Providence (A Clato Story)

Chapter 6. The Coffee Shop Incident

"Let's go, Mockingjays!" I heard Glimmer and the other cheerleaders chant. I yawned, still tired from my awkward conversation with Cato the night before.

"This burger is so fucking good," Finch commented on her cheeseburger. I cringed, thinking about what the thirty-year-old couple behind us and their three kids would think. I knew Finch was trying to get on their nerves because we heard them snorting and complaining about us. It was just something that she did.

"TOUCHDOWN!!!" I heard the announcer's voice. The band started to play, and the crowd roared. Thresh jumps up and down with his teammates in the end zone.

Cato is on fire tonight. I heard from the grapevine that he's the best quarterback we have had since our undefeated season in 2010. As a witness, it's true. He has been on top of the game since it started. 

"Clove, your boyfriend is carrying the season right now," Katniss teased as I felt my cheeks growing red. 

"Guys, he is not my boyfriend. He was with Glimmer at the coffee shop," I said defensively. I think I made it evident to my friends that I had a thing for Cato because they all teased me nonstop. It seemed like everyone knew except him. 

"Girl, He has a thing for you! I mean, he corrected you. He said that it wasn't a date! If he wasn't interested in you, I don't think he would care enough to correct you!" Finch exclaimed while chowing on the last bits of her burger.

"Then explain why he was with her at the coffee shop?" I exclaimed.

"Easy. He wanted to make you jealous, silly!" Finch laughed while choking on her burger. 

"Oh hush, just eat your burger," I said, looking back at the field, avoiding eye contact with my lady friends. My own best friends are trying to fill my head up with delusions. 

42-13. It is only the 2nd quarter of the game.

We were beating one of our rival schools. This is huge. The energy of the stadium was filled with cheers and joy.

"So, you and Glimmer are getting along fine at home? I wonder how you deal with her," Katniss said, breaking the silence.

"I don't see her at home. I am usually out or stuck in my room," I said annoyedly. "Besides, Glimmer is usually with her cheer friends shopping or god knows what they do."

"Hm, I cannot picture you guys being stepsiblings. You guys are opposites," Katniss laughed. 

I cringed while picturing Glimmer and me as bridesmaids for Steven's and my mom's wedding. I know it will become real someday. I do like Steven as a dad. I would love to see us grow as a family, but I am very skeptical about Glimmer. He is way too sweet to be her dad. 

I heard the crowd roar. I looked up and saw that there was a turnover.

Our ball now.

Ever since Cato joined the team, it seemed to help the team, not by being a spectacular quarterback but by keeping everyone motivated and the team spirit. Football merchandise sales went up, and ticket sales skyrocketed. I don't think we've ever seen our team this excited to play games.

"Clove, I think you should just go for it. I think you should just be bold and flirt! I mean you don't have to throw yourself at him but compliment him! Compliment him based on how he played today! Compliment his muscles and-" Katniss chimed.

"Please stop," I begged. "Plus he has several options! He has the whole female population admiring him!"

It was true. The majority of the girls were staring at him with an awed expression on their faces.