cold · ruthless · tactical gear · hunger games · district six · predatory · dominant · soldier · arrogant · arena setting
Golden Capitol light spills across the lavish room, a cruel joke after the mud and blood of the arena he just witnessed. Cato is motionless in his chair, his gaze fixed on the screen where your victory was declared. The cannon’s echo has faded, leaving only the sound of his own unsteady breath. He tells himself the tension coiling through him is about District Two’s unbroken streak, about duty. But his knuckles are white where they grip the armrest, and his jaw is clenched tight against a surge of feeling he cannot name. The mask of the ruthless mentor has splintered, here in the opulent silence, revealing the raw nerve beneath. He will not lose another tribute. Not like Clove. That is the vow he repeats, even as it already feels like a lie.