***Disclaimer; I don't own it. Wish I did.***

The Raven's Bride
Chapter 9:

Interviews, Victory Tours & Elections or, Are They?

"Stay calm. Karma will do the work for you."-Unknown

One week later, Capitol-Interviews;

A week later were the Victor's interviews & coordination. Given the current mood of the country, the interview was an attempt to get the country to continue on during the chaos. Caesar announced the elections for next month. Brutus announced his run for the presidency. By then Maria & Brutus married in a very private ceremony at the capitol. Now the interviews started with Jemma & Gloss. Caesar opens;

"Gloss you must tell us. How in the world did you catch this enchanting creature?"

"My sister Cashmere played matchmaker. Sometimes I think my twin knows me better than I know myself."

"Well we knew that the big day was suppose to be two days after our interview here. Now with the current mood are you still having the ceremony here or, at home?"

"Both. We having the one here & having the other with family & a 'few' close friends at home."

"So what's next for you two kids?"

Both look at each other then look at Caesar & said in unison:

"Kids."

The crowd goes wild & Caesar's jaw drops. While on the high note Caesar brings out the other Victor. Mari was still having problems with the crutches backstage so Cato carries her out. Oh how the capital loves their Victors. Caesar opens with;

"Well, well Mari seems you had a little accident there?"

"Yes so it seems. I can tell you Caesar heels & crutches really don't mix."

"Yes (while laughing)I can see that. So what did you think about the arena?"

"Well I think Jemma would agree with me the only camping out we're doing for now on is with room service & cuddle buddies."

"Oh yeah!"

This is when Caesar starts the recap of the season's Hunger Games. It showed Snow's last 'merciful' act as President of Panem before the Bloodbath. During the recap, the guys buffer for their girls. During the blood bath Cato whispered seductively into Mari's ear;

"That was smart that you went onto the top of the horn like that. What were you thinking?"

"Getting my back rub from you of course."

Mean while Gloss looked at the screen:

"Jem good thing Mari took Ace out in the blood bath. That's how you got Cara. I wonder why?"

"She promised Lexi that when would look out for me as much as possible. Babe when you guys went to get changed Snow came in for a visit. Mari's only request from her Godfather for the perfect score was for me to make it home safe. The deal she stuck with him was that the ratings had to be higher than Cato's games for me & she gets a bonus. The kids that went home before it began was his wedding present for having a ceremony here for the Capitalist."

Gloss realizes what deals Mari made to make sure he didn't lose the love of his life. He would be forever grateful to her for it.
Then came the battle of Brick versus Mari. At this three of the four people looked on at the battle in great interest. Mari looked at Brick with utter disgust & contempt. In the recap they show this part from start to finish. Every time Brick had hit her Mari could feel Cato tense up. Mari grabbed his hand to remind him she is here not him. Cato used every once of self control not to lose it. When Mari grabbed his hand he looked at her it kept him calm. Cato then asked;

"What are you thinking about now?"

"How in the hell I can shorten this so I can be alone with you right now (wiggles her eyebrows) game?"

"Why?"

"My ankle is killing me & I want to cuddle (waggles the eyebrows)."

Just then every male in the audience cringe & looks away as they show were the second star hit Brick as he drops to the ground. It was the only time Mari smiled. Then afterwards it came to the point of burning the original tribute uniform. There were some wolf whistles & cat calls as they see a bit of skin here while Mari bathed in the river behind a large rock before changing into her clean clothes. That's when Cato gave the audience a look then said;

"At least you kept yourself covered. My games I forgot about the cameras until the very last second & they got quite the view."

"Oh yeah I remember that. By the way nice 6 pack. Mother covered my eyes so I didn't get to see much. Actually I was wishing you there with me."

Then there was Jem's confrontations & battles followed by the Tribute from Seven eating night lock. At this both Jemma & Mari looked away knowing what was next. They kept the 'tiny target' remark in which both guys had to cough to suppress their laughter. Cato & Gloss looked at Caesar during the battle. Caesar cut through final the battle while making looked seamless. Then it showed where the Victors were announced the recap ends there. Caesar saw Mari wince;

"Mari are you okay?"

"Ankle is killing me. I think we may have to do something about this cast later."

The audience just went aw yet they continued on with the interview & the crowning ceremony. Usually it was the President who crowned the new Victors. This year it was the Head Game Maker Seneca Crane who thanked Mari for the highest ratings in Hunger Games history. After the crowning Cato had a medic look at Mari's cast. Sure enough the cast wasn't keeping the ankle still has it should. The medic reset it in a better firmer cast.
On the way back in their limo the four talked on what was to come for the next three days before going home to their districts. Yet nothing really prepared Mari or Jemma for what was to come in the night.

Nightmares of the worst kind;

In the middle of the night Cato woke to see Mari's head going from side to side. He put his arms around her to comfort her & pulls her to him. Has the images of all the Tributes race by Mari all dead & bloody. Cato from this side keeps telling Mari over & over again;

"Fight back Mari. Fight back its the only way to survive. I'm here. I've always been here."

Yet there he was again, Brick laughing at her.

"I own you now."

However Mari learned something when she spent those four days in her rooms before her wedding. Dreams whether good or, bad aren't real unless you allow them to be. Cato is right. She never backed down from a fight before especially when it was Brick. She wasn't going to start now so she called on what she knew.

"No, actually we own you now."

Has the image of Brick turned around to see her brother Tommy, the girl from eight, President Snow & her father, Ares there. Mari feels strong arms around her as she looks up to see Cato there too as Mari spoke;

"Brick, Brick, Brick you never learned from your mistakes. Its why you would've never made it back to Two. That & facing banishment even has a Victor for what you did. Well actually you were never to make it home. If I didn't get you in the arena the Victors were going to, on the orders of President Snow. I believe that it was the only time in the history of the games that the Victors & a sitting President were ever on the same page when it concerned a Tribute. 'Accidents' do happen even to Victors Brick. Unlike you I always learned from mine. With you I know to always come with backup & if memory serves it was usually four to one."

"Make that five."

"Dad?"
Has the image of Mr. Hermes appears walks up & slaps his son hard across his face has he looks to Mari;

"He will never haunt you, Cato or any member of your families ever again. This I can promise you Mari. You did us proud & a TWELVE! ! Damn girl. Mari I need you to give your father-in-law a message from Ares & I."

"What's the message?"

"Sagittarius. Bruce will know what we mean by it."

"Okay."

He turns to his son again with a look of disgust;

"Mace is fighting for his life in a hospital for what you hired Marvel to do to Cato & Mari, you ass. Your friends are killing YOUR brother! Yes I knew Mace wasn't mine but I loved your mother anyways. Unlike you, Mace 'is' the son any man would be proud to claim has his whether or, not by blood. No your mother didn't cheat on Mr. Hadley that was something that 'his' friends put out there after they fought & broke up. Mace was the result of that relationship. I respected your mother but she didn't return the favor & in turn I sought comfort elsewhere. In booze & gambling until Bruce helped me get my act together. I was going to leave your mother Brick after you went into the academy. So she gave you grief until you caved.
Now you will reap from what you have sown Brick for being the rapist bullying coward that you were in life. You will face the men whose deaths 'you' caused & receive the butt blistering you so richly deserve while I get Mace through this.-Gentlemen. Remember to save some for me. After all he is Ares & my murderer."

With that Mr. Hermes vanishes. At this Ares & Tommy Castle came up hugged Mari. Has Ares looks at Mari;

"You look so much like your mother Mari. I miss you baby girl. Tell Cato he better take good care of you & give you your back rub. Love you my girl, the Victor."

Her brother looked at her solemn;
"I told you he's not a monster kiddo. Now I have bragging rights. My kid sister is a Victor & you got a twelve to boot but next time in any arena don't go with the smut remarks okay."

"Okay Tommy. Anything else?"

"Thank Cato for at least doing his damnedest to keep his word."

"Okay."

Both father & son look over to 'Uncle' Snow holding onto Brick;
"Gentlemen it's time. Mari go join the living again. Live for us & leave the dead behind."

Mari shoots up breathing heavily. Two arms circle around her as she looks around.

"Do you want to talk about it?"

"I know who really murdered my Dad. They're not in the penal colony. What's Sagittarius?"

At this Cato realizing she said has his head snaps to her.

"Where did you hear that?"

"In my dream Mr. Hermes after promising me that Brick won't harm you, me or, any member of our families again asked for me to tell your father Sagittarius. That he knows what it means. Do you?"

"Yes."

"Can you tell me?"

"Mr. Hermes, you father & mine were best friends growing up had a code. It was the last project they were working on. It also tells me that the old guard may still be around. Sagittarius is their word for danger. We'll call him in the morning. In the mean time I have an idea since we're both awake to help you relax."

"Oh really. What?"

"Stay here. I'll be right back."

"Okay."

30 Minutes later;

Mari is just about to fall asleep again when Cato walks wearing only a towel & a smile. This got Mari's attention has Cato picked her up & took her to the another part of their room. There was a table thick warm towels oils in the dim candle light.

"My back rub. You finally remembered. You called your father didn't you?"

"Yes. While the servants were setting this up. Dad said thanks by the way."

During this time they talked between Mari's groans has Cato worked out a knot in her back. For Mari remembered Cato was a great masseuse during the early days of her training before her brother went into the arena. Soon Mari's eyes closed has sleep overcame her.

"Mari? Mari?..."

Cato picked up Mari. He had an A-vox clean it up has he took her back to their bed. Cato realized there was something familiar with this A-vox. For the A-vox was none other than Cara from his district who was supposed to have died in the blood bath. Her hair was dyed to a crimson. He put Mari into bed who sighed as he whispered;
"I'll be right back."

Cato put sweats on & went to Brutus's room & knocked.

"Cato this better be fucking good."

"Why is Cara an A-vox?"

"Her tracker malfunctioned in the bloodbath. It happens in some games. They made her an A-vox with a chip implant because she was the third one. The implant prevents her to leave the Capitol or harm a Victor. Mari's a Victor she can't harm her. How Mari like her back rub?"

"Brutus, Cara was contracted to Ace from her second year on. Of course she knew! But by contract she couldn't act against him. Keep her away from Jemma & Mari."

"We'll move her to a different floor tomorrow. Go get some sleep."

"Night."

Has he went back to his room he found the door locked as Mari screamed...

Mari wakes up to see Cara there with a pillow over her face. She lets out a scream grabs the pillow from Cara & hits her hard with it followed by her fist.

"MARI! !"

Brutus runs out in trainer shorts has Cato went to kick the door down.

"BOYS! MOVE! !"

Maria castle pulls out her gun shoots the lock & kicks the door down. Maria runs in, sees Cara with her fingers around her daughters neck. Maria waste no time shoots Cara in the head. She hands the gun over to Brutus has she goes to her daughter & holds her;

"There, there. Mommy's here. See, Mommy got rid of the dirty rotten filthy trashy monster. Mom made it better. Get a dim light on NOW!"

Brutus looks at Maria;

"Good God woman you were absolutely magnificent!"

"Crystal Hermes wasn't the only 'retired' Peace Keeper in District Two Brutus. I believe you owe me a back rub. Oh & you can skip the towel. I just want the smile dear."

Mari turns beet red at her mother has she releases her;

"MOTHER! ! !"

"Honey Cato could still take notes from Brutus. Ta-len-ted."

Brutus replies;

"Great I'm married to a slave driver."

"You're getting a free bodyguard out of it. Don't complain."

Has he pulls her up;

"Who's complaining. I just know never to piss you off. Come on the kids are going to have to get dress before the Peace Keepers get here. I'll phone Mitch & get the servants out of the building for the rest of the season."

Cato who was on the other side of Mari pulls her into a hug the moment her mother lets her go. Mari looks over to Cato.

"Cara was under contract with Ace. After he wanted you. Guess her implant malfunctioned."

"Implant what implant?"

"She didn't die in the blood bath & her tracker malfunctioned. So they made her an A-vox with an implant so she could never leave the capitol nor harm a Victor. When I went to talk to Brutus I guess she went in to get you but why?"

"I killed Ace in the blood bath Cato. Right in front of her after he beheaded the girl from 12."

"The code word wasn't meant for Dad Mari. It was meant for you."

"Then why did Mr. Hermes say to tell my father-in-law this?"

Cato thought about it then it hit him as he replied;

"SOP, Mari. If you are a target then you protect the families as if they're the target too. Come on we got to get dress before the Peace Keepers show up."

Has they were getting dressed Mari remarked;

"Damn, just when I was having helluva dream with you in it this had to happened. Damn it!"

Cato chuckles;

"Oh yeah. What was this dream (Cato waggles his eyebrows) about?"

"I'll tell you later. (Has Mari looks at Cara's body) Not here. It kind of wrecks the mood. "

Cato understood & nods since he really couldn't blame her. They hurried and got ready. This time Cato still had their stuff packed for any move or, if they cleared their quarters again. By the time the Peace Keepers arrived they avoided the rush with steps in the regular SOP's (Standard Operating Procedures for those who do not know) & went ahead for the Alpha standard. Since They're holding elections soon with one of the Victor's a candidate they moved all Victor's over to the President's guest area which was the the west wing of the President's mansion. All A-vox servants were restricted to the training center for the rest of the season. The second floor was sealed off has it was now a crime scene. Only the President's staff was exempted from this. The capitol just loves their Victors. Has the cars drove away from the training center they were informed that their belongings will be in their assigned rooms.

"Oh shit."

"Mari!"

"Mother! We forgot my crutches."

Cato whispered something to the driver has he called the mansion to have them there. Then Cato intervened;

"I got you. Go back to sleep."

"I don't think I can go back to sleep after that."

"Try. Just try."

Mari was out within two blocks & had a death grip on Cato the whole time.

The next morning:

There was a knock on the door has Mari shoots up from the bed & looks around. She sees Cato as he asks;
"What are you thinking?"

"Not thinking being grateful."

"Why?"

"I shouldn't have survived the Raven Bride's Trial Cato."

"Mari, you did. The vial you took was Choke juice. According to Snow at half strength. Don't get mad. He told me a half hour after you drank it. After we were wed."

"That's the point Cato. I'm allergic to pure Choke juice. It would take me down faster than nightlock. I can have it in its synthetic form. I thought you knew. Why do you think I always wear my tags."

"Oh. My. God."
Cato grabs her & holds her closer to him as the door opens to a mist bathed bright light...

"CLEAR! ! ! MARI! MARI COME ON! ! FIGHT BACK DAMN IT! ! FIGHT! IT'S THE ONLY WAY! ! IT'S THE ONLY WAY TO SURVIVE! ! 1..2...3... CHARGED AT 200 JULES, CLEAR! ! !"

****Next up chapter ten & of course a twist or, two.****

***Hug to all from the rubber room.****