Catos PoV
I sit, huddled in the corner of the bedroom. Being a Victor seemed like the best thing in the world, but no. Victory is just a series of nightmares that will never leave you. My mind is still as dark as ever, and I'm still living through hell.
"Cato?"
I glance up at the bedroom door, as Clove gently pushes it open, a look of concern on her face.
"I couldn't find you anywhere...you were supposed to come over to Enobarias for dinner. She was counting on us. Both of us. What's wrong?"
I shake my head, not responding, and Clove sits down next to me, placing her hand on my shoulder.
"Cato. You know you can talk to me? What's wrong?"
I shake my head again, trying to get rid of the images of blood and gore. The dead bodies. Me. Me slashing out with my sword ruthlessly, knocking down child after child, grin plastered on my face. But I can't stop seeing it! It repeats over and over and over! Fire girl, Lover boy, District eight, District four, on and on and on! Glimmers swollen body laying on the forest floor, the small dark mutt marked with an 11 trying to rip off my arm, Marvels lifeless body splattered with blood.
"AAAUUUGGGGHHHH!"
Clove jumps backwards at my sudden scream.
"Cato-"
That's when I begin to cry. Like a little child. Wounded and hurt.
"Oh Cato," Clove sighs wrapping her arms around me. "It's ok! It's over! You'e safe! We're safe!"
"It's never over," I choke.
Her eyes are big and understanding.
"I know..." She murmurs. "I know. But just- try to focus on the present."
"I can't!" I sob, "It's impossible!"
Now I am really crying. Harder than I ever have. Clove pulls me towards her, pushing my head into her chest, and gently stroking my jaw.
"It's ok...It's ok," She whispers. "I've got you."
By now her shirt is stained with tears and I let out a little, strangled choking sound, attempting to stop crying.
We lay there, on the ground together, my head on her chest, for what seems like days, when finally Clove pushes me up, so she can look into my eyes. She gently reaches forward, wiping away a remaining tear.
"We've got each other. That's what matters. We're a team, and we can fight these demons together alright? I promise."
I nod slightly and she gives me a sad smile.
"It's good to let it out Cato. Remember that. Don't pretend it doesn't hurt."
She leans forward, placing a gentle kiss on my lips, pulling back quickly, and pressing her forehead to mine.
"I love you Cato," She coos gently. "More than anything else. With or without these demons, I love you. I know the pain, and I know that we can work through this. One step at a time."
She presses her mouth to mine again, and holds me there. Soft and sweet and reassuring.
And then I really know...
I'll never be alone.
A/N I wrote this because I really wanted to show Catos more vulnerable side, and have Clove comforting him instead of vice versa. Sorta switching roles, because Cato would have had the same traumatic experience of the arena as Clove if they were both victors.
Anyways Vote Comment etc :)