Hey guys, thanks for the reviews! Sorry for the wait, hope you enjoy the next chapter x
8
Haymitch
Ok, so the interview didn't go quite according to plan. Sure, the rumours are dead. After it aired on TV, the whole country was absolutely certain they were a true couple, and most were devastated by how it had affected them. Afterwards Katniss spent 6 hours on the phone with her family, crying, while Cato held her hand and kissed away her tears. Sure, the districts are being a lot more understanding when they do their speeches, especially considering Cato killed their tributes. As far as I know, there have been no crazy attacks like there was in 2. But there have been some negative side-effects. Katniss and Cato's relationship is even more intimate; they're even closer than before. It's becoming so hard for them to let others in, and I feel so guilty. This would never have happened if I hadn't set up that interview. Katniss can't even look at me without welling up and Cato is furious - he blames me for the whole thing. On the plus side, I did get the interviewer fired, which boosted his rating of me, but at the moment, he won't let anyone talk to her. I'm seeing a different side to him, an angry, over-protective side. She doesn't need this and only one thing will help – her family. Luckily we're on our way to district 12 at the moment, only a few hours left. She is excited, I can tell and when she is happy, Cato cheers up.
Katniss
We're finally here! 6 months since I volunteered for the Games, 6 months since I last saw my family, and just less than 6 months since my baby was conceived. I am so happy to see everyone – Mom, Prim, Madge, even Gale. I wave out the window as we pull into the station and catch sight of my friends waving back. I smile more than I have in months and when I turn to face Cato, I see that he is smiling too. I love him so much and just before we get off, I reach up to kiss him. He bends down and whispers in my ear, "You are so beautiful when you're smiling. I am so glad you're happy again. Over these past few weeks, you have looked so sad and I promise I won't let that happen again. Ok?" I look up at him and nod. He is amazing.
My family like him. My friends… don't. We made our speech, talking for about an hour and then Haymitch let me go and see my family. I spotted Prim straight away – she was sitting on Gale's shoulders, waving frantically. As soon as I stepped off the stage, she was in my arms, crying. I was crying as well and Cato stood back to give me a private moment with my sister. "Hello, little duck. How you doing, sweetheart? Been taking care of Mom for me?" I said quietly. She nodded into my hair and whispered back, babbling, "I missed you so much. You did so well, in the Games, especially at making people like you. I can't believe you fell in love though. And you're getting married? And having a baby? I'm gonna be an aunt? Mom's gonna be a grandmomma. You have changed majorly. Oh my god, he's good-looking though, isn't he?" I laugh and put her down, beckoning to Cato. "Prim, baby, this is Cato. My fiancé, one true love and the father of my baby." He bends to her level and says, "Hey, Primrose. I'm Cato. I have a sister that's about your age; I think you'll really like her. I love your sister and if it's ok with you, I'm gonna marry her. Is it ok for me to marry her?" Prim nodded, overwhelmed by his charisma and he put on his signature smile as he whipped some candy to offer her. She looked confused and I watched as he explained what it was. She took some and smiled, clearly won over already. Prim led us over to Mom, chattering all the way about everything and everyone that had commented on my appearance in the Games. As soon as I saw my mother, I knew that Gale had done as I had asked. She looked healthier than I had ever seen her and she was beaming. We made our way over to her and Prim muttered, "She loves Cato. She thought that proposal was the most romantic thing ever. Also, she's happy that he helped you win, over his friend. That, to her, shows true love." I nodded, remembering the information and I fell into my mother's arms. Man, I missed her hugs. I was in her embrace for about 2 minutes before she finally released me and turned to Cato. She kissed his cheek and said, "Thank you. For bringing my baby girl back to me." He nodded and winked at her, replying, "Any time, ma'am." Mom blushed like a school girl and I knew she had fallen for his charm already, like I did all those months ago. She then turned back to me, grabbed my hand and promptly burst into tears. I gasped and looked at Prim, confused. She mouthed, 'Ring' and I understood. It was beautiful but to Mom, it was more the idea behind it. I was going to get married. There was gonna be a wedding – one which she could organise, with no expense spared because the Capitol would be funding it. I laughed and quietly explained to Cato, who roared with laughter before taking my mother's arm and letting Prim and I guide him back to our house.
By that evening, a lot of the district loved him; in fact, even Peeta's mom, who had come to beat him up, had forgiven him – he was so delightful. While he was indoors, entertaining my mother with stories of training in 2, I went outside for a breather. And there he was. Gale. He looked at me and smiled. As I was running towards him, into his clasp, I noticed how the smile didn't reach his eyes. I didn't address it right away, but as soon as he let me out of the bear hug, he started shouting. "What are you doing, Catnip? Falling in love with a Career? Yeah, right! You may have fooled the world but you certainly haven't fooled me!" I looked at him, shocked, and cried, "I do love him. How dare you, you arrogant… smug… GIT! What do you know of love anyway?" He stared at me, clearly speechless and he stuttered, "W-what... What d-do I know of l-l-love? For god's sake Katniss, I love you!" I was mortified. How could I not notice this? Maybe it's because… because when I left, I didn't know what love is. But I don't love Gale. Not that he cared. When I didn't reply, he forced himself upon me, shoving his tongue down my throat. I pushed him away and slapped him hard. He pushed me back but I lost my balance and fell back in the dirt. "CATO!" I screamed, only thinking about my baby but Gale bent down and covered my mouth, putting himself in an incriminating position. As Cato rushed outside, Mom called an ambulance which arrived quite quickly. Not before Cato could beat up Gale in the mud. He pounded him and only stopped when Madge arrived. I told Cato to stop and Madge promised she'd take care of Gale as I was rushed to hospital. All I remember about that fight was Cato screaming, "If she loses that baby, I will kill you," over and over again. What if I lose my baby? Would Cato hate me? What about Gale? Would I hate him? My best friend, apart from Cato, and Cinna and Haymitch? My District 12 best friend? And what was all that about with him and Madge? I wonder if there is something is going on between them… It sure would make things so much easier. Then we could all be happy. The doctor's finally arrived. Oh. Oh no. Oh Shit.
