Glory And Gore--Clove's Story, Hunger Games

(14) Only A Few Left

I rested my head on Cato's shoulder, as we sit by the flames that eat up the cold air. I looked at the afternoon sky, seeing it's really cloudy. "Looks like there's going to be a storm later," I said. "Yeah," Cato replied. I snuggled closer to Cato. I had forgotten how much I like him with the drama of the Games. If only he liked me back, I think, then we would be the star-crossed lovers. I perked up at the memory of Katniss.

"Attention, tributes. The previous rule regarding only one victor to win has been...suspended. There can now be two victors allowed as long as they originate from the same district." Claudius Templesmith's voice echoed throughout the whole arena. I quickly sat up straight. "Cato! We can win, together!" I exclaimed. I was smiling, and he returned my bright grin. We hugged. Not the casual friendly hug, but the long in-love type of hug. I looked him in the eyes. His bright blue eyes shone, despite the dark cloudy day. His eyes seemed to light up the whole arena. We had eaten the bread, and most of the apples. We only have a half left. We stared into each other eyes, not wanting to stop. We heard a beeping, and I thought a tribute that was hunting us had a sponsor. But it landed right in my lap.

To help you not perish

- E

I smile at the note, and take bread that's label read French Bread. I opened the bag that held it, and split it in half with one of my clean knives. I handed Cato a half. "Thanks," he said. He held up his half. "To being able to win--together." He bumped breads with me, and I joyfully took a bite. I recognized the taste. This was no divine bread from the Capitol, this was sent from District 2. Cato realized just when I did, and we both stopped chewing. I had this bread the night before the reaping. With milk.

(Flashback)

"Mother, how did you get all this?" I asked. "I grew wheat, and your Uncle John gave me a bucket of milk." Mother replied. I ate the bread, knowing how long this little loaf took her. She suggested I sleep, and I curled up in bed and drifted off to sleep.

(End of flashback)

Suddenly, I can't eat anymore. I can't eat a thing. Just a memory of home makes me miss everything, every one who's been mean to me. They're watching me on screen right now. That gives me a bit of satisfaction; people will worship me when I...win? Now it's just Cato and I, and two victors may be crowned, I can win after all. Maybe. I feel as if someone is watching us, other than the whole country. Cato pulled me closer into his arms, to keep me warm. We heard canons. Two of them. Two tributes killed each other.

I snuggled next to Cato closer, and lay down. My head was resting on his leg, and my eyes closed slowly. I drifted off to sleep.

I opened my eyes to see that it was dark. Cato was asleep, too. He was lying on the ground. I shook him awake, and he got his sword ready. "Oh, it's just you," he said. I nodded. "I can't sleep anymore. Wanna go hunting?" I asked. He sat up, and grabbed an apple. "Okay. Just let me have an apple first." He said. He finished his small apple, and grabbed a sword. We walked for a while, and came across nothing. No one.

They must be hiding...

Whatever.

Cato and I hiked for hours, not finding anything or anyone. Where is everyone?

Where is Katniss?

She's obviously going to be hiding somewhere with Loverboy because of that new rule. They teamed up. Obviously, what else would she do? We arrived back at camp, and Cato threw his dagger on the ground. "Ugh! Where are they?" He yelled at the sky. I heard a rustle of leaves, and I whipped around. Nothing there. But faster than you can say 'oh my God someone's throwing one of my own knives they stole at me', a knife was whistling towards my heart. But whoever threw it obviously couldn't aim, so it went flying over my head. Cato went and got his sword. He went running into the woods, and I heard a grunt. He came back with a bloody sword. The canon fired. He just killed someone for me. How sweet! Well, it'd be sweet if we weren't in a fight to the death. I smiled when he came back. "Thanks," I said. "No problem," he replied and dropped his sword on the ground. It was dark outside, and his blue eyes glowed like the moon. The moon was right above us, almost like a spotlight. He relit the fire with another match. If it weren't for Cato, I'd be dead. He killed my murderer. I'd be pinned on the ground by some heavy, tall guy from another district. I sat in his arms.