CHAPTER 3.28
But I won't lose this fight
Even though all of my fears
And all of my doubts
Are outside my door
Only two days had passed yet Indiana felt as if she had been sitting by his bedside for a lifetime. It was only a glimpse of what Cato had suffered considering she knew he would at least wake. No sheets adorned his naked body as his skin was still too tender, having been wrapped in numerous sheets of fresh skin. Knowing that a blanket would only irritate his skin, Indiana had to resist the urge to cover him up for fear that he was cold.
Once fully healed, he would look as if he had never been practically incinerated in the first place. Katniss, whilst still tremendously wounded, had fared better. Cato had shielded her body well. President Coin had imposed on Indiana's grief the moment she had hobbled from her own bed to sit by his. In so many words (and hidden threats), Coin had announced that the worried wife had been granted a full pardon. Indiana thanked the malicious woman despite simmering with hatred for her.
Rhythmic beeping echoed throughout the room as Indiana pressed a kiss to the back of her husband's hand. His blond locks had been shaved off so small blond fuzz covered his skull. For the first day, he had been forced to sleep on his stomach whilst they worked tirelessly on his melted back. Apparently his spine had been visible when he had first been brought in. Three hours ago, he had been deemed fit enough to be flipped onto his back. Startled blue eyes glanced up at her.
"Hi, you. How are you feeling?" Croaks came out of his mouth as he struggled to form words and Indiana cursed her own stupidity.
His lips were chapped and he hadn't had a drink in two days. Quickly filling a glass of water, she helped him sit long enough to drink the entire glass. Filling it once more, she waited until he had drunk half and placed it on the bedside table. Still, he said no words. As indicated, she leant in closer to hear him better but instead he reached for the back of her head and pulled her in for a bruising kiss. Tongues brushing against each other, they only parted when oxygen began to run out.
"I didn't know if I would ever see you again." Cato whispered, forehead pressed against her own. "And there would've been no cannon to let me know if I had lost you."
"I think I'm starting to understand how you felt at my bedside all those nights in Thirteen."
"You could never begin to understand that. I didn't think you'd ever wake up."
"I'm just so glad you're okay." Indiana said, lip wobbling.
Patting the empty space beside him on the bed, Cato frowned when she hobbled towards him. She was injured. Sliding on the bed, she leaned down to grab her lame leg and pulled it onto the bed. Thick bandages were wrapped above the knee all the way down to her ankle. Catching Cato's gaze, she reluctantly explained about her infected Mutt bite. Reassuring him that it would help, she explained that she might have a limp but they had managed to get all of the poison out. However, she would once again be left with scars from her battles.
As talented as the Capitol medics were in healing extensive burns, they had little experience in the venom from Mutts. After all, all tests involved with Mutts had never involved saving the life of the victims. Mutts were designed to kill. Indiana's nose had been set and the bruises had all but faded having been treated with a soothing salve. Her arms were bare of the reminder of the wounds she had caused herself. All that was left was her leg. Glancing down at his body, Cato saw a patchwork quilt of new pink skin, old skin and some small burns covered in salve. He grimaced at the sight of himself but was grateful to see that certain appendages had been unscathed. As he searched for some clothes to cover himself up, Indiana grabbed his hands in her own and forced him to look at her.
"I understand how you feel. I hid myself from you when I woke up but you are as handsome as always, my love. Nothing will ever change that. Even if you had ended up horribly scarred, my love for you would remain and so would my attraction."
"But-."
"No, Cato, you are beautiful. Since the day I met you, you have been the most beautiful man I ever seen – and I know Finnick Odair personally – and no wounds or skin grafts will change that fact. You are mine and I'm yours. We're free, Cato. Our forever can finally start."
After being deemed fit enough to be discharged, Cato helped Indiana hobble back towards their shared room. Unable to help it, she was reluctant to touch her husband for fear that it would hurt him. Despite her protests, he swung her up onto his shoulder and with her guidance, marched them back towards her room. Giggling to herself, she remembered their encounter in the elevator during the first Games and with a swat of her hand, smacked him on the ass. Cato's own booming laughter met her ears as he plonked her down onto the white bed.
Adoration shone in his eyes as he glanced down at Indiana. Blonde hair fanned out around her head and her blue eyes shone with joy. Hand cupping the side of her face, his thumb brushed her cheekbone before he leant down to capture her lips with his own. Feather-light fingertips ran across his arms and Cato kissed her harder.
"Touch me, baby," he begged. "It doesn't hurt when I'm with you."
Winding her arms around his neck, Indiana pulled him back down to her lips and one leg came to rest on his hip. Cato's tongue tickled her bottom lip and she gasped, allowing him access to her own tongue. As his tongue brushed against her own, his hips rolled against hers. A small moan left his mouth as euphoric sensations erupted across his body. Thankfully, he had been cleared for sexual activities and he was about to take full advantage of that. Hands reaching the loose shirt Cato had thrown on quickly for the walk back, Indiana grasped the bottom of it, fully ready to yank it off him. As Cato reached down and cupped her heat through her trousers, the door slammed open and a zestful Finnick burst in.
"Oh! Oh my! I'm so sorry." Finnick gasped, turning around so that the young couple could untangle themselves.
Ordinarily, most people would be embarrassed at having been caught in such scandalous positions but as Finnick turned around, he caught the pair grinning at each other. Not a hint of a blush was found on either cheek. Shaking his head at their lack of shame, he was reminded of the fact that they had slept with each other numerous times for all of Panem to watch.
"Don't shake your head at us. We're human. We have urges." Cato chuckled, clapping Finnick on the back as they embraced. "Glad to see your survived."
Gauze was wrapped around Finnick's right arm, or rather, the space where it had once been connected to his shoulder. As predicted, the moment he had been rushed back to the mansion, the medics had thrown him onto an operating table and severed the mangled rotten arm from the healthy shoulder before the poison could flow any further.
"You're one to talk. I only lost an arm. You almost lost your back from what I heard." Finnick taunted, dodging the blow that was aimed his way.
Grinning at the two of the most important men in her life, Indiana broke the cherished moment by reminding Finnick of why he had burst in. At the mention of Coin, Indiana grimaced but followed the man from Four to the meeting room. Cato slung his arm around Indiana's shoulders and held her to his side as they walked.
Peeta, Johanna, Beetee, Haymitch and Annie were all seated around the table. Upon seeing his closest friend and her husband, Peeta stood. Placing his wife comfortably in a chair, Cato turned to face Peeta.
"Thank you for keeping her safe for me."
Before Peeta could respond, Cato wrapped his arms around the shorter blond, stunning him into silence. Indiana had told Cato that the only reason she had managed to keep her leg was because Peeta had dragged her back into the crowd so that the rebels spotted them both and brought them to the safety of the mansion.
Settling into their seats, the small congregation began pondering why they had all been summoned instead of being allowed to rest. The door opened and Katniss shuffled into the room to find eight pairs of eyes looking at her. Adorned in her Mockingjay outfit, she looked perplexed at the small gathering.
"What's this?"
"It appears to be a gathering of the remaining victors." Indiana answered, glad to see Katniss had finally found her voice.
Meeting her gaze, Katniss smiled back at the injured woman. Nodding her head, Katniss conveyed her appreciation for all the times Indiana had sought her out over the past few days and attempted to coax some form of conversation from her. Other times, they had simply sat in silence together until Indiana was needed elsewhere. Katniss had been the only Victor to be granted time to herself where no one had any expectations of her. The others had been forced to provide their 'support' for Coin becoming president of Panem.
Turning to face the new arrival, Indiana rolled her eyes at the sight of the woman she believed to be no better than President Snow. The self-proclaimed leader stood before the Victors – the 'fragile survivors' (essentially the deadliest people in Panem) – and informed them of her proposition.
"Since my colleagues and I are unable to reach a consensus, it has been argued that we will let the victors decide. No one may abstain from the vote," said Coin. "In lieu of eliminating the entire Capitol population, we will have a final symbolic Hunger Games using the children directly related to those who held the most power."
All nine Victors turned to stare at her in disbelief. Disgust marred the features of some of them whilst others took a moment to process what had been proposed. Cato's hand on Indiana's knee moved towards her stomach. Outwardly expressing his opinion, Peeta proclaimed his horror at the idea of another Hunger Games. The rebellion had been founded on the basis that the Games needed to be stopped, alongside Snow's tyranny. He reminded them that District One had only sided with the rebellion because the entire Summers family had been slaughtered during the Games. If Indiana, Cashmere and Gloss hadn't been murdered on live television, One would've remained with the Capitol and the rebellion would've failed.
District Eleven had begun rebelling after the death of Rue, an eleven year old girl. The rebellion had kicked into action because Panem had seen how cruel the Games really were. Punishing another set off innocent children just for some sense of revenge would be inhumane. Peeta's protests did not fall on deaf ears. Some of the other Victors were nodding their heads in agreement. Coin just glanced at him with her indifferent expression. Ignoring what was said, she continued.
"I should also inform you that if we do hold the Games, it will be known that it was done with your approval. However, the individual breakdown of the votes will be kept secret for your own security. You may cast your votes."
Instantly, the first vote was a no from Peeta. He was still shocked that such a vote was even taking place.
Surely all of us would be in agreement apart from one or two, he thought, there's no way any of us would allow others to experience the horrors that we have.
"I think it's more than fair. Snow even has a granddaughter." Johanna grinned. "I vote yes."
If there was one vote that would've been the most expected, it was Johanna's. From the offset, she had been dangerously open about her opinion of the Capitol. It was almost surprising that Snow hadn't had her executed at the first opportunity. Of course Johanna would want the people in power to suffer they way she had. She wanted them to feel the loss that had been felt by each and every Victor in that room. All of them had lost loved ones, and valuable parts of themselves.
"I vote no, with Peeta." Annie said softly, hand resting gently on her stomach.
"No. I want my child to grow up in a safe world, and I don't want them to think I had a part in the death of children." Finnick voted, jaw clenched tightly.
Similarly to Peeta, he couldn't believe this was a discussion that had taken place. Coin turned to face Beetee who shook his head in defiance. Announcing that he refused to partake in such a barbaric vote, he announced that he was opting to remain impartial. Whilst he didn't want the responsibility of innocent death's on his hands, he also couldn't ignore the part of him that wanted recompense for the harm that had been done to him and the other people in the room. Making a decision when he was torn in two would be rash and irresponsible.
"You have to vote otherwise we end up with a deadlock. There will be dire consequences if you choose not to vote." Coin threatened.
"How can I be expected to make a rash decision that could end in death based on indecisiveness? You're giving us no time to think this over!" Beetee exclaimed. Coin stared him down. "Fine. I choose to agree with what the Mockingjay believes to be best. I trust her to make a calculated decision."
Cato glared at Coin when she turned to him. "I vote no. There is nothing just about killing children, as well you know. Yes, their parents or uncles or grandparents are terrible people but those children shouldn't suffer because of it."
"I vote yes." Katniss exclaimed, not looking at the people around her as some of them audibly gasped. "For Prim."
On the other side of the table, Peeta shook his head violently. Haymitch had also voted yes. Peeta hadn't expected it to be such a close vote, and he was disappointed in those he thought he knew.
"So we have reached a tie. Indiana, your vote will be the deciding factor. I suggest you choose wisely."
Indiana felt the weight of all eyes and expectations of the members of the room.
"No pressure then," she laughed nervously. No one even smiled at her. Inhaling deeply, she delivered her verdict. "I vote yes."
Outraged cries escaped from Peeta as he struggled to comprehend what had just been said. Many nights in their cells had been spent expressing their disgust towards the Games, and how they wished no one else would ever have to go through them again. He thought he knew her. He thought that that was what they were fighting for. It was why they had been tortured – to put an end to the Games.
Finnick demanded that Indiana change her mind but she just looked past him, ignoring the desperation in his pleas. They had fought to end the Games, why would she vote for another one? He'd lost his arm and almost his life for this fight. Annie cradled her slightly swollen stomach as the noises grew and caved in on herself. She didn't want anymore violence, and she didn't want them to yell at her friend. She just wanted to go home. Finnick whispered soothing words into his wife's hair and glared at the woman he'd thought was his friend.
Cato's hand slid from her and as her heart cracked, she didn't reach for it. Maybe he had finally realised that the woman she had become was no longer the woman he had initially proposed to. Peeta stood abruptly from his chair and headed towards the door.
"Wait!" Indiana called after him. "Can you all stop yelling at me? Look, perfectly valid points have been made about how innocent children shouldn't suffer for the crimes of their relatives, and I agree. But, isn't that what we've been forced to do for the past 75 years? All of us were/are just children. Heck, Finn, you were 14! The youngest to ever win the Hunger Games. We have suffered for 75 years because of the crimes of our ancestors – who we have never met and who's rebellion we had no part in – committed. Have any of you ever sat down and calculated how many children have died in these Games? I have. It's 1,702. That's not counting all those Victors who eventually took their own lives afterwards. I voted yes for the 1,702 children who can't be here today to vote for themselves. If you don't like my decision then I understand that but I'm not changing my mind. Once the execution is over, the 76th and the final Hunger Games will take place."
Sweat coated the palm of her hand and didn't dissipate even after she rubbed them on her borrowed trousers. Sensing the uneasiness in his wife, Cato's instinct was to reach for her. His hand twitched at his side but he curled into a ball, refusing to grab her. Neither one had uttered a word to each other since her damning verdict. They hadn't been given the chance as they had been ushered onto the edge of the terrace where Katniss stood, ready for her role as executioner.
Surrounded by those she loved (who now looked at her with disgust), Indiana had never felt more uncomfortable. Snow's death was a moment she had dreamt about countless times but now she wanted it over and done. Crawling under the covers and hiding from the world sounded like the ideal activity at that moment in time. Whilst she had no regrets about her decision, she also had to live with the aftermath of it – including the death of more children on her conscience.
Cheers rippled through the crowd as President Coin appeared on the balcony. Indiana scoffed in disgust at the sight of her and the corner of Cato's mouth quirked into a smile. As Snow was marched out of the door, Indiana's body went rigid. Annie let out a whimper and Finnick blocked her view of the snake. Unable to help himself, Cato's hand slid into his wife's. The metal band of her wedding ring cooled his finger and reminded him of his vows. He had promised to love her through whatever hardships life threw at them. Just because they held opposing views on the final Games didn't mean he was entitled to act indifferent towards her. After everything she had been through, she was more than permitted to hold resentment towards the Capitol. Pulling her into his side, he pressed a kiss to her temple. They were a team; they would always be a team.
Snow's hands were secured behind the post (and his back). He was a mere ten yards away from Katniss and only eight away from Indiana. Tilting his head slightly, Snow made direct eye contact with the hateful blonde stood front and centre. Snow looked into Indiana's eyes and smiled. Johanna, stood on her right, spat.
Katniss reached back and grasped an arrow from her sheath. Positioning the arrow, she aimed for the rose above his heart and pulled the bow back until it was taut. At the last moment, she aimed upwards and released the string. President Coin collapsed over the side and landed in a heap in the crowd. She did not move. Chaos descended upon the crowd and a small object slid across the floor and thunked against Indiana's boot. Bending down to grasp the small knife, the blonde broke free from her husband's embrace.
Soldiers in grey uniform surround Katniss and Indiana used the distraction to see the vengeance she had been seeking since the moment of her birth. Snow jumped at the hand on his shoulder. Blood dribbled down his chin as she spluttered out a laugh.
"So, this is how it ends, Miss Summers."
Indiana stared at him blankly.
"Apologies – Mrs Hadley."
Indiana grinned, baring her teeth. "Any information you wish to divulge?" She asked, reiterating the question he asked each time he had caused her pain. "No? I shall proceed."
Tilting the blade so that it was angled, she dragged the blade across his throat. Watching as he choked on his own blood, she let the warm substance coat her hands. A hazy film flitted over his cold eyes and she took satisfaction in watching the life seep out of him and onto her hands. Satisfied that he was no longer breathing, she dropped the blade and ran into the frenzied crowd. Shoving her hands into the pockets of her trousers, Indiana couldn't stop beaming as she walked back to her room.
I refuse to lose this battle
Let whatever come my way
I am stronger than my rival
No I will not fall today