Hey guys, thanks for sticking with me! This chapter is a bit longer than the others, so enjoy.
Btw, just like to give a shout-out to WonderGirl556 - you are an awesome reader and writer!
7
Katniss
It's time to go home. We're on the train, on the way to our first stop on the Victory Tour, District 1. We stayed in the Capitol for about four months to check everything was ok with the baby, but it's been so long that I'm really starting to show. I wanted to persuade them to do the tour backwards, so I could see my family sooner rather than later but that just wouldn't be fair to Cato. I know he must be missing his family just as much as I am. I haven't told him but I'm terrified to meet them. I mean, what if they don't like me? I'm definitely not the typical District 2 girl, not like Clove. Oh shit. They're gonna hate me.
I locked the door and cried for hours, being the hormonal idiot I am. Cato's shouts got more and more desperate and after the third hour, he broke the door down. He said he would have done it sooner but he wanted to respect my privacy. But when I didn't reply, he was worried I had collapsed. When he came in, I tried to hide my face from him, embarrassed that I had cried yet again. He pulled me onto his lap and rocked me until I was at the hiccupping stage and he managed to coax it out of me. When I explained, he laughed. I was horrified, was I really being even more stupid than I thought? But he explained that he had spoken to his family, who said that they were happy for him and that 'they didn't like Clove anyway.' I rolled my eyes at this and he put on his best puppy dog eyes until I forgave him. He kissed me passionately and we rolled back onto the bed.
Hours later, we had finally finished at District 1. They didn't like us much but then again we did nothing to help either of their tributes. We made a short speech, written for us by the Capitol and got back onto the train within the space of about 3 hours, after talking to a few families, giving tips for survival and posing for pictures for the press. I was opposed to this but Haymitch said we had to – it has been about 4 months since they had any opportunity for photos, and they loved my bump. Anyway, we're back on the train and watching Cato's favourite film. He said that it was really old and I had to give it a chance and he is right. It is goddamn ancient, from his great-grandparents' time – something called 'Harry Potter'? Apparently it's a series so we're gonna have a lot to keep us entertained. When we're not doing… other things. Anyway, I'm lying here with my head on his lap. He's stroking my hair with one hand and one hand is resting on top of mine on my belly. Every so often, I move and he kisses me again. I have always wanted a relationship like this. Where I felt so happy that I would be content to just sit here in silence. I always thought it would be Gale – I guess I was wrong…
Cato
We're here. In District 2. Home, at last. Haymitch just woke us up; turns out we've been asleep for hours. He took a picture first of course, framed it. He's so great at creating memories, thank god! I don't ever want to forget these days. But right now, I need to focus. Seriously focus, because I'm terrified. What if they hate me? After all, I did let Clove die. Worse, what if they hate Katniss? I just couldn't live with myself if that happened. No. What's not to like, right?
Ok, so they haven't quite taken to her. When we left for the Games, and that amazing announcement came out declaring there could be two winners, everyone just assumed that Clove and I would come out together. District 2 double victory. Of course. I mean, don't get me wrong, my friends like her. My family love her. But no one else will give her a chance. It's not fair on Kat. Let me explain…
We got off the train and were bombarded with screams and cheers. I mean, one victor is better than none, right? We were led up to the stage straight away where we spoke for about half an hour, but I just couldn't concentrate; I was too busy looking for my family and friends. Finally I spotted them. Mum and Dad smiling, prouder than I've ever seen them. My sister Steph waving happily but eyes narrowed as she focuses in on my arm wrapped around Katniss' waist. She loves to analyse my relationships. Then there were my friends, Cruz and Buzz, who were laughing at me as I tried to explain the ordeal of the Games. They'll never understand. Soon enough, the speech was over and I could go see them. I dragged Katniss over with me and just before we reached them, I whispered in her ear, "Princess, be strong. I love you, remember that." She blushed ruby red, making me roar with laughter. As soon as we were close enough, Steph threw herself at me, shouting gleefully about everything I had missed while I was away. I spun her around, realising just how much I had missed her. As I set her down, she ran over to Katniss and hugged her like she was one of the family. She whispered something in her ear, "I'm glad you're here. You make my brother happy," and Katniss nodded, tears brimming in her eyes. I could tell she reminded her of Prim so I pretended not to see, for Kat's sake, and turned to my mother. She pulled me into a tight embrace, while my father patted me on the back, congratulating me. I think that was the most affection they've ever given me and so I took it in gratefully. When she finally let go, I turned to see both my princesses laughing and joking with my friends, as they tried to persuade my fiancé to name our baby after them. I shook my head and went over to join them, pulling Katniss into me and kissing her softly. "Do you want to see my house?" I asked, and she nodded. My father led the way, talking to Katniss about her life while I had a few words with my mother. I knew Katniss would have no trouble winning him over and sure enough, by the time we reached the house, he was as in love with her as I am. They were talking about everything from her hunting to her future plans and she just glided through it. For someone who thinks she isn't very likeable, she sure finds it easy to make people love her. That night, my mother said she would make my favourite meal in celebration and Katniss offered to help. Soon she and Mom were chatting like old friends and Mom was even sharing the most secret family recipes. So she had won over my whole family. As for my friends? They were easy. They tried to prank her. She caught them out every time. It took a matter of minutes for her to impress them. So that's everyone.
Katniss
I've been with Cato's family and friends for over 6 hours now and they like me. Really like me. They're lovely; I can see where he gets his manners. Too soon the peacekeepers come knocking, ready to usher us back to the train for the journey to the next District. As we gather up our stuff and walk outside, I notice the number of people gathered outside the Hadley's house. I assume they're all there for Cato but as I look at him, I notice that he looks wary too. Suddenly, a figure darts out of the crowd and slaps me round the face. Cato steps in front of me protectively and his father, Cruz and Buzz form a shield around me as Steph and his mum help me indoors. As I'm being taken away, I get a chance to look at the woman's face and do a double-take. She's the spitting image of Clove. As soon as I see her, everything makes sense.
I can hear roars outside as Cato and the others try to get rid of the crowd, so I can get back to the train. The peacekeepers are intervening as well but Steph keeps me away from the window as she holds an ice-pack to my face, trying to prevent the swelling on my face. I ask, "What are you doing? I don't mind a bruise, honest. I have no battle scars from the games, one won't hurt." She laughs and turns to her mother who gestures around, looking for words to explain, "We care. There have been enough pictures now that people will know it is our district that causes the bruise to your beautiful face. We're bad enough off without your lot using us as rebellion icons." I am so much more confused but before I can ask her to explain further, Cato comes running in, kisses both his mom and sister, before scooping me up and sprinting towards the train, both of us screaming "BYE!" as we leave District 2 behind us.
We're back on the couch, sitting up this time, and looking at the many different magazine articles about us and our relationship. "Hey, look at this one," he laughs, "It says 'Hunger Games couple: Romance, Showmance or Fauxmance?' Aren't two of those the same thing?" I giggle as I spot a more ridiculous one, "This one is an interview from one of your 'friends' claiming that I'm faking my pregnancy. As if! The worst is people believe this shit." Suddenly Haymitch and Brutus enter, Haymitch announcing his arrival with a rather loud belch. Cato looks up disapprovingly and asks, "Did you come for a reason, or just to do that?" Haymitch laughs, and says, "Of course I came for a reason. We need to address these rumours before we get to 3. With an TV interview. A private one with pictures and everything, to show just how loved up you two are. Here. In about 3 hours. Katniss, Cinna is waiting. Go." I roll my eyes and lean down to Cato who kisses both my lips and my belly before letting me go.
Cinna embraces me. "Oh darling, you look so beautiful! Look at that gorgeous pregnancy glow, I love it. Now, I have two outfits prepared. Would you be more comfortable in a skirt or trousers?" I surprise even myself with my answer as I point to the skirt and he claps his hands joyfully. Hours later, I am prepared and ready to go. My hair is in loose curls around my shoulders, and I am wearing a plain black vest which shows enough of my bump to show that it is real and a loose red skirt which swishes around my knees. Clearly he's still sticking with the fire theme as can be seen by my hi-tops which have orange and yellow flames on them. When I get to the interview, Cato is already there, chatting away, looking absolutely gorgeous as usual. He's wearing a red open neck shirt and black trousers with shoes which match mine. We match down to the last item of clothing and as I make my way over to the couch, I catch a glimpse of his necklace, which reads KATNISS. Just the sight of it makes me well up and he notices, playfully pulling me down to sit next to him, trying to cheer me up. Soon the interviewer is ready and we get going. (THE INTERVIEW GOES AS FOLLOWS)
I: So, Katniss, Cato, have you both fully recovered from the Games?
K: Yes, we have. We had some great care back in the Capitol and we're all healthy.
I: I notice you said all. Do you include the baby in that?
K: Of course. We're already planning his life, even down to schools, right babe?
C: Yeah, course. We're absolutely besotted with her and we haven't even met her yet.
I: Now, Katniss, you called it a he and Cato called it a she. Is that what you want?
(Both laugh)
C: No, neither of us have a preference. We'll find out soon, because we're booked in for a scan in 12, but no, we don't know or mind, so we just thought I'd call it she and Kat would call it a he, so that at least one of us is right!
(All laugh)
I: Now, there have been many rumours about your relationship. Specifically about whether it is real or not. What do you say to these people?
C: Ok, fair enough, I can see why people would think that, especially because our relationship has moved so quickly, but seriously? If it wasn't real, would I have knocked her up? What, I slept with her to prove a point? No way, I love Katniss.
K: He's right. How sick do you have to be to bring a life into this world for a publicity stunt? No, Cato is absolutely amazing, as a fiancé, a lover and I know he will be an amazing father. I hope we'll be together forever.
(She takes his hand)
I: I almost feel like I'm intruding, your relationship is that intimate.
K: Oh don't feel like that, you are so welcome. I think we are very intimate, because we have been through such an ordeal. Surviving the Hunger Games is something not many people understand, you know? So we share a bond, a special bond.
C: She's so right, but also, Katniss gets me. As a person, I mean. When I first met her, we talked for over 6 hours, right? And I just feel like I've known her all my life. How many people can you feel that close to after just one evening?
I:You're right, not many. Right, one last question. If one other person could have survived the Games with you, who would it have been?
(Both gasp, look at each other horrified. Katniss' eyes fill with tears)
K: Um… I guess… Oh I don't know… I'd have to say either Rue, because she was so young, she didn't deserve to die, or Peeta, because… I owe him. He saved my life and I wish I could have saved him.
(She begins to cry, sob and Cato pulls her onto his lap, rocks her gently, whispering soothingly in her ear. When he looks up, his eyes are harsh, angry)
C: You need to leave. Now.
I: I'm very sorry.
C: Go, please.
(He turns back to Katniss and kisses her tears, crying now as well)
Interviewer exit.
