75th Battle Cry
A Katniss Story
Chapter 2
Three down & Nowhere to go
President's Box:-Capitol
President Snow is not happy. He wanted the happy ending for them just to get rid of them. Now this. Not only is she pregnant, she hid it from her husband & the country. Her husband I can understand but she missed a BIG opportunity to announce the baby on National TV during her interview with Caesar Flickerman. His Game Makers are about to have heart attacks because of this.
Prior to the Game Makers going to the President, President Snow set up a 'conference' with Mrs. Lungren in a small cave. Snow "Mrs. Lungren why did you not tell us of your condition?"
Katniss "Because I am the only female Victor in my district. Announcing that I was pregnant would have cause a riot in the Capitol. Cecelia did it for the same reasons too. Where there was somebody to take her place, there was nobody to take mine."
Snow "Is everything you said on the beach true? To let you know we didn't air what you said on the beach from 3 to go until Joanna had you announce the baby. So the home life was only aired to the studio & yes Cato saw all of it."
Katniss "Mr. President don't we have a long standing agreement that we wouldn't lie to each other? That 's the beauty of it. EVERY word of it was the whole truth, sir. Cato probably doesn't even remember any of the last year. I think he's having blackouts Sir. He won't listen to me & he needs help. Because either way, I'm not taking it anymore. Sir the country won't have enough booze for both Haymitch & Cato at the rate they're going."
Snow "What do you need Mrs. Lungren to bring this to end?"
Katniss "Stop the games, get the other Victors out of here, Have my mom send in my bow & arrows & send in Cato for the final battle. Also I know this sounds odd for this request however may I talk to the First lady, sir?"
Snow "For?"
Katniss "Her opinion on 'Cato's Penance'. " She then explains the her plan up to the penance part finishing with "If you found out your daughter was being mistreated you would be there for her as her father, sir. My father has been dead since I was 11 years old. Sir in my district, divorce isn't an option nor do we take the 'easy way out' when a problem happens in our families nor in our marriage. In my case since my father is dead & I have a bunch of pissed off Victors here, I would like a joint conference with my mother & the First Lady to get their opinion on what my next step should be."
Snow (chuckles almost feeling sorry for Cato. Almost) "I see. Very well but the whole 'last battle' will have to be televised to show who won."
Katniss "I'm counting on it Sir. I'm trying to give you, the happy ever after along with letting men know not to mistreat the daughters of Panem." They end their conference. By then Katniss's mother & the First Lady were on the screen. Boy oh boy, was there a lot of suggestions for Cato. Katniss told her mother to send Dad's bow & arrows in & if possible some goat cheese to settle her stomach. After her conference ended, she left the cave & for the first time in a long time there was a spark in her eyes & hope for a better future for her child.
Later that day, President's box- Capitol
Snow "Gentlemen I believe that she hid her condition from her husband because of his treatment of her. I'm sure she didn't mean to be so graphic when talking to Joanna about her life at home. I am just glad that you were able to run interference to another location when they had that part of the talk. Then catch it when she did her announcement to her husband. Trust me the citizens here are overjoyed about the baby. It was probably the hormones. Now gentlemen what do you think we should do?"
Head Game maker "Stop the games & send her husband in to retrieve her. However in her case we will run into problems, Cecelia was found to be pregnant too, the baby's godparents are in there (Brutus & Enobaria). I know for a fact that there are at least 5 she won't leave without . Two being your money makers. The next option, stop the games now bring them back & give the fallen big funerals which the capitalists here will spend more money on recouping your losses & them some. Either way to gage it send Cato in along with an old friend of hers."
Snow "Get Mr. Cato Alexander Lungren in here now." Snow saids to the Peace Keeper. Less than two minutes Cato is brought in. He's thinking this is going from bad to worse.
Snow "Cato I'm going to make this short & sweet.
1) You better thank God that the part describing her home life with you never left the studio
2) They caught the baby announcement for 'Happy ever after'.
Now here is what you are going to do:
1) Gear up you're going in there (Cato goes great Haymitch, Brutus & Enobaria. Thank you Sir! May I please have another) to retrieve your wife & Cecelia who is also expecting.
2) She will be receiving an old friend before you arrive. Depending how she reacts it will either end the games early or, YOU taking her place for the whipping you need to receive.
3) Either way, if I hear of just one rumor that you are mistreating her in anyway, shape or, form. I'll borrow the damn bow to shoot you with it, personally. So NO more, whores, sluts or, bars. YOUR drinking blackout bar hopping days are over, mister. Be lucky I consider you an asset Mr. Lungren in keeping your wife in line, oh you can tell her only Rue's grandfather was killed not the rest of the family. The next time she ask you for help, check your ego at the door or, off the train & actually help her. This would have cost us less aggravation." Just then a Peace Keeper gives a message to Snow who reads it & stops the games immediately. At that point with just a look Cato is running out the door & grabs Effie runs to the Hover Craft. It seems Katniss as made up her mind after all.
75th Hunger games-Arena
Claudius makes the announcement as four Victors are trying to get Katniss down off the highest tree in the arena. "Attention Victors of the 75th Hunger Games. Due to complications beyond our control, President Snow has called an immediate stop to this years games. All battles are to stop immediately. All remaining Victors are to report to the beach for immediate evac." Just then a pinging is next to her. In a cylinder shape package came to her & she grabs it. Enclose is an old friend, her father's bow & Crow feathered arrows, a tray of candied ginger root, a goat cheese square from Prim, buns from Mr. Mellark (this brought tears to her eyes) & two notes. While the first note reminded her of Peeta & moved her to tears. It was the second note that got her down.
The first note read:
"Katniss you are not a mind reader. It's not your fault despite what my wife said that Peeta died at the hands of Cato. You didn't know that he was going to flip him to use as a shield from your arrow. You have nothing to be ashamed of nor to be blamed for. Rejoin the living again Katniss, we've missed you."- Bran Mellark
The second note got her down quick:
"Katniss Elizabeth a tree really, a tree in your condition. Here's your old friend. By the way Cato is coming for you. Get busy living & bring home my Granddaughter NOW young lady!"-love Mom.
Katniss got down from the tree told everybody head to the hover craft now. That Cato is coming for her. The last battle is between her & Cato. "This I have to do alone. You need to stay out of it. Haymitch if he asks tell him I'm not his 'bitch' anymore. I don't have much time if any. Any advice?"
Haymitch "Stay alive."
Katniss "On it. Finnick give me your pack. I'm going to need it. Shit the craft, GO NOW!" Katniss takes off. Gathers some of the dirt, uses a little water to make a thick mud for Camouflage paint. Takes what she needs out of the pack when she's hiding & will use the pack as bait for Cato's ego. Goes into hiding. If he think he'll snap his fingers & I'll come 'like a good bitch', well asshole you got another thing coming. His bitch no more. Time to get busy living.
Beach area-Arena
Cato gets off the Hover Craft finds Cecilia gets her to the Beach area to get checked out by medical staff. Brutus comes up saids hi & punches Cato in the jaw.
Brutus states the following: "When you get back WITH Katniss, we are going to talk, mister. WE being Enobaria, Haymitch & I." Then Finnick & Joanna saids "Count us in too."
As Cato walks away towards the woods. Brutus asks Finnick "Where's Katniss?"
Finnick "Borrowed my pack, after getting her bow from her mother who told her Cato was coming for her, went into hiding."
Brutus "She's got HER FATHER'S BOW AND ARROWS from home! CATO!"
Cato "Yeah?" While rubbing his jaw.
Brutus "YOUR Mother-in-Law is pissed. (as Cato's eyes got big & goes back toward Brutus) sent Katniss, her Daddy's bow & arrows. You know what this means?"
Cato "Brutus I'm wearing full body armor but thanks."
Just has he's walking toward the forest for a second time, Haymitch hauls off & decks him "Hi son, Katniss left a message for you."
Cato "And that is?" While rubbing his jaw again.
Haymitch (as he smiles & bats his lashes)"She's not 'YOUR' bitch. Will be waiting for you two." As Haymitch walks by & chuckles. Looks over to Brutus "The usual Brutus?" Brutus "Yeah why not" As both pull 20 out of their bootlegs & put on the table under a glass that's, now full of food & drink for the Victors. They also get a ring side seats for the final battle between the Lungrens. Which is being aired for the whole world to see.
As Cato goes into the forest he calls out to her.
Cato "Katniss come on. We need to get out of here."
From her perch, Katniss throws her voice "Nope not going with you Mister. Not your Bitch. Asshole."
Cato "Dearest, (as he looks around in the wrong direction) if you're in a tree in your condition we're going to have to talk."
Katniss (still throwing her voice, another direction so he'll get the hint & just go) "Strike 1, sugar. YOU haven't been paying attention again. I'M THROWING MY VOICE, HONEY. 1 down 2 to go."
Now he's looking all over the place.
Katniss "Give up, Dearest. You maybe the brawn, I got the brains. Including the monkey that's about to jump on you from above, Sweetie Pie." Has Cato look up a fanged mutant Monkey is about to jump when you hear 'thwack'. The monkey is dead, arrow through the pupil of it's eye as it lands at Cato's feet.
Cato growls "Nice shot. You've gotten better. I still have full body armor on, honey."
Katniss "Strike 2, even from where I'm at I can still get either head, darling. (the guys winced, the ladies are now laughing.)2 down1 to go. (mimicking his bedroom voice)" Then he spots them in the bushes, the tips of boots. Everybody holds their breath thinking she blew it except Finnick, who knows those are "his" spare pair along with, Brutus and Haymitch, he sees where Katniss actually is. So when Cato goes "Of course you are the brains (chuckles while thinking oh this is too easy) dear." He grabs the boots which in turn sets off a snare around his ankles. This snare raises him right to where Katniss is. Where her face is painted, her arms are crossed & are at eye to eye level with his.
Cato "What the fu...KATNISS!" as he swinging around.
Katniss "Hi Sweetheart. How's it hanging honey bunch? Strike 3. 3 down & nowhere to go."
Cato "Was I really that bad?" The guys are like "Oh man. Dude the ultimate in all time dumb questions."
Katniss "If you have to ask, Sugar. I'll go & get the guys. In my 'condition' I shouldn't be climbing now should I? By the way you will be crawling back on your knees, fingers WILL be laced palms up on top of your head, armor will be stripped off & YOU WILL BE SHIRTLESS for the duration of this visit to start your PENANCE, 'Sweetheart'. YOU will be on my list for LONG while. Expect a REAL massive case of blue balls for a real & I do mean A REAL long time. Also 'honey' we would have been at the table about 30 minutes ago if you would've just looked down & seen the boots." Then Katniss walks away to the beach to get Brutus & Haymitch.
Has Katniss walks out of the forrest while eating a bun with goat cheese on it, there was an round of applause (the ladies did a standing ovation, yelling Brava, Brava), from the group. However Haymitch could tell something was off so he along with Brutus meet her half way. Katniss told them where to find Cato & since it was televised how he's to bring brought back in. They went to go get Cato. Katniss removes the mud from her face with a cool wet cloth but it's still so hot. So Katniss goes to the table drink some water thinking it's just the heat. While going to the shaded area to get clean clothes from Effie, she starts getting a little dizzy so Enobaria & Joanna come to help her. They take her inside to get checked by the medical staff. While inside Katniss being congratulated by the President & the First Lady on her innovations.
Cato is left dangling upside down to think. He hears the cheers of the group at least he knows Katniss is back at the hovercraft then, mutters damn I will never be allowed to live this down.
How can it get any worse? He thought. Then he see it. His worse nightmare, Brutus & Haymitch are approaching. "Oh shit, shit, mother fuck & damn it." He though out loud. Haymitch remarks "Having a little problem there today son? I told you one of these days your ego was going to cost you" as he looks up with pride at Katniss's handiwork. About 5 minutes later Enobaria approaches saying "Can you boys please hurry up! I'm missing the ultra sound of MY GODDAUGHTER DAMN IT!"
Finally Cato hoist himself up, takes out a knife from his boot, cuts himself down, lands on his feet goes "Can it get any worse?"
All three reply "YES!" Then Brutus goes on to say "This last battle was televised on orders of President Snow for the nation to see. Okay you heard your wife. Katniss said Armor off, shirt off, on your knees, palms up& lace them. DO IT! NOW!" Enobaria looks at Cato & adds "You're lucky it's not me, I would've made you belly crawl all the way back buck naked, instead on your knees just before the clearing."
Cato adds as he takes off his armor & shirt "Many things on there maybe were true. However I never & I MEAN NEVER cheated on Katniss. I helped a friend once because her boyfriend was hitting her & she crashed at our place in the guest room, period."
Haymitch "We know. She didn't which, added stress that she didn't need. Now if you ever & I DO mean EVER treat her remotely like this again, I make the pain 100 times worse. GET IT (after Cato nods), GOOD! Now you heard your wife palms up, on top of your head, lace them & march!"
Katniss, Joanna, Cecilia get to see the baby on an ultra sound. In this they find that the original conception date was wrong. Katniss is not 3 & 1/2 along. Katniss is 4 months & 1/2 months along. Just then Enobaria comes in to say "He's back. Shirtless & on his knees". She looks at the monitor, sees the baby & smiles. Katniss told her the doctors were off by a month. The other two ladies leave to see the shirtless wonder except Enobaria who decided to stay.
Enobaria asks "Not to complain but why shirtless?"
Katniss smiles "To let every woman know, he comes home to me. For their other half to get their A game on. We maybe married not blind."
Medic had put an IV in her for dehydration & brought a plate of food for her to try. Feeling a "little" hungry she cleaned her plate off in under 10 minutes & asked for seconds. While waiting for plate number two she was listening to the baby's heartbeat with Enobaria. There was a knock on the door & Enobaria said "Oh just bring the dirt bag in Brutus." The door opens to let in Brutus, Cato on his knees, shirtless with palms up & laced then, Haymitch carrying plate number two. Haymitch "How is she doing?"
Katniss "Great I just love room service. She's doing fine. (looks over at Cato as she accepted the plate from Haymitch)Don't know about the father though. I'm actually 4 & 1/2 months along." Then all four look at Cato. Katniss spoke first "You made my life miserable, you had me forgo a family wedding tradition that went back over 15 generations, over 250 years old & insulted my mother on our wedding day, held back vital training knowing that I was to be reaped for these games as District 12's only female Victor, rubbed it in about Peeta every chance you got, didn't even bother to inquire if I was okay when YOUR mentor took me to the doctors on my birthday. Hell you didn't even remember my birthday. You treated me worse than a dog. At lease a dog would have gotten more affection from you in an hour than I received this past year. Cato I'm not a bitch that rolls over on your command. (Cato winces) I am a woman & as a woman is expected to be treated with respect, dignity & affection from her spouse. I'm not here to accommodate you. Contrary to what others think marriage is, its a two way street. So far it's been one way with just you commanding & taking. No giving on your part. I am your wife not a common whore. When you drink you become this monster & I don't think you remember. I can't have this around our daughter. She deserves better from us. Do you know why you are in that position you're currently in right now?"
Cato (glares at Katniss) "I take it that's how you have felt for the past year. Like a prisoner of war."
Katniss "Now you can get up & be a human again. Think that while you only had to go like that for a couple of hours physically, I had to go like that physically, mentally & emotionally for over a year because of you. Not fun is it?"
Cato shakes his head no then, asks "Can we at least discuss this with the cameras off?" Katniss was leery but nodded yes. The cameras were turned off & for once Cato breathed easy. He turned to his wife and said "You did this publically because of how I treated you, that I know now what's the rest of this?"
Katniss "1) Get the others out of that arena & home to their families; 2) Have you see our married life through my eyes; 3) Pick one family or, booze? You can't have both; 4) I had to draw the line. I couldn't take living like this anymore.
The rest is up to you but now get the medic in here. I'm having blurry vision again." As she lays back down, Haymitch goes gets the medic. Now Cato is beginning to worry.