A/N: Hello everyone, how are you? I'm sorry for the long update, it's just that my cold was getting worse and there's a lot of school assignment. Thank you for all your support, reviews, and alerts. Again, this chapter is successfully finish thanks to DragonDaemon93, and I hope she's getting better soon too since she catch a cold too. And I have to divide this chapter into two since it's really long. So, who's ready for the wedding? You get the invitation right? I told Arthur to sent them to you, or he probably forgot ^_^
Guide: XXX means Cato's POV, QQQ Katniss'
Disclaimer: The Hunger Games belongs to Suzanne Collins.
The Vow, part: 1
I wake up the next morning in Cato's bed. Don't get me wrong, we arrived from District 2 in Capitol last night, but it was already very late and I was so tired and catch a cold, so Cato took me without negotiation into his apartment which was very close from the station. And because I was so sleepy, I just crashed onto his bed. I was thankful though that he understood not to take advantage of me and just slept on the couch outside.
I sit up and yawn, and I follow the good smell outside the room.
"Morning. You sleep well?" Cato welcomes me from the kitchen. I look around and realize how big and modern his apartment is.
"Yeah," I reply as I sit down across from him.
"How are you?" he smiles and pours me a glass of water. I remember he gave me a pill on the train last night; that's probably the reason why I felt so sleepy after I took it. The pill clearly works though, and I'm sure it's one of those expensive medicines from the Capitol pharmacy.
"I feel much better, thanks," I receive the glass and drink it all. "I didn't know you cook." I curiously watch him pour small amount of chilli to the pan. It's fried rice, I guess.
"Basically, I'm just putting in anything I can find into the pan and cooking it," he laughs lightly and starts scrambling the content.
"Okay," I chuckle.
We enjoy our breakfast. I think it's a bit too salty, but I don't complain though. He also gave me a vitamin pill. And after that we take our turns in the bath, dress up with our uniform (I always bring my uniform in case anything happens), get to his sporty black car, and go to the base.
"Ready?" he asks after he parks the car in the east parking lot.
"Are you?" I ask back.
"No," he sighs heavily.
"Me too," I sigh heavily too. I can already imagine Thresh screaming at me like an angry mum, Rue crying, and Foxface shaking her head and reading me the list she made why I shouldn't marry Cato in full speed.
"Whatever, we'll face it. Just imagine them as a bunch of mutts," Cato smirks and takes off his seat belt.
"But you'll kill them?" I arch an eyebrow at him and take off mine.
"That helps my image, but you're probably right," he shrugs.
We leave the car and as I walk to the main building, my heart pounds. We start to see few tributes, and they see us. I expected some arched eyebrows or widened eyes, but… they just simply smile at us, I mean, like really smile, not a mocking smile.
"Let me carry that for you," Cato offers when he see me move my suit case to a more comfortable position.
"Thank you," I say as I give it to him.
"Oh my God!" someone squeals. Wait, not someone, a bunch of girls…? They were acting like they were watching something that was very amusing. We pass them and they start giggling as they look at us.
"This is not as I expected," Cato laughs nervously and glances at me. I feel like I can read his mind. Everyone is smiling at us; is that bad or good? is what his look tells me.
"Me too," I nod. "I thought everyone's eyes would pop out of their heads and everything would become awkward since we're arch enemies," I look around again. More tributes meet us and they… grin.
"Captain Cato and Everdeen!" I almost jump out of my boots when a girl suddenly blocks our way, and I know that Cato is startled too and he show it by freezing in place.
"Yes?" I manage to ask.
"In behalf of Catniss fan base, we just want to say congratulation to the both of you!" she suddenly claps her hands and smiles teasingly at us. Behind her I can see bunch of girls and some guys also looking at us and start clapping.
"Cat- what?" Cato raises an eyebrow.
"We wish you a happy ever after! But don't leave your wrestling in front of public, we love to watch it; it's sexy," the girl winks at us.
"Se…" Cato is speechless.
"Thank you," I manage to mumble vaguely. She squeals again and turns to her friends. They high five each other.
"Oh my God! He didn't kill you!" I manage to hear one of the guys say when Cato and I start walking again.
"Fan base? Since when?" Cato is finally able to finish a sentence and scoffs.
"How am I supposed to know?" I roll my eyes. That kind of thing shouldn't even exist in the first place. "Look, I'm going to head to my teammates now," I stop walking when we finally enter the main building and arrive at the lobby.
"Me too," he hands me back my suit case. "Good luck," he pats my upper arm.
I smile at him as I turn on my heels and walk to my team's quarters in the west wing. As I open the door, it took all my strength to not faint. It's a full house, my mentor / superior, my strategist, my combatant, and my healer, all of them are inside. Foxface sits with Rue in the corner, Thresh just finishes changing his uniform, Haymitch stands in front of lockers with his arms folded. All of them stare at me coldly, and all I can do is just stand still in place.
"I think you owe us an explanation," Foxface finally sighs after few awkward moments.
"You fell in love with the enemy? Since when?" Thresh demands. He looks upset, and I can't blame him.
I take a few steps forwards. "I'm sorry, I don't even know where to start," I look down at my boots. "Don't I deserve to be happy? Aren't you happy for me?" I encourage myself to lift my head and look at them one by one in the eye.
"Of course you deserve it, Katniss," Rue finally stands after like… forever. She smiles widely at me and hugs me lovingly. "I'm glad you finally found your happiness," she whispers. I hug her back as I feel my eyes become hot from the building tears. She knows how suffer I am from Peeta even though I never told her anything.
Thresh sighs in defeat. "I'll be the one who'll kick his ass if he's only using you," he then says with annoyance as he walks to us.
"Trust me, he's not," I laugh and pull him into our group hug.
"On the behalf of everybody in Bravo division 20, I just want to say congratulations," Foxface also stands and walks to me with a goodie bag in her hand. She lures it to me. I'm speechless. They even prepared something for me?
"Go on, open it," Haymitch circling his arm around Foxface shoulder and tilt his head to me. Thresh and Rue let me go so I can open it and see my present.
It's a couple mugs, one in red color with a panther (which has a fire tail) and says don't get caught in my fire, while the other one in yellow color with a roaring grizzly bear says I'll eat you alive. "Thank you guys, but aren't you mad?" I laugh and I can feel my heart warm with joy. They put a lot of thought into this.
"We were, but only because you didn't tell us sooner, we know it from newspaper headline for God sake!" Foxface pouts as she folds her arms.
"Trust me, it was a last minute decision," I say seriously.
"It was just a matter of time anyway," Haymitch puts his palms into his pant pockets.
"What do you mean?" I raise an eyebrow at him after Rue and Thresh hug me again to congratulate me.
"The lion falls for the lamb; it's classic. And Thresh will not be the only one who'll beat the crap out of him if he's only using you," Haymitch finally pulls me into a hug and kissed my cheek briefly.
"You have no idea," I hug him back as I nod and laugh nervously.
A few moments later, I back in my room to put my suit case, but Foxface said she wants to come with me, and I know that she wants to talk to me.
"I'm sorry," I apologize as I put my suitcase on the bed and start unpacking the contents.
"Don't be," Foxface shakes her head as she sits next to my suitcase. "But Katniss, this is so sudden. Don't you think that it's just momentary feelings because of, you know, Peeta?" she says in concern.
I wish I could tell her the truth, but Cato and I made a deal that no one should know about our true explanation in order to avoid some troubling circumstances that might appear in the future.
"It's not. Just trust me like usual, okay?" I gave her small smile to calm her and pull out my clothes.
"I am now. If I wasn't, I'd have already manipulated you to cancel this. To be honest, I did think that Cato is better for you," she laughs lightly and lies down on the mattress.
"Really?" I arch an eyebrow at her because I am really surprised. "We often tried to kill each other; does that ring a bell?" I stop and ask in confusion.
"Why do you think both of you have fan base?" she lifts her head a bit to look at me.
"Madness?" I shrug.
"That too, but… how should I put this?" she lies back. "You see, as Peeniss you are cute," and continues.
"Oh God, does that stands for Peeta-Katniss?" I ask tiredly as I put my clothes back to my wardrobe.
"But Catniss… Well, like Haymitch said, it's just a matter of time until both of you realized that your quarrels all this time is just your way to expressing interest and suppressed emotion for each other," and she suddenly explains passionately, which is starting freak me out.
That's the most absurd thing I ever heard. "I see," but I choose not to argue with her.
"And by the way, you and Cato are smoking hot! You're both Captains, you both excel at your skills," she's going on and on.
"He's brute and mean, I'm cool minded and kind," I walk back to my suitcase, stating the obvious.
"That's the kind of difference that everyone's looking for! You see, you both are like, covering each others' weaknesses. If I'm about to find someone to live with, I'll not looking for someone who similar as me; I'll find someone that's different, but can understand me," but of course she's the master of strategist, and I know that I will not able to win this conversation with her.
XXX
"Good morning, future groom," Clove is the first who welcomes me tauntingly when I enter my team's quarters. She's sitting on the left while she sharpens her knife. Luke sits next to her and tighten his boot laces. Marvel stands in front his locker and checks something, while Glimmer just glares at me. I sigh, pull my hands in my pocket and my eyes drop to the floor while I'm thinking about what'll I tell them.
"Let's skip the nonsense and go straight to the point," I hear Marvel say in annoyance.
"What kind of point do you want to hear?" I lift my head and look at them all.
"Since when?!" Glimmer bursts out.
"I realized I fell for her since a month ago," I reply and gesture simply.
"Why? What's so special about her?! She's our enemy!" of course she's still yelling at me. This is the second time I see her blow like this; the first was when I broke with her, and trust me, she looks rather scary right now.
I can only hope that Katniss isn't going through a really hard time like I am.
"I don't see why I have to share my personal life with all of you since I never interferes yours. And I bet whatever it is, it will not affect my work. I'll always be professional and so will she," I sigh tiredly and explain, not only to Glimmer but to all of them.
"I'm cool with it," before Glimmer could open her mouth, Clove saves me first. I give her the thank you look. Maybe this situation is not as bad as I thought.
"Me too, as long as you keep your word about being professional," Luke shrugs.
But Marvel is the one who really took me by surprise. "I envy you, man! I wish I have your courage to ask her out," he suddenly shouts and laughs nervously. "She's actually hot, okay?" he adds when we look at him like he's just grown two heads. "Congratulation," he then walks to me and shakes my hand.
"Thanks," I force a smile because this is still too confusing. I thought the reaction would be… chaos!
"You better retreat before Glimmer turns into Hulk," he whispers as he pats my arm and leaves the room.
"You bet," I whisper to myself and don't have the courage to look at Glimmer.
"I wish you luck, Captain," Luke also stands up, and smiles whole heartedly at me.
"Thanks, Luke," I give him a high five.
"Go get her, dick," Clove is next. She smirks and throws her knife at me playfully, but I assure you: if it was a normal person, they'd be dead or seriously injured by now.
"Fuck off," I say as I laugh and catch her knife.
"You haven't answered my question," Glimmer's voice makes me realize I still have a person to deal with. I return my attention to her and give her a questioning look. "What's so special about her?" she repeats. She looks offended, but not hurt.
"No offense, Glimmer, but we like broke up three months ago so what I feel about her is none of your business," I sigh and try to maintain my voice and my expression as calm as I can.
"And this is the time where you have to accept that if you really love him, then you let him go, even if it means you're not in the picture." I'm startle when Clove suddenly pop her head behind the door and joins in. "Come on, Cato. Brutus wants to see you," she then gestures me to walk out.
Without looking at Glimmer, I follow her. I feel guilty.
"I hope she won't kill herself," I say as I walk quickly.
"Please, she has a bunch of boys tailing her like puppies. You're a Captain and your family background is super; if she got you, it's a bonus for her," Clove keeps up my pace easily.
"Ouch," I glare at her but she just raises an eyebrow with a: what? That's the truth look.
QQQ
Cato said that we shouldn't waste time since there's no problem with our families. So here we are, gathered in my house in District 12, preparing for our wedding which is just seven days away. And I have to admit that I'm really nervous and excited about this. I'm so happy that I can come home again to my house in such a short period of time.
"Cinna!" I yell happily after I open the door.
"Hello, gorgeous!" Cinna, my stylist and also my friend in Capitol opens his arms to me.
"Thank you for coming." I waste no time to hug him.
"No, thank you. You're the most beautiful and epic thing I ever see in my life and I'll be honored to help you for prepare you for your wedding," he releases me, looks at me and smiles widely, then touches my nose.
I laugh and lead him into my house. Inside, already waiting is Prim, my mother, Gale, Madge, and of course, Cato. We all sat down in the living room five minutes ago, after I told them that Cinna already arrived at the Seam station.
"Cinna, isn't it?" my fiancé stands from the couch to welcome my stylist and shakes his hand firmly.
"I'm honored you remember me," Cinna says humbly and smiles at him, but I can see in his eyes that there's still some disbelief that Cato is really going to marry me, since I used to tell him about how Cato was being cruel and bullied me. Cinna even put some concealer on me when I got bruised from Cato.
"You've done great job with Katnisss at the 76th Hunger Games anniversary. She looked amazing at the ball," Cato nods and laughs lightly at him. 76th Hunger Games ball? I remember that. I didn't go with Peeta since he was so busy with his new squad – and clearly Jasmine – so I asked Cinna to dress me up and come with me to the ball.
I still remember the beautiful dress. It was one of the most beautiful dressed I ever wore in my life, and since Cinna was beside me, I felt confident enough to walk tall in it. The fabric was flickering, and it gave the illusion of wearing candlelight. My hair was loose, held back by a simple hair band. It was very beautiful.
But wait a minute. How come Cato still remembers that? I don't even recall seeing him at the ball.
"Aww…" meanwhile, the girls in the room (except me) whimper, while Gale just rolls his eyes.
"Okay, keep it down folks," I laugh as I sit again in the couch.
"So, this is everyone?" Cinna looks at all of us one by one.
"Yes, you may start now," Cato pulls him a chair then sit next to me.
Cinna nods at him, puts down his suitcase. "Hello everybody, my name is Cinna, I'm Katniss' stylist in the Capitol and also a good friend of hers," he introduces himself to everyone.
"Very," I correct and everybody smiles at me.
Cinna gives me the thank you look. "And on this beautiful minus a week wedding, I'll be assisting you as Katniss' matron of honor, and your wedding organizer," he then continues proudly.
Everybody claps their hands and welcomes him.
"So, Katniss, you told me that you want a garden party right?" after that Cinna sits down and pulls out his notes.
"I did," I nod.
"And you said that it will be held here in your house?" he asks again and starts writing.
"That's the original plan, but…" I say in concern as I look up to Cato.
"My father has invited an enormous amount of guests, so with Katniss' guests I think it'll be 800 in total," my fiancé explains to the others.
"That's just hilarious," Gale interrupts and shake his head in amazement.
"I know," Cato sighs as he knocks his fingers on his thigh.
"Then we need backup plan. Is there any city square here?" Cinna nod in understanding.
"Cinna, I told you that I want a garden party and there's obviously no garden sensation in Seam city square," I protest.
"When I was outside I saw many open fields but its right beside the forest, so it will be very dangerous. What if mutts suddenly attack?" Cinna tries to calm me.
"Well, the groom and the bride can clearly figure that out," Prim jokes and everybody laughs or nods in agreement.
"And don't worry, we can make it more gardenish but it will cost you more money," Cinna adds.
"Hit it, Cinna," Cato stifles his laughter. I know that he found it funny that I just protested about the location. I even surprised myself; I thought I wouldn't care. He suddenly holds my hand in his, and I just realize that we haven't held hands all day when we're suppose to show everyone that we're madly in love.
"I know, why don't you use our city hall? The backyard is quite wide, at least for 400 people, and if you use the auditorium more 200 will fit," Madge finally suggests. Oh God Madge, thank you so much for remembering that!
"Excellent, we can split the guests in two; first wave afternoon ceremony, and second wave night reception," Cinna looks at me again.
"And there's also a lake there," My mom adds.
"Good enough?" Cato squeezes my hand gently and looks at me. I can't help but blush slightly since he just saw how childish I am. I nod quietly. I can hear the others in the room say yes loudly since the bride agreed. While Cato laughs, circling his hands on my shoulder and gives a quick kiss to my hair, and I reflexively move closer so I curl right beside him. This is starting to become a habit to us.
"Perfect, we got our place," Cinna smiles happily as he writes it down. "Now, the theme," after that he looks at me again, and I know that I completely lost.
It takes a day to finish the wedding plans. I really hope that Foxface is here; she definitely will know what to do and what to think, but Prim, Madge, and my mother are giving good contribution too. By the end of the night, the conclusion is (and I hope I haven't got it wrong since there are so many): the main color will be white, pink, and green. There will be lanterns, something with bird cage, and a lot of flowers that I can't remember the name. The light menu will be sandwiches, cupcakes, fruit kebabs (I don't even know what that is), while the main menu will be meat barbeque, mashed potato, and salad. There will also be iced tea or fruit lemonades. Gale and his band will be responsible for the entertainment; they actually really good.
And there's still a lot of things but at least I already told you the main points, and trust me guys, I'm really dizzy right now and I think I can only able to tell all the detail to you if I read it directly from Cinna's notebook.
XXX
"Okay, beautiful, both of you!" Cinna claps his hands in satisfaction after Katniss and I finish our waltz dance for after the ceremony. "Okay, that's it for today rehearsal, tomorrow is the big day so ladies, go home to the bride's house and gentlemen, to Gale's house," he says to everyone.
I pull away from Katniss as I look around. I can't still believe that tomorrow will be my wedding. I smile to myself as I watch everybody leave. Rue will be the flower girl, Darla and Prim will be our ring bearers, Clove, Foxface (I guess that's what they call her, I forget her real name), and Madge will be the bridesmaids, while Thresh, Marvel, and Luke will be the groomsmen, and Gale will be delivering Katniss. The tributes arrived from the Capitol two and half days ago, and of course it was awkward when Katniss' and my teammates interacted in normal situation for the first time, but as we lived and spent time together in sixty hours, they unconsciously became closer, especially when Prim and Darla literally glued us together with their innocent attitude.
And like me, they start to fall in love with this countryside, except Thresh and Rue since they live in a similar place, I guess. I can see how Ophelia enjoys every time she and Mrs. Everdeen cook for us. Marvel secretly wakes up in the morning just to catch the fresh air, Luke likes to swim in the river, Clove asks Gale to take her hunting every morning, Foxface enjoys reading in Katniss' porch while she watches our three youngest girls playing with the flowers in the garden. Darla asked me to move here – and I don't know what I should tell her.
"Am I pretty good now?" Clove walks to Cinna and demands.
"Yes, you're finally able to do the correct smile, good job Clove," Cinna nods and compliments her. And I have to bite my tongue so I don't burst out laughing.
By the way, where the hell is Katniss? I swear that she was beside me a second ago and now like a ghost she just disappeared. The trees, I thought about that and look up. I'm right, she already on top of the tree which furthest from wedding location. I must say that sometimes she does weird things. I walk at the base of her tree and realize that she doesn't even notice me, her gaze exploring the decorated place.
"What are you doing?" I ask.
She looks down. "Nothing," and shakes her head.
I sigh and open my hands at her, gesture her to come down. She scowls but eventually jumps down and lands safely in my arms.
"You can't fool me," I whisper as I release her.
She bites her lip. "I just want to see how it looks from above," she finally scoffs.
"Well, we can put cameras above the trees, I guess," I joke as I look at the trees around us. She chuckles. "Is it as you imagined?" I ask again as I touch her braid and move it from the front side of her shoulder to her back.
"No," she shakes her head. I think she already used to my touch and so am I; we have to. "It's more beautiful than I have ever imagined," she smiles from ear to ear.
"Even though I was not in the picture?" I ask as I smile, curious with her answer. Actually, since she stood up for me from my dad I kinda… like her. I mean, for the first time, someone stand up for me to my family, you know? And I don't like her in that way, I just simply like her.
"Don't be silly, you are now," she punches my arm lightly. "I wish my father can see me," she then sighs and smiles sadly.
"I wish my mother could too," I circle my hand around her waist and start to lead her to walk since everybody started leaving this place.
"Thanks brute, for everything," she then playfully elbows my ribs.
"You're welcome, Girl on Fire. Just don't burn yourself tomorrow," I laugh. "So, where do you want to go for our honeymoon?" I ask.
"I thought no honeymoon?" her eyes widen in surprise.
"Really? We have a week off after the wedding, we may as well use this as vacation," I shrug.
"But what about the reservation. Wasn't that suppose to be like, a month ago?" she asks in confusion.
"That can be arranged. Now tell me before I change my mind," I rub her waist, gesturing her to decide quickly. She's right about the reservation; if we hurry then we might still able to get a good place.
She gives it a thought. "The ruin in floating city," she finally speaks.
"Really?" I arch an eyebrow.
"You've been there?" she releases herself from my grip and stop walking as she blocks my way.
"Yes," I nod.
"What's it like?! I want to go there like since I was six, after my father told me about it!" then she suddenly jumps in her spot excitedly. Okay, again she showed me the different side of her. So until now I know that besides excelling at archery, always frowning, glaring, and scowling, Katniss Everdeen could also laugh and smile naturally, have a nervous breakdown, and even be occasionally childish. I like it though, it's adora-
"It's lovely but are you serious? There are so many other beautiful places, but you choose that? It's only a four hour train ride from here," I try to make her reconsider. I've been there and it's so-so, I mean it is nice but nothing special, it's just a ruin.
"You took the direct tour right?" she asks and I nod. "No wonder you didn't feel its beauty! I want the trail tour!" she exclaims.
"With hiking three days and three nights?" I verify. She nods quickly. "That's even more absurd," I shake my head and scoff.
She closes her mouth until her lips are drawn into a thin line, then she folds her arms. "Okay, why don't we stop arguing and you pick the place? But you know what, next time you don't have to ask me," and walks away.
"Are you mad at me?" I chase her with an arched eyebrow. "Fine, we'll go there. I text Ophelia so she arrange everything, happy?" I sigh and laugh sinisterly as I pull out my cell phone and begin texting.
"Yes!" she jumps again.
Girls.
Wait a minute? Did I just finally admit that she's a girl?
After I walk Katniss' and the ladies with Luke to her house, I return to Gale's house, take my bath and eat dinner together with the others. Cinna just reminds me that I can't see Katniss until tomorrow, on the altar. He also tells me to sleep early because tomorrow will be a long day. Believe it or not, the wedding is finally divide into three parts; morning is for the ceremony and all the guest from District 12 (yes, I told Katniss to invite them all) and families and best friends only; the afternoon is for the guests from my father and District 2. The evening is for the Capitol and tributes.
"Dude, can we talk?" I can't sleep while something still bothering me. So I roll in my bed to face Gale who busily rechecking his song list for tomorrow on the chair in front of open window.
"Sure," he nods. I get up and sit on his bed, which is right in front of where he's sitting right now. "You got a stomach-ache from the curry?" he jokes as he watches my serious expression.
I scoff to melt the atmosphere. "Look, I really appreciate your help in this wedding, and to be honest in this past week, for the first time I know how to really have a brother," I thank him sincerely.
"Okay," he smiles and shrugs with no problem gesture.
"So, as... buddies, I need to know if tomorrow you'll not raise from your seat and shout I object, before the priest announces me and Katniss as husband and wife," I says carefully.
"Are you kidding me?" he arches an eyebrow and stands up. "I know you're stress, but just keep this cool, alright? I got your back," he says again as he walks to the wooden table in the middle of the room and puts the list there.
"I know you love her, and she loves you too," I sigh without looking at him.
Silence. Then after few seconds I hear some footsteps and he sits back down.
He plays with his fingers. "Katniss and I, we were raised as brother and sister. We spent at least four years together, every day, before she finally left for the Capitol. I know I like her, but at first she was just this… unattractive little girl who coincidently became my hunting partner and my friend. Don't get me wrong, I really cared about her even though at that time she was very thin and sad," he explains.
"I know that feeling," I nod. Not that I like Katniss, she's my rival and everything, but yes, she manages to be attractive in her own way.
"But then I started missing her. She called once a month but still… And when she finally came home I realized that I really liked her. But then she told me that she already had a boyfriend, that lover boy," Gale continues. "So I pretended that I didn't care and started a relationship with Madge," he then sighs.
"Really?" I ask in mock disbelief.
"Yes, then something she can't accept happened. When she came home at her second year in Hunger Games, I took her to the woods, and I kissed her," Gale then groans and covers his face with his palms in frustration.
"She must have flipped," I laugh. I can imagine how Katniss responded at that time. I mean, she's very stubborn so it must have been really hard and devastating for Gale to fix that.
"Very. She was… mad. And blurted out that she was in love with Peeta and how I betrayed Madge," Gale laughs too and starts explaining again with hand gestures. "So I apologized the next morning and she forgave me, but she told me that she will never, ever, give her heart for someone like me," he then finally finishes his story and his tone returns to calm.
"Have you asked her again?" I clap my hand.
"Man, remember when you taught my brother two weeks ago about handling the sword and Katniss and I disappeared? I spoke to her about that, and I even tried to make her cancel this wedding," he raises his head tauntingly.
"Go on," I smirk mockingly. Hmmph, asshole.
"But she rejected me, again. She said that she lost Peeta and that successfully affected her commitment issues, and she was afraid I will hurt her too and…" Gale explains tiredly. "She still chose you, because she said you wouldn't ever do that to her," and adds as he kicks my feet.
"Are you satisfied with her answer?" I scoff and kick him back.
"At first, not really, but…" Gale folds his arms and really thought about it. "When I laid my eyes on Peeta for the first time, and so on, I don't… never like him, even though he was nice and everything. Maybe because as a man I can see true nature in other man and I know he'd hurt her," he then exhales sharply.
"What do you see in me then?" I ask curiously.
He smiles at me. "I see what Katniss needs. And that's the most important thing since I won't be able to give her that, because I love her very much but the thought of me hurting her frightens me enough not to take another step," and then pats my shoulder lightly.
"I see," I nod with satisfaction.
"Happy now? Now, get off my bed dude," Gale stands and pushes me harshly from his bed and we laugh together.
QQQ
"So what do you think girls?" Cinna finally opens the curtain which has separated me from the other girls. He spent two hours on doing my makeup and dressing me while Venia (Cinna's assistant) does my bridesmaids, the ring bearers, and the flower girl. He smiles all the time and I can't help but wonder what makes him so happy, and he also says that I can't look at the mirror before we finish.
I look at my friends and my family one by one. "Oh my God, you're all so beautiful," I say in amazement. I've never see them like this before; Cinna and his team are really amazing.
"I couldn't agree more," Cinna nod and smile proudly.
Clove, Foxface, and Madge wears champagne colored dresses which fall perfectly to their knees. What makes the difference are the dress shapes and the hairdos. Clove wears a spaghetti-strap layered overlap dress which was very flattering and great for the texture. Her hair was smoothed with a silver headband circling the top sweetly. Foxface dress is sexy conservative - I especially like the detailing of the crossover knots and pleats; her hair was half up and down with curls on the back with silver butterfly hair pin. Madge wears a simply lovely dress with transparent and glittering fabric on the chest and dark ribbons around her ribs; her hair falls perfectly in elegant curls. They're all wearing earth-toned makeup, t-strap glittering sandals, and palette petal clutch in their left hand that matched their dresses perfectly.
Darla and Prim wear the similar dresses of a soft orchid color that fell under their knees, and the bust was boned which give them great shape. There were also flowers under their breasts and their hair was tied up in swedish braid with white ribbon, and Venia put natural makeup on them – light pink blush on, lipstick, and eye shadow with a silvery touch. While Rue wore a soft blue tube top dress, with glittering caramel colored ribbon under her ribs and layered skirt, Venia applied light silver and slightly orange makeup on her pretty face while her hair fell in small curls. The three of them wore the same peep toe pumps with matching colors as their dresses.
But then I just realize that they all staring at me with their mouths open wide. "Have you even seen yourself in the mirror?" Clove manages to ask.
I arch an eyebrow and Cinna laughs. He softly grabs my shoulder and turns me until I face the giant mirror in the room.
"Oh," I gasp and cover my mouth.
All of them are beautiful, but the girl I see in the mirror is the most beautiful of all. Never in my life have I worn something with flowers or something really white and pink. But the dress I wear now is sleeveless and backless. It has a crossover knot and the bustier filled with light pink flower patterns and light green color leaf patterns, a pink rose belt circling my waist. My skirts are long and wide and have pink flower patterns on it and it's also covered with sheer and glittering fabric which made it look white but with slight pink illumination. My sandals are ankle strapped, pearly and glittering. My hair is smoothed with some waves near the tips and falls naturally around my shoulder, the left side is swept and Cinna placed a big pink rose on it. He also applied coral colored lipstick, pink blush, and earth color with slight golden glitter for eye shadow. I have no idea how he was able to make my skin look so flawless, brighter, and even glowing.
(A/N: If you want to see Katniss real wedding dress you can search it with this keyword Atelier Aimée bride gown in the garden of the dreams, it's really beautiful! I want one myself!)
Somehow Cinna managed to make me look playful, innocent, but also graceful at the same time. I look like a 17 years old girl.
"You look like a princess Katniss," Prim croaks.
"T-totally," Rue stammers and laughs.
"Your dad would be really proud," then my mom, with her green long dress moves towards me. She carefully reaches for my right hand and hooks on a lovely pearl bracelet there. I remember it's a gift from my dad as her wedding present, her most important treasure. "This is your lucky charm today," she then kisses my right palm softly like she always did before my dad died.
I'm speechless. "I love you," I sob even though my tears aren't flowing and I pull her into a whole heart hug.
"I love you too," she laughs and sobs too as she hugs me tightly and kisses my temple.
"Aw," Prim runs at us and we welcome her joyfully into our group hug.
"Don't cry; it'll ruin our makeup," Foxface chokes back her tears as she smiles calmly and separates us gently.
Then the door open. "Okay ladies, you better get to your positions and observe your tracks since the guest is here, and don't worry about the bride since I'll escort her-" Gale bursts in with his dark green tux which shimmers slightly under the light. He looks very handsome. He stops talking and literally turns into stone when he notices me. "Holy shit – no, I mean, wow!" he looks like he just enchanted. All of us laugh. He then walks towards me and looks at me from head to toe. "Cato, you asshole," he then shakes his head in frustration and all of us can't help but laugh out loud. Darla even almost fell from her wheelchair if only Clove hadn't watched her closely.
"Okay everyone, come on," my mother leads the party to leave the dressing room, only leaving me with Cinna and Gale.
"What?" I arch an eyebrow at Gale as I sit down because he's still watching me closely while biting his bottom lip.
"I'm speechless Kat," he says.
"Thank you," Cinna leans at him and says mockingly.
"You are very welcome Cinna," Gale laughs and pats his shoulder.
"Okay, now I'll check everything last minute, and get you both a tranquilizer," Cinna then looks at us in turn before he finally leaves the room and closes the door behind him.
"Oh my God you're getting married!" then Gale suddenly makes a circle in his place and bursts out laughing louder like when we were kids.
"I know," I laugh back. "Hey, calm down before you hurt yourself," then tug the tip of his tuxedo. He stops spinning and grins widely at me. Then suddenly, there's a light knock on door.
"Come in," I respond.
The door opens and both Gale and I stiffen at the same time. "Hello," It's Peeta in a black tux with red line on its collar. He looks good, as usual. And he stares at me in amazement, like the others.
"What are you doing here?" finally Gale demands coldly.
"I figured out I can say congratulations in person before the ceremony starts, since we were really close too," Peeta closes the door behind him and answers calmly.
"Okay, thank you, Peeta, for coming here today. Your blessing was very important," I nod before Gale starts screaming at him and shoves him outside. Violence is the last thing I want in my perfect day.
Peeta nods at me. "Can I have a word with her?" then he puts his palms in his pockets and turns bravely at Gale.
"Not a chance," Gale stands in front of me in reflex and I can see anger flash in his eyes.
"Please," Peeta then looks back at me and I sense pleading in his tone.
I know right before he even beg that I couldn't say no. "Wait outside, Gale," I sigh.
"Hell no!" Gale turns and yells at me. He doesn't mean to be rude… he just really angry at Peeta.
"I'll scream if something happens, savvy?" I arch an eyebrow at him and give him a threatening look. He finally nods after sometime and glares at Peeta as he walks out.
"Is this your way for making me jealous and come back to you?" Suddenly, Peeta dashes at me and I stand up instinctively.
"What?" I almost trip in my gown and fall backwards.
"If it is, you succeeded. Can we go now?" he explains and looks very devastated.
"I beg your pardon? I thought I made it clear in the phone," I say nervously. I try to hide the bitter feeling; that he was supposed to be the one who was waiting outside on the altar right now, not my current fiancé.
"Is the headline true?" Peeta's voice was angry when I say hi to him on the phone about a week ago in Cato's house.
"You make a very far and expensive phone call just for that? Should I be honored?" I scoffed and tried to keep my mind calm. He called me just to ask that? Should I be happy? Is there some hope for me? Wait a minute… Don't fall for him again, Katniss, imagine what you've been through with him, the pain, the tears, and what Cato gives and offers you!
"Katniss!" he exclaimed.
"It's in Capitol Today, of course it's true," I groaned and inhaled deeply.
"Why are you doing this?" he asked desperately.
"I don't need to explain everything. You made it clear that you don't love me anymore," I said in confusion and look around cautiously, I hope nobody's eavesdropping.
"I do! I still love you!" he yelled and I imagined him pulling his hair irritably.
"Shame on you, Peeta. Have you even looked at yourself in the mirror?" I asked. The only thing left for him in me was… hatred. "Why don't you go to Jasmine? I'll send you the invitation as soon as possible, okay? Bye," and after that I hung up.
"Just tell me that you still love me," the present Peeta practically begs me.
"Peeta, you still have Jasmine," I shake my head firmly.
"I'll do anything for you, even if that means I have to leave Jasmine," then he suddenly closes the distance between us and pulls me into his arms.
"Then why did you cheat on me in the first place?" I push him away in disgust, and because I was afraid that he would ruin my makeup and my dress.
"I got very distracted and tired of your freaking anger at that time, okay?" he explains sadly and I can see tears start to build in his eyes. Of course he will start crying. That was and will always be his ultimate weapon to melt my heart, but I'm sorry Peeta, it will not work anymore, at least not now.
"That's not a reason, Peeta," I say coldly. "I loved you, I gave you everything, and if you really loved me then you wouldn't have done that. You think I didn't see you having sex with Jasmine?" I ask with my shaky voice. "I'm sorry; you already had your chance to make me happy but you blew it. I just can't trust you anymore, no matter what feelings I still have for you," I add before he's able to open his mouth.
His lips draw into thin line, I know that he didn't expect that I saw him with Jasmine and that reasoning is good enough to make him go. "My mother is sick. She broke down yesterday, and the doctor said that there's nothing we can do about it." But of course he stays in his place and finds another reason to counter attack me. A tear slides down on his cheek and he quickly wipes it.
My knees weaken. "I see, I'm sorry to hear that, I will… pray for her and see her later when I get the chance," after that I sit and try to maintain my calmness. "Now, can you please leave?" I point to the door as I see through his eyes seriously.
He just stares at me and I have to look away before I change my mind. "You look very beautiful," I'm so relieved when he finally sighs and turns around to leave the room.
"Oh my lord, Katniss.."
"Are you alright?"
Just three seconds after he left, Cinna and Gale enter the room with panic and concern on their faces. They're probably afraid that I'll suddenly call off the wedding.
"Of course I am," I scoff nervously. My hands are still shaking and I have to clutch them.
"Good," Cinna exhales in relief. "Ten minutes Gale," He hands two small bottles to Gale who nods to him. "I'll see you outside pretty thing," he smiles brightly at me before he finally goes outside.
"Cinna give us this. He said it will help us relax," Gale hands a bottle to me.
I open it hastily and drink the content carefully. "Tequila?" I ask as I cough at the sharp and strong taste on my tongue.
"Just small doze; we'll be fine," Gale laughs at my clumsiness and drinks his. "You want to talk about it?" after that he eyes me worriedly.
"No, no," I shake my head. "Let's get going," I stands up. Gale nods and offers me his arm, and helps me walk downstairs. The guests, who coincidently see us, well, me, stop to stare at me while their mouths open widely. Am I really that enchanting?
"Don't let him get into you," Gale says as we wait for our turn behind the wall before the aisle.
My bridesmaids are preparing to walk down the aisle with the groomsmen. Thresh manages to steal a glance to me and mumbles a simple beautiful with thumbs up to me. He wears an elegant cream tux like the other groomsmen. He will walk first with Clove, second is Luke with Foxface, and third is Marvel with Madge. Rue will enter after them and start throwing / spraying / whatever flowers, then behind her will be Darla and Prim as the ring bearers. And the last, me and Gale. Poor Cato, I can see him wait nervously on the front seat with my mother and his father.
"I'm just really nervous," I turn at Gale and tell him the truth as Peeta disappears from my head momentarily.
"That's the truth?" Gale arches an eyebrow.
"What if I fall? Oh God, there are so many guest," I almost faint as I take another peek outside. What if I trip and make a fool of myself or worse, Cato, who's being really kind at me lately and pay for everything!
"Okay, here," Gale laughs as he reaches my shoulder. "Relax. Just imagine you're swimming right now and the waves are rocking your body gently," he starts to rock me softly.
"Wuussssh," I exhale sharply and follow his rhythm.
"Yes, that's it," he takes my palms and spreads it above my head until it turns again to my side.
"Katniss, we almost up, this is your bouquet," Rue walks to us and hands me the neatly arranged flowers.
"Thank you, Rue," I say as I watch my bouquet. It's arranged with different shades of pink roses and herbs, all of them held with a thin white ribbon and it smells awfully good.
"Wish me luck!" Rue squeals as she runs back to Prim and Darla.
"Always," I yell at her.
Prim smiles happily at me and waves, I smile back at her and give her a far kiss with my palms. The anthem starts and all of us start to move in unison one by one, like when we practiced.
"I'm so happy for you," Gale squeezes my right palm that's tucked into the crook of his left elbow.
"You'll find someone and she'll be better than me," I squeeze back.
"Definitely," he nods surely and jokes.
I look into his eyes. "I love you, Gale. You're my best friend in this whole wide world," I say wholeheartedly. I think this marriage has made me more emotional.
"I love you too," he looks through my eyes and I know he says it sincerely.
"Now," Cinna approaches us and smiles assuredly at us.
"Okay," Gale nods at him. "Ready? Just hold on tightly to me," he then stands tall and before I can protest he's already dragging me down to the aisle. I sigh as I tighten my grip at him and try to smile sincerely to everybody. I've never had asthma attack but I feel as if I can have one now. He smiles brightly at me and I sense courage start to fill me and I can finally walk confidently with him.
The choir sings beautifully and as I look around everybody is looking at me and smiling at me, and for the first time I see no stigma, no disgust in their eyes, as if they forget my real identity as a girl from Seam. I can't help but to wonder at the wedding decoration. The chairs and the table covered with white glimmering cloth and pink ribbon. There are white paper lanterns and cranes in different colors hanging on the trees around us. There's a canopy above the altar with leaves and peonies, and... There're so many beautiful things I can't describe.
I feel like I'm in wonderland, and somehow I know that my dad is watching me from heaven.
Everybody sits perfectly in their position, our families sit in front row, I can see my mother and Ophelia cry in joy, and for the first time I laugh and smile happily at them as I wave my bouquet. I caught a glimpse of Peeta and he sits with Jasmine, sick. His expression is like he's looking at a zombitch (a bitchy zombie) right now.
Finally Gale and I arrive at the altar. He hands me to Cato, and I'm… speechless. I didn't really pay attention at the groom before, but now…
He really gorgeous, so beautiful, I don't even recognize him. He wears a dark brown tuxedo with a silky white shirt and ivory vest and tie. The tux reveals his figure perfectly, his hair is combed back neatly so I can see clearly his ocean blue eyes; the orbs are bluer than ever. Crap, I hope my mouth doesn't drop.
He smiles softly at me as he takes my hand and leads me onto the altar, facing the priest that looks so fatherly. His grip is firm and gentle at the same time, and suddenly I'm glad that he's the one who stands by my side. If this was Peeta he would have been really nervous and I would have been the one who had to pretend to be brave and strong and assure him that we're going to be okay. But with Cato I finally feel safe and I feel like a normal girl that can feel weak sometimes and needs protection, needs someone who's confident enough to stand tall for both of us and holds me tightly so I would never fall.
A/N: This is where you leave review, and I hope you guys like it!
