CHAPTER 4 - COMPETITION
Four Years Ago
Katniss stirs the stew that she is preparing for supper, reflecting on Haymitch's advice from earlier. She looks over her shoulder when she hears the crash of the front door and Prim runs excitedly into the house, finally home from school.
Prim runs into the kitchen. Katniss turns around and sees that her sister is out of breath but also smiling a huge grin. Does she know? Did she run into Peeta on the way home?
"Catch your breath, Little Duck. Let me grab you a glass of water," Katniss laughs at her sister's excitement as she grabs a glass from the cupboard and fills it with water.
"Sit down," Katniss commands and hands her sister the water.
Prim takes a few sips and finally catches her breath "Katniss, you won't believe what I found out at school today!"
Katniss is disappointed for a moment that Prim's news is about school. Peeta didn't tell her of their engagement. It was unlikely he would, because they wanted to share the news together. She quickly shakes it off and says, "What happened?"
"My teacher submitted my science fair project and paper to the regional science fair and I've been chosen to participate," answers Prim. She is fairly hopping in her seat.
"That's great news, Prim. So what does this mean?"
"So many things, Katniss! It really is unbelievable that this is happening to me. I thought surely that Delly's little brother's project would be chosen. First, it looks really good. I'll be able to put it on my applications when I apply for medical college. Second, I might be able to win a small scholarship. It won't pay for all of college, but everything helps, right? Third, I get to go to the competition. I've never been out of District 12 and I'll get to visit District 10. The whole thing is amazing!"
"That's great. So who is taking you to District 10?"
"You and Mom, of course. It's not a problem right?"
Katniss nods at her sister and goes back to stir the stew. Luckily, they aren't strapped for money at the moment, but she is going to have to review their budget. Perhaps she could go hunting a few more times this month and trade to cover the costs. After stirring the stew, she checks the jalapeño corn bread in the oven. It is ready to come out. She pulls it out and places it on the counter.
"Prim, set the table. I'm going to go get Mama. She's resting after delivering Mrs. Klinton's baby."
"Oh, no! Mama said I could help if I wasn't at school."
Shaking her head at her sister, Katniss says, "Babies come when they come. You can help next time."
Katniss walks down the hall to her mother's room. She is so proud of Prim. She would make an excellent doctor someday. Walking into her mother's room, she sees her mother has checked out for the evening. Her mother will pull herself together for her patients, but the moment she returns home, she becomes a ghost.
Katniss whispers, "Mama, dinner is ready," as she strokes her mother's cheek. Grasping her hands, she pulls her mother out of the rocker. Katniss is hit by a ton of bricks, as she remembers why she can't expect her mother to take care of Prim.
Present Day
Katniss strolls into town, dragging her feet a bit. She is supposed to meet the train in a half hour to pick up the son of one of her mother's friends who is going to be visiting the district. Her mother prattled on about it for a half an hour this morning, but Katniss didn't really pay attention to any of the details besides needing to meet his two o'clock train and that she is to invite him to join the family for dinner that evening. Katniss did notice the glint in her mother's eye.
Shaking her head and sighing, she walks toward the Hob to grab a quick bite. The Hob is the local outdoor market that sells farmer's produce, local crafts, and has several delicious food carts. She walks up Greasy Sae's, the best food cart in District 12, at least in Katniss' opinion.
"Good afternoon, Sae. What are you serving today?" Katniss inquires.
A wide smile spreads across the weather-beatened face of Sae, the owner of the establishment. Sae is a genius in creating flavor combinations using locally grown and hunted fare. There is always the standard boring burger that can be ordered or chicken noodle soup, but the best food is always the special of the day.
Sae responds, "How are you doing, girl? I'm surprised to see you out today. The special is a venison sandwich with blue cheese, onions, lettuce, tomato, and my special sauce on a crusty baguette."
"I'll definitely take that and a lemonade," Katniss orders. Sae's lemonade was the best. "I'm heading over to the train station to pick someone up for Mama."
"I'll get that right up for you. We don't want you to be late. I'm guessing it's a young man."
Katniss chuckles and nods in affirmation. It wasn't the first time a son of a friend has visited District 12.
As Katniss waits for her lunch order, Madge calls her name and hurries over.
"Katniss, I'm so glad we ran into each other. Thank you so much with your help with Posy the other day," Madge says as she gives her friend a hug. It had been three days since the accident.
"No thanks are necessary. Anyone would have done the same."
"That's not true and you know it. What you were able to do is special," gushes Madge. "Based on your mother's advice we sent Posy to the hospital in District 3 for more tests the next day. Your mother was concerned at how long it took her to wake up and how disoriented she was. It's better to be safe than sorry."
"Head injuries and concussions can be tricky, but I'm sure she will be okay," assures Katniss.
Suddenly Katniss hears her order called. "Madge, I'm sorry to have to run. I need to pick up my order and head to the train station."
"No problem. Thanks again. We should have lunch this week. I'm finally over the morning sickness and now I think I could eat pretty much anything," Madge prattles on as Katniss gives her a quick hug goodbye.
"Sure. Let's have lunch on Friday."
Katniss grabs her sandwich and starts toward the train station. She peels the top of the wax paper off around the sandwich and takes a bite. Perfection. She really needs to convince Sae to give her the recipe for the secret sauce.
Upon arriving at the train station, she sees that she still has a few minutes remaining until the train arrives. Katniss finds a bench and devours the rest of her sandwich. She is glad to learn that Posy went to District 3 for additional tests, as the girl really had taken a hard knock to the head a few days ago. Katniss is still surprised over how Peeta supported her while dealing with the accident. Perhaps he isn't so indifferent after all. Maybe someday they can actually be friends. She'd like that.
Buried in her thoughts, Katniss looks up when she realizes that the station has filled with arriving passengers. She stands and begins looking around. Her query is supposed to be a tall, blond man. Like that won't be difficult to find considering that half the district tends to be very blond. Katniss chuckles to herself. Suddenly she spots a man who is quite tall, standing over six feet, blond, and looking around confused.
She walks up to him. "Hello, are you Cato?"
"Yes, I am. You must be Miss Everdeen, Violet's oldest daughter."
"Please call me Katniss. How was your trip?"
"A little rough. There was a rambunctious toddler running all over the train car. But I have to say that the trip was worth it for the view in District 12."
Katniss would have liked to roll her eyes on that line as she caught Cato checking her out. But that would have been rude. He's a smooth talker. However, he did say rambunctious rather than screaming toddler, so she has to give him credit for that.
Katniss arches her brow at him, "Well I hope you enjoy your visit here. Mama asked that I show you to the inn. Are you ready?"
Cato chuckled, "Lead the way, milady."
Shaking her head, and giving a corresponding chuckle. "So what brings to you to my district?" She asks as she leads them out of the station back toward the inn near the town square.
"Well, I'm an art dealer and I hear that a lot is starting to happen in District 12 in regards to art. My mother has been filling my ear about it for a couple months."
"Really?" Katniss questions with skepticism.
"Okay, my mother has been filling my ear because she talked to your mother. I do smell a whiff of motherly matchmaking going on. I figured, why not? The worse that happens is that I get some work done." Cato flashes a smile and shrugs his shoulders.
"Wow, an honest answer. You may not be as bad as the other ones," Katniss smirked at him. "Well here we are at the inn. My mother is hoping you'll join us for dinner. Does six o'clock work for you?"
He nods. She provides their address. They say their goodbyes for the moment.
At ten minutes to six, Katniss is basting the roast quail and root vegetables that are in the oven. Her mother comes bustling into the kitchen.
"Katniss, you're not wearing that to dinner are you?"
Katniss closes the oven door and turns to her mother. She is wearing her standard lightweight cargo pants and heather grey, V-neck t-shirt. "There is nothing wrong with what I'm wearing."
"You should put on a summer dress."
"Well, he's going to be here any moment and I don't have time to change now. Besides, he already saw me in this earlier today. Only I was also wearing my boots," Katniss responds before turning to dress the salad of dandelion greens.
Violet sighs at her daughter's nonchalant manner and starts setting the table. Katniss looks over her shoulder and catches her mother muttering to herself as she puts out four place settings and lights candles. In the last couple of months, Violet Everdeen has finally managed to gain control over the consuming grief and depression she has suffered from. Katniss turns back to preparing the salad, shaking her head. Now Violet wants to be a mother to Katniss. She no longer needs one, but she appreciates the effort.
Promptly at six, there was a knock at the door.
"Mama, please get the door. I need to pull the quail out to rest."
Katniss heard her mother walk toward their front hall, open the door, and greet Cato.
"Welcome, Cato. I've heard so much about you from your mother."
"None of it good, I bet."
"Oh, shush. You know your mother is proud of you," Violet admonished.
"These are for you."
"How lovely," Katniss heard her mother twitter. "Let's go to the kitchen and put these in some water. Katniss is just finishing up dinner."
Cato and her mother walk into the kitchen.
"Look at what Cato brought me? Aren't they lovely?"
"Those irises really are pretty," answers Katniss as she hands her mother a vase out of the cupboard. She greets Cato, "How are you? Did you get settled?"
"Yes, the inn is very nice."
"Well dinner is about ready. Have a seat. Mama, can you go get Prim? She's upstairs."
Violet left the room.
"Nice job bringing my mother flowers. No one gives her flowers anymore," Katniss says.
He shrugs. "I figured your mother would enjoy them and you don't strike me as the flower type."
"You are right there. But I do like to see Mama, happy," she gives him a quick smile. "What would you like to drink? Ale, wine, water?"
"Ale, thank you."
Prim and Violet enter the kitchen. Everyone but Katniss sits down at the table. Katniss sets the food on trivets before joining them. Prim chatters nonstop at Cato, introducing herself and peppering him with questions about District 2. Cato politely responds to each and every question asked, occasionally sharing funny stories. Katniss and her mother smile indulgently, interjecting here and there throughout dinner, as they both know that Prim caught the travel bug when they went to District 10 four years ago, not that she has had the opportunity to travel since.
Soon Katniss and Prim clear the table, and bring out strawberry-rhubarb pie for dessert with vanilla bean ice cream. At that point, the conversation turned to Cato's career.
"Cato, your mother tells me you are an up and coming art dealer in District 2 and the Capitol," Violet asks.
"I'm working on it. I have several high profile clients like Plutarch Heavensbee. Right now, I work independently, which means I work closely with certain clients in finding key acquisitions. Someday, I'd also like to open a few galleries to showcase work and hold auctions."
Katniss' mother coos at him in approval. She believes her mother is laying on a little thick, so she interrupts, "You mentioned that you were interested in learning more about District 12's burgeoning art scene?"
"Yes. I've heard about the new art colony. I'd love to see it," he answers.
"Right now it's under construction," Katniss responds.
"Now Katniss, I'm sure you could still take him to it and show him around. It is on our property," Violet insists.
Katniss glances at her mother and decides there is no point in explaining the nuances of landlord-tenant law. The fact is that she can't just come and go as she pleases. However, she is also sure that Annie and Finnick really wouldn't mind.
"Well, it is a beautiful walk. When would you like to see it?" Katniss asks.
"How about tomorrow? Are you free?"
Katniss had been hoping to get a little hunting in tomorrow and perhaps some gardening at her cabin. Oh well. "Sure, that will work."
Not long after, Cato says goodnight and heads back to the inn. It doesn't even take two seconds after the front door shuts before both her mother and Prim are on her.
Prim says, "Oh, he likes you!"
"He wants to see you again tomorrow. That is a good sign!"
"Prim, Mama. Stop! I just met him. He seems nice enough, but don't start planning things."
Katniss does think he is nice, and polite, and perhaps a bit boring, but then again they just met. He was quite smooth in how he handled her mother and sister. There is no harm in getting to know him better, though she couldn't imagine it going very far. She needs to let someone else go first. Then again, maybe it is time to do just that.
The following afternoon Katniss takes Cato to the art colony at the lake. During the walk to the property, Katniss discusses life in District 12 and Cato tells her funny stories about different characters he'd met in the Capitol. Katniss snorts with laughter during a tale about Plutarch Heavensbee's assistant Effie Trinket and her outlandish costumes. Cato explains that Effie is considered fashion forward but forward of what, as no one from the districts will ever completely understand Capitol fashion.
They pause to take in the view as they get to the edge of the property by the lake.
"It really is beautiful here," Cato murmurs as he scans the landscape with a critical eye.
"It's my favorite spot. I have a cabin not far from here that I retain for my own use."
"I'd like to see it."
Katniss smiles at him in response but doesn't issue an invitation. They begin walking around the lake toward where the main construction is occurring.
"If it's your favorite spot, I'm surprised you're leasing it."
"Oh, it's allowing us to send Prim to medical college," Katniss responds, surprised at herself for sharing that information so freely.
"That's right she leaves soon; doesn't she?"
"Yes. I'll miss her, but I'm so proud. It's been her dream." After a pause, Katniss continues, "If I had to lease the land, I'm glad to lease it to the Odairs. We designed the architecture of the colony to blend in with the natural environment when finished. If this place can let artists create then I'm happy to have them here."
"You sound like you have a vested interest in the colony?"
Katniss looks out across the property before saying, "I guess I do. The Odairs have been very welcoming in gaining my opinion. We all hope this venture will continue for the long haul." She quiets for a moment and looks at Cato before adding, "It will provide opportunities to people here that weren't here before."
She points out areas of the property and explains the planned development. Workers are busy clearing brush in some areas, and preparing to pour foundation for a few of the new buildings in other areas.
"Oh, look! Annie and Finnick Odair are actually here today." Katniss points to a group of people who are talking.
"I'd like to meet Annie Odair. I'm a great admirer of her work."
"Let me introduce you."
They walk toward the group. At one point Finnick sees them and waves them over. Annie gives Katniss a hug.
"Annie, Finnick, this is Cato Marshall, the son of my mother's friend. He's actually an art dealer."
Finnick and Annie shake Cato's hand. Cato flatters Annie regarding his love of her work. Katniss personally feels he is coming on a bit strong. The three of them talk about art quite a bit, and Katniss zones out for a moment, coming into focus again when Cato mentions hoping to meet the other artist-in-residence, Peeta.
"Oh, he just left town. He'll be sorry to have missed meeting you," Annie replies.
"He left?" asks Katniss.
"Yes. The day before yesterday he left with Beetee who was going back to District 3," offers Finnick.
"I wonder if he's going to stop in and see Posy. They seemed to have hit it off really well," observes Annie.
"Don't you think she's a little young?" Finnick says.
"Age doesn't matter, and she is sweet and smart. She'll just improve as she gets older," Annie rebuts.
"There is my wife. She sees the good in everyone and wants everyone to be paired up and as happy as we are." Finnick kisses Annie's temple.
Through this entire exchange, Katniss smiles a tight smile and laughs when it was appropriate but she feels an ache over her heart.
Finnick and Annie share more of their plans for the art colony. Cato discusses some of the contacts he has in the Capitol. They agree to meet for lunch in the next week.
Afterward, Katniss walks Cato back to the inn. As they make small talk, she realizes that perhaps Cato is what he seems. A nice man who can help her friends through his connections. Perhaps she should consider giving him a chance. Maybe it is time to let Peeta go.
A/N: Good news! Real life has finally decided to calm down so updates will be more frequent. In fact I'm sending my revised draft of Ch. 5 to my beta today! So look for it in the coming week. I've actually decided to focus on this fic until it's complete. I have seven chapters planned, so all things going well it should be complete in the next few weeks.
If you are interested I have two other WIPs Unto Dust, an historical AU taking place during the dust bowl, and A Dense Mask, based off the fairy tale Cap O'Rushes. Once For the Best is complete I plan to focus on both of these fics.
Thank you to pookieh for pre-reading and victorianoir for being an awesome beta.
If you'd like more information about my fanfiction please visit my tumblr: dispatchesfromdistrict7
The characters are the property of the amazing Suzanne Collins and do not belong to me. You probably also have noticed I'll occasionally weave in one of the famous lines from her novels. Those totally belong to Ms. Collins too.