fallen ~ 𝙘𝙡𝙖𝙩𝙤

Replacement

Cato struggles as he pulls away from the Peacekeepers. What is he doing here at the Reaping? I thought he was locked away. Does he see me? I desperately want to be with him and there's only one way I know how do that. I know why Cato is here now.

"Hello District 2!" A squeaky, high pitched voice shouts into the microphone on stage. My eyes snap back to the stage where Paisley stands. Paisley always announces the Hunger Games tributes from District 2 every year. She's wearing a dark blue blazer and a scarf that sticks out of the top, along with a tight, navy blue skirt. I never did get the Capital's fashion.

"Now, we will begin our Reaping Ceremony, but first please pull your attention to the screen!" She gestures her pale arms up to the screen above and it flickers on. As the annual Dark Days video plays, I turn my head around to Cato again. He has calmed down now. He's not trying to pull away. He looks like he's been beaten multiple times. The veins in his neck stick out from screaming. He isn't looking at the screen either, he's looking at his hands. I can just barley see, but they are tied with rope. His wrists are bleeding and red. Oh, Cato.

"Wasn't that just great!" Paisley's voice brings my attention back to her. A lot of the older kids clap and cheer, but the younger ones looked terrified. Why are they so scared? Someone always volunteers every year. I don't even remember a time when no one did.

"Now, as always, ladies first, and may the odds be ever in your favor." She duck-waddles in her insanely high heels over to the girl's glass bowl. She sticks her hand it and picks the first one off the top and brings it back to the microphone.

"Ashleen Naysmith!" She says clearly. Multiple voices scream aloud, "I volunteer!" And I'm one of them. I make sure to run to the stage first. I had to push a couple of people to get there. I had to. I run up the stairs and stand next to Paisley.

"Wonderful! What's your name darling?" She asks and turns the microphone over to me. Multiple boo's and cuss words are raised from the girls. I know the eighteen year olds wanted to volunteer this year. Well, sorry.

"Clove Kentwell." I say proudly. Cato's head is lifted up and his eyes are on me. Worry fills his face. He mouths the word 'Why?' before lowering his head again.

"Now, we have a special volunteer from the men. We have a Replacement this year!" She squeaks out. Her voice is almost too much to bear, I almost can't even stand near her.

"Come on up!" She motions her hands towards Cato and the Peacekeepers make him walk. I'm surprised Cato is still alive, usually Peacekeepers would kill criminals right on the spot if they were charged with murder. They spared his life because it was a day before the Reaping, so they just decided to throw him in as the Replacement, a loop hole for underage criminals to be freed and have the chance to win the Hunger Games. That's why I volunteered. The Peacekeepers at Cato's sides leave as he walks up the stairs and stands on the other side of Paisley.

"Name, please?" She asks him.

"Cato Hadley." He chokes out. His voice is hoarse.

"Great! District 2, I present you with your 74th annual Hunger Games tributes! Happy Hunger Games and may the odds be ever in your favor! Now, shake hands." She finishes. She steps back and Cato and I face each other. I've never seen him like this before. He looks miserable. He stares me dead in the eyes and reaches for a hand shake. I shake his hand and he smiles.

As we walk off stage, Cato's handcuffs are removed. Now that the rope is gone, I can see the damage and scars they've left.

Peacekeepers take us to the Justice building and put us in two separate rooms. I don't get any visitors. My mom is still at home, she has no idea I volunteered. We made a deal that I wouldn't volunteer until I'm eighteen.

The Peacekeepers transport us to another vehicle, then a train. Then it finally hits me.

What have I done?