Welcome to the world of the Olympus gods where a wager has been set between Venus and Cupid (i.e. Finnick). And Katniss is the pawn in the game. Question who will get to Katniss first Venus or Finnick?
I do not own the Hunger Games
Katniss stretched her arms over her head. The book was forgotten, and it fell with a thud on the floor.
"Katniss, Katniss, Katniss…."
At the husky female voice, Katniss opened her eyes to see a beautiful blond woman wearing a bedsheet in front of her. Katniss smelled the distinct scent of roses. A small face with a riot of dark curls peeked out from behind the woman's white shiny robes.
She sat up straight. "Who the hell are you?"
Venus smiled. "I am the goddess of love."
"I must be dreaming. This is just like in the book I was reading."
"Oh yes, it's just like the book, but no, you are not dreaming. I was told you don't believe in love. If that's the case, then I will surely win the wager. No champion will rise up to save you."
Katniss wanted to stand up and defend herself, but before she could move, Venus blew her a kiss. A pink puff of air surrounded Katniss and she was put into a deep sleep.
"Are you sure we should do this?" A spring sprite with wide brown eyes and dark curly hair quietly asked.
"I will do what I want." Venus turned her head to view the child-like sprite with the ebony skin. "That fool has given me permission to reenact that tragic mistake. Last time I was so narrow-minded, blinded by my hatred for Psyche. I should have thought globally."
"What do you mean?"
"I have plans for Cupid's arrows that not even Zeus will be able to stop me." Venus smiled at Katniss' slumbering form. "Did you do as I bid, Rue?"
"Yes."
Four large grotesque creatures stood in the corner.
"Okay boys, move her quickly before my son shows up." Venus smiled cruelly at her borrowed minions.
"Am I free to go now?" Rue took a step back, her eyes staring at the exits.
Venus snatched the insignificant sprite in her hands. "Release you?"
"But you promised if I helped you and showed you where the huntress lived you would grant me my freedom."
Venus laughed and threw her into the arms of one of the creatures. "Take her with you. I'll have no witness."
The creature bowed its head.
Her attendants quickly gathered the petite human and stole her away into the night, following their leader.
Moments later Finnick and the trickster arrived at Katniss' house. The stench of roses filled the room. "Where is she?"
Venus's musical voice filled the room, "You will never win as long as I have the girl."
"This isn't what we agreed upon," Finnick said.
"All is fair in love and war," Venus said, flicking her blond hair over her shoulder. "Now I have commandeered this quaint town for the purpose of our wager."
"Venus please," Finnick said. "We shouldn't play with the hearts of people for our own sport."
Venus smiled. "As your mother, I never thought you, my mischievous child would ever plead for the heart of a mortal. However, I was displeased that you chose one to be your wife."
"Mother," Finnick growled.
"Oh, I remember when you wanted to be called Finnick and gave Psyche the name Annie. So dull and uninspiring."
"When we are amongst humans we adapt. Most of humanity does not believe in the gods of old. It is very freeing. You should try it," Finnick said.
Venus narrowed her eyes at Finnick. "I shall never tread amongst men like a commoner. That is why I shall win."
"Not if I have anything to do with it."
Venus grinned. She wasn't going to lose again. This time each challenge was going to be harder and Venus herself was going to make sure of it. "If you can find a champion, you can have them sort the grain at the train station at sunup, find the fleece of a strong leader, find me spirit water, and face hell itself for the promise of beauty and life."
Venus's laugh trailed behind her as she disappeared into the aether.
"Plutarch!" Jo called.
"He's the one you've been conspiring with?"Finnick asked.
"Of course," Jo said looking about.
Plutarch whispered, "What do we do?" as he came out of hiding.
Jo was fuming. "Where in the world have you been?"
"Outside, hiding from Venus; she had her minions take the girl." Plutarch adjusted his robes.
"My mother will inevitably find a way to get rid of Katniss," Finnick muttered. "She doesn't want to lose. She won't kill her, but she will try to make an example of her.
"If she only knew that Katniss doesn't believe in love," Plutarch muttered.
"What?" Finnick looked horrified.
"Never mind that." Jo tipped her head to the side then smiled. "We get Peeta and convince him to fight for Katniss."
Finnick frowned, "Who?"
"The baker's son," Plutarch said.
"Do I have to shoot him with one of my special love arrows?"
"Nope," the trickster gave Finnick a funny look as he followed her, "...but you might need it for her?"
"This is going to be harder than I thought," Finnick grumbled.
"She is the one who is unsure," Plutarch replied, "But when she looks at him, there is a spark of longing."
"When did you see that?" Jo questioned. "I've never even seen this baker?"
"You are a trickster by nature, but you miss the small details. Me, I am observant. I see the way she looks at the baker when no one is watching," Plutarch said with his nose in the air.
Jo narrowed her eyes.
"Come on, let's find the baker; he lives in the Valley."
Under the cover of darkness, they stole from the woods into the Valley to the brick building with the bread sign outside. They snuck into the small cramped room. The window was open and the curtain flapped in the air in a gentle caress over the flesh of the man sleeping on the bed.
Finnick whistled. "He is very-"
"Hubba hubba," Jo said, licking her lips. "I'd forgotten how very appealing humans can be."
"Hey, stop fawning over him, and help me," Finnick said, angling a look at his two helpers.
Jo immediately moved forward, her small hands rubbing in anticipation.
"Jo!" Finnick said. "We are not here for our own pleasure. We are here to save Katniss, help him complete the tasks, and make sure I win. Isn't that what you want, Jo?"
Jo grinned.
"We've got to get handsome here to wake up so that he can win the challenges." No one said anything else after that as they moved the mortal.
Special thanks to my beta Norbertsmom and once more this is dedicated to Jhgsf82. Who I hope is enjoying this so far.
Next up Peeta meets team Cupid.
