Welcome to Panem Private (Clato, Katniss/Peeta)

Chapter Eighteen

Clove's Dad POV:

First day as the Game Maker. I insist on this being the greatest and most vicious games yet. As soon as I get there, I rush into the room where everything happens. I see about twenty chairs for the controllers. I will watch the tributes training today, so I head to that room. I spot Clove's friends talking to the tributes from District One. Suddenly, President Snow approaches me and asks if he could talk to me for a moment.

"Yes sir?" I ask.

"There has been a lot of talk about you. How you will do anything for glory in District Two. I need you to prove them wrong, somehow." He tells me.

I know how to prove them wrong.

I smirk and say, "I'm right ahead of you."

Cato POV:

(Friday morning)

Game day. I am trying to pump myself up, but it's not working. I've just been sitting in class all day stressing over the game.

"Man, are you okay?" Peeta asks me. He must see that I'm stressing.

"Yeah. Aren't you nervous?" I ask him. There's so much pressure on Peeta and I. We're the best on the team, so it's all on us.

"Yeah, but I'm better at hiding it. Let's ditch next period and get some food." He suggested.

Sounds perfect to me. I can't sit around in one more class.

"Okay, I'm game." I tell him.

We sneak out of school and head down to a local restaurant. We sit at a table and watch the TV ahead of us. Ceaser Flickerman is talking to the previous winner from the 73rd Games. Then he starts talking about the new Game Maker. Clove's dad.

"Mr. Sevina is facing his first day as the new Game Maker. He has signed a fairness contract due to the fact that he is from District Two originally. In fact, his daughter was reaped but then Lyla from Two volunteered instead. Just a fun fact." Ceaser says. "And here he is now!"

Just then, Clove's dad walks on stage and sits down by Ceaser.

"Welcome. So tell me about the Games this year."

"Well, I promise to make it extremely vicious. We have some fierce competitors so it'll be a very good show."

"How exciting! Are they looking good in training?"

"Yes, pretty decent."

"Now tell me about your daughter and family."

"Clove is sixteen and has always wanted to participate in the Games, but someone else volunteered for her. She was devastated, because she really was looking forward to it."

Ha, lie. She didn't want to go into the games. He's putting on an act.

"Oh too bad. Well I'm getting word that you have to head back to the training room. Thanks Mr. Sevina!" Ceaser says as he shakes Clove's dad's hand.

"Is that true?" Peeta asks. "About Clove going into the games?"

"No. Well at first, but she changed her mind." I explain.

We finish our food and head back to school. We decide we can make it to the last twenty minutes which is a study hall anyways.

"Clove!" I call as I see her walking down the hallways.

"Yeah?" She stops and turns towards me.

"Your dad was just on TV talking about you." I tell her.

"Yeah I know. What a joke right?" She rolls her eyes.

"Yeah. For real."

"So how are you doing? I didn't see you last block."

"Yeah, Peeta and I skipped because our nerves were way too high." I tell her. "I can't wait to see how beautiful you look on Saturday."

"Aw, stop." She blushes. "Hey I gotta go ask Mrs. Trinket a question. I'll be at your game. Good luck, Cato. Love you!" Her lips attach with mine for a few seconds before she smiles and walks away.

I decide to go meet up with Peeta in the study hall room. When I walk in, I notice the big clock says 3:00. Only four more hours till the biggest game of my football career. No pressure or anything.

(After the game)

"You did so good, babe!" Clove screams before hugging me tightly.

"Thanks Clover." I smile at her. "You coming to the party?"

"Definitely. I'll meet you there. Love you!" says Clove as she turns around. I like to watch her lips as she talks. When she says she loves me, her lips curve up into a smile. She's so perfect.

I grab her arm and pull her into me. I crash my lips on hers. They move in sync. I put my hands on her waist as hers move up to my shoulders. I try to deepen the kiss, but we are interrupted by whoops and hollers.

Peeta, Johanna, Katniss, Finnick and a bunch of random people are all around us.

"Get it!" Finnick high fives me.

"Hey, I'll meet you there." I turn to Clove to see her bright red face.

"Sounds good." She grins and walks away with the rest of the girls.

I need her. I need to make this perfect, just like she wants.