Chapter Six

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Thanks to hpgirl2414, kimbaleena2002, TheSparkMellark, ALLingames, Greebsie, Haruhi-chan131, Vg (Guest), Pogobklyn, FandomsUnite98, xxxRimaxxx, Anna Sun 29, dkygirl and kiggleden98!

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Pokobklyn - Well, you aren't really anonymous, but I can't pm you so I'll just reply here xD Thanks for reading, I'm glad you like the pacing of the story and I hope you enjoy this chapter!

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"You're seeing Olivia?"

Beetee blushes furiously. "Yeah, I am," He confirms, straightening his tie.

I toss him a smile as I lean back on my couch, eyeing his fidgeting fingers and feet. I suddenly became blatantly aware of how nervous he actually was.

"Why are you so nervous? You've been on a few dates before," I commented.

Beetee sighed, tweaking his glasses back into place. "Yes, but… I've never been on a date with a lady as good looking with Olivia!" He burrowed his face into his hands and moaned, "Oh, I'm a hopeless mess… How can I even last a dinner with her?"

"Hey, Beetee? If Olivia asks why you're so nervous, you should just tell her what you told me."

Beetee squinted at me. "What? That I'm a hopeless mess? Damn, Peeta, you're a smoo-"

I rolled my eyes. "No, you should tell her that you've never been with a woman as good looking as she is. Its a compliment."

Beetee snorted. "That sentence can be taken both ways. I'm not exactly the guy that looks like he goes out with gorgeo-"

"Just say it," I interrupted flatly, "She'll take it as a compliment."

Beetee's eyes widened. "Are you sure?" He demanded. "I don't want to sound like a-"

I raised a hand up causing Beetee to silence himself. "Trust me, she'll take it as a compliment," I assured him. A sudden thought hit me. "Hang on, why are you over here?"

"Oh, you live closer to Olivia than I do. I just wanted to stop by before I went to pick her up."

"When would that be?" I queried.

Beetee twiddled his thumbs. "Seven, I've got plenty of time to kill. Besides, I wanted to ask you for some advice."

I glanced down at my watch, my eyes widening as I took in the digits. "Um, Beetee, you've got about three minutes till your deadline."

Beetee's jaw hit the ground. "What?" He whispered, his voice shaky and his whole body twitching.

"You're going to be late!" I barked, frustrated. No doubt Beetee was going to become even more nervous than he was now, just because of being late.

Beetee let out a sound that sounded much like a squeak of a mouse. "Damnit! I've spent more time here than I thought!"

"No shit," I muttered, shaking my head. However, my words did not reach Beetee's ears. The door was already slammed shut behind him. I could hear the sound of thundering footsteps growing fainter by the second.

I closed my eyes, wishing that Beetee wouldn't turn into a bumbling mess when he would meet Olivia. After a while, I decided to clear my head of all troubling thoughts. Unfortunately, that didn't work as smoothly as I hoped it would.

Katniss Everdeen.

Those two words made up a name. And that name belonged to my student.

Unexpectedly, something else popped up in my mind. It was only really wrong if I dated her now, she was my student after all. Although, when she would graduate and begin college, we could date.

Stop, I urged myself. She wouldn't want to date me in the first place. I was too old for her, right?

But then again, there was that saying… Age is just a number.

Cut it out, I scolded myself once again. I cracked my knuckles as I was reminded of how I didn't even know her. Well, I did know her, but I didn't know anything beyond what any other teachers would know. She was hardworking, that I knew. She did have trouble focusing, but she seemed to be trying to work on that now. She also wasn't very social, she did have a few close friends, but that was it.

I pursed my lips. The only thing we had in common was that we were hardworking. Other than that, she was the exact opposite that I was during my time in high school.

Getting angry with myself, I threw a punch to the arm of the couch. Why the fuck couldn't I get her out of my head?

I jumped to my feet and stomped on the ground a few times. Then, I snatched my phone from my pocket and dialed the familiar number.

It took quite a bit of time before she finally answered.

"Yes?" The voice was small, yet controlled.

"Johanna, I'm coming over. Okay?"

She was silent.

Then, "Okay."

"How the hell did you find out where I lived?"

Cato couldn't help the smirk that appeared. "Damn, Kat, if I had known that you wore tank tops and shorts outside of school, I would've shown up sooner. I've never seen you wear such a revealing outfit."

Cato felt a bit more joyful than he should've when she scowled at him, looking as if she was trying her hardest to burn holes into his forehead. "Damnit, Cato, I'm sure you've seen girls wear much more showing outfits than what I'm wearing now."

"Yes, I have. In fact, I've even seen a woman wear nothing right before me. In the flesh," He added, just for good measure.

"You pig," She spat.

"Come on, brighten up. I'm here to take you out on a date!"

Katniss facepalmed. "What the fuck."

Cato chortled at her reaction.

Then, another voice entered the conversation. Cato got chills just listening to it.

"Katniss, who is he?"

In unison, both Cato and Katniss responded, without missing a beat,

"I'm her boyfriend, little one!"

"He's a bully."

Cato suddenly got a good look at the girl. He towered over her at well over a foot. She had blonde hair and the prettiest blue eyes he'd ever seen. Her hair was in a single braid, laying over her shoulder.

This couldn't be Katniss's sister, could it?

Before Cato could voice his question, the girl spoke.

"You have a bully as your boyfriend?" She squeaked, her voice a mixture of confusion and shock. Cato could've told her how adorable she sounded, but he didn't, because what Katniss said next surprised him.

"Yeah, I like bad boys."

Cato bit back a laugh, Katniss had said her piece with sarcasm dripping off every single letter.

Unfortunately, it looked like her sister didn't get the memo. Her blue eyes widened in shock, but Katniss had turned away from her.

"Stay here, Prim, I have to go have a chat with him."

It looked like Prim didn't want to do what she was told to, but she did it anyway. She ducked her head and turned around, walking away from the two of them and deeper into the house.

Cato raised an eyebrow. "Could it be? Could that little angel happen to be the sister of the demon before me?" Cato mocked stupefied horror.

In response, Katniss smacked his chest and then…

Was she… Feeling him up?

What the fu-!

"You twisted my nipple!" Cato roared, feeling a searing pain.

"You invaded my privacy!" Katniss snapped, livid. Her eyes were like sharpened knives - Threatening.

"That doesn't mean you get to hurt me!"

"It does in my book, fatass!"

Cato blinked, abandoning the idea of continuing this shouting match with her. He had a much better idea. "I am not fat," He said quietly, looking down. He quickly rushed on, sensing that Katniss was going to speak again, or rather, yell.

He lifted up his shirt, staring Katniss dead in the eye. "Do you call this fat?"

It didn't help Katniss that she was only as tall as the middle of his chest. She got an up close view. Cato watched, entertained, as her face quickly colored.

"Ca-Cato!"

Too bad Cato's idea of sending her into a stunned silence where she could finally appreciate how good looking he was backfired. Katniss wasn't having any of this crap.

"You twisted my nipple again! What the fuck is wrong with you?! Is it your job to twist people's nipples?"

"What is wrong with me?! What's wrong with you, for god's sake! Nobody goes up to someone's place uninvited and lifts up their shirt!"

"You asked for it! You called me a fatass!"

"You may not be a fatass, but you're a-"

The door swung open again and Prim stood there in the doorway. Both of the teenagers stopped in their quibbling, completely shell shocked when Prim threw herself at Cato.

And they continued to stand there in astonishment as Prim threw punches that looked as if they couldn't even hurt a fly at Cato.

"Go away! You're making my sister angry!" Prim cried out, her eyes narrowing. It was too bad that her voice sounded as timid as her punches looked.

Cato came back to his senses. He grabbed the little girl's wrists and held them away from him in a tight grip. He felt immediately guilty as the girl let out a whimper and squirmed. He released her instantly.

"Sorry, didn't mean to do that," Cato grumbled.

Prim stared up at him, her eyes widening. Her expression was so open. Cato felt a sudden warmth spread through him. He'd never seen such innocence in anybody before.

"You're bad for my sister, I don't think the two of you should be together anymore," Prim whispered, her face becoming a deathly pale.

A feeling Cato couldn't describe came over him. He'd always relished his height and build. He loved that he was the tallest in their school, he could look down on everyone. He felt like a god. He felt invincible, powerful, especially with his bulging muscles. The fact that he was also good looking only stroked his ego. He could have any girl he wanted if he put the effort to it, that's what he believed at least. He could have his fun, and even though it would always hurt that other person, he didn't care, because he'd got what he wanted. Why waste that feeling?

Now, he felt like a big oaf and a monster.

He was scaring this girl.

"I'm sorry," Cato stammered, already backing away. Katniss's expression was unreadable as she watched him go. Cato realized with another pang that Prim was hiding behind her.

He turned away, feeling sick to his stomach.

Prim stared blankly at the retreating figure of a giant. After she felt like she'd seen enough of it, she glanced up at her sister and was surprised to see that her sister was looking after him with an expression of... Concern?

She poked Katniss in the side gently, shyly. She felt embarrassed, loosing her cool like that. She couldn't help herself, though, she didn't like hearing the two of them arguing.

Katniss spoke, but it wasn't the words that Prim wanted to hear, "You didn't have to do that, Prim."

Prim's eyes widened, and she felt bile rising up in the back of her throat. She thought that her sister would be grateful towards her, after all, Prim had made the big bully leave. With a jolt, Prim remembered that that big bully was Katniss's boyfriend.

"I thought you didn't like anyone," Prim mumbled, letting her feet move her away from Katniss. "Doesn't that mean you shouldn't have a boyfriend?"

Katniss let out a dry laugh, and Prim didn't like the sound of it. She winced, feeling a bit hurt. "I was being sarcastic."

"Oh, well, I didn't know that," Prim shot back, barely able to stop the bitterness from appearing in her voice. She scowled darkly at the ground, she shouldn't be letting her frustration getting the better of her. She vanquished the scowl and looked back at her sister to see her reaction.

Katniss sighed, her eyes still darting around, seemingly searching for answers she couldn't find.

"He's kind of a jerk," Katniss murmured, shutting her eyes.

Prim wanted to scream. Did Katniss like that big bully? Her sister deserved so much better. Why couldn't Katniss see that?

"Well, he's actually much more than a jerk. He's pretty much of an-" Katniss's eyes flickered open, and Prim was relieved to see some other emotion in her eyes. "Sorry, I was forgetting the no swearing rule."

Prim cracked a smile. "I've heard cuss words before. Rather recently, to be honest."

Katniss grimaced. "I'm sorry about that, Prim."

Prim couldn't help but giggle at her sister.

"I don't think I'm the only one that heard your exchange either."

Katniss fidgeted nervously. "Darn, I didn't mean to give half our neighbors a free ticket to a shouting match."

"Are you his friend?" Prim blurted out, unable to keep her curiosity suppressed anymore. She wasn't sure she'd like to hear the answer to that question.

Katniss licked her lips nervously. "Shall we go inside and talk? It would be much more comfortable. I'll make you a cup of tea if you want."

Prim shifted her weight to her other foot and began making her way back inside. "Okay," She called over her shoulder.

Marvel stared at his friend who was standing in the doorway, leaning his head downwards and buckling his knees so he could actually fit.

"Um, hey, man… What are you doing here at this time? My parents aren't here so we could steal some of my dad's be-"

"It's only eight," Cato interrupted, looking as if he had not heard what Marvel's second sentence was.

Marvel pursed his lips. Something was up with Cato.

"Want to come in?"

In answer to his offer, Cato stepped inside and made his way to the living room. Marvel trailed after him, shutting the door that Cato forgot to close. The two guys sat down in the armchairs that were facing each other.

"So, what's going on?"

"I got the money."

Marvel quirked an eyebrow. "What are you talking about?"

"The money for the bet. It's off."

"What? The whole thing? Bragging rights and everything? What, come on, you afraid of breaking Katniss's heart now? Are you two actually friends? That's fucked up. Come on, you can't just skip out on a bet like this, especially one this big. Besides-"

"I said the bet is off!" Cato spat, his eyes sparking with sudden anger.

Marvel flinched. He couldn't help but feel a bit nervous now. Cato was angry… No, he only seemed angry just now… When he'd come to the door, though, there was some other emotion in him. It was like he… He was admitting defeat.

Cato was actually surrendering.

Marvel had never thought he would've lived to see this day.

"You like her, don't you? Is that why you won't go through with the bet?" Marvel prodded through his words cautiously, intimidated by Cato's demeanor.

Cato shoved his hand into his back pocket, and pulled out a wad of cash. He chucked it at Marvel. "The bet's off, here's the cash." Cato stood up, his shoulders hunched. "And no, I don't like her in that way. I'm leaving-"

"If you don't like her that way, then why are you quitting?"

"Marvel, stop asking so much questions. Shut up, I'm going."

Marvel leapt onto his feet and snatched the sleeve of Cato's shirt.

"Dude, talk to me."

Cato sneered, spinning round to glare down at his friend. Marvel gulped.

"You want me to talk, huh? Fine, then, I'll take up that offer. I met Katniss's sister today."

"Wow, I didn't know she had a sister. Is she hot?" Marvel asked bluntly.

Cato slapped his friend. "Dude, shut the fuck up. She looks like she's only like thirteen or something."

"You like her?"

Cato flushed darkly. "Fuck no, its just… Well, she's so innocent and I… I realized how much of a jerk I've been and-"

"You just realized that?" Marvel said flatly.

Cato scowled. "You're not that much better than me."

"Guess not, but at least I realized that I was a jerk."

"I want to change. I mean, the girl got angry at me, but then… I think I kinda held her too tight and now I'm thinking-"

"That's a first," Marvel quipped.

Cato glowered darkly at him and Marvel shut up.

"Don't you dare interrupt me."

Marvel nodded, fighting the temptation to roll his eyes.

Cato seemed satisfied and continued on, "I don't know how to explain this… I was scaring her, a lot. I could tell that much, and when I realized that I felt disgusted with myself. She's so young and she looked so afraid and…" Cato took a deep breath and gazed down at Marvel, his eyes emotionless. "Am I a monster?"

Marvel flinched at the question, not really knowing why.

"No, you're not. You're an ass, that's for sure, but you aren't anything like a monster."

"I've hurt so many people, though," Cato countered, glumly letting his shoulders sag down.

Marvel shrugged. "So have I."

"Its different though, you have a conscience."

Marvel rolled his eyes. "Cato, listen to me, I'm telling this to you straight, alright? No matter how many people you've hurt, you're still a good guy underneath. I know that because you've been my friend through thick and thin."

Cato pursed his lips, and Marvel was shocked to see that there was actually regret in his eyes.

"Right, okay," Cato muttered, and Marvel discovered with a pang that Cato didn't believe a word of what Marvel had said. Marvel wanted to call out to him once again, but Cato strode right past him. Marvel glanced back to see Cato exiting his house.

The door shut behind him with a quiet click.

The next day, I awoke in Johanna's bed. It took a few minutes for everything that happened last night to come back to me. As I sat up, I was happy to see that the room hadn't really changed since I had left. Other than the new desk in the corner, the room was still the same. I laid back down, happy with the feeling of familiarity.

I glanced at the sleeping woman beside me. Johanna's hair was a mess, but she still managed to look good. She breathed in and out and I was hit the feeling of nostalgia. I realized that I missed the way she would do that in her sleep. She'd inhale, then let it out with a little puff. I thought that it was absolutely adorable. Sometimes, when we were dating, and we'd be tired after a long day, I would always wait for her to sleep first, just so I could hear that little sound. Then, I'd close my eyes with a smile and drift off to sleep.

I realized that I was actually smiling at the memory. I gazed at Johanna. I could tell when I had first saw her last night that she hadn't seen anyone after me. It gave me a sense of belonging. I felt safe.

This wasn't dangerous or uncertain like a student and teacher relationshi-

I stiffened.

I came here as an escape. I came here for familiarity. I came to Johanna like a little puppy, willing to lose once just to stop thinking of Katniss.

Rather stupidly, I realized there was no escape. Katniss Everdeen would always be in my thoughts, at least, until I came to some sort of closure.

What did I feel towards her? I leaned back against the headboard and scowled at the wall. I was attracted to her, I knew that much. If I saw her outside of class with her friends and she would smile, I'd get a weird tingling feeling. That feeling also happened if she happened to walk past me, or if she even looked at me. Fuck, and when she even bothered talking to me I would feel as if I would combust from joy.

I was hopeless. I was right beside a gorgeous woman, but... I still couldn't stop thinking of her. Was the explanation love? Did I love Katniss?

No, I told myself, of course I didn't. Maybe this was just a crush. I pursed my lips, sick of this feeling inside of me. When would it go away?

I turned to look back at Johanna, who was still asleep and still inhaling and exhaling in that cute way of hers. This was safe, right?

At least, it would be safe until the game started up again. I wondered who was going to break first this time.

A dangerous idea hit me. Was this love? Did this thing between Johanna and I even count as love? Was it the reason why we always kept coming back to each other?

I sighed, coming to a conclusion. I felt safe, right now, right beside her. This feeling wasn't going to last long, but I vowed to myself that I wouldn't be the one leaving this 'relationship'. I needed this distraction.

Author's Note: How'd you like this chapter? I hope it didn't disappoint! Cato finds out a different side of himself, Katniss starts to feel some sort of twisted friendship feeling vibe from him, and Peeta has ran back to Johanna! Darn!

Lol, I'm never doing summaries again. I'm horrible at it.

So - please follow this story if you'd like to read more, favorite this story if you'd like to, and review if you want to tell me how I'm doing or if you have any ideas of what you'd want to read about in the next chapter!

Take care till next time :)