The Lady of the Lake

So! Spoiler Saturday was a success, thank you to everyone for your questions, I hope I answered them satisfactorily!

The tumblr as always is located either at my profile or at

thgladyofthelake

More meme stuff should be posted tomorrow, I have a full day of being able to chill on my computer. Check the Tumblr guys, I'll likely post a ton of stuff, and maybe a group chat if I feel chatty. Either way, If you want to talk to me on Omegle, or maybe another Lady of the lake fan, add these to your interests.

Thgladyofthelake or Skato or Darvel

I'm very friendly guys!

This chapter features District 5, District 1 and the Capitol, along with Sky and Katniss bonding, Plutarch Heavensbee and Jealous Sky!

Next chapter is the big one! Sky's birthday, the rebellion misfires and the Quell is announced along with the aftermath of that.

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

Enjoy!


Chapter 29

"You need to actually breathe," Finnick informs me as we stand just off stage at the District 5 ceremony, "I know I sound like your mother but she'd say it too."

This is one of the Districts I've been most anxious about visiting; the home of Enbrin, who died in the Bloodbath, who was painfully shy and stuttered. The home of Teesa who'd been one of my principal allies in the Arena, and one of the faces that haunts me the most since that final bloody day.

We're just backstage, waiting for the signal to take to the stage to address the crowd.

"I don't need to think about breathing." I remind him, rolling my eyes, "That, at least, comes naturally."

"Point…missing it love. You need to relax. I survived the Victory tour, and so will you."

I shoot him a look.

His Victory tour didn't have President Snow breathing down its neck, a Victor who is unknowingly inciting rebellion, and three Victors who are fully aware of the impact their words could make. It also hadn't had trigger happy Peacekeepers, or Katniss, who was losing more and more weight and worrying Haymitch and Peeta to death. It also hadn't had Cato, who has the potential to be a ticking time bomb.

And he knows it, I can see by the smug little smirk he has on his stupidly handsome face.

"Cato?" I say sweetly and my lover glances over from where he and Peeta are muttering together, "Could you smack Finnickin for me?"

Finnick barely has time to open his mouth to protest before Cato's hand cuffs him up the back of his head.

"Ow, you great brute." He growls at Cato, who smirks happily before turning back to Peeta, "You knew he wouldn't be able to resist that." He grumbles at me and I smile.

The smile is still there on my face as we step out onto the stage, the air thick with factory smoke and ground almost grey as the mud churns under the feet of the people gathered there. The air here is chilly, but not cold enough for snow. Instead a steady rain seems to mist down, mixing with the smoke in the air, congealing on roof houses and dripping gluggily onto the ground.

The people are serious, with bright eyes as they watch us. But something is different here. In the previous Districts most of the attention has been on Katniss, watching her with eager, hungry eyes. In 8 they watched all of us, since all of us had a part played in the end of the little girl from their District, Zara.

Here, their eyes are fixed on me and me alone.

Katniss, Peeta and Cato speak their parts of the scripted speeches and then it's my turn, and I hesitate for a moment, unnerved by the intense focus the people of District 5 are giving me.

I ramble off the prepared Capitol speech assigned to me and then I look up, meeting the eyes of the people gathered, before turning to look at the families of Enbrin and Teesa.

"I'm sorry I didn't get more of a chance to know your son," I say to a woman standing there with red rimmed eyes. Her soft light brown hair was curly around a face that was lined with grief and tiredness. Three children clung to her waist, all younger than Reaping Age. One day she would have to worry about all three of them being Reaped, about losing them like she did Enbrin, unless our Rebellion is successful. The thought makes me swallow and gives me the strength to look her in her soft, sad, doe like brown eyes. "I truly wish I had, and I won't cheapen your grief by pretending to know him better than I did."

She nods at me, and then looks down at her children, as my gaze slides inexorably to the side, to the family of Teesa.

Her mother is beautiful, with long rich auburn hair and large amber eyes, the same honey brown as Teesa's own and she meets my gaze solidly. Her father is tall, with messy fair hair and blue eyes, but he holds himself proudly. Neither of them flinch away from looking at me head on.

Neither does Teesa's sister.

The young girl standing between her parents is almost Teesa's carbon copy, intelligent amber eyes, auburn hair, a little shorter than Teesa's, the same jaw, mouth, nose, but there is something about her, something more lively about her.

Faced with someone who is almost Teesa's mirror, I feel the tears sting my eyes, but I fight them down. I have to speak.

"Teesa was one of the smartest people I've ever had the fortune to meet." I begin, and the crowd hushes even more, listening intently, "She was clever, brave and knew exactly what her strengths were, and how to use them for her best advantage. But she wasn't only a competitor, she was my friend." My throat chokes up and for a moment I struggle to fight it down, "She made me laugh, she made me cry and she made the Games better just by being in them. She was there for me when I needed her most, and I never wanted to see her hurt."

I close my eyes for a moment and then force myself to finish, "There isn't a day that goes by when I don't think about her, and wish I could ask her advice. My world is better for having had your daughter, your sister in it. And it's darker for not having her now."

For a moment I stand there and then I open my eyes and gasp.

The entire crowd touches the first and second fingers of their hands to each of their temples and then the middle of their forehead, sweeping the motion out into a bow.

I've never seen the action before but it reminds me of District 12 signal for farewell to someone they love. In this case though I suspect it's less of a farewell and more of a gesture of respect, a salute.

For a moment I stand there, at the centre of the stage, looking out at the bowing people and then I repeat the gesture back to them, accepting and returning it.


Nothing of interest happens in District 3 except for Cato having mud flung at him.

Katniss and I, who had both witnessed his actions in snapping the boy from 3's neck after the supply debacle, are unsympathetic, and Cato punishes me for taking Katniss' side by sleeping in his own cabin that night.

He returns in the early hours of the morning, but neither of us mention it.

Being apart hurts too much, and Cato is the solid rock that grounds me at the moment. He makes me feel safe, protected, he aggravates me, and humours me, and the more and more we experience, and learn about one another, the more I find myself loving him.

It's sappy, true, but sappy, so I keep the feelings to myself, and simply show them to Cato by kissing and holding him.

Finnick is the one to come wake us every morning, ever since Petal barged in on us on the way to District 6 and found us, nude, and wrapped up in one another.

She'd been scandalised, I'd been embarrassed and Cato had simply flung back the blankets and stood, sending her fleeing the room like a mortified, brightly flapping parrot.

Needless to say, no one has mentioned our sleeping situation since.

Or Peeta's and Katniss'. Although theirs is probably much more innocent than ours.

Cato tends to revel in the physical. Peeta is too sweet for that.


We arrive in District 1 and the change is remarkable.

It's clean, polished and neat, the people are well fed and beautiful, all of them watching us through haughty gazes. They ignore Katniss and Peeta, give Cato their respect and me…they treat me as District 5 did.

It hurts, seeing Marvel's family, his four brothers, two older and two younger are all bright and athletic. His parents give me a hug after I stumble through my speech about Marvel and how much I'd respected him. They held me close, hugging me tight, and his father simply whispers thank you.

His mother, tears in her eyes, kisses my cheek, "Thank you for being there with him in the end." She says quietly, "Thank you for not letting him….die…alone."

I hug her back impulsively, "I'm sorry I couldn't do more."

"You did more than a mother could have hoped for." She cups my cheek, and I look up into green hazel eyes, familiar eyes, Marvel's eyes, "One day…I hope we can repay you."

The thought stays with me and so when the train pauses to let another past on the way to the Capitol, I drag Finnick out into the warm sunlight, and away from prying eyes and ears.

"Are District 5 and 1 going to be a problem?" I say to him bluntly, folding my arms, "5 don't give a flying fig about Katniss, and 1 hate her…"

"If Katniss was the sole Victor, perhaps with Peeta, then yes…" Finnick answers back, voice serious for once. He knows our time is limited, we can't waste it with flirtation now, "They would be a problem if asked to follow her alone. 1 never would, neither would 2 and 5 would hesitate in the cause. And in the end…if she'd just left you to die slowly…4 would have resisted too."

"But…" I say cautiously.

"But, you are a Victor too." Finnick grips my shoulders, "Don't you see Sky? Districts 5, 4, 2 and 1 are loyal to you, not to Katniss. They will rebel, but not because of her."

"Me?" I shake my head and Finnick shakes me slightly.

"You have no idea how you touch people do you?" He sighs gustily, "They love you. District 8 is now more invested because of you, District 11 too. You are the heart of this Rebellion Sky. Katniss is its spirit, its spark. But you…you are the steady heart, the voice of compassion, of reason."

"I'm just a seventeen year old girl!" I cry at him, and his sea green eyes widen, "Are they crazy that they think I'm a good person to be trusting with their lives?"

"Sky," Finnick tugs me close, cupping the back of my head, "You are more than you seem. I wish you could see it like I do."

"Katniss is the symbol of the rebellion." I whisper, "I can help her…but I'm not the heart of anything Finnick…I'll do what I can…but…"

Finnick sighs, but he seems to understand this isn't the time to argue, so we walk back to the train in silence.


"Sky…" the quiet voice snaps me out of my reverie and I glance up in surprise, "Can I talk to you?"

It's Katniss, dressed in a loose sleeping robe, dark hair loose about her face. We're all getting ready for bed, to sleep soundly before the massive day ahead of us in the Capitol tomorrow. Cato is currently in the adjoining bathroom, showering, so I nod, standing and walking out of the room, the other young woman beside me.

There is a balcony at the end of the train and with the transport moving, the wind means it is impossible to be overheard. The two of us stand, slipstream winds tugging at our hair as we watch each other, before Katniss speaks.

"Peeta said you know about Snow visiting me." She says quietly, grey eyes fixed on mine, "What else do you know?"

"I know he threatened you." I reply, folding my arms, "Although Peeta wasn't the one to tell me. You weren't the only one to get a visit from the President."

Katniss' eyes widen, "You too?"

I nod and she lets out a shaky sigh.

"He wanted me to put down the uprising mutters in the Districts," She says, almost eagerly, like keeping the words in has been choking her, "He said I had to convince him that Peeta and I were really in love, convince everyone that I'm loyal to the Capitol, that I was really just a foolish little girl in love. If I don't convince him…" she swallows.

"He'll hurt people you care about."

She nods again and then hesitates before touching my arm, "Sky, has Peeta mentioned…Gale?"

I shake my head, and Katniss bites her lip.

"I thought he might have…"

"Why?" I ask, frowning slightly, "Who is he?"

"He's…" she pauses, worrying at her lip, "He's my best friend. And when we were in the Hunger Games and they interviewed our families? They thought that it was…inappropriate so they insisted he was my cousin but..."

I eye her closely, seeing the faint flush to her cheeks. Then it hits me…oh Peeta.

"You…have feelings for Gale. But the Capitol wants you with Peeta."

She looks at me, her face conflicted, and then nods, "I don't know how I feel about Gale exactly," she says it quietly, "But he kissed me, and Snow…well he found out about it somehow. So if I fail…it's going to be my mother, Gale, Gale's family and…and Prim who pay for it."

"So," I lean against the railing, "What's the plan?"

"Even if I can never be with Gale, assuming that's even what I want," Katniss huffs a sigh, "I have to placate the Capitol for now…so…we're going to do something big, a big symbol of our commitment to one another, and the Capitol by extension."

"What are you going to do?" I ask, my stomach knotting anxiously.

"Peeta is going to propose, onstage tomorrow." Katniss looks out at the scenery whooshing by, as I stare at her, horrified.

"Propose?" I say finally, getting the words out through numb lips, "Like…marriage proposing?"

"Yes Sky," Katniss folds her arms defensively, "Marriage."

"Bloody hell," I mutter and run a hand through my hair, "Marriage." Then suddenly I wonder, "Whose idea was it?"

"Mine." She looks unhappy, "Peeta agreed but…"

"He loves you." I frown at her, "You really think he was going to be pleased about asking you to marry him to save the life of the guy you really love?"

"I don't…!" She lets out an aggravated breath, "Look I don't love Gale, and as for the feelings, well they're complicated. The fact of the matter is, I need you to back us up. You may be asked about us."

"I will," I sigh unhappily, "God what a mess…"

"I know…" she looks at me, and then adds quietly, "Thank you."


That night Peeta comes and curls up in bed with Cato and I.

Neither of us turns him away as he curls up between us.

Neither of us mentions the tears that wet my nightdress or the shaking of his shoulders.

In the morning we all have to face the Capitol once more.


Everything goes off flawlessly.

Peeta proposes and the Capitol goes wild. Cato and I are the first to 'congratulate' the happy couple and I give Peeta an extra squeeze of reassurance as I do. Then we let them do their thing, hanging back as they wave to the crowd, Cato's arms wrapped snugly around my waist.

"When I propose," Cato says firmly into my ear, "It's not going to be anything like this."

I just shoot him an incredulous look.

"What?" he pulls a face, "Don't worry I'm not proposing any time soon. "

"Thank goodness," I reply lightly, grinning a little, "Would mean you were in touch with your feelings, I'd have to be concerned for you."

Cato growls and I laugh softly.

"When I propose to you little fish," Cato mutters in my ear, "It will be flawless. And private."

"Will you have me pressed back against a tree?" I murmur back, smiling, "Will you be threatening to strangle me?"

"Are you sassing me again sweetheart?" he growls and hugs me back against him tighter, "I'm going to make you pay for that."

That makes me laugh, a genuine laugh, "Oh I do so hope you do."

Then we're being summoned over to stand with the lovebirds, Cato next to Peeta, and me next to Katniss, and we wave to the cheering crowd of Capitol citizens, who all seem to be delirious with pleasure.

Unaware that the two at the centre of the joy, are less than happy.

Especially when President Snow comes onstage to congratulate them personally.

Perhaps he expected it, either way he is here. And I see Katniss arch her eyebrow at him slightly, asking him.

Is this enough.

And the answer, as I always knew it would be, is no.


The feast, to celebrate the engagement, is sumptuous and extravagant even by Capitol standards.

We're back in President Snow's glittering mansion, although this time it has been transformed into a twinkling wonderland, rather than a festive ball. Food is everywhere and in vast quantities, and Katniss heads off, Peeta helplessly in tow, to sample it with determination.

Cato is a solid presence at my side and I find myself leaning into him often, craving the little touches, the brushing of his hand against my lower back to guide me, the feeling of his arm against mine, his lips against my hair.

He's aware, acutely aware, that we are in enemy territory. This is the world we've dedicated ourselves to bringing down.

Needless to say, he's feeling a little protective.

Which Finnick doesn't help by stealing me away to dip me in a mock dance. I laugh, smacking his arm, as Cato scowls, caught in conversation now with a heavily feathered Capitol woman.

"Sky, my pearl of perfection, beauty of a million eyes, have I introduced you to Plutarch Heavensbee yet?" he turns me to face a Capitol man who is beaming warmly at me, "Plutarch this, is Sky."

"Oh please Finnick," Plutarch's voice is fruity as he bows over my hand, "I would have to be deaf, dumb and blind not to know who this beautiful creature is."

I blush and then I look at him again, there is something familiar about this man, but it's hard to see under all that Capitol paint and colour.

Finnick saves me, "Plutarch is the new Head Gamemaker."

"Indeed I am," He smiles benevolently at me, and Finnick suddenly vanishes from my side, abandoning me with the man who would be responsible for the next Hunger Games, "I was one of your assessors during training for the last Games, Miss Sky," he smiles, "You surprised all of us during the actual Games."

"I'm glad I did," I say carefully, smiling wryly, "Or else I would likely be dead, no?"

"True enough," he smiles and suddenly I realise we've been guided by the crowds to the side of the room. Plutarch Heavensbee smiles at me and then murmurs, "Fascinating proposal by Mr Mellark wasn't it? So romantic. Though I suppose you and Mr DuGrey will do the same soon. Not yet, but soon."

Not yet, but soon.

The Rebellion watchwords.

I glance at him sharply and he just smiles guilelessly, rubbing a thumb over the pocket watch from his jacket, showing a small gleaming copy of the mockingjay pin Katniss became famous for. Another rebellion symbol.

This is no accident.

"Tell me Sky," Plutarch says casually, "Are you familiar with Robert Frost's poetry?"

"I have read some," I reply carefully, my brain immediately recalling some of the poems, "He predates Panem doesn't he?"

"Some works are timeless my dear." The man taps his nose cheekily, "Like mythology for instance. So many ancient cultures had mythology about the end of the world for example. The end of the world, can you believe that? And yet we still read about it today."

"Stories can teach us many things," I reply, shrugging, "I suppose that's why we remember them."

"True enough." He chuckles at me and then tucks the watch away, "Now, my lady, I must disappear and say my farewells, there is a Games meeting starting at midnight and is lasting for an entire day. Strenuous stuff mmm?"

"Very," I sweep him a bob of a curtsey and he bows before vanishing into the crowd.

So, the Head Gamemaker is a member of the Rebellion, I purse my lips. Interesting, and dangerous, and potentially very useful. We hoped to be ready by the time the Quarter Quell would begin, but with every delay, it looks more and more likely that we would have to announce war by ending the Quell on our terms.

I have a strong suspicion that his words carry more weight than they seem to, a warning perhaps, words of advice to pass onto the unfortunate Tributes I have to Mentor maybe, to hold them out until the Rebellion can get them out? I don't know, but as I move back into the party I see Plutarch talking to Katniss.

Then Cato is there, plastered back against my side, grumbling about Capitol women with wandering fingers.

"She tried to grope me." He growls unhappily, "I figured it would look bad if I broke her hand. You're rubbing off on me you damn pacifist."

"She what?" I look around at him, surprised by the bloom of jealousy I feel under my heart, "She tried to grope you?"

"That's what I said." He arches an eyebrow, "Sky?"

"I'll deal with this," I tug him over to the Capitol woman and smile brightly at her as she turns to face me, "Hi, I'm Sky."

"Oh my dear I know who you are," She twitters, her gaze sliding from me back towards Cato, who keeps a firm hand on my waist. I can feel him glaring at her.

My Cato is nothing if not predictable.

I smile sweetly at the woman, "Cato mentioned that you got a little handsy?"

"Oh I was just having some fun dear," the woman shoots Cato another flirtatious wink and inwardly I seethe, "I'm sure he was too."

"That's nice," I step forward, "Touch him again and I will let him break your hand, or your neck. He's not some tame house poppy you have all housebroken…" I lean in and breathe in her ear, "My Cato is a wolf…and wolves can't be completely tamed."

I ease back and am gratified to see her stunned expression, as I do. I look back and up at Cato and see that he is smirking delightedly.

"Have a nice party," I say sweetly and then let Cato whisk me away.

We tumble onto the dancefloor and cling to one another, swaying close as Cato shivers with silent laughter into my neck.

"You were jealous," he murmurs, chuckling, and you made her look like she was about to wet herself. What did you say?"

"Uh uh…" I grin, "A girl has to have some secrets love."

He eases back and cups my cheek, cool blue eyes sparkling with warmth as he looks at me. Then he leans in and kisses me, long and sweet.

"What was that for?" I say, smiling up at him as he dips me down.

"For being the sexiest wench in heels here." He says and laughs as I smack him.

"You're an absolute arse." I inform him, trying to huff my way out of his hold.

"But you love me anyway," he smirks contentedly, not letting me go anywhere.

"Maybe." I reply and laugh again as he kisses my neck, nuzzling the pulse he loves so much, "I do though…you know….love you."

"I know. I love you too. Most of the time."

"Most of the time?" I smack at him with a glare, " I take it back. I despise you." I inform him, before Peeta whisks me away for a dance of his own. Cato rolls his eyes as he offers a hand to Katniss. They dance awkwardly as Peeta and I swirl around them and Cato murmurs in my ear as I brush past.

"You love me. And I am yours."


The tumblr now resumes normal transmission of questions you have for the cast. Have a query of Finnick, Sky, Cato, Deccia, Katniss or Peeta? Or maybe you have one of Lucan or Septim, Riam or Leadan or maybe Mags, Kallian or one of the fallen Tributes, Darrien, Clove, Marvel, Teesa or Zara. They will all have answers.


SkullKey4758 – I guess we'll just have to see won't we? It's a lot of pressure for anyone to be under.

Loopyloola – She certainly is Epic. And oh cool! I'll definitely have to check this out, I love Tributes ;)

MoonlightDiva – She'll be back soon enough! Sassing Finnick and Sky and Katniss.

brunetteAnnabeth – Glad you loved it lovely xoxo!

Luli Cullen – Thanks! Here it is!

Reviewer08 – Playful Cato is very fun and yeah Cato feels a lot less threatened around Peeta than he does around Finnick. He likes Peeta these days. And thank you for your compliments love xoxox!

Aly91 – Finnick's death was the worst part about Mockingjay for me. :'(

Eve – As long as my fans remain with me then I will keep writing. Although I suppose this story will have to end sometime…

Cookiecrazy224 – Poor Sky…she's going to crack like an egg at some point…all this trauma all bottled up inside As for the Finnick question…it was answered during Spoiler Saturday on the Tumblr.

Sarah'1595 – I support squealing! And no, the Quarter Quell won't be like it is in the Book. The Victors will still be tributes…but everything else…

ManAndWomenMerelyPlayers – Please love, never apologise for long reviews, I thrive off long reviews, they make my day/night! I'm so glad you are enjoying it so far, and I'm glad you love the cast who make it up. As for the Skato, you're right, it has been a little light on recently. There will be a LOT of Skato when the Quell is announced. Hope you review again! Thank you!

Blackraven88 – Ahaha if I have my way you will say it many times more! And no, you don't need to say that to me. I'll always update soon.

EGilly – Hehe glad you still love Sky and yes, Snowball fights are fun!

WonderGirl556 – Ack you shouldn't say you hate something to me love. Inside I go "Challenge Accepted!"

Ravenclaw Slytherin – Here is the update!

Blueberrytoast – Trust me, the direction does have a plan!

Germany leger – Ack is like…Ack! Its an exclamation…maybe it's an Australian thing…

Hahahahahehahaha4ever – Hehe some questions about the Quarter Quell were asked and answered on the Tumblr for Spoiler Saturday. Hope that clears a few questions up. But the Quell is going to be EPIC.

Maria – You're back! And lol! No no booing just bowing, the Quarter Quell is going to be epic and no…I don't think any of us can imagine our Sky or Cato just being bystanders…can you?

UnseenWonders – I enjoy replying to my reviewers! I figure if you guys take the time out of your days to let me know how much you enjoy my fic, the least I can do is tell you how much I appreciate it Enjoy your holiday! This will be here when you get back!

Ciaraaawrrr – There has to be some of both. Can't be a full time prat, or he wouldn't be Cato. Can't be full time sweet either for the same reason!

Peacewithinchaos – Wow one sitting! I commend your dedication! Glad you enjoy it Thank you for reviewing.

Stolenfun . hehe – Ahaha yes it's fun to write Sky getting Sassy and everyone being all…she's yours…to Finnick. He loves it too. Finnick and Jo will be right there when the Quell starts.

HGobsessed1999 – The snowball fight was fun to write, and just kind of happened…wasn't part of the original chapter plan but what can you do. Damn characters have a mind of their own. Johanna is fun…she'll be around a lot more.

Coco2008 – Nope not just for the 74th! We are going ONWARDS bb. Onwards and upwards. Xxxx

MT – Sky and Peeta are bros. And so are Cato and Peeta…strangely. Just seemed to happen that one. I'm looking forward to the AU too. Just have to start it xD