games → CATO HADLEY ✓

t w e l v e

| " A R E N A . " |

___♔___

I walk off of the stage, a smirk on my face. I think I did pretty good. I did seem evil and heartless. Mission: accomplished.

Tristan and Tamora smile at me as I pass by, making me frown. I haven't saw them lately, and it makes me question our alliance. Hopefully, I can count on them in the arena, to not kill me.

I stand next to Cato and Marvel, waiting for Zach's interviews to be over. "You did good."

I look up at Cato, a smile appearing on my lips. "Thanks. I tried my best to look terrifying."

"Yeah, well, you convinced a few of the tributes to stay away from you. But they don't find you intimidating at the least. So you're plan of being underestimated is still going well." He says.

"That's good," I nod. "I'm hoping Everdeen wasn't paying the least bit of attention to me. That way, I can slaughter her while her back is turned."

"That's what I like to hear." He smiles, and winks down at me.

"She'll deserve it," I shrug, "She has the whole Capitol rooting for her just because she volunteered for her sister. It's bull shit. I have no family at all, yet I don't get sympathy. She should be thankful that she has a sister to protect."

"Of course she deserves it. She's practically asking for us to kill her, especially from the way she doesn't act intimidated by us." He agrees. "I can't wait to get in that arena."

"I won't get to see you, after tonight," I frown. "The plan."

"I'll find you." He promises. "Even if it means leaving Clove, Marvel, and Glimmer."

"You can't do that to them," I shake my head. "They're good people, they-"

"They won't die, Taylor." Cato assures me. "They're trained professionals, and they know exactly what they're doing. And I'll only leave while they're asleep. I'll be back before they even realize I was gone."

"Hopefully that works out," I sigh, "I wouldn't want any of them to die."

"They'll have to."

"What?" I ask, my eyes widening.

"These are the games, Tay. Only one person makes it out alive." His face drops. "But sadly, I won't be with you when you win the crown."

"But-"

"C'mon, Taylor!" Zach walks off the stage, immediately grabs my arm, and whisks me away from Cato. "We have to talk."

___♕___

Unfortunately, Zach was lying. He didn't want to talk to me.

But Stark and Elaina did.