Crimson Abyss

Between Sisters

Cato's POV

       Why that little psychotic bitch! How dare she threaten me... and with a paperclip at that! I didn't respond to it out of my newly found respect for Alexandria, but if she thinks she's getting away with that she has another thing coming.

"Don't mind Thalia. She's an ASS, but she means well," Alexandria said emphasizing the word 'ass' toward her sister with a stone cold glare in her direction to match.

I shrug it off, "It's fine. I just feel sorry for you. You're the one that lives with her every day."

"She'll warm up to you if you'll drop the attitude towards us," She states with a sigh. Then she turns and goes to sit with her sister.

I sigh. Way to go, Cato. Ya scared her off you prick. I think to myself. Our conversation was just fine. We were laughing and finally at ease until her sister came along just to ruin it. I see her out of the corner of my eye smiling and bending the paperclip. She's trying to come off as someone who will make me miserable. I chuckle to myself. I'd love to see her try because two can play at that game. She's very protective of Alexandria, and that might just work to my advantage.

"Hey, Alexandria-" I start.

"Call me Alex."

"Okay, Alex. I know your sister wanted some headphones. I figured i'd go get her some, would you like to join me? Figured the buddy system would work better than going alone." I explain.

She nods and walk over to join me. I look and find that Thalia is now distracted from her conversation with Peeta, and she's fuming. I smirk before turning my attention to Alex.

"Alright. let's head out," I say as i grab my pepper spray and walk out the door. I see Peeta shaking his head in disapproval at me while Gale is holding back a laugh. Gale knew what I was up too. After all, if i'm being passive aggressive, I learned it from Gale.

As we head out I turn to Alex and speak very quietly, "I am sorry for my attitude towards you guys. We just lost Gale's brothers. I just think it's a horrible idea for you girls to stay with us. We need to be able to focus on surviving, and not be held back by some girls we barely know... No offense of course."

I could see the hurt flash on her face but it quickly disappears as she responds, "No offense taken. Apology accepted." The hurt is replaced with a cold look. I could tell some walls had just been put up. I shook it off, and we continued to try to find earbuds for Thalia. This is for the best. Anyone getting too friendly could be a problem for all of us.

Alexandria's POV

        I would not be hurt by his words. He's a complete stranger. I could see a store about a hundred feet ahead of us with earbuds. I darted towards it leaving Cato several feet behind me. As I walk inside, I start looking around not noticing the zombie that was in the middle of the store staring at me and beginning to walk towards me.

I continue to browse the isles for earbuds for Thalia. Maybe if she can listen to her stupid One Direction music, She'll quit being so hostile towards Cato. I think to myself when i'm quickly shaken out of my thoughts as the zombie grabs my hair in an attempt to pull me closer so it can bite me. I start screaming. I kick the zombie in the stomach, grab some random earbuds, and run towards the store exit. The zombie runs after me and manages to grab me by the shirt. I struggle to get away from it, when Cato manages to pull the zombie off of me and bash its head into a wall effectively killing it. Permanently this time.

I stand against the wall and begin to catch my breath. I was almost bitten. I could have been killed. I should have just stayed by Cato instead of running ahead of him. I'm such a dumbass at times.

"Hey, are you okay?" He asks wiping the blood from the zombie on his pants.

I laugh, "No. i'm not okay. I could have been eaten. Thalia would have probably murdered you trying to blame you for my death, and my scream could have just told other zombies where we are. We need to get back like now."

He looks at me annoyed, "Yes. we do need to get back. I just wanted to be sure you hadn't been bitten, but had you stayed by me you would have never been in that predicament to begin with!"

I whipped my head towards him so fast it almost gave me whiplash, "Don't you think I know that? i'm not stupid. Impulsive. Not stupid. So take your lecture elsewhere. If I need to be lectured, my sister can handle that. You aren't my parent nor my sibling. fuck off."

He is so irritating! Earlier he seemed to finally be letting loose. He actually knew how to laugh. Cato laughing was actually an attractive sight to see, but ever since Thalia approached him his walls have been right back up. Cato the repulsive dick is back. Now don't get me wrong, Cato is pretty attractive, but this attitude problem of his is pissing me off. We are walking quietly back to the store.

As we approached the store I just had to say it, "Ya know, none of us asked for the damn apocalypse. None of us asked for zombies to exist, and NO ONE asked to get trapped in a mall, but here we all are. I know it hasn't been easy for you guys, and i'm sorry that Gale lost his brothers. Those two girls and that little boy in there are now the only people I have left. Thalia is my older sister, she's an ass sometimes but she's all the family i've got. So keep your mouth closed. Do Not insert her name into your mouth unless you want me to kick your teeth in. Jasmine and Johnathan are our friends who basically just lost everything they knew when their parents quit answering the phone. We all have had it hard. I'm so sorry that my group is an inconvenience to you, but we didn't ask for this any more than you did. You can lose the attitude. I promise you. One more foul word directed at us or even about us comes out of your mouth, and I will help Thalia end you. All we need is a paperclip. Try me." I then storm inside to see everyone staring at me. Guess I was a little louder than I intended to be. I shrug and walk over to Thalia acting like nothing ever happened while Cato is standing inside with a shell shocked expression on his face. Thalia looked at him pissed.

Well. I guess all hell is going to break loose between me and her. I just hope she can hold it in until i've cooled off from the crap i just said to Cato.