Thank you to all those who favorited this story, have put it on alert, or reviewed it. I don't have much to say about this chapter except that April has a mouth and can't shut up sometimes. And I love her. She's been developing herself all on her own over the past year and a half to where she's almost a living, breathing every time I open a word document, and I can't stop her. I really hope you like where she's going because she'll be sticking around for a while :)

Disclaimer: Sadly, Suzanne Collins owns the Hunger Games and everything involved with it, but I own my characters. So, don't steal them. Please? Thank you.

I'm bleeding out, so if the last thing that I do
Is bring you down, I'd bleed out for you
So I bear my skin, and I count my sins
And I close my eyes, and I take it in
I'm bleeding out, I'm bleeding out for you

Chapter 6: Unexpected Turn of Events

Everyone started filtering out of the training room and onto the elevators. Glimmer was trying to hang on to Cato, laughing like a ditz. He was obviously not enjoying himself, which I found equally amusing. After calming down and our encounter at the throwing knife station, I was glad I hadn't killed him with the trident. I looked around the training room to see Marvel staring at the scene, too, sneering at them. I quickly came to the conclusion that Marvel was jealous of Cato, and I knew my conclusion was correct. I walked over near him as he threw a knife angrily at a dummy.

"What's the matter, Marvel? Upset that your district partner abandoned you?" I asked, taking pride in the fact that I could get back at him for his earlier comment.

"Shut up, Four," he said, throwing another knife right next to the first.

"I'm sure I'd be upset too if my district partner was all over someone else, acting as if I didn't even exist." I paused for a moment, stroking my chin as if trying to think of something before pretending it dawned on me. "And that would mean that you're jealous! Wow. That is fantastic."

He flung yet another knife, even more angrily, if possible. "I told you to shut up," he spat through gritted teeth, over his shoulder.

"Does it hurt that she finds Cato more attractive than you? Does it bother you that she continues to throw herself at him when he shows no interest? Has it always been that way?" I knew I was getting mean, but I didn't care. He had pissed me off earlier, and I was always a firm believer in karma being a bitch. "Have you always been looked over because you're just not as attractive, not as strong, and not as memorable as the other boys in your district?"

Marvel threw his knives down and stalked over to me. We stood toe to toe, his lanky form towering over me. He wasn't as scary, intimidating or as attractive as Cato. "SHUT UP!"

I was not going to back down. Whatever feelings of anger I still had left over for him and Cato were being put all on him. "What's wrong, Marvel? You can dish it, but you can't take-"

I hit the floor quickly. I hadn't even seen his fist flying at my face before it was too late. My cheek stung badly from the force of the hit; I was surprised at how much power he'd put behind it. I looked up to see Marvel's fist now clenched at his side. He was fuming, breathing heavily. "If you know what's good for you, you'll shut up." He walked past me quickly, across the room and onto the elevator.

I sat up and rubbed my cheek. I pulled my hand away and there was a bit of blood on my fingertips. I had to stop getting hurt. My styling team had easily taken care of the bruises Cato had given me and I hope they'd be able to take care of whatever Marvel had done to my face. As I pulled myself off the floor, I thought of what my brother and everyone else would say. I walked to the elevator and pushed the button for the penthouse. I hoped Katniss would let me clean up and figure out how to cover it up there. It didn't take long to reach the floor, and I stepped out when the doors opened.

It was extremely big, amazing really. It had a large living space, a long dining table and multiple seating spaces all on different elevated platforms. I was amazed at how big and elaborate everything was compared to my own apartment. I was so distracted by the beauty of it that I didn't notice their escort walk up.

"May I help you?" She asked, a bossy tone half hidden in her words.

"I need to see Katniss, if that's alright," I replied, trying to be polite. My face was throbbing now.

She looked me up and down, her gaze falling on my cheek. I didn't even know what the damage Marvel had done looked like. Her expression lightened up a bit.

"She's down at the end of the hall on the left, dear," she answered, pointing down the hall.

I thanked her quickly and walked just as swiftly down the hall. I needed to see what my face looked like. I needed to clean up. I reached the door I was looking for and knocked. The door opened and Katniss smiled at me, then her eyes fell on my cheek. She looked at me questioningly.

"Can I clean up here, Katniss?" I asked, innocently.

"Yeah, of course. I'm sure your brother would hate to see you like that," she said, pointing toward the bathroom.

I walked into the room she was pointing toward and looked in the mirror. Marvel had somehow split my cheek open a bit. There was a bit of blood around the small cut and the entire area was red, some of it was actually already bruising. The redness reached up to the bottom of my eye, and I hoped that it wouldn't affect my eye as it worsened. I grabbed a washcloth from a door next to the shower and turned on the faucet in the sink. I wet the cloth with water and dabbed my cheek until it was free of blood.

"So who did it?" Katniss asked, finally speaking up.

"Marvel from District One, but I was asking for it," I replied, grinning even though it hurt before continuing to clean the wound on my face. "I sort of pointed out that he was jealous that Cato was hogging all of Glimmer's attention and it just got worse after that." I put the cloth down and pulled my hair from its confines, fixing it to where it covered most of my injury, hoping Merrick wouldn't notice. All I needed was to get Xerxes alone to fix it before it got too bad. I sighed and turned back to Katniss, who was standing in the doorway. "Think I could pass it by unnoticed?"

She examined my face for a minute before saying, "As long as you don't sit down long enough for them to look at you."

That's fantastic. I frowned, not getting the answer I was looking for. I'd have to deal with questions from Cicero, Merrick, and Crest. I knew Xerxes would probably not be happy with me, but I had to hope he could fix my face before the interviews.

"Thanks for letting me use your bathroom, Katniss. I'll see you tomorrow at training," I said, smiling at her, immediately regretting it. It was easy to tell that my cheek would be hurting for a couple of days.

I walked through their penthouse and back to the elevator. I pressed four and prepared for the bombardment of questions that was sure to come. I closed my eyes and leaned back against the wall of the elevator. I didn't realize how badly my face hurt. I played with my hair a little more to make sure my cheek was covered enough to get me through a bit of dinner. The doors of the elevator opened all too soon, and I stepped off, headed to my room to change out of my training outfit. I pulled on a bright turquoise ruffled tank top and a pair of black shorts. Looking at myself in the mirror, I decided I'd be able to make it through dinner as long as I didn't look at people when they talked to me.

I walked out of my room and to the table in the dining area where everyone was already seated. I quickly took my seat, placed my napkin in my lap and looked down at the plate of food an Avox had placed in front of me.

I saw Merrick look at me out of the corner of my eye. "What made you so late?" He asked.

I decided I wouldn't totally lie. "I went to visit Katniss from District Twelve on her floor. She could be a possible ally in the arena."

I could tell he was skeptical, but I couldn't look up to be sure. As long as I could make it through dinner, I could see Xerxes afterwards for him to work his magic. Just get through dinner. My plan was soon ruined.

"April, what is on your cheek?" Crest asked. As much as I loved him for everything he was doing for me and my family, I wanted to punch him in the face.

I continued to look down at my plate. "There's nothing on my cheek," I replied, chuckling awkwardly.

Merrick didn't believe me. "April, look at me."

"I'd really rather not."

Merrick was having none of it. He grabbed my chin and forced me to look at him. The action made my hair fall away from my cheek. His face immediately flashed with anger, and I heard Xerxes and Cicero both gasp at the end of the table. "Who did this?"

I ripped my face from his hand. "It's nothing to worry about. Xerxes, you can fix it, right?"

Xerxes opened his mouth to reply, but Merrick cut him off. "April Hylet, answer my question now!"

I'd never really heard Merrick yell with such anger before. "Merrick, it is nothing! I asked for it, I got it. I actually deserved it more than usual this time. So don't worry about it!"

"Well you better start watching yourself and keeping your mouth shut before you start making more enemies than allies. We talked about this, April! You'll get yourself killed before the Games even start. You can't keep doing stupid stuff like this! I can only do so much," he finished, his fist pounding the table.

I immediately stood up and threw my napkin on the table. "Suddenly, I'm not very hungry." I walked quickly to my room, ignoring the calls from everyone at the table. I slammed the door and fell onto the bed. I was pretty sure I laid there for half an hour before I heard the door open slowly. I rolled over to see Xerxes standing there, holding a silver container. I sat up and looked sadly at him. He took a seat next to me and examined my face before beginning to open the container.

He smiled at me. "Not to worry, sweet cheeks. I'll have you fixed up faster than you can say 'Quarter Quell.'" He knew that my face wasn't what was bothering me. "There's no need to be sad, April. You know how your brother is. Once he cools down, you two will be as right as rain. Now give me your face." I turned my face toward him and he began to rub the clear gel on my cheek. "This will heal the cut and bring the bruising and swelling down. It'll be completely gone before your interview. We'll put some more on it in the morning." He wiped off the excess gel around the edges and continued to rub it into my skin until it was completely soaked in. "Finished." He stood up, but I stopped him from leaving.

"Xerxes, is there a pool in this place?"

"Yes, there is, but I wouldn't get your face wet right now," he replied, frowning.

I shook my head. "I just want to stick my legs in for a bit. The water calms me down."

He smiled at me. "You're more like your brother than you will ever know. It's on the south side of the roof." He walked back to the door, sending me a wink before closing the door. I love that man.

I quickly got up from my bed and walked over to the mirror. My face looked the same. My right cheek was just a bit shinier from the medicine. I pushed my hair to cover my face a bit again, and then walked out of my room, avoiding the dining area, making my way to the elevator. I stepped in, pressed the roof button and waited as the elevator ascended quickly. The doors of the elevator opened quickly and I stepped out. I walked around to the south side of the roof and spotted the giant pool. I'd have to swim in it before I had to go into the arena. I walked over to the pool, slinking down and slipping my legs into it. It was the perfect temperature.

As I sat by the pool, my legs moving back and forth, gliding through the water, I couldn't help but be drawn back to District Four. The feel of the waves crashing against my legs, the smell of the sea, and the sounds of the gulls flying overhead filled my brain. I missed my district so much. I thought of my family and Nixie and how much they must be worried. I thought of Crest's family and how he was sure he'd never see them again. I felt a tear slide down my left cheek and I quickly wiped it away. I just continued to let my legs glide in the water, concentrating on how amazing the water sounded and felt going around my legs. My moment was ruined when I heard something else enter the water to my left. I opened my eyes to see Cato sitting next to me.

I sighed. "Will you ever leave me alone? Can I ever get a moment away from you?"

He held up his hand in mock surrender. "I didn't even know you were up here. I had to get away from Glimmer. That girl could talk for hours about absolutely nothing, and she's always all over me."

"I wouldn't think you'd have a problem with that," I mumbled, surprised by the jealousy in my tone. If Cato had heard me, he didn't make any comments about my words or attitude. The next time I spoke, I made sure he would hear. "She's my first target when we get into the arena. This sounds awful, but there are some people the world could live without, and she is one of them." I mentally cursed myself for making a joke about someone dying.

Cato chuckled and I saw that same, real smile I'd seen at the tribute parade. It was such a nice smile. He looked up at the sky, still laughing lightly. "I'll agree to that." He was acting different, not unlike he had at the parade. I decided I could get used to this lighter hearted Cato. He looked over at me, and I looked to him a bit. "You know, you're not so bad with a trident."

I scoffed. "Not so bad? I'm amazing. I mean, I'm no Finnick Odair, but I'm still pretty awesome." I thought back to what happened in training today. I had to be the bigger person here. "Sorry about throwing it at your neck earlier. I kind of let my anger build up until it spilled over. I hate that fucking nickname, so don't think that you can just use it any time you want."

"Don't apologize. If there's anyone who knows about tempers, it would be me," he said, moving his feet through the water, creating ripples.

"Is that why you were a dick today after being such a Mr. Charming at the Tribute Parade yesterday?" I asked, honestly wondering what had caused the dramatic change. "Or do you just act like that around the others?" He seemed surprised by my question, and he wasn't able to cover up his reaction quickly enough for it to go unnoticed. "What? Did I look at you wrong this morning or something?"

Cato rolled his eyes, and it seemed like it was more toward himself than at my comment. "Last night, you and your partner seemed close," he said, shaking his head and laughing at the thought.

Confusion moved across my face as I repeated his words over in my head until it dawned on me. "Like we're together or something?" I couldn't help but start laughing. Guys and jealousy was obviously the theme for the day. Though, the fact that Cato seemed jealous of Crest made my heart flutter in my chest. "Because he kept me from tripping and making an ass of myself? No. I barely know the guy." That wasn't entirely true, but Crest and I were still putting up the act that we weren't going into the Games together. "Goes to show you that saying about assuming is correct."

"I guess, you'd be right," he said, looking back out at the pool. It seemed he was trying to think of anything to get away from the subject. "You know, that little stunt actually got the other's thinking about putting you in the alliance. Usually Four is in with One and Two anyway, but now it's pretty much a for sure." Even after what I said to Marvel today?

"And what if I don't want to be in your little alliance?" I asked, smiling and winking at him.

He smiled back at me, but it soon turned to a frown. He grabbed my face and pulled it closer. That's when I realized that my hair must've fallen away from my face and he'd seen my injury. For some reason, his eyes filled with anger that was similar to what I'd seen on Merrick's face. He didn't let go of me. "Who did this?" He asked, mimicking my brother's question.

I tried to pull my face away, but couldn't get out of his grip. "I deserved it," I explained for a second time that night. "I was running my mouth, like I always do, and it got me a punch in the face." I gave him a look. "You can't seriously be mad about someone hurting me when you gave me bruises just a few nights ago."

His anger didn't fade, but there was that sadness that flashed across his eyes again. He regained his composure quickly. "April, tell me who did this." His voice was even but there was an underlying tone of hatred beneath it; he wasn't kidding when he said he knew about tempers.

The tone was frightening, but I kept my face neutral. I knew if I didn't answer, he would try to find out on his own. "Marvel…"

He was immediately out of the pool and quickly moved toward the elevator. I soon realized what was about to happen and ran after him. I caught the elevator before it could go down, the button for the first floor apartment already illuminated. I stood in front of Cato's fuming figure, the elevator moving too fast for my liking. "Cato, whatever you're thinking of doing, just don't do it. It isn't worth getting in trouble."

He stared at the elevator doors over my head. "Move, April. I don't know if I can…" He trailed off as the doors opened.

I put my hands on his chest to stop him from going, but my efforts were useless. He literally picked me up by my upper arms and moved me out of the way, walking into District One's apartment. I followed him, calling his name, but it did no good, either. He reached the living area all too soon, Glimmer and Marvel sitting on the couch, watching an old showing of the Hunger Games. I immediately recognized it as the 65th Hunger Games, the year Merrick had been crowned victor. Glimmer looked around, smiling when she saw Cato, but frowned when her eyes landed on me. Marvel started to greet Cato before he was grabbed and slammed onto the ground. He gasped as Cato's hand wrapped around his throat.

"Don't you ever touch her again, do you understand?" He slammed Marvel's head into the floor and Marvel let out a strained groan. "You may be a one of us, but I won't hesitate to end your life as soon as that countdown hits zero if you ever do something so stupid and idiotic ever again!" He slammed Marvel's head onto the ground again. "I'm waiting for an answer!" He did it again. Slam. I did the only thing I could think of to stop this. I jumped onto Cato's back.

"Cato, stop! He gets it," I said, trying to pry his fingers away from Marvel's throat.

"Not until I get a fucking answer." Slam.

"Cato!"

"Not until I get an answer!" Slam. It wasn't enough to kill him, but it was enough to bring a lot of pain and send him a message.

Marvel finally seemed to have had enough. "I hear you, Cato. I understand," he strained to get out, Cato's hand still around his throat. Cato let go of his throat and proceeded to punch him a couple of times.

"Cato, stop this! He's had enough!" I continued to pull at his arms. He finally got off of Marvel, sliding me off in the process, and grabbed me by the arm, dragging me toward the elevator. I looked back to see Glimmer helping Marvel off the floor before the elevator's doors closed. Cato was leaning against the railing on the back of the elevator. It still wasn't moving, as we had yet to pick a floor. My eyes landed on his bloody hand and I pressed the button for his district's apartment. The doors opened quickly and I led Cato down the hall of his apartment. I asked where his room was and he pointed to a door on our right. His chest was heaving, still trying to calm himself down.

I opened the door and led him inside, sitting him on the bed. His breathing was still coming out a little heavy. I left him and walked into the bathroom, grabbing a washcloth and wetting it. I walked back in and stood in front of him.

"Give me your hand," I commanded.

He glared up at me. "I'm not a baby."

I glared right back. "This is not a negotiation. Give me your hand."

He rolled his eyes and reluctantly held up his right hand. I took it and started dabbing the blood away. "Do you want to tell me what the fuck that was all about?" He looked at me and then off somewhere in one of the corners. "I could start guessing, if you'd like."

He looked back up at me. "I don't care how much you run your mouth; I wouldn't punch you for it. Scaring you on the train was one thing, but when I saw the bruises on your arm and knew that I did that…" He still wasn't making a lot of sense, and I guess it showed in my face because he sighed, his eyebrows furrowing in thought. "I may be trained to kill in the arena—that's a whole other matter entirely—but hitting a girl isn't something we do back home. That's what cowards do who can't handle a woman who can handle herself."

"You're exactly right. I can handle myself." I was surprised at his confession. I hadn't expected such a chivalrous answer from such a typically brutal person. I realized why I had seen the sadness in his eyes when he saw my bruises or I mentioned them had been mixed with disappointment. Sure he hadn't hit me, but he'd injured me. I continued to clean the wound he'd given himself. "But, thank you, I guess. You could get in serious trouble for attacking him outside of the Games. You didn't have to defend my honor or anything."

"My father would have my ass if he thought I let someone get away with that, so don't think too much about it, Four."

I backed away from him a bit, but still continued to clean his wound. "Why do you do that? Why do you turn into such a jerk when things get a little too sincere for you? What happens to the carefree, funny Cato that can joke around that was at the tribute parade and up on the roof a few minutes ago? Where does he go? I get that all you've ever really known is violence, hostility, and training to win the Games, but why can't the other Cato come out more often?"

He sat there as I finished cleaning his hand. A heavy sigh came out before his answer did. "Because that Cato can't win the Games, and that's what I have to do. I have to win! There's no other choice." As he was speaking, I noticed he had a few drops of blood on his face. They must have flown up from the force of the punches. I put his hand down and moved closer to him. I started dabbing the spots off of his face. He looked confused. "What are you doing?"

"I'm cooking," I said sarcastically, giving him a look. "What does it look like I'm doing? You've got blood on your face." I continued to dab the little dots of blood. I wiped the last one away. "There. They're all gone."

I started to back away, but Cato grabbed my wrists. He pulled me to him, and I landed on his lap. I looked at him questioningly. His eyes were on my injured cheek, as he pushed my hair from my face. He was being so gentle, which surprised me greatly. He must've noticed my look because he chuckled. "I'm not always so vicious." His face suddenly got serious. "No one is to know about his conversation. Understand?" I nodded. Of course. He had a reputation to keep up. I looked into his eyes and found that I couldn't look away. A smirk came to his face, but it wasn't his usual smirk. The one on his face now, I couldn't read. "Thank you for cleaning my hand." I was surprised that his voice had come out in a whisper.

"Not a problem," I replied in the same manner. It was then that I realized how close we were. Our blue eyes were still locked together. His handsome face was looking me up and down, with a hunger showing in it. Not the hunger I had seen on the train, where I was almost certain he'd wanted to kill me, but a hunger that could only be described as a beautiful lust.

Then, all of a sudden, Cato pulled my face to his, and his lips were on mine. I was shocked at first, trying to push him away. Then, I realized how amazing it felt. The feelings that came rushing over me reminded me of the tide coming up farther and farther up the shore, crashing into the sand. As soon as it hit me, my arms slipped around his neck and he pulled my legs on either side of his lap, trying to get us closer. One of his arms wrapped tightly around my waist, the other playing with my hair. What am I doing? I need to stop this… I need to, but I really don't want to. He's a fantastic kisser. I don't know why we haven't been doing this since we met. The arm around my waist slid back around and he placed his hand on my hip. Though the bruise had disappeared from the skin, it wasn't gone. He squeezed it, causing me to gasp. He took advantage of this, deepening our kiss, his tongue battling mine. It wasn't much of a battle. He easily dominated the kiss, and I let him, having no qualms about him taking control of the situation.

The next thing I knew, I was flipped over onto the bed and Cato's mouth had moved down to my neck. I couldn't stop the noise that escaped my throat. It only seemed to egg him on. The feeling was still amazing, and I was trying to gather up all the oxygen I'd lost. Only when I got oxygen back to my brain did I realize what was happening. I had to use all my strength to pull his face away from my neck. He looked at me with a lust hazed gaze and gave me a confusing look. "What?"

I sighed, but continued to breathe heavily. "This is a bad idea, right? I mean, in less than a week, we'll be in the arena."

"Are we in the arena right now? No. We're in my room, on my bed, and I don't know about you, but I was enjoying myself before you stopped me."

He was breathing just as heavily as I was. As he continued to look at me, I knew I was enjoying this, too much, in fact. He looked at me expectantly, and I made a split-second decision. I pulled his face to mine and kissed him. It started out slow, and eventually, Cato was back in control.

I didn't go back to my room that night.

CATO OC CATO OC CATO OC CATO OC CATO

I am so happy with this chapter! I actually wrote it before chapters 4 and 5, not sure why. I hope you guys like it as much as I do! Chapter 7 will be up soon :) You'll find out what Cato and April did in the beginning of the next chapter.