The Lady of the Lake
So chapter 22 Lady of the Lake fans!
It's looking like the modern AU is going to go ahead, although you'll have to wait alternate days for chapters from each when I start there. No way am I writing 2 long chapters each day. Just sayin'.
The questions for the characters on Tumblr were HILARIOUS. I had so much fun writing down responses. So PLEASE! Send more of them! I LOVE IT.
The tumblr is at thgladyofthelake
And while you are there, please admire the artistic awesomeness of Eva Marie Snape and her gifs!
This chapter was SUPPOSED to have the train ride home. But they had other ideas.
Instead it features Haymitch, Peeta, Finnick and Cato...and a lot of messy emotions. Oh and it's brought to you by listening to Heart's a Mess by Gotye.
Review responses are at the end of the chapter as always!
Enjoy!
Chapter 22
Haymitch's tiny note simply says: 'Roof. Midnight.'
So that's where I head after we return from the Banquet, not waiting for Felvia to somehow extricate me from my dress. My group left after the party from 12 so I figure I have little time to waste as I ascend the stairs up to the rooftop.
I'm proven correct by the silhouette of Haymitch against the Capitol skyline, still in his suit, but with the collar hanging half undone, and skew whiff. Slowly I walk over to join him, and the two of us stand, looking out at the glittering panorama before us.
"So," He drawls softly, watching as some fireworks burst into the sky above some tall buildings, "Finnick tells me you can handle yourself."
I glance at him, "I can." I say, leaning against the rail, "You and Finnick know each other well?"
"Well enough," he gives me a small amused look, "Well enough to trust him, even if I don't trust you yet sweetheart."
"Peeta trusts me," I point out, watching as a big blue firework explodes overhead.
"He does. And for what it's worth, so does Katniss." He snorts, "She's a handful that one, but she sure knows her own mind."
"Does she know?" I ask slowly, "About your friendship with Finnick?"
"Well look at you being all careful with your words," He chuckles at me, "Relax sweetheart, we can't be heard up here."
"Does Katniss know?" I ask him again, but I don't use the word rebellion. I can't be so sure that we aren't being overheard.
"No, she doesn't." he huffs a sigh, "And if I had my way neither would you. But Finnick was determined, and well..what Finnick Odair wants…he gets. Eventually."
"What about Peeta?" I ask, shooting him another look.
"No." He looks a bit sheepish, "I don't think the kid is too fond of me right now."
"What did you do?" I ask, arching an eyebrow.
"Well," he huffs a sigh, "As a mentor you have to make the tough choices. And District 12 doesn't usually get flooded with Sponsorship money."
He gives me a meaningful look and my heart sinks, "You thought you could only save one of them."
"Clever," Haymitch picks up a glass from the ledge and drinks from it, pulling a face at the taste, "Finnick said you were. Look, sweetheart, I know you were being Miss Do Good out there in the Arena, but out here…you have to make the hard decisions. You'll understand that soon enough. Since you'll have to mentor the next batch next year."
"Peeta knows?" I ask softly, wondering how he must feel about that.
"He's a bright kid." Haymitch shakes his head, "He didn't get any help from me. Not until Katniss rejoined him. He hasn't said anything but…"
"He's smart." I sigh, "Now I wish I'd gone looking for him."
Haymitch laughs softly and shakes his head, "You know, when I started watching you, I thought….there's no way this girl cares THAT much about everyone. I kept waiting for you to snap, to lose it, to throw someone under the proverbial train. But you just…kept going."
"I can't explain it," I say quietly, and he snorts.
"Course you can't." he salutes me with his glass mockingly, "It's not logical. And half the time you just…did it without even thinking." He sighs and turns to face me, "It's not going to be easy, you know? What we're planning? It's going to take blood, guts and a lot of sacrifice."
"It's worth it,"
He nods approvingly, "It is. I just hope you can handle it."
"I'm tougher than I look." I quirk a half smile and he snorts.
"Oh you're one of Finnick's alright." He claps my shoulder and moves away, "I'll keep in touch."
"Haymitch?" I turn to him and he pauses in the doorway down to the tower, "You should tell them. They're a part of this too. They should know."
He eyes me consideringly and then disappears down the stairwell, not looking back, and without answering.
I can only hope he considers it.
For long moments I stand there, gazing out at the Capitol, the bright lights, the sounds of people celebrating the end of another year of Hunger Games. The thought makes something in my chest twinge, and I finally turn away, walking towards the stairs.
I only get halfway there however before the door crashes open.
A startled 'eep' leaves my throat and I stumble back a pace, only to blink as Peeta pauses in the doorway, looking just as surprised to see me as I do to see him.
"Sky," he says, mouth opening slightly, "Hi,"
"Peeta…" I glance at the door, "You want to tell me what that door did to you?"
"What?" he glances at the door, and he winces slightly, "Oh, sorry, I didn't mean to startle you. I didn't think anyone would be up here…"
"Peeta," I walk over to him, and he lapses into silence, running a hand through his fair hair, "Hey. What's wrong?"
He looks at me for long moments and then suddenly he seems to deflate, walking towards the roof garden. Slowly I follow him, concerned. I'd never seen Peeta like this, never seen him so worked up, so upset. It frightened me a little, and worried me.
Slowly he sits down on the bench and I perch beside him, curling an arm about his waist.
"Katniss," he says it softly, rubbing a hand up through his hair again, "She…she doesn't care for me."
"What?" I'm confused, "What do you mean? Of course she cares for you…"
"No." he looks at me, and the hurt in those blue eyes is real and raw, "It as an act. For Sponsors."
"An act?" I stare at him, and then shake my head, "No…that can't be…"
But it makes a kind of sense, I realise, my heart sinking slightly. I remember being a little jarred by how affectionate she was at the recap show. It hadn't seemed natural, so unlike Katniss in mannerism. She had never seemed to be the type to engage in overt affection, being more the strong protector than the soft lover.
"Haymitch knew," he hangs his head down, "He encouraged her to do it. And it makes sense you know? It's a great strategy…I just…"
"You thought it was real…" I whisper, "Oh Peeta."
He gives a painful laugh and looks away, "What a schmuck huh?"
"No!" I grip his arm, tugging him around to face me, "No Peeta, you're not a schmuck. Don't think that."
"It was idiotic," he shakes his head, "To think that…after loving her so long she could…that she would…I fooled myself, more thoroughly than she ever could."
I slide close, wrapping my arms around him tightly, holding him close. For a moment he sits, stiff, unyielding against me, and then he seems to sag, resting his head against my shoulder and neck. Gently I stroke his hair, running my fingers gently through the soft curls.
"You'll be okay," I murmur softly, my fingers soft as they tease through the silky strands, "If you need anything Peeta…"
"This is good," he breathes, eyes closing tiredly, "I just want to go home. I'm so…tired."
"I know," and I do, this has been exhausting, physically and emotionally. All I want is to go home, to smell the sea, to see my parents, "Just one more sleep."
He chuckles huskily, "You have no idea how good that sounds," he barks another laugh, "Oh, right, actually you do." He tilts his head slightly, looking up at me, "Is it bad, I wish you were coming back to 12 with me tomorrow?"
It's my turn to laugh softly, "I wish you were coming to 4. You'd love it."
He smiles slightly and wraps an arm about me, the two of us just cuddling together, "Maybe I could come visit you?"
"I'd like that."
I don't know how long we stay like that, my cheek resting against his soft hair, his head on my shoulder, my arms around him and his curled around me. It's comfortable and comforting, and the smell of Peeta is warm and safe.
Before this, before the Reaping, which feels like an eternity ago, I'd never really had many friends, preferring to quietly hang in the peripheries. I had my books, and my funny older co workers, and I was fine with playing with the other kids my age in the sea, but I'd never really…bonded with them.
But then there was Darrien, and his solid strength and comfort, and Finnick with his humour and charm, and his ability to tease me out of my shell, Teesa and her dry wit and intelligence, Marvel and his good natured fondness for Darrien, Clove and her snarky humour, Thresh and his silent strength, Cato and….well everything about him. Even Katniss with her single minded determination and her bravery.
And Peeta, who understands me on a level that the others couldn't and can't. He's sensitive, empathetic…and he understands about feeling. He feels too much too.
It makes me feel even more protective of him, and my arms tighten slightly. He smiles and squeezes me back.
"Ahem,"
We both look up to find Finnick standing before us, arms folded and a grin on his handsome face.
"Sky, darling," he begins and I roll my eyes, "I hesitate to point this out to you, but you are cuddled around the wrong blond victor. No offence Peeta, you are very pretty, but Cato isn't exactly the sharing type."
"Finnick," I growl at him, even as Peeta tenses in my arms "Do me a favour and go boil your head for me, would you? Thanks…"
"We weren't…she wasn't…" Peeta tries to say, face earnest with concern, but both Finnick and I shush him.
"Don't worry muffin man," Finnick says cheerfully, walking over to sit beside us on the bench, "I know this is just innocent cuddling."
"Why are you here again?" I ask him as Peeta sits up, peering at my mentor curiously, "You're intruding. Again."
"It's my role in your life Sky," Finnick drawls back, "As your honorary big brother, to make you are annoyed and embarrassed."
"Peeta's one too," I point out, feeling a warm burst of happiness as a flash of pleasure shows across the fair haired boys face, "And he doesn't torment me like you do."
"He's not a big brother," Finnick shakes his head, "He's like your bloody twin. Of course he's on your side."
"I got your back," Peeta says to me, relaxing into the teasing conversation and grins as Finnick offers him his fist. They bump their knuckles together and I kiss Peeta's cheek.
"You've done it now," I inform him, smiling despite myself, "You're part of this weird family now, like it or not."
"No objections," he says, but reluctantly gets to his feet, "But I should get back, before Haymitch comes looking for me, and passes out somewhere."
Finnick shakes his head, "Haymitch is like a dented coin," he assures the younger man, "He always turns up again."
Peeta laughs and kisses me on the cheek, "Goodnight twin, Goodnight Mr Odair,"
"Finnick, please…" my mentor stands to drag the boy into a hug, "Or you know, anything you like really. I even answer to hey you."
Peeta chuckles once again, and with a final wave to me, as well as calling, "See you on the train," he disappears off the roof.
"I like that kid," Finnick murmurs, eyeing where Peeta had disappeared, "I liked him when you were in the Arena too. Made life very difficult."
"I'm glad we were both able to survive," I reply with a sigh, running a hand through my hair, "The thought of him or Teesa dying…always grieved me."
Finnick glances towards me and then gently takes my hand in his, "We haven't talked about her. You must miss her…and Darrien."
"All the time," I whisper, and close my eyes, "Everything seems to remind me of them. And Clove, Zara…Marvel…all of them."
Finnick gently kisses my temple.
"That morning, when Zara died," he said softly, "That first morning, when you fell…and you were screaming for me." He shivers beside me and I gently take his hand in mine, "I've never felt more helpless. All I wanted was to go to you, to help you…it killed me…having to watch you suffer on your own."
"I wasn't alone though," I murmur it softly; "I knew you would be watching. The whole way through…I knew you were watching out for me."
"And you had Teesa," he smiles slightly, "I sent her something you know. Out of my personal funds. As a thank you."
"What?" I glance at him, surprised, "Really?"
He nods, "She helped you. I sent it after Darrien died. When she sat with you through The Fallen."
We sit in silence for a long moment and then I sigh, "Did you need something Finnick? When you came up here?"
"Hmmm? Oh yes," he sits up and faces me, "How did your meeting with Haymitch go?"
I huff at him and he grins.
"You knew?" I growl at him, "Why didn't you just come and join us?"
"You needed the one on one time," he says smugly, "He needed to get a gauge on you. Considering I didn't find any smashed alcohol against my door, I think I can assume you passed his twisted approval meter."
I laugh and shake my head at him, "You are so exasperating,"
"Why thank you darling," he grins at me, "Your exasperation fills me with joy."
I squeeze his hand and he looks at me with a smile, "But…we should tell Peeta, Katniss….and Cato."
Finnick's eyebrow shoots up.
"And Cato?"
"Yes," my voice is firm.
"Are you sure?" he's solemn now, "Love, once he knows…he can't unknow. And he's from District 2. They are bred to be loyal to the Capitol…"
"I trust him." I lean in, "Finnick, if you're going to trust me…ask me to be a symbol for this…you have to trust me completely. Cato won't betray me, won't betray us."
"If you're sure…" he still looks wary, "Maybe you should wait, just in case."
"No need." A voice rumbles out of the shadows and Cato steps out from behind a grove of trees.
Instantly Finnick is on his feet, and between me and my partner, planting himself solidly between me and what he thinks is harms way. But looking at Cato, I realise that he's not angry, not poised to attack, in fact, he's calm, but his blue eyes are on mine.
"It's okay Finnick," I say, standing and moving around him, "Cato. How much did you hear?"
"Enough," he rumbles back, glancing warily at my mentor before focusing on me, "And not enough."
Finnick eyes me warily, but I keep my gaze on Cato's, "I'll explain."
"I know," he shoots Finnick a dark look, "I don't appreciate being in the dark."
"Some secrets need to be treated with caution," Finnick mutters, "But then I don't know you as well as she does."
"Cato," I step forward, feeling the animosity in the air ratchet up another notch, "There's a rebellion brewing, and Finnick and I are a part of it."
He stares at me and then glances at Finnick, "How long…"
"She only found out about it yesterday," Finnick says tensely, "She hasn't been lying to you Cato."
"A rebellion," he lets out a harsh breath, "Are you crazy Sky?" his hands close on my upper arms, giving me a shake, "You think some ragtag rebellion is going to defeat the Capitol? You'll die!"
"It's far from ragtag," Finnick interjects, stepping forward, "We've been biding our time Cato. Waiting for someone to fan the flames."
"Sky?" he glances at me.
"No." he hesitates, seeming to realise its dangerous ground, "Katniss."
Cato growls, "Bitch on fire? Are you serious?"
"Cato," I cup his cheek and turn him to look at me, "She's stirred the Districts…she's important."
"She's dangerous," He growls, "The Capitol's got to know she's stirring trouble."
"They are," Finnick folds his arms, "Which is why they saved Sky and you."
Cato frowns slightly and I quickly explain, "President Snow believes we can…cool down the hot heads. But the rebellion believes that the four of us…are important to the success of this."
"Fuck this is crazy!" he hisses, pulling away from me, "How can you go along with this?"
"Because it's worth it!" I follow him, "No more Hunger Games, no more kids like Darrien or Marvel…or Clove, dying."
He shoots me a dark look, and walks away.
"I need to think. Don't follow me."
And he leaves me and Finnick standing there among the trees, the windchimes softly tinkling above us.
"I hope we made the right call." Finnick murmurs, and I nod, my throat tight.
Laying in bed that night, I stare up at the ceiling, plucking at my bedcover idly.
It's late, or early, I'm not sure which. But I've been laying here for hours, my mind tossing everything around and around. Fear clenches me, fear that Cato will decide the Capitol is too great an enemy to take on. I can't blame him for that.
It's around four in the morning when my door slowly slides open and Cato's familiar smell fills my nose as he slips into the bed beside me.
"Cato," I murmur but he gently shushes me, kissing my forehead softly.
"You and me," he murmurs, taking my hand in his, cradling it against his chest, "Remember?"
I smile through the sudden tears and kiss him, huddling in his arms.
"You and me."
Cp6 – Awesome! Thank you!
ObsidianWind – Ooh chills! I'm glad it gave you chills! He is far too possessive of her. A little bit is sexy, too much is oppressive. He's just worried about someone taking what he sees as his, but he's going to have to learn. And I'm glad the story is still interesting, even with the Games ending.
Bluetigers – Ahahaha…did you read the chapter after? And yes…the Modern AU would eventually have Darvel. It's not the same without our Darvel!
MoonlightDiva – I'm so glad you love the Tumblr! I sometimes wonder if people look at it at all! And yes, Zara would totally be in the Modern AU
Tribute-Trials – Wow! I'm so glad my story is your favourite! What an honour Snow is definitely creepy, and yeah Cato is slowly growing up…and Sky's perception of him is changing too. And Katniss is the same as she ever was…just from another point of view! Thank you so much for the love!
RoseMaple – They will get more after they leave the Capitol and they visit one another. Glad you still liked the chapter though! And that you found Snow creepy.
Luli Cullen – Thank you lovely xoxox
Coco2008 – What do I do? For a day job? Well at the moment I'm studying a Communications degree. And aw…I don't think I'm quite good enough for author status. But I'm glad you love my fic! And Creepy Snow!
Reviewer08 – Ooh dot points! I love dot points. I love Peeta too, and Sky was always going to bond with him in my head. Somehow she bonded with Darrien and Finnick too so…whaddya know…she's like that. Poor Darrien and Marvel, but Katniss didn't know them, she didn't love them like we did. And remember in the books…she left Cato to the wolves until dawn. All Night Long. And you should know by now I'm not spoiling things :P When I get a moment I will totally write you a Skato Victorian Oneshot
Sarah'1595 – Sky's first loyalty is to her friends, so you can bet the rebellion will have her. But she will be a double agent…dangerous stuff.
Eve – I know right? Damn family. And LOL yes Cato would be very pouty with Model!Finnick being buddy buddy with Sky. And yeah Darrien totally deserves a happy ending. Thank you! I'm glad you liked Snow's bit.
Crushercome – I'm so glad you finally got a chance to review! Thank you for your lovely compliments and for loving Sky and Cato and don't worry about the Darrien and Marvel…it's not everyone's cup of tea. I will totally check out the song, you can be sure of that!
Physiologyfan – Aw thank you! I feel so loved!
Alolynn – Whee! Long review! Never apologise for long reviews! I live for them! You're a fan of my other stories? :D that's awesome, and I'm so glad it prompted you to come to this one! I'm pretty sure that the Modern AU is going to get written, as you said, the potential for hilarity is too much to resist. I'm glad you loved the characters too, Sky, Cato as well as the Careers, Darrien and Teesa. And yeah Cato isn't good at coping with things is he? Man there was so much in your review! And I loved hearing it all. Feel free to ramble to me again!
WonderGirl556 – Finnick isn't going anywhere…and neither is Cato.
EGilly – He's just feeling vulnerable about someone stealing his Sky from him. He almost didn't get to keep her. He lost Clove…so he's holding on extra tight.
PrincessPipi – Thank you I love replying to everyone's reviews. I figure if you guys take the time to comment on my hard work, the least I can do is love you back! Also Hi five for Aussieness!
Queen of sharks – He's a total creep.
Germany leger – Oh geeze! Don't get detention just cause of my story love!
Snowflake2410 – He is very very creepy. And Lol! Are you shipping Peeta/Sky? Really? What would that be…Skeeta? xD Peeky?
Germany – Aw. There's always a new one soon!
