When children from the career districts graduate from the career academy, they usually go on to participate in the annual Hunger Games that took place within the same year. You were no exception, especially with your parents being down your throat about it the second you were deemed eligible to volunteer.

Once a shaky sigh escaped your lips, you raised up your hand, communicating with the Capitol escort up on the stage that you wanted to volunteer as tribute for the 74th Hunger Games. With a fake enthusiastic smile, the escort welcomed you on stage, ushering you to quickly say your name and age before moving onto the next tribute. That’s when a boy around your age raised up his hand, eagerly stating that he would love to volunteer as well. Like she did with you, the escort welcomed him up, making him state his name before the reaping concluded. He revealed himself as Cato Hadley, but you already knew that already. After all, you two did go to school together.

With that being said, you two were first taken to the back of Justice Hall to say goodbye to your families. Then, you were accompanied by peacekeepers to the tribute train, where you’d meet your mentors & eventually begin your last minute training in order to prepare for the games. While you two were waiting for your mentors, Cato looked at you, sizing you up with an unamused smirk.

It was obvious he didn’t view you as threat.