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Vindictive | Chapter 16

The moment Thresh uttered those words, I feel cold all of a sudden. Like, seriously cold. Not the cold of fall or early spring, or even the cold we usually know in winter, but a deep, bone-chilling cold. It’s at least close to a hundred degrees today and I feel cold. Those words scare the hell out of me. I don’t know whether to tell Clove the whole truth or come up with a white lie just to escape this suspenseful situation.

“What?” Clove asks me.

I take a quick glance at Richard and he puckers his lips in Clove's direction, as if suggesting telling her the truth.

“I—uh…”

“Cato?” Clove says. “Do—do you know where my dad is?”

I keep on racking my brain for anything to say but the intensity of the situation is just too much for me to handle that nothing sensible is coming to me. Maybe Thresh is right. Perhaps it’s finally time to let this poor girl know about her father’s mischief.

“Clove,” I breathe out a heavy sigh. “I know why your father is never home. I know exactly where he is right now.”

Her eyes start to form tears and at that moment, all I want to do is to shut myself up and take her tiny frame in my arms. I hate seeing Clove  this way that’s why every time she’s down; I always try my best to cheer her up. Hence the day we spent at the carnival.

Vindictive | Chapter 15

“Katniss, i-i-it’s not what you think!”

The brunette steps closer, ignoring my attempt to deny what she just heard. “And as a bait? What are you, a fisherman?”

I back away but I hit the railing. “Katniss, please.”

“Please what? Please pretend I didn’t hear you? Please don’t tell Clove? Cato, I think I have every right to let her know how much of a fucktard you are! Yes, you made her love again but you were only using her for your own benefit.”

“Katniss, no. You don’t understand.” I tell her.

“I do, Cato. You made it clear when you said you were only using Clove as bait. But for what?” Katniss screams.

I only hope the closed glass doors is enough to muffle our words from the inside. I don’t want Clove to hear this. I don’t want to ruin the relationship we just barely had.

“I’m afraid that’s one thing I can’t tell you.” I reply, my eyes looking straight into hers.

The brunette jabs a finger on my chest. “You’re a self-centered douche and I won’t allow that Clove has no fucking idea about this!” She shoves me hard, her eyes burning with fury.

Vindictive | Chapter 14

Droplets of rain splatter against the roof of my car creating a pitter-patter noise. The weather forecast says that it’s mostly clear tonight so no one really expected the sudden downpour. But by the time I reach Clove's house, the place is packed with kids from our school and the party is already on full swing despite the bad weather. Excitement rushes through every vein in my body so I hurry to find a parking spot.

Lucky for me, a couple leaves the party early vacating the space on Clove's driveway. I take it immediately as the rain continuously pours. It’s not really that heavy since it’s almost summertime but it’s enough to soak anyone who stands under it for too long.

I kill the engine and I catch sight of Clove looking out her window before disappearing. Pulling my black jacket over my head, I open my car door and head out into the rain, the droplets already creating huge splotches on my clothes. I shut my door with an unintentional slam and lock it.

“Fuck.” I mutter as the hem of my jacket gets stuck on the door.

I glance up at the sky and it’s really not hard to tell the rain won’t stop any moment soon. It’s starting to soak my clothes as well and I can’t go to the party looking like I just came out of the shower fully clothed.

Vindictive | Chapter 13

It was two weeks after I accidentally stabbed Savannah to death. Ever since that night happened, I’m always dreading the time when I have to come back home. Of course, Ryan was an incredible father but it was when his wife was still alive. He’d grown harsh and always gave me the cold shoulder whenever I try to speak to him about training, school, girls, et cetera. We barely have dinner together. I still cooked for him but each morning, I’d find the food untouched, as he did not, once again, eat his last meal of the day.

It hurt me even more as each day passes by without Ryan even saying a single letter to me. It also saddened me because I had the second chance to have another father but it only lasted for eleven years. I know it’s a long time but if I was given one wish, I’d ask for those years were I have a father to lengthen, simply because I missed the feeling of having one.

It appeared to me that he doesn’t remember adopting a son, for all he could think about was his deceased wife and the devious teenager residing on the same roof as he was. For all I knew, he was more than willing to get rid of me.

But I guess he realized he couldn’t do that so in lieu, he got rid of himself.

I was walking home one day from school. I remembered that day as one of the best because the girl I liked finally saw me. I wasn’t invisible to her anymore; I wasn’t a nobody any longer. Smiling like I just won the lottery, I trotted towards the path I usually took to get home faster. Even though I knew Ryan wouldn’t even care one bit, I was excited to tell him about my day and to let him know about the girl I like that was very similar to Savannah.

Vindictive | Chapter 12

A tall investigator named Lawrence and probably in his mid-thirties slides my original tag across the table towards me. It stops right at the edge of my side of the table and I stare at it apathetically, not even bothering picking it up. If I did, it will only make me obvious. He crosses his arms on the table and looks intently into my eyes.

“Tell me, Cato, is that yours?” He asks scrutinizing me in a highly browbeating way.

I take a quick look at the tag in front of me again and for a moment, I feel a longing in my heart. The tag I have on me suddenly feels so heavy, like it’s not supposed to be there. I should be wearing the original, the one my parents gave to me as a present for my sixth birthday. I’m glad that my mom already gave it to me before my birthday even came because if she didn’t, I don’t think I’ll be looking at it now.

What once gave me happiness and bittersweet memories will also be the one accessory that will lead me to my misery.

I shake my head innocently. “No, that’s not mine. I haven’t even seen that before.” I answer as fast and straightly as I could, not wanting to choke on my own lie.

Lawrence keeps his eyes on me as if hoping that I will break soon enough. I really want to laugh because no matter how long they keep me here at the station, I will never voice out the truth. I will never turn myself in. Unless they start using a lie detector during my interrogation, only then will I be doomed.

Vindictive | Chapter 11

Finnick insists that if I really want to go against the most wanted syndicate in the country, I need to prepare for it.

For the past few days since Thresh stopped being on the team, Finnick had always been the one by my side. He’s helped me come up with new game plans and strategies and gearing me up till the day comes where everything will be put to action.

Now as we’re running on the same route Rue and I normally go to, he’s been talking non-stop about the plan.

“I’m pretty sure after his headquarters has been spotted a year ago, his men had migrated into a new one, a more secluded one. We need to find it and then—”

“Hey, Cato!” A voice not too far from us hollers, calling my attention.

Finnick and I stop from running and swivel around to see whom the person is.

“Peeta?” I squint my eyes as I shield them from the scorching sun with my hand.

Vindictive | Chapter 10

I wake up the next morning and the first thing that comes out of my mouth is a long heavy sigh. Last night was great. Honestly. It was so close to being perfect until my idiocy took over and decided I should kiss Clove.

Yes. I kissed Clove Kentwell last night. And it didn’t end pretty.

I remember everything that lead up to that stupid mistake I made. I remember driving in silence, as each other’s presences are enough for us, dropping Clove off at her house and walking her to the front door.

“Thank you again for everything, Cato.” Clove said as she let go of my hand, obviously to my dismay.

I shoved my hands inside my jeans pockets before giving her a tight genuine smile. “Anytime.” For added effect, I nodded.

“I better get going. It’s past my curfew.” Clove informed me. She hooked her thumb over her shoulder and as we both turned to look at her window, her maid was looking at us with unmistakably keen and watchful eyes.

Vindictive | Chapter 9

6:59 PM

My heart pounds as I stand in front of the solid oak door, ready to press her doorbell the minute my wristwatch strikes seven. I really don’t understand why this is keeping me on tenterhooks. Thinking about it, there really is nothing to worry about tonight because this isn’t considered a date as Clove herself said. But somehow it feels like one. I haven’t really asked anyone to go out with me before so I don’t know how to act, to behave on a date. Shall I be impressive, romantic or just be myself and go with the flow? I don’t know.

It’s not a date.

An inner battle breaks out and I’m suddenly talking to myself. If Clove is behind this door the whole time, she must already be thinking how lunatic I am and will cancel the plan because she doesn’t want to go out with a psycho.

I shake my head to steer my thoughts away from the negativity that is slowly invading my thinking.

7:00 PM

I press her doorbell and a pleasant chime rings inside the whole house. Noticing the familiar black-haired girl peering out the window, I adjust the collar of my white polo shirt and makes sure my hair isn’t disheveled.

Vindictive | Chapter 8

It’s been a week since the discovery of Glimmer's body and in those previous days, my life had never been so peaceful. Rue and I are doing a great job of keeping our mouths shut, same with Finnick. He promised he wouldn’t mention a word about what really happened that night to Thresh. Also, the tags Johanna did were a huge help for me. She actually made two; one is the exact replica and the other is for me to wear whenever Katniss or any of my friends are around. It wasn’t in the plan to enlighten her about our vengeance but Johanna has this kind of effect that makes a person feel trustful towards him. It’s like her eyes are speaking to you and you can’t help but sense that strong emotion. You can just spill your entire dirtiest secret and she promises to never tell a single soul.

Johanna also offered to be a part of the team. Finnick and I welcomed her but agreed to never inform Thresh about this, as telling him means revealing the whole truth. Rue had grown aware of the newest addition to our team as well.

I hear a knock and I yell for whomever that person is to come in. My door opens and Rue walks in, just in time to see me struggling with my black tie. She snickers before marching towards where I stand and takes control of the tie.

“You’re a guy, you’re supposed to know this.” She comments, as the end section of fabric shoots inside the hole she created and I feel her tightening it more than necessary.

“I know what you’re trying to do, Rue. Try not to kill me, will you?” I say. The thirteen-year-old only smiles in reply. “Anyway, I grew up being trained by my adoptive parents. We never really went out to parties so my dad didn’t had the chance to teach me.”

Vindictive | Chapter 7

I look down at my shaking hands, disbelieving the fact that these same pair had taken yet another innocent life. I made a pact to myself that no matter what happens; I won’t let my hallucinations and temper overtake my system. Tonight, however, is a total wreck. I was right all along that something unpalatable would happen. There was that feeling in my gut when I was pumping myself up for tonight’s agenda. I just didn’t know that this was it. I didn’t know the night would end unintentionally in tragic.

“Cato…” Rue mumbles from beside me, watching as I glance down at my vibrating hands.

I’m not in my normal state to even distinguish wonderland from the harsh reality; to whether face the truth that I killed a good friend of mine or try and be a fugitive for the rest of my life, running away from my wrongdoing that scarred my still healing life as soon as I watch it take place. I don’t know what’s happening to me at the moment. Somehow, for a couple of seconds, I forget where I am, completely lost with the whole situation.

I feel someone grabbing my arm and I jerk it away. I turn to face Rue and as soon as I lay eyes on her, I feel like I’m looking at a completely different person. A sliver part of me knows that she’s Rue but the larger area tells me otherwise.

Slowly her features distort, widen, narrow, elongate. Her black hair grows longer and straightens into a bright blonde. She blinks rapidly, each time her eyes turning into a breathtaking emerald green, and her small lips puckering a little more. It takes me a while to realize whom I’m seeing. When the reforming surceases, my heart drops to the floor.

Vindictive | Chapter 6

“Thirty-seven…thirty-eight…thirty-nine…”

Sweat trickles down my forehead as I push myself harder to achieve my goal of fifty push-ups. I have not been training for the past couple of months and regaining that lost strength is hard work. Finnick tells me that the mission is starting to get substantial and I really need to be in my best shape if I want to go against the syndicate. Not really Brutus himself but his men.

Also, being around Thresh and Finnick is starting to make me conscious of my body. They both have buff, built statures with toned arms and abdomen. Another factor that made me realize I need to start training again is when Rue and I had that run. Usually, six miles isn’t that hard for me but after months of not having any exercise, I feel like a slug crawling my way to the finish line.

“Forty-eight…” I push harder. “Forty-nine…” I clench my jaw, feeling the burning sensation in my arms. “Fifty.” I push myself up using my arms and give it a light stretch. Sipping from my water bottle, I make my way to the punching bag located at the center of Thresh's mini-gym.

I place my hands on both sides of the punching bag and before I can even take my first punch, Fox (we decided to call her that) walks in. The team decided to let her stay for the night because tonight is when we’re going to "rob" Glimmer's house and get those needed weapons. She stalks to the other side of the gym, retrieves a pair of gloves and joins me in the punching bag section.

Vindictive | Chapter 5

Weekdays come by too fast for my liking. Sometimes I hate myself for wasting my two days without school. I mean, I don’t even remember what I did last Saturday. Well, the run I had with Rue is still very fresh in my mind. It’s kind of hard to forget.

I unintentionally slam the door of the passenger seat of Finnick's car, earning myself a glare and muffled shouts of complaints coming from the bronze haired man inside. I sling my backpack over my shoulder, dreading the seven hours of school ahead. I haven’t even reached the doors yet when I hear two familiar voices. One definitely belongs to Clove and the other…I have to turn around to find out. Of course, I know that voice from somewhere. He’s none other than Marvel Weignman.

“Hey, Cato!” Marvel greets rather too enthusiastic.

I flinch; his slightly high-pitched voice rings in my ears. “Hey.” I manage to greet back. I turn my attention to the girl standing beside Marvel and nod at her. “Clove.” I address.

She nods back. I can tell that the encounter we had in the park with Rue last weekend is still there in her head, just like me. Like I said, it’s pretty hard to forget. But somehow, I’m kind of glad it happened because as the event unfolded, I’m slowly tearing my way through Clove's walls. She appears to be less arrogant and cold towards me. Maybe not but…I really hope that’s the case.

Vindictive | Chapter 4

Finally, it is the weekend. That only means one thing: Rue Okineyi is coming today.

Obviously, Thresh is supposed to be the excited one between the two of us but it turns out; he isn’t too pumped about the idea. I tried asking him why last night after I got home from District 2 and predominantly, Rue is the scarier between the siblings. Thresh had a…not so lucky encounter with his younger sibling one time. He told me it happened the last time Rue came over.

She was twelve then and since Thresh's father is an agent and his mother is a traveler, both of them were rarely home leaving the older sibling to take care of Rue. She came home one day with a boy in tow. As a matter of fact, Thresh was not too happy about it and untimely dropped the bomb. He started lecturing his sister about how she should not date at such a young age and that she should at least wait until he allows her to. Rue, being the hardheaded one completely disagreed with her brother. She started yelling at him, telling him how he’s only being moody because the girl he was after at the moment rejected him. All the while, as the siblings were engaged in an all-out war, the boy whom Rue took home with her snuck up from them and left the house. Rue noticed he was gone five minutes after. She was trying her best to control her temper probably to not humiliate herself and seeing that the boy left, she completely lost it. Rue started calling Thresh names and other mean-girly stuff but the most painful out of all of it (Thresh's words, not mine) was when she screamed at him for being a bad brother and that she doesn’t want to see him ever again.

Vindictive | Chapter 3

“Cato, welcome to Panem High School. The most prestigious school you can ever find in the Capitol.”

Finnick pulls up on an empty parking lot and shuts the ignition off his white Volvo S60. I remain sitting on the passenger’s side as I glance out the windshield to take a full look of the school I am going to be attending for the rest of the school year. I hear myself gasping at the sight. It is a very cubical and futuristic glass building that gives off an air of elegance to every comer. The initials of the school’s name in thick bold, white letters arranged in a vertical order on the left side of the glass building. Lush green bushes perfectly parallel from each other outlined the walkway to the entrance of the school’s lobby.

“Are you just going to sit there admiring the school or are you going to get out there and put our plan to action?” Finnick asks from beside me.

I tear my eyes away from the humongous building that is my school and looks at him with incredulity. Without saying a word, I grab my bag from the backseat and unload the car. Before I can start walking towards the main building, I hear the faint sound of the passenger side’s window rolling down. Finnick leans in to get a look at me.

“Remember what we planned yesterday. Aspire for a low profile; appear to be the shy and quiet new guy but don’t overdo it as though Clove wouldn’t even notice you.” Finnick instructs me as I listen intently.

Vindictive | Chapter 2

“Cato, welcome to Panem High School. The most prestigious school you can ever find in the Capitol.”

Finnick pulls up on an empty parking lot and shuts the ignition off his white Volvo S60. I remain sitting on the passenger’s side as I glance out the windshield to take a full look of the school I am going to be attending for the rest of the school year. I hear myself gasping at the sight. It is a very cubical and futuristic glass building that gives off an air of elegance to every comer. The initials of the school’s name in thick bold, white letters arranged in a vertical order on the left side of the glass building. Lush green bushes perfectly parallel from each other outlined the walkway to the entrance of the school’s lobby.

“Are you just going to sit there admiring the school or are you going to get out there and put our plan to action?” Finnick asks from beside me.

I tear my eyes away from the humongous building that is my school and looks at him with incredulity. Without saying a word, I grab my bag from the backseat and unload the car. Before I can start walking towards the main building, I hear the faint sound of the passenger side’s window rolling down. Finnick leans in to get a look at me.

“Remember what we planned yesterday. Aspire for a low profile; appear to be the shy and quiet new guy but don’t overdo it as though Clove wouldn’t even notice you.” Finnick instructs me as I listen intently.

Vindictive | Chapter 1

I step inside the spacious living room as I push the door close with my left foot, trying to balance all the grocery bags I have in my arms. I take a moment to let out a sigh of relief before letting my eyes wander around the room. No one is home. Or so I think.

Allowing myself further into the house, I head for the kitchen. Seeing that no person is still in my sight, I settle the bags on the marble countertop before grabbing a fresh green apple.

"Thresh!" I call out. "Are you home?"

"I'm in my office if you want to come talk to me!" I hear him yell back.

Immediately, I head to the basement where Thresh's office is located.

Vindictive | Prologue

Tragedy apparently always has its ways to find me. It is like a shadow, always connected to its owner. No matter how hard I try to prevent it from happening, I can’t because somehow the word had etched itself on the palm of my hands. Everything I do always end up with something bad. Often I think: tragedy is a disease that I am born to have; a disease that no one can ever find a cure for. Although there is some point in my life where I thought I had finally broke free from its cage that we call a bad omen, I should have known that tragedy comes into someone’s life in different forms. Mine just happens to be death, another death and…love.

Having to live such life, it comes with utter unfortunate consequences. Ditto with tragedy, it comes in different kinds. Lack of much needed luck made me suffer the aftermaths of nightmares and hallucinations.

New Story Alert: "Vindictive"

Summary:

Cato Hadley had long gone vowed to seek revenge after a treacherous gang killed both his parents. Learning that the killer's under duress, he goes after his daughter, Clove Kentwell. He befriended her so the killing would be easy. But Cato soon finds himself stuck between seeking revenge and...falling for his parents' murderer's daughter?

Main Casts:

• Cato Hadley
• Clove Kentwell
• Glimmer Delancey
• Katniss Everdeen
• Thresh Okineyi
• Johanna Mason
• Finch Fox
• Finnick Odair
• Brutus Kentwell

Minor Casts:

• Marvel Quaid
• Peeta Mellark
• Annie Cresta
• Madge Undersee
• Rue Okineyi
• Primrose Everdeen
• Gale Hawthorne
• President Snow