A/N: Cato/Peeta

Going according to the movie versions, mostly

So just to set the mood, in this alternate universe when you become victor in the games you're done, that's it. I wanted to write a fic with some humor and good vibes but I can't do that while thinking about how the victors get turned out like Finnick and basically become slaves once they win. I loved Finnick, *sigh*. All in all, this one should be four parts

1. Interviews

2. Training

3. Games

4. Post games

I'll either post them together or separately depending on what you guys think, I wanted to try and see if I could write each part independently of the other. But still mesh together. We'll see how that works out.

Apologies spelling, grammar and OOCness (although some of the OOCness was unfortunately necessary)

Disclaimer: I do not own the Hunger games or any of its characters

Cato was on his bed, staring up at the ceiling as he listened to music blaring out loudly from the wireless headphones on his ears.

The interviews were over, he didn't bother staying after talking to Caesar since there really didn't seem to be a reason to stay, besides training would start the next morning so he could check out the competition then. But Cato wasn't too worried about that. He's trained his entire life for this, from the moment he entered the Academy in two he knew that he'd enter the games and someday be crowned victor. So it didn't really matter who he went up against or whatever challenges were thrown his way, no one had a hope in hell of beating him to the title.

It was right at that moment that his door was suddenly flung open and Brutus stormed into his room, snatching the headphones right off of the blondes head and glaring hard at the teen.

"What the hell-"

"What the fuck do you think you're playing at Hadley?!"

Brutus was pissed, glaring at the teen with barely restrained rage while his face had flushed with anger and his body practically vibrated with tension. Cato hasn't seen him this mad since well… ever.

"What are you talking about?" Cato asked as he sat up both unnerved and incredibly annoyed to have his peace interrupted by Brutus going into another one of his rage spells.

"Don't fuck with me Cato!" Brutus growled out in a warning tone as he stepped closer to the bed, "I'm talking about you and that kid from twelve."

Cato just stared back in confusion, "Kid from twelve?"

"Get your ass up." Brutus said grabbing a hold of Cato's arm to yank him up from the bed and drag him from the room, an impressive feat considering the fact that he and Cato were more or less matched when it came to physical strength but the blonde didn't quite have the same insane levels of rage so that probably counted in his favor.

Brutus dragged him all the way from his room down the hall to the living room of the floor where they would be staying for the duration of the games to find Clove on the couch in front of the television projector while Lyme stood behind it leaning over the back of the seat as they watched something on the live stream. Cato was surprised to find Clove sitting there still in her outfit for the interview with barely restrained amusement on her features and her arms folded over her chest.

The girl glanced up at him with a wicked grin, "Well well well, if it isn't Romeo."

Cato frowned, "What?"

"That, that is what." Brutus said letting go of his arm to gesture towards the screen. Cato looked up at the screen but that didn't seem to help his confusion one bit when he saw Caesar's muted form speaking on the screen.

Lyme reached down to snatch the remote off the couch to turn the volume up with a snort.

"And we're back with the story that has the whole Capitol buzzing as the tribute from district twelve made a shocking confession during tonight's interview portion of the games…" the shot changed to show a short clip of a small door opening to reveal two blondes inside what looked like a closet with the shorter one's back pressed against the wall and the taller one with his hand braced against the wall beside the shorter ones head, just before bright flashes from cameras flashed all over them and the two quickly pulled apart before the taller one slipped out the door.

It was a clip of Cato and Peeta just moments after the ceremony held when the tributes arrived at the Capitol just before the grand opening ceremony with the chariot rides.

"What, this is what you're so pissed about?" Cato asked incredulously, "I already told you what happened; the twerp and I got stuck in a fucking broom closet when we were being taken to the dressing rooms we were barely in there for more than three minutes, besides I already took care of it on the show."

"This footage was taken mere moments after the tributes arrived for the games just two days ago and caused a media storm after rumors and accusations of competitor tampering and intimidation were raised among Hunger Games officials. However during an interview with one of the men involved, Cato Hadley, this year's male tribute from district two it seemed that the public forgave the young man for the incident as he blamed his rash actions on his competitive spirit…"

'Cato, I have to ask; what were you doing in that closet with Peeta Mellark?' Caesar asked leaning in towards the other from his seat as if waiting for some juicy piece of gossip and the audience chuckled while Cato just laughed as he leaned back in his seat placing his right ankle on his left knee before he spoke, 'Well at first, it was a simple mistake; we were being ushered to our respective rooms to prepare for the opening ceremony when we were swept up by the crowd of tributes and civilians and ended up locked in the closet. I have to say, I never knew Capitol women could be that fast in those heels.'

The audience laughed along with Caesar while Cato continued, 'But then while we were in there I decided then would be the perfect time to check out the competition.'

'Competition? Do you think district twelve could turn out to be a threat this year?'

'I can't really know that for sure until I've actually seen what the two tributes are capable of, but I never leave anything to chance. So I decided to appraise him up close get a feel for what I can expect to deal with during the games' Cato shrugged and Caesar nodded, 'So you were sizing up your prey, so to speak?'

'Call it a… predator's instinct.' Cato said flashing the audience a seductive smile causing some of them to swoon loudly and others to chuckle, 'When I know what I want I go after it and I don't let anything stand in my way.'

Cato let out an exasperated sigh, "See, I took care of it. So why the hell are you on my case?"

"Wait for it…" Clove said pointing at the screen and Cato frowned as the broadcast continued.

"Well, we had our answer and the citizens of Panem were relieved to find out that this year's star tribute was still set to take on the games and give us the show to end all shows until later in the night when the male tribute from district twelve, Peeta Mellark a baker from the merchant's section made a shocking confession."

Cato's frown deepened, "Confession?"

Another clip played, seeming to pick up after some kind of joke was made since the audience was laughing along with Caesar while the blonde on the screen just gave them a charming smile.

"The kid cleans up nice, what does this have to do with-"

'So Peeta, since your debut here a few days ago women all over the Capitol have been dying to know; do you have anyone special in your life?'

Peeta looked away for a moment as he shifted in his seat, 'No not really.'

'I refuse to believe it, a handsome young man like you?' Caesar tried as he leaned in a bit closer to the teen, 'There must be someone you're interested in, maybe a gorgeous girl back home.'

Peeta let out a soft chuckle, 'Well, there is someone I'm interested in, but I'm not sure if he's really taken any notice of me. Actually I'm pretty sure he didn't know I existed before the reaping.'

The audience filled with gasps and Caesar seemed to blink in surprise, 'So this special someone is male… that can't be easy coming from a district where same sex relationships are frowned on.'

'It isn't, but it doesn't change the way I feel about him.' Peeta said shifting in his seat a little more as his skin flushed in a light blush, 'I don't think there'll ever be a moment where I'll ever stop caring about him.'

The audience filled with longing sighs and heartfelt cooes before briefly clapping and Caesar gave the tribute a smile, 'Well Peeta, I'll tell you what; you go out there and give it your all, win the games, ask your true love out on a date once you get home and not only will that special someone just have to go out with you but you will have the support to make sure that your love perseveres.'

Peeta took a deep breath with a shake of his head, 'I don't think winning will help me.'

Caesar scoffed, 'Why on earth not?'

'Because he's here, competing in the games.' Peeta said looking up to look Caesar straight in the eye and the blue haired man's eyes went wide for the briefest of moments, the audience filled with shocked gasps before it suddenly went completely still. Caesar cleared his throat, 'Well that is unfortunate.'

'You're telling me.' Peeta said with a short laugh and the audience seemed to chuckle with him albeit a bit awkwardly and Caesar quickly reached out to shake Peeta's hand forcing a smile onto his face as he spoke, 'Peeta thank you so much for taking the time to talk to us, we wish you the best of luck with the games'

'Thank you I appreciate it.' Peeta said as the both stood up and he waved to the crowd when it suddenly started to cheer as he left the stage.

'Well, never a dull moment in the Hunger Games huh folks?'

Cato gaped.

No way.

The blonde looked up at his mentors first before looking down at Clove with wide eyes, "Oh no way! You don't actually think he's talking about me?! I hardly know that idiot!"

"Shhh!" Lyme shushed him and Clove gave a snort.

"In light of Peeta's confession we here at the show can't help but ponder the incident that occurred between him and Cato. Was Cato really just checking out the competition or was he appraising Peeta for a completely different reason." Caesar asked as he stared right into the camera before turning in his seat towards the one beside him, "Joining us tonight to discuss this shocking turn of events we have marriage and couples counselor and noted romance novelist, Geraldine Splicer."

The camera turned towards the woman sitting in the seat beside Caesar, she had dark skin with a sea foam green colored wig that had gold highlights running through it, green eye shadow and fake eyelashes laced with gold behind the frame of a sleek pair of glasses while she wore tight black pants and a shirt with a black jacket.

"Geraldine it is a pleasure to have you on the show."

"It's my pleasure to be here Caesar."

Caesar took a deep breath, "Quite the turn of events isn't it?"

"Yes it is."

"Tell us, what do you make of Peeta's confession?"

Geraldine seemed to blink in surprise, "Isn't it obvious? I think it's clear to myself and everyone watching tonight that this my dear Caesar is a case of star crossed lovers, hopeless and desperate for the realization of their love despite the knowledge that they're doomed to fail."

"What the hell?!" Cato all but screeched but none of them paid him any attention.

"Really?"

"Yes. Just think about it." The woman said turning her attention towards the camera man and the audience, "When you look at both tributes you can see that all the clues are there. You have Cato Hadley, from district two; the unstoppable brute with a tough exterior and an iron will. Then you have Peeta Mellark, a baker boy from the merchant's section of district twelve; those soft eyes and that charming smile, well-spoken and full of so much life."

"They sound like complete opposites to me Geraldine."

"And that's exactly what makes their attraction for one another so strong Caesar." Geraldine said with a bright smile seeming to barely remain seated as she spoke, "Peeta's soft to Cato's hard, Cato's fire to Peeta's calm. It's a classic story of what happens when opposites collide. When darkness meets light or fire meets ice, in some cases when the two collide they cause destruction but in others they come together to create something incredible."

Caesar nodded, "Impressive, but what do you make of Cato's answer when we asked him about the incident in the closet?"

"Clearly there was more happening in that closet than Cato was letting onto." Geraldine said matter of factly, "In fact Cato's answer may have been hinting towards his relationship to Peeta all along. We simply didn't notice because we hadn't gotten the full picture yet."

Cato was sitting down on one of the couches arranged in the room by then staring at the screen in disbelief, "I what?"

"How so?"

"Firstly when you look at his body language when he spoke about Peeta; the complete ease of his form, the spark that seemed to light up his eye at the mention of Peeta, the way he set one ankle over his knee as he answered the question, seeming to bounce with nervous energy."

"You think Cato intimidated."

"No, not intimidated Caesar; excited. Burning with anticipation and desire…This ease that he seems to have at the mention of Peeta this light that he radiates it's a clear sign of attraction for the young man that goes beyond that of simple acquaintances. An adoring affection that could only be achieved through the memory of a lover."

"Fascinating." Caesar said seemingly fascinated by the words that had Cato convinced that the whole world had gone insane.

"And then you have Cato's answer to your question." The woman said making a random gesture with her hand as she crossed one leg over the other, "His claim that he thought a moment alone in a confined room to be the perfect time to appraise his competition? We all saw the pictures that were taken after that door opened Caesar; clearly there was more than simple appraisal going on in there. The way that Peeta was backed up against the wall those blue eyes wide and seemingly terrified while Cato's form crowded him against the surface, blocking his way to prevent his escape, eyes heated and body tense."

"Now Geraldine, you make it sound like Peeta was in some sort of danger." Caesar chastised and Geraldine nodded, "In some ways he was, or rather his chastity was."

The audience broke out in a fit of giggles and Caesar gave her an indulgent smile as she continued, "I believe that Peeta may have very well been frightened, terrified by the intensity of emotion that Cato displayed before him. Trapped in a room with a handsome man with such desire flowing between them, he may have been petrified only to later realize that it wasn't fear he felt towards Cato it was lust. Which inevitably led to his confession just an hour ago. And as for Cato his comment on simply giving in to a predator's instinct, that may have been the first sign towards understanding the relationship dynamic between the two as being one of a loving caring young man with his possessive dominant partner. The way he said that he never lets anything get in the way of something he wants, it may have been a warning directed not only to Peeta but to others as well."

"A warning of what?"

"A warning to Peeta that Cato will not be denied and a warning to others to stay away from what he considers to be his."

The audience filled with understanding hums and a couple of swoons as Caesar nodded, "Incredible… well were going to take a short break but don't worry Geraldine will be with us for the duration of the of the games helping us decipher and understand this connection shared by the tributes from two and twelve, the prince and his pauper, the baker and his brute. More on this with Geraldine Splicer, after the break."

Lyme turned off the screen and the room dropped into silence with Cato just staring in horror when Brutus spoke, "Well, are you going to explain yourself?"

"Explain myself?!" Cato almost sputtered, "Explain what?! I'm not hot for the trash from district twelve!"

"Then why the hell is he all over the Capitol telling everyone how hot he is for you?"

"How the fuck should I know?" Cato got up from his seat and started pacing, "Nothing happened in the fucking closet, I was just trying to put him on edge, just mess with him a little, there was nothing romantic going on there."

"Maybe he felt something romantic for you." Clove supplied looking way too amused for her own good as she watched her district mate lose his ever loving mind.

"No, no way! The kid couldn't even look me in the eye and when he did he called me out and called me an asshole, he doesn't want me alright?"

"Then why did he tell everyone that he does?"

"I don't know." Cato said clearly pausing to glare at Brutus when Lyme suddenly spoke slowly standing up straight to lean her hip against the couch, "Maybe he's faking it."

"Faking it?" Clove asked with a frown while Brutus glared, "Why would he do that?"

"C'mon Brutus, you know what the Capitol's like, they love a good show." Lyme supplied with a shrug, "And what could be better than two tributes from different districts, both of whom are male falling in love in the middle of a blood soaked battle field."

Clove paused suddenly turning serious, "You think he's trying to play the sponsors?"

"Trying? More like is playing them like a fiddle. It's been what, an hour since his confession and already the game officials have an expert on relationships signed up to comment on the romance in the midst of the games until they end."

"So what that little shit is using me to get sponsors?" Cato growled out in anger and Lyme shrugged again folding her arms over her chest, "Yes."

"That's absurd." Brutus said with a snort while Lyme glanced at him, "It's smart, very smart. He makes sure the Capitol gets a show; the sponsors will do everything in their power to make sure he and Cato are the last ones standing in the end, can you imagine the drama that would generate? The hard aggressive prince from two and his sweet pretty little slave from twelve, ratings will go through the roof I wouldn't be surprised if Seneca rigged it so they were the last two standing."

Clove's expression suddenly turned sour but none of them noticed it as Cato started pacing again, "No way, I'm not letting some nobody from twelve use me like a fucking tool."

"Yes you are." Lyme said and Cato stopped to stare at her with wide eyes. "But-"

"Remember Cato this thing goes both ways. If the sponsors help Mellark stay alive then they'll help you stay alive by giving you all the help you need."

"I don't need any help."

"Yes you do."

"She's right," Brutus admitted with a sigh as all the anger seemed to have melted from his form, "It doesn't matter how much training you've got kid, it doesn't mean anything without any sponsors by your side. You look at Odair and Abernathy, they got by because of the sponsors."

"Exactly." Lyme gave a sigh, "Look Cato I'm not telling you to fall in love with him. Just play nice, give the sponsors a show and once its time you can cut him loose once and for all."

Cato growled low in his throat and his hands clenched into to fists, "Fine, we'll do it his way, for now."

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What a mess.

Peeta thought as he made his way towards the elevator that lead to the floors where the tributes would be staying for the duration of the games.

Effie's been completely unbearable since the interviews, constantly oohing and aahing all over him because of his interview with Caesar earlier that night, honestly it's a miracle she isn't still clinging to his arm right now. Katniss refuses to talk to him and Haymitch disappeared a while ago saying something about needing to calm him himself since he didn't know whether to strangle Peeta or kiss him.

Peeta was not going according to plan.

He wasn't supposed to hint at a love confession to Cato of all people, he was supposed to hint to a love confession to Katniss so she could have a chance at winning the games, but Peeta couldn't do it.

It seemed so wrong pretending to love a girl he didn't actually love and being forced to keep up the charade for the rest of the games if he didn't actually mean it, Katniss didn't deserve to be forced to deal with all of that. But at the same time Peeta knew that he'd have to do something that he'd have to make some kind of impression on the sponsors and find some way of still helping Katniss win. That's when he suddenly remembered the episode with Cato a few days before just before the opening ceremony. He remembered how easily the media seemed to latch onto the story of tributes from two districts so different from one another already going at it even before the games started. He knew that if he wanted to get sponsors on his side, if he wanted to have any kind of chance of surviving he'd have to put on a show; make them remember you as Haymitch said before the interviews. He tried to think of the easiest way of doing that, the best way of getting the attention of sponsors and keeping it for the duration of the games when it suddenly hit him. He was supposed to confess to Katniss, sell the whole Romeo and Juliet spiel to the Capitol and make them believe it. Haymitch said that it would get them tons of attention, make the sponsors sit up and take even more notice of Katniss than before and Peeta couldn't help but think of how much more attention he could get if Katniss hadn't been from the same district and if she wasn't female. What if it wasn't like the normal story of Romeo and Juliet?

So when Caesar asked him if there was someone he was interested in he did his best to sell his story and make sure that everybody listening bought it. He picked Cato as his so called unrequited love because the Capitol already had a taste of them just a few days ago; he was a familiar face that already had some connection to Peeta so he knew he wouldn't have to say too much for the media to make the connection. He also picked Cato because Cato is a tribute from two, making him a career tribute. Peeta and Haymitch already discussed him possibly getting into the career pack to try and buy Katniss some time, in the arena but up until that point he hadn't really figured out a way of doing that. The career tributes never let anyone into their inner circle whenever the games were played choosing to stick close to one another and never waver. Peeta wasn't even sure how he'd get one of the careers to even take notice of him, but now the blonde is pretty sure he has their full attention. Now all he has to do is wait for one of them to come to him or more specifically, now he just has to wait for Cato to come and find him.

The blonde suppressed a sigh; that is not going to be a fun conversation. With their first meeting going as badly as it did, Peeta wouldn't put it past the tribute to try and kill him before the games have even started and all because of some stupid fake confession.

Although Peeta can admit that it wasn't entirely fake.

He meant what he said on the show with Caesar, meant every single word. Those words just weren't meant for Cato, they were meant for Gale.

Gale Hawthorne, he was a soft spot for Peeta, he's been a soft spot ever since Peeta spotted him in the mine section back in twelve when he was out delivering bread with his father one day. Peeta's been infatuated with the older teen ever since, but he knew that he never stood a chance with him, not when Gale was so focused and dedicated to Katniss. It's part of the reason why Peeta gave Katniss that bread that day in the rain, despite the backlash he endured from his mother because of it. He wasn't just thinking about helping a starving girl have a meal, he was thinking about helping a friend of Gale and secretly hoping that Katniss would share the bread with Gale if he needed it. Although Peeta does admire Katniss, he admires her a lot. If ever there was a definite chance that district twelve might actually have a winner for the games it was this year, not because of him but because of her.

Still, Peeta just couldn't pretend to be in love with Katniss, it felt too much like he was just using her even if it was for her benefit, so he picked Cato because it didn't feel wrong using Cato since the tribute from two seemed like such a pompous arrogant jerk.

God, everything is so messed up. But he needs to push through it.

Just a few more days and it'll all be over. In a few days hopefully Katniss will get to go back home to her mother and sister and… Gale and Peeta will be dead.

Yes, dead.

Peeta knew that he wasn't going to survive the games, even before he got on the train to the Capitol, the moment his name was called Peeta knew he was going to die and in a way Peeta is fine with that.

He doesn't want to go back home, doesn't even want to think about what it would be like to go back home. Before he just had to worry about his abusive mother and tired father but now if he did by some miracle manage to make it home, he'd have to deal with the pain of being ostracized for being gay. He confessed to a man after all, even if he claims to have only done it for the sake of the games the label will never wear off and Peeta will have to suffer because of it. Besides what he said to Caesar was true, winning the games won't help him win the heart of the one he wants. Gale would be heartbroken without Katniss, she has to go back home. If not for her family, then for Gale.

It was right then that Peeta finally made it to the elevator he stopped in front of the sleek white doors and reached over to press the button on the side, causing them to slide open mere moments later to reveal the inside of the carriage only for Peeta to gasp when he was suddenly grabbed and dragged inside. The blonde let out a yelp of pain when his back hit the wall on the furthest side just as the doors slipped shut only for his eyes to go wide at the sight of exactly who had grabbed him.

Cato Hadley.

For a moment Peeta froze watching paralyzed as Cato pressed the emergency break button causing the carriage to come to an immediate stop before the tribute from two turned to face him with a dark glare.

"You think you're smart don't you?"

Peeta swallowed hard, "I don't know what you're talking about."

"I'm talking about the shit you pulled in the interview." Cato growled out and Peeta took a deep breath as he stood up straight,

"Look, Cato I-"

"Don't even think about trying to bat your eyes and use that trick on me. I know what you're playing at." The taller tribute said folding his arms across his broad chest as he looked down at the other, "The only reason I haven't ended you yet, is because I figure this trick you're trying to play on the sponsors would be useful to me."

Peeta breathed out a silent sigh at that, actually feeling like he could breathe a little easier since they were both on the same page, "So you'll play along?"

"For now." Cato said stepping forward, "First I want to know what you want from me, I'm guessing you didn't confess your love for me just because of what happened that first day."

"No."

"So what do you want?"

"I want you to stay away from Katniss."

Cato arched a brow, "Excuse me?"

"Katniss, I want you to stay away from her during the games." Peeta said taking a step forward to try and at least make the tribute think that he didn't intimidate him. "Once the games start you don't go after her, make sure the other careers don't go after her either and I'll make you look good in front of the sponsors."

Cato glared, "You have some nerve, you know that? What the hell gives you the right to try and tell me what I can or can't do during my games?"

"I'm not trying to tell you what to do, just leave Katniss out of it at least until the end."

"And if I don't leave her alone, huh? What happens then lover boy?" Cato asked stepping forward and Peeta was forced to step back, "I think you're forgetting that there aren't any meet and greets or gala dinners in the arena. You won't be of any more use to me once we go inside, what's stopping me from offing you before going after the little princess?"

Peeta's eyes widened minutely when he realized that he hadn't exactly thought that far ahead, when the answer suddenly hit him and he spoke with all the confidence he could muster, "You won't kill me, at least not that soon."

"How do you know that?"

"If you planned on killing me, you wouldn't be here right now. Besides, you remember what happened with Finnick Odair right? We both know the show doesn't end just because the games start, the best way to keep sponsors happy is to keep me close and if you go after Katniss I won't have a reason to let you keep me."

Cato's eyes narrowed down at him and Peeta knew he was pushing his luck, "What makes you so sure you'd have a choice?"

"Millions of viewers all over Panem. You can try and force me to stay but no one finds domestic abuse attractive." Peeta said a bit cheekily and Cato just stared back.

"I don't like being blackmailed."

"It's not blackmail, you stand to benefit from this as much as I do." Peeta said squaring his shoulders to hold out his hand, "Do we have a deal?"

Cato looked down at the hand for a moment and that's about as long as it took before Peeta suddenly gasped when he was grabbed by his throat and slammed into the wall, cutting off his air supply just before Cato came up close to hiss in his ear, "Fine, we'll play it your way. I'll stay away from your girl and I'll make the others back of too but everything else we do my way, understand?"

Peeta struggled for breath as he grabbed at the hand around his neck trying to pry it off only for Cato to grab his shoulder and keep him still, "You do what I say, when I say it, eat when I say and do everything exactly the way I tell you to is that clear?"

Peeta nodded his head and Cato released his grip enough for the other to at least be able to breathe and Peeta gasped even as the tribute from two smirked, "Remember you're the one that confessed. You're the one that promised the Capitol a show. So if the sponsors want a brute and his sweet little mate then that's exactly what we're going to give them, isn't that right?"

"Y-Yes." Peeta rasped out still having difficulty breathing when Cato suddenly leaned in and pressed a bruising kiss on his lips causing the shorter tribute's eyes to go wider than before as he just stopped breathing all together in his shock, before Cato pulled back completely a moment later, stepping over to the console on the side of the elevator doors to release the emergency breaks and hit the button to the second floor and another for the twelfth while Peeta just stayed planted against the wall. The doors slipped open in no time and Cato glanced back at the teen before giving a snort as he left the cubicle.

"I'll see you later, lover boy."

The doors slipped shut and Peeta stayed right where he was until the doors slipped open mere moments later and he forced himself to stumble out leaning against the wall beside the carriage to slide down to the floor as he finally convinced his lungs to start breathing again and he started panting. Taking a moment to wonder what on earth he'd gotten himself into as he lifted a hand to touch his lips.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

The next morning Cato was in a foul mood.

He hadn't been able to sleep much before one of the Avox's came into his room to wake him up for breakfast and training.

He couldn't stop thinking about what happened the day before, because so much happened the day before and all because of some nobody from shitty district twelve. Surprisingly enough the one thing that bothered Cato the most about the day before was the kiss.

He didn't know why he did it, it was just an impulse. Peeta was already rattled but Cato wanted to do something that would push the other tribute just that much closer to the edge, something that would make Peeta understand loud and clear that he wasn't the one in control anymore, he wasn't in charge. Cato was. So he kissed him and now the stupid kiss won't leave him the hell alone.

After taking a shower and getting dressed, the tribute sat down at the table in the dining room just as an Avox walked into the room to start laying out his breakfast. Clove was already in her spot eating a fruit salad and stabbing at the pieces like they'd done her personal wrong.

Cato arched a brow at the girl, "What's with you?"

Clove sneered at him hatefully, a look that made Cato pause for a moment in confusion as she spoke, "I see you didn't waste any time sneaking around with your little boyfriend. You already have Caesar and Geraldine buzzing about you and it isn't even nine o'clock yet."

"What?"

Clove turned on the live stream in the dining room with the remote sitting near the pitcher of juice near the center of the table before slamming it back down onto its surface, Cato looked up to see Caesar and Geraldine sitting in their seats in front of a screen that seemed to be playing some kind of clip in the background.

"Now in this exclusive surveillance footage we can see Cato grab Peeta and enter the elevator, from the time stamp we see that they spent quite some time in there and the reports we got from the building's maintenance crew is that the emergency break in the elevator was tripped." Caesar explained excitedly while Geraldine said slyly, "Oh I can only imagine what they were up to."

The audience laughed while Caesar nodded before he continued and the footage played on, "Then some time later Cato emerges from the elevator pausing to say something to its occupant before stepping out-"

"Looking very pleased with himself."

"Before the elevator keeps moving and we can see from the footage here that it stops at the penthouse floor where district twelve is staying for the games. Peeta comes stumbling out and sags against the wall down to the floor… Geraldine, what do you make of this?"

"Me?" the woman asked with a slight shrug, "I'd say I'm surprised Cato hasn't locked Peeta in his room yet and tied him to his bed. Did you see that possessive lust, the clear passion that they have for one another? Cato clearly couldn't keep his hands to himself and Peeta well, Cato seemed to leave him absolutely breathless and weak at the knees. Really, I have a feeling that there will be fireworks on the day of the games. If they're already so passionate around each other now, what do you think will happen once they start the game and are forced to fight for survival in the secluded dark night under the stars? I think it will be explosive."

"Explosive? What the hell does that mean?"

"It means they expect you two to go at it like rabbits once the sun goes down in the arena." Clove hissed out before just dumping her fork into her bowl and standing up from her chair. "I've lost my appetite."

Cato just watched her go as the Avox returned with the rest of his breakfast and he let out a heavy sigh.

What's he gotten himself into?

A/N: You guys know that movie the Starving games right? You know the movie that parodies the hunger games? For those that don't know in the Starving games during the interview with Stanley (Caesar), Peter (Peeta) confesses his love for Marco (Cato) instead of Kantmiss (Katniss) that's where I got the inspiration for this.

I tried to channel every Peetato fangirl and fujoshi in existence while writing Geraldine, wonder how I did.

Anyway

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