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

8

Cato's POV

I smile down at (Y/N) waiting for her to say yes and tell Clove that she'll join the careers, but her eyes drift over to her district partner, a brown headed boy who looks as if he couldn't harm a fly as he converses with the small girl from 11 and the girl from 12. (Y/N) then quickly glances at me frowning before giving Clove an answer.

"I need some time to think. I'll have an answer for you by the end of the interviews."
Clove nods satisfied, but the smile quickly leaves her face,
"This is the first and last offer you get from us 7"

(Y/N) nods respectfully, I can tell she's nervous though. She glances at me one last time before scurrying over to the her district partner who making conversation with the outlying tributes. I let myself watch her a few seconds longer. (Y/N) seems to exclude herself from the party minding herself as she sharpens a blade from a stick.
Huh. For an introvert she sure is cocky. This makes me smile.
I'm pulled out of my thoughts though quite literally as I notice Clove tugging at my sleeve.

"Are you sure she'll fit into our pack? Cause I don't need an amateur screwing us over Cato" I sigh.

It was my plan for (Y/N) to join us, I know she could be useful, we wouldn't want to waste her skills by letting her join another alliance. Then (Y/N) could be too much of a threat as Enobaria had already explained. Especially with that 12 girl.
But that's not the reason I want her. There was something else though that keeps pulling me towards (Y/N). Desire? Love? I'm not completely familiar with the feeling; sure I've had elementary crushes but this was stronger, I've felt it ever since she had bumped into me at the parade. I want to refuse the possibility its 'love at first sight', as all these new feelings are breaking me down so fast and in such an ill-fated situation. Even if it's so unreasonable, love at first sight seems like the only reasonable possibility.
Figures, all of a sudden my entire "life", if I can even call it that, has seemed to happen too fast.

The confusion my own feelings are causing me only seems to fuel my anger more as I can't bring myself to understand them. But that's why I need to keep (Y/N) close to me in the arena, because maybe then I can better control myself and when the time comes, I can make sure she goes quickly and peacefully.
I squeeze my eyes shut at the gruesome thought of my blade plunging through her frail chest, her frightened eyes are so wide that I can see my own reflection in them as (Y/N) quickly runs out of life. She makes me feel so weak and pathetic. And the fact I want her to angers me more.

Clove hits arm impatiently, finally waking me from my thoughts.
"So?"

"She'll be fine. And if it comes down to it I'll kill her myself"

× × × × ×

(Y/N)'s POV

I didn't want to make this decision right now, I couldn't. I needed time as whatever I choose will ultimately affect either my life or death and God it scared me. I can feel my heart beating fast as I look at Cato one last time. I quickly leave trying to let my mind focus on something else before a panic attack starts. My eyes dart around the room and I see Jacob.

He's with the girl from 12, Katniss and the girl from 11, Rue. They half heartedly laugh at something Katniss said. Before I know it I'm standing I front of them. My presence is acknowledged as they all stare up at me in silence as I guess I've interrupted them. Great.

"(Y/N)" I sort of blurt out, basically shoving my hand in there faces for them to shake. They are quiet for a moment longer and look almost frightened at my attempt of an introduction, before the young girl from 11 giggles and turns to Jacob.

"See, I told you she wasn't scary"

I feel relieved as I let my shoulders relax and laugh.
"So Jacob's scared of me now is he?"

We all laugh for a moment then they begin there conversation once again, while it's mostly just Jacob and Rue talking. I find myself then seated next to Katniss who is quiet. She's working on sharpening a stick but seems to be having a hard time. I pick up a stick and begin sharpening it too.

"You should try pushing the blade away from you, and uhm- in kinda like a zigzag motion" I motion showing her with my hands.

Katniss looks up at me and takes my advice and soon enough she has a wooden knife in her hand.

"Thanks" she smiles warmly and sticks her hand out.

"Katniss." I take her hand,

"(Y/N)."