AN/ Hello my dears! I'm so so very sorry that this took so long, but I was struck down by a cold virus. Now i'm back and more powerful than ever before. Hopefully people are still reading this lol.
Thank you so much, we totally blew past 100 reviews! You guys are awesome, I worship you and declare you my new gods.
This chapter should have been a fair bit longer than it is, but I needed to put the cliff hanger where I did because of what happens in the next chapter.
Shout outs:
Anonanon: Thanks you once again. I'm glad that I could spew out another piece of gold last chapter. I'm happy you liked the arena, as I wasn't sure if I described it accurately.
2015: Yay, praise for my arena really means a lot to me, and trust me you ain't seen nuffin yet. I'm glad Peeta's plan went over well, it came to me whilst hearing someone do an impression of Daffy duck for some reason.
When Boredom Takes Over: You get a bit of insight into what the victors thought this chapter. I really like Clove, too and trust me she and Peeta, have unfinished business, so expect more ass kicking from her in the future.
lemueljan: I'm glad I could please you master. Writing the third book? I suppose it depends on how I do the quarter quell, the victors will be entering the arena, but the rebellion might not even interupt the games dun dun dun!
Marcus1233: I really enjoyed that scene with Clove, as well. She and Peeta, may have to reluctantly cooperate again in the future, hint hint. I've given you some Finnick, perspective in this chapter, and more badass Johanna, and dumbass Brutus, so enjoy!
Cray-Crayperson: The sexy and deadliness levels will continue to rise from this point onward! Sorry about the late update, don't hate me!
curious92: Glad you liked the ending. Thank you soooo much for that bit of praise, I don't really have a recipe...or a plan...or a process, I kinda just sit down and let the bullshit flow lol. Thank you for the comment about my chapter lengths, because it's something that I worry about.
Crunchy Nuggets: I understand your concerns about Peeta, and I hope this chapter helps in sooting them. Cato/Peeta action will start up again next chapter. Thank you!
LabRat3000: You help make my day once again! It means a lot that you liked my idea for Peeta's strategy, and your feedback on plot twists like that really helps me a lot!
Nobody: Aww Peeta's not a whore! Glad you like him and his whorish behaviour though!
TylerStories: Yay, your one of my new favourite ppl! I'm glad I could inspire, but while we're on that topic get your ass writing! I want new chapters damn it! Umm...I mean thanks for the review?
SakuraDrops141: Here's what happens next my dear! I hope it's equally unexpected.
No1. fan: Omg your really shouldn't say things like that, it'll make me go mad with power! Peeta, loving will be very very soon, just hang in there and you'll get your fix!
JHutchGirl: Cheers my dear! Here's some insight into Cato, in this chapter.
Holding Out For A Hero: Thank you sweetheart, I aim to please and provide teasing!Peeta to the masses.
adj251: New chapter...start dancing right the fuck now! xx
Thank you also to all of my unnamed Guests, your reviews mean a lot and I read all of them, I hope I manage to provide what you want in this chapter and the one that will soon follow it! Please continue with the kind criticism.
Disclaimer: Hunger Games isn't my property blablabla.
Peeta ran as fast as his legs could carry him. The build up of adrenaline from the last few minutes was still surging through his body, driving him onwards. He forced his way through the long grass, ignoring the way it irritated his skin and whipped at him as he passed.
He needed to find a place to rest for just a few minutes and his prayers were answered, as he finally emerged from the field and found himself in a clearing. Peeta's eyes darted around looking for threats. On the far side of the clearing the land sloped up hill for a few hundred metres, but on either side lay more of the same grass he'd just come through. Only these plants were even taller, reaching well over his head. Peeta may not be the tallest guy, but that still made them pretty damn big.
Taking a moment to calm his racing heart, he listened to his surroundings. He couldn't hear anyone coming through the grass behind him, which meant that Cato hadn't followed. Peeta, had assumed that the boy wouldn't pursue him without any supplies.
Thoughts of the District Two tribute brought the last few minutes rushing back. The games had just started and he'd already killed two people. He didn't know what to think of that. Peeta had known he'd have to kill in order to win, but he hadn't expected that it would be so easy. And that worried him. He'd caused a girls death just to create a convenient distraction, and even though she would have died anyway, he still didn't have to be the one to do it. Then again, at least it was quick.
In his brief fight with Clove, he'd actually enjoyed himself. It felt good to put his hard earned abilities to use against a skilled opponent. Did that make him any better than the Careers though? After all he'd killed the boy from Seven without even blinking. He'd stabbed him straight through the eye! And most disturbingly, unlike with the girl from Nine, he didn't feel any remorse for killing him. Maybe it was because he was trying to kill Peeta first?
He'd also given two people non-fatal injuries. Both the boy and girl from four had taken an arrow from him. Why did he disarm Treasure but not the boy from Seven? She came here voluntarily, with the desire to kill. The boy was trying to kill to survive. Didn't he deserve to live more than her? And Xander had received an arrow to the leg, just to slow him down. Peeta had known the boy from Four would be coming straight for him once he reached the Cornucopia, so he'd injured him to halt his progress.
Part of him had wanted them to suffer with the wounds that he dealt them. Even though he knew the Careers would have the necessary supplies to patch the pair up, he'd still shot them anyway. Because on some level he wanted them to feel like they weren't worth killing. That was definitely fucked up. Killing people because it was advantageous to a plan? Hurting people just because he didn't like them? It went against everything he'd trained for.
He'd spent years preparing to fight against the Capitol, anyone he killed then would be because they were a trained enemy with conflicting beliefs, it wasn't personal. So why was he making it personal here in the arena? Peeta resolved then and there not to kill another tribute, unless it was the final two, or they were trying to kill him first.
The sponsors may not like it as much, as they would probably enjoy watching him hunt his opponents down, but they'd have to deal with it. He'd already put on a show for them, especially with Cato.
Peeta's eyes widened. Oh god, Cato! He didn't know what he'd been thinking when he'd kissed him. It just seemed like a good way to distract the other boy, and then it had just felt really fucking good. He'd been on complete auto pilot when he'd straddled the guy and grabbed him...down there. The damn Capitol had been watching the whole thing, and he had no idea what they'd thought of it. Had he destroyed his sponsor base with that little stunt?
Peeta was quite suddenly pulled from his thoughts, by the sound of chimes. He scanned the clearing warily, waiting for some sort of bell monster to jump out, when a little silver parachute floated gently down in front of him.
He blinked in surprise for a moment, before realising what was happening. He'd been given a gift? Already? But he didn't even need anything yet.
Crouching down he carefully picked up the box, that the parachute had been attached to. His curiosity got the better of him and without further ado he opened the package. What he found, wasn't what he was expecting.
It was a broach. An honest to god fucking broach. In the shape of a flower. It was beautifully crafted from delicate silver metal, and amber coloured glass for each of it's eight petals. Peeta already knew that he had nothing in his wardrobe that would go with it. He felt a flash of amusement at that little thought, but was back to being confused again when he noticed the middle of the jewellery. The centre, where the pollen would be on an actual plant, was a sparkling black gem with what looked like a small hole located in the middle.
Peeta frowned briefly, before noticing a note in the box. He snatched it up and unfurled it impatiently, hoping it was from his mentor. It was strange that he'd probably only seen Haymitch about an hour ago, he missed the old bastard already. Although he missed him a great deal less after reading his brief message.
'Dear Peeta, put the fucking broach on, without whining like the little bitch you are. From your caring mentor, Haymitch.'
Meanwhile
Finnick's heart was beating in his throat. Or at least, it felt like it was. The bloodbath was always tough to watch, even though his tributes usually survived it. But this year someone he truly cared for was right in the thick of it, fighting for his life.
Finnick had been amazed by Peeta, ever since he'd met him. The boy was not what people usually assumed based on first impressions. The blonde was gorgeous, a little on the short side, and looked like an all around friendly guy. Then when you got to know him, it quickly became obvious that he was a snarky little shit, with possible designs for global conquest. He wasn't joking about the last one either, he still remembered finding a detailed plan with Peeta, and Johanna's names signed at the bottom in what looked suspiciously like blood.
The point was though, that Peeta was a walking contradiction. He could be kind and sympathetic towards one person, and then drive another to self harm with his vicious words. He was strong and confident, but could become unsure and vulnerable about the oddest things. He was beautiful and claimed that he knew it, but seemed completely unaware of the effect that he had on people. Peeta was mysterious, even though he was one of the most blunt and straightforward people Finnick had ever met.
That was the reason why the Capitol was completely spellbound by the boy. He was fascinating. And right now they seemed to love him even more. Peeta's actions so far were going to go down in Hunger Games history. Finnick had no doubt that next years tributes would be far more wary of the mines surrounding the podiums. The blonde had left the other tributes in the dust, except for the girl from Two. Already the Capitol citizens, watching from the executive viewing room, were obsessed with Peeta. His looks, his cleverness, his combat prowess. Victor, they whispered.
The games seemed to be doing what Finnick had feared they would. Peeta wasn't someone that tended to think ahead, he just reacted. And so far he was reacting lethally. He knew the boys actions would catch up to him soon and that he'd feel guilty. Part of him was afraid that he wouldn't feel anything at all though, that he'd become just one more monster forged by the games.
When the blonde had fled the Cornucopia they'd cheered him on, knowing that he needed to get out of there before the Careers were finished killing. Then the boy from Two had caught him and managed to hold him down. Brutus had cheered his tribute on, already annoyed that the boy had escaped from Clove. Johanna had screamed threats and obscenities at the screen, not caring that Cato couldn't hear her. Finnick had thought that Peeta was going to die.
'Watcha gonna do now pretty boy?'
Cato's words had been mocking, taunting the boy beneath him. Peeta had responded in a manner that was completely unexpected. He'd kissed him. And not just a peck on the lips either. The two boys had wound up rolling on the ground, making out passionately. Peeta ended up on top, putting his hand in Cato's pants, teasing the larger boy. The Career had never seen the punch coming.
Finnick had watched the whole thing in disbelief. Whereas the other viewers were watching in excitement and kept shooting him looks, to see his reaction to recent events. He wasn't sure what he was feeling at that moment.
''Wow, that kid really gets around. I can't really blame Cato for falling for that trick though, he's got a sweet little mouth.'' Brutus observed.
''Shut the fuck up Brutus!'' Finnick snapped.
The man shot him an amused look.
''What's wrong Odair? Is your little boyfriend a sore topic?'' The burly man mocked.
Finnick scowled, but didn't otherwise respond. Those stupid bastards didn't know anything about Peeta. That kid from two had just been played with, that was all. He didn't know why Peeta had punched him when he easily could of stabbed him instead though.
The Capitol personnel seemed to have really enjoyed the kiss, and Peeta's playful teasing. They were practically gushing about the blonde and how sexy and seductive he was. Finnick's stomach clenched in anger at the people practically salivating over his Peeta Bread.
''You OK Finn?'' Johanna asked, snapping him out of his thoughts.
The woman was staring at him, with a thoughtful expression on her face. Finnick wasn't used to seeing her like that, and couldn't help but wonder what she was thinking about.
''I'm fine. You can stop staring at me any time now.'' He replied trying to sound teasing, but it came out harsher than he'd intended.
Johanna remained completely unphased by his tone. She glanced at the screens, one of which now showed Peeta taking a break in a clearing. Her eyes widened in something like shock and she turned back to Finnick looking flabbergasted.
''Oh my god, do you...ya know?'' The woman demanded.
Finnick frowned in confusion. Did he what? Like watching people looking at his friend like a piece of meat? Seeing him kissing someone that should be his enemy?
''Do I what?'' He prompted, wanting her to spit it out already.
Johanna was about to respond, when Brutus spoke up again.
''How much do you think the kids gonna charge for a fuck, if he makes it out of the arena?'' He asked loudly.
Finnick flushed with red hot anger and was seconds from murdering the other victor. As per usual though Johanna's violent impulses were far faster than his own.
''Mother fucker, you did not just go there! She snarled.
That topic was generally taboo among victors, as a number of the more attractive ones were sold against their will. Cashmere and Gloss, were giving there fellow Career looks that promised pain. They'd have to get in line though as Jo-Jo had already reached the man.
With an ululating battle cry she tackled Brutus, whilst he was on the sofa, which toppled over sending them both to the floor. The capsized seat blocked everyone's view but the resulting thuds and yelps of pain indicated that Johanna was laying a smack down.
''Ow, you crazy bitch, get the fuck off!'' Brutus growled savagely.
''I'm not crazy! Take that back or i'll shove my belt up your ass, pull it out your mouth, and give you a full body flossing!'' She threatened.
''I apologize for nothing!'' The man spat, refusing to yield. A loud smack followed his statement.
''You can't hit me! I'm a lady of class, you cum gargling sack of shit!'' Johanna roared, incensed that someone would dare to strike her.
Brutus suddenly emerged around the end of the sofa, attempting to crawl away. A hand shot out after him, grabbing his ankle and dragging him backwards. His finger nails scrabbled desperately for purchase as he was pulled towards his doom.
''Nooo!'' He wailed.
''What's going on in here?'' Haymitch demanded, as he popped up next to Finnick.
The younger victor shrugged. He thought it best not to tell Haymitch what Brutus had said about his tribute.
''Brutus was being a dick.'' He explained simply.
Haymitch nodded, as if that was a reasonable explanation for the impromptu brawl.
''Where have you been?'' Finnick questioned.
He'd noticed the man's absence in the past few minutes. In lieu of answering, the older victor simply nodded in the direction of the screen. Finnick turned from the Johanna style beat down, and watched as a parachute landed in from of a surprised looking Peeta. After watching the blonde open it, Finnick quickly became confused.
''A broach? Seriously? I thought all gifts had to be somehow relevant to surviving the arena?'' Finnick asked, after seeing Peeta's gift.
Sometimes tributes got luxury gifts like soap or sweets, he himself had gotten a number of such gifts during his games, but they were still things that they could use. A broach wasn't even remotely useful.
''I'm not sure, I was just told to send it...but I think there's more to it than meets the eye.'' Haymitch muttered, looking suspicious.
Finnick wasn't sure what more there could be, to a simple piece of jewellery. But it was a strange thing to waste money on. Gifts in the games cost a pretty penny, even in the early stages, and they got even more expensive as they continued. Mentors usually asked sponsors for what they thought their tributes needed most, but sometimes sponsors chose to have something sent of their own volition.
The broach wasn't really important though, the main thing was that the bloodbath was over and Peeta was OK. Now they just had to hope and pray that he could avoid the Careers when they started hunting.
Johanna abruptly emerged from behind the capsized furniture, and took a roll of money from her pocket. Counting out several bills, she carelessly tossed them on Brutus's bruised and beaten form.
''Thanks for the tumble sweet cheeks, go buy yourself something pretty.'' She sneered.
Finnick smiled at the sight. If for some reason Peeta didn't make it back to them, then whoever the victor was better pray that they didn't kill him. He didn't doubt for a second that Johanna would kill them if they did, regardless of the consequences. Watching as the blonde began setting up a temporary camp, Finnick desperately hoped he come out OK.
''Stay safe Peeta Bread.'' He whispered.
He didn't utter the three other words that tried to escape him, he was far to shocked that he'd even thought them.
Spirits were high in the Careers camp. After moving away for a while, to let the Capitol collect the bodies of the dead tributes, they had returned to the Cornucopia's isle and made it their base. Cato had been right that it was easily defensible, given that it was in the middle of the rivers.
They had claimed the abundance of supplies for themselves and had a small arsenal of weapons to choose from, as well as plenty of food and medical provisions. Canteens were provided, but no water, given that there were four large fresh water rivers running through the arena.
Once the cannons had stopped firing they had done a quick count. Eleven tributes had fallen. They still needed one more dead before Seneca Crane would give them further instructions. Right now though they'd decided to relax for the evening and re-tell the highlights of the bloodbath. Marvel had just finished explaining how he'd killed the boy from eight, when another topic was brought up.
''What happened with those mines earlier anyway? We were all left standing there like lemons!'' Xander complained.
Apparently they'd all been annoyed at having missed the starting gun. They'd all been stood there looking like frightened fools after all.
''Yeah, that boy is one ruthless, crafty bastard. Pretty good with a knife too.'' Clove chuckled appreciatively.
They looked at her with confusion. Cato was fairly sure that she was talking about the 'Boy on Fire', as they'd all seen their little fight. Why was she bringing him up now though?
''What's Peeta, got to do with anything?'' Katniss abruptly demanded.
Clove spared the other girl a contemptuous look. She wasn't too fond of Peeta's district partner, as instead of joining the bloodbath she'd hidden in the forest until it was over.
''He caused the mines to go off dumbass.'' She sneered.
Cato blinked. How could that be? It's not like the boy could have had a detonator on him.
''How did he do that?'' Glimmer wondered sceptically.
''He scared that chick from Nine. He screamed at her, and she fell right off her podium.'' Clove explained.
Peeta had caused someone to fall onto their mines on purpose? Suddenly it made sense that he'd managed to get to the Cornucopia without missing a beat. He'd intended for the girl to land on the mines and set them off, so he hadn't been surprised by the explosion. It was all planned! No doubt Clove had seen him put his scheme into action and thus been able to get over any shock and follow him.
''No fucking way!'' Marvel exclaimed, although it didn't sound like he doubted her.
''Way.'' Clove confirmed. ''Apparently he's got looks and brains.''
Cato scowled at that comment. That was his boy she was talking about.
''So we know he's a sneaky little bastard. We know he can fight hand to hand and use a knife, and we know he's an archer.'' Treasure quickly summarised.
Both tributes from Four were burning mad about the injuries Peeta had given them, and were determined to track him down right away. They'd been pissed off, especially because Cato had said that they could have him but then he'd gone after the other boy by himself. The problem was that Cato still wanted to find Peeta, but knew that the others would insist on coming. He couldn't even lead the Careers in the wrong direction, as they'd all seen him enter the grassland quarter.
''Can he swim?'' Cato barked.
He was looking to Katniss to answer the question, as her main use was being able to find her district partner. The girl looked thoughtful for a moment, before finally answering him
''I doubt it, there aren't any large water sources inside of our district's boundaries, so barely anyone can swim. I only know how because my father took me outside the border to learn.'' She explained.
Cato really didn't care if she could swim or not, he didn't need her life story.
''So he probably can't swim, which means he'll still be somewhere in the grassy area?'' Glimmer queried.
That's what Cato had been trying to find out. If they'd known for a fact that Peeta could swim, then he could have convinced the others to split up and search the other quarters of the arena. Now though they'd all want to follow the blonde's trail through the long grass.
''That's probably where he is, and he's the only tribute that went into that section.'' Marvel affirmed
''Then I guess we know where we're going in the morning, don't we?'' Treasure snidely observed.
Cato tried not to scowl. His opinion probably held the most weight at the moment, but if all of the others wanted to hunt the 'Boy on Fire' down, then he'd have to go along with it. There were too many of them and if Cato became to difficult then they could easily overpower him. Apparently he didn't have a choice then. He hadn't wanted to kill the younger boy yet, but the others left him no alternative.
''Cool, I can't wait for a rematch!'' Clove chirped, clearly excited at the prospect of a decent fight.
''Get in line girly, Cato already said I can have him.'' Xander sneered.
''You? Please, he'd tear you to shreds in about eight seconds flat.'' Clove retorted challengingly, her hand creeping towards her knives.
Before the boy could reply, a crack rent the air. They all whipped round raising their weapons in readiness, and faced the bridge to the forest area. They lowered their weapons in confusion when instead of a deadly threat, they instead found a small boy. Cato quickly recognized him as the kid that Peeta had defended, while in the training centre.
''Well, what have we here? Did you realise running and hiding was pointless, and decide to die quickly?'' Cato asked him curiously.
The kid stared at them all with wide, terrified eyes, but he still managed to speak up.
''N-no, I c-came to ask t-to join your...group?'' He stuttered out, making it sound like a question rather than an answer.
The others laughed, except for Katniss who looked sympathetic. Cato wasn't amused, he actually found it kind of pitiful.
''Sorry kid, but you're not much use to us.'' Cato told him unapologetically.
He raised his sword and advanced on the boy, with the others watching him eagerly. The kid backed away, but didn't try to run. Not that running would of done any good.
''B-but I can help!'' He protested.
Cato cocked his head in consideration.
''And just how can you help us?'' The Career demanded.
The boy hesitated before answering. Though why he was reluctant to say something that could potentially save him, Cato wasn't sure.
''I'm from District Three, I work in the factories there.'' The kid finally responded, his stutter now gone.
''And I should give a shit because?'' Cato snapped.
''Because I know how to reactivate the mines!'' The boy blurted.
Cato paused. He noticed the others giving each other considering looks, out the corner of his eye. No doubt he wasn't the only one that could see the merit in the idea. And it was original, he'd never seen it done before, which made it an appealing prospect.
''You've got my attention kid. Start talking.'' He commanded.
It looked like these games were going to get even more interesting, he almost couldn't wait to kill the twelfth tribute so that they could find out what the gamemakers had up their sleeves. Part of him really hoped that the tribute wasn't Peeta though.
Shit had hit the proverbial fan. Once again, Peeta was in a fucked up situation, with a distinct possibility of death.
After he'd received his pointless gift from the sponsors, he'd set about making camp for the night. It wasn't cold yet in the arena, even though the sun was setting, but Peeta was sure that would change later in the games. In the pack he'd grabbed from the Cornucopia, he found enough food to last him for a few days, maybe a week if he rationed it out. So eating wasn't a major concern. He'd also scored a cushy sleeping bag, that was lined to keep heat in, which he was definitely thankful for. Other than that he also had a few coils of rope, a canteen and for some reason a large sheet of plastic.
Peeta had made himself comfortable at the far edge of the clearing, where he could easily slip away into the tall grass if he heard anyone coming. He dismissed the idea of lighting a fire since it was basically saying to the Careers 'Come skull fuck me in my sleep!'. Well it was that and the fact that the area was composed of dry plant life, since burning to death wasn't one of his kinks he'd decided sparking up would be a bad idea.
Before getting ready for bed he'd managed too shoot a brace of rabbits, that had come darting out of the undergrowth. Peeta decided that he may as well prepare them and dry the meat, he could always use the extra food later.
He'd just been planning to settle down and unpack his gear, when he'd heard it. On a list of sounds he'd ever heard, the closest it came too was some kind of bird. It was an echoing trill, that whilst birdlike, was still clearly not avian in nature.
''What the fuck is that?'' He muttered to himself.
Peeta absently considered that if it was the first day and he was already speaking out loud for company, then it didn't say much for his general sanity.
The noise sounded again, and the grass at the other side of the clearing shook. Peeta quickly snatched up his bow and strung an arrow, ready for anything. Anything, except for what popped out of the brush.
It's scaled head came first, a pair of gleaming yellow eyes gazing at him, but the rest of it's body quickly followed. As it stepped into the clearing, it's head cocked curiously to the side, he finally got the full view of the creature. Peeta's brain went through a few seconds of denial. It didn't last long however.
''Please don't tell me that's a fucking dinosaur!'' Peeta exclaimed to the sky.
Whether the Capitol heard him or not was debatable, but the scaly bastard definitely did. In terms of height it was almost as tall as he was, it's legs were both corded with muscle and tipped with talons that could probably slice through flesh like...a sharp talon through flesh. It's long neck and tail, gave it the impression of being larger than it was, but it still probably weighed as much as he did. It's arms were clawed, as though it was about to reach out and grab something, and they were tipped with yet more razor sharp talons. It's head was filled with a mouth of deadly sharp teeth, it's front facing eyes and their slit pupils stared into him.
Peeta had never really paid much attention in history, but he was pretty sure that he was looking at a fucking Velociraptor. Either that, or the bastards in the Capitol had managed to slap together something that looked extremely similar. All that he knew for certain was that it was definitely-
''Cute!'' Peeta cooed.
Now he was very aware, that the animal in front of him could probably cross the distance between them and tear his throat out in a flash, but that didn't stop it being kind of adorable. The little trilling noises just made it look so huggable!
It cautiously raised a foot and took a careful step towards him. Despite it's appearance it wasn't acting in a threatening manner. Peeta noticed it sniffing the air and looking at the ground behind him.
Keeping the Velociraptor type thing in his sights, he stepped backwards and slowly reached down to pick up one of the rabbits he'd caught. The creature instantly perked up, watching the hand that held the food avidly. Peeta steadily extended his arm and set the carcass down in front of him, then quickly retreated backwards several steps.
As the the reptile lunged forward and began gorging on the rabbit, Peeta was busy thinking. Usually when mutts were released into the arena they were basically preprogrammed to slaughter any humans they came across. This little critter seemed far more interested in fresh rabbit than in Peeta though. In fact it seemed more confused by his presence than anything. That indicated that it was bred in the arena, and had never seen a human before. Clearly the gamemakers had been relying on it being naturally vicious enough to attack a person, without them training it to do so. He could just imagine the looks on their faces seeing him feeding their deadly creation.
Peeta made the mistake of zoning out, and was brought back to reality by the feeling of hot breath, fanning across his face. He froze, a spike of fear shooting through him, when he realised how close to him the raptor had gotten. It was literally staring him right in the face. At this range it could tear him apart, his bow was useless and he doubted he could reach his knives while trying not to get shredded. If it decided to attack then he was probably fucked.
However, it didn't attack him in the conventional way.
''Ouch! Did you just fucking head-butt me?'' Peeta demanded.
In answer the dino nudged him again with it's head, hard enough to almost knock him over. He was about to give the damn thing an ass kicking, even if it would probably win, when he suddenly remembered the second rabbit. Feeling around behind him, his hand came into contact with soft fur. Bringing the rabbit in front of him, he held it out as a piece offering.
He yelped in shock, when the raptor snatched it right out of his hand, almost taking his fingers with it.
''Hey! You almost bit me dumb-ass!'' He snapped, smacking the creature on the nose.
It reared back in surprise. Peeta couldn't believe he'd just done that. He was now sure that it was going to kill him. Fortunately, it merely head-butted him again. The blonde yelped and fell flat on his back, whilst the reptile happily continued it's meal. Obviously it didn't think of Peeta as enough of a threat to bother killing.
The raptor quickly devoured the second rabbit, and started looking for more. Not finding any, it quickly nudged it's head sharply into Peeta's shoulder. The thing may be cute, but it was starting to get really annoying...maybe he should call it Finnick?
''I don't have anymore rabbits, so stop doing that!'' Peeta groused.
It blinked at him curiously, before once again knocking their heads together. He didn't know why he'd expected it to understand him. Unless it was head butting it's reply in morse-code.
Suddenly the scaly little rabbit muncher stiffened up. It glanced behind it, back to the side of the clearing it had originally emerged from. Peeta wasn't sure what had made it look so wary all of a sudden, but he was sure it was bad news. Moving quickly, now uncaring of the giant lizard in his presence, he grabbed his pack and quiver and placed them on his back. Then grabbing an arrow, he loaded it and waited.
He didn't have to wait long.
The grass shook once again, and several scaled forms stepped out into the open. Peeta froze. Whilst they looked almost identical to his new found pain in the ass, there were two key differences. Firstly, the five raptors in front of him were darker in colour. The one he'd been feeding was a light grey, with clear black stripes lining its back and tail. These new ones were a deep charcoal in colour, almost as dark as the stripes that covered them. In the fading light, their deeper colouring and glowing yellow irises, seemed far more intimidating. The second difference was how they reacted. Whereas the first raptor had seemed merely curious, these five looked very much like the predators they were. And judging by the way their eyes were locked onto him, Peeta doubted they were here looking for rabbits.
Peeta's new friend warily moved to the side, getting out of the way. He briefly wondered why it seemed so scared of it's own kind, when one of them snapped it's jaws at it. The light grey one, which he would now refer too as Mr. Snuggles, scampered backwards away from it's counterpart. The other four seemed torn, between eyeing Peeta hungrily and keeping their attention on their bullying pack mate.
Peeta was tempted to use the distraction to run. Unfortunately, he was always a sucker for the underdog. When he was a kid he was bullied for being the weird orphan that was always creeping around. He'd hated other children not only because of that, but because they had what he didn't. Seeing Mr. Snuggles being harassed and attacked just for being a slightly different colour, got Peeta's temper to rear it's head. And when Peeta got angry, he tended not to think.
As the darker reptile lunged forwards to bite at a cowering Mr. Snuggles, the blonde raised his bow and fired. It happened so quickly that he barely realised that he'd done it. His arrow shot across the clearing and straight through the creatures throat, sending it crashing to the ground. It twitched and thrashed for a few moments before abruptly going still.
That was when the shit hit the fan. The remaining four raptors hissed, menacingly baring their teeth. They crouched, their legs tensing, ready to spring. Peeta did the only sensible thing. He ran like a group of angry dinosaurs were chasing him.
He darted into the long grass, knowing that in a pursuit over open ground, the animals would easily catch him. Taking a zigzag pattern, in order to lose his pursuers, Peeta poured everything he had into fleeing. Terror and adrenaline fuelled him, pushing him faster than he'd ever moved in his life. Behind him he could hear the rustling of the brush, as the pack hunted him. The strange hisses and honking cries, echoed through the darkening arena, driving him onward. He had no idea where he was fleeing to, the best idea he could come up with was reaching one of the rivers, and hoping that they couldn't swim.
Suddenly the grass came to an end, bringing him into another clearing. But he didn't stop, he couldn't, not when his only chance was in sight. A lone tree stood at the far end of the open area, about one hundred metres away. He could only hope that those things couldn't climb. Peeta bolted straight for it, pushing himself even faster, when he heard the raptors burst through the grass behind him. Reaching the tree he jumped, grabbing the highest branch that he could and heaving himself up. It was hard with his pack still on, but he just about managed to pull himself onto the thick bough.
Just as he swung up he felt the air rush by his leg, and a pair of snapping jaws barely missing his calf. Peeta panted for breath, desperately pulling oxygen into his lungs. Somehow he had made it.
He sighed in relief when he looked down. His four pursuers were prowling beneath the tree, staring up at him hungrily, but they made no move to attempt scaling the trunk. It would seem that he was correct about their ability to climb.
Peeta wondered what he was going to do now. He could wait for them to leave, but the fuckers looked pretty determined. Or he could try the risky process of shooting his bow whilst seated precariously on a branch. He really didn't want to risk falling down there though, so he would wait for a while before trying anything drastic. One thing he wasn't looking forward too was trying to sleep in a tree, but at least he had the rope to tie himself to the trunk, so he wouldn't fall off.
Glaring down at his reptilian foes Peeta, raised two fingers at them.
''Fuck you, ya scaly bitches! Na na na na na, you can't get me-'' Peeta broke off with a yelp when one of the raptors leaped, missing his dangling foot by an inch.
Mental note, don't taunt the deadly prehistoric creatures. He just had to treat them like they were Johanna...only far less intimidating.
AN/ How was that? This was a set up for the next chapter, so I hope it was OK. Shits gonna get crazy next time, and we'll have the start of more Cato/Peeta interaction. I hope you all liked the first introduction of my OC Mr. Snuggles!