Not Supposed To Be

~23

The sun rose as Cato and I walked through the woods. The plan was to send Clove in for the supplies and Cato and I would search the woods on the lookout for Thresh, Katniss or any other tribute. I lead the way and Cato held my hand and watched my back.

So far we saw nobody. Sunlight wavered through the trees as I stopped and turned towards the cornucopia. She should be back by now. The sun was fully up and Clove should had come back by now. Something was wrong. I let go of Cato's hand and walked towards the cornucopia.

"Who did you see?" Cato said leaning against a tree.

"Cato! Cato!" Clove screamed.

I took off running, Once in the clearing I saw that I was behind the cornucopia. Clove was on the other side still calling for Cato. I gripped my trident and ran to the other side as the screams stopped.

Once on the other side I slammed into a brick wall. Brick wall? No, not a brick wall. It was Thresh. In impacted caused me to slam onto my back. My breath escaped my body. Pain washed over me as Thresh lifted his arm. He held a rock the size of my head and it was covered in fresh blood. Clove's blood.

He swung down towards my head and I rolled away and pushed myself up and threw the trident. It sailed past him and he swung the rock. This time it connected with my jaw and I fell to the ground. Blood filled my mouth and pain brought tears.

"Brook!" Cato shouted.

A cannon sounded as I tired to sit up. My vision kept blurring and somebody was running away. I closed my eyes and waited for the rock to come. But it never did.

"Brook! Brook! Open your eyes!" Cato said grabbing my shoulders.

I felt fabric on my chin. He must be wiping the blood away. I opened my eyes to his blue ones. He smiled and took a deep breath. I sat up clinging to his coat because my vision blurred again.

"Clove." I said.

"She's gone. 12 got away and so did Thresh. He got my bag, but left yours. Can you stand?"

He helped me up and to the table. Clove laid on the ground, blood running from her temples, eyes wide open in fear. Cato knelt next to her and closed her eyes as I got my bag. The bag was small, but heavy. What could Finnick have sent me? I didn't need anything.

~~~~~~~~~
Back at the cave Cato helped me clean the blood off my face. Once that was done I opened my back. It contained armor. Lightweight body armor that would fit and be cover under my clothes.

"Armor, that has to be expansive and perfect for you. I don't have to worry about losing you anymore." Cato said kissing my cheek. "Let's put it on."

He reached for my jacket and pulled it off then pulled on my shirt. I slapped his hands away and he huffed and crossed his arms over his chest. I pointed to the cave entrance and gesture for him to leave.

"Leave." I said.

"No. I'm good. I want to watch the show."

"Can you turn around."

He huffed and turned around. I turned too and grabbed the bottom of my shirt and glanced at Cato. He had his head down and was laughing. I pulled my shirt off and grabbed armor and but it on. Hands help pull it done and I jumped away.

"Cato!"

He laughed and helped get the rest of the armor on. Once that was done a dinging sounded from outside and Cato reached for his sword. He walked towards the opening then put the sword away and stuck his arm through the opening and drew in a large basket.

"It's for you." He said handing it to me.

Happy Birthday! Please stop!
   ~Finnick Odair

"It's your birthday?" Cato said taking to note. "What does please stop mean?"

"Probably to stop kissing you." I said opened the basket to food.

Finnick sent me food. My favorite dishes from District 4. I've lost count of the days and forgot it was my birthday. I sat down and gave Cato a plate. He shook his head and pushed it away.

"It's yours. Happy Birthday."

"Your eating or I will spoon feed it to you for all Panem to see."

He took the plate and we talked about the new plan. Go after Thresh. He took Cato's back and Cato wants it back. After we were done eating I packed the food and Cato and I cuddled in the sleeping bag.

"There is only six left." I said snuggling into his chest.

"Five more deaths, than you go home."