The past is a tricky thing. Sometimes it's etched in stone. And other times, it's rendered in soft memories. But if you meddle too long in deep, dark things, who knows what monsters you'll awaken?
It's been almost a week since Peeta broke down in the forest. After they stayed the night in the forest, Cato never left Peeta's side and tried to be with him as much as possible.
Cato's appearance helped Peeta to keep himself away from getting pulled down by the past memories and instead stay focused on the present. With Cato, Peeta could shove the dark thoughts off; he was able to completely forget about the cruel past that caught up with him. In fact, Cato was Peeta's personal kind of therapy; his mood got better by each day he could spend together with his boyfriend.
As Cato's parents were still on several business trips, he had the whole house to himself, therefore Peeta was able to come and go whenever he wanted. Also, it was free to Peeta whether he wanted to sleep at home or at Cato's.
Yesterday was one of those days where neither of them could let go off the other thus Peeta stayed the night at Cato's house.
Today was Friday and Gale would throw a party at his house tonight at which Peeta was invited as well. Gale and Finnick were best friends which meant that Finnick would be there too, making Peeta's plan of trying to avoid him not easy.
Since it was revealed what happened in the past between Finnick and Cato, Peeta promised to part with his boyfriend's side. Although to not give Cato the feeling of being betrayed, Peeta didn't want Cato to be in the knowledge of his boyfriend having contact with his rival. Peeta didn't want to lie to Cato as well, so eventually Peeta decided to skip the friendship with Odair.
Very to his miss favor Peeta doubted that Gale would ever allow him to bring Cato to the party so after all Peeta had to make up a plan what to do when he'd come across the muscular bronze haired swimmer.
"Wake up, sleepyhead." A gentle voice said, clearly obvious who it belonged.
With a soft morning-groan, Peeta stretched out his body as he thrust out his toes and flighty opened his eyes. Blended by the light, he yawned widely and at the same time rubbed the sleep out of his eyes.
"How-uuaaaghhh- ...late is it?" Peeta asked with another big yawn.
Cato smiled. "It's almost eight, pup. We'll be late for school if you don't get out of the bed now." He stopped what he was about to do and climbed carefully onto the bed towards Peeta, smiling cockily. He lifted his boyfriend's chin and leaned down to give the smaller blonde a tender kiss on his lips.
"-But I don't wanna get up." Peeta broke the kiss and leaned back down on the sheets and rolled his eyes.
Cato smiled amused to himself which Peeta took notice of.
"What?" He asked desperately.
"Nothing, you just look really cute this way when your hair is a total mess in the morning." Cato said "...And hot." He grinned and Peeta blushed slightly.
"Don't be so shy, you are." Cato teased and sucked gently on Peeta's collarbone.
"Nughh- Whatever, we need to get dressed for school. I'll take a quick shower." Peeta replied and jumped out of the bed, leaving a dumbfounded Cato behind.
"You really know how to ruin a moment." Cato uttered.
"Maybe now is just not the right time to leave out one of you sexual frustrations on me." Peeta answered smiling, he self was pretty amused by his comeback.
"Oh, don't act like you're not as sexually frustrated as I am." Cato climbed out of the bed and grabbed Peeta by his waist.
"Oh my god, I'll be taking a shower before this escalates too quickly." Peeta said, storming off in direction bathroom.
"Good idea, I will join ya!" Cato called after his boyfriend.
"Skip it!" Peeta called back, before Cato could hear a bathroom door being closed and locked.
"Spoilsport." Cato grinned and went back to dressing himself up.
An half hour later the boys left Cato's house and Peeta glanced over to the bus stop which was at the end of the street on the opposite site. Soon he noticed no one was standing there.
"Damn, we must have missed the bus!" Peeta said. "Dammit!" He shrieked.
"It's fine Peeta, calm down." Cato snickered.
"Seriously? For a matter of fact, I definitely do NOT want to be too late to school." Peeta argued.
"Well, we won't." Cato simply said.
"Not the right time for your sarcasm Cato!" Peeta whined, scratching his forehead in a thoughtful matter.
"Relax you wandering bundle of nerves." Cato chuckled and received a stern look from Peeta. "I'm serious; we'll just take the car." Cato said.
"You have a car? You can drive?" Peeta questioned, totally surprised.
"Yeah, I just don't use the car very often." Cato explained.
"Ohh. I didn't know you had one...that's awesome though." Peeta replied.
"Yup. Now let's hurry, we don't wanna be late, right?"
"Right." Peeta smiled.
They walked to the garage which door Cato opened nonchalantly. The gate went up and a few cars – expensive cars as Peeta could recognize – showed up.
"Mine's right here at the front" Cato said and opened the car's doors with the automatic car keys.
Of course. A black sports car, how could it be any different?, Peeta thought and smiled to himself.
"Hop in! What are you waiting for?" Cato gestured with his hand to follow him into the car.
Both strapped, Cato put in the car keys and started the motor before he drove out off the gateway.
Occasionally during long straight stretches Cato used to speed up his tempo a lot, making Peeta feel slightly unwell by the quick pace. He didn't say anything because he didn't want to annoy Cato. Somehow though Cato seemed to take notice of Peeta's nervous tension as he slowed down the pace and laid his free hand on Peeta's left knee in an attempt to soothe him. Peeta felt kind of embarrassed that Cato could read him so easily but deep inside him he appreciated Cato's behavior.
A few minutes later they arrived at Silver Lake High and the car pulled up at the school's entrance. The schoolyard was completely empty, everyone went to classes already. Cato and Peeta got out of the car, locked the doors and stormed off to the school's entrance.
"Cato as if we wouldn't be too late!" Peeta exclaimed in a hurry.
"Well, only a few minutes though." Cato justified himself while he tried to come after Peeta whose short legs took him surprisingly quick as Cato thought.
Before walking inside, they stopped in front of the door.
"Huh- we did it." Peeta called out as he regained his breath.
"Yeah, finally." Cato smiled, his eyes shining brightly at Peeta.
Cato leaned in closer to Peeta. He quickly looked around, checking if really no one was around that could see them.
"C-Cato." Peeta whispered. "…not here, somebody could see-"
"Shhhhh." Cato interrupted him. "Come here." He hummed and pressed his lips down on Peeta's. Reluctantly they separated from each other but they couldn't afford to be even later then they already were.
Cato opened the school doors and let Peeta inside before he followed him into the entrance hall.
"See you later at the break." The baker boy said smiling.
"See ya." Cato winked at Peeta who went off to the stairs on the left.
Finally the school bell rang. Mrs. Coin almost gave Peeta detention for being too late but since several students weren't punctual this day, she decided to give the whole class a huge lecture on manners and of course also extra homework.
Peeta chatted along with Madge while they walked into the cafeteria to head to their group table. On their way, Peeta saw Clove and Cato standing at the water dispenser, they seemed to be talking about some funny things as both laughed heavily. For a specific matter of fact it made Peeta happy seeing Cato happy.
"Peeta, can you come for a second?" Cato asked as Peeta and Madge walked past them.
"Sure." Peeta replied. "I'll be right with you." Peeta said to Madge who nodded friendly before she moved on to the table.
"Hey-ho Peeta." Clove greeted.
"Hey Clove." He smiled.
"Was everything alright because of the little lateness?" Cato asked.
"Actually not really. A few more students were late and Mrs. Coin gave the whole class special homework."
"Ugh, I hate that bitch." Clove said, rolling her eyes.
Peeta snickered. "Same." He stated.
"What, really? That's too bad. It was all alright for me though. No detention, no nothing." Cato answered.
"You're serious? That's so unfair!" Peeta uttered.
"Well what can I say, Mrs. Trinket really seems to like me."
"She doesn't like you, she just has an eye for your muscles. The pink sugar ball just didn't quite get that you're obviously not interested in girls right now. Especially not girls of her age." Clove whispered the last sentence. "Same for Glimmer though actually. I think she just wants to get in your pants Cato." Clove chuckled.
"God Clove, Glimmer is just being friendly as always. Also, she's Marvel's girlfriend!" Cato explained.
"Yeah, sure. Glimmer had always have a crush on you, don't deny that Cato." She groaned. "Can't stand that bitch lately. You, Peeta?"
"Ooh… well um I don't really know her so well… I um guess her mood can be a little tipsy sometimes?" Peeta awkwardly said.
"A little tipsy? She's like the fakest 'look-at-me-I'm-sweet-and-stupid' bitch on this school. Dumb is never cute! I don't even know why I hang out with her?" Clove questioned herself.
"Because we're actually supposed to be friends with her." Cato laughed.
"You got a point there mister." Clove chuckled and Peeta snickered as well.
"I'll be at my table then." Peeta said.
"Okay, I'll meet you latest after school." Cato looked in Peeta's eyes.
"Yeah." Peeta smiled.
"God you two are disgustingly cute together. Make it stop." Clove spoke before she walked off to their table.
Both Peeta and Cato laughed. "I better go after her." Cato smiled. "Bye."
"Bye." Peeta responded and turned around to aim to his own group table.
"Hi Peeta!" Katniss shrieked and stood up from her seat to enclose him in a hug.
"Hey Kat." He said and sat next to her.
"Peeta you're hanging out a lot with Cato lately. I didn't realize you were on such a good level with him and his folks. Honestly, I doubt they are the right contact for you." Gale said bluntly.
"C'mon Gale, I'm sure Peeta can decide for himself who he wants to hang out with." Katniss protected him.
"But Kat, the last time Peeta came across this Cato-jerk, he landed on the cafeteria's floor." Finnick added while he looked straight at Peeta.
"I don't believe that's any of your business, Finnick. It's long ago since that happened so why do you care? I definitely don't!" Peeta stated annoyed, surprised by his own sudden reaction.
Finnick just smiled amused and Gale went back to his lunch.
What was that. Peeta was definitely confused. Finnick knew that Peeta and Cato are a thing – first why did he act like he didn't know and secondly why did he tell no one about it, not even Gale? Weren't they best friends? Not that Peeta didn't appreciate it but it left him perplexed nonetheless.
"He's right! Let him alone…both of you." Katniss said distinctly. "Anyway, what are the plans for the party tonight, Gale?"
"Well Catnip, lots of alcohol, dancing, sweating, loud music and…" Gale stopped and watched around carefully before he turned back to the table "…joints." He smirked.
"Drugs?" Madge broke out. "Gale, are you stupid? You totally shouldn't support drugs."
"Calm down Madge. Just a few joints…and well tiny bit cocaine." Gale admitted.
"Cocaine?!" Madge whispered aggressively. "I'm so not going to snort this brainfucking shit." She announced.
"Madge for once in a lifetime will you ever free yourself?" Finnick groaned theatrically.
She rolled her eyes but Gale, Finnick and a few others on the table found it hilariously funny.
Even Katniss had a small smile on her face but she'd never fall into her bestie's break.
"She's right though." Katniss agreed. "Finnick you're already super hyperactive in your normal state. I really don't want to get in touch with you while on drugs." Katniss snickered and Madge and also Peeta couldn't hold back a laugh.
"Funny, hm Peeta?" Finnick starred at him. "I really wanna see you reacting on drugs."
"Hell no I won't do drugs, Finnick. Just as I'll never smoke or do pot." Peeta exclaimed.
"Of course you won't." Finnick said sarcastically.
"Yeah, I won't!"
"We'll see."
What the heck, why was Finnick so weird and insistent about this? Peeta looked at Katniss who gut just a confused expression as he had.
"Anyways Finnick, I hope you'll meet someone at the party to finally get rid of all the testosterone you've got going on at the moment."
"Ha-ha, good one, Gale." Finnick clapped quietly. "Still I hope there'll be some hot dudes and chicks on your party tonight." He grinned.
It was new to Peeta that Finnick was bisexual but in the end it didn't surprise him. He'd probably lay an eye on everything "eatable."
"You will have to find out yourself tonight." Gale chuckled.
"Finnick your thirst is real." Katniss stuck her tongue out at him who grinned satisfied.
"What can I say? I love all kind of butts." Finnick smirked.
"Ookayy… so Peeta, you'll come too, right?" Gale asked.
"Yeah I think so." Peeta agreed.
"Great."
Then the school bell rang, they said bye to each other and went on to their next classes.
The school day went by quickly and Peeta's last class, which was PE, just ended. While most of the students left the showers already, Finnick and Peeta were the last ones left in the locker room.
Peeta was getting dressed while Finnick was putting on his pants on the opposite bench.
"Wanna know why I didn't tell anyone?" Finnick broke the silence.
"Wha-what?" Peeta asked dumbfounded. Why did Finnick have to talk with him now? He was almost finished.
"I'm sure you asked yourself why I didn't tell anyone about you and Cato… and not even Gale."
"Kinda." Peeta admitted now fully dressed.
"Well, because I simply don't think you two will stay together for a long time, Peeta. Cato isn't the loyal kind of relationship person, you know?."
"Oh shut up Finnick. You're not the innocent one here. Please just care about your own stuff."
"Oh and also I didn't tell anyone because…" Finnick stepped closer to Peeta, his voice got quieter. "…I think my chances on you aren't that bad." He smiled.
"Finnick, get the fuck off!" Peeta pushed him aside.
The bronze haired boy grinned. "How many people know that you're gay, Peeta?"
"I don't think that's any of your business." In fact only Peeta's dad, Katniss, Finnick and obviously Cato and Clove knew about Peeta's secret.
"You know, if you'll act nice and follow my orders then your preferences will remain secret." Finnick explained, a devilish smirk on his face.
Peeta turned around to look at Finnick, he couldn't believe what he just heard. "What? Are you serious? Finnick, you're sick! I won't spend another goddamn second with you in here." Peeta replied angrily as he stormed out of the locker room.
In a steady pace, Peeta walked over the schoolyard and tried to find either Katniss or Gale. He had a question left.
Suddenly someone grabbed him by his arm and stopped him in his steps.
"WHAT?" Peeta asked aggressively, expecting Finnick to amplify his recent statement..
"Uh oh… Peeta? Are you upset?" Cato asked.
"Oh Cato it's you…No, it's nothing, I'm fine." Peeta breathed out relieved. Besides thinking that Finnick was totally out of mind, he actually felt scared of him by a tiny bit. Would he really expose Peeta if he didn't obey?
"You seem pretty tensed. Are you sure everything's alright?" Cato insisted.
"YES, Cato. Goddamit, yes. I'm fine." Peeta stroked his forehead.
"Woah. Okay, I didn't know I was unwanted." Cato said and was just about to leave before Peeta suddenly grabbed the taller blonde by his arm.
"Cato, please just come to Gale's party with me tonight." Peeta burst out. "I don't want to be all alone. Really, I'm sorry; I'm just a bit stressed at the moment." Peeta wished he could tell Cato about Finnick but he didn't want to encourage their rivalry.
"Peeta I don't know… I really would like to accompany you but I doubt Gale would even let me in there. I mean, I'm not even invited." Cato explained.
"Cato, please. Just come with me. I'll make sure Gale's fine with it. Pleeease Cato!" Peeta almost whined.
Cato groaned. "Okay Peeta, don't worry. I'll come." He caressed Peeta's cheek with his thumb. "How could I deny those baby blue eyes of yours?" He admitted.
Peeta's eyes lit up. "Cato, you're the best! Thank you. You can't tell how relieved I am. Thanks!" Indeed, Peeta was happy that now he wouldn't be completely at Finnick's mercy.
"It's fine Peeta, you owe me some kisses for that later though" Cato stroked Peeta's hand.
"Of course." Peeta smiled and blushed a little as he returned the pressure on his hand.
"I'll call you later then." Cato winked at Peeta.
"Call you." Peeta smiled again and made his way down the schoolyard.
As he was about to make his way home Katniss messaged him to wait for her at the school entry.
Two minutes later the girl with the braid arrived.
"Hey Peeta, thanks for waiting. I was talking with Gale about a few things for the party." She explained.
"No problem of course. Just by the way, are you and Gale like a thing now?" He asked as they started to go on their way home.
Katniss smiled. "Well, we're not officially together but I feel like we are kind of a thing. I mean we kissed twice and text each other all the time."
"Katniss why didn't you tell me!? I'm so happy for you."
"Well, you know I didn't want to make a fuss about nothing. I am not really sure as what Gale thinks of us." She admitted sadly:
"Oh I understand. That's bad, I think you should ask him then, Katniss."
"True but I'm scared he doesn't want me to be his girlfriend."
"Oh Kat, I'm sure he does! Did you ever notice the way he looks at you? He even calls you Catnip with is like the cutest thing ever."
"Maybe you're right." She smiled gratefully. "I never took it that way; maybe I'll just ask him what he thinks we are."
"Of course I'm right." Peeta confirmed. "I've got a question Katniss. Do you think you could convince Gale to let me bring Cato to the party? I'd really love to go with him together."
"I don't know, Gale is very close with Finnick and they really stand by each other. You know about Finnick's and Cato's rivalry. I really like Cato but I have no idea if Gale agrees with me. I will ask him definitely but I can't promise anything." She said.
"Thanks, Katniss, that's all I want! And who knows, maybe you can influence him more than you think." Peeta winked playfully and Katniss chuckled.
"There's my house. We will see each other at the party right?" Katniss asked.
"Yes right, I will meet you there unless when Cato is allowed to come, then he can drive with his car and we can pick you up."
"Oh that's awesome! Bye then Peeta, will see you later." She turned around and walked towards her house.
"Bye Katniss, I will text you!" He called after her and continued his way home.
Two minutes later Peeta arrived at home, he opened the door with his keys and stepped inside.
"Hey dad, I'm home!"
"Oh, Hi Peeta! You're home already?" Mr. Mellark called out of the kitchen. "I just finished dinner."
"I'm coming." Peeta said as he walked into the kitchen.
"How was school?" His father asked.
"Fine. It was fine, nothing special."
"Any plans for today?" Peeta's dad asked as he divided the pasta on two plates.
"Yeah, I'm going to a friend's party tonight, his name is Gale Hawthorne. He's almost Katniss' boyfriend." Peeta smirked.
"Oh, okay. Have fun then! You know, don't drink too much and don't do drugs."
"Dad I won't. Plus I never did drugs before so why should I start now?"
"Yea yea, right. I just want to make sure you go safe. By that being said, make sure no one puts anything in your drinks and well if you want to be intimate with another person, well in this case Cato, always use a-"
"DAD! It's alright – please not another safe-sex talk, we had that already."
"O-okay, right, I am sorry, Peeta. Well, sometimes I forget how grown up you already are." His father smiled.
A moment of silence occurred and Peeta's smile faded into a thoughtful sad expression.
"I think a lot about them, dad." Peeta almost whispered. "And I miss them."
Peeta's father grabbed his son's hand. "Me too, Peet, me too. But we need to move on."
"I know… but sometimes I just can't help it." Peeta breathed in and his eyes got glassy. "They…died too soon." A tear fell down his right cheek.
"Oh Peeta." His dad leaned in to embrace his son in a deep hug, holding him protectively.
"I feel your pain. So often I dream about them, I imagine they live with us here as a happy family: Lucas playing on his game boy, humbling his favorite melody and your mom sitting delightful in the kitchen with her golden locks falling down her graceful back while she's creating one of her beautiful drawings. But… then I wake up… and notice it was all dream."
"Dad. I have those dreams too." Peeta said and hugged his father even tighter. A few minutes later they freed themselves from the hug.
Mr. Mellark smiled at his son and Peeta returned a weak smile.
"Thanks for lunch, dad. I… should take a shower now." Peeta stood up from the table. "It was nice to talk about this with you." He said before he went upstairs and walked into the bathroom.
Soon it was seven in the evening and the party would begin in one hour. A few minutes ago Peeta got a text message by Katniss, saying that Cato would be allowed to come to the party. Katniss wrote it wasn't easy to persuade Gale but in the end a kiss could convince him.
Katniss really is a friend, Peeta thought smiling.
– Cato u r officially invited now. ;) x –
Peeta pressed 'send' and walked into his room to pick out his outfit. A few seconds later his phone already vibrated.
– Great Peet. Will pick you up with my car. – Cato sent.
Peeta typed another message.
– Can we pick up Katniss too? Told her we'll come past her house. –
Soon another reply came.
– 4 Sure, See ya. –
Peeta read the message and switched off his phone before he stuffed it into his pocket. He stood in front of his closet and chose out a white t-shirt and a denim blue casual shirt. Afterwards he walked back into the bathroom and styled his shiny blonde hair which he styled casually to the side.
Another half hour passed until Cato's car pulled up in the entrance. The door bell rang and Peeta walked downstairs to open the door.
"Hey baby." Cato said while he stepped inside. As soon as the door was shut he grabbed Peeta by his waist and kissed him gently on his lips.
"Hey." Peeta replied as they broke the kiss.
"Good evening Cato." Peeta's father coughed from behind.
"Oh, good evening Mr. Mellark." Cato responded awkwardly as he watched over Peeta's shoulder. He felt a bit as if he got caught doing something inadequate. But in the end it was Peeta's father and he saw him kissing his son already…well on his cheek.
"Um, how are you Mr. Mellark?" Cato tried to break the awkwardness.
"I'm good, thanks. Hope you're too?"
"Yeah… everything's alright." Cato smiled.
"Nice to hear that. Peeta, when will you be home?"
"Oh, I don't know, I guess something around midnight, might be earlier." Peeta replied.
"Good. Enjoy yourselves. And come home safe." Peeta's dad winked.
"Don't worry Mr. Mellark, I'll take good care of Peeta." Cato said with a smile.
"I hope so." Mr. Mellark laughed and Peeta rolled his eyes.
"Okay, let's go, we still have to get Katniss." Peeta uttered.
"Right let's go. Bye, Mr. Mellark."
"Bye, dad."
"Have fun boys, bye!" Peeta's father exclaimed as he shut the door behind them.
Inside the car, Cato kissed Peeta another time.
"What was that for?" Peeta asked with a smile on his face.
"I just think you're beautiful." Cato whispered.
Peeta's smile widened before he leaned in to kiss Cato again. Cato put his right hand behind Peeta's neck to deepen the kiss while Peeta's hands were stuck on Cato's chest and cheek. This time their kiss was longer and more passionate.
"Okay. We should drive now." Peeta finally broke the kiss and both strapped themselves.
"Your wish is my command." Cato said and smiled playfully while he started the engine.
A couple of minutes later they arrived at Katniss' house. She already stood outside, waiting for the both of them.
Peeta waved at her through the window to get in.
"Hey guys." Katniss said as she stepped into the care.
"Hey, Katniss." Both boys said.
"Cato, thank you for picking us up that's really kind." Katniss added.
"No problem at all. Thank you for convincing Gale to let me join the party." Cato answered.
"Oh it was my pleasure. You're my Peeta's boyfriend, how couldn't I?" She laughed and Cato smiled as well.
"That's right." He said and rested his hand on Peeta's thigh which Peeta noticed to like a lot. It gave him a secure and comfortable feeling.
Soon they arrived at Gale's house – the music was already audible inside the car. Cato parked in front of the house and Peeta and Katniss got off the car. Peeta noticed that his boyfriend stayed inside, so he opened the car's door, giving Cato a questioning look.
"Is everything alright?" He asked.
"Yeah…well no. I forgot to close the windows in the kitchen. Someone could break in through the opened windows." He groaned annoyed. "My parents would kill me if anything was stolen. They always advise me to lock and close everything." Cato explained.
"Ohhh... we can drive back to your house and close the windows if you want? I'll come with you." Peeta suggested.
"No, no – it's fine. Stay here with Katniss, I'll do it on my own." Cato replied.
"But Cato really it wouldn't be fair if-"
"Hey Peet, it's fine. Really. Promise, I will be back super soon. You guys go get some drinks and I will be back in about thirty minutes." Cato said.
"Are you sure about it?" Katniss threw in. "We really can go with you." She added.
"Yes, I'm sure. Still, I am only here for Peeta. It's not that I'd miss anything with the many friends I got here anyway." Cato chuckled.
"True." Peeta and Katniss laughed.
"Hurry up mister. I'll wait for you." Peeta smiled and received a peck on his cheek when no one besides Katniss was looking.
"I'll be quick." Cato winked and closed the car's door. He started the engine again and Katniss and Peeta saw the car driving off into the darkness.
"Okay, let's go." Katniss told to Peeta as they made their way to the house.
Some people were surrounded outside with beer cups in their hands while smoking cigarettes and other things which Peeta assumed to be some weird king of drugs. Peeta didn't know most of the teenager but he recognized Clove among them who uttered a dazed 'hello' towards the two when they walked to the house's door.
Now and then they stumbled over empty beer cans or stepped on tiny transparent plastic bags and small cigarette end that could only be joints. Some of the teenagers already were extremely high.
The door was open so Peeta and Katniss just walked inside. Gale stood at the end of the entrance corridor and turned around when he noticed someone coming inside.
"Oh, hey guys!" Gale welcomed them while he hugged Katniss and afterwards clapped on Peeta's shoulder.
"Gale, I appreciate you let Cato come as well. Thanks. " Peeta said.
"Yeah whatever. It's okay, P. Where is he though?"
"He'll come in a bit." Peeta replied.
"Fine. Get yourself something to drink, would you mind if I show Catnip something upstairs?" Gale asked.
"Oh um no. Of course not." Peeta said.
"Can't Peeta just come with us?" Katniss asked.
"No Kat, it's fine. Cato will be here in a few minutes anyway." Peeta argued.
"Oh.. okay. We'll be right back." Katniss smiled appreciatively.
Gale nodded, he starred into Katniss' eyes as he grabbed her hand and led her up the stairs.
"Well then… let's get something to drink." Peeta mumbled to himself.
Peeta thought the music that was sounding loudly in the house was extremely gross. It was one of these trashy chart mainstream songs that play non-stop on the radio for at least half a year. If they'd be playing some Gaga or Beyoncé that would be really something – but nope, the mainstreamers always preferred dull chart hits.
Peeta came across a big doorframe and walked into the kitchen. He looked at the different alcoholic drinks that were placed all around the kitchen-bar. Nothing was very appealing to him. He then stepped to the fridge, opened the door and only found some light beer. Not really amused, Peeta closed the door of the refrigerator while he noticed that a specific person's silhouette made its way into the kitchen.
"Hey, I've still got some fruit punch, wanna have it?" A voice asked casually with a special playful tone that could only belong to one person.
Peeta turned around to the familiar voice. Of course it was no one else than Finnick.
"It had been emptied in the first few minutes; the people here are really thirsty."
"Finnick, what the hell do you want? I think I made a clear point that I'm not going to playing a role in your game." Peeta exclaimed sternly with a sharp tone in his voice.
"Peeta listen. I know I've been a jerk – a huge huge jerk and a total dickhead and I should never have said that. It was so disrespectful and ruthless…I know that was wrong." Finnick looked to the floor as if he felt guilty.
"What. Do. You. Want." Peeta said penetrably. .
"I want to apologize. See, I just want to be friends with you. I know it's been a little complicated because of your relationship with Cato but I would never want to bring you two apart. I know the things I said in the locker room were fucked up. I just felt really attracted to you this morning and my brain kind of switched off. I don't know what I was thinking but Peeta, I wish you all the best with Cato and your secret of course remains a secret." Finnick explained while he fiddled with his fingers.
"Finnick…I'm clueless. I was really shocked this morning. I always thought you were one of the good guys. I mean, you are the flirty arrogant jerk nonetheless but you really scared me today. Cato is very important to me and I don't know if I can be friends with you against his will."
"Peeta, this is your life and if you would want to be friends with mem Cato would understand it. You and Cato make the perfect match, and I support you – and you know why? Because I'm your friend and that's what friends do." Finnick smiled ever so charmingly.
Peeta chewed on his upper lip as he seemed to be thinking over something very thoroughly.
"C'mon Peeta. Please, forgive me. Let's start all over." Finnick said.
Peeta was always someone who believed in the good of a person rather than the bad.
"Okay Finnick, I accept your apology, but before we can really be friends I will have to talk to Cato first." Peeta replied.
"Sure! God, I'm so relieved. I was so worried you'd hate me now." Finnick admitted with a wide smile.
"Well it was close to that." Peeta chuckled.
Finnick laughed too and hugged Peeta who was caught a little by surprise. He blushed a bit and freed himself from the embrace.
"So, here is your punch." Finnick pressed the drink into Peeta's hands with a grin. "And I'll take this beer from the kitchen bar and let's clink the glasses on a new friendship."
"Yea… more or less." Peeta smiled and they pressed their cups together.
Due to his thirst, Peeta already drank down half the cup in one go.
"Tastes really good." He said as if he didn't expect that and emptied the other half in a quick move.
"Is there something special in it?" Peeta asked innocently.
"It is." Finnick grinned.
"What?"
"You'll notice." Finnick whispered into Peeta's ear.
As they walked out of the kitchen, Peeta started to feel a bit dizzy. His view got blurry and the people around him seemed to fade.
"F-Finnick… did you put something in my drink?" Peeta stuttered.
"Oh, nothing too bad. Just a little something to bring you in the right party mood." Finnick replied.
"Oh… okay." Peeta didn't really know what was going on. A nausea overcame him and he felt Finnick letting go off him. Suddenly, Peeta was all on his own and wandered through the corridor as his hands desperately clung to the walls for balance. The music sounded distorted in Peeta's ears and the people's screams echoed in his mind. His view got darker and blurrier with every second while cheering people walked past him.
Some time he stumbled up some stairs which led to a woodened door. Peeta opened the door and ended up in a dark room. Maybe it was Gale's room, he didn't know.
Peeta felt dazed and numb, the nausea got heavier with each second and he couldn't even remember how he ended up like this. He didn't know where he was, where everybody else disappeared and where he was actually going.
Suddenly Peeta bounced against something. It was hard and tall. He felt forwards with his hands and noticed the something was muscular and stocky.
"C-Cato? Is it you?" He mumbled.
"Yeah Peeta, what's wrong?"
"Nothing, you…sound different." Peeta uttered.
"That must be your imagination. You don't look healthy, is everything okay?" Finnick asked, a sneaky grin on his face. Peeta was easy to buy – his plan worked out, Peeta thought Finnick was Cato.
"I-I don't know what happened. Finnick was here and…and…Cato, I feel so sick." Peeta closed his eyes and leaned his head against Finnick's chest.
"Don't worry. I will make you feel better." Finnick whispered. He raised Peeta's head and pressed his lips fervently onto Peeta's
Peeta who was left to the dark and almost knocked out, just let it happen and moved into the kiss. Finnick shoved his tongue into Peeta's mouth, invading his privacy and pushing him on the bed. He touched every single part of Peeta's body. Peeta didn't notice what was going on, in his mind it felt like he was dreaming. Dreaming of him and Cato. It felt so unapproachable and unreal, was this really happening?
Finnick became more aggressive in his act and his kisses with Peeta got heated and impassioned. His tongue circled around Peeta's and his hands roamed above all curves of the smaller blonde's body. Finnick just wanted to pull down Peeta's pants when suddenly the door to the room flung open.
Light invaded into the dark room and Cato stood in the doorframe. Shocked, Cato's gaze alternated between Finnick and Peeta, noticing the bruises on Peeta's neck.
"C…Cato?" Peeta thought unclearly.
Cato saw red; furious anger built up inside of him and in an instance he stormed off to Finnick, attacking him straight with a harsh push that kicked Finnick to the floor. Peeta fell to the side and landed on the couch. His eyes were struggling to stay open; he heard distorted screams, bones crashing on bones, hits and groans.
At once blood landed in front of Peeta with a splash. Whose blood was it? What was going on? Peeta tried to focus as much as he could; he recognized a blonde and bronze haired guy fighting heavily with each other. Were that Cato and Finnick? Concern and anxiety spread in Peeta's stomach. He tried to fight against the dizziness but his view got darker and blurrier with each bygone minute.
"You bastard! You drugged him!" Peeta could hear one o them scream followed by an eachoing punch.
"He will never be yours!" The other hissed.
Giving up to the numbness that tore on Peeta's body, he closed his eyes while breathing even. The last thing he heard was a sharp painful scream followed by a terrifyingly loud crash before Peeta passed out.
Panic-struck, Peeta tore out of his sleep, breathing heavy and fast, his forehead was covered with beads of sweat. He quickly rolled over to the side and fell on the floor to grab the next nearest bucket. As he threw up panting, Katniss came immediately into the room followed by Gale. She sat down on the floor next to Peeta and stroked his back in a matter to comfort him.
"Katniss? Gale? What are you doing here? What am I doing here?" Peeta asked completely sober again while he looked up from the bucket and watched around in the room, noticing he wasn't at home.
Gale helped Peeta up and sat him back onto the bed.
"Peeta listen…" Katniss started with a concerned face. She looked like she didn't have much sleep at all. "There had been a fight…and an accident." Her voice became weak.
"What? Katniss I don't understand, what happened?" Suddenly all memories from yesterday flooded back into Peeta's mind; the party, Finnick, the fruit punch, the dark room, Finnick being all over him, Cato coming in and the terrible fight. The fight… how did it end? Peeta passed away, he had no idea what happened.
"Is Cato okay?" Peeta almost screamed, concern was in his face, his heart was never beating this fast.
"Peeta…" Katniss said softly. "Cato is in hospital. It's serious, he had a strong head injury and…" Katniss became glassy eyes "…he was operated, they've put him under general anesthesia and he should have woken up already but…he didn't." Katniss explained, a tear leaving one of her eyes.
Peeta looked pale, his face had no expression but tears already ran down his face even though the message hadn't really hit him yet, it seemed so unreal, it felt like he was back in this dazed, dizzy state. Helpless and numb.
Time stood still. Peeta knew it was his entire fault. That he could never forgive.
