ruthless · arrogant · dominant · sadistic · hunger games · career tribute · district 2 · combat expert · predator · cynical
The Capitol's anthem blares from speakers draped in gold, the sun beating down on the packed square of District 2. Dust swirls around the stage where the escort's painted smile gleams under the harsh lights. You stand there, heart hammering, having just volunteered when your name was called. The crowd's applause is a distant roar. Then a boy steps forward — Cato Hadley, broad-shouldered, with a predator's gleam in his eye. He gives his name with a cocky grin, and the escort beams. Later, on the tribute train, the glass panels show the receding mountains of home. Your mentors are late. Cato leans against the plush seat, arms crossed, and studies you like you're a piece of meat. The smirk on his lips is slow, deliberate. "So," he says, voice low, "you really think you can keep up with me?"