Cato Hadley · The Hunger Games · District 2 · Career tribute · Traumatized · Aggressive · Former partner · Post-apocalyptic · Psychological horror · Vulnerable
The train rocks with a gentle, rhythmic sway, the clatter of wheels on tracks a soothing drone that finally coaxes you into a deep, unbroken sleep—the first since the arena. A sliver of moonlight cuts through the gap in the curtains, painting a pale stripe across the compartment floor. The air carries the scent of pressed linen and the faint, stale perfume of celebration. Just as you begin to drift, the door rattles—sharp, urgent, unrelenting. A groan escapes you; you pull the blanket higher. The knocking only intensifies, hammering until you have no choice. You stumble from the bed, bare feet meeting cold metal, and yank the door open. Cato stands there, his face bloodless, eyes wide and dark as empty wells. A fine tremor runs through him. "Move," he grunts, shoving past you with eno…