The Hunger Games: The Love That Changes Everything

Chapter 1: Answers

Katniss stares at herself in the mirror. She is wearing strapless dress that is yellow at the top and fades to a blood red color at the bottom. Her neck chest and arms have been covered in intricate swirls of colored rhinestones to match her dress. Her hair is pinned up in loose curls. Other then the cast around her wrist she is absolutely stunning. She feels hands on her shoulders. She turns to see Cato looking gorgeous as always. She looks up into his eyes and smiles. He lowers his face to hers and kisses her softly, sweetly. She reaches up with her good arm and runs her fingers through his hair. When she finally pulls away, reluctantly, she hears the beat of the drums queuing their entrance on stage.

"Here they are ladies and gentlemen the Victors of the 74th annual Hunger Games." Ceaser Flickerman says happily.

Katniss and Cato walk onto the stage hand-in-hand. He leads her to the small sofa on the stage and sits down. Instead of sitting next to him she sits in his lap. The audience sighs at the sight.

"You two are just the most adorable things ever." Ceaser says.

"Thank you, Ceaser." Cato says, "In all honesty I can't pry this girl off of me."

The audience and Ceaser laugh, but Katniss punches Cato's arm. Hard.

"Oh, that looked like it hurt." Ceaser stops laughing.

"She may be adorable, but she can pack a punch, Ceaser. I try to stay on her good side." Cato laughs and wraps his arms around Katniss.

"Ceaser, I have a question." Katniss says.

"Ask away, dear."

"The Quarter Quell, I don't get it. What was the Quarter Quell?" She asks.

"Ah, I knew that would come up. The Quarter Quell stated that the last two remaining tributes, so long as one is a boy and the other a girl, were the two Victors."

"How did we not remember that?" Katniss looks at Cato.

"We must have been so caught up in the games." Cato replies.

"So what did you two think when Dawn died and Glimmer told you he was her brother?" Ceaser asks.

Cato and Katniss look at each other.

"We honestly didn't know what to think, Ceaser. I think what we were all thinking was how they could be brother and sister because they are from different districts."

"It was a weird case with those two." Ceaser says, "Years ago Dawn ran away and, somehow, got out of the district. The Capitol caught him and just threw him into the nearest district."

"Why didn't they execute him? No offence, but it seems like something you people would do." Katniss asks.

"None taken." Ceaser laughs, "And actually, President Snow was feeling a little sympathetic so he let him live, but he could never see his family again. That's the way I heard it at least."

"Oh, that kind of makes sense." Cato says looking at Katniss.

A loud beep sounds.

"Oh, that's all the time we have today." Ceaser says.

Katniss and Cato stand, but stop knowing that after this they would be going home. To their own districts.

"Thank you for being here." Ceaser says.

"Thanks for having us." Cato replies.

"Ones more time," Ceaser begins, "Ladies and gentlemen, the Victors of the 74th annual Hunger Games!"

The audience roars with applause.

Katniss and Cato begin to walk off stage.

"Oh, wait, I almost forgot. Get back here you two. The Capitol has a special surprise for you." Ceaser says.

They turn back to him.

"We couldn't bare separating two people who are absolutely perfect for each other, so Katniss when you get home, you had better pack up your mother and sister because you, my dear,… are moving to District 2." Ceaser says.

"what?" Katniss turns to Cato.

She throws her arms around him and he picks her and swings her around. Afterward, they walk over to Ceaser to thank him.

"This is so amazing Ceaser. Thank you." Katniss smiles.

"Seriously, Ceaser, I could kiss you," Cato begins, but turns his voice flat, "but I'm not going to."

"I'd hope not." Ceaser laughs.

The audience laughs as well.

Katniss and Cato turn back and walk off stage.

"I can't believe it. We're going home." Katniss says.

Cato grabs her hand and entwines his fingers through hers.

"Together." He says, "And I couldn't be any happier."

He stops Katniss and looks into her eyes.

"Kat, three weeks ago, I didn't know who you were. Then, I went into the arena with you. And you changed me. Thank you."

"Cato…" Katniss smiles.

"I'm serious Katniss. If we had never asked you to join, I wouldn't have hesitated to kill you. Asking you to join us made me realize that I… I." Cato hesitates.

"Don't worry," Katniss smiles, "Your secret's safe with me."