The Lady of the Lake

So here we are! Chapter 14, and as of chapter 13 we hit 50,000 words plus!

HOW INSANE IS THAT!?

This story now has a TUMBLR! I will be posting little tidbits there...spoilers, drabbles, art, photos and music that inspires me while writing. Everyone is welcome. Just search for thgladyofthelake. The link is also on my profile!

Currently it features the INCREDIBLE edits of our very own StardustIsMagic, so please like and reblog her work and show your appreciation of her time and effort! Super kudos to you love, they are beautiful.

In my head the song that Sky sang at the end of the last chapter was Gone by Ionna Gilka from the Snow White and the Huntsman soundtrack. That will be up on the Tumblr tomorrow!

We've also hit 150 Reviews. Congrats to trinketlove who was review number 150!

This chapter features Sky foraging, Clove being Clove, Cato and Clove bickering like siblings, an alliance...and the rule change.

Review responses are at the end of the Chapter as always.

Enjoy!


Chapter 14

I catch my first fish the next morning.

It's a small triumph, and one I cling to as I huddle in my blanket chilled by the early morning air and the cold night that had been before. The Gamemakers are making it harder on us now, giving us scorchingly hot days and freezing nights. This isn't so good for me, since I had destroyed my insulated jacket to bind Peeta's terrible wound.

The blanket helps, so I wrap it around myself as I crouch beside my small fire and cook my prize. I'm a fair distance from my hideaway, following the lessons learned in Diarmid and Grainne about cooking, eating and sleeping in the same place, and the fire is merely a bed of hot embers, no greenery near it so as to limit smoking. I've wrapped the fish in a thick leaf that I know will not burn easily and I keep a sharp eye out. The leaf will stop the smell of cooking from spreading and perhaps alerting someone.

There are only seven of us left; Cato, Clove, Katniss, Peeta, Teesa, Thresh and myself. And it's weird to think that a week and a half or so ago there had been 24 young men and women standing on their pedestals watching the numbers counting down.

I push the thought away; thoughts of the previous Tributes makes me think of Darrien, Marvel and little Zara, and how they are no longer here with me. I have to hold it together; I know I have to hold it together, because no one will sponsor someone cracking. And sponsors have been keeping me alive.

The Games are taking their toll though.

The grief is tiring and soul sapping, the fear is a constant low hum in the back of your mind, the tiredness makes you irritable and twitchy…I cannot blame the boy from 10 from cracking like he did.

Sometimes I just want to do the same.

But then I think of Finnick, of Mags, of my mother and my father, even of Cato. And I know I can't, that I'm better than that. I have to live.

I have to fight.

I peel open the leaf and poke the fish, smiling as it shreds easily. Cooked, perfect time to go. I kick soil onto my fire and gather myself and my precious prize and head north, a triangle from my hideaway and my cooking spot.

I don't want to go too far, but neither do I want to be traced back to my home. Especially since one Tribute knows where it is already.

Eventually I will have to move, leave my haven and start hiding in the open. I've been fortunate to be able to be stationary for so long, like Thresh in his wheat field nearby. But it is the price I'll have to pay for healing Cato as I did, and taking him home. Eventually we will be enemies in truth, he will come hunting for me, and the cave will be the place he will go to take up the scent.

The trick will be not leaving my hiding place before I have to, as being exposed will lower my chances of surviving, especially in the weather the Gamemakers are giving us.

I push aside the thoughts and sit on a flat rock, feeling the Arena beginning to heat up, and open my leaf to eat my fish. I'm still hungry at the end, but I do feel the energy it gives me, the sustaining protein of water. It makes me feel a little more grounded, something tying me back to my roots, where fish and other sea creatures are the predominant diet.

I'm just grateful my wild stab with the fishing trident had killed the fish instantly. And even then, I'd felt a helpless twinge of sadness that I'd just snuffed out a life, even one as tiny as the fish.

I finish eating and bury the leaf, unfolding the blanket from around my shoulders as I head back towards my lagoon, following the river as it curves to the waterfall. Making my way down the slope I slide around the rocks leading towards my home and pause.

Voices.

And they don't sound happy.

Instantly I scamper up into my cave, dropping my blanket on my bed and scoop up the second of my hunting knives. Sure, I absolutely won't be able to do anything with them, but they may give someone pause…which is better than just being killed without a second thought.

I head into the woods, quietly padding through them, clutching one of my knives, until slowly I edge towards the voices.

When I see what is waiting for me I struggle not to laugh.

"You said you knew where her traps were, you great, blue footed….booby!" Clove fumes, unrepentedly kneeing Cato who is trussed up in the net trap with her, "You and your, 'I got a 98% mark in tracking tactics at the academy'. Clearly you should have paid attention to the 2% you missed!"

"Shut your bloody face Clove." Cato growls, clearly uncomfortable in his almost upside down tangle, "She didn't look at this one when I was with her… I think."

"Well that's just fabulous isn't it," Clove snarks, jabbing him again, "Cause here we are, dangling like a pair of prize chickens waiting for the chop!"

"She'll find us; she checks the snares every day."

"And what if she's moved on hmm? Or what if she's stopped checking? Or what if someone else finds us first? OR what if she thinks we're the fucking enemy and kills us while we're trapped like this!"

"Maybe if you didn't shriek like a damn alarm siren the chances of us getting found by hostiles would be lower!" Cato barks back, clearly getting annoyed.

It's at this point that I decide to step into view, hunting knife still in my hand, and I arch my eyebrows at them.

"You two really are loud, you know that?" I inform them, aware that two pairs of eyes are now fixed on me; one pair brown, one pair blue, "You're lucky I was the one who heard you. What are you doing here?"

"How about you let us down first Sky?" Cato groans, although he looks more relaxed now, "Clove's got sharp, pointy, evil elbows- ow! Stop it you mad, raving bitch."

"You deserve everything." Clove growls back at him, and I cover my smile with my hand, "Look, 4, we're not here to kill you. We want to offer a truce, for the time being."

I raise my eyebrows, "A truce?"

"An alliance," Cato shoots Clove a look and she rolls her eyes, "You make it to the final 3, no worries about your safety, we'll protect you."

"And in return?" I ask, intrigued, wondering what it is they want from me. "What is it you want me to bring to the table?"

"Survival skills," Clove sighs, kicking Cato who growls at her, "Doofus here is more brawn than brain, and I haven't the first clue about foraging or hunting or anything like that. We didn't think it was a skill that would be needed."

"And then bitch on fire wrecked our food." Cato grumbles, but he's careful with his words, not mentioning what else Katniss had done with her explosion of the supplies, "We haven't eaten since, except for a few nuts and berries that we had as snacks for hunting parties."

"We've tried," Clove sighs frustratedly, "But apparently it's harder than it looks."

"Why me?" I ask, looking between them, "Why not Thresh, or Teesa?" I don't ask why not Katniss and Peeta…the answer is pretty obvious why not them.

"Who the hell is Teesa?" Cato asks, confused.

Clove elbows him again, "Obviously the girl from 5. I've just been calling her fox in my head. Look, Schuyler, I'm a bitch…"

"Damn right you are," Cato mutters, and grunts an 'ow' when she kicks him again.

"And I know your dealings with us Careers haven't always been a bed of roses. But the fact of the matter is we know you, more than we know the other two, by a long way. Plus…" She hesitates, glancing at Cato, "Your District partner was part of our pack, and we actually liked him the majority of the time. Which is a huge compliment from us."

"He trusted you." Cato says softly, but his eyes are fixed on mine, and I realise that he's trying to hide his and my dealings over the last few days, "Which is good enough for us."

"Besides," Clove smirks, "The great pudding here likes you."

"Clove!" Cato barks.

Clove just smirks and I blush slightly.

"So, deal?" she asks, looking at me directly.

I realise there is very little deception about Clove. She won't stab you in the back; she will tell you straight to your face that she's going to gut you. She's a vicious, savage killer, but she's blunt and honest, and kind of has her own dry charm to her.

I look between the two District 2 Tributes and I hesitate, because I know I have no hope of winning against either of them. But I have no desire to kill them, or leave them to be killed either.

"I have some conditions." I say quietly, and Clove's eyebrow arches.

"Let's hear it," she says, head tilting.

"I won't have anything to do with your kills," I say, my face twisting slightly, "You will not string out Teesa's or Peeta's deaths, you'll make it quick and painless."

Cato growls but Clove elbows him.

"And…" I look between them, "If it should come down to the three of us…you will give me at least half a day headstart to get away. I want at least a chance."

The two of them look between one another and Clove nods.

"We accept your terms." Cato's voice rumbles out, "Now please…can you get me away from this little bitch before she elbows me to death."

I chuckle and walk over to the rope holding up the net.

I don't expect it will be that simple, and I don't expect Teesa, Peeta, Katniss or Thresh to die quietly. But the fact of the matter is…someone will die, people have to die, and while it will break my heart to see Teesa's and Peeta's faces in the sky, it will break more to see Cato's.

Hating myself quietly, I slice through the rope.


"You know," Cato's voice comes from behind me as I scavenge some edible mushrooms from under one of the large shaded trees, "When those cannons went off yesterday…I thought one of them might have been for you."

I turn to face him, and see him standing there; shoulders hunched awkwardly, blue eyes on my face. Clove is back at the cave, having first flailed about 'Fucking hell they put a cave behind the waterfall', and then to 'Give me that food or I will kill you now'. She'd also been very enthusiastic about the ledge and blanket and had curled up for a nap, while I went out to forage.

We are alone.

"Obviously not," I say slowly standing as he walks towards me, blue eyes focused on my face, "Alive and well."

"Sky," he walks up to me and slowly pushes me back against the tree, crowding against me as he does when he's feeling particularly possessive or dominant, "You…"

He struggles with the words for a long moment and then he's kissing me, a hungry kiss that conveys the fear, the anger and fury he can't express. We cling together, lips meeting and parting, and this time I give it back as good as I get. I've seen too much death, too much sorrow since I was Reaped. This was something good, hot liquid desire flooding me from his lips parting mine, opening me up underneath his onslaught of passion.

It's rough, messy, hungry and full of all those messy things we can't say. I feel the animalistic growl rumble up out of his chest, vibrating through my body and causing a hot spike of sharp desire to slice through my belly. My nails scratch down his neck and he snarls, slamming me against the tree, his lips leaving my lips as one of his large hands slides down the curve of my waist to lift me under my bum. He's strong and pins me against the tree, coaxing my legs to wrap around his hips as his teeth find my throat, the pulse point he loves, and sinks in.

The moan is ripped from my throat, and he responds with a groan, mouthing at the soft skin of my neck, with hot desire to mark me, claim me, and own me. He's not used to losing anything, and he is determined to keep me as long as he can. I can feel it in every possessive line of his body, the territorial hands cupping under my bum and thighs, the mouth on my skin.

He presses against me, and our clothes rub together, not hiding the fact that we are intimately pressed together, and that both of us are hopelessly turned on.

"You drive me crazy," he breathes hotly against my neck, the air rushing against the tingling skin, "How do you do that?"

"I don't know…" I pant back, and then he's kissing me again, my hands raking up into his short blond hair, biting at his lip.

He growls and steps away from the tree, dropping to his knees and laying me down on the leafy ground, surging over me and kissing me with that animal passion that I've seen glimpses of before.

We writhe together, scratching, biting, groaning and his teeth sink into my neck again making my head arch back.

"Cato!" I moan, and he shudders throughout his body, hand tangling in my hair and holding my neck extended, bared to him.

It's animalistic, the most primitive signal of submission, of ownership. Lesser animals bare their necks to the alpha, a sign that whatever the greater predator wants of them they will allow it. Mates bare their throats during courtship, acknowledging the male as a worthy partner, and Cato seems to recognise this most ancient of positions.

He has the power, all the power, and instead of killing me, he kisses me again, a hungry, devastating kiss that leaves my lips bruised.

We break apart, panting wildly, and he looks almost feral, eyes glittering with passion as he looks down at me.

"My lady," he whispers, a grin curling up his infuriating mouth, "That chivalrous enough for you?"

"You'll never be the knight in shining armour," I reply, laughing breathlessly, feeling alive for the first time in days.

"I always liked the rogues better anyway," he replies, a wicked smirk crossing his mouth before he kisses me again.

"Attention Tributes!" the voice booms across the Arena, the famous voice of the announcer, Claudius Templesmith. Our heads both snap up and we stare up at the sky, tensing against one another, "Attention! There has been a slight rule change."

"A rule change?" I whisper, "But there is only one rule. One Victor."

He stares at me and then we look up again as the voice returns.

"The rule allowing only one Victor has been amended. Two Tributes may now win, providing they work together to reach the end of the Games. Thank you for your attention, and may the odds be ever in your favour."

We stare at one another, our heartbeats quickening, and then he's kissing me once more, a kiss of relief and eager promise.

We can win, we can win together.

Suddenly he freezes and pulls back, and he's staring at me in horror, and he twists away.

"Cato?" I ask, reaching for him.

He answers with a single word…but it makes my blood freeze.

"Clove."

He can't let his District partner die, and my heart sinks in my chest. He moves back and slowly I sit up. We stare at one another, and he rakes a hand through his hair.

"She's my partner…"

"I know…" I whisper back.

His expression is tortured, "I can't let her…"

"I know…"

"Sky…"

"I know."

He kisses me again and then tears himself away, standing and walking away, his back stiff and full of his aggression.

"Fuck!" He shouts and draws his sword to slash at a tree, which shakes from the force of the blow.

I stare at him, and he looks back at me once more, face unhappy before he walks away, back to my cave. Back to Clove.

Laying there on the ground I cover my face with my hands and gasp into the palms.

Two Victors.

Maybe I should abandon the final Careers, abandon my cave and go find Teesa. Together we could win. Or maybe Thresh…he could fight.

And then my eyes shoot open and I sit up sharply.

Katniss and Peeta will be fighting harder than ever now. Now they have a chance of going home together.

The Games just got a ton more complicated and I flop back on the leaves with a huff.


Livea – Thank you! I'm so glad you can visualise what's happening in the story! This wasn't a daily but I hope it was worth the extra nights wait.

Luli Cullen – Thanks xoxo!

Guest – In the books we only ever saw things from Katniss' point of view…its interesting looking at things from another angle. I think he liked it. J I imagine it's a pleasant voice.

MoonlightDiva – Cato has emotion, he just buries it under a vast amount of aggression and animal instinct.

SophiaLily1980 – Here are some tissues lovely, and I'm so glad you can visualise the happenings from the story. And sadly I own nothing, other than Sky and Darrien of course…precious babies that they are.

Azulish – Less public sad feels? Much better. Marvel grew on me too, it was really fun getting into his mindset. I may have to write him something at some point.

Mt – I guess you're just going to have to wait for the ending to unfold. Trust me…it should be good.

Tribute271 – It wasn't easy! Darvel was adorable. I dunno if people would read me giving them their own fic though :D I'd totally write it though, they're cute as hell. Kisses to you too!

Bluetigers – I think he likes the fact that she doesn't have blood on her hands too. And as for the ending of the Games…well…you're just going to have to wait and see.

Blackraven88 – I hope you and everyone you know and love are safe and well sweets. You take your time yeah, and enjoy the story when you get the chance J

It's-A-Passion – Jealous Cato is hilarious. If he and Sky survive the arena he and Finnick are going to be very growly at one another. Which would be funny. Farewell Darvel, and yeah I know the feeling, I'd grown very fond of the boy too.

Frazzle – We missed you sweets! Welcome back. Hope you enjoyed the Skato this chapter ;)

Mocking Verse – Aw don't cry, they're together now J

Hahaha – She's doing what she has to to survive, but I think she genuinely regrets what she has to do. I loved Marvel and Darrien too. They may need a fic of their own.

ObsidianWind – I love your long rambly reviews. They make my day J I was attached to Marvel too and yes, the Capitol is very evil for doing this to us. And I have the same thoughts about Cato's mum. The raft was an idea I had early on, but at first it was only going to be Sky. Somehow it grew until it was something Cato wanted to do to help his sensitive girl get past all that grief. Luff you!

Eve – Of course I will! As if I'd leave you stranded now.

RoseMaple – Thank you! I appreciate it!

CatoSkyOBSESSED – (I still love the name) It always made me so sad when I read the line in the Hunger Games of Marvel drowning in his own blood, and having to go through it alone. L Couldn't let that happen.

PhysiologyFan – Here it is! Hope your bed was comfy! ;)

IamCharliedaughterofPoseidon - I know, our beautiful baby boy is gone. Like I've been saying I may have to give our Darrien and Marvel their own fic adventure. I love Finnick's notes too, and there will be a few next chapter in the wake of this ones events ;)

EGilly – It's going to be very hard whittling things down now L Thank you for sticking with me!

Iluvpandas1209 – Me too…me too…but thank you for enjoying!

Reviewer08 – Yeah I kind of blazed on through didn't I…its good to see you back though! Skato is fun, I love writing them. Darvel are adorable, for sure. Woo for emotional turmoil! As for deaths, I can't promise or deny anything.

Trinketlove – Congrats on being review number 150! Thank you lovely!

WonderGirl556 – Thank you! Don't die! More has arrived!