Welcome to Panem Private (Clato, Katniss/Peeta)

Chapter Twenty-Three

Cato POV:

(Three days later)

"I hate you for doing this to me. I've always been so good to you, but all you've ever done is treat me like shit. I can't take it anymore!" Clove screams in my face.

"Clove, I'm so sorry. I've told you this before. I don't deserve you!"

I can't let her walk away from this. From us. Everything we've accomplished. I didn't know you could love somebody so much. I feel numb. I'm honestly nothing without her.

"You're so right. You don't deserve me. I deserve someone who treats me right. Like Marvel." She smirks.

Oh my God. It was a dream. Just a dream. It felt so real. It seems like everyday I have a dream about Clove and Marvel now. I just feel like she's going to go back to him. Maybe she actually does have some feelings for him?

I try to tell myself to stop thinking like this, but I just can't. It's so hard not to. She's perfect in every single way and I can't imagine losing her. I know she loves me, but deep down, I cannot shake the feeling she has her doubts.

"Time for school, Cato!" My mom yells from downstairs.

Today is special, in a way, Clove is coming back to school. I hope it doesn't stress her out too much, due to how much she missed.

I throw on my uniform, and I'm good to go.

When I arrive, I decide to text Clove.

Cato: Are you here yet?

Clove: Almost. I'm not excited.

Cato: You'll be fine babe. I'm here for you.

Clove: Thank you. I love you.

I decide to wait for her at her locker. A few minutes later, I'm joined by her. She rolls to me, half-smiling.

"Hey Clover." I smile, watching her face go red. I lean down and kiss her and start opening her locker down for her.

"Everyone is staring at me, and it's getting super awkward." She says, looking around slightly.

"Just ignore them." I try to comfort her. It is pretty awkward honestly.

Clove POV:

Four boring classes and a lot of stares and questions later, I find myself at the end of the school day. I have so much homework to catch up on. The teachers are being so nice and understanding, but there is only so much they can do.

Cato starts basketball today, so looks like I'm going to be lonely. I tried making plans with Katniss and Johanna, but they're starting basketball too. I could be playing. If only I hadn't got in the stupid car!

When I get home, I notice my dad is home. Wow, it's been awhile. I wheel myself to the front door and let myself in.

"Hi Clove. I've missed you. How was your first day back? Feeling better?" My dad swarms me with questions.

"I'm fine." I roll my eyes.

"Don't give me attitude. This will be one of the only times I can come home. You will enjoy your time with me."

I just smirk and shake my head. He's nuts if he thinks I will enjoy his company.

"I have homework." I announce before wheeling to my room.

After about three hours of solid homework, I hear my dad knock on my door and walk in my room.

"I'm leaving now, goodbye." He says awkwardly.

"Bye." I mumble.

"Look, honey. I still don't want you seeing that boy." My dad says, obviously referring to Cato.

"I don't care."

"He could-"

"I suggest you stop talking or I'll tell him to give that video to the Capitol." I say turning away from him.

How did we get like this? I used to love my dad. He was so caring, nice, and loving. Now look what he is. He's a monster, and I don't even want to look at him. I wish I was out of this chair so I could hit him like he hits me. But I'm not. I'm helpless.

He walks out and I feel relieved.

I hear a knock at my door.

"I said leave!" I scream. Why won't he leave me alone?!

"Uhm, it's me." Cato says as he walks in.

"Oh, I'm really sorry. I thought it was my dad."

"Oh, you're fine. I just passed him in the hallway and it was super awkward." He smiles. "Wait he didn't hurt you, did he?" Cato then asks, gaining fear.

"No, he didn't touch me."

"Thank God. Hey can I ask you something?" Cato asks, nervously.

"Yeah. Anything."

"You're not mad at me or anything are you?" He asks, playing with an string on his pants.

"Uhm, no. Why would you say that?" I ask. What made him think this?

"Never mind. Doesn't matter. So how was your first day?"

"Okay. I have so much homework." I groan. I decide to shake off his weird behavior, and figure it out later.

"I'll bet. Need any help?" He asks.

"Um, yeah. How do you do this?"

He walks me through my homework until we're both exhausted. We turn on the TV and he helps me onto my bed where we cuddle.

"There's seven tributes left. Three of them are an alliance while the other four seem to be running around like chickens with their head cut off. This will be interesting." Ceaser Flickerman says.

I'm really surprised how well Lyla is doing. She's a killing machine, which totally shocks me. I fear the games have changed her. Jax and her haven't shared one kiss or embrace during the games. Of course, they didn't say anything about how they're together at the interviews or anything, it just surprises me.

"Hm, this looks interesting. It looks like the girl from two left the camp. She seems to see a burning fire. Must be looking for a kill."

The screen shows Lyla walking, knife in hand, towards the fire.

"Lyla!" Jax calls from a bit behind her. "Don't do it, it's a trap."

Wow, I didn't even think of that. It probably is a trap. What dumb ass would light a fire? No one is that stupid this far into the games.

"That was a close one." Cato sighs.

"Yeah, you think. This sucks so bad just watching them." I feel myself start to cry.

Stop it. Don't cry. You're not weak. Be strong.

I feel my eyes get dry and I'm thankful. I do not want another fucking panic attack.

"Wait a second." I realize. "If the fire was a trap, my dad had to be a part of it."

"Why would he do that? He likes Lyla." Cato asks confused.

"He did like her. Who knows what he thinks anymore. I don't even know him."

It's weird to think that. I don't even know who my really father is. How has my life became so fucked up. I'm in the Capitol, in a wheelchair, and my father is the GameMaker. The only good thing about this move is Cato and my new friends. And I have no clue how I could have done any of this without them.

The screen on the TV shows Lyla and Jax walking back towards the camp where the boy from one is sleeping. I see Lyla look at him with a smirk. She grabs her knife and stabs him hard! The was a valuable ally! What is she thinking?!

"Lyla, what the hell?!" Jax screams.

"He was planning on killing us anyways." She smirks and lays down.

I'm positive with my statement. The games have changed her.