The Lady of the Lake

So...one month ago, to the day, I started writing this little story. I was so nervous about posting it that I agonised for about an hour before going ahead and doing it. I got 2 reviews and was so excited, people were reading.

Now we have reached 80,000 words and 300 reviews. And it's all thanks to you guys. Thank you so much for taking me, Sky and Darrien into your hearts, and reading about their adventures with me.

There have been so many gorgeous additions to the Tumblr including a beautiful photoset. You all amaze me with these beautiful graphics, thank you so much!

If you would like to send me something (And I fully support it!) please just tag it with thgladyofthelake but since the tag is being evil *huff* drop me a line via PM either here or on Tumblr when you post it :)

The lady of the Lake tumblr is thgladyofthelake.

This chapter features Finnick...in large doses, Jealous!Cato, and the interviews...as well as the Rebellion...a little.

Review responses are at the end of the chapter

Enjoy!


Chapter 20

Cato is still asleep beside me when I wake in the morning.

His breaths are deep and even and I smile softly at the reassuring sound of his slow and steady heartbeat beating behind me. For a while I just listen to him, to those reassuring sounds of life but eventually I carefully slide out from under his protectively curled arm and pad into the bathroom.

There I relieve myself, have a quick shower and slip into some light clothes, before padding back into the bedroom, where I roll my eyes to see Cato is still asleep, almost exactly where I left him, except that he's tugged my pillow into his embrace, cuddling it close.

I'm so teasing him about that later.

I walk out into the main area of the apartment and find Finnick leaning against a wall there, a grin on his face.

"What?" I ask him, walking by him towards the table, where I scoop up some fruit to chew on.

"You two are adorable." He leans into me, with a fake lovesick sigh, "How can you stand being so sweet? It's making my teeth rot even just thinking about it."

"Shut up," I roll my eyes at him, a little grateful that he is acting like nothing has changed, that even though I'm no longer quite the girl I was, he still loves me, "We are not like that."

"Oh but you are." He drapes himself over the counter beside me, fake swooning, "I go to wake you up this morning and I find you both curled up together, all soft and cute and ergh…are you trying to make me ill?" he grins.

I just shoot him a look and chew a few more pieces of fruit.

"It if traumatises you that much. Don't come into my room." I drawl, smirking slightly.

"Pfft, we both know that's not going to happen." Finnick flaps a hand at me, "Besides I feel rather proud. After all without me, this little love of yours would have been crushed under the weight of both of your inabilities to communicate feelings to one another."

I remember his gentle guidance in the early days before the Arena, helping me to understand and not shy away from Cato. He helped me understand the man underneath the dominant jerk persona.

"I missed you," I say softly, and I see his face sober slightly and soften as he stands, "So much…"

"I missed you too love." And he reaches out with a fond sigh, tugging me into the circle of his arms, holding me close, "Even if you did give me regular heart failures just watching you in those games."

I chuckle softly, "I wasn't that bad."

"Not that bad?" he scoffs even as he kisses the top of my head, "Remember the grey hair?"

"Mags said it was blond." I murmur, "I believe her."

"More than me? I'm insulted."

"You're prone to exaggerate. And dramatise." I grin into his shirt.

"Lies and slander," he kisses my temple, "But I'm glad to have you back my little blue Sky."

We are interrupted by a very pointed cough and I turn slightly to see Cato standing in the doorway, arms folded and a scowl on his face.

"Sorry to interrupt." He growls, not sounding very apologetic at all, "I hope I'm not intruding."

"Cato!" Finnick gently moves me to the side and strides towards the younger man. He embraces him in a big hug which makes me cover my grin with my hand as Cato looks completely bemused by the action, "Welcome to the District 4 floor."

"Uh…thank you?" Cato looks at me helplessly and I shake my head. I'm not helping him this time; this is between him and Finnick.

I regret that choice a few moments later.

"Now, Cato," Finnick pulls back and gives Cato his brightest, sunniest smile, and instantly I'm wary, "Do you know what weapon I used in the Arena during my sojourn there?"

"Uh a Trident…" Cato says, shooting me another confused look.

"That's right pancake." Finnick claps a hand on his shoulder, "And as I'm sure you know a trident doesn't just have one point to it, it has three."

"Do /you/ have a point?" Cato asks, rolling his eyes.

"Ooh sassy," Finnick laughs, "Yes I do Captain Sassypants. If you hurt my Sky I will shove all three of those sharp, sharp points where the sun doesn't shine."

I cover my face with my hand.

"Are you threatening me?" Cato sounds shocked; I don't think he's ever been threatened so cheerfully before.

"No of course not!" Finnick pats his cheek, "I'm giving you fair warning. Because you see, unlike my precious girl here, I have absolutely no compunctions about beating you like a dirty throw rug if you break her sweet little heart. So….treat her properly, or you'll realise just how I became the Victor for District 4. We clear?"

"Crystal." And Cato glances over at me, "Same goes. You hurt her and I'll break that pretty boy face."

Finnick positively beams.

"Oh he's a keeper," he says, turning back to me with a big grin, "You sure know how to pick them sweet cheeks."

I just shake my head at them as Cato moves over to curl an arm possessively around me.

They are so weird.


The interview is held in the sitting room of the apartment, and there is a small crew in there working quickly and efficiently when I pop my head in to look. Peeta and Katniss are being interviewed up on their floor, but when asked if he would prefer the interview to be held on the 2nd or 4th floor, Cato had been firm in is desire for it to be here.

I suspect he doesn't like being alone on the 2nd floor, just as I don't like being alone here. I haven't gone near the door to Darrien's bedroom yet, even seeing the door makes my eyes prickle. I think it's the same for him. I think he misses Clove.

Which basically means he's moved into the 4th floor, which Finnick seems fine with and Mags just shakes her head at.

Normally, if this were a normal Hunger Games victory interview, the Victor would leave after it was concluded. Head for a train, go home, try to forget about the Games until the Victory tour. But this time, with four Victors, things are being done a little differently.

Instead of last night, the Victors Banquet, held up at President Snow's mansion, has been pushed to this evening, and we are expected to attend, naturally. I've been told I'm expected to share at least one dance with Finnick and Peeta, and also Brutus, the male mentor for 2, as well as Haymitch, 12's drunken mentor. I'm also expected to share a number of dances with Cato…but they will have no objections from me about that.

Peeta and Katniss will be interviewed first upstairs, and then the bulk of the crew will travel down to us and will conduct our interview.

Felvia manhandles me in a knee length blue green dress, and my prep team pin my hair up carefully before Finnick knocks on the door.

"Sky, my jewel, my pearl, will you come walking with me on the roof? I fear if I don't whisk you away now while Cato is occupied, your Career will attempt to throw me out of a window. Bit jealous isn't he?"

"Stop tugging his tail and maybe he would be nicer." I say dryly, walking over to him, looping my arm through his, "You're terrible."

"I do my best," he says and guides me out of the apartment and up to the floor of 12. The stairs to the roof are the same, and so is the little garden and I sigh a little with relief. He guides me into the greenery and turns to me, his face serious.

"Okay, we can talk here. The wind and the windchimes make it impossible to be overheard."

I look around at him wide eyed and then I nod, remembering his hesitation to speak in the hospital, for fears of prying eyes and ears.

I nod at him and he takes my hands in his.

"There's a dangerous game afoot here Sky," he speaks quickly, knowing we won't have too long up here alone, "The Capitol didn't want Katniss to win, not with Peeta, and certainly not alone. They hoped that you and Cato would come out the better in the confrontation."

"But…why?" I ask, shaking my head in confusion.

"Because she has inspired something." Finnick takes my hands in his, "Rebellion."

"Rebellion?" I hiss back, feeling my stomach drop, "What are you talking about Finnick?"

"For a long time we've been readying ourselves," Finnick speaks quickly now, the words tumbling over one another, "Gathering weapons, soldiers… We've been ready for a while, but we've needed something, someone to push the Districts to the breaking point."

"Katniss."

"They didn't show it in the recaps, but she buried that little girl from 11 in flowers, and farewelled her with honour. She volunteered for her little sister…she…is magnetic, you know people can't help but be inspired by her."

He's right. Even embittered as I am towards her, Katniss is certainly unforgettable, and oddly fascinating.

I nod.

"But Katniss, wasn't the only one who caught our eye." And Finnick touches my cheek softly.

"Me?" I stare at him and then I shake my head, "No…no you've got the wrong girl! Katniss yes I can understand but…"

"Sky." He cups my face in his hands, "Love, listen to me. Katniss is someone the people can follow, be impassioned by. They will worship her as a figure and they will do what she commands. But they won't love her. She doesn't inspire love, loyalty, compassion. You…have no idea how many people you touched Sky. Katniss inspired the Districts…but you reminded them how to love. You reminded the CAPITOL how to love."

"But…then how did we survive?" I ask, shaking my head, completely thrown by his words.

"President Snow knows about Katniss." Finnick shakes his head, "Hot heads, passionate and idiotic…well…let's just say he knows just what she's inciting. But he doesn't know about you. He gave the order to Seneca Crane, for the Games to end, because he sees you as the means to dampen Katniss' fire, so to speak."

I blink at him.

"The Capitol adores you, you and Cato. You are the golden couple, the Career from their beloved District 2, and the sweet girl who won the games with love instead of hate." He slides his hands down to my shoulders, "All those sponsor gifts, they wanted you safe. And so we filled the arena with them, even Brutus went along with it. Snow sees that…and he thinks you are suddenly more use alive than dead."

"Finnick…" my breath is coming short, panic beginning to creep up on me, "I can't…you've all…I'm not…"

"I know darling," he shakes his head, "It's insane…I know it is, but I need you to be aware, so you understand the stakes. If he thinks Katniss is inspiring rebellion against him, he'll kill her, and he'll kill Peeta and everyone she knows in 12. I need you, to be the sweet Sky we all love, and when he sends for you….I need you to agree to what he asks of you. Whatever it is…we'll do it together…I'll help you." He takes a deep breath, "This is so important Sky…a future without the Hunger Games…no more Tributes…no more death."

The thought makes my breath catch.

No more Hunger Games. I could have children of my own without fear of them being Reaped for the Capitol's entertainment. I could live a life of my own with Cato maybe…free of all of this. A future where a young man like Darrien, like Marvel, like Thresh, or a young woman like Teesa, or Clove, or Zara is not snuffed out needlessly.

It's worth fighting for.

I look up at Finnick and I can see the joy in his eyes as he reads the look on my face.

"Count me in."


"So Cato, tell me, when was the first moment you realised you had feelings for Sky here?"

We are sitting together, snuggling comfortably opposite Caesar Flickerman, and the questions are rolling. Cato chuckles and rubs the back of his neck awkwardly.

"Well that's a bit tough, it snuck up on me, I had no idea she was becoming so important to me." He glances at me and then smiles softly, "I think the moment I realised she meant something special was when I saw her being attacked by the boy from 10. Seeing her there…the feeling is indescribable Caesar," he tugs me a little closer, temple dropping to rest against my hair, "I thought I'd lost her. And it killed me."

I squeeze his hand gently and he lifts it to his lips.

"And Sky? What about you?" Caesar asks me kindly, "When did you realise your feelings for Cato?"

"It was gradual for me too," I say softly, looking up at Cato, who is looking at me intently now, "It started when I realised I couldn't let him die, after the Tracker Jackers. I mean, I could have just dragged him somewhere for the Careers to find…but…I took him home. But I think it really became real for me after Darrien died, and he helped me say goodbye." I smile softly and Cato nuzzles my cheek.

"That was a beautiful moment," Caesar agrees with a deep sigh, "We all know how close you were to your District partner Sky, Darrien meant a lot to you. Can you describe how losing him affected you?"

"It was like losing a limb," I admit, my eyes welling up despite myself and I laugh breathlessly, turning away slightly, "Sorry…"

"Don't apologise," Cato rumbles and his large hand turns my face back to him, his thumb stroking my jaw, "It's beautiful."

I smile at him and I hear someone behind the camera sigh softly.

"Darrien…was the brother I never knew I had," I say softly, turning back to Caesar, "Finnick too. He's like a brother to me. Losing him…it felt like it was my fault. He was coming to protect me…and it hurts…but…I know he would be so proud to see me here…alive and safe."

Caesar nods warmly and turns to Cato, "Cato, I have to ask. The Feast…" Cato tenses beside me, "Losing Clove, and having Sky taken by Thresh and the girl from 5…how did you feel when you heard Clove and then Sky scream?"

"Again…indescribable Caesar." Cato's face is tense and he looks down, "Clove was like the most annoying little sister ever. But she was family and losing her…like Sky said, it's like losing a limb. I have to watch her die and then I hear Sky screaming in the wheat fields…" he takes a shuddering breath and I kiss his jaw, reassuring him, "I was ready to take them both apart with my bare hands, Thresh and Teesa."

"I always forgot her name," Caesar chuckles slightly and turns to me, "You and…her were close Sky. And she made it so close to the end. Do you think she'd be happy for you?"

"She would." I smile slightly, thinking of Teesa, "She'd smack me about the head for being emotional, but…she'd be happy."

We're asked some more frivolous questions and then Caesar asks the final question, "So…what happens for you two now?"

I look up at Cato, my eyebrow arching, questioningly. He smiles back.

"Well, I believe the plan is to go to our own Districts for a little while," Cato says slowly, lifting my hand to his lips, "We miss our families something awful, but after that…I was thinking of perhaps migrating to 4. From what Sky tells me it's beautiful…and I don't think I could bear to take her away from the sea. But…who knows."

He looks at me, and he smiles softly.

"But what I know for sure is…she's mine. And I'm hers. And it's staying that way."


Luli Cullen – Thank you lovely xoxox!

WonderGirl556 – Here you go, plenty of Cato and Finnick in this little offering. Hope you enjoyed!

LoopyLoola – He is sweet, and yeah, President Snow is creepy as hell. He's only going to get creepier though.

Coco2008 – Finnick is adorable, I love him to bits, and yeah, the Games recap was hard to write. So much happened, so much Sky has been reminded of that she's pushed away, it's not going to be easy for her. As for how much I write per update, I just try to write a certain amount per night. I've gotten a rhythm up now, and I spend the day thinking about where the next chapter will go, and then in the evening I write it. Some are shorter than others, but that's because of story pacing. Some nights I don't write…but I always try to go back the next night. Hope that helps!

RoseMaple – Aw thank you lovely! I just love hearing from you guys my reviewers It helps to keep the creativity flowing. Hope you like the boys and Sky this chapter.

Germany – Who knows… ;)

Queen of sharks – I know…I'm a terrible person.

Reviewer08 – The crowns are all a part of Snow's plan. That man always has a plan..or manipulation…in play. Katniss' recalcitrance to help came from the book…inspired by how she let Cato be torn apart by the mutts for the entire evening. The only reason she killed him in the end, was because she knew time was running out for Peeta. That chilled me when I read the book, and I knew I needed to show that aspect of her. And I shall drabble it up! Aw Darrien.

MoonlightDiva – Finnick is the best. We all love Finnick!

Aly91 – Lots more! LOTS MORE! Glad you're enjoying

Bluetigers – I know hey? Trust me, Sky is gonna be so hissy at Katniss when she finds out. And she will.

ObsidianWind – President Snow is evil. Evil and Manipulative. And he only gets worse with time.

Guest – Can't spoil Finnick's end fate. And no I don't feel pressured or anything. Don't worry. I do it because the words flow. And because you guys are like crack for my ego ;)

DancingAroundAFire – Never apologise for lengthy reviews! They are the best thing ever and make me squeal with joy! I love the Sky and Peeta friendship too, and they seem to vibe together well. Both of them are naturally gentle souls I think, so they get each other in a way Katniss and Cato can't. Katniss and Sky have a ways to go yet before they can truly get past the Arena…its all too fresh right now…in time…perhaps…

MissKatryn – Aw don't cry. This is a happy tale…sometimes…

Guest – THANK YOU!

EGilly – I love Skato too. They make me feel warm and fuzzy.

TitanShadow – Some questions have been answered…but some remain….I was sad about Darrien too my baby

CatoSkyOBSESSED – I love the Skato too! And don't worry…there is no end in sight for this tale. And even when it does…I'm the type of person to continue writing short stories about the verse…past and future. You've got a lot more Skato before then though. Finnick is a blast to write, no idea where half the stuff he says comes from but it all pops up when writing him. I'm so glad you like Sky…I love her too.

Livea – Wha? ?

Aumack – Of course I comment I love Skato too. And Finnick…the cheeky little brat that he is. I loved Darvel too Here is an update!

Aryanna – Thank you! I'm so glad you like it, here have some more!

Eve – I am hey! Finnick is funny, I hope you liked him this chapter!

Hahaha – I cried for Teesa too And I can definitely do the Feast from Teesa's POV. She's mad fun to write.