Perfect in White

Chapter4

Trading places


**I would like to thank IdolSweetie who was kind enough to be my Beta in this story. This was by far the hardest chapter to write & she was a BIG help in getting me through it. I not only hit the big writer's block I had slammed into it at full speed.** Any who enjoy one and all.


In a room of District 13 sits a little girl of the capitol. She the darling of it's leader, her grandfather is President Snow. Now she's scared, alone in a room under guard. She overheard that she was going to be put in the haunted arena all by herself. She doesn't understand that she didn't do anything wrong but she does understand that she's in big trouble. She's scared at this moment if anybody would look at her, they would just see a scared little girl who just wanted to go home.


SF Living quarters, D-13:
Guys if you can have make up sex like my wife & I do, go for it. In my case I can die a very, very happy man right now or, as Brutus would say, one very, very lucky s.o.b.
However after words Katniss got very serious. I can tell when she does & in this there was no exception.
Cato: "What are you thinking about? Talk to me."

Katniss: "I made a major mistake today. A really major mistake & it makes me feel so stupid."

Cato: "What's the mistake?"

Katniss: "1824 pissed off fathers who also should be in this. You need to be their voice if you want to. If I wasn't so damn pissed off at the world at the time I would've seen it. Both parents need to be involved in this. The rebellion to free us from Snow is one thing but we as parents need to be free from this yearly nightmare. The sins of the fathers should stop there. Innocent blood doesn't need to be spilled anymore."

Cato: "Love, you have had so much happen to you & yet you still willing to take on more. With you being pregnant you bet your ass I'm going now. I know Phoenix will be going too because of Clove. However I rather spend the rest of this night celebrating our pending parenthood with my baby's momma. As Cato rolled over bringing Katniss underneath him & took charge."


Friday SF Area Planning:

Cato already had something in the mix. Gale for his part drew the meadow area of 12 from memory then scouted the area for the pending mission. However Katniss & Clove had a back up plan. Knowing that Snow would chicken out she had food & basic equipment put into the arena for his granddaughter. Along with a few new programs to make her feel 'welcome' there. This includes cameras everywhere. Katniss knew any representative of Snow's will also be going in there too. However she was going to make them live off the land like Peeta was made to live off the land.

Katniss want them to experience the games like any other tribute & although it kills her to put a child there she has no choice if Snow doesn't show for his Granddaughter. She'll have to go in the arena & survive on her own like any other Tribute.

Cato got the dad's together & told them what was up. That he needed volunteers to help with Sunday's mission. That & he's going to be a dad. there was a around of applause for the couple. Katniss then came out & apologized to them herself because for it was the right thing to do. They understood. Many who had adopted children love them just as if they were of their own blood, understood that she was still in mourning for Rue. They saw in the arena how both the couple cared for Rue. Yet they thanked her all the same for including them in this for they had a need to get a little payback too on the current government. So being that Katniss is now expecting, Cato goes into First time father over-protective mode.

Later at medical:

Katniss & Cato see the Doctor at Medical where they do an ultra-sound. What they see totally amazes the young couple. It's not one in the oven, not two nope. That would be too easy. In true Everdeen women tradition of go big or go home there's three in that oven.
Katniss "Holyyy..."
Cato "Shitttt! WOW! I know twins run in mine, Katniss..."
Katniss "Twins & Triplets in mine."
Cato "WOW"
Katniss "Usually all girls. The teen years are going to be interesting. Cato, You remember what those years were like, don't you?"
Cato "Girls? Teen years? Oh boy. OH HELLL NO! Baby please tease me in saying that there's a stem on one of the apples."
Katniss "Upon occasion, yes. Sometimes a stem on the apple. It depends on the Dad." as she smiles & wiggles her eyebrows at Cato.

Doctor gives a list of do's & don't. And the biggest don't, stress which doesn't help when you're getting ready to battle the leader to free your country of these sick shitty death games that has been on going for the last 75 years. As the couple walk back to their quarters Cato ever the worrier when it comes to his wife, tells Katniss one thing:
Cato "Katniss I'll make a deal with you. After this battle you lay back here, care for our babies & I take everyone on. Please maybe it's becoming a father for the first time but YOU are my first priority here. Always remember that okay."
Katniss "Okay, I will & after this you take over. Who are we telling first?"
Cato "Why not everyone at once? we have them over our place & tell them okay."
Katniss "Clove & Phoenix they lost their baby the day we lost Rue. I don't want Clove upset I think we should tell them first so they know that they're very important to us too."
Cato "Well speak of the devil. Here they come." as Clove & Phoenix come up to us.
Clove "What's up?"
Cato "Katniss hasn't been feeling well so we went to the docs to confirm something. Katniss wants you to be the first to know."
Clove "What you're pregnant? What?"
Katniss "Yes with Triplets."
Phoenix "HOOLLYY!..."
Clove "SHITTT!, finishing for Phoenix. You're kidding me & I just pulled that out of thin air too. Damn I'm good." as we all laugh.
Katniss "We're having everybody over tonight to tell them & I wanted to tell you first so it's not a shocker for you."
Clove "Because of the bombing. That I miscarried."
Cato "Yes, we want you know how important you are to us. Katniss had taken the test the day we lost Rue. Clove, one good thing came out of it. We stuck together as a family which is what you always wanted right? Through thick & thin."
Clove "Yeah. Don't get me wrong, I am happy for both of you. I'll always wonder about this one I lost however, right now I have to go to the doc's too. Somebody's got to get Snow. By the way Fire girl, love that speech."
Phoenix "Yeah remind me never to piss you off." As they all laughed. They part ways saying that they will see them at their place later.


Medical D-13:
Clove & Phoenix are at their appointment. Clove is given a clean bill of health as they explain the procedure that they did after she miscarried which is known in the medical field as a D&C. They are told that they still can have children & Clove is cleared for Sunday's mission. The doctor further added "Get in a couple of shots in for me."

As they leave Phoenix asks "Do you want to have children later on Clove?"
Clove with a mischivious grin "Only if you're there with me." This made Phoenix smile for the future since now the two want payback for the lost of their child. They want Snow. They want him to go down hard as she spoke again "We have a couple of hours to kill before we go over to Cato & Katniss's apartment. Have any ideas..." as Phoenix finishes the thought for her as they make a beeline for their place.


Command Office/Planning D-13:

Gale comes into the office & sees the couple. It still hits him in the gut that Katniss is with Cato. That Cato is 'the one' for Katniss & not him. Yet he notices that there is a difference in her too. A glow... Oh holy shit balls she's pregnant too. As they approach & talk to him.
Katniss "Gale! Long time no see."
Gale "Cato, Katniss from what I can tell from that 'motherly' glow YOU have something to tell me."
Cato "You're right. We're pregnant, with triplets."
Gale "WHAT! Oh man talk about in true 'Everdeen' tradition." as Katniss laughs.
Katniss "We're having the whole gang over tonight. And there is somebody who's been wanting to see you since your transfer."
Gale "Who?"
Katniss "Nope. It's a surprise Gale. Also Rue left something for you. So BE there. 6pm SHARP! Or, I'm sending the guys over to get you." What Gale didn't know is that Madge made it out of 12 alive. She was seriously injured & for awhile they didn't think that she would make it. She did with the only name that came out of her was Gale. Katniss came almost everyday to see her progress until she got a clean bill of health. Madge & Katniss talked about a lot of things, mainly about Gale. Madge wants to see Gale.
Gale "You wouldn't..."
Katniss "Oh would I...?"
Gale "It must be really good."
Katniss "You bet your ass it is."
Cato "We'll see you there." Then Cato has Katniss sit down while the three of them plan. Cato knows that its about killing Katniss on the inside to put a 12 year old into that arena. Yet they both know that they have to follow through with it.
Katniss "If Snow does not show to answer for Rue & Clove's baby, we ARE putting her in there. I will follow through. If necessary we will show the capitol how Snow cares for his love ones. For what kind of 'man' would abandon his own grandchild? What kind of man would hide behind the capitol's lives like a coward? I have to put my personal feelings aside on this one. Do I wish this on a child? No, not on any child. District or, Capitol born yet the murders of our children have to be atoned for."
Gale "Remind me never to piss YOU off."
Katniss "6pm sharp! (pointing to Cato & herself smiling) Our place, BE THERE."
Gale "Okay, Okay geez.. I'll be there." As he heads back to the main part of 13, he doesn't feel the same pang of regret as he did before. Now he knows he can start over again. It won't be the same but it will be livable but not for the reason that Katniss thinks. Gale is thinking of another, his actual true love that he lost. With Katniss he thought he lost his partner & best friend to Cato however, there's more to Gale than Katniss ever knew. Or, so he thought...

Gale's POV

I just left the planning area & although I am happy for Katniss, I am sad because I will never see Madge Undersee again. Snow had a decree that all marriages were to be arranged when you were of reaping age. However if you or your match were sent to the games you were to be paired with another. I was to be paired with Katniss because she was from the seam like myself. When Katniss went to the games in Prim's stead, they were going to pair me with another Seam Girl. I wanted Madge & she wanted me but her father was pairing her up with Peeta Mellark until he was reaped for the games with Katniss. Madge & I then came up with a plan. We were going to make a run for it. We were going to leave Panem & go into Canada, marry & be together. I loved her that much that yes I WOULD risk death for her. She is the love of my...who's kidding who now, Gale. She was the love of my life & it ended because of Snow.
The night that we were to make a break for it was the worst night of my life. Not only did Snow flatten 12 that night, I lost Madge in the bombings. We got separated in the crowds & she was swepted away from me before I knew it. I later found her family but not her. I held out hope against hope that she was alive trying to get to me. Yet I know its not to be, she's gone. Madge the love of my life, gone. It is why I am here. I want Snow to suffer for all he did to Madge, to us. Of what could have been.
Now it's 6 & I'm at the front door of Cato & Katniss's place as Phoenix lets me in to see...Madge standing in the middle of living room...

Cato & Katniss D-13:

When they found her nobody gave her a chance to survive the bombing in D-12 but she fought back hard. Nobody thought that Madge Undersee the daughter of District 12 Mayor, was going to make it but Katniss did. Doctors realize she a fighter like her friend, the Mocking Jay. Almost everyday Katniss would come by for progress reports & to even just sit and talk to her. Now Madge is sitting in her friends living room & they talked. Madge talked about Gale. How Gale was suppose to marry Katniss in an arranged match but, they (he & Madge) love each other. Madge explained how they start pairing up the couples in 12. Mainly did it without the girls knowing it. Madge even told her father Katniss never wanted to marry or, have children. Yet the Mayor was going to pair her up with Gale next year after Katniss's 17th birthday. Now Katniss realizes taking Prim's place in the games was for a reason. That fate interviened for a reason & she was greatful for it. Madge was going to be set up with Peeta but Peeta died in the arena (Katniss never told Madge about Peeta & what he did in the arena & she knew she had the right to know the whole truth now). Knowing what Peeta did not only to Katniss but to Glimmer, Cato left the two alone for Katniss to break it to her.

Katniss "Madge what did you know about Peeta?"
Madge "I was to start dating him after he came out of the arena & on my 19th birthday we were to get married. Why Katniss?'
Katniss exhaled & told her everything. Told her about Peeta's condition, his attacks on her while in training, his attack on herself in the arena & finally how he raped Glimmer. By the time she was done on how they had to leave him in the arena to get everyone else out to safety Madge looked at her in a different light. Madge looked at her with more respect for she knew that took a lot of courage to cut someone loose. Yet Katniss still was upset about it.
Madge "Katniss you had to cut him loose. He was too far gone & in a away you SAVE another person. Don't you realize it?"
Katniss "But who?"
Madge "You saved me again without knowing it. You save me from somebody who would've hurt me to no end. You were meant to be in that arena for a reason Katniss. I thought it was because of Cato but now I think it's something more. I'm just sorry you & your friend Glimmer had to suffer & for it."
Katniss felt a hand on her shoulder, she looked up to see Cato looking down at her. Katniss got up has Cato held her tight.
At that moment Cato realized what he would have lost if Katniss hadn't voluntered for Prim. Which made holding her & protecting her more important than ever. Cato was going to put his plan into motion for the battle to come. His wife & children will be protected from Snow no matter what. Madge got up & went into the living room just as Gale came into the apartment.

Gale stood there in shocked as he saw Madge in the middle of their living room. For him the world stood still as he saw her. Madge. He took two steps to get to her, to hold her again. His Madge. Gale then held onto her tight never lettting her go. It was the only time Katniss or, anybody ever seen him cry. Katniss looked at him, nodded & said "I told it was worth it."
Gale nodded "How did you know?"
Katniss "Know? About you & Madge? I didn't. Madge was brought here after you transferred to weapons in 13. They didn't think she would make it." She then told him everything else she & Madge talked about ending with, "I would've never married you Gale. You knew that. You know they could've put a gun to my head & I still would've refused. Because we would've been miserable like that & YOU know it. Now can you stop this foolishness, be the blood brother & partner I know YOU to be?"
Gale who still was holding onto Madge for dear life nodded.
Madge "Gale I still need to breathe.." That was the only time Gale loosen his hold on her yet during the whole time he was there, he was by her side. Even when Katniss gave him Rue's stuff bird, Madge was there with him.
Madge "I'm not going anywhere Gale."
Gale "I thought I lost you once, it's never happening again, Madge. Never." Katniss then thought they were the actual "Star-crossed Lovers of District 12" as Cato was holding her from behind, both were smiling at the reunited couple.


Later
Cato & Katniss announce that 'we're pregnant' then a big yell went even louder when Cato ended the sentence 'with triplets'. During the party though while Katniss is talking to Rissa, Cato pulls Phoenix & Clove aside.

Cato "I need a big time favor from the two of you. Can I count on it?"
Clove "What's going on Cato?"
Cato "We're going into 12's meadow Sunday. It's the battle of the parents who have lost so much because of these games. In case Katniss & I get separated during the battle or if something happens to me, I want the two of you to have Katniss's back. I'm begging you two. You two are the ones I would trust with my life. I'm trusting you with the lives of my wife & children. Will you do it for me, please?"
Phoenix "You want us to stick with her during the battle?"
Cato "Yes. Katniss won't back down on this. Right now she's coming to terms of putting a kid that was Rue's age in the haunted arena because of Snow. And she hates herself for it."
Clove "I'm in. Phoenix?"
Phoenix "Where you go we go, I'm in. What's the game plan."
Cato "Tomorrow you two are to meet me in planning. If morning sickness doesn't hit Katniss hard then we can go over it. Better yet come over for breakfast tomorrow & we'll go over it with Gale. You don't know how much I appreciate that you two are helping me like this."

The three rejoin the party as Cato goes to where Katniss is. Here is where Phoenix & Clove see the change in the past year after the games with Cato. Where he didn't care about another person before, it was always about winning the games. Becoming a Victor was the most important thing for him, then. Now he would move mountains for her, go into battles for her & would die for Katniss. For Cato found something worth fighting for & who would've thought it was a small 17 year old girl from the Seam in District 12. Clove smiles as she says to Phoenix" I told you, from day one. Joined at the lips & the hips."


Next morning
It started at 4 am when he found his wife in the bathroom. The joys of morning sickness has arrived has Cato carried her back to bed afterwards. However at this point the four letter f-word (and it didn't rhyme with truck folks) wasn't allowed to be mentioned, at all. During the time that Gale who brought (big surprise)Madge with him, Phoenix & Clove were in the Kitchen planning. Madge was in their room talking with Katniss, making sure she took care of herself.
Madge "I'll get you some mint tea, crackers & some candied Ginger root for this. Your mom had me bring some over for you to help with the morning sickness. You're going to need it for Sunday."


As the days got closer for the battle at the Meadow the more people were more alert. As if they now have a purpose, a way to get back at the Capitol for 74 years of suffering; 74 years of losing their children to these games in one form or another. Packs of food & survival equipment were made ready for Snow's granddaughter to be move to the haunted arena. Force fields & Video feeds were made ready to ensure her containment. Weapons of all kinds there were checked to make sure of their readiest.
Many of the fathers as well as the mothers getting ready to take them on.

Yet in a small cell, there is still a 12 year old little girl who is scared. All she wants to do is go home & be with her family again. She wants to see her Grandfather again. She didn't do anything wrong. Why is she being punished for a crime she didn't commit? She asked that question to her guards. Their reply was swift & left nothing out what was to happen to her if her grandfather is a no-show when, her guard replied "What crime have OUR children committed to be put into those arenas for YOUR entertainment for all those years? Ask your Grandfather that, little one." Before they close the window to her cell.

In the Capitol Snow thinks it's just Ms. Everdeen that is coming with his Granddaughter for the exchange of himself. So being Snow he decides to just send 4 Delegates with 10 Peace Keepers to fetch Ms. Everdeen & his Grand-Daughter. Yet he doesn't realize he's in for a rude awakening or, an very unpleasesant surprise.


***This by far was the hardest chapter for me to write. I slammed into the writers block wall in full force. I wanted to do this story justice. I would like to again thank my beta IdolSweetie for all her help in this. I will try to get the next chapter up soon.-Enjoy ***
***Does anybody have suggestions for baby names for me. I will need for both genders. Thanks.***