The Lady of the Lake

So here we are again, only this time it's 2013! Happy New Year everyone!

I've been a busy bee over the holidays and I've written quite a few of your drabbles for behind the scenes things. Check out the story, it's called The Lady of the Lake: Behind the Scenes, and features Finnick the mentor, Darrien's death from his POV, Haymitch and Deccia at the Wedding, and Katniss' POV on Sky during the last Games.

There are also lots of fun questions, pictures and fun things on the tumblr, including a picture inspiration of Deccia and a spoiler for Sky...later.

the tumblr as always can be found at

thgladyofthelake

Please like and reblog guys. I have no idea if people are even looking most of the time xD

This chapter features the interviews, and the ascent into the Arena.

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

Enjoy!


Chapter 35

Mags gives us the day off the next day, pronouncing that Finnick and I are both too charming for our own good, and we'll discuss Interview strategy over dinner.

It seems to be the common thing for all the Victor Tributes, all of us have been through this before, we know what angles to play up, what to say, how to say it. Especially the mentors. They've been training Tributes for years; they know the process better than anyone. I don't think anyone has been rigorously drilled in Interview prep this year.

Probably a good thing.

Peeta and Katniss claim the rooftop garden to have some alone time, which everyone gives them. Everyone likes Peeta, he's a soothing, calming presence, and everyone hopes that he will get exactly what he wants in the end; the love of the girl he's longed for, for years. They may not all like Katniss, but they accept that Peeta loves her, and so they hope for his success, if only because it will make him happy.

Cato decides we need some couple time as well, only his solution is to not allow me out of bed that morning.

I almost reach the door once, but make the rookie error of pulling on Cato's shirt to cover myself. The next thing I hear is a low growl and then my husband bounds out of bed and lifts my bodily back up and into the warm nest he's created in the blankets. I don't leave the bed for another few hours after that, as Cato expresses his possessive pleasure at seeing me wearing his clothing.

The shirt gets discarded on the floor again.

It's not all carnal; there is a lot of kissing, neck biting and the like, but he also likes to nuzzle the soft little bump where our baby is growing, he likes to hold me, to stroke his hands over my skin, and to mouth gently at the nape of my neck. Physical contact…that's how Cato truly communicates.

So it's a long while before I emerge, once again wearing Cato's long suffering shirt, and head into the living and dining area to grab something to eat for both of us.

What I don't expect to see are all of the Victors sans Cato, Peeta and Katniss, sitting either sprawled on our couches or on the rugs of the living area, the television on.

For a moment I am frozen, rather like a dear caught in the headlights, and then Johanna starts laughing.

"Looking mighty fine there Sky," Fells calls jauntily as I hurry over to the table, filling two plates with food.

"Smart girl, keeping her energy up," Haymitch smirks, "Energy in, energy out."

"Oh go boil your head in a bucket." I snap at him and Sefir laughs.

"She is so one of yours Finnick!" He chortles, "Sassy little minx!"

"That's my Sky," Finnick says proudly and then coughs softly, "Uh Sky love, I know you're still technically in the honeymoon phase but do you really have to fanny about in your neanderthal's discarded clothing? It's traumatic."

"I'm fine with it," Sefir lounged back in his seat, "She's got nice legs…OOF."

Gloss elbows him in the stomach, rolling his eyes.

"You're a barbarian."

"And you're going to pay for that comment Sef," Ria nods towards the hallway where Cato is standing, arms folded broodingly, glaring at the large dark haired man from 5.

The intimidation factor is slightly lessened by the fact he's stark naked though.

Johanna wolf whistles, and Finnick buries his head under the cushions while Ria, Sigrin and Rilka all grin and shamelessly oogle.

"Fucking hell 2." Sefir arches an eyebrow at Cato, "You're a shameless hussy aren't you? Put some pants on for goodness sake. Gloss is about to drool."

"You're an asshole." The blond from 1 rolls his eyes, "Cashmere stop oogling his booty."

"It's a nice booty. You don't mind do you Sky?"

"Yes! Actually I do mind!" I march over to my husband and shove a spare dinner plate into his hand. The Ass, of course just arches an eyebrow at the dish and doesn't cover his privates with it, like I clearly intended, "Cato!"

"What?" He shrugs, "Odair's seen it before."

"Finnick!"

"Not on purpose!" Finnick wails from under the pillows, while Johanna snickers at him, "It was an accident and I bleached it from my memory! It was traumatic."

"Admit it sugartits, you loved it." Sefir makes a growling expression and then oofs again as both Gloss and Finnick smack him in the face with pillows.

"Alright, you…back in the room." I shove at Cato's shoulder and he gives me an amused look, "Cato!"

"Yes little fish?"

I take a deep breath, and let it out slowly before turning away from him. "Well apparently we're having Naked night…"

"Wait…what?" Cato's voice is sharp behind me as I start undoing the buttons on the shirt. At once Sefir wolf-whistles as does Johanna and Sigrin arches her eyebrow interestedly. Chaff clinks his glass against Haymitch's and Cecelia and Seeder just look amused.

I get down to the last button before Cato snaps and I find my feet lifting off the floor. Laughter follows us down the hallway as I let my husband carry me away. I look over his shoulder and all the women on the couch give me enthusiastic thumbs up. And Sefir too of course.

I just laugh and bite Cato's neck.

He growls and I hear laughter from the living room before the door slams shut again.


A while later Cato and I rejoin the party in the living room, dressed this time and are greeted by a chorus of cheers and whistles. Peeta and Katniss have joined us by now, with Katniss sitting by Haymitch, on the far side from Chaff and talking quietly to Seeder and Cecelia with Wiress sitting on the floor in front of them, humming softly as Cecelia gently braids her soft, fine white hair.

Peeta is beside Finnick and Sefir, who has a companionable arm slung over the young man's shoulder. Gloss is on Sefir's far side, rolling his eyes, and Cashmere is sprawled on the rug, her head in Enobaria's lap. Enobaria leans up against Enrid's knees and he is bickering with Fells again, across a long suffering Rilka's lap. Sigrin and Ria are resting back against them with one of the morphling addicts snuggled up against their knees. The other is curled up near Peeta. Woof is on the other side of Chaff and ignoring proceedings, but occasionally sipping the drinks that Haymitch and Chaff give him.

I walk over and curl up between Finnick and Peeta, and feel their arms curl around me absently, naturally. Cato drops onto the ground and leans back against Peeta's legs, smiling slightly as the younger man runs his fingers through his soft fair hair. Johanna shifts and drapes her feet onto his lap before looking up at Blight, who is giving her a shoulder massage, and smiling.

It's like a giant family, a collection of people from all walks of life, from totally different worlds, but all united here, united by a Capitol that wanted us divided.

This is what I want to protect, this feeling, these people, this future. And I store this feeling down as I cup my hand over my belly, smiling slightly as Finnick and Peeta's hands join mine, and Cato's hand curls gently around my ankle.

This is worth fighting for.


Felvia kicks Cato out of our bedroom for Interview beauty preparation, and she and her team set to work transforming me. I tune out their inane babble until Felvia finally lets me see the finished creation.

The dress is gorgeous, long but made of that floating material that has become a trademark of my outfits for Hunger Games. It's a pale cream colour, and washes around me like sea spray, soft and silky.

The bodice is encrusted with pearls, hundreds of pearls, and the necklace is a large pale pink pearl. The theme continues through my loose, curly hair, pearls dripping through the strands, like a vel.

The make up itself is light, fresh. I'm recognisably me, but my eyes are large in my face, bright and framed with dark eyelashes.

I glance at her and she smiles, tears in her own eyes.

"Pearls…?" I ask quietly.

"Tears of the ocean." Felvia responds, "Finnick suggested it, and I agree."

I'm dripping in the oceans tears, ready to play on the Capitol's expectations of a Hunger Games, on a tragedy. It's beautifully subtle, a way of expressing grief without alienating the people I'll need to keep me alive.

"Thank you…" I whisper.


The plan is to punch the Capitol in their feelings. As hard as possible. And all of us have our parts to play, our little ways of whipping up the crowd.

We sit there in the half circle on the stage and some may think us competitors, but really we are a united line, working as one.

Cashmere is first and she is flawlessly beautiful with that blond hair and sultry eyes, wearing a gown of pale gold that makes her look like a precious statue. She plays a beauty queen, hand on her heart as she gets the ball rolling about how she wept at the thought of the suffering the Capitol must feel at losing their Victors.

Gloss is next, tall and handsome, waving out over the crowd before thanking them for their kindness over the years to him and his sister. It's a beautiful touch, reminding everyone there that there is a chance it could be sister against brother, and the emotions ratchet up another notch.

Enobaria is fierce in a dark red and black, red tipped feathers prickling as she moves. She is stoic, saying that if this is the Capitol's desire, to see her fight once more, then she will. It's a great angle for a fierce warrior woman, while also tweaking at the guilt of the Capitol.

Then it is Cato's turn.

He stands and the crowd erupts into wild cheering. He doesn't wave, doesn't do anything other than look out at them, before descending the stairs, dressed in a suit of black with subtle shimmers of blue-green and red as the lights shift across his broad shoulders.

"Cato!" Caesar Flickerman shakes his hand and cocks his head to the side, "Well, how are you my fine fellow?"

"Honestly Caesar, I'm feeling shit." Cato's jaw is hard and ignores the gasps from the crowd, "I never expected to have to compete in another Hunger Games. And while I would have done that…for the glory of District 2 and the Capitol…I never expected to have to fight against my wife. The love of my life. We survived one Games with each other. I don't think it's going to happen again."

He looks up at me, and I look back, feeling my eyes well up slightly. The crowd moans with sadness.

"Yes I think all of us were shocked when both you and your lovely Sky volunteered. Why did you Volunteer if I may ask?"

"I knew Sky would." He looks up at me again, "She's my world. I had to protect her. How could I sit back and watch her fight for her life without me there to keep her safe? I had to."

"But now only one of you will win."

"Yes. Her." His voice is implacable and I shake my head firmly.

"I think she disagrees…" Caesar chuckles softly.

"She disagreed with Darrien last year too." Cato reminds him, and the pang of heartbreak across my face is one hundred percent genuine, "He swore to protect her with his life. He did. This year…it will be my vow."

It's beautifully orchestrated. The Capitol are weeping, and Cato remains stoic and like stone, unmovable, and yet…slightly vulnerable.

"We saw your combat skills last year," Caesar coughs slightly and I think even he is feeling the emotions in the air, "What can we expect this year."

"It's a new year Caesar," Cato looks up towards me, "There is more to fight for than ever before."

The buzzer sounds and the Capitol screams his name as he stands, looking out over them before climbing back up the stairs.

I stand, and he comes straight over to me, and kisses me softly, causing more wails to rise from the crowd.

Beetee takes to the stage and tamps down on the emotions by approaching the legality of the games, appealing to logic, an excellent change of pace and contrast.

Wiress doesn't say much, but the Capitol didn't expect much from her. She is surprisingly poingnant though, by pressing one frail hand to her heart and pointing up at us, before taking Caesar's hand and putting it over her heart too.

"Breaking." She says softly, "Breaking."

Then it's my turn.

I stand and Cato shifts in his seat, but next moment settles as Finnick gets to his feet, offering me his arm. It's an echo of Darrien last year, a deliberate reminder of heartbreak, a poignant symbolism. This year Cato is prepared to give his life for mine, and now it's Finnick's turn to pledge his love and support…and his life.

I let him walk me down and squeeze his hand before sitting down on the interview chair and smiling sadly at Caesar.

"Hello Caesar,"

"Sky." He kisses my cheek and sits back, "Now I understand that your name is no longer Schuyler Cavendish?"

"Nope." I smile, a sad but genuine smile and I hear sad sounds rise from the audience, "I'm now Schuyler DuGrey. Cato and I got married."

Caesar puts a hand over his heart, "We all saw your wedding my dear and it was one of the most beautiful things I've seen." That earns cheering, although it's muted, "How do you feel now that you have to compete against your husband? Now that he's swearing to die so you can be the sole Victor."

"It…" my throat closes and tears spring to my eyes unbidden, "It breaks my heart."

The audience sniffles with me and I turn away slightly to wipe away a tear.

"This must be…devastating for you." Caesar's voice is gentle.

"It is." I close my eyes, "It's bad enough that it's Cato…but…to be in a Hunger Games with him, AND Finnick, AND Peeta…it's like a nightmare."

"What are your relationships with Finnick and Peeta?" he asks and I smile sadly.

"They're family." My voice cracks and I hear weeping from the crowd, "My family. This will…destroy me. Losing them. I'm sure all of you understand." I look out at the audience and there are murmurs of yes, and movements like nodding, "You may be losing them too. I'm sure your hearts are breaking, like mine is."

The buzzer sounds and Finnick descends the stairs, but this time Peeta is with him, and it's Peeta who escorts me back up to my seat, kissing my cheek softly.

Finnick's turn.

"Finnick Odair, you are possibly one of the most beloved Victors of all time," Caesar smiles at him and Finnick flashes a charming grin at the audience causing some of them to faint, "What is your strategy going to be for the Games?"

"Well Caesar…" Finnick leans forward, "It's a bit of a craptastic situation all round because…if I do as I want, which is to protect my little sister Sky, then I will leave behind my one true love."

I restrain myself from rolling my eyes.

"Your one true love?" Caesar asks as the Capitol women twitter eagerly in the audience, "Can you tell us who she is?"

"I can do one better Caesar," and Finnick retrieves a long sheaf of paper and proceeds to read the most ridiculous love letter I've ever heard, declaiming it with yearning stares and emotion wobbles in his voice. By the end a large number of women have passed out and the rest are sobbing wretchedly.

I shake my head at him as he retakes his seat beside me, and he grins back.

Ria and Sefir continue the theme, with Sefir endearing himself to everyone with his blunt comments and Ria, with her soft intelligent words, causing the crowd to doubt in themselves.

The morphlings just break hearts by being so disconnected, so unsure of everything, and the way they look up at Peeta as though needing him as a talisman. Even I get emotional after that.

Johanna brings up the damaging point of a change in the rules, since when the rule was written, so long ago, they could not have imagined the love between the Capitol and its Victors. She does it well, blunt and honest and fearless and the Capitol sobs around her. Blight echoes her points, sounding wistful and sad.

Cecelia and Woof are sweet, resigned and poised and the audience is seething with emotions as Cecelia talks about her children, and how she fears she'll never see them again. And how she wishes they did not have to see their mother die before their eyes on a television screen.

Fells is charming and makes the audience laugh through their tears, and somehow that seems to hurt them even more. Sigrin states how much she wished there was more time so she could show the Capitol everything she wants to, to show them what they have meant to her.

Enrid is broody and stoic, almost choked up and his stilted words earn soft moans of anguish from the Capitol audience. Rilka cries unashamedly and people cry out about the Quell. Calling for changes.

Chaff and Seeder throw wood on the tinder, pointing their fingers at Snow while just looking like they are asking simple questions. They fan the flames and the cries become louder.

By the time Katniss takes the stage, the crowd has been frothed into a fury of passion and grief.

She stands to walk down the stairs and then I gasp as Cato stands, walking across to offer her his arm, head held proudly. Everyone knows the rivalry; that they dislike one another, and yet here he is, escorting down the woman who nearly killed him.

The woman in her would be wedding gown.

Katniss loops her arm with his, and together, regal, they descend.

I glance over at Peeta and his eyes meet mine. We both smile softly and then turn back as Cato gives Katniss a shallow bow, heading back up the stairs.

It's only the beginning of the finale however.

Katniss twirls, another echo to last year, and the dress goes up in flames, revealing her in a gown that resembles the Mockingjay. The symbol of the rebellion. It's beautiful and dangerous and tasteful and takes our breath away. Katniss is poised and beautiful, and holds her head up as she makes her way back up the stairs, Finnick standing to escort her.

Then it's Peeta's turn.

And what an end it is.

First he lays out the bombshell that he and Katniss are unofficially married, deeply in love. The crowd wails with agony but he's not yet done.

"This is especially painful for me." Peeta says to Caesar, before taking a breath, "Because it's the love of my life….or my sister. Sky." And he looks up at me.

"And she is pregnant."

The entire gathering explodes into sound, the flames of anger and pain fanning out over everything, and we stand, the Victors, united.

Katniss and Peeta hold hands, and it spreads down the line until all of us stand, linked and the Capitol seethes before us.

Blow 1 for the rebellion.


We all head up to the garden afterwards, all in soft casual clothes, our false finery gone.

It's here that I reveal the warnings from Plutarch Heavensbee, although not the source. I tell them that I think the poem mentioned is Fire and Ice.

"Some say the world will end in fire, some say in ice." Johanna murmurs.

"From what I've tasted of desire, I hold with those who favour fire." Peeta reads, a small frown on his face.

"But if I had to perish twice, I think I know enough of hate to say that for destruction ice is also great." Cato rumbles

"And would suffice." Finnick finishes, pursing his lips.

"Sounds nasty," is Sefir's contribution, "So…end of the world, fire….ice. Should be fun!"

"You're a worry," Gloss muttered at him.

"We can handle it." Cashmere folds her arms, "Anything else?"

I shake my head, but grab Cato's arm so that we're the last two to leave the roof, descending in the elevator alone.

"Cato, there's something I have to tell you."

He looks at me, and instantly frowns, "What?"

"My eyes," I sigh, rubbing my forehead, "I can't see…properly."

"Oh that," Cato shrugs, "I knew about that already."

Wait…what?

The elevator dings and I follow him out into the apartment.

"You what? You knew?" I scowl as he nods smugly, "How?"

"Deccia and Odair told me."

Finnick sticks his head out of his bedroom, "About bloody time Sky, seriously."

"Traitor!" I yell at him, and he grins before disappearing back into his room.

"What's the big deal?" Cato shrugs, "It's not something we can change, so…I'll just be more watchful for both of us. Besides…you hear better than me."

"You aren't…mad?" I ask quietly, looking at my feet.

I hear him sigh and then suddenly he's there, hand tilting my chin up.

"I wish you'd told me sooner. But…I knew you'd tell me."

"I forgot about it…" I admit quietly, "It's not usually something you notice unless it goes haywire."

Gently his lips meet mine, "See? Nothing to be mad about. You've just got to sit down, shut up and let me protect you."

"Yeah right," I scoff, and laugh as he lifts me in his arms, whisking me into our bedroom and closing the doors.


I feel very self conscious in my uniform as Felvia fusses around me, encouraging me to eat.

The pants are black, tight black and surprisingly warm as they sit against my skin. Felvia has already told me the material is designed to cool and also heat depending on the temperature.

I suppose it's fitting, considering the whole Fire and Ice motif.

The shirt I'm wearing is also black and v necked. It holds little protection from the elements, but there is a jacket too, which is made of a similar material to the pants, and is tailored and tight.

The boots are new and flexible, and I bounce up and down in them a few times.

"You need to eat," Felvia scolds, and practically stuffs a white roll into her mouth, "Swallow that or I'll smack you,"

I shoot her a disgruntled look but start chewing obediently.

She makes me eat another roll and a few sausages before the electronic voice speaks out over the room.

"1 minute to launch."

We turn to one another and then she kisses my cheek.

"Remember," she says softly, "It's always darkest right before the dawn."

It's cryptic and I open my mouth to ask her about it, but then I'm given the 30 second warning and start walking to the tube.

I step inside and take a deep breath.

The doors shick shut and all I can hear is the pounding of my heart.

Long moments pass and I don't move, and I glance back towards Felvia who shrugs, unsure. More seconds and then suddenly it moves, carrying me upwards, through rock until the tube opens into sunlight.

Bright light blinds me, and I blink rapidly, looking around, my mouth falling open in shock.

"Let the 75th Annual Hunger Games Begin!"


Sky's Interview dress and other questions and goodies are up on the Tumblr! Feel free to ask questions of anyone in the cast, and to request pictures of things :) I love sharing


Loopyloola – Glad you enjoyed it lovely! More now!

Frostivy – There are always the drabbles! Always the drabbles. Sky is about 4 and a half months pregnant. Happy New Year to you too!

Germany – I missed you! And Sefir is fun :D

Wondergirl556 – Skaaato. And Sefir is a button presser and shitstirrer. Damn troublemaker

Luli Cullen – Thank you! Xoxo

brunetteAnnabeth – No need to get worried! I always return! I love Cato and Sky too.

Sarah'1595 – She knows some things…not everything…and of course Sky doesn't know everything either…damn schemes. I hope the Tribute guide up the top helped!

Reviewer08 – They solve their issues healthily I think xD Katniss knows…but I'm not sure if it's really real to her yet.

Ravenclaw Slytherin – Updated! Xoxox

Blueberrytoast – It is a consolation! Glad to have you back!

Elena-Amare-PJO4EVERFAN – Put on the list! Your drabble should be coming soon

Greenstone4856 – I'm so glad you like it, and I love writing from the different perspectives.

Eve – You know Katniss though, she's not lacking in nerve or balls to get what she wants, and she knows Sky loves Peeta too. Yay interview dress! It's on Tumblr!

Coco2008 – Katniss is naturally guarded, but she and Sky will be bonding during the Quell :D

Squirmyorchid – Aw thank you! So glad to have you hooked. Welcome to the family.

Ciaraaawrrr – So many SHIPS. I can't spoil anything except for on Spoiler Saturdays on the tumblr xD

I-Have-A-Dark-Side – I'm so glad you've enjoyed it! And thank you so much for reviewing and telling me :D I hope you keep reading!