a nightmare reality {Cato/JB Blitz}

I tried. Iain's name being called. I tried so hard to volunteer. I stood in shock as I watched him walk up to the stage. The shock of a Miristioma being reaped had the crown in uproar. I shouted the words. No one heard me. I rushed to the stage in a vein attempt to volunteer for Iain. What angers me so much is the peacekeepers held me back. They heard me. I know they did. I promised Iain that he'd be safe. If it meant that I'd volunteer in his place, then so be it. Instead, I've failed him. He's heading into the games. I love him. I want to believe he can make it home. I have to right? My own brother reaped.

Iain is led into the justice building. I follow albeit slowly. Iain is more than likely mad at me. He trusted me with protecting him. We had a dinner planned for after the reaping. I should have ran up to the stage. I never should have allowed him to take his place as tribute. My cowardice is going to cost me a brother. I told him he had nothing to worry about. That we'd be having dinner together. Now he's going into the games. Chances are he'll die. I believe in him, but he wouldn't hurt a fly. Now he's faced with the prospect of murdering someone just to save his own skin.

I take a deep breath before opening the door where Iain is at. "I'm so sorry, Iain. I tried please believe me. I shouted the words. I did. The peacekeepers held me back." My voice breaks as tears flow from my eyes. I drop to my knees. The sadness overcoming all else. It pains me to see my little brother in this room. Even with Kirito and the other victors aiding him, I don't see how Iain will make it. He's such a peaceful soul. "I love you Iain. You're my brother. I'm sorry you're in this position. I should have tried harder to volunteer."

Iain. He knows I tried. I suppose its better than nothing. He knows that I'd do anything for him. Volunteering in his place is what I wanted to do. No hesitation. For whatever reason though, I was held back by the peacekeepers. Maybe President Snow wanted this years district eleven tributes to be weak. One of them related to a victor. I dare not bring up the accusation. Iain needs me. "I do though. I blame myself for not being able to help you. Enough of that though. I wouldn't want this moment to be remembered only for sadness. I brought you a surprise." I'm sure he can smell it. I brought a cherry pie for him. It was to be a surprise at dinner. I know how much he likes cherry pie. I made it for him with my own two hands. It'll probably taste terrible, but I know he'd appreciate the effort behind it.

I offer him a slice now. "Iain, I brought you a slice of cherry pie. I made it in surprise until.... well you know. I hope you don't throw it up." Even now, I can find something to laugh about. I'm never going to give up on my brother. We've had great times. He'll go to the arena and survive. We'll continue our lives and have more moments worthy to be remembered. I love him with my all my heart. I will not let him think he'll die. "I know the pie wont measure up to the delicious food you're sure to taste soon." There's one more thing I brought with me. Something for him to go into the arena with.

The hand-carved spoons we made together before I lost my arm so long ago. I have the one that I made personally. It'll be Iain's now. For him to remember me by. "One more thing. I brought you something to always remember me by. My hand-carved spoon that I made a long time ago. Remember? We had a lot of fun making them. I want you to have it." I still remember how much happiness it brought Iain for us to do something together. I don't mind giving him the spoon. He'll find strength in it. The strength he needs to never give up. I know he'll make it home. Kirito will do everything he possibly can to ensure his survival.