𝘾𝙃𝘼𝙋𝙏𝙀𝙍 𝙀𝙇𝙀𝙑𝙀𝙉
—𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘷𝘦—

     𝙄 𝙒𝘼𝙆𝙀 𝙏𝙊 the sound of soft snoring, and arms holding me tightly. Recalling last night's events on the roof, a small smile falls onto my lips.

I turn my head to see Cato, shirtless, and still sleeping like a baby. His blonde hair is tousled, but still perfect. And even though I can't see his eyes, I picture what they look like- the ocean.

Moving so that I can face him, Cato pulls me closer to his chest, and places his chin in the top of my head. I poke his nose repetitively, giggling as he groans, and flinches back.

"Cato," I whisper, poking his nose again. "I have to get up. We have private sessions in a little bit, and I have to get dressed."

"No," His eyes flicker open, and his voice comes out raspy with sleep. "Just a little longer. Private sessions can wait."

"No, Cato," I sigh, trying to ignore the hotness of his sleepy voice. "You have to get back to your room or Clove and your mentors will notice that you're gone."

"Let them notice," He shrugs, burying his face in my neck. "They'll figure it out sooner or later, anyway."

"And if they get mad?" I shiver, his breath fanning my skin.

"Who cares?"

"Well, Clove could try and take it out on me," I start. "And I guess Glimmer would have another reason to hate me."

"What about Marvel and I?" Cato raises an eyebrow, looking to me. "What do they stand against us?"

"Us?" I ask, confused. "I didn't agree to any form of alliance with anyone other than River."

"We both know that I'm not letting you go out on your own, despite that River guy. And Marvel takes a liking to you, he's not a problem." Cato argues.

"I wasn't aware that you were going to break apart from the career pack," I furrow my eyebrows. "And Marvel? He's not a bad guy, but I don't think I can trust him."

"Do you trust me?" He asks, his blue eyes sparkling.

"Yes," I answer without hesitation.

"Then trust me on this," He smiles warmly. "Marvel is worth it. But the career pack isn't. I won't stick with the girls, but I'm fine with Marvel."

"What about Aspen? Isn't he a part of the career pack?"

"He dropped out a couple days ago," Cato shakes his head. "Glimmer figured he was doing it so you'd forgive him. Yesterday he was with the tributes from four. Maybe he got an alliance with them."

I don't reply, lost in his gorgeous eyes. I couldn't seem to focus on the words he was saying, as his blue eyes mesmerized me. But sadly, the moment didn't last forever, as I heard Aspen's door close, and his footsteps near my bedroom.

"Crap," I grit my teeth, jumping from the bed, and out of Cato's hold. "Can you hide? Aspen's coming, and I'm not sure-"

Before I could finish my sentence, there was a light knock on my door. Cato smirked, though, not budging from his position.

"Cato, what if he sees you?" I hiss.

"Let him," Cato chuckles.

"Casey?" Aspen asks, knocking again. "Can we talk?"

"Why?" I ask through the door, my hand hesitating over the knob. "What gave you the motive to try and talk to me?"

"Training, actually," He continues. "The fight yesterday . . . I wanted to ask you about what happened."

"Well, that's clearly not your business," I seethe. "Go back to your room, I don't want to talk to you."

Cato watches, seemingly amused by Aspen's distress.

"Case, please, I'm just trying to protect you." Aspen begs.

I swing the door open with anger, but stand in the doorway, hiding Cato.

"What makes you think you can protect me, hmm?" I cross my arms over my chest, leaning on the door frame as I stare up into his dark brown eyes. "You were the one who started this, and I don't intend of stopping it. You deserve to be ignored."

"How many times do I have to say I'm sorry?" He throws his hands in the air, getting frustrated with my stubbornness. "Casey, I've already apologized, and I meant it every time. I'm sorry."

"You say that, but it means nothing to me," I shrug. "Apparently I didn't matter anymore when Glimmer asked you to join the careers. Even after she threatened my life, Aspen! That's not something I can get over with an apology. I refuse to let you in on anything, because I don't matter to you anymore. I have someone else."

"Who?" Aspen growls, slamming his fist to the wall. "Is it River, Casey? Will he protect you, or will he stab you in the back as soon as you turn your attention?"

"He's not like that!" I yell, my voice echoing down the hallway. "He wouldn't betray me. Not everyone is like you! Any besides, I have more allies than just River. You underestimate me."

"Who, then?" He demands.

And then, my fingers were laced with someone else's, before a familiar voice spoke up behind me, surprising both me and Aspen.

"Me," Cato says firmly, his glare dead set on Aspen, who was only a few inches shorter than him. I, on the other hand, stood at least a foot shorter than both of them.

Aspen looked between the two of us, before clenching his jaw.

"I think you should leave, Aspen," I smirk, leaning into Cato's chest. "I have to get ready for private sessions."

And before he could say anything else, I slammed the door in his face.

___♔___

"I'll meet you downstairs in a few minutes," Cato lets go of my hand, leaving a chaste kiss on my lips. "Once I get dressed, I'll be down."

"I'll try not to get into too much trouble without you," I grin, before turning on my heel, and entering the elevator again.

Pressing the 'lobby' button, I wave Cato goodbye, and watch as the doors close in front of me. But instead of going down, the elevator went up- to the headquarters of District one. Did they seriously have to take the same elevator?

Feeling slightly uncomfortable in the tight outfit for private sessions, I let out a deep breath, and prepare myself. If I got lucky, only Marvel would get on. But, with my luck, Glimmer would most likely be by his side.

As the doors open again, I scowl.

"Oh, what a lovely surprise," Glimmer chuckles lowly, nudging Marvel's side. "It's our dear friend from District seven."

Rolling his eyes, Marvel comes to stand by me, shooting a smile in my direction. Once again, I press the 'lobby' button, hoping for no more interruptions.

"So, Casey, how are alliances going for you?" Glimmer raises an eyebrow, standing at least four inches taller than me.

"Great." I say plainly, leaning against the wall.

"That's not the answer I expected, nor believe," Glimmer snorts. "Lying for popularity, are you, seven?"

"I'm not lying," I snap. "So shut up. Just because you fooled Aspen doesn't mean you can fool anyone else with your power in the career pack. You don't scare me."

Marvel's lips form in a thin line as he watches, holding back laughter. I wink at him, making sure that Glimmer couldn't see it.

"You should be scared," She glares. "Believe it or not, I do have power over you."

"I bet your looks get you sponsors," I tsk. "Little do they know that you're a disappointment to your District in the training center. I'd love to see your score for the private sessions. How many sponsors do you think will drop then, Glitter?"

"It's Glimmer," She fumes. "And none of them would drop me. I'll have a higher score than you, by far. We'll see who the disappointment is when I rip your throat out in the arena."

"Nice act," I narrow my eyes. "You might just make everyone believe you'll win."

I step out of the elevator doors as they re-open, but turn back to Glimmer with a small smirk. "And I look forward to you ripping my throat out in the arena."

And with that, I shove myself through the door of the sessions room, and take my seat in my assigned section.

There is no sign of Aspen or River, nor have Glimmer and Marvel entered behind me. I feel anger course through my blood at the thought of Glimmer's words. But I feel reassured, as she thinks Cato and Marvel will be by her side in the arena- to protect her.

But it'll be to her surprise when they all drop her, and leave her defenseless in what she believes is her ticket to fame.

I'd love to see her reaction- the priceless reaction- on her face when she realizes that she's on her own now, with only Clove to depend on.

Oh, how I look forward to that.

_______