“The Private Training scores are coming up!” I heard Klestania shout in her high pitched squeal, Cato and I walked towards the television hand in hand, trying to keep each other from having a complete nervous breakdown.
We both sat, side by side on the fuzzy golden couch just in front of the large television screen that took up every inch of the wall.
The screen went automatically from blank, to a shot of Ceasar Flickerman, sporting bright blue hair this year. At least he didn’t look like he was bleeding, like one year when his hair was crimson.
“Welcome, People of Panem! I am here with the honor to announce the scores of the wonderfully talented tributes from this year’s Hunger Games! First off, we have Glimmer from District 1, with a score of: 9.” He said.
I was surprised. I don’t know what she showed them, but it must have been impressive.
“Marvel, from District 1, with a score of: 9.”
This wasn’t too surprising; he was really good with a spear, so it wasn’t too much of a shock.
Then it was my name, and I froze.
“Clove, from District 2, with a score of:…” Cato squeezed my hand again.
“It’s okay.” He whispered reassuringly into my ear.
“10.” Ceasar said, smiling at the camera like he did when he announced any good score.
I sighed, relieved. So I wasn’t a total failure.
Cato, from District 2, with a score of: 10.” I heard Cato let out a sigh of relief, and I leaned over to kiss him. I was so relieved. I pulled away, and rested my head on his shoulder, closing my eyes, not really listening to the scores.
One score caught my attention though.
“Katniss, from District 12, with a score of; 11.”
My eyes snapped open. E-LE-VE-N?! How could she get an 11??? I knew Fire Girl was a big threat, but this was HUGE.
Cato’s face was stiff and his body was rigid and tense. I know that this effected him the same way that it did me.
“Well, you two still did extremely well.” Klestania, said quietly, because she knew that this statement wouldn’t comfort us at all.
Enobaria growled. “Coal monkeys.” She said with a hiss, baring her teeth like an animal. I wanted so badly to have a knife in my hands. I want to do some more target practice. It always helps me cool down. However, now, we aren’t allowed to use the training center anymore.
I didn’t notice the blood on my hands from me raking my finger nails across my palm until Cato pointed it out. Well, really he yelled at me, pulling my fingers apart.
”Clove! Stop! What are you doing?” He asked, prying my stiff fingers away from my bleeding palm. I hadn’t even realized that I was doing it.
“Come on, let’s get you some bandages.” Cato said, helping me up and pulling me away. I just hope that I hadn’t gotten blood on that couch…. It looked expensive.
