Burning Heart ~ Cato 2 (Completed)

Chapter Sixteen

Haymitch guides me to my room, shutting the door behind us. I sit on the bed, and Haymitch stands above me. 

"Don't let it get to you, it's not your fault," He says. 

He's wrong.

 With my eyes closed, Haymitch's hug reminds me of my father. I breathe in and the woodsy scent is the same. Even down to the trace of alcohol. The words tumble out of my mouth before I can stop them.

"I won't Dad," As soon as the words leave my mouth, Haymitch and I both tense. Shock fills my body when Haymitch relaxes. 

"Good," He pulls back and gives me a smile. I return it. As he turns away, I stop him.

"Haymitch?" I call. He stops at the door, turning his head slightly. 

"I love you," I say quietly. I see the hint of a smile on his face. 

"Love you too kiddo."

With that, he leaves me alone and I sink into the bed, tears beginning to stream and streak my dark makeup. 

When we reach the training center the next morning, only Cato and Enobaria are there. As Cato embraces me, I can't help but focus on Enobaria. I remember reading that she was in her thirties, and I can't help but question that. Her eyes seem much older. I remember how good she is with hand to hand combat. In her games, she killed a tribute by ripping out his throat with her bare hands. And, taking into consideration she's not one of us, I shudder. She looks at me with a smile. And I notice her sharpened teeth. I pull back from Cato and give her a nervous smile. 

After a while, the rest of the tributes trickle in. Atala gives a shortened version of her yearly speech before sending us on our way. Haymitch is off with Chaff at the corner poor Cato was spear throwing at. 

I make my way over to the knot tying station and smile as the guy recognizes me. As I show him some knots I typically use he shows me some that he has recently learned. He turns away to help another tribute when the knot I was struggling with is taken from me by tanned hands. I turn to Finnick, one eyebrow raised. He does the knot without even looking, a grin on his face.

"That's not fair Fin," I mock scold him. He laughs.

"Want to see my favorite knot? It will probably be the handiest in the arena," He says. I shrug and nod. His face shifts into a mischievous smirk. He turns his back and begins messing with the rope. I try to lean around him, but with one hand he shoves me away. He finally turns back around and I snort. 

Finnick takes the noose he just tied and loops it around his neck. I cover my mouth to keep from letting out a cackle. 

"You're not gonna share?" I ask before shoving him. He takes it off his neck before rolling his eyes.

"I think Adonis is jealous," He comments nodding towards where Cato, Haymitch, and Chaff are. I cross my arms and narrow my brows.

"Haymitch already used that one."

"Dammit!" Finnick says and turns away dramatically. I laugh and thank the station worker for his help, before heading over to the fire station. 

As I begin messing with the flint, I feel two presences appear next to me. I turn to Beetee and Wiress, a smile crossing my face.

"Long time no see," I mumble under my breath. Beetee rolls his eyes.

"Ever the crowd-pleaser," He comments nodding to where the game makers sit up in their balcony. I look up, confused. 

"What do you mean?" I ask. He shakes his head no.

"Look closer. Always look for the hawk among eagles," He says. My brows furrow. I look back at the balcony. My eyes scan the people when it dawns on me. Not the people, the balcony itself. I then notice the sheen in one of the corners.

"A force field," I whisper. Beetee laughs.

"I'm guessing Haymitch wasn't joking about the pig incident," He comments. I blush.

When we get to lunch, I am shocked to see that most of the group has pushed some of the tables together forming a larger one. The careers watch in disgust and Cato watches with curiosity. I notice that Fin and Mags aren't sitting with them, but instead at our table. I grab my tray and head toward the small table in the back by itself.

"No, you don't!" A voice yells. I turn just in time for Johanna to march herself over and grab my tray from me. She sets it next to her seat on the larger table and sits. I narrow my eyes and cross my arms, staying where I am. We sit there in a silent battle. 

"Well fine then, don't mind if I do!" Finnick says reaching around Mags to grab a small snack cake off my plate. Before I can say anything Mags reaches up and slaps his hand. He pulls back and glares at me. I smile and walk over to the table. 

"Where's Nuts and Volts?" Johanna asks, craning her head around the room.

"Beetee and Wiress," I correct her while laughing. 

"Gazuntite."