Melting Ice

Chapter 17

Clove

Cato gets up when he hears Brianna shouting, "Goodmorning!", over and over and over and over again until someone sees to her. Meanwhile I just relax and sip the cup on tea Cato brought me. A knock on the door brings me out of my daze.

"Clove?", someone calls.

"Yeah, come in", I command softly. Kayla walks in, shutting the door slowly behind her, in her pink and white pyjamas then plonks herself next to me.

"IthinkilikeXander", she says amazing fast.

"Awh, you have a crush!", I tease, putting down my cup to squeeze her cheeks.

"Clove!", she mumbles, "What do I do?".

"He clearly likes you back", I say- a matter of a factly-.

Kayla's eyes widen and she blushes, "You really think so?".

"Oh, I know so. I have been in your place".

"Did Isabelle help you?".

I snort, "No. But I'm going to help you. Tonight, we are going for dinner at a restaurant, it's posh so make sure you look all fancy-".

"We didn't bring clothes... You said you would buy some".

"Oh yeah! Okay, we are going swimming at 1 so we have plenty of time. I will get Cato to take Xander shopping in another shop", I explain.

"Your the best sister ever!", she cries, hugging me tightly.

"I do try".

Shopping was a blast with Kayla! She choose a sliver knee length dress which was covered in silver scales. Her shoes and clutch bag matched this very well! Considering we are in district 4, all the other clothes that we brought were generally all blue, salmons and seaweed greens. Compared to district 2, the clothing is very different. Everyone tends to wear the same colours, yesterday we stuck out like to sore thumb! Not to mention that everyone's hair is either red or sandy. Mine, Kayla's and Xander's are chocolate brown, some people actually thought that we were related to Xander; how embarrassing for Kayla!, Cato's hair is a beautiful blonde and Brianna's is a extravagant shade of light brown. Lots of people has been asking for autographs and advice about surviving. More importantly, eyes girl between the ages of 15-23 is eyeing up Cato; just to piss them off, I look them right in the eye and kiss Cato him passionately.

"Well hello", he says when we break apart.

"Stupid girls are eyeing you up", I mumble but he just laughs, "It's not funny!".

"Your so protective!", he complains.

"Better than nothing", I say through gritted teeth.

We meet Carla, Finnick and Annie at the beach promptly at 1. Kayla wears the swimming costume I brought her early today although she complained that I didn't buy the bikini that she wanted, but we compromised on a tankini in the same colour. Xander and Cato just wear blue patterned trunks and Brianna wears a swimming costume with a fish on. Carla greet me with a massive wet hug, she has just been swimming, and compliments all us.

"Nice boyfriend", she whispers linking her arm with mine and dragging me off to say hello to the others.

"Hey Finnick, hey Annie!", I say as they come into view.

"I love your bikini Clove!", exclaims Annie. I treated myself to a tropical looking bikini this morning that, apparently, brings out the colour in my eyes.

"Awh, Annie. My jealously for you hair grows each time I see you", I laugh and it's true, her red coral hair is absolutely stunning.

"Ah, it's the almightily Clove!", greets Finnick, holding out his hand.

"I'm far from that but thanks".

"Come on, come on! Swimming time!", moans Carla. I wave to Finnick as Carla drags Annie and I into the crystal clear sea. Cato stands on his own as the three children follow us in, I feel bad but for the first time in 2 years, I feel like a normal teenager. No pressure, no killing, and real friends who won't betray me in the end.

"So cold!", I squeals as a wave crashes into me.

"You'll get used to it!", yells Carla.

"Finnick explosion!", yells, I'm guessing Finnick, from a cliff top. All I saw was a body jumping off, dropping into the water below and splashing me immensely.

"Finnick!", I roar with laugher and angry. Which is a good mix.

"Sorry, did I mess up your hair?", he laughs picking me up.

"Put me down!", I yell, pumping my fists into his back still laughing.

He carries me up, with everyone following, to the cliff top.

"Now your about to experience real fun", he tells us, "Just jump!".

"Uh, no way", I yell.

"Uh, yes way", he replies dragging me along, "For the past year, your life has been a mess, no offence-".

"None taken", I laugh.

"Have some fun Clove. Loosen up a bit!".

"Fine, fine. As long as someone jumps with me", I say.

"We all will", says Carla, "Come on".

Finnick, Annie, Carla, Kayla, Xander and I all hold hands in a straight line.

"Coming Cato?", I ask turning my head to see him holding Brianna's hand.

"No, someone has to be responsible", he replies in a monotone.

"Okay then", I say as cheerfully as I can. What is up with him? Allowing girls to chat him up and now being annoyed. Jeez Cato.

"Ready?", shouts Carla, "1...2...3!".

Everyone screams as we all jump off in sync. This is the closest I will ever get to flying, and it is unexplainable! I love it so so much! Then it's over and I'm soaked once again.

"We have to do that again", I say which is followed with cheers.

The rest of the afternoon is filled with jumping, sunbathing and swimming. Not ONCE, does Cato come over to me. He just sits there, gazing into space or looking miserable. Finnick did try to talk to him, which ended awfully with Cato insulting him or something like that. Hopefully this will all just blow over.

"I was thinking, tomorrow just us three could do some shopping?", asks Carla.

"I can't, it's Brianna's birthday. You two, and Finnick are welcome to come to ours about midday though tomorrow".

"That would be great! Can't wait!", says Annie and Carla.

"Bye then", I say, hugging them both before finding the others. Brianna is with Cato in the water but I can't find the other two. Hmm...

I search the cliff top with no luck then make my way down to the rock pools.

Oh

My

God...