Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc., are the property of their respective owners. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any previously copyrighted material. No copyright infringement is intended.
Author's Note: This story was previously posted a few years ago… left unfinished, but in light of the resurrection of The Handmaid's Tale as a series on Hulu, I've decided to resurrect my own inspired version set in the Hunger Games Alternative Universe. Both stories are dystopian societies that point out the worst in humanity. Some modifications will be made, but hopefully this time around I'll be able to finish it. Happy Birthday tlcullen132! This is for you :D
PART I
S-T-A-T-U-S-Q-U-O
The Blessed Day had arrived. There was no more delaying the inevitable. The Law was clear. They had a duty to their country, to produce a child after three years of union. A woman was chosen from the Hob, to bear a child. Noncompliance would end in their arrest and possible death.
Finnick checked his face and hair once again in the mirror. There was no evidence of their afternoon delight. Peeta wasn't too happy with him and his most inopportune interruption, but it had to be said. They had to comply and uphold the Law. After all, he was ready to hold in his arms, a blue-eyed, blonde baby boy, a carbon copy of his Peeta. Peeta wanted Finnick to have first try, since their baby would be everyone's envy.
In the end, Finnick won Peeta over with his persuasive touches. An untouched female would be selected to ensure freshness, a beautiful vessel, to complement his Peeta's looks.
S-T-A-T-U-S-Q-U-O
The Capitol's Hob was jammed packed with couples searching for the perfect vessel to produce their offspring.
"We have an appointment with the Hob's headmistress, Effie Trinket. She'll show us the prime specimens available. This way we won't have to spend all day, fighting with other couples to get what we want."
"I want to eat at our favorite restaurant after this. I'm still hungry. This better be a swift process, Finn."
Finnick slapped Peeta's ass, and tsked in disapproval.
"Patience, my Peeta. All good things comes to those who wait. Who knows, you might like making our child, and we keep our donor."
Peeta was revolted at the thought of keeping a woman around, much less taking daily pleasure with her body. It was enough knowing he would have to impregnate said woman, for the sake of Finn and to abide the Law.
"Don't push me, Finn. One step at a time."
Finn guffawed at his disgusted expression."
"If you can't get it up, I'll be there to get you good and hard. It is part of the process, you'll see…"
Someone had cleared their throat and interrupted Finn's seductive monologue.
"Mr. Odair?"
Finnick winked and proceeded to kiss the woman's hand. Peeta grimaced as he looked closely at her extravagant costume and make-up.
"Madame Trinket, how nice to finally meet you in person. This is my Peeta. Peeta, this is Madame Trinket. She'll be showing us around."
Peeta felt like running away, but decided a simple nod would suffice at the moment.
"My, my, my… you do have great taste Mr. Odair. I'm sure you'll know what you want as soon as you see it. Follow me."
"Please call me Finn."
Finnick saw fit to continue his flirtatious manner with the pompous woman as they walked through an empty corridor. Peeta rolled his eyes at his antics.
"As I recall, you wanted a virgin. We can attest to the fertility of the women. We have them examined thoroughly. No barren specimens are allowed here."
Peeta suddenly wondered what happened to the women that were deemed infertile. What was their purpose then?
"Yes, I want the best you've got."
At last, they had arrived at a door. Madame Trinket used a keypad to gain access to the room. As they entered a glass wall separated them from a group of young women.
"As you can see, we have plenty of diversity. Anything you like in particular, Mr. Odair?"
Finnick got closer to the dividing glass, his eyes entranced on the women. Instead, Peeta felt claustrophobic inside the walls of the Hob. He wanted to leave immediately. It didn't feel right to stand there and choose a donor as if they were items for sale at the Flickerman's Emporium. Something caught his eye, a slight movement behind the glass. His eyes followed it, a pair of hands kept fidgeting and touching the ends of a braid. Hands that looked worn and blistered. These were the hands of someone who had worked hard all her life. As his gaze looked closely, gray eyes glared back. Peeta stopped in his tracks, paralyzed.
"C-can they see us?"
Madame Trinket kept checking her nails, with a disinterested demeanor. At the interruption, she looked at Peeta briefly and turned back to her inspection.
"No, Mr. Mellark, they can't see inside this room. Have you seen something you like?"
Something, not someone.
"Yes, we have. I want the one with the braid and the lovely gray eyes, Madame Trinket."
Peeta shuddered, at Finnick's choice. He had chosen her? Had he been watching his reaction to the girl? She was too young. Why was she here? Peeta tried taking deep breaths, in hopes of not exacerbating the delicate situation they were facing. Finnick was so in tuned with him, that his hand found his, assuring him everything would be all right.
"Are you sure, Mr. Odair? This is the moment for you to browse with care. After you sign the papers, there will be no return for a mandatory waiting period, until she delivers, of course."
Finnick squeezed Peeta's hand, and somehow he found the strength to squeeze in return.
"We want her. She will bear our first son."
Madame Trinket nodded, appeased. She touched her ear and talked to someone, giving instructions.
"If you have a daughter, we'll receive her here if she's found worthy. She'll do her duty, as all women are proud to do for the good of Panem. Please, wait outside. I'll be with you shortly. You may have some refreshments, as your specimen is readied for your pleasure."
They obliged and walked out of the confining room. Finnick looked relaxed, while Peeta paced.
"What's got you all riled up? No one is taking her from us. She belongs to us now. Don't fret, Peet. She's a dark beauty, isn't she? I knew the moment my eyes laid upon her that she was the one. As I was about to say something to you, I noticed you were staring right at her, which confirmed it for me. Who knows she might stay with us for a long while…"
Peeta sneered at no one. Had Finnick lost his sense? What if he fathered a girl? What then? She'd be shipped off to this godforsaken place to be prodded and studied, then if she was found satisfactory she would be auctioned to the highest bidder to be his breeding vessel. Was he the only one that found this…inhuman? His own flesh and blood cast out, to be a slave…he'd better father a boy.
"What if it's a girl? Finn, I c-can't-"
Finnick pushed Peeta against the wall, his mouth bruising his lips. His eyes had closed, but slowly he opened them. His moss colored eyes spoke of warning. Brushing his lips against Peeta's, he whispered, "Burry your words deep within you. Never speak of this again, much less here where I can't protect you. Eyes are always watching."
He pushed back, as a young waif of a girl interrupted them. She blushed at finding them in such heated embrace, unknowing of whispered admonition.
"Madame Trinket will be bringing your… selection, sirs. Would you like something to drink as you wait?"
Finnick turned back to Peeta, trying to reassure him things were fine. They were doing the right thing, what was expected of them. There was no reason to fear what the future would bring. Without his eyes leaving Peeta, he commanded, "Bring me the best champagne, we need to celebrate this day. Now leave us, for I have to please my Peeta… you're welcome to watch if you like…or not…"
The girl disappeared from their presence, as if scared of being caught looking at them. Finnick grinned and chuckled in response, while Peeta pitied the girl.
"You should control yourself, Finn. And don't get any ideas. Surely, it can hold up until we get home."
"Already imagining what it will be like from now on? The three of us in our bed, as you make our child inside her womb, my Peeta? For I am thinking just that…"
Finnick's hand grazed Peeta's cheek, moving to cradle his chin. As he was leaning to kiss his lover, Madame Trinket strode in, hauling behind her a protesting body. Barely clothed, they could see her heaving breasts and down to the nest of hair that covered her sex. Peeta wondered if it was to entice them, for he felt his body respond to her near nakedness.
A probe was given by the servant girl, now cowering in their presence, to her mistress. With a flick of her wrist she struck the rebelling girl forcing her to her knees.
"Show respect you insolent wretch. These are your masters now. You must obey them. Always. Serve them right, make me proud to have taken you in, clothed you and fed you. Remember, to serve them, is to serve the Republic of Panem. Your children will be the future men of esteem and honor. Now stand up, let them look at you up close. Don't make them change their minds. And YOU serve them their drinks! I'm surrounded by incompetent worms."
The horrid woman kept ranting without stopping, but in a lower voice, as if talking to herself. Peeta had an inkling that the woman was completely mad. Why wouldn't she be? If she was no longer a fruitful vessel, her purpose was now being "mother" of these females and handing off to be reproductive slaves for the Capitol's high echelon.
Finnick didn't waste anytime testing his new acquired property. Her hair was dark, like the night sky, but felt like soft freshly picked cotton on his hands. Her stare was directed at the floor, as if it would give her the answers she was looking for. He wanted to see the gray in them, almost like tainted diamonds.
"Straighten your head, look at me."
With reluctance she complied, her eyes brimming with unshed tears. Hate radiated from within, but it didn't matter. She would serve her purpose, that he knew. Her cheeks reddened with embarrassment, he thought. Her breathing was labored, and he couldn't stop himself for staring at her stiff nipples showing through the tissue like shift she was wearing.
"Peeta, come here. I want you to touch her."
Peeta came forward, wishing this would end. Finnick took the proffered drink and took a sip. His face showed his disapproval, but took another sip. Peeta approached the trembling girl with apprehension. He had never been this close to a woman before, much less seen what made them different from men.
"Don't be shy. She won't stop you. She can't stop you."
He didn't want to, but he felt compelled to touch her skin. His hand landed on her neck, where her blood pulsed frantically. She was scared…she feared them; what they would do to her. Peeta wanted to reassure her, but it was pointless. Someday, sooner than he wanted, it would happen, and neither of them were free to stop it.
A huff and cough from Madame Trinket reminded them that the dreadful woman was still with them.
"Are you pleased then, Mr. Odair? I have other appointments waiting…if she is acceptable I would like to continue with my day, if you don't mind. Don't forget to pass through the vestibule to leave your donation."
"Of course, Effie darling. I'm extremely pleased, and I'll be glad to deposit my generous donation, so you'll be able to keep your Hob as the best establishment. I would never dare to pick someone from the very streets, sold by a disgruntled interloper. Those men should be shot on sight for trying to ruin your business. Everyone knows there's no place like the Hob to find your perfect specimen. Have a good day, Peeta, let's go home."
Like an invisible line was pulling her forward, their new property followed them without looking back. It wasn't until Madame Trinket saw fit to taunt her one last time.
"Katniss! Remember to open your legs wide for your young masters. It won't do if you keep them closed and they have to bind you to the bed. It is better if you willingly do as you're told. The rest will be painful, I'm afraid. There's no way you'll be wet enough to endure it. Pity."
Peeta was disgusted at her words, wishing he could forget he ever heard them. Finnick's face hid this dislike at the woman's parting words, but simply grinned back. As for Katniss, her anger bubbled inside her and she forgot her station. She moved towards her former mistress and slapped her hard. Her fingerprint was clearly defined on her face.
"It must be hell to be declared barren, unproductive, defective, unwanted. You will never know what is like to have a life inside you, to see it grow within you. No one wants you. No wonder you despise us, as we can attain what you'll never have. I pity you and curse you where you stand. May you die alone with no one to care for you."
Just as swiftly as the fire had burned, it simmered down to embers. Meekly, she returned to her new masters, kneeling and waiting punishment for her unbecoming conduct.
"Goodbye, Effie dear."
Finnick turned around and walked away without addressing the woman kneeling at his feet. Peeta not knowing what to do, followed right along, but not without noticing how the mistress of the Hob, was now on her knees sobbing, her caked face had smeared. She was now truly horrifying.
Katniss. Katniss. Katniss.
Her name was Katniss, and she belonged to them. She would bear them children until they tired of her. She was their property, their breeding vessel. A chill spread throughout his spine, at the thought of the dreaded act upon his shoulders… more accurately his member. Would he feel pleasure? Or would it be a painful ordeal on both parts? He knew what he would have to do…once they were home he would confess to Finn that he couldn't do it. The first child would have to be produced by him. That's it, he felt lighter and relaxed. Only the calmness didn't last as he smelled her scent. It was entrancing, almost like witchcraft. He wanted to taste her skin, to discern its flavor. All his worries forgotten, he pictured her completely naked, shyly waiting for him to take, to claim…
Nonsense, Finnick would do the taking, the claiming. He would refrain to simply be an observer in the Ceremony of the Blessed Conception. He would lie on his back, as he held the vessel open for his lover to penetrate it, to fill it with his seed in hopes of procuring their child. He would give her to him, and watch.
Just watch.
S-T-A-T-U-S-Q-U-O
He was standing right beside their bed. It represented the happiness he had experienced with Finnick, all these years. And this inanimate object stood there, mocking him, as it signified the place where the act of conception would be consecrated. Finnick had brushed off his misgivings. It had to be him, the first to spill his seed inside her sieving womb. It has to be a boy, Peeta kept repeating it in a loop inside his mind.
Kat, as Finnick liked to call her had been given her own room in their home. She barely made any sounds, so for Peeta it was like she wasn't even there. It was Finnick who would invade her space, making sure she was fed and still breathing. Things between them were the same, as if no woman had infiltrated their domain. Sadly, biology and cycles had to intrude on their apparent blissful existence.
"She's ripe. You need to fuck her tonight, Peet. I'll be there with you…and I'll take care of you. These three nights are the best time for your seed to find its counterpart. Imagine we could be fathers in nine months…he'll have your ocean blue eyes, maybe he'll inherit your wheat colored hair, a clone of you. And I'll love him so much…"
Him.
He will love him.
Night had come, and with it his citizen duties. His body had been freshly washed and oiled, smelling of sandalwood and pinch of cinnamon. His hair was a mess as Peeta kept running his fingers through it, in frustration. He was out of excuses, his predicament just a few minutes away from staring him, right in the face. Taking deep breaths, he reminded himself that it was natural act, that his body would act on its own. If he had problems with arousal, Finnick would help him.
A flimsy robe covered Kat…niss, as she walked in with her head down. Her ebony hair was down her back, past her waist with lovely curls at the ends. Peeta wanted to touch those curls, smell the scent of her neck, to test if it would entice him like the first time they met. Unbeknownst to him, his body reacted to her proximity. His pulse started to pound, as his breathing accelerated. Just first time nerves, Peeta told himself. He had trembled like a leaf the first time he'd been with Finnick. It had been wonderful in the end, nothing to regret. But this…he had no reference to fall back on.
Finnick's scent assaulted his nostrils next, something familiar that hinted of treasured memories in this very room. He was bare, just like he was, looking a bit too excited. Katniss had stopped a few feet from the bed, hesitating from walking any closer. Finnick stood right behind her until his torso was flushed with her back. His hands searched for the opening of her robe and pushed it back, showing her breasts first, darkened nipples as hard points in the air. An overwhelming compulsion demanded Peeta to take them into his mouth and bathe them with his tongue. His cock jutted proudly, straining from his abdomen. He stared bewildered at how hard he was and felt ashamed, seeing the physical proof of his betrayal. Finnick shouldn't see he had succumbed so easily.
Meanwhile, Finnick was admiring his Kat. She was his beautiful womb, for she would give him their first child, a boy who would resemble the man he loved. His lips grazed her earlobe, "You will yield, giving yourself to my Peeta. He will be kind, and I'll make sure you get your pleasure as well. Just let yourself go, feel my hands on your skin, nothing more. Don't think."
He led her to closer to the bed, without letting go he sat back on the bed, taking her with him. Once he had her positioned between his legs, he opened her up. He had seen a naked female before…more like a girl, much like his Kat. She had been beautiful, but forbidden. It hadn't stop him from wanting her. With his back reclining on the headboard, he could see Peeta's troubled face. Finnick had to assuage his fears, and inspire his confidence. In the midst of his perusal of their Kat, Peeta had attain arousal on his own, it what a glorious sight. Hmm, later Finn. You'll have him later, he thought.
"Peeta…Peeta, we are ready for you. Come here, baby. I've readied her for you."
Katniss felt trapped inside her own body, as it was forced to be opened, to be plentiful, to be fruitful, for all of Panem. The Hob had taught her all she needed to do was comply with her masters' commands, as they would do the rest. Just open your legs, let him enter you, close your eyes. Think of your childhood with Prim, Father and Mother, she told herself.
Katniss had known what living free among others was like, loving whomever you wanted without fear of being snatched and turned into a breeding property. She hated having being born female. Outside of the outcast community her family had found shelter in, Panem's Law dictated your life according to your sex. Women were just a means to an end, easily discarded after the breeding deed was done.
Her father had confessed to her when she was old enough, that being a man wasn't easier either. For him, it had been hell once he was matched to an older man. Her father had never felt attracted to males, so he resisted the union. The man didn't wait, only took what was his by right. Her father killed said man with his own hands, knowing his fate would be death. Only fate gifted him another chance, when he was sure he would perish in a forest that became his refuge, where an angel saved him. She would become the mother of his two daughters and the love of his life.
If they hadn't been caught she would still be there. Probably married to Gale Hawthorne, with her belly growing with their third child. She would have been free. She would have had love. Tears spilled from her eyes, as she relived her parents' death and her capture. Her father's dead eyes staring blankly, she'll never forget. Yes, she hated being born a female.
"No need for tears. We'll be gentle and we'll take good care of you, our Kat."
Unwanted hands brushed her tears away, as they returned to hold her closer to his chest. She felt his erection nudging at her back. It made her tense in place, knowing she had to surrender. Another set of hands took hold of her hips, her eyes opened startled. Blue eyes stared back, showing discomfort and disgust. It was mutual.
"Closer, Peeta."
The man behind her moved one of his hands towards the apex of her legs, his fingers probing with intend. She shifted moving away from his intruding fingers. The hands on her hips stopped her. An unintended moan escaped her, making them believe she was finally giving in.
"Take her, Peeta. She's y-yours. S-she's ready."
Finnick nuzzled her neck, taking in her scent. It was delicious and tempting him to partake in the coming activities. Peeta was a man on a mission, any hesitation on his part had momentarily vanished. He stared at her sex in wonder. It certainly was different from being with Finn. Grinding his pelvis, he could feel her… He had to have her, to plunge into her, mark her as his. Nudging his member between her opened lower lips by Finnick's hands, he pushed forward. There were no more moans of pleasure, but of pain. He was hurting her. As he was about to pull back, Finnick's voice held him in place.
"You need to be careful now, Peeta. You need to push forward, do it gently as you possibly can. This is the proof our Kat had been untouched…until now. Slowly, push through it."
Her walls were trying to push him out, saying he was invading where he wasn't wanted, but he had to do this. Peeta had to claim her. Her eyes opened and locked with his, beseeching him closer. Her lips moved, but no sound came out. What was she trying to say? Did she want him to stop?
Her hands took hold on Finnick's thighs, leaving imprints of her nails. She was ready, it was inevitable. Please, just do it already, thought Katniss. She even voiced it silently, hoping it would soon be over.
"Look Peeta, our kitten likes to leave scratches behind. She's willing. Take what is yours. Make her ours, make our baby."
Ours.
Peeta swiftly thrust forward. Katniss gasped, her hands not giving enough hold. It burned so badly, she felt like she was being lanced by hot poker.
"Stay still. Damn, Peet. I told you to go slow. Don't move. You better not have lacerated her walls, or you won't be able to fuck her tomorrow. There, there, my kitty Kat. I'll make it better in no time."
The pain was still there, but one of her masters knew how to mold her body, to trick it into submission.
"Come, Peet."
Finnick had stopped touching, and was now cradling Peeta's face, forcing it closer. He kissed the man forcefully, both grunting and moaning at the contact. Peeta could barely keep his pace, and floundered until he felt his spurting orgasm. He collapsed on top of Katniss, completely wiped out. His face was nestled on her neck. She tried to push him off, and turned her head away.
It was done.