***Disclaimer I don't own the Hunger Games or, its Characters***


Legend of the Black Rose

The trial of Peeta Mellark

Chapter 10

Moving day


Night time in the Arena:

Marvel is still on watch. He sees that even though they're taking it slow Katniss carrying bow & arrows, Clove is carrying crossbow & even more knives, while Cato is carrying the sleeping bags to the new cabin. Marvel still sees Peeta across the lake. It's better that he has the night vision glasses. It confirms everything, that shit head got back in. Damn it to hell, why Katniss? Why is she the target? I don't get it. As they approached the cabin, there's a buzz sound where Cato gets out the cellphone. He has the girls go inside. Message reads:

"Hi there son, Treating our girl right I hope? Change of plans. Have everybody pack their bags cause you guys & gals are kicking this pit. However once out H will be moving you. After that you will be truly on your own. Since dickhead wants to be in the arena so bad, he'll be having an extended visit there. Now take care of our girl. See you sometime tonight or early in the morning. nightie night. -H, B & P."

Cato reads Marvel the message while keeping a straight face so not to give anything away. Marvel still does not takes His eyes off of Peeta who looks like he's staring back at them.

Cato: "Shit head still there?"

Marvel: "Yup. What's up?"

Cato: "Marv, we're going to have company. Reinforcements are arriving but with a twist. I'll explain when you get back in. I'm going to send Clove & Thresh out to relieve you in a few. Don't worry it's a good thing."

Marvel: "Ok no worries." While never taking his eyes off of Peeta.

Cato walks into the cabin goes up to his wife & kisses her. After the usual "Get a room & ewww" remarks are made he leans his head to touch hers. Then says to her: "Love, there's a change of plans." Katniss looks at him bewildered Cato gathers everybody around & lets them know what's is going on. They need to pack a backpack with clothes, food & a weapon of their choice. Also that they will be here by morning. Cato tells Clove & Thresh to pack their stuff now & relieve Marvel so he can pack his. As everybody starts packing, Cato takes two sleeping bags & a pillow over to another room of the cabin. Takes both bags, zip to make one lays it out along with the pillow and lights a low fire in the fire pit. He then went into the Main room where Katniss was helping the younger ones with their packs & after that, getting them ready for bed. When Rue asked her to sing something. This is when Cato just leaned against the doorway & watched. Katniss had the kids get into their bags, zip them in started to sing the song she always sings for Prim.

Deep in the meadow

Under the willow

A bed of grass grows

A soft green pillow

Lay down your head and close your eyes

When they open

The sun will rise

Here where it's safe

where it's warm

Where the daisies guard you from every harm.

Here where your dreams are sweet

To love them brings them true

Here's the place where I love you.

By then all three kids were out cold. Cato, Rissa, Glimmer, Thresh & Clove noticed in awe even, the Mocking Jays stopped to listen. When Katniss stopped they started singing the song too. Cato had already packed both of their stuff in a large duffle bag so she shouldn't have to carry anything but her bow & quiver of arrows. He had already changed into a pair of sweats for the night. Cato went up behind her to wrap his arms around her leaned in kiss her neck.
Cato whispered so not wake them: " That was beautiful Katniss. Come with me love." He looked at the others "You got it right?"
Clove "We got it. Go get some sleep." Knowing he has anything but sleep on his mind, Cloves & Thresh finish packing and went to relieve Marvel. Cato picks up & carries Katniss into the room closes the door with his foot. Marvel comes in just to see the door close. Marvel smiles & starts packing his pack.

Back in their room Katniss eyes lit up has she notices everything. "I never told you about a Toasting. Who told you?"

Cato: "Haymitch. I been trying to find the right moment but with everything going on it hasn't been easy. I figure we can do a wedding on our anniversary. However, my Love you have too many clothes on. I left everything that you will need for tonight in our bathroom." Guide Katniss over there and get the rest of the stuff ready for their night.


Mean while in a private hover craft. Haymitch, Brutus & Phoenix fly toward another clearing within the arena. They know what to do. 1) Capture Peeta & place tracker in arm. 2)Get Katniss and the others out. 3)Blow up cabin leave cornucopia for Peeta. 4) leave Peeta there & reactivate the shield. If all goes well, all will be safe & will never to have to go through this again.


In the cabin:

Katniss changes into a large men's shirt. She rolls up the sleeves, unbraids her hair combs it out with her fingers & comes out of the bathroom to see Cato stoking the coals in the fire. Cato looks up to see his wife in one of his shirts & smiles. He stands up walks up to his wife, kisses her & takes her over to the fire. Where they both toast a piece of bread together faced each other & in feeding a piece to his wife Cato says "Katniss Elizabeth Everdeen, I love you from the first day we met. I will always be blown away that somebody who is as gorgeous as you gave me her heart and trust. I love you more than anything in the world. You will never be alone, I will always love you & only you."

Katniss take the toasted bread and in feeding it to him Katniss say "Cato Alexander Stone, I am the lucky one. I when I wanted to quit you kept me going. When I had barriers up you walk through them like they didn't even existed. You were my first & you are my only. There will only be you." Katniss leans over to kiss him & he in turn while returned said kiss.

Cato then took out a box & explained in his district they have engagements & weddings where the couple exchange rings. This was to let all others know that they are taken. However he wants to do the wedding after they are out of here. However he does give her an promise/engagement ring. He took her left hand & her ring finger place her engagement ring kisses her. Katniss gets a playful look & says "However dearest Mr. Stone, I believe you have too many clothes on."
Cato "As do you Mrs. Stone."


At another clearing within the arena five hours later:

Haymitch splits up the duties to the other two. "Phoenix go to the cabin & let them know that help is here. If I am correct I saw Thresh & Clove on watch. Then cut back across to the north side in case he decides to run. "Phoenix : "On it." Haymitch then look to Brutus "You got the sedative right." Brutus: "Yes. Lets just do it and get them the hell out of here."

The guys split up to do their jobs. Peeta who has been watching from the lake fell asleep behind a big rock from exhaustion. Has Phoenix sees Clove, she smiles. Clove decided to pull an all nighter because she needed to think. She tells Thresh that he's a friend & to get Cato. Thresh walks into the cabin goes to the bedroom door & lightly knocks.

Cato opens the door in his sweats growls "This better be good."
Thresh then says:" Some guy named Phoenix is here saying help has arrived."
Cato's eyes got big says "They got here early." He looked over at his now sleeping wife. "Thresh wake Marv, Glimmer, Rissa & the kids. Let them know that Haymitch and company are here. " Cato then closed the door walked over to where Katniss slept. "My love, Haymitch is here. They got here early. Katniss, baby we have to get up."
Katniss's eyes opened, she stretched got up went into the bathroom got dressed and braided her hair. By that time Cato was dressed & was separating the bags to roll them into two separate rolls. Katniss walked over: "Hey there. Cato talk to me." Cato stood up from where he's at, hugged her: "Love, you have no idea on how much I want to rip these clothes off of you right now." Katniss never to back from his challenges kisses Cato back "You mean like this" & draws his into a very deep passionate kiss.


In truth they didn't need Phoenix but as soon has Clove sent Thresh in for Cato. Phoenix told Clove he'll be right back & took off for the northern part of the lake. Clove saw what he was doing with pride. If she thought of anybody in her world, it was Phoenix. When Cato got outside he borrowed the night vision goggles to see where everybody was. When he saw what happened. A three pronged attack on Peeta. Phoenix crept up slowly then waited until Haymitch & Brutus surrounded Peeta. Cato went back in to get Katniss.

Haymitch said "Brutus the meds please." Haymitch injected a very strong sedative into Peeta. The kind that would knock a Bull Elephant down. Haymitch then inserted his tracker. Haymitch with the help of Brutus & Phoenix hauled Peeta into the cornucopia put him in the back. they had put up a portable force field to keep him in place until they were gone. Haymitch Radioed in to Seneca.

H to HGM over

HGM to H talk to me, over.

H to HGM Peeta is tagged & bagged. Location, back of Cornucopia. Over.

HGM to H Good job proceed to phase two. Out.

Haymitch then walked back into the cornucopia left a letter on his chest. He stood up, went to the opening turned on the force field & left without looking back at Peeta.

All three went to the cabin where by this time every body was up &ready. The stuff was being loaded by the guys when Cato & another boy walked over to Katniss who was helping Rue with her hair. Where Cato said: "Phoenix this is my wife Katniss Stone. Katniss this is or, was my protégé & best-friend Phoenix."

Katniss: "Please to meet you. This little lady is Rue of District 11. Cato when are we getting out of here?"

Cato chuckles "Haymitch are we bugging out of here yet?"

Haymitch: "In a few, time to get Sweetheart & the kids in the hover craft. Think you can handle her there, son." Haymitch explains to Phoenix that Katniss & Cato were married by Snow day one of the arena & she's recovering from the stabbing that Peeta did. Phoenix say: Still I like to see the boy who will have the guts to date a daughter of Cato Stone. Has the other two other mentors laugh.

Cato: "On it." Cato takes Katniss to the hover craft. Rissa, Glimmer, Clove & the kids went with him while to keep Katniss company. Then goes back to help with the rest of the stuff.

After everything is soon loaded. So has the guys left and they wrapped the cabin in prima cord. Has they walk to the hover craft they hooked to a detonator. They gave it to Cato who turned it on, passed on to Haymitch who armed the switch, pressed down on the plunger. It blew the house to bits. The guys got into the hover craft where Haymitch with Phoenix as his co pilot gets into the drivers seat start the bird up & takes off leaving Peeta behind.

Haymitch radioed Crane after they were out of the arena.

H- to HGM over.

HGM to H- talk to me, over.

Phase two completed. We are gone. Set the field in the cage. Peeta is yours.

Outstanding go for phase three. HGM out.

Understood H-out.

Haymitch then turns the craft over to Phoenix. Comes in with Brutus. "Kids whip out the arms. Tracker are to be taken out. Katniss where's the tracker the doc gave you?" Katniss gave it to Haymitch who then open a window yelled "heads up" threw it out. One by one trackers were removed from each of the surviving Tributes and toss out of the Hover Craft's window.

Haymitch went onto District 2 to drop off Phoenix who will never tell what happen & gave Clove a choice. She could go back to the Academy or, start over again a new. Clove knew who she wanted to be with but she does not know if Phoenix felt the same way. So she goes to him to find that what his feelings are for her. Phoenix said because of the next games he will be too old to go to the arena. Haymitch takes over the piloting of the hover craft so Clove & Phoenix can talk.

Clove: "I'm just going to say this Phoenix. What are your feeling for me?" Phoenix looks at her, walks over & gives her a serious kiss. Then lean his head until it touches Cloves forehead. (Which Cato mutters about freakin' time under his breath.) Phoenix then looks into her eyes & says; "I have to go back & finish. However you don't, you've done your part. Start over, I will find you. My feelings won't change. I already talked to Haymitch, he'll help me find you." Brutus then intervenes "Actually Phoenix because you can't be in the games you have a choice. Either graduate the Academy now & go with Clove or, Graduate next year to be just a trainer. " Phoenix looks at a Clove & then states "I guess you're stuck with me Clove. Think you can handle it?" Clove answers "Can you handle me, game or tame?" Phoenix look at down at her, smiles: "Game on."

Brutus in the background thinking great I went from academy to the freakin love boat. mutters "Teenagers." Brutus walks over to where Cato & Katniss areto chat.

Brutus: "How are you doing Katniss?"

Katniss: "I don't think planes & I are getting along right now. (Cato goes to get her some water letting Brutus sit in his place) How's Prim?"

Brutus: "She doing well as can be expected, Katniss. Why me to help raise Prim, Katniss?"

Katniss: "Cato gave me the idea. Prim was reaped on a lone entry. She wouldn't have made it in the arena. Prim had no training on weapons. She needed training & one night I over heard the both of you talk about wanting to have a girl. Our Dad died when she was almost 7 & I was 11. I later found out by doing some family history that Haymitch was not only my dad's best friend but his cousin. Mom had told me why she was sworn to secrecy. That took care of the family part but for Prim, she needed the both of you guys & your years of experience as well to survive. I knew that two victors will be able to prepare her better than I ever could as well as to protect her. I like to think I have a good sense of judgment. You were the two I trusted for this. I'm just glad that you didn't refuse. "

Brutus was taken back as he looked over toward Haymitch & said "I should've seen it. You're like him in some ways. I knew Mitch & your dad were best friends but I never knew they were related. I'm honored. Thank you." At this point Cato came back with water. Brutus went to the cockpit to talk to Haymitch.

Brutus: "You never told a soul did you?"

Haymitch: "Nope. Couldn't risk it. by the way did Katniss tell you like her, Prim skipped a grade? Actually Katniss skipped two, Prim one. Bru, I had to protect them from Snow. they are the only family I have left."

Brutus: " I understand, Mitch. Believe me I understand. So are you dropping me off at 2 or, where are we going from here for phase three."

Haymitch: "Phase three was the trackers Bru. I told you I had to do this alone with the kids. With Katniss & the rebellion starting I'm taking them to a safer place. Snow will think I put them in some district under new identities because that is what I told Seneca I was going to do for medical reasons." (He gestures to the console & mouths corner wall 3/4 up)

Brutus: "When do we talk to Prim, Mitch?"

Haymitch: "When I get back. we'll do it together."

Brutus: "Okay. (as he looks to find a small camera in the wall of the craft. He goes over there casually looks at it while blocking the images). Mitch this plane has some interesting designs on it." As they landed on the roof of 2(he pulls the camera out of the wall) Walks over to the console disconnects the tracker then tosses the tracker unto another roof.

Haymitch: "Plan B Brutus. Now that we are here at 2. Plan A is not an option for them. So I am taking you to 2 to get Phoenix things drop of the weapons. Then change hover craft go to the new location. Don't worry it's closer than you think. Cato & Katniss will be Rue's legal guardians. Look how attached she is t them already." Looks over to Phoenix; "Phoenix, I already talked to your grandmother before I came to the academy. She's okay if you go with Clove. She wished you would've done it sooner. So go get your stuff now. Thresh you can come with Brutus & I to drop off the weapons. Cato how's your flying?"

Cato: "Pretty good why?"

Haymitch: "Once we get loaded on the new craft you & Phoenix land this bird in what's left between 11 & 12. Blow it up. Gale will meet you there. He knows you & Katniss are married & gave me his word he won't mess with you or push your buttons. He'll take you & Phoenix to us. Be careful."

Cato looks down at Katniss: "Love, I got this & I'll see you soon. Gale knows me. I trained Phoenix . Baby don't worry about me. I'll be there sooner than you think." Looks over to Marvel, Glimmer & Clove and before he says anything Marvel speaks: "We got her until you're with her. Don't worry." Cato holds Katniss & strokes the back of her head until the four come back. Phoenix goes over to Clove. "Hey, I'll be alright. Stay with Katniss & Rue until we get there. It'll be sooner than you think."

Clove: "Okay. It's just. It's just..."

Phoenix: "What? Clove we got this. Don't worry."

Clove: " It's not that. It just that now I just get you back in my life, you have to go away. Sounds stupid doesn't it?"

Phoenix: "No. I feel the same way."

In the back in the arena (24 hours later)

In the back part of the horn of the cornucopia Peeta wakes up. He finds a letter on his chest. He comes out of the cornucopia to find the other building destroyed & no one around. He opens the letter to read:

Peeta:

Hey there Shit for brains, have a nice nap? If you are reading this then you are imprisoned here until the 75th Hunger Games. Get ready because your opponents include your mother & 22 convicted murders & Traitors of the country. If you wins these games you either get life in prison or, a quick death at the will of the president. Heads up shields are at double strength, you have a tracker in your arm & there are cameras on that will let everyone knows when and where you take a piss.

Until the games you will receive very minimal assistance from anybody (BTW Don't expect any help 1 since you raped their tribute in the 74th games). So you better learn real quick how to live off the land. Katniss has been removed far away from you. YOU will never be around her again. Because I SAY SO. The one person who coached you, helped you, you battered & assaulted. Your mother lied to you when she told you that Katniss was the face of the rebellion. She bragged to the president himself that it was a lie because she didn't want you to like a Seam girl & in turn because of your actions, made Prim legally an orphan.

So suck it up. BTW The President is pissed since you murdered two guards & three Peace Keepers in your great escape & You couldn't even do that right. You didn't listen to me. You made your bed now lie in it.

See ya around kid,

H

Peeta looks around where he find by a tree a lone pack with few supplies. He looks up into the sky yells NOOOOOOO! HAYMITCHHHH!