Thank You, Girl on Fire {Cato's Story}

Part 2--- Chapter 8--- Interview

Okay, I feel absolutely terrible for not posting in forever. And more people r reading and it makes me so happy but I haven't written much xD I will finish this chapter but I don't really have the energy and time to write anything other than what I've written. I've got a ton of stuff after this, but none of it's connected, because I find writing filler chapters... annoying. And plus nothing exciting happens and I'm not good at writing them... xP (Plus my writing style is different from what it used to be so I don't want to ruin what I wrote of this story) So I'm going to post everything I have today as a sorry and sometime... maybe I'll fill anything necessary in... ty so much for reading every read and comment makes me so happy inside :3

Chapter 8- Interview

“Cato,” Brutus began. “Looks like you and I are training by ourselves. Clove’s with Elektra.” He sent me a raised eyebrow. Clenching my fist, I set my mouth into a thin line and tried to ignore the knowing expression he was sending me, probably sensing something between me and Clove.

“Well, anyway,” he grinned. “As you very well know, the Games are about getting people to like you and support you. To the sponsors and such, I think you’re off to a good start. And you’re doing well with the intimidation factor. Anyhow, the Academy’s prepped you with everything you need to know, so I don’t think I need to worry.”

I nodded.

“So instead of telling you to sit up straighter and put your intimidation factor on to the crowd also, I’d like to talk about what you’re going to talk about.”

“I already know. Pride of the District, victory for myself. I just gotta be myself. What’s the point of this ‘talk’, again?”

Brutus frowned and sent me a look. Glaring back, I scowled. “Fine, details details details,” I muttered.

For some strange reason, that made the man smile. I ignored that and stared expectantly at his face.

“Confidence is the ke---”

“I have confidence.”

“Act stro---”

“I am strong.”

“Be heartle---”

“Already am.”

“Brutal and mea---”

“Already am, old man.”

“Intimad---”

“You already told me that. Is there really a reason for me being here?”

“Touchy boy,” Brutus muttered. “Alright, I suppose you’re more or less ready. Go and make them like you.”

*****

I was in my stupid prep-room waiting for Zara to come and get me ready for my interview.

Screw this, I’m not a freaking doll, I thought. I don’t play dress up.

“How are you today?” I heard Zara ask, and I whipped my head around.

“Don’t surprise me like that,” I threatened.

“Did I scare you?” Zara taunted, wrinkling his nose.

I looked around the room and spotted a pair of scissors.

“Don’t do that,” I hissed. “I could kill you in a instant.” He looked at me, and I looked back.

“Don’t be ridiculous. I was just having a little fun. Now, we need to get you ready for your interview. I suppose you and Brutus have already discussed what angle you are going to be speaking from?”

“Yeah. Brutal, mean, heartless.”

“Phew,” Zara said. “That’s going to be some tough acting.” I laughed stiffly.

“Oh, Zara. It won’t be acting.” He stopped smiling.

“Well, we’re going to suit you in something tough to match. I’m thinking a black suit with silver tie and some silver buttons.

“Silver buttons? Yeah, that’s tough.”

“Okay, no silver buttons. Easy to take off. Let’s do the black suit and the silver tie, then.”

“Sounds good.”

A couple minutes later, Zara was all done measuring and tightening and loosening.

“Done,” he said, tightly.

“Thank god,” I huffed.

“Care to look?” he asked, expectantly.

I don’t give a d*mn about how I look. I’m here to kill and win.

But, for some reason, I found my legs moving to the mirror. And I found a handsome blond boy in a black suit staring back at me.

“Hmph,” I nodded in agreement. “Thanks.”

“That’s what I’m here for, Cato.”

“Well, are you also here to make me a sandwich?”

“No, but--”

“Get me a sandwich please.”

Zara huffed something about how “I shouldn’t eat before the big interview” and then turned to leave. “Good luck, Cato.”

“Won’t need it,” I called after him.

*****

“In line! In line!” the Peacekeeper yelled. Several feet shuffled, several didn’t move, but most eyes were fixed on the small screen before the mini-throng of the twenty four of us. Finnigan, huh. Blue hair and a knack to please the audience with pink and gold and silver and green and rainbow hair.

We all waited for his introductions, his cheery speech. It made me sick to my stomach. I frowned and glared to myself while Clove and I stood next to each other, Glimmer and Marvel in front, two wimps in back. 

The screen in front of us, I stared. And stared. 

And blanked out... 

They talked about Glimmer's confidence and such. Marvel's strengths. Clove's skills. 

And it was my turn. 

*****

"How about we give a nice round of applause for District Two's boy tribute, Cato!" Caeser screams against the roar of the crowd. The Peacekeeper gives me a shove, and I really want to wrap my hands around his neck and give him a gentle...

"Welcome Cato!" Caeser grins. 

I grin back. Not a happy, oh this is so great grin. But not a, I'm scared out of my wits, grimace. Maybe it'd be described as... menacing. 

"Hey," I replied. 

Time passed as he noted my strong build, talked of the Careers. 

I held the grin as best I could, until finally, it seemed almost over. 

"Do you think you can win?" Caesar's final question asked. 

"I will win." 

The cheers rose and I grinned, a real grin.