The Lady of the Lake
So! Here we are again!
Real life hollered my name, so sorry you had to wait an extra night or two for this. Damn families, wanting your attention!
THERE IS A POLL UP! Basically I have the idea of writing the crew of this story in a Modern AU setting, which would be mad fun. Cato is a famous actor returning to his hometown for some enforced R&R. Sky is the local librarian. Finnick is Sky's model best friend, Darrien is her protective older brother, Marvel is Cato's best friend/manager. Teesa is Sky's and Finnick's roomate...known for conducting scientific experiments in their basement...and so on! It's mad fun in my head. Would you guys read it?
Also if I made a fanmix of the tracks that I listen to for Lady of the Lake...would you like it?
There is new shiny stuff on the Tumblr! including gifs and graphics! LOVE TO EVERYONE!
The tumblr can be found:
thgladyofthelake
ALSO! On the Tumblr you can send a question ask to any of the characters from the story! They will all answer your questions!
So this chapter features the Victors Banquet. It has Peeta being sweet, Cato being jealous (Again), Sky being annoyed, Haymitch being Haymitch, Finnick being charming (again) and Snow...being creepy.
Review responses are at the end of the chapter as always!
Enjoy!
Chapter 21
Entering the Victor's Banquet, I gasp at the spectacular scene before me.
I've never seen anything like it.
The ballroom of the Presidential palace is the largest room I've ever seen, domed with what appears to be different coloured panes of glass, but which aren't transparent. The floors are a rich marble and the people swirl through the room like a flock of brightly coloured birds. The elite of the Capitol fill the room, mingling with the Victors of past Hunger Games, all of whom are required to be in the Capitol during the yearly pageant.
There are tables set around the room, as well as large long tables along one wall, full of food that could feed my District for at least a month. On a balcony above is a small ensemble of musicians who play soft music as we all enter.
Finnick is escorting me, with Cato having been told, in no uncertain terms that he was expected to escort Enobaria, the female mentor of his District. Clove's mentor. He hadn't been happy about it, but I think that was mostly because he calls Enobaria the heinous bitch, and he still gets ruffled feathers around Finnick.
Haymitch Abernathy has already escorted Katniss in, one arm linked with hers as he waves a server over with a drink. Out of the corner of my eye I see Finnick shake his head at the sight, but when I look at him questioningly, all I get back is a look of bland innocence.
It makes me roll my eyes and in doing so I glance up at the stairs we'd just descended.
Peeta walks in alone, having no female mentor to stand on his arm, and the sight of him, walking alone, still moving with that slight limp, still holding that cane, makes my chest ache a little. His head is lowered, his gaze tracking his next step, and he looks so alone, so forgotten as Capitol sponsors flock around Katniss and Cato.
No one is helping him.
I slip my arm out of Finnick's, ignoring his questioning look as I walk back up the entryway stairs, which Peeta is so painfully picking his way down. He looks up from his fixed concentration on the marble before him and smiles slightly when he sees me climbing the marble to join him.
"Sky, what are you doing?" He asks curiously, glancing over my shoulder. From the hush that's filled the hall behind me, I know that people are turning to look, but I ignore them.
"No one should have to face them alone." I murmur and step up beside him. His face softens into a warm smile and he offers me an arm, which I accept with a slight bobbing curtsey. It makes him laugh and slowly, taking it at his pace, we descend the stairs together.
I wonder what kind of a picture we make, Peeta in his black suit, and red tie, still very much the fire boy from District 12, and then me in the royal blue dress Felvia had practically sewn me into, the satiny material sliding over my skin like water, borrowed sapphires glinting around my neck and in my hair. Fire and Water, supposedly so different, but I've always felt safe with Peeta.
We make it to the bottom of the stairs and Peeta guides me further into the hall as Cato walks over, Katniss shadowing him. The two of them are stiff around one another, tense, and Cato never really lets her out of his side behind him.
He doesn't trust her.
And he doesn't like Peeta escorting me, because he holds out a hand, the universal gesture asking me if I would like to join him. But I don't accept until I'm sure Katniss is stepping into her place at his side.
Peeta brushes my cheek lightly with a kiss, ignoring Cato's barely audible growl, and I smile at him as I step away to join my partner, rolling my eyes at the possessive hand resting on the small of my back.
"You know you have to stop assuming that every man who comes within reaching distance of me is trying to steal me away from you." I murmur in his ear, "Peeta is my friend."
"I don't mind Peeta," Cato grumbles, "He was a traitor but he was doing it with sort of understandable reasons. I don't like that he's attached to the bitch." He shoots a dagger like glare at Katniss' pale red gowned back, "I don't trust her."
"We're not in the Arena anymore Cato," I remind him quietly, "We're going to have to live with seeing her around us. As the co-victors of these Games we're going to be thrown together with them a lot."
His hand grips my arm, holding me still as he looms over me from behind.
"I can't forget what she's done." He growls, "She almost ruined everything. She refused to help us, help you when you were screaming."
I shiver, my temper prickling at the reminder of being torn apart by the Tribute wolves.
"Don't forget, but you have to forgive her."
"She killed Darrien," he hisses in my ear, "How can you just…"
I turn on him, snarling softly and he looks abashed, seeming to realise just how far over the line he had just stepped.
"You think I don't know what she did? That I've forgotten?" I grit out at him, "Screw you Cato, I just see the bigger picture. The Games are over. It's time to move on."
And I walk away from him, over to the food and drink tables, where I scoop up a glass of icy water and drink it.
My hands are still shaking from the reminders of the Arena, the wolves, Darrien…but then Finnick is there, grinning at me with that infectious grin of his, and he tugs me out into the dancefloor, twirling me with a flourish.
It's hard to remain uneasy, unhappy or trapped in the past when Finnick makes an effort to be charming.
He leads me in a lively dance, which leaves me gasping and laughing, breathless from the enthusiasm and the sheer vibrancy with which he dances.
"You're a menace," I inform him, and he bows mockingly before turning to Enobaria.
"My, what big teeth you have madam! Please, dance with me, before you consider eating me. I assure you I'm a much better dancer than a meal."
I snort softly as Enobaria rolls her eyes and tugs him out onto the floor, sharpened, golden teeth gleaming, "Who says I'd want to eat you Odair. You District 4's are two salty for me."
I turn to leave the floor but come face to face with Haymitch, who raises a sardonic eyebrow at me, and offers a slightly listing hand.
"Come on fishkitten." He slurs, tugging me into a loose dance, "It's expected that I show you some courtesy. Finnick's a friend of mine after all."
There is something under those words, and for a moment I'm confused before suddenly, it becomes clear. The Rebellion. Haymitch is a part of it. Handy as the District 12 mentor.
"A friend of Finnick's is a friend of mine," I say with a smile and I see his grey eyes twinkle faintly before he dips me, both of us toppling over as his balance fails him.
"Whoops," he grunts, as I let out a peal of laughter, "Sorry there sweetheart." And he pats the cowl of my dress, over my chest lightly. From some men it would be a seedy gesture, but Haymitch barely touches me there. Only enough to feel a tiny slip of paper slide into the strap of my bra.
Sneaky. He's not nearly as inebriated as he pretends.
"You'd better let me, Haymitch," A familiar voice chimes in above us and suddenly Peeta is there, hiding a grin, helping Haymitch up and handing him off to Katniss who obviously hisses some snarky comment at the older man, which he returns. They begin to dance, deliberately stepping on each others feet, and Peeta and I just watch, struggling not to laugh.
Fortunately this song is slower, and so Peeta is able to clumsily steer me in a dance.
"Cato is glaring," He points out, "But what else is new."
"We had words," I sigh, "He is still holding onto the Arena grudges."
"Katniss," he huffs, "Look, I wasn't altogether happy with her either…when you and Cato were fighting…I wanted to help."
"I know," I say it quietly, "Don't worry about it Peeta, truly."
"No," his hand tightens on mine, "I do worry about it. You…you didn't deserve it. I should have been braver. I'm sorry."
"Peeta," I tug him into a warm hug, "You have nothing to be sorry for. Truly. And you can make it up to me by visiting me in District 4."
"I suppose that's fair," he smiles, arms tightening about me for a moment before murmuring, "Incoming…trouble ahoy."
"If you don't mind Mellark," Cato's deep voice rumbles from behind me and my eyes widen as Peeta steps away from me, "Sky owes me a dance."
"She's all yours," Peeta says, and like the bloody traitor he is, he winks and abandons me to my fuming lover.
"Unbelievable." I mutter. "He better bake me a cake."
"Sky," Cato growls and tugs me into his arms, starting to dance as he glares down at me, "Stop fucking flirting with Peeta."
"I was not flirting!" I huff back, exasperatedly, "Stop being jealous of everyone!"
"Sky!" he gives me a faint shake and I glare back at him.
Purposely I stamp on his foot.
His eyes narrow and he yanks me up so our bodies are flush together. We stare at one another for a long moment and then he dips me. For a moment his arms disappear from around me and then suddenly, just before I hit the floor, my breath already hitching in anticipated pain, he grabs me and yanks me back upright.
"You absolute…" I hiss at him twirling into him and elbowing him in the gut, "I despise you."
"I don't believe you for a second." He growls back, and gives my hair a quick tug.
The dance continues in a similar vein and by the end of it I'm fuming and he's giving me the kind of look that means the instant we're alone I'm going to get it.
I get the final word though, stamping on his foot again as I whirl away, striding off the dancefloor, feeling pleased with myself.
I grab another drink but as some Capitol citizens slowly make their way over to me, I push aside my private smugness at having completely vexed Cato and smile warmly. These people saved me with their generous donations of money. I can afford to give them my time and attention. The Games are monstrous, but that doesn't mean I shouldn't be a little grateful for their patronage.
They of course talk to me about the Games, the spectacle it had been, but their eyes watch me, a curious light to them.
They want to hear about Zara, and Clove, Teesa and Thresh, Peeta and Cato, Darrien and Marvel, the connections I made, the friendships and love I'd forged with the people I was supposed to kill. Something about me seems to intrigue them, and they listen intently to me. They don't ask me about the bloodbath, the death, they don't chatter about the fights, they just want to know about the Tributes I'd helped them get to know.
In return they are eager to tell me about themselves, and I listen to their stories, full of frivolous things, meaningless moments and I realise they aren't evil. These people aren't evil. Misguided yes, brainwashed certainly, but not evil.
And they envy me the love I found.
I don't think any of them have ever felt anything as deeply as I'd felt Darrien's loss, or Teesa's, or as deeply as I feel my feelings for Cato. They are little jewelled birds in a gilded cage, and they have no idea what they miss by being so trapped.
So I share with them some of my stories, little moments they'd missed while watching other Tributes, and they laugh and listen eagerly.
I'm so engrossed in the conversation I don't realise what a crowd I've attracted, until I look up and meet Finnick's green eyes from nearby. He's smiling, and so I smile back, but my eyes travel beyond him to the man standing on a small balcony, looking down at us.
President Snow catches my eyes with his, and beckons once.
And I realise, it's time for our little chat.
It takes a few moments longer to escape from the ballroom than I expect. I weave my way to the ladies restroom, feeling eyes following me, knowing that Cato is watching me, eyes dark and heated.
I reach the door to the washroom and then slip to the side, out through a curtain into a long sumptuously carpeted hallway.
Within moments a peacekeeper is there, and he guides me up several long flights of stairs, along long corridors until he ushers me into a room.
The room itself it not lit, but it is lit by the lights from the ballroom below. This study looks out over the great chamber, the panes of coloured glass appearing clear from this side, even as I know, from underneath it looks just opaque colour. President Snow stands there, looking down at the people milling around, talking and laughing. The sounds do not reach us here, not the voices, nor the music, and it is oppressively quiet, and strange to see so much movement and life, but hear no sound.
The man at the window lifts his hand and beckons.
"Miss Cavendish." He murmurs, voice soft, cultured, and cool, "Please, join me."
I slowly walk over to join him, right by the windows and I look down at the chamber below me, at all the people there.
We are silent for a few more long moments, and I feel a bead of sweat slowly wind down the back of my neck.
This man could destroy me, and everyone I love. Even a whisper of dissent from me could prompt him to act ruthlessly, without mercy. He spared my life from the wolves in the Arena, he believes it to now be unequivocally his property…he is wrong of course, but I must play along for now.
"What do you see?" he asks me, waving a hand encompassing the celebration below me, "How does this appear to you?"
I glance at him, and fight down a shiver at the glacial eyes watching me intently.
"It's a blur to me." I say truthfully, because some instinct tells me that lying openly to this man would be a very bad idea. I'll have to lie about Finnick, about the Rebellion, that's bad enough. Best not to start out with the credentials of a constant liar, "Bright colours…pretty but no substance to it."
"Interesting," President Snow murmurs the word and then looks out at the swirling people below, "That is how you first appeared to me, Miss Cavendish. You are pretty enough, charming enough, but there seemed little about you to make you worth any attention and time. There are always pretty girls, and few make it out of the Arena."
I shiver and glance at him, "But not now?"
"No," he murmurs, "It is rare that I misjudge someone. I often can guess the winner of the Hunger Games before they even begin. Tributes such as Brutus," and he touches a metal join near his hand and suddenly the glass shimmers, and I gasp as it focuses, zooming in until Brutus fills the pane, walking around the party with an arrogant strut. A few brave Capitol women follow him, hoping that they'll attract his eye "Are obvious winners."
"He is," I say carefully, watching Brutus and then glancing at Snow, "But his type doesn't always win."
"No," President Snow touches the wall again and the glass shimmers once more to reveal Finnick, sipping from his glass and laughing at something a drunken Haymitch Abernathy is obviously slurring at him. "But I knew your Mentor would win also. He has that edge about him. His assets made him a useful piece, so I encouraged the Gamemakers when he was so obviously dominating."
I gaze at Finnick, knowing that it is not an accident that Snow is showing me someone I care about, it is subtle this threat, but I have no doubts they will become more and more crystal clear.
"And this year?" I whisper, not looking away from Finnick's laughing green eyes.
Then the glass shimmers and the picture shifts into two separate forms. Cato and Katniss.
"I was sure it would come down to them." Snow's voice is smooth, "Which is why I encouraged the Gamemakers to find ways to…impede Miss Everdeen."
"Why?" I ask, glancing at him, "A District 12 Victor…it is unusual, the viewers would love it?"
His lips twitch upwards faintly, "It would. But the Hunger Games are not only about the entertainment. Its true purpose is, and always will be the subjugation of the Districts. A Victor like Miss Everdeen is dangerous. She is a spark; she embodies hope…which is dangerous."
My eyes move from Katniss' guarded face to Cato's. He is leaning against a wall, but his eyes are roving the crowd, searching for someone.
"He is looking for you," Snow says quietly, "But for now at least, he will have to wait."
I look away from Cato's face and over to the man beside me, "So, why four Victors?" I ask quietly, my hand smoothing over my dress nervously, "Why stop the wolves?"
President Snow smirks faintly and touches the wall, which shimmers one final time to reveal me, with the crowd of Capitol citizens around me. Their eyes are shining, and they are clearly hanging onto my every word. And I…I look comfortable, natural.
"You…are an asset." He murmurs, "One I intend to use. Oh your Cato is useful too; we can always use another District 2 soldier. But you…you are something else." Slowly he moves towards me and I lock my knees to hold myself in place as the coppery scent of blood suddenly fills my nose, "I have always said that hope is the only thing stronger than fear."
I glance up at him, at the glacial, flat eyes so close to me.
"But you have shown me that I was, in fact, incorrect. There are two things stronger than fear. And one thing stronger than hope."
"And that is?" I whisper, swallowing dryly.
"Love." Snow breathes it, and his lips curl, "What is fear? What is the promise of hope? Compared to love."
One cool finger touches my cheek and I almost flinch, but I hold myself in check.
"Miss Everdeen gave the Districts hope," he murmurs, "She gave them something to consider fighting for. And the only thing that kept them in check…was you."
"Me?" I swallow again, "No I…"
"You. While you lived they were not wholly Miss Everdeen's. She fired their imaginations, their passions but still they held back. Held back because of a girl who kept saving lives." He runs a nail slowly down my cheek, "Their loyalties are divided. I will bring her to heel now." He smirks, "And you will be their prize, proof that the Hunger Games, are a symbol of not only our strength…but of the Capitol's love for the Districts. After all, the Games cannot be so evil…if something so good survived."
I stare at him, and he taps my chin.
"Go home. Relax. Enjoy the spoils of Victory and your lover. But when the Victory Tour comes…we shall speak again. And you will do as I say, won't you little fish?"
My skin crawls as he uses Cato's name for me, but I nod, turning to go as he dismisses me.
Just as I reach the door however his voice stops me.
"As you see Miss Cavendish," I turn back to look at him and he gives me a sinister smile, "True games…never end."
*shudder* Ergh, Snow is creepy...
TitanShadow – It was so much fun writing Cato and Finnick, you have no idea, seriously xD Silly boys. And I always enjoy writing Sky and Cato.
MoonlightDiva – Ah yes, Finnick playing the protective big brother and Cato being Jealous jealous jealous. It was fun to write!
Aryanna – I'm glad you enjoyed the interview, and yeah I'm having fun with the fire vs water thing myself.
Reviewer08 – Poor Cato, he really struggles with the emotional side of all this stuff. Katniss and Sky…well you're going to have to wait and see. Katniss and Cato are going to have it out next chapter…and so are Katniss and Sky...
Loopyloola – Creeeeeeeeepy.
ObsidianWind – He kills me too, and he's so damn fun to write. Dear dear Finnick. Hope some of your curiosity is sated with this Chapter!
Mt - :D glad you liked Finnick and Cato, and yeah the rebellion is going to be interesting that's for sure!
Awesome wolf - Thank you! And no, this story isn't finishing any time soon. That much I can guarantee! I love Skato too
Sarah'1595 – You shall see! I'm not going to spoil it for you!
Cookiecrazy224 – Thank you! Hope some of your questions about Snow were answered this chapter, and thank you for enjoying the Interview. And oh god, I'll blubber like the biggest baby, but yeah, I'll write Darrien's POV when the food goes boom…:'(
Bluetigers – Yep! We'll learn more about Darrien when Sky goes home, but yeah for sure on the Victory tour, she's the type to go finding out about them.
Guest – I will definitely be writing them in Catching Fire. I can guarantee that.
Luli Cullen – Yeah the differences between Cato and Finnick are very fun, especially since Finnick knows just how to play Cato like a fiddle.
Thetimids – Thank you so much! I hope you do write a fic and I get to see it up here
WonderGirl556 – The interview was sweet, and thank you! My writing style loves you too!
Aumack – Yay long review! So glad you liked the Skato romance and the Cato and Finnick scene. There is a lot more in the story to go. The Games are over for now but Sky and to a lesser extent Cato, have to heal and adjust to life back home. As well as being together...it's different now, being out of the Games. So there's lots more to see. And aw! I'll always chatter back to you about your review! And you should definitely post your story. My word of advice is…just keep writing. The more you do it the better you'll get and the more fun you have. My first attempts at Fanfic were awful. Atrocious. Really Really REALLY bad.
Germany – Aw, my real name is Maddy!
Hahaha – I hope to write up some more of the drabbles tomorrow, so Teesa should be up then The Sky and Cato and Katniss will unfold next chapter on the train home!
Aki-blood-dark-princess – Hope you keep enjoying! And yes the schemes will unfold!
Coco2008 – Hullo love! Finnick is so much fun isn't he? And as for a good Finnick? Hmmm I'm pretty flexible. I always thought of Chase Crawford initially but I'm happy with Sam Claffin. I'm so glad you like Cato and keep writing!
Blackraven88 – He's a charmer that Finnick! ;)
RoseMaple - I love Finnick and Cato too. And yeah lots of fun writing that and the interview
Eve – Aw, you're too kind. I'm always selfconcious about my writing. Every chapter I worry that this will be the one where people go…yep….done, had enough xD I love Finnick and Jealous Cato too. And I did have thoughts and reasons! I did say I had plans :D
Snowflake2410 – Thank you! So glad you love the chemistry and the pairing!
Sarah – Wow! Thank you for your awesome review! And I can't believe you read my whole fic in just a day. I'm so glad you found it fun to read and that you enjoy the Sky and Cato. Don't worry about the updating. Just ask the others, I'm pretty quick ;)
