Welcome to Panem Private (Clato, Katniss/Peeta)

Chapter Twenty-Five

Cato POV:

She let me hold her, comfort her. She was so fragile and vulnerable. Suddenly, everything changed. She told me to leave. I understand she wants to be alone, but I didn't expect it. Of course, I made sure she was okay before I left. She was herself, just upset which is totally understandable. I really just assumed she'd want me with her.

The next day at school, I try to find her. She's not here. She must have took a personal day. Again, that's understandable. I text her and ask if she wants me to come over after school. Five hours later, she texts me back with a single no. I'll just leave her alone for the rest of the day.

After one week of the same routine, I get worried. She's missed so much school with this and the accident, I don't think she can afford to miss all this. All I can do is think about how bad she is hurting. I want to see her. I decide to surprise her tomorrow and bring some candy and flowers to try and lighten the mood a bit. I wish I could tonight, but it's our first game and my coach would kill me if I missed.

It's not just me worried though, everyone is. She's blocked out Katniss and Johanna too. They went over to her house to visit her, but she wouldn't let them in. They stood outside the door for about an hour knocking with no response. This is so unlike Clove. I'm worried sick.

Clove POV:

I faked the flu to get out of school but my mom is making me go back next week. I don't know if I can. There's no point. No point in anything anymore.

It hurts so bad without Cato. I know it's my fault. I understand I'm pushing him away but I have no choice. Love hurts too bad and the sooner I get it over with, the better. It's just when I'm with him everything is beautiful and in color. Without him, it's dark and dull. But that's the way it has to be. And I'm not sure how long I can take it.

Everyone has tried to contact me. Johanna and Katniss were at my door knocking for an hour. My mom asked if she wanted to let them in. Of course I said no. She understood and called me a great friend for not wanting to get them sick.

Lately, all I've been doing is watching the Games and laying in bed. I feel so helpless. I've stopped eating. Why should I get to eat when Lyla doesn't anymore? My mom brings me food, but I just throw it out my window. I can't do it.

Cato POV:

"Cato! Get your head out of your ass! There's one quarter left and we're down by 10!" My coach screams.

"Okay. I'm sorry." I try to apologize.

I just can't stop thinking about her. I know I should be focusing but I can't. She's okay, I keep telling myself. She's okay. But I know she's not deep down inside. Why didn't I just go visit her? She might say she doesn't want to see me, but I know she does and she knows she does. Focus on the game. Focus.

We run on to the floor, and I'm now mentally prepared. I get a loose ball right away and get a layup. That's the old Cato.

We end up winning the game, surprisingly. The coach goes on and on about how we need to start every game focused. The whole teams glares at me. I'm the one who allowed them to win. Douchebags.

Since the game was away, we got home pretty late. It wasn't until 11 when I got home. I walked in my room dropped my stuff and jumped into bed. As I slowly drifted into sleep, all I could think about was a beautiful world full of Clove.

Clove POV:

I couldn't sleep. The same thing happens every night. I fall asleep, dream of my friends and I. Our memories and jokes. Then suddenly, they just die. Everyone dies. Lyla, Jax, Katniss, everyone. The only one left is Cato and I. He holds me and comforts me until he falls. I scream to discover a knife stuck in his back. I stay up all night, watching Jax struggle. He was alone now. It was him against the boy from 11. Yes he was bigger and stronger than Jax but I still think it was a pretty even fight. Every night, Jax cries and cries while keeping look-out. He's taking it even worse than me. I told him to win, win for me. Win for District 2, and most importantly, win for Lyla. She'd want him to win. She'd want him to give it all he's got and destroy. They're love was so pure and strong, but it ended so wickedly.

"Clove?" I hear someone at my door. Cato. I told my mom not to let anyone in!

I just don't answer, maybe he'll go away. Who am I kidding? It's Cato, he'll never leave.

He opens the door and looks shocked at my appearance.

"Hey babe, how are you doing?" He asks.

I just stare at him, then look at the floor.

"Clove, what's wrong with you? You look awful." He says after about a minute of awkward silence.

"We need to talk. I can't do this anymore. Please leave." I try to say as bluntly as possible. I wish I didn't have to do this. But it's my only option anymore.