star crossed killers - cato x reader (the hunger games)

5

"...Not so fast Seven."

I swiftly hop down the tree, trying to land in a intimidating position. Who does this guy think he is? I internally shake my head at my own confidence; none the less, Cato's skull crushing arms and his natural career demeanor still manage scare the shit out of me.
Cato steps closer to me, my taller figure of 5'9 seems pathetic underneath his gaze. I can tell my own menacing stare has no effect on him, so instead I try to play it cool— we're not in the arena yet, he wouldn't try anything... right? I casually roll my eyes and turn on my heel, beginning to leave the garden.
But Cato's agile hand catches my wrist, instantly stopping me. He squeezes my arm hard pulling me back close to his body.
My attitude must have hit a nerve in Cato, I can tell not many people have the guts stand up to him let alone ignore him. But what do I have to lose at this point.

"What's wrong with you?" I challenge trying to pull my wrist away but he doesn't budge. I'm well aware Cato could break my wrist in seconds, I begin struggling harder.

"Were you spying on me Seven? Trying to get a leg up in the race, huh?"
Cato asks aggressively, pulling wrist even tighter I can see the redness in my skin forming under his fingers. Is he serious? I look up at his blue eyes, they soften ever so slightly at the sight of my distress. My eyebrows narrow as I think back to the Cato I met at the parade. Perhaps that Cato was all just an act just like all the other tributes are practicing to earn sponsors for the games.
Cato notices my vulnerable, limp state, and loosens his grip on my wrist.

This gives me a window.
I grab his hand attached to my wrist pulling it over my shoulder, quickly I lunge forward using Cato's weight against him, his body to crashes to the ground in front of me. Cato groans, his body sprawled flat on the dewy grass. I squat down close to his face to meet his eyes once again.

I massage my wrist and scowl at the beast of a boy. Now in-control I hover over him,
"Do you think I wanted to see that?" I say, jestering to the spot at the balcony he and Glimmer stood at.

Cato rolls his eyes and groans, beginning to lift himself off the ground. I offer him my hand up and he takes it. His hand feels warm against my own, smoothed over with calluses. He holds my hand for a second longer once he's standing, but just as quick he drops it. Cato frowns down at me again, slightly regaining his guard.

"Then why are you here Seven?"

"My name is (Y/N) actually, and that's none of your business big bad Cato."

I smirk, and he shakes his head at the ground, embarrassed of Glimmer's nickname.
Cato then looks at sky, probably noticing just how dark it has become, he nods to the elevator and I follow him to the doors. Cato pauses infront of the doors glancing back to the cityscape for a moment, he takes a deep breath.

Then his attention turns back to me. Cato's chin tilts down to see me closer now manifesting our large height difference. This allows me to see the small flecks of green glowing in the centers of his irises. Cato lets me study his face for a while as I let him to study mine.
My hand reaches up brush a few fallen hairs from his forehead, feeling his smooth skin. He gently smiles, allowing my thumb to run across his cheek bone and along his jaw. Cato places his hand on top of mine. I feel a slight giddiness hopping at the pit of my stomach and the moment feels unsurpassed. I almost want to kiss Cato to feel the complete exctasy of the moment but without thought, I speak breaking the comfortable silence.

"Your eyes are really beautiful..." I feel my own eyes go wide at my stupid comment and I begin to tense up, realising the mistake I've made by even allowing this situation to happen.

I shouldn't be talking to another tribute like this, let alone a career. Any attachments in the games have only ended in even more fatal carnage. I can feel myself beginning to become stressed again. My thoughts begin to flood with the images of losing the people I love most. Once again I see the Liles, but this time, involuntarily my mind imagines a scenario where Cato is there with them. Embarassed at my own thoughts, I shut my eyes and try to back away.

But Cato softly chuckles at my complement reminding me of his warm presence. I open my eyes again and Cato tilts his head slightly into my palm smiling when I do, he leans over me.
I can feel his hot breath fanning over my neck. My tension and growing stress slowly melts with the soft heat of his breath.

"Well, my eyes can only be beautiful with a pretty reflection like yourself in them."

Cato pulls back his eyes twinkling, as he looks down at me one last time before the warmth of his breath and body disappear as he walks into the elevator.
I can feel my face turn hotter and hotter by each passing second. Never before has a boy called me pretty, and never before has anyone complemented me in such away it causes my stomach to burn with such a pleasant sensation.

I then press a hand to my cheek letting myself feel the growing warmth. Cato smiles even more at my embarassment and I sheepishly roll my eyes.
Then the elevator doors begin to slide shut.

"See you in training, (Y/N)."