CHAPTER ONE The cannon booms. Everdeen's body falls to the ground. I turn and hug Cato with all of my strength as Cladius's voice rings out saying, "Ladies and gentlemen, may I present the 74th Hunger Games champions!!" Cato whispers in my ear, "We did it Clove. We're going home." I look into his eyes and kiss him. He returns it, wrapping his muscular arms around me. The interview with Ceasar is shocking. Not only are we the first District to have both tributes to survive, but Ceasar has an immense list of questions concerning our romance in the Games. One question that he asks sticks with me, "How deep is your love?" Cato smiles saying, "Ceasar I can answer that question with another question." Caesar waves his hands gesturing for Cato to continue. Cato grabs my hand and gets off of the love seat that we are sharing. He gets down on his knees in front of me and right now there is only us two existing in the world. "Clove," he begins. "I love you. I can't wait to see you every day. You are the thing that got me through the Games. And I would be so overjoyed if you would consent to marry me. Will you?" Tears overflow in my eyes, spilling onto my cheeks. I nod vigorously, I am so happy. Too happy for words. Cato stands up and hugs me as the studio erups in major 'Awwwwwwwww's'. After a minute or so, Cato sits next to me. We don't let go of hands. Caesar says, "Well. That answered my question most assuredly." The next weeks are a blur as we tour the Districts. Always holding hands, never leaving each other's side. And as per usual, I see the families of all the dead tributes. I can tell they either hate us, or are too deep in their grief to notice we are here. But what do I care? I'm here with the love of my life and that's all that matters. * * * I run my hands over the soft white fabric that makes up my dress. I hear a knock on my door and tell the knocker to come in. Its my brother, Christoph. "Hey." I smile as I reply, "Hey." He continues, "I was able to bring Dad. But... Mom..." I stop him from speaking anymore words by smiling. "Its ok. This is my day and whether or not she decides to come won't ruin it." Christoph smiles, pleased at my answer. Since Dad is in a wheelchair, Christoph has agreed to walk me down the aisle. I grab my bouquet, orange and yellow roses, and take a deep breath, letting it out as we walk to the front of the building where the ceremony will begin. I hear the music play as the doors open and all of a sudden I am more nervous than I have ever been before. I grip Christoph's hand for strength as we begin to walk. Walk down the white carpeted aisle, which is littered with beautiful sweet smelling daisy petals. Walk down the end of my single teenage years and into my new married life. I look down at the stage and see Cato. My fears vanish. This is where I belong. Right here and now. With him. Then the walk is over. Christoph hands me over to Cato with a broad smile. Cato whispers, "You are beautiful. I love you." I am too happy to speak words in response but I look at him and hopefully my eyes convey how I feel. We speak our vows, concentrating only on each other. At long last the ceremony is over and I throw myself into Cato's arms accepting the kiss that joins our destinys even more. * * * "What?!" Surely the doctor is mistaken. He clears his throat and repeats. "I said. You are three months pregnant." I am shocked. No way. Me... pregnant?! I stumble home and sit down at the dinner table in shock. How can I have a baby? I mean, I'm not ready! I hear a door slam as Cato calls, "I'm home Clove! How was your doctor's appointment?" Cato and I train potential Careers, but lately I haven't been able to. I've been feeling nauseous and cant seem to get out of bed. Finally I'd had enough and gone to see a doctor. Now it all makes sense. Cato sees me slumped in a chair and asks with a slight hint of worry, "Clove? Is every thing alright?" He sits next to me and grabs my hand. "Tell me. What did he say?" After a minute I look up at him and whisper, "I'm pregnant." Joy lits up his face as he hugs me. "Thats great news Clove!!" I bury my head and hands in his chest. "But what if I can't do it? What if I end up failing like my mother? I mean, its a new life! A new...person. Can I do it?" Cato smiles gently and says, "We can do this. You will make a great mother, and anytime you don't think so, take a deep breath and ask for help. You won't be alone. I promise. Remember, we can do anything together." Comforted, I tilt his head down for a kiss. * * * Those 12 months were the best months of my life. But then the 75th Hunger Games roll around. I walk with Cato to the Town Center where our reapings are held. We arrive late so we only see the last half of the Capital's chosen video for this year. President Snow is saying, "The victors of previous Games will return to play in the 75th games." Or something like that. But even then I don't worry. District Two has thirty plus victors. The female tribute turns out to be our mentor, Enobaria. I can tell she is not taking this well as she walks to the stage. But still I admire her braveness for not allowing her conflicting feelings to be revealed. "And this year's male tribute is..." I put my hand to my bulging stomach; for good luck maybe? But it seems good luck had failed me. The lady's voice rings out, "Cato Jackov!" For the first time in District Two's history, there are no volunteers. I look up at his emotionless face in horror. He will return to the arena.
