A/N: Hello everyone, how are you? I hope you liked my latest chapter and this one too. Thank you all for kindly reviews, favourites, or alerts to my story, you've all been a very great help encouraging me! *sobs*. Special thanks for DragonDaemon93 who's been helping me with my newest chapter, like usual :)

By the way guys, I caught a cold since my friends had been dragging me to hang out until late at night, so I think I need rest for some time and I hope you all will be patience enough to wait for the wedding. But don't worry, my fingers just can't stop typing, it's in my blood and I really enjoy writing, so I'll try to update anything as soon as possible. Enjoy!

Disclaimer: Hunger Games belongs to Suzanne Collins.

Peace in District 2

"Well, my last name is doesn't matter, and I hate formalities, so any of you who see me just call me Captain Cato! If you're not, I bust your head, got it?" I stare at the boy who just finished introducing himself in front of us, tributes. So cocky, so confident, so glorious. I know that I don't like him and I will never will, never after he almost killed me a week ago in the forest. But I can't help to think that he is good at his job; eliminating his opponent.

He suddenly looks at me and smirks. I ignore him and walk out to the toilet. I need to prepare myself before I'm introducing myself as Captain; you may say that I have stage fright. Peeta offered to come with me, but I preferred him to stay at his place.

"See something you like, bitch?"

I stop in the hall and turn on my heels to find the previous Captain Cato standing there. Everything about him right now makes me want to scream "Arrogant!"

"I think you have issues, Captain Cato," I sigh. This boy is starting to get on my nerves, and sometimes he's successful at making me fear him. I heard rumors since the training begin; an 18 year old boy named Cato from District 2 was probably the best tribute ever in the history of the Hunger Games. His fighting skills were promising, he didn't have a problem at killing in cold blood, he can kill with his bare hands, he always won every martial arts competition he was in, and no one ever stole his spotlight.

And I beat him with my training score and my leadership. It must be hard for him and he hates me and he wouldn't let me go easily for that. But seriously, how old is he again? 10?

"Of course I have, it's you," he walks at me with his raised head. "It's not over Firegirl, from now on we'll see who's the best and I know that I'm going to win this," he then stops in front of me.

"Please," I roll my eyes and start walking again. But I yelp as he takes my arms, slams me to the wall, and held my neck with his left hand.

"I can kill you right now, no one's around," he scoffs and glares at me. Our faces are very close and his expression is scary, I know that he means every word.

"Then do it and shut your fucking mouth!" But I'm not afraid of him. I came here to feed my family and I will not let a Career from District 2 bully me!

He lets me go and watches me as I cough and trying to catch my breath. "I prefer a lot of people see it, tomorrow. I'll slaughter you in public, nice and easy," he scrambles my head and put his forehead to rest against mine.

I'm shaking. I can feel the wrath inside him, the beast.

"Katniss!"

I feel someone shake my shoulder harshly and my eyes shoot open.

I jump from my seat. "Oh-God!" and jump again when I see Cato staring at me. He's still here! Is he going to kill me now?

"Are you okay? Were you having nightmare?" he scoffs but his voice sounds concerned.

Nightmare? Focus Katniss, focus. "Did I fall asleep?" I rub my eyes slowly. Actually, I already know the answer.

This is very ironic. I just had a dream about my most terrifying enemy. I dreamt about my second encounter with Cato three years ago. It was scary, and yes it's a nightmare because never before in my life had I been so afraid of somebody. And yet here I am, in his car; we're going to his home, and he's now my fiancé.

The world is screwed, I guess.

"You think?" he arches an eyebrow at me. He wears his brown blazer, his jeans, and a dark blue V neck tee. He looks handsome as usual.

"Why didn't you wake me?" I yawn and cover my mouth with my palm.

"I didn't see it necessary, and you've were so comfy on my shoulder," he smirks again. And I hope he didn't watch me sleep, because Peeta said that I always look vulnerable when I'm sleeping.

"Of course I did," I roll my eyes. "Now you woke me because?"

"We almost there," he tells me.

"There as in, your house?" I confirm.

"And here I thought you were smart," he tilts his head to the side.

A few moments later our car was entering the biggest house yard I have ever seen. And far in front I can see the biggest house I have ever seen. I can feel my eyes widen but I can't help it since in my district the houses are small, and in the Capitol everyone lives in apartment.

"What the hell?" Cato looks around and he looks upset.

"Cato, what's with the humongous amount of cars?" I look around too and realize that cars were parked everywhere and there are so many people.

"Trust me, I have no idea," he shakes his head without turning to me. "Shit," he curses again when we passed a yellow sports car.

"What?" I arch an eyebrow.

"This is all my big family and business partners, so it's definitely my dad," he finally turns to me and scowls.

I look around. "So I'm going to be… exposed to all of them?" I ask with some panic in my voice.

"Are you afraid?" he asks back.

"Well, with house as big as District 12, it's clear we have different worlds, different behaviors," I chuckle sarcastically at the house we were nearing.

"You know one thing I believe, different is power!" Cato suddenly touches my shoulder and I turn back at him. "I got your back, okay? I won't let you embarrass yourself; just follow my lead and everything is going to be okay. We'll be here for less than 24 hours," he squeezes softly and smiles assuredly at me.

His confidence seems to affect me in positive way. "Okay," I nod.

"Welcome back, young master," a man in black suit welcomes us when we leave the car. Judging from his different uniform – which is classier, and his older age than the other servants, I think that he's the butler of this house. Cato tells him to bring our luggage and then leads me in to his luxurious house.

"So, Katniss, this is my house, well, my family's," we stop in the lobby as he spreads his arm and shows me the giant room.

I nod and watch this place in amazement.

"Cato, my baby brother! You're finally home!" suddenly, a young man with an expensive suit climbs down the stairs in front of us. He walks funny and his voice is heavy and weird, and when I watch him closely he has the same blonde hair and blue eyes as Cato. He's grinning widely at us and there's a liquor bottle in his right hand. So he's drunk.

"That's my brother, Arthur. And trust me, you don't want to mess with him, let's go," Cato whispers at me and pulls me away.

"But," I pull him back and he stares at me with confused look. "He's your brother; can we just stop for a while and say hi?"

Now he looks at me like I'm the craziest person in the world.

Cato's brother stops in front of us and eyes me from head to toe. Next to me Cato's body becomes tense and from his expression he clearly dislikes his brother. "And this is Kat whoever, your fiancé from the slum eh?" Arthur starts giggling.

"Don't you talk like that to her!" Cato warns him. Actually, I don't give a damn since a lot of people from richer districts always say that to me when we first meet. I even feel weird, since Cato always did that to me too but now he's defending me from being stigmatized.

"Hi, I'm Katniss Everdeen and," I lure my right hand at Arthur and introduces myself.

BURP! When he suddenly puke all his lunch and only God knows what, to front side of my dress and my shoes. I can only stand still as I feel the warm liquid in my skin and foul smell start filling my nose. I guess I'm going to sick too.

"What the fuck man?!" Cato pulls me again as Arthur throws up for the second time on the floor.

"My bad," Arthur chuckles with yellow liquid still dropping from his lips and chin. He tries to touch my shoulder.

"You stay away from her you sick bastard!" Cato pushes him away angrily. If only Arthur wasn't covered with his puke, I'm sure that Cato would have already stormed at him and beaten the crap out of him.

"What did you say? You should thank me; that dress is lame anyway. She's no different than our servants!" Arthur shrugs.

And that's it. Before I can stop Cato, he was already storming at him and punches his jaw with such fury, Arthur fell on floor. I'd admit that I want to have a piece of him too, since the soft blue dress and the matching shoes are from my mother.

"Enough!" a man voice roars in the lobby and startles me. I found the source of the voice standing in top of the stairs; a middle aged man with a classy tuxedo and white hair was combed neatly to the back of his head. "You insolent scum! Punching your brother like that, like a beast, a savage!" he glares at us coldly with his sharp green eyes.

"Good to see you too, Dad," Cato says with thick sarcasm in his voice.

"Behave yourself, and that… girl also," Cato's father look at him, then waves his hand at me in pity. "The party is already begin; I want both of you, in the garden, immediately," he adds.

Cato carefully grabs my shoulder and leads me to walk to another room.

"Nah! You help your brother clean up," his father says.

His palms clutch tightly into fist and his teeth clench. "Go," he then cocks his head to the butler who's ready to help me.

Fifteen minutes later I stand in some beautiful room that I can only sense as dressing room. The butler brought me here, told me to wash myself to erase the foul smell, and when I came out, about fifty dresses and matching shoes were presented to me, and he told me to pick one. After that he left.

I steady my breath. I can't say that I'm not offended by the previous encounter, but I have to handle this. We've come too far to let some emotion destroy our plan. And with that thought I start to study the dresses one by one.

Somebody knocks on my door and I open it. A middle age woman stands there; she has blonde hair and green eyes, and she's younger than Cato's father, but somehow I know that they're related.

"Hello," she waltzes in.

"Hi," I close the door behind me.

"I'm Cato's aunt, Ophelia," she introduces herself and grins, showing me her pearly teeth.

"Katniss," I smile at her.

"Well, Katniss, have you chosen which dress you want to wear?" she looks behind her to the ridiculous amount of dresses.

"There's too many and I feel confuses just looking at them," I shrug and shake my head in confusion.

"I think I know why Cato chose you," she chuckles and starts walking to the dresses.

"Really, why?" I follow her curiously.

"Because you're different," she smiles at me sincerely and stops in front of a dress. "It's outdoors and sunny afternoon. I suggest this, will be nice," she then chooses the pink salmon dress for me.

"Let's try it," I nod.

The dress is beautiful. It's simple but it's pretty at the same time. It's off shoulder with laces on the chest and the shoulder, and it's a bit baby doll. The material feels so soft and light like velvet as it wraps my body. The white shoes feel nice on my feet too.

"Perfect," Ophelia compliments me after she helps me wear it and studies me. She even applies natural make up on me.

"Thank you," I smile sincerely for the first time.

"You're welcome dear," she caresses my cheek. "Now, the party downstairs and Cato's father demands so you to join soon. I would love to come with you but I still have some business to do. I have to handle the press conference, but I'll check on you later, okay?"

What press conference? "Okay," but I choose not to ask. It terrifies me anyway.

After that I leave the room. My hands clutch in front of my body. Never in my life did I feel so beautiful before, wearing a very expensive dress like this, and so nervous. It takes all my strength to keep walking tall.

When I arrive at the first floor, at the lobby, I asked the servant for the direction at the party. She pointed to her right, then after that I can hear the music and chatter, and I know that I just have to follow it. But then I stop in front of the open living room (I guess it's living room), because I caught a picture of a very beautiful woman above the fire.

I follow curiously and enter the room. My mouth opens in amazement as I stare at the picture which clearly mesmerizes me. I thought my mom was the most beautiful woman I have ever seen and Glimmer would also become one, but I was wrong. The lady in the picture has the most golden hair and bluest eyes I have ever seen, her smile is very enchanting... and her eyes…

"Pretty isn't it?" I nearly jump out of my skin when I hear a soft voice from behind me. I turn around to find a sixteen years old girl with a lovely green dress sitting in a wheel chair. She has yellow hair like Ophelia, olive green eyes, porcelain skin, red lips, and pink cheeks. She look like a doll, like a princess I imagined in every fairy tale my dad told me before Prim and I went to sleep, and I know instantly that this is Cato's little sister, though I'm quite startled at her condition.

"Very," I nod at her and smile openly.

"It's my mom and my brothers," she tells me and moves her wheelchair towards me. "I'm Darla," then she holds her right hand.

"Katniss," I shake it. "You look a lot like my sister," I tell her cheerfully.

"Yes, he told me that too, but I think he's wrong about you," Darla nods in agreement.

He as in Cato? "Which part?" I can feel my smile begin to fade.

"He said you're pretty," Darla pouts. "I think you're so beautiful." She then grins widely at me.

I chuckle gladly. I anticipated some humiliating words but it doesn't come out. "Thank you, you too," and tell her that.

"Nah, I'm not. I'm not really different from other girls in here. Blonde hair, green eyes... I wish I have your hair or Clove's hair – you know, she's my brother friend too," she shakes her head. Does she know that most girls in my district would kill for anything to be like her? "And come to think about it, the braid looks good but I guess if you better loosen it," she then adds and her brows twitch as she looks at my hair that was tied up into a classic braid.

"Really?" my hands touch my hair in reflex.

"Yes, it will make you more graceful," she nods surely.

"Okay, like this?" I carefully pull the small stellar from my hair, and as it falls I start to neat it around my face and my shoulder.

"Let me help you. Umm.." she looks around. "You may want to sit there," then point to a single couch near the piano.

I do what she says, and a few moments later she combs my hair with her delicate fingers from behind me while we talk about how beautiful the flowers on the top of the piano in front of us. It's a rare species of orchid; Prim must like it.

"There you are!"

Both of us turn at the door as Cato, still with his previous clothes, walks to us with relief in his face.

"She's fine, she'll be out in no time," Darla laughs at him as she adjusts the tip of my curls.

"And so are you," Cato stops next to us and puts his hands on his waist. For the first time I see… love in his eyes, when he's looking at the crippled girl behind me. There's no pity or anything else, only pure love.

"I will," Darla nods.

"It's nice to see you," then Cato smiles the softest smile I've ever seen on him as he bends over and pulls Darla into a big hug and kisses her cheek.

"Yeah, me too," Darla hugs him too and laughs. "Let's talk later, I have to prepare your fiancé," she then pushes him away and tilts her head to me.

"Of course," for the first time Cato looks at me. And I can't help but freeze. Again, I see a different side of him. The side I have never expected to see from a killing machine like him.

For a moment I see confusion in his eyes. But then he sighs, bends again and kisses my forehead gently. My cheeks are red as I feel his warm lips pressing to my temple. I mean, he's kissed me before, even in more intimate areas, but this kiss feels so different.

After that he leaves the room without looking back to any of us.

"He clearly loves you, and your reaction was very cute," Darla giggles behind me.

"What?" I croak as I turn to her.

"I've never seen him kiss a girl on her forehead like that before, and you're blushing," she smirks naughtily at me, and for the first time I see how much Cato and her look alike.

"Really?" I laugh nervously. Of course what Cato did before was just an act. We decided to pretend to love each other in front of our family. I want to at least make my mom and Prim happy; he wants to make his father upset, which is a big success.

"Look, I'm sorry if my family was or already has given you a hard time," Darla suddenly takes my palms into hers. "But I want you to know that I'm really happy that my brother will be getting married, and I know from the first moment I saw you that, you're a good person," she then smiles gently at me.

"Oh," I mumble, still trying to recover.

"I have this… gift, to read peoples personalities from the first time I lay my eyes on them," Darla sighs.

"And what do you think about me?" I smile at her.

"You're strong, cold, and… lonely. You're the kind of person who always tries to hide your emotion so no one will underestimate you because you can have that. But you do that because you have something to protect, something that really important, sacred, and you are willing to do everything to protect it. Even if it means you can't be like other people who's freely express their emotions, even if it means you have to be alone. You have a big heart," she explains to me sadly. "And that's what exactly my brother needs," she then smiles at me.

"What do you mean?" I ask her, again with curiosity.

"He's… a very kind person, actually. Well, he's bit of a jerk sometimes – I saw him on TV a lot and I see how he can be so arrogant, but he's the only one who actually thinks of this family after our mom died," she laughs and nods to herself. "I know that he's been angry all the time, he hates Dad and Arthur and… he just wishes we can be family again like before our mom was gone," she then looks down to her knees.

"I know that feeling," I squeeze her hands gently.

"Can I request something of you?" she looks up to me back hesitantly.

"You may ask," I just nod.

"I just want my brother to be happy. He's practically been taking care of me since I was small and shoved the babysitters; he thought they were lousy and not good for growth. But he still closes his heart to anyone," she exhales sharply. "I want you to let him know that he's not alone, and he can open his heart again and depend on someone else. Share it, so he's not so angry all the time," She then looks into my eyes.

I inhale deeply. "Opening a heart is hard," I explain seriously. She looks down again. "But I'll try. I promise," I put my hand on her chin and make her look at me again and give her a small smile.

"Thank you," she says gladly.

"You're welcome Darla," and I pull her into a bear hug.

"I'm glad that I will have a sister," she laughs happily. "Come on!" then after that she leads me to the garden where there's an awfully lot of people partying.

Suddenly I feel claustrophobia attack me. I look left but Darla is gone.

"Hey," Suddenly someone laces his fingers with mine. I sigh in relief as I stare into Cato's smirking face. He then brings me to a bunch of boys who like every other guest in this place, hold drinks in their hands. Their bodies were wrapped in expensive tuxedos, and blonde hair. But none of them are as gorgeous as Cato.

Wait... Did I just say that Cato is gorgeous?

"These are my friends," he introduces me.

"Hello, Katniss," and before I can open my mouth the first boy already speaks up.

"Darn, I so envy you Cato, she's smoking hot!" says the second boy. All of them are looking at me seductively.

"Dude, seriously, shut up," Cato rolls his eyes.

"Hello, I'm Katniss," I smile and talk to them. "So what are you guys talking about?"

"Oh, we're just asking Cato if he'll divorce you in a year so we can have the chance to have you," says the second boy again.

"What?" I stare at him in confusion like when I was misheard.

"Don't worry Katniss, he said no, which we think is crazy," the third boy finally speaks.

"You lucky bastard," the first guy punches Cato's arm lightly.

"Whatever. We must go now; my father has been staring at me for three minutes; that's my cue," Cato sighs as he puts his left arm behind my back.

"Yeah, you better go before he's pissed, man," the third guy nods in agreement as he drinks his punch.

"Later," Cato waves at them with his free hand and leads me into the crowd. I realize that his father is climbing the stairs to the podium and we're walking right behind him. So, finally the time for me and Cato to become official is finally come.

"You okay?" he asks as he maintains his charismatic smile and gestures to the guests around us.

I wish I can be more confident like him. "I guess," I sigh heavily and glance to the guests that look at us with interest.

"It will be over in any minute, I promise," he removes his hand from my back to lace it with my fingers and kisses the back of my palms. I look at him and he smiles assuredly at me. I know that it's just an act but I'm glad he did it because I really need a lot of calm right now.

"Thank you all for gather today form my tea party, ladies and gentleman," the next thing I know I'm already standing at the podium with Cato grinning at the crowd. He stands next to me and whispers to keep smiling while his father starts talking in front of us. "I have an announcement to make. First is about District 2…" the old man speaks very firmly, very charismatic, and all the guests pay attention to him.

"Cato," I realize something.

"Hmm?" Cato turns to look at me.

"Is your dad a mayor?" I ask under my breath.

"No," Cato scoffs at my silliness. "He's just… the president of the biggest diamond mine corporation in here. You may say that, he's the second man in charge," he then adds as an explanation.

That makes sense. "Judging by the look of the guests, I thought he was the first," I respond.

"Well, they kinda switch sometime," he shrugs in annoyance as he looks at his father back.

So this old man in front of me does have power. I had no idea that Cato's family were so important. Why would he not want to use his last name? Isn't it supposed to be something he should be very proud of?

"Second, I'm happy to announce that my boy, Cato, my second son, will hold his first wedding in the middle of the month to a lovely lady from District 12, Miss Katniss Everdeen. Well, I hope that it will go well for both of them, that they are not making the wrong choice, and lets us pray them for the best," Cato's father announcement is finally here. And the guests begin clapping for us. But it feels… bitter.

"First wedding huh?" I murmur. "Wrong choice," and scoff sinisterly. Yes, I'm so offend.

"Stop," Cato takes my palm in his and whispers calmly as he smiles to the crowd.

I force myself to smile too even though I don't see someone in particular. "I'm just saying," I pull my palm from his.

"I know you're offended but just stop. We can talk about this later," he takes my hand again and squeezes it hard until it almost hurts me, and his voice finally sounds harsh. So I shut my mouth.

After that we climb down from the podium and Cato takes me to say hi to the guests. We receive a lot of congratulations, and I pray for the strength to smile sincerely even though most of them can't hide their disgust at my real identity.

We finally finish. Cato lets go of my hand and gestures me to follow him to a… labyrinth.

"I'm sorry, okay? I wish I can choose my family, but I can't," he abruptly apologies when we finally arrive in a wide empty space. "I wish my family was just like yours, but it's not. I can't do anything about it now," he looks really sorry.

And trust me, I really want to argue with him at how he makes me so humiliated in public. But he's right, and I know now that this very hard for him too. "At least Ophelia and Darla are nice," I just fold my arms and look down at my shoes.

"You're not going to fret aren't you?" I sense fear in his voice and I almost laugh if only I wasn't so disappointed.

"Who do you think I am?" I look up to him and hope that I put enough confidence in my eyes.

He smirks at me. "The girl on fire," he answers firmly.

"Exactly; you can't just put off my fire," I force myself to smile at him.

He sighs and approaches me. "I know how hard this must be for you to be judges like that by the people who don't even know who you are. But you were great out there, you really were. And you look lovely," then he grabs my shoulders, looks into my eyes, and smiles assuredly.

I hope I don't blush because of his last sentence. "You too," I pat his arms. "Your father has shaken you hard, hmm?" and talk again as he releases his hands from me.

"Very," he chuckles.

"At least we got each other's back," I shrug.

He nods and smiles in agreement. "Let's just sit here and enjoy this place, away from the crowd," After that he sits carefree in the garden chair nearest us.

"But the guests-" I protest.

"Relax, they won't care. They'll probably suspect us making out in some place," he looks at me naughtily and says seductively.

I laugh at his joke and sit next to him. "Champagne will be nice to make the situation more enjoyable," I say as I watch the clear blue sky.

Cato swiftly stands. "I'll be right back," clicks his tongue at me and leaves.

I sigh and smile after his back disappear behind the leaf wall. And not three minutes later, I suddenly hear a crackling sound from behind me.

"Arthur?" I raise a brow as Cato's brother appears with his new tuxedo and look around in confusions.

"Katniss! Thank God I found you!" he looks glad when he sees me and runs at me. I instinctively stand up and analyze his movement cautiously. This guy puked on me before; who knows what he'll do after this. "Don't worry, I'm sober," he keeps the distance and tries to explain himself.

"What are you doing here?" I inquire coldly. The dress issue has been personal for me.

"I just lost my puppy; I need your help to find him. You're Hunger Games Bravo team right? I saw you couple of times in TV, you're the master of tracking animals and mutts," he talks very fast and his face expression look very worried.

"I'm sure he's just playing around, and Cato told me to wait for him," I say firmly.

"Please, he wears very expensive diamonds on his collar. I was just played with it but…" Arthur pleads. "My dad will be very furious," he finally stops panicking. "Please," and begs at me.

I sigh. "When did the last time you see him?"

"Here," he nods in relief and after that he leads me to the last place he saw the creature. I read the tracks like he wants and follow it. After some time we finally found it sitting near the fountain, and when I'm about to catch him, a servant suddenly appear from nowhere, lifts him into her arms, and leaves. I arch my eyebrow because this situation is beginning to get weird.

"Oh my, I'm so turn on right now," I hear Arthur speak behind me huskily. And I know that something is definitely wrong.

"What is that supposed to mean?" I turn at him and ask flatly. But he suddenly grabs my arms, pulls me into his body tightly and starts whispering sensually in my ears.

"Be mine, Cato is a wuss. I'm the best Katniss, I can give you anything. I'm more handsome than him, richer," I choose to hear him first. "So if you ever get bored with Cato, I'm here," he then pulls himself away but still doesn't let me go.

"No offense, but you're just not my type," I smile with a fake innocence.

"Why don't we prove it?" he smirks and leans closer to kiss me.

Okay, enough. I twirl his hand, and in a brief second he yelps as I slam him onto the floor. "Just so you know, your brother has done hard stuff for convince me," I neatly rearrange the lace around my shoulders. "So I'm not going to leave him for someone like you, or for anybody!" and then I put my hand on my waist and growl at him. "Now, if will you excuse me," after that I turn on my heels to leave.

"You'll regret this you whore!" he manages to shout threateningly.

"I certainly will not," I say without bothering to look back.

After that I walk quickly and expect Cato to find me or I found a previous place. But then, what I see in front of me is very horrible and shocking.

"Katniss!" Darla shrieks at me as a suspicious looking man carries her in his arms.

"Darla!" I shout as hard as I can and the man stops to look at me. I start running at him and he runs again. "STOP!" I yell from the top of my lungs as he climbs the walls and throws the poor girl outside. I try to climb too but when I'm at the top, I see him already hop into some van with Darla in it as the van begins to drive away.

Don't panic, don't panic! You certainly wouldn't able to save her alone!

"Where have you been-" Cato demand when I finally come back to the party. Everybody is staring at me.

"Give me that!" I waste no time and force a guard to hand me his bow and quiver. Now everybody eyes me suspiciously.

"Katniss, what's wrong?" Cato asks cautiously as I fling the bow and the quiver on my shoulder.

"What in the world is happen here?" here comes Hittler.

"Your daughter was kidnapped and the kidnappers just escape from the left wall," I explain at him coldly.

"What!" both he and Cato yell at me in surprise.

"If you want to save your daughter and your sister you better get in your asses moving, now," and with that I turn to leave and enter the house to get out. Behind me I can hear the guards inform the police of this place and ask for rescue team immediately.

Suddenly, before I reach the main gate; a big, black, tough looking motorcycle is blocking my way. The driver wears his helmet but from his posture, his clothes, and the bluest eyes behind the glass, I know that it's Cato. "Hop on," he orders. I jump easily behind him. "Hold on," he says.

"Why would someone kidnap Darla?" I hug his waist as we storm very fast to the left wall.

"Well, my father is like the richest man in the district and many people hate him – no wonder right. So as his children, me and my siblings use to be target by his enemies. No one dares to mess with me and the world knows that my father doesn't care about Arthur, but Darla is an easy target," he explains.

"There it is!" I point to the van which is very far from us and heads towards the town.

Cato adds the speed and I feel like I can almost fly if I'm not holding to him tight. I can feel him stiffen in my grip, and I can detect his anger. Uh oh, whoever messes with him after this is going to get a hard time.

People in the town shriek and run as the van and Cato are driving crazily on the road. We are so close and I'm about to raise my bow when suddenly.

BANG! Someone – or maybe more start shooting behind us.

"Fuck!" Cato evades in time before the bullet hit us and I can't help but to hold him tighter and scream in fear because he takes extreme turns to avoid the attack and sometimes it's like we're almost going to fall onto the road.

"You okay?" he yells at me.

"Just a scratch," I wince as I realize that my upper right arm is bleeding. Anger suddenly takes over. I raise my bow and turn half of my body behind. There're another two vans and I swear I'll get them all. I start shooting, and it hit, but not in the place I want to.

"Do you get them?" Cato asks again, concentrating on following the van in front of us.

"Kind of," I yell back at him.

"What do you mean kind of?" he inquires.

"I need to get to a better position," I clarify and try to shoot again, which is a miss.

"Okay, circle your feet around my waist," he orders me.

"What?" I turn to him again.

"Trust me! We don't have much time, we're losing her!" Cato roars. He's right, he can't chase the van in front of us if we're chased from behind with bullets. So I do as he says and blush as wind blow my dress up and revealing my thighs. "Now in count of three I will swing your position in front of me, ready?" he asks.

"Yeah!" I can't help but feel excited at this new attack position.

"One, two, three!" he suddenly reaches behind. I bend a bit so he can grip my body, and finally swing me to the front.

My chest presses against him, my head rests on the crook of his shoulder, and his arms spreads around me. I raise my bow behind his back, pull the string and start shooting the tires of the van. Finally, after eight shots the two vans are successfully defeated.

"You do this a lot?" I ask after I return to my previous position.

"All the time with Clove," he nods, and even though I can't see his expression I know that he's smirking in glory.

I return my concentration to the van in front of us. "I need to stand," I say to him.

"Be careful," he nods and says firmly.

Carefully I put my hands on his shoulders, adjust my footing, and finally stand up. I lift my bow again and take my aim. I shoot two times for each back tire. And after that the van starts spinning until it finally stops. I don't bother to sit down; I jump down from motorcycle and take my aim again.

"Agh!" the first man who get out first whimpers and falls to the ground after I shoot his calf.

"What the!" then another one, and another one. I focus on them so badly and my arms can't stop moving. Meanwhile I can hear Cato stop his motorcycle and start making ruckus with his body and his battle cry.

Oh, he's mad alright!

Finally, the man with Darla in his arms jumps out, and I can't just shoot because it will probably hit Darla. So I choose my aim carefully when suddenly, the enemy reinforcement come and start shooting at me again. People start screaming and I roll to the side to hide behind an ice cream truck.

Three snipers, two gunners, that's easy.

I straighten myself again and start shooting with the speed of light. In a matter of seconds, the long range attackers are successfully annihilated. Then I turn to where Darla kidnappers ran, but they already disappeared. I turn to Cato who is being surrounded by at least ten people and about to run at him and help.

"Go get her!" when he looks at me and screams. He pulls out the sword behind his back and the show begins.

So I begin to run to the last place I saw Darla and use my skill at tracking. It leads me to a small alley, and finally a small building. I found the man on the roof and he's clearly stunned because he probably didn't expect that I'll find him, well, no one did.

"Don't move any closer!" he suddenly runs to the edge of the building and holds Darla in some head lock.

The girl cries and her eyes widen in fear as she watches me and my ready bow.

"You release her, and nobody gets hurt," I propose calmly, try to redeem my anger.

"If I'm down she's down with me," he laughs evilly.

"Don't you dare!" I finally shout at him and pull my string harder until my right palm hurts.

"Fine, shoot," he shrugs and looks down upon me. "Shoot!" he screams and laughs maniacally. Suddenly Darla does the bravest thing I ever saw. She bites his hand really hard until blood start dripping from him. I think she really is Cato sister! "Agh!" the kidnapper screams in pain and tries to release Darla from his hand.

I use this chance to release my deadly arrow to his head. There!

He stops screaming, and starts to fall backwards, dragging Darla with him.

"Katniss!" she cries from the top of her lungs as her hands reach towards me. And I know that I will not be able to save her in time.

I was about to start running when a flash of gold passes me in the speed of light.

Cato crawls to the ground as his hands reach down. I hold my breath and my mind goes blank. Cato doesn't move, does this mean we lost her? I lost Darla?

"It's okay, I got you, I got you!" but then Cato breathes heavily as he pulls his sister up.

Darla cries hard as she buries herself in her brother's sturdy chest, while Cato hugs her tightly and kisses her hair over and over and whispers that she's safe now. I can't help but dash at them too, kneel, and hug both of them in extreme relief. Cato laughs abruptly as he pull me into his arms too and presses his cheek against my forehead. The three of us are hugging together in joy until the rescue team finally come.

Xxx

I watch as Cato bandages my right arm neatly. The situation has finally calmed down; Darla is now sleeping safe and sound in her room, Cato's father sent his men to find out who's was behind this, and I'm sure whoever it is won't be spared. I was surprised when Cato suddenly came to my room after I finished taking my bath and offered to tend my wounds. I mean, I thought he forgot a bullet had scratched me.

"I'm sorry," I mumble.

"For saving her?" he looks up at me with his twitching mocking brows.

"I could've kill her; I'm supposed to be faster," I shook my head and feel very disappointed with myself.

"You're human, and I was there, remember. We're good partners," he chuckles to lighten the mood. "The point is she's okay, we're okay. That's what matter most," he finishes bandaging my shoulder. I'm surprised that he doesn't kiss it, but it doesn't matter since I already received a lot of kisses today than I should.

"I just have to make sure that next time I'm faster," I finally smile at him.

"Right," he nods in excitement.

Suddenly there's a knocking on door. "Young Master," the main butler stands near the door frame. "Your father summons you to his room with Miss Everdeen," he informs us.

He sighs heavily and stands. He offers me his hand and I welcome it. We walk hand in hand in the hall, and we keep silent. I want to see outside the window but Cato's body blocks my vision, so I'm forced to study him.

No you're not Katniss, you prefer to look at him.

Shut up head.

He's wearing a grey sweater, white pants, and from his damp bangs I know that he just finished his bath like mine. Okay, I admit it, I prefer to look at him because like Foxface said, I need eye candies when I'm distress. And well, I need that now, and Cato is kinda hot. So...

"What?" Cato demands coldly when we finally reach his father's office.

"Sit down," his father gestures to the seat in front of us, the one across his table. I'm about to move but Cato stands still in his place and I know that he's not going to sit, so I wouldn't too.

"I can't tell you how I was very disappointed that you rejected my proposal for you to work in our corporation," his father starts talking when he finally decides that none of us will sit down. "And now I am disgusted by the fact that you choose her as your fiancé. From the millions of females in Panem you choose the girl from district 12, the seam, slum," he continues as he stares at me with the most humiliating stare I have ever seen.

"Don't you dare-!" Cato points at him with his index finger and warns.

"She was filthy, and a killer, I saw her couple of times in TV," but his father still continues with thick disgust in his voice.

Excuse me, but hasn't he realized that his son is a killer too? And besides that I have enough to not be treated like a lower class! "I'm sorry but this is too much, I can't stand it anymore," I pull my palm from Cato's, fold my arms, and take one step forward to his father.

"Katniss-" Cato calls me and I know that he wants me to retreat.

"Shut up," but I simply turn him down.

"I didn't come here to be humiliated by you," I stare at Cato's father fiercely who stared at me back. "I came here because I care about Cato," then I point my hand to my fiancé. He doesn't protest; instead I think he starts to take interest with what I'm about to say. "Your son has offered me something that any guy can't and I accepted that," I continue.

"He's not a boy anymore, you can't just always tell him what to do! Have you even seen him doing his job? He's good at it, you should be proud! Everybody fears him, respects him. You should trust him more," then my voice softens because I realize that I just received this kind of treatment, but Cato's probably already received it a long time ago, and maybe that's why he's so angry all the time, and who knows until when he will continue to receive this treatment. For the rest of his life? "My point is, sir; like it or not, I'm not going anywhere without him. I'm staying with him," after that I gulp and say firmly.

Cato's father suddenly stands up and I almost jump and run out screaming like a scared little girl. Trust me, like his son, he is scarier than any mutts I ever encounter. "Welcome to our family Miss Everdeen," his lips suddenly curl under his moustache into a warm hearted smile.

Uh? Did I mishear? Wasn't he supposed to summon the guards right now, separate me and Cato and we will have another bloody fight where probably I end up dead.

"What?" Cato is the first one who's able to respond.

"Don't you realize how I care about you so much?" his father rolls his eyes tiredly.

"No," he shakes his head and frowns.

"I'm sorry for my rude actions. It's just that, I really love your fiancé very much, and like him and his brother, I'm not really good at showing my true feelings. My pride always stands in my way," the old man returns his attention to me and apologizes. "I was afraid, Miss Everdeen, that he chose a wrong partner. At least I have to make sure even though his first marriage won't last, he'll get a good girl," he explains. "And now here I am, staring at you, a very confident, strong, and beautiful woman. His mother will be so glad in heaven," then after that he takes my arms in his.

Is that a compliment?

"I'm sorry, I'm a bit confused now," I'm finally able to regain my ability to speak. I think the room is start spinning. I turn to look at Cato but he quickly shook his head which means that he also has no idea what's happening.

"For the first time since I see him bring a girl to this house, you're the first that makes his eyes light with something I'd like to call affection. You tame the brute inside him. You passed my test. And yet you saved my daughter. You were brave for standing up for yourself and what's more important, for him," the old man laughs and to my surprise, it sounds nice. "I can't ask someone better than this," he then squeezes my hands and smiles thankfully.

"What test?" Cato arches an eyebrow.

"Earlier I ask Arthur to seduce her," his father replies.

"You what!" and he shouts in shock.

I finally understand. I can see everything now. "I thought you said we're too different," I squeeze the old man's hand back and for the first time I'm able to smile at him.

"Different is good, different is power," he laughs again and pulls me softly into a brief hug. I think I heard that before. Actually, I'm still kinda cautious and afraid that a dagger might pierce my chest. Well, you can't blame me; his son is a backstabber sometimes.

"We clearly have a lot to talk about. And you'll be explaining everything," Cato folds his arms. He looks pissed and confused at the same time.

"Indeed," his father nods at him and lets me go. "Now young lady, will you excuse us? Our butler will escort you to your room. I hope you'll have a good night sleep," then smiles at me.

"You too, sir," I nod and with that I turn to leave the room. I glance at Cato but he looks intensely at his father and doesn't bother to even lay an eye on me.

Xxx

"Come in," I wake next morning because of the light knock on my door.

"How are you?" Darla strolls in with a servant. She looks okay.

"I'm fine, you?" I smile at her and sit up.

"Never better," she chirps. "I made this for you," then she take the plate of muffins and a glass of warm milk from her servant.

"Thank you," I say as I receive both.

"No, thank you, for saving my life," she thanks me sincerely.

"Your brother saved me a lot of times too, so I guess now we're even," I laugh and take the first bite. It's really delicious. "Umh, it's really nice. Have some!" I invite Darla and her servant to breakfast together.

After that I take a bath and decide to find Cato since we clearly have a lot to talk about. For example, when will we be back to Capitol and leave District 2?

"Morning!" I chirp cheerfully at Ophelia who just finished placing new flowers on the piano.

"Good morning," she greets me gleefully. "Now I see that you're getting use to it!" she says as she proudly studies my clothes. I'm wearing white tank top with small pattern on the chest, with a dark blue cardigan, a cream balloon skirt, and kitten heels in the same color as my cardigan. My hair tied up into pony tail.

"Actually, Darla put this for me," I admit sheepishly.

"You'll get use to it," she laughs and nods surely. "So, what can I help you with?"

"Have you seen Cato?"

So after that I go to where Ophelia told me to go, the garage. There I saw Cato busily maintaining his motorcycle. His expression is serious but he looks like he's enjoying it very much too.

"I just noticed how cool it looks," I announce my presence.

He looks up. "Well, Dino is my bad boy," and grins widely. So it's a he. "Sleep good?" he then stands up.

"Yeah," I nod. "You?" and watch as he washes his dirty hands in the bucket.

"I haven't slept. Father and I have a lot to talk about," he answers and dry his hands with a cloth.

"Where is he now?" I ask as I sit on the table near him.

"He departed to district 1 two hours ago, so he can't see us off, but he told me to say have a good trip," Cato throw the cloth and walks to me.

"He loves you, who could've guess huh?" I can't help but smile because I notice how happy he is now.

"He showed me the video, when Arthur seduced you," he tries to change the topic and laughs.

"I hope he's okay."

"Don't sweat it," he sits next to me. "So, I guess there's no problem now from our families. Are you ready?" and then claps his hand. His bare upper arm touches mine. Have I told you that he's wearing a skin tight top right now?

"For what?" I ask back.

"Marrying me, Firegirl," he rolls his eyes.

"I totally forgot," I mock him.

"Did you forget what happened the last time you picked a fight with me?" he taunts me.

"Thankfully there's no river," I spat again.

"I have pool," And of course he spat back.

"I'm ready, I think," I sigh and laugh lightly.

"Me too," he sighs too. "So, I've been thinking about something," he says carefully.

"What?" I arch an eyebrow.

"You don't mind if we kiss right? A plain kiss," he asks.

I try to think about what he means before my negative thinking takes over. "Oh, after the declaration, you mean?" I guess.

"Jackpot!" he nods gladly because I understand.

"I guess it's alright as long as you don't fall in love with me afterwards," I bit my lip and look at him naughtily. "You think you're the only one who can flirt?" and laugh when he looks stunned.

"Please, you will not resist my charms, especially handling my kiss," he recovers fast and scoffs.

"It's a plain kiss so I think I'll get over it easily," I pout at him playfully.

"Come here!" he growls and reaches for my body.

"No way!" while I jump and try to escape. But he chases me easily and pulls me into his arms and begins to tickle me. I laugh so hard and try to tickle him back but it has no effect since his muscles are very hard, I guess.

But then we hear someone clearing their throat and we stop. Ophelia walks and smiles widely at us.

"What is it Ophelia?" Cato asks as he releases me.

"First, congratulation for becoming the main headline of the Capitol Today," the lady hands Cato the newspaper.

"I knew it," Cato exhales sharply and begins to read it. If it's in Capitol Today then that means that it's only a matter of time until our teammates know. I don't even want to imagine what will happen when we get back to the Capitol.

"And Katniss, there's a call for you from a guy named Peeta Mellark. He says it's urgent so you'd best talk to him now," then Ophelia looks at me and I know right there that I'm pinned to the floor beneath my feet.

What do you think? Thanks for reading and please leave a review so I might get better faster from my cold and update soon :p