75th Battle Cry

A Katniss Story

Chapter 8

Apart


Victor's Village District-2; Departure

Three days flew by for the young couple. Cato didn't want to go & Katniss wanted him to stay. She's scared & she hates to admit it. For her it's weakness so, she tries to stay strong but damn those hormones. Yet they both know that it's the President's order to get at least this one up. Snow wanted to show who still the boss is & who still calls the shots. They both hate it. Katniss knows it's because of the games now with the added Shaming ceremony fiasco she knows Snow wants to make an example out of someone. She's scared for both Cato & her cousin Seth. For all know that Snow is a pro at making accidents happen.

Yet the night before was one to remember. For her win on Seth's speech, Cato had consulted with Camille on what a toasting is & what exactly it means for their district. Wow, no wonder why Katniss was pissed at me. Where a wedding is important for the people in our district, a Toasting is a very private but important part for their district. Well he will make sure that this will be a very extra special toasting for her. Before taking Camille & Prim to the train station, Cato went to the Baker's shop picked up a loaf of bread. With Prim's help, Cato got the one closest to district 12's. Picked up some flowers (no roses). Drops off his in-law's at the train station with the promise to have Seth call them while in District 8. Went by the academy where Seth was to be picked up by Cato after classes. Comes home & while his wife is downstairs on the couch visiting with Seth, Haymitch & Effie. Cato got it the scene set. However when the time came after he packed his bags for tomorrow & put those by the front door he came for Katniss. Now both Haymitch & Effie knew what was going on. Yet when Katniss saw the bags her heart sank a little but, she didn't show it.

Katniss told everyone good night when Cato carried her upstairs. When they got to their room & he opened the door, she noticed it & smiled big time. Everything was there for the toasting. She smiled at him. "You remembered" said Katniss.
The fire was lit in their room where on a blanket were flowers, a plate there were two slices of bread & two sticks to toast them on. For the two of them it meant more than the vows on their wedding day for they meant every word of these ones. Cato realized it wasn't about what he wanted. It was about them-together. This was their time. A time where a husband reassures his wife and vice versa. A time where both give & given love in kind. It was the night neither of them forgot.

Yet with the morning sun, it was over too soon for either of them. When he had to go to District 8. Cato got Seth up for the trip. He came back & got dress. Cato didn't want to wake her yet she already was awake.
Cato "Like what you see?"
Katniss "Hell yes." They both laugh. Then it got serious, very serious. For this was the time he had to go & it about killed him to do it.
Cato "If any goes..."
Katniss "We got it. Go."
Cato "Love..." Gives Katniss a very passionate kiss until Enobaria knocks on the door then leaves. With hearing the front door closing Katniss squeezes her eyes shut to control the tears as Effie walks in with a tray to keep her company.


1 1/2 weeks later District 8-Touch & Go

Cato was overseeing the starting of the school while the village elders were interviewing people for teaching & trainer positions when Cato receive a call from none other than Mace.
Cato "Mace how's it going little dude? Why are you on Brutus's phone?"
Mace "We came by to check on cousin Katniss and, um and, and..."
Cato got dead serious "Mace what's going on? What's happened to Katniss?"
Mace "She's back in the hospital sir." Brutus takes over.
Brutus "Cato get yours & Seth stuff together now. There's a hovercraft on the way."
Cato "What happened?"
Brutus "We don't know. We were visiting her as Mace told you, then President Snow came by & for the first time not smelling like roses. We were having a great time believe it or not then Bam! Katniss went into seizure. Her vision is blurry again & doc said her blood pressure is sky high again. Katniss is upset because it happened in front of the President & the First Lady. Hovercraft will be there in 24 hours to pick you up because of the storm. Cato it's serious. Even Snow's concerned."
Cato "We'll be ready. See you there." Cato hangs up, tells Seth to get ready. Informed the Village Elders what was happening, called Haymitch who was going to be on the flight tomorrow to switch places with him. By that time Seth had everything packed. Seth took charge when he decided to try some sparring with Cato. Which helped him to get ready for his PT trials upon returning from District 8.
However time is going too slow for Cato. He needs to be there. He needs to be with her, his beloved. As Seth tries to get him to sleep Cato decides to get an update when there was a knock on the door. Cato opens it to find Haymitch & President Snow there himself to escort Cato home. Haymitch got briefed on the way to the hovercraft while Seth got the luggage for the both of them. The hovercraft took off with Haymitch informing the Elders that he was taking over the project until Cato's return.


Hospital District 2-Maternity Ward-Return Early
In a hospital room under dimmed lights a young pregnant woman is sitting up, worried. Along with embarrassed for what happened today. Looking around she remarks "Dear Lord I'm hooked up for sound." Katniss said. Enobaria, Effie & the First Lady were there while Brutus & Mace went to the train station to pick up Camille & Prim.
Cato texted for the 8th time "Tell her to hang on, I'm on my way." Katniss smiled and said"I bet you 50 that he took over because they couldn't fly it fast enough."
Effie "You're on" The other two ladies looked at her as if she was high. They knew he would take over. Sure enough Cato texted again with Katniss reply flying & texting is not a good idea. Cato reply "But dear how could I get to you fast enough. You know me so well, my love."
Katniss "ETA Mister?"
Cato "I don't know. How about now?" as he walked through the door with the President & Seth." Katniss smiled however the President's new Avox looked very familiar & for good reason. It was Trench. At the moment it didn't matter Katniss & Cato were only concerned for Rosemary.
Katniss "Thank you Sir for getting him home."
Snow "He outflew me. Took over because the pilot couldn't get here fast enough. Boy does that bring me back." As he looked fondly at the First Lady. "You are very welcome but we are going to get going." As everybody stood to leave except for Katniss for obvious reasons. Effie gives Cato 50 has she leaves to walk the President & First Lady out.
Cato "What was the bet?"
Katniss "That you would take over since the pilot wasn't flying fast enough."
Enobaria "Even I knew not to take that bet on." I think Haymitch is finally rubbing off on her.
Just has Cato was going to see the Doctor, he came in. After looking at all the monitors the doctor pulled Cato aside.

Doctor "I'm not going to sugar coat this Mr. Lungren, the 24 to 48 hours are going to make the decision for both mother & child. Her blood pressure is way too high, I don't like what I'm seeing."
Cato "Will the baby be able to survive at this point. She's barely 30 to 31 weeks."
Doctor "Yes she can survive out here. However given the exposure to god only knows what in that arena, I don't know what the long term effects will be for the baby. (Cato's eyes got big as it set in) Babies have come out as young as 21 weeks and survived but this is different. She's an arena baby being that your wife was 4 1/2 months pregnant in the arena. However I can tell this baby must be like her mother, she's a fighter. Cato, if it comes to mother or, child what is the choice."
Cato already knew this answer because both had talked at great lengths about it, even though it killed him to make that choice, Katniss did it for him. So Cato answered "Child. We already had that talk when she came out of the arena. Katniss said to save the baby at all cost. Even if it meant her."
Doctor nodded in understanding. Just then Camille came in & Cato told her what was happening. Camille replied "Oh hell no! Doc we're saving both there is no other option."
Doctor "I have to adhere to the wishes of the patient Mrs. Everdeen."
Camille "When then you made it easy for me. You have my grandchild to care for, I have my daughter, get it. GOOD! Thank god I come prepared for these emergencies. Prim my bag now & give the doctor my list to get the blood pressure down." Camille went into healer mode.
Camille looked at Cato "Either way Cato she's here until term. You're going to need to inform the President." Camille looked to the doctor "You're going to need a NO ROSES sign posted ASAP, Katniss is allergic to roses. "
Doctor "WHAT! Shit need an Eppie pen stat. half of her meds are based on Roses." He looked at her chart, somebody erased the allergy off the chart. "Whoever the son of a bitch is I'll get them!"
Katniss replied "It was Trench." As all looked at her, she continued "He's Snow's new Avox. I saw him looking at my chart." Cato went from upset to furious in 2.5 seconds as he gets on the phone to the President to bring his Avox back here as doc injected Katniss with an Eppie pen to counter the effects. Then went ahead and change her meds then & there. Her reaction to the eppie was an improvement but not enough.
Camille "Katniss they got that angle. Don't worry now, Mom's here. That's my girl. That's it, Mom's here. Mom's here. Mom will make it better."

Cato got on the phone with President Snow who stated that he will deal with his Avox personally.
Cato said "With all due respect Sir, you sent me & Seth to get Trench when he made his get away via bomb threat at the Academy. Those were REAL bombs that could've killed thousand of children of OF YOUR country. Seth made the request to have one shot at him for his kid brother. I want a shot for my wife & child. As a father yourself you would do no less & if memory serves I was in the doghouse for the 75th."
Snow "Very well Cato, Seth gets his shot. Tell him, it's life or death. He comes out as a Victor or, in a bodybag. The choice is his."
Cato "Then let Seth give you the answer Sir." Snow agrees & Cato pulls Seth out of the waiting room. Seth knows what's at stake.
A nervous 12 year old boy takes the phone & gives his reply.
Seth "Mr. President, Sir I said it back then I mean every word of it now. Anytime Anywhere, I want Trench. Please don't hold it against me when I say I'll be smiling when it's done. When and where Sir? " Snow tells him the back field of the academy. It will be a mini version of the 76th Hunger Games but it will still be the games. Snow also tells Seth he wants it over quick so both boys can restore the academy's honor.
Cato "Can you do this Seth? I'm telling you from experience, the first kill will be the hardest. There really is no way I can prepare you for this. The feelings that you will feel are going to be hard, very hard before during or after this. However if you come out of this, Snow said you & Mace are a Victors in your own right & trust me Brutus will be bragging about this for years to come."
Seth "Trench hurt my kid brother, now my cousin & mentor's unborn child lives are at risk. I know the costs. I'll live with them. Just do me one favor sir."
Cato "What's that?"
Seth "Take care of my brother just in case because if I don't win against scum like that, I don't deserve to walk out of there at all."


Training D-2 Academy-Little Victors

The arena was set in the back area of the school. Seth knew what was at stake beside his own life. Trench wanted to gets his attention, well he got it. Bets in the capitol put Seth at 75 to 1 odds to win against Trench. At the last minute they pitted Mace with one of the Shamed that was caught in District 4 for multiple counts of attmpted murder in the District 2 Hostage/bombing scare. Mace was pitted with 85 to 1 odds against him. Seth looked at his brother, Mace.
Mace "Remember when it seems impossible, work harder. You can do this 75 to 1 my ass. Child's play, they don't know my brother do they."
Seth "Mace it's not play, it's real. Cato & Katniss will be there for you in case."
Mace "Stop with the 'in case' bullshit Seth Gabriel. You're winning or, I'm kicking your ass." Seth just nodded for that's all he needed to know. That his kid brother had total complete faith in him even when he doubted himself. And for all the world Seth would never let his kid brother down. Now he knew, game over Trench is dead meat. President Snow is practically jumping for joy on the money he's already made in this set of games alone.

They called this the 76th arena the mini arena but it's still the games. This time there will only be four in this arena for trial. Two wielders of Justice a 12 year old boy & his 9 year old younger brother for the Capitol wanted to show that age does not matter in fighting for what is right. Against two an 18 year old men, the criminal Trench, an Avox, leader of the Shamed party with another who is an escape member of the Shamed found in District 4. Seth & everyone knew he don't play by the rules Cato was prepared with backup in a 9 year old Mace in the trees camo painted & bow in tow with two others in the trees. One of those being Top Senior & she's pissed. The angle being they thought of two against one. With Mace being under age he could not make it to his weapon of choice from the platform. They (Trench thought) were pitting two against one on a kid barely reaping age. Child's play. They thought wrong.

At the hospital, Katniss, Prim, Effie & her mother watched on T.V. as this arena was being televised for the world to see justice being meted out as, Camille used her rubs & teas to get the blood pressure down & it's working. Slowly but it's working.

In the arena

Seth is on his platform waiting, so is Trench & One other. On the Com-link Mace informs he has a clear shot of the other & is asking for the green. On the other end however, is no other than President Snow. "Mr. Skylar wait for the timer to hit zero. Once he's off the platform, he's your's at your will. Do not let me down young man."
Mace "No Sir I sure won't & thank you." Brutus gets on the link while Cato is in on the conversation to talk him through it. It's hard on Brutus for in actuality Mace will be the youngest Tribute in history. If he hits the youngest Victor. 30, 29, 28, 27, 26, 25...
Seth adjust his stance to improve his speed. 15, 14, 13, 12, 11, 10, 09, 08, 07, 06, 05, 04, 03, 02 ,01 buzzzz...
Seth takes off fast has he could grabs swords & spears as Trench grabbed knives & a axe. Trench went to swing the axe at Seth it got stuck in a wall of the arena when, all of a sudden there was a thwack then whizz sound & the other Tribute is dead on the ground with an arrow through the eye coming out of his head. (it was later said that even President Snow was impressed with young Mace's shot & wondered who taught him. Gee I wonder who hmm..) Trench gave a "what the f..." look has Seth took the opportunity to throw his spear where it glanced off of Ternch's side leaving a large gash bleeding fast. Trench threw all three knives at Seth one hit his shoulder the other two parried by his sword, missed. Seth went in auto survival mode taking down Trench in hand to hand that Cato taught him. Where Trench had size and strength, Seth had knowledge, speed & a dagger in his shoudler from Trench. Which Seth used to put into Trench's neck & has Trench looked in utter suprise at Seth, Seth used the sword to behead him with a smile. Seth looked down "I told you mess with my brother I'll take you down & smile while doing it." The crowd roars in applauds. Yet Seth knew he was in trouble, holding his shoulder he half walked/half dragged himself to Cato, fast.

From the Capitol Caesar announces Ladies & Gentlemen I give you the Victors of the 76th Hunger Games Seth Gabriel & Mace Michael Skylar.
Even then Seth looked at Cato as he handed his swords to his Mentor & teacher said "Sir..." and then promptly passed out in his mentors arms. Mace was running from the trees as fast as his little legs would carry him (He almost ran though Brutus & he leaped over Top Senior). "SSSeeetttthhhhh! Nooooo!"as Mace got to Cato & Seth first. "You don't quit on me big brother! You promised Seth. You promised!" As the ever prepared Mace had bandages pressed against the wound to stop the bleeding as the medics arrived with a strecher to get him to medical." Cato had to pull Mace off his brother to get him to calm down. Brutus came to Mace "Son, stand up straight for not even Cato could pull that shot off at your age. Take your bow for you & your brother Mace." Mace did what he was told then ran to medical to go to the hospital with his brother & Cato. Where before you saw a fighter, now Mace sees his brother in a away he never thought he'd imagined. Still as death. Vulnerable & it scared the 9 year old. In the ambulance Mace told Seth "Don't you quit on me. Or I'm kicking your ass "as tears were running down the 9 year old Victor's face.

Later at the hospital a call came in from the President on Brutus's phone for Mace. Snow congratulated him in his win. Mace thanked him then asked if he could please get back to his brother. Snow said of course & hung up. Mace said to his mentor " I hope I didn't pissed the President off, Sir."
Brutus "Nope YOU did just fine, Mace." Now Seth & Mace something that gave Brutus bragging rights for a LONG time. They became the youngest Victors in history. Where Seth never left his side when he ingested choke berries, Mace never left Seth's even when he fell asleep in his chair & Brutus put the youngest Victor in the bed next to him, cleaned the camo paint off his face, while shaking his head.


Back at the Maternity Ward:-Rosemary

Katniss is still fighting but even with the medication the worst happened. Katniss's water broke & went into preterm labor. The baby was breached so they had to do an emergency C-section as the placenta separated from the uterine wall. Cato went in with the Doctor & invited Camille since she bought over 36 hours to get the pressure down, giving Katniss better odds for survival. Soon has it started they had the baby out in 2 minutes flat. Katniss started to go back to normal then she crashed, her heart stopped. Both Camille & Doctor went into mode Doctor had the NICU Pediatrician take over for the baby & got Cato out of there quick. In less than 3 minutes they got her back. Meanwhile Brutus was with the boys when this was going down. Enobaria run into the room gets Brutus, she stays with the boys. Brutus informs the President on the status of the baby in the NICU & the current condition of the mother.

Victor's Room pediatrics D-2; 3 hours later

Seth wakes up looks around "What in the hell? Mace, where's Mace? Mace!" Effie was there to calm Seth down & pointed to where Mace was. Upon hearing his name, Mace shoots up out of bed "YOU scared me Seth! Don't you ever do that again!"
Seth "Well this is a switch." Starts laughing while looking at his shoulder. "Oh man, need a new DBD mark." Seth's is on his front shoulder while Mace's is on his shoulder blade.
Mace "I'm still mad, here." Yet couldn't keep a straight face. By then Brutus walked into the room & changes out for Enobaria. Mace asked "How's cousin Katniss sir?"
Brutus "Boys it's serious. The baby came early, most beautiful little girl I've ever seen. Looks just like her mother. Katniss is in the fight for her life, again."
Seth "Can we go down there?"
Brutus "In a few young man. You still have to face your Aunt Camille. I don't envy you two right now."

Back in Maternity(after going to the boys)

Cato left the NICU after seeing Rosemary to see Brutus waiting for him. Brutus sees his former protégé beside himself, trying to keep it together.
Cato "Katniss crashed after they got Rosemary out Brutus. I don't know if she's alive. Nobody has told me anything." Just then Camille is running to Cato. Smiling. Cato takes off to recovery. Brutus tells Camille where her nephews are.
Camille "Those two are SO on my list scaring me like that. What were they thinking?"
Brutus "The President ordered it Camille. On a good note they're Victor's in their own right. Seth & Mace will never get reaped for their service to the President. I made that part of the deal for both, Camille." This was a huge relief for Camille & Prim who was with Katniss in recovery.

In a recovery room under a dim light a young mother lies asleep. Her kid sister sitting there waiting. Cato runs in there. Prim looks at Cato tells him the Doctor will be in to talk to him soon. She leaves to find her mother & cousins.
Cato looks at the monitor seeing that she's fighting, he starts talking to her. "Baby please don't leave. Stay with me. Don't do this to us. You got to fight back, you're so much stronger than this love. Katniss you haven't seen Rosemary. She looks just like you. It may sound selfish but baby I want more time with you. Katniss, I don't think I can do this alone. Come on we're talking about me here. Do I honestly look like Father of the Year material?" Then he felt a squeeze on his hand. "Katniss?" Cato looked at his hand where there was a tight grip on it. Then he knew as he looked up & saw those grey eyes full of fire. Cato leaned down while never letting go her hand until their foreheads touching. "My love don't ever scare me like that again." as he kisses her.
Katniss "Seth?"
Cato "He's fine. The knife went a little deep but they got it. He's got a scar for bragging rights along with Brutus who has the two youngest Victors in history." Brutus text Seth is up & wants to see his cousin.
Cato shows Katniss the text.
Katniss "Rosemary?"
Cato "A fighter just like her mother. Camille said her mother's daughter. She's good size for a preemie. 20 inches long 6 lbs. 5 oz. Doc said she made it 32 weeks." Just then the Doctor came in.
Doctor "You gave us quite a scare there Mrs. Lungren. I hope no more surprises are forthcoming by the way I have two Victors who want to see their cousin. Hell I have never seen so many Victors in one hospital at the same time."
Katniss "Our baby's Godparents are Victors too. So are her parents by the way"
Doctor "Brutus & Enobaria? Wait a minute, you are Katniss Everdeen Lungren, the back to back Victor?" Katniss nodded. The doctor was beside himself.
Katniss "Send the little Victors in Doctor."
Doctor "Okay who's doing the press conference"
Cato "The boys & I will." Just as Camille brings in Seth & Mace. Brutus during which time was informing the Snow on the whole gang.
***News ribbon releases: Katniss Everdeen Lungren back to back Victor of the 74th & 75th in hospital give preterm birth to Daughter; Rosemary Camille Lungren early this morning after suffering from preeclampsia. Both are fighters says treating Doctor. Press conference to follow.***Brothers Seth Gabriel & Mace Michael Skylar declared Victors of 76th games in mini arena. The brothers ages 12 & 9 are the youngest in Panem history. Seth Skylar is in serious condition in D-2 hospital after receiving a knife wound in his right shoulder. Brother Mace refusing to leave his side. Both boys are cousins to Victors Cato & Katniss Lungren & Primrose Everdeen.*** President Snow reported to be impressed by the boy's skills & VERY HAPPY of the outcome. Stay tuned for press conference***


Press Conference Hospital D-2-Recovery

In the hospital's press room the Doctor, Seth's Doctor, Cato, Brutus Seth & Mace with Aunt Camille were up there. In Katniss's room Prim Effie & Enobaria were watching it. Cato promised after the conference to take her to see Rosemary.
Only statements were given considering the newest Victors are 9 & 12.
1st Statement- Announcement of Rosemary Camille Lungren Birth due to complications via C-section. First Child born to Victors Cato & Katniss Lungren. Mother & Daughter are doing well.

2nd Statement -Injury of Victor Seth Skylar. Right shoulder injury was serious but not life threatening. He will make a full recovery.

3rd Statement-Brutus thrilled that two of his students were able to over come age difference of over 6 years & take on the duty to restore the honor of the academy. Thrilled that the two young men ages 12 & 9 were able to take on two who shamed the academy two months ago, who tried to blow the academy & has the distinct honor of being the mentor of the youngest Victor Mace Michael Skylar age 9.

4th Statement (Joint statement with Brutus & Camille) Cato- I'm a Dad of a beautiful baby girl, Rosemary Camille Lungren 20 inches long at 6 lbs. & 5 ozs. Meet Grandma (Camille blushes) & the Godfather which will come in handy during the teenage years (Brutus puffs chest as the press corps laughs). Rosemary's Godmother is Enobaria. I have to say my wife, Katniss picked great Godparents. I am proud of my protégé, Seth Gabriel Skylar being one of the youngest Victors in history. Who conducted himself extremely well under the circumstances." Looking at Brutus who nodded at Cato announced "And both Brutus & I want to congratulate Seth in being an early promote to the next grade as of today. (The press applauded.) Seth had to complete an individual Physical Training course & pass. He did, with flying colors while restoring honor to the Academy. My wife, Katniss is still in recovery after suffering from preeclampsia which brought on the preterm labor of our child Rosemary. We're doing good as a family, taking the time to enjoy the fact that both Katniss & Rosemary are doing good. I can't wait to take both mother & child home.-Thank you. (Press applauds)
In a surprise to both mentors a fifth statement came jointly from the Skylar Brothers as they were escorted to the podium by their Aunt Camille.

5th Statement- (Mace went first) "I would like to thank President Snow for allowing me the opportunity to have my brothers back & a chance to restore honor to the Academy in District 2.(pauses) We always have each others back. Seth was always there for me even when it was just us for as long as I can remember & I can (everyone chuckles). I want to thank Brutus (whose chest puffed up) for doing research and found my mother's family. You see I wasn't wanted by my father's family & my big brother sacrificed a home with dad's family to care for me, his kid brother. So my Mentor did some digging & found my Aunt Camille, cousins Katniss & Prim. Isn't Aunt Camille pretty (press, aww. Both Mentors thinking "He's got them eating out of their hand")? So now we have the one thing both my brother always wanted real family. And for that my brother & I thank you Brutus. In closing I have one thing to say to my big brother on behalf of both Aunt Camille & I; Don't you ever do that to me again!(Press laughs)-Thank you." Then Seth takes to the podium.

Seth- "I echo my brother's statement in thanking President Snow for the opportunity of protecting my brother Mace (press aww) & restoring my school's honor. I also want to take the opportunity to thank Mace's Mentor, Brutus for finding the rest of my family on my mother's side. (press aww) Everything Mace told you about one side of our family is true & I would never leave my brother who was only 1 at the time our father died in the world alone. We were put into Foster Care from the time Mace was 1 & I 4 1/2 years old (Press gasps but looked at Seth in new found respect). I want to thank my Mentor for teaching me honor in fighting for what is right & to do that with dignity, grace under pressure, to take on more. I always told Mace to work hard & if it was or, seemed impossible to work harder. Nothing worth fighting for is ever easy. Honor & dignity are worth fighting for(Cato's chest puffs up). Also He won't need bodyguards when Rosemary starts dating (press laughs) even though girls do tend to go for guys that are like their Dad's (You hear Cato "Oh hell no! That's not happening. Brutus need the notes. Press laughs even more).
I do want to say a few things:
I
meant what I said mess with my brother, I'll take you down & smile while I'm doing it.
(Seth looks to his Aunt) I'll promise to both my Aunt & Brother unless it's an emergency I will try not to scare them like that again (press aww, Camille & Mace you got that right mister).
Going to need to redo my DBD cause of the dagger.
& last; WOW, dang my kid brother has got game.(press laughing hysterically).-Thank you.

As they leave the press room to go to see Katniss, the Doctor Treating Seth looks at his shoulder. In Katniss's room the doctor redoes the shoulder dressing & tells all parties no training for at least 3 weeks until it heals. Then he starts Physical Therapy. Once the doctors leaves both mentors, start talking:
Brutus "Okay gang. Here's the deal with these two now Victor's they don't need to go to school. However, I feel it's important to keep their education up to par. Boys what do you think?"

Mace took over since Seth was tired. "We already talked about before going into the arena Sir. We're staying. We have too much to learn & we want to give back. Seth & I want to stay here and learn everything. When it comes time being that we're Victor's now, we can become trainers or, mentors & give back to other foster kids like us. Is that okay Sir."

Brutus & Cato "Absolutely" Cato continues "But you will be treated different because you are now Victors, you understand?" Both boys nod. Brutus take over "Good, because they will expect you to go to the Capitol & for that set of challenges you two need at least one game face for interviews. We'll get to that later now that we have a wheel chair for Katniss we're going to see Rosemary. Want to come?" Both Boys nod yes.

Soon Katniss was taken to the NICU to see her daughter in an incubator but Rosemary was breathing on her own which was good. She has a few mile stones to do before be able to go home. Katniss got to hold her then. Brutus took a picture & text to Haymitch. His returned message "Her Mother's Daughter right down to the eyes & button nose. Tell Sweetheart good job."-H.
Mom had to recover from the C-section and allergy exposure which she was in the hospital for 5 days. Every moment she got, she was there with Rosie as they nicknamed her. Katniss was determined to care for her so she can have her home soon. This included beast feeding her via bottle because she still needed to develop the sucking that babies do. Usually Cato there first before going to Katniss's knowing that she would be there. In the end Katniss went home at 5 days & it about killed both of them to leave Rosie behind.
Rosemary decided to get it together because she came home two weeks later, a week ahead of schedule.
Snow happy now that he finally got the happy ending (and is out of the doghouse with his wife)that he wanted, let Cato stay home until the family can travel together for the boy's interview with Caesar then will start on 12 academy being that Haymitch will have districts 8 through 11 done by then.


3 months later; Caesar's interview- Capitol-On the road again+2

Traveling with a baby is not always that easy. Traveling with a daughter of two Victors is even more fun. Yet everyone used the travel time wisely. The boys were coached on a game face by all. Cinna styled Katniss, Rosie & the boys. However the prep team for all the boys came from two.

Rosemary was dressed in a long green lacy dress with matching head band. Katniss was in a dark green tea length dress & low heels. Her hair braided on one side ending into a pony tail with curls. As Effie knocks telling her its time to go. Katniss picks up Rosie goes into the living room where Cato takes in what Katniss is wearing. Cato Takes Rosie from mom to carry & all depart.

Caesar goes through the usual questions with Cato & Katniss then Haymitch brings out Rosemary. The audience goes wild as Rosie goes to Daddy & takes a nap.
Caesar "She's a daddy's girl already?"
Cato "Just like her mother."
Caesar "Wow she looks just like you Katniss. I was right you were a beautiful baby."
Katniss "Thank you Caesar, there's a little of dad in there. Her eyes are more blue than gray."
Caesar "So when the next one?"
Cato "Not for awhile Caesar (he notices something in Katniss), but then again you never know."
Katniss "With us you never know. We're always full of surprises." Haymitch text Cinna to go look in their bathroom. Cinna return text "there's a bear in there" as Haymitch thinks holy shit, they don't waste time. Haymitch shows Brutus who's eyes got big as he mutters damn give 50 to Effie & Enobaria. Then the boys were introduced. Brutus brings both out there to sit with Cato & Katniss.
Caesar goes through the age appropriate Q & A for them. Then looks to Seth to tell their story through Caesar's questions & Seth does. Most realized that Seth never really had a childhood until reuniting with his mother's side of the family. That's Mace steals the show with just one line.
Mace " Hi Aunt Camille." (audience aww.)
Caesar then asks Seth s very serious question concerning when Mace was in medical.
Caesar "A little birdy told me you late one night, asked for a shot at those who hurt Mace. Who were they?"
Seth "My parents. Mace was withering away & our mentors were on their way back from the 75th games. I was desperate for a shot at them or, at lease their leader. So I looked up & said "Mom, Dad please let me get a shot at them for Mace. Just one lucky shot please anytime, anywhere." It took me awhile but I got it.
Caesar "And that you did young man. Your shoulder how is it?"
Seth "Never better."
Caesar "You took on their leader who was 6 years older than you & won. How?"
Seth "A good Mentor & Trainer. (Audience applauds) Also unlike my adversary I didn't take the easy way out. I work hard when, it tough I worked harder."
Caesar turns to Cato "You're his Mentor right?"
Cato "Yes I am. Seth is my first Protégé. I was assigned to him before leaving the Capitol after the games. Brutus then took on Mace."
Caesar "I see. Now Mace who taught you to shoot a bow like that? Even the President was impressed with that shot."
Mace "I have to thank the President (audience chuckles). I was pretty good when I started this year. However my cousin Katniss showed me how she does it. That helped, a lot. (audience laughs & applauds). I have to have my brothers back. (everyone, aww)"
Caesar "And you certainly did young man. You certainly did. Ladies & Gentlemen I give you the Lungren's, Cato, Katniss & Rosemary and the Victors of the 76th Hunger Games Seth & Mace Skylar."
The President comes out to give the boys their crowns. Snow notices that Mace is standing on a small platform.
Snow "Good shot young man but why are you standing on that platform (mentors are holding their breath)?"
Mace "So you don't have to reach so far down for my head sir. And thank you for the compliment sir." For the first time ever in history Snow laughs a genuine laugh. Mace reminds him of his late son Damien who died at Mace's age in a car wreck by a drunk driver who plowed into his & another car that had two children. A four year old boy & his 1 year old brother. He never found out who the rescuer of his car was that day. Only that he was a widower from district 2 & that he had left behind two small boys. Then Snow placed the crown on Seth's head shook his hand. this concluded the ceremony. It was later said that the Mentor bragged how well the boys handled themselves.

Later back in D-12 suite:
Brutus took the boys down to D-2's suite for bed with Enobaria. While Katniss took Rosemary & put her down for the night in her crib. Cato comes in "Well..." Has Katniss points to the bathroom. Cato walks in sees the bear as Katniss hugs him from behind. Cato "Holy Shit!, You're sure? right..."
Katniss "Yep took four test all positive. This time, no roses, no arena & hopefully no morning sickness that runs 24/7. Happy?"
Cato "Yes & worried too"
Katniss "How so?"
Cato "You just recovered having Rosie & she was high risk. Now this one..."
Katniss "Each pregnancy is different. Chill. Come on lets tell the others."

The couple tell the occupants that the stork is making another pit stop here in another 7 to 8 months. Rosie will be a big sis around her first birthday.


** I know I know about the age for reaping in the story is 12 to 18 however in this story I wanted to show how Mace had his brother's back has Seth always had Mace's. Also I wanted t show how Snow rigged the games on any level at will. remember Snow is only concerned about the Capitalists entertainment & Happiness. He could care less about the districts. Event those who are the most loyal to him.**