Clato fanfic)

Chapter 1

"Shh...come over here Clove" Cato whispers.

As agile as possible Clove jogs down the dim corridor straining to here Cato's voice. The shock was evident when she read the note asking her to meet him. She couldn't conceal her anticipation as she tried to stifled a giggle down the hall.

What could he be doing? She ponders.

"Cato, what in panem is going o-"

All Clove can do is gasp when she sees Cato, roses in hand, under candlelight in the small room.

"Are you surprised?" Cato asks with that perfect smile of his.

"Why have you done this?" Clove questions

"Because...we can't be together in the academy..or at home for that matter..so why not now?"

Clove's heart swells at Cato's gesture. Their fondness of each other had been evident since they first laid eyes on each other five years ago. It was only a year ago that they found out they were part of the "Selective Potential" group, meaning there was a higher chance of their names being reaped as District 2 only shows off the best in the Games.

Clove struggled with this news.

*flashback*

That evening she was determined to stay late at the academy to polish off her recent knife throwing technique.

"I'm fine" she assured Klarity, her closest friend who was also incredibly talented.

Clove was angry, frustrated, honoured and broken but distracted her mind through throwing the knives for what seemed like hours. When she finally stopped and realised she was alone, and that no one would see her in this state, she broke down. Too many memories of her brother came into mind. He had recently died in the 73rd Hunger Games and although physically she was ready, she was going to wait until she was 18 to even volunteer, let alone be thrown into it early.

Cato had also independently stayed and was training in the other gym. He heard her sobs and when he found her, his heart tore. How could the girl he loved, and the girl who was so headstrong and determined be so vulnerable?

"Clove?"

The panic in her features was obvious. She couldn't let her crush see her this way, she always gave the impression that she was strong despite her small frame.

"Leave me alone Cato"

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing why would there be?" She kept her back to him, her eyes were surely bloodshot and her face puffy.

"I'm fine, honestly" she assured him.

"Don't lie to me Clove".

"I. Am. Fine" she persisted.

"No. You're not."

Clove had had enough, if she stayed here surely Cato would be disgusted at her weakness, he was always so strong. Collecting her things she rose and brushed past Cato but before she could leave he grabbed her arm. He couldn't let her leave while she was so broken, he had to help her.

"Clove!" He demanded.

"If you don't leave me alone I swear I will-"

"What's wrong?!"

"I'm scared Cato!" She screamed.

The silence that followed made her regret what she said. But she was mistaking the care and love in his eyes for disappointment.

"Go ahead Cato, laugh. Laugh at the girl who has everything in control and seems so strong but has just broke. I wouldn't blame you, I'm sickened at myself along with you being sickened."

Cato was dumbfounded. How could she think he was sickened by her weakness? This emotion made him love her more. He had to protect her from everything.

"Why would I laugh?" He questions.

"Why wouldn't you? I'm a me-". She was cut off by Cato bringing his lips to hers with such strength she could feel the affection.

"Wh..what.." Clove tried to comprehend what had just happened. But all she could do was stare at Cato. The one she has liked for five years who out of nowhere kisses her. "Wow," she thought "he really is good looking".

"Clove, I have been waiting to do that since I first laid my eyes on you..."

Clove was speechless, how does this just happen?

"And I want you to know that there is no need to be scared, I will protect you. As long as we're together no harm will come your way.."

Clove tiptoed to meet Cato's eyes.

"Do you really mean that?"

"Of course, we're in this together now" he replied with a smile that warmed her heart. Their lips were brought together once more.

(Should I continue? Hopefully this gets a few votes and comments, or someone will acknowledge it aha. Taa x)