The Lady of the Lake
So...wow! What an amazing response to the last chapter. Seriously guys you rock my world. Especially you readers who take the time to go and write me long reviews. You make my days so much brighter.
The mystery continues in this chapter...remember..we are in Sky's perspective. She's not going to find things out right away. Especially if Finnick's concerned about being overheard.
As always I am pimping the Lady of the Lake Tumblr which is
thgladyofthelake
If you would like to submit something to the tumblr, then please...just send me an ask or tag your post with the thgladyofthelake and I will find your brilliance and reblog it for us all to admire.
This chapter features Finnick and Mags, Felvia's wardrobe genius, and the recap show...
Review responses are at the end of the chapter as always!
Enjoy!
Chapter 19
The first thing I see when I open my eyes is Finnick.
He's leaning over me, sea green eyes concerned, bronze hair dishevelled and messy like he's been running his hands through it, but the instant he notices I'm awake his face splits into a relieved grin.
"Sky," he says and leans down to kiss both of my cheeks, "Sweet cheeks, no Tribute has ever given me a grey hair before you."
"It was blond," Mags dry voice comes from nearby and she moves into my line of sight, her creased old face soft as she smiles at me, "Hello love, welcome back."
"What happened?" I ask, my voice raspy, "I remember the wolves, the sponsor gifts…what happened?"
Finnick and Mags glance at one another and then they turn back to me, both of them looking serious.
"To be honest," Mags shakes her head, "Even we know only a little. The order to stop the Games before the Muttations killed you and Cato…it came from President Snow himself."
"We don't know his reasons," Finnick looks solemn, an unusual look for him, "But we can discuss that later."
"But-…" I hate being left in the dark, but I see Finnick's eyes flick briefly towards the corner of the room. It seems the Capitol, like the Arena, has eyes and ears everywhere, "What about Cato? Is he alright?"
"He lost a lot of blood," Mags gentle hand with her knarled fingers slowly strokes my hair, "He's recovering, like you are. Like Katniss and Peeta are."
"Can I see him?" I feel on edge without him, like danger is lurking, but the presence of my two mentors, who I respect and trust, is soothing the raw feeling.
Finnick shakes his head, "The Recap show is in a few days time, they want the first time the two pairs of lovers to see each other to be on that stage. Everything's a show."
I look at him, and he smiles sadly down at me.
"So…the recap show." I shudder slightly, "I have to watch it? All over again."
"Yes love." His voice is kind, "And then the final interviews are the day after. The recap show will have all four of you together, but they are doing the interviews with just Katniss and Peeta, and then you and Cato."
"And then the day after that we'll be going home." Mags' voice is gentle, "You'll feel better then."
I look at Finnick, whose eyes are locked onto my face, but I don't think he agrees with Mags. I've changed so much; I doubt anyone who has survived the Games has returned the same person they were before they left. Finnick understands, I can see it in his eyes. He knows me best, he knows who I am, and he knows the fears that plague me.
It's my biggest remaining fear.
There is nothing more frightening than feeling like you're a stranger in a place that you used to call home.
"We'll see you tomorrow." Mags kisses my cheek, whisper light, "Relax…I'll send someone in with a good meal for you."
She moves towards the door, but as Finnick turns to go, I feel panic claw up my throat. They are going to leave me in this white, sterile room. In that moment the smooth walls and almost reflective lights are more terrifying than the darkest nights in the Arena. I grab at his hand hating how weak I am feeling, "Don't leave me."
A spasm of something crosses his face and Mags pauses in the doorway before quietly leaving. Slowly he turns back to me, and his hand comes up to cover the one clutching him.
"I won't leave you."
It's days later that I stand in my bedroom of the Tribute tower, quietly letting Felvia and her team fuss over me in preparation to being presented to the Capitol crowds.
I've gained a little weight during the days in the hospital, my ribs no longer being quite as pronounced, my cheekbones and jaw no longer quite so sharp against my skin. The skin itself has been polished and smoothed, all scars wiped from my body, like the Games never happened.
My prep team twitter about the games, talking about it like the television event they see it as. They don't seem to realise they are talking about young men and women who were once living and breathing much like they were. It's not until they start gushing about Darrien and Marvel that Felvia looks up at my face and sees my eyes fill with tears.
"Hush your foolish gossiping," she snaps at Demia, Nepture and Galcus. I'd remembered Demia, but the other two I couldn't have remembered their names if my life had depended on it, "The girl has enough on her mind without your witless prattle."
They are silent for a long moment and then they start muttering to one another again, talking about Katniss and Peeta, and I catch Felvia's eye.
"Thank you," I mouth and she gives me a warm smile, leaning up to kiss my cheek.
"Never you worry dear."
After my body has been smoothed to perfection, my hair glossed and my makeup carefully applied, Felvia steps forward with a garment bag.
"I designed this for you during the last few days of the Arena." She says softly, watching me, "After you saved Teesa from drowning."
I close my eyes and nod, letting them move my limbs and gently tug cloth over my head. It doesn't take long, and then Felvia says softly.
"Open your eyes."
Slowly I do, and once again, I blink at my reflection.
The dress is made of the softest material I think I've ever touched, so gentle that it feels like a whisper against my skin. It echoes Finnick's and Felvia's old name for me, the Lady of the Lake, with a gathered bodice cinched with a pale gold belt, and draping sleeves that fall openly around my upper arms, leaving the rest of the limb bare. The skirt seems almost to float, like I'm gliding, and once again my feet are bare. Resting among my curls are long strands of tiny, winking stones, like diamonds, and they curl up around my head and over my forehead.
I look beautiful, but also kind of ethereal, like I am not wholly real. Like a good breeze will blow me away. I look...like me. In the Parade and at the interviews I looked like some kind of mythical creature, but this…this looks like the woman, the Lady…not the legend.
And I think it is no accident that this time the colour chosen for me is white.
I glance at Felvia and see that she is smiling warmly at me, as are the preparation team.
"My lady," Finnick's voice comes from the doorway, and I see him there, looking dashing in a white dress shirt and black pants, green eyes soft, "It's time."
"First Flickerman will introduce the style teams, then the escort and then the mentor of each of the Districts 2, 4 and 12." Finnick murmurs to me as we walk under the stage, "Then he'll call Katniss and Peeta up…they'll have their reunion and then it'll be you and Cato."
I nod and he squeezes my hand.
"You look beautiful, and don't worry. Remember all those sponsor gifts? The Capitol love you, and they love you and Cato. The whole place has been abuzz with discussions and arguments about the two pairs of lovers. You have many supporters, trust me."
I nod again and he pulls me to a stop on the plate that will carry me up onto the stage.
"During the recap." He cups my cheek, "Love…don't be afraid to cry. They don't expect you to be a cold hearted killing victor. They love that you feel. But…" he kisses my forehead, "if it gets too hard, find me in the audience…or let Cato help you. I'm sure he'd love to give you some comfort."
And he wiggles his eyebrows playfully, causing me to roll my eyes and smack at him.
"You're an ass."
"You love my ass. All the ladies do." He winks and kisses my cheek before moving off, "You can do this Sky. I believe in you."
And then I am alone, looking at the screen before me, showing what is happening out there on the stage.
Caesar Flickerman strides out, receiving his cheers with his natural smiling charm, bowing and laughing before waving out Cato's style team, who get a warm round of applause. It is followed by louder, wilder cheers for Felvia and her team, and then thunderous cheers for the team from 12. The fire was a hit, and I can see throughout the crowds, that new fashion has begun to roll through.
There is a lot of red, red, gold and orange. But there is also a lot of blues, like water, which makes me smile. Darrien was right, all that time ago. The Capitol love their symbolism, fire vs water.
Flora and the other escorts are welcomed onto the stage and they twitter helplessly, clapping and waving at the crowd with delight. The woman who was Katniss' and Peeta's escort seems particularly thrilled. After all…12's last victory was a long time ago…she mustn't have thought she'd ever have a moment like this…let alone for two Tributes.
Then there are wild cheers as the mentors walk out. A huge dark haired, heavyset man from District 2, whom I vaguely recognise, Haymitch Abernathy, the infamously drunk mentor for 12 and my Finnick, who sets hearts of both genders aflutter with his beauty and charm, smiling and waving.
I smile at the screen, hoping he is enjoying what is, essentially a moment of triumph.
It's only a few moments later that the crowd goes ballistic and I see Katniss, looking small, delicate and vulnerable in a shimmering yellow dress dash across the stage to kiss Peeta, who is holding a cane and who kisses her back.
Again I smile, another true grin. I'm so happy for Peeta, and so utterly thankful that my own life had not come at the expense of his. He deserves happiness, and now he can have it with the girl he loves.
I know there will be a price to pay, for us all to live. The President, Snow, doesn't show compassion. Not without a reason. And although the reason, unknown as it is, terrifies me…I know I will pay his price.
It takes a while, but eventually they part and move to sit on a small two seater which sits to one side of a single chair. There is another two seated chair opposite it, which I realise is for me and Cato. Once they are settled, Caesar Flickerman waves the crowd quieter.
"You know him as the fierce, dangerous Tribute from 2, and her as the lovely girl from 4!" he calls to the crowd and they begin to cheer, "But now they are Cato and Sky! Also the Victors of this year's Hunger Games!"
Slowly I start to rise and the light blazes around me, reflecting off the white dress and making me shine brightly. The crowd screams and I look up in time to see Cato, whole, shining, handsome Cato striding towards me. The look on his face makes my knees weaken slightly and I stumble towards him, reaching out.
We meet halfway and he holds me tight, lifting me against his solid chest. Our lips find one another's, and we kiss, letting the rest of the world fade out around us. Right now, nothing is as important as Cato, as the feeling of him holding me, his strong arms, his warm mouth and the softness of his fair hair.
Suddenly I feel safe. And the relief of it is indescribable.
Slowly he lowers me back down to the floor, but our kiss lingers until we have to part or pass out from lack of oxygen. We gaze at one another, and then Caesar is there, beaming warmly at both of us. The sound of the crowd filters in and we look out at all the sea of people clapping and cheering wildly.
As wildly as they had for Peeta and Katniss.
Cato shakes Caesar's hand but his other arm curls possessively around my waist, not letting me move too far from his side. I am not complaining however, as it is exactly where I wish to be.
Slowly we walk over to the other chair and I look around at Peeta and Katniss.
We move across from them and I catch Peeta's eye, and he grins at me, standing and walking a few careful steps forward, using that cane.
Ignoring Cato's possessive growl, which elicits whoops from the crowd, I move forward and into Peeta's arms, letting him embrace me in turn, which prompts yet more cheering.
It's followed by laughter and we look at our partners to see them shaking their heads at one another.
As if to say, no way am I hugging you.
Peeta laughs and then Cato stands, moving over beside me. For a long moment the two boys look at one another and then hesitantly, Cato holds out a hand. Instantly Peeta's face relaxes and he shakes it firmly, making Cato smile in return.
Finally we take our proper seats and Caesar fans himself.
"Well now! Those were some reunions, weren't they folks?" and the crowd cheers wildly, making him laugh once more, "Welcome Victors!"
I settle beside Cato and see Katniss tucking herself up against Peeta. It strikes me as odd, seeing her so…touchy feely. Katniss is a strong young woman, and I have no doubts that she cares for Peeta deeply, but…maybe I am still thinking like a Tribute, worrying that there is a spear, or arrow behind every tree.
Cato's arm drapes behind my shoulders on the chair, his fingers rhythmically caressing the sensitive skin of my upper arm. I lean into him, my head resting comfortably in the crook of shoulder and neck. We are not draped over one another quite as much as the other pair, but we are comfortable. This…is natural for us.
Caesar finally gets the audience to quiet and then the lights slowly dim, and the crest of Panem is emblazoned on the big screen in front of us. I know they are monitoring our faces, displaying the Victor reactions to the rest of Panem. Everyone is watching. It's compulsory viewing. The condensed 3 hour torture of recapping the years Hunger Games.
This time…my Hunger Games.
It begins with all the pageantry before the Hunger Games themselves. The Reapings', which I cringe at while Cato rumbles a chuckle. The Parade, showing Cato brave and strong next to Clove, me, flowing like water beside the awkward but still endearing Darrien and of course Katniss and Peeta holding hands above their heads. They show the other key players too. Teesa and Enbrin, Thresh and little Rue, Glimmer and Marvel…all of the familiar faces, all dead now. Then it's the training scores and the interviews. They show Peeta's confession of love, and my mysterious words about a Tribute affecting me, which makes Cato puff his chest a little, all smug.
That all takes about half an hour, and then we get into the Games.
From the first death in the bloodbath I begin to shake, watching as Cato and his Careers slaughter the Tributes who were foolish enough to try to fight. Marvel takes out four alone; Clove and Cato three, and Thresh got one. They show Darrien looking around frantically, clearly looking for me in the fight, and his relief when he realises I've vanished. They show Cato looking around too, but more clinically.
Then they cut to Katniss who crashes into Teesa before taking off into the woods.
They show Peeta and me, crouched just in cover, our conversation and then Teesa joining me as we watch Peeta join the Careers. We watch our deal and Cato gives me a look like he's impressed as Teesa and I pilfer their supplies. I just duck my head.
It hurts, watching, seeing Teesa, bright and lovely and bold. Her amber eyes full of light. And then it hurts worse.
Cato stabs Zara and I stiffen in my seat.
He tenses beside me as he watches me tumble into the scene, before Peeta joins us to end Zara's suffering. I can feel his blue eyes flicking towards me, but all I can see is that poor little girl, all of 13 years old, slowly suffering, dying because of a botched, cruel stab to the belly.
I hadn't even considered who was to blame. It hurt too much I think at the time, and then I had to focus on the here and now. To see it…
I shift slightly away from him and he whines softly, pulling me back.
He's watching me on the screen, screaming for Finnick, writhing in the agony of seeing an innocent's death. He looks tense, unhappy and then his gaze finds mine.
We look at each other for long moments and then I slowly relax against him once more.
It doesn't change anything. Not now.
The tape skims on, showing shots of Katniss, of Peeta leading the Careers away from her, of Cato leading them away from the lake, and of me eeking out my quiet little existence.
Then comes the Tracker jackers and my eyes lift to see Katniss staring as Peeta saves her, as Peeta is injured, as Cato collapses, as I rush in. We watch as I tear my coat apart to bind his wound and then the blow to the head, which makes Cato growl softly.
Then we alternate, Peeta running to the river and hiding himself, and me hauling Cato's unconscious form home with me. I can feel Peeta and Katniss staring at me, but I don't look up.
They show the full scene of Cato waking up, which makes him chuckle, and then they show Katniss and Rue.
The full scene of the showdown at the supplies is shown, every excruciating detail. Tears slowly begin to trail down my cheeks as I watch Darrien racing across the field towards me, my eyes frantic between Katniss and him, my scream as her arrow hits him, and the explosion.
We see Katniss crawl away, and Cato's hand tightens on mine as we watch Darrien die. We watch my grief, Marvel's grief, and then we watch the Careers go hunting. Cato is darkly furious, hell bent on vengeance, and the filmmakers contrast it with me sitting under the tree looking up at the seal, Teesa appearing beside me as I cry for my District partner.
They show Katniss hunting for Rue, whistling her little tune, and then hearing the little girl screaming for her.
Sniffs come from the audience as Katniss cradles the little girl, as I try to ease Marvel's suffering, and Cato tugs me even closer to his body.
From there it is just painful memory after another, as we watch Katniss and Peeta begin to fall in love, as we watch Cato and me making out in the forest in our desperate grief, as we watch the Feast. I wince as Thresh hauls me away, and then I watch, watch as Cato begs Clove to stay with him, his voice breaking as he holds her close.
Slowly I lift his hand to my mouth and kiss it.
We watch Katniss and Peeta healing as Cato and I face off against Thresh and Teesa, the fire and the river, and my choice to keep my humanity.
We watch as Katniss and Peeta kiss and talk and then Cato's and my perfect day.
Then comes the finale, Teesa's death, she ate the nightlock Peeta innocently gathered, and I look away as she crumples to the ground.
The finale is torturous. Watching Katniss and Peeta on the cornucopia, Peeta shouting, railing at Katniss to help to shoot some of her few precious arrows, to Katniss refusing.
"They're dead already. We can go home." She says, and I look across at her.
She doesn't regret her choice.
The citizenry whisper eagerly as my screams fill the air and Cato's face tightens even more as he watches me being slowly torn apart, protecting, shielding him. And then the sponsor gifts falling from the air, hundreds and thousands of them.
We are all declared Victors, and taken up into the hovercraft.
The video closes with Katniss screaming and throwing herself wildly at a screen where doctors work on Peeta. And then to Cato who is semi awake, reaching for me as I am whisked away from him, before being knocked unconscious.
Lights return and we stand slowly, Cato glaring at Katniss even as his arms lock even more protectively around me.
The President emerges onto the stage with four crowns, four very different crowns.
Cato's is made like a true Victor wreath. Katniss' like a feminine version, but instead of olive branches they are arrows. Peeta's is a solid circlet and mine is a delicate band of pale gold that he rests on my head.
"We have much to talk about you and I." he murmurs to me, eyes colder than a winter's storm on the sea, "I'm sure I'll see you before you go home."
I just smile and he nods approvingly before moving on.
But inside my guts are like ice.
What can he want from me?
I curl up in bed that night, feeling restless and cold.
My room is a perfect temperature, much warmer than the arena, and much warmer than the hospital room. But I'm missing the sounds of water rushing….and I'm missing the warmth of Cato holding me.
In the hospital, sleep was dreamless, the sleep of those drugged. But now I am out…all I can see is the parade of 20 tributes slaughtered. They march through my head, the blood filling my eyes as I toss and turn.
Suddenly the door cracks open and I sit upright, hand pushing my hair out of my face.
"Shhh…" the man walks in, and I relax the instant I hear his voice.
He slides into bed with me, his familiar scent, lighter now, and sweeter with capitol bath smells, curling around me, even as his arms draw me protectively back against his chest,
"Cato." I breathe.
"Sleep." He murmurs, tucking his head into the nape of my neck, making me relax even more, "I'm here now."
I mean to ask him why he's come. How he knew I needed him, but with him here, my body is shutting down.
And finally I'm able to find the peace I have been searching for.
Mocking Verse – I did! No happy endings sadly for Darvel. Not even for their wolves.
Luli Cullen - I believe four tributes winning is quite common. But I has a plan!
MoonlightDiva – I know! I was so gutted writing Teesa making her exit. I loved her so much And yay! I'm glad you like the Tumblr! Keep an eye on it!
Eve – Dominant Cato is sexy. And thank you! I'm so glad you liked the wolves and the gifts. At the moment it's all a bit mysterious but it's because we only see things from Sky's perspective. And the Capitol is watching .
PhysiologyFan – I love geeking out! Feel free to Geek away!
DancingAroundAFire – Thank you darling! I'm glad I was able to create the tension of the moment, and I cried too when Teesa died. she was so precious. Cardboard characters are no fun, so I'm glad you like my little Sky. It's difficult to assess your own character so I'm glad she passes muster. Peeta and Sky's friendship will be very important in the future, a little spoiler for you there love. And yes. I'm big on the soundtracks. I have to post more to the Lady of the Lake tumblr soon.
ObsidianWind – Can't believe I rendered you speechless love. And yeah Teesa and the wolves were sad
Luck Be Mine - YEP!
WonderGirl556 – She did, and trust me Sky hasn't truly forgiven, or forgotten that fact.
LoopyLoola – The full conspiracy will be revealed in time! And I missed you! Glad to have you back.
Trinketlove – I missed you! Damn homework…and glad that I made you cry. The feels are healthy! And ooooh graphic! I love graphics! If you have a tumblr just tag it with thgladyofthelake and I will find it and drool over it! If you don't then just send an anonymous ask with more questions. I can answer there more easily than here
Coco2008 – Oh dear! Hyperventilation AND opera! And yay Cato fics! Glad you liked the chapter sweets, and no no dying for them. And I had fun with the paint too. SO MUCH LOVE!
Queen of sharks – All in due time!
Nette0602 – Thank you! I'm glad you like Finnick, Darrien and the Skato!
Mt – You're just going to have to wait and see. All will be explained in time. We're learning as Sky does.
Bluetigers – Yay Darvel! I didn't want Teesa to die either sadly. But five victors was stretching plausibility a biiiit far. You're going to have to wait and see what it all means ;)
Germany – Sky isn't really the type to do that….Cato on the other hand…
TitanShadow – Here's more noooow!
Reviewer08 – I'm so glad you liked the drabble! Lots of questions to be answered but sadly you know I can't do that here! It would ruin the suspense for later! I always have reasons my dear, you're just going to have to trust me!
CatoSkyOBSESSED - I'm so glad you enjoyed the Finnick drabble on Tumblr, and the romance chapter. They needed some tender time, poor darlings. All has not been revealed yet, but trust me it will slowly be over time as people share things with Sky. We learn as she does after all.
Tribute-Trials – Well I'm glad you reviewed now! :D It makes me so happy to hear from people. Welcome to the family my dear and thank you so much for your kind words. I don't have much experience with Submit Your Own Tributes…But I have been quietly considering writing up one of the past Hunger Games with an entire cast of original characters.
Aumack – And here I am commenting back to you again! Trust me I know about the cliché, but I have lots of plans for the future, and they require all four of them to unfold, and to take this show into a completely AU road. The ending will NOT be the same as Suzanne Collins'. And I'm so glad you became a slight fan of the Darvel. I loved them.
SophiaLily1980 – I'm so glad you loved it! And hey…feel free to send me a PM with your thought ;) Maybe I can give you a hint if you were right. And don't worry. Catching Fire will be epic for the Skato.
SUPAfast JeLLyFisH – She's a mix of people really but the closest to her I think is Sophie Turner, who plays Sansa Stark on Game of Thrones. Her facial features are very Sky. Her eyes are the big facial feature for me, and although Sophie's hair is that lovely red colour…her large eyes make her more a Sky for me. But hey if you can think of an actress with big blue green eyes lemme know! Just PM me or send me an ask on the Lady of the Lake tumblr or tag your graphic there with thgladyofthelake and I'll find it :D
RoseMaple – So glad you liked it love! I hope you continue to enjoy.
