Chapter 4: Transformations

"What did you do, Peeta?" Gale exclaimed.

I knew that he had plummeted over the edge, since Gale was never one for confrontations. I recalled one time when Gale had lost his mind at my house when word spread that Katniss had locked lips with another guy, named Chaff. He had come to me in order to process this newfound conflict, but never once did he blame Katniss. He never pointed the finger at someone, whether it was clear or not that they were responsible. Therefore, seeing him like this had taken me by surprise. I resisted the urge to ask him what business it was of his, but I was aware that he knew about my "after-school meeting" with Cato.

My voice faltered as I tried to calm him down, but Gale's stance was secured in front me. His body threatened to pin me into the wall, and he made no retreat as he shouted at me once again.

"Peeta! Are you crazy? You can't go on defacing property with that dumb brute! It was you, wasn't it? Gale exclaimed angrily. His expression didn't contain any more of the innocence that was usually evident in his eyes. Instead it penetrated into my own eyes with a raging fire that was steadily becoming more and more agitated the longer I tried to formulate a response.

"Yes," I confessed quickly, trying my best to shift my gaze elsewhere.

"Is that all you have to say for yourself?" Gale exclaimed, his face inches from my own. If it wasn't for his temper, I would have thought he was about to kiss me from how close he was, but I knew better. His tone enraged me, and before I could stop myself I was pushing him away from me.

"What do you want me to say, Gale? That I'm sorry? That I wished I hadn't met up with the others last night? That I made a mistake? Well, I'm not going to apologize to you, so why don't you back off," I shouted, before I had any time to hold back my sentiments. I was furious that Gale had the nerve to completely barricade me against a wall and shout at me as he did. So, with a final push, Gale was sent plummeting back to the ground, and I was on my feet down the hall. I could only hear Katniss' voice screaming at me once I reached the stairwell, as she hollered out questioningly what had happened between us. I knew in my heart that Gale wouldn't mention anything to her, and so I made my way to my locker and before long I stepped into English class with Mrs. Everdeen.

As I stepped through the door and began making my way to my seat, I made eye contact with Cato. I motioned for him to take Finnick's usual seat with a small flick of my wrist, to which I received a confused expression. He took a seat beside me anyway, as a multitude of students in the class peered behind their textbooks in our direction. It was unusual for Cato to sit beside anyone but Clove, so I imagined that they were taking notice as we speak.

"What's up, Mellark?" Cato asked. His tone of voice was both strong and curious, and tinged with a small bit of excitement that I could also see in his eyes. It was unusual seeing Cato like this, but I reasoned with myself that it was better to see him content than on the other side of his wrath.

"I just didn't want to deal with Finnick's overtly sexual acts today…" my voice trailed off as I watched a small grin take its place on the corners of Cato's mouth. His lips were moist and perfectly shaped, and I became focused on them as he watched me, surely taking notice of my distraction. I started to feel myself becoming more and more anxious as I watched him sweep his tongue along his upper lip. I gawked as he pulled his tongue back over his bottom lip and over his teeth, before pulling myself together again. "You don't mind, do you?" I asked simply.

I watched as he pulled himself forward to rest his elbows on the table, and he turned his head toward mine, as he now rested it against his fists. "Sure, it's not a problem. I just feel a little used," he said, before contorting his expression into a flirtatious pout. His eyes began to water and gleam like that of a small puppy, before his bottom lip protruded out from underneath to make a sad frown.

"I'd take you over Finnick any day," I said, before catching myself. "I mean…you seem like you're okay…not that I meant that I would prefer you in that sense…" but it was too late. He had already caught my statement, before I could babble on any longer. I felt as my cheeks began to blush, and I had to look away before things could get any worse.

What happened next completely took me off-guard. He had pulled himself up from leaning on the table, enough to place a single, warm hand on my shoulder. "I love sitting beside Clove and hearing her ramble on about her troubles for an hour and a half every day, don't get me wrong, but I kind of like the change of scenery. Besides," he began "it gives me a chance to talk to you alone about something," Cato confessed. I felt my palms beginning to sweat, and I could feel countless ripples making their way down my spine. Why does he make me so nervous? I thought.

"About what?" I asked, turning to meet his gorgeous blue eyes locked onto mine. They held a sense of mystery behind them. They were an abnormal shade of blue, which made me question the idea of contacts, but I couldn't see anything of the sort.

"It's about Mr. Beetee's mathematics class," he began. I could feel my shoulders relax as the conversation turned on a dime. I imagined the innumerable amount of questions that he could have asked, and was thankful that I did not have to answer them. "I was wondering if you had a study partner?" This once again took me off-guard, as I was prepared to face a question about my speech the other day. I like that he keeps me on my toes, I noted happily.

"Actually, I don't. I have to say, I never would have thought that the big brawn, Cato, would ever stoop down to needing a study partner," I replied jokingly. He could tell that I had meant it sarcastically, but defended himself nonetheless.

"I don't 'need' a study partner. It was just a thought, that's all," Cato said. I could actually see the small blush that was beginning to form on his cheeks, but he turned away eagerly at the sound of Mrs. Everdeen's voice.

"Attention class. Today I'd like you to consider the vandalism that was done to the school's property last night. With this in mind, I'd like you all to write a one-page entry about what it means to be a respectable student here at Panem High," she called out. I turned to see a small grin on Cato's face, and was stunned to see that he didn't feel guilty in the least. Maybe I'm just overanalyzing, I thought.

Cato had leaned in to begin writing his paper, and I was well aware that each scribble he jotted down was going to be a lie, in every sense of the word. I leaned down toward his side, my lips almost against his ear. I knew that he would be able to feel the warmth from my breath as I spoke three simple words: "I'd love to."

He turned to me in a quick flash as I pulled back to avoid any sense of space that the large brute might have. He gave me a quick wink, which I knew was nothing more than a friendly expression of his satisfaction. "I'll pick you up at 7," he said.

"I work at the bakery tonight for a couple hours after school, but seven works for me. Do you mind giving me your address?" I asked.

"I'll swing by and pick you up after practice," Cato confirmed.

"Okay, the bakery is right near—" I began, but Cato's voice interrupted me.

"I know where it is, baker boy. I won't be late. Have a coffee ready for me? I'm sure you can find out from Clove or one of the others what I take in it," Cato said. I knew that his friendly aura would only last for so long before the cold, arrogant Cato began to express himself again. I managed a small grin at the thought of how irresistible he looked while he bent down to write his entry. His spiked up blonde hair was unmoving as he rocked the pencil back and forth across his page, eager to complete the designated assignment.

I'd thought I'd better start on mine. I realized soon after beginning that I would be eliciting as many lies as Cato with this one, and chuckled to myself at the reversal of fortune. He was done soon after I began and I could swear that his eyes had never left my face since.

The remainder of class went by exceptionally quick, as Mrs. Everdeen decided to explore some Shakespearean tragedies for the rest of the class. I had not mistaken Cato's gleam, for every time that I would turn to cast a secretive glance in his direction, his eyes would systematically explore the entirety of the room. He had been watching me, and there was no mistaking that.

I hardly remembered psychology, for the simple reason that I had not bothered to attend this morning. I could only stand listening to the crazed babbling of hers for so long, before I would begin to lose my mind.

The bell sounded that signified the end of second period, and the beginning of lunch. I had been waiting for this all day, since I knew that Cato had something to tell all of us at the lunch table. I made my way as fast as I could into the cafeteria and to the back of the room, so as to avoid any potential run-ins with Katniss and Gale. I knew that I would face their endless questions in the next two periods, but I'd rather not begin early.

Gloss was the first to take a seat beside me with his sister, Cashmere. I could feel my jaw hanging wide-open as she continued to explain to Gloss the difference between some unknown types of cover-up. Next to join us was Glimmer, who shot me an enthusiastic smile. Cato was the last to join us, alongside Clove, and I felt my nerves return as he sat directly beside me. He had pizza for lunch today, which was lined with pepperoni and bacon strips. I looked amazing and smelt even better. But I continuously caught the sharp musky scent of his cologne infusing itself with the simmering pizza, which made my mouth water.

He placed his half-eaten pizza down onto his plate, and guzzled a large amount of water, before turning to me. "Peeta, I want to formally invite you to a party this weekend at my house. You've probably heard it from other students around school, because it's the biggest party of the season. Beverages are on the house and I've already contacted the catering service. All you have to bring is a nice pair of swimming trunks," Cato said, eyes twinkling. My excitement had grown to peak levels before he mentioned swimming trunks…which meant that there would be swimming…which meant that I would have to be shirtless. It came with the promise of a glimpse at what Cato has been hiding under his tight-fit shirt all this time, but it also meant that Peeta would be in an uncomfortable position.

"I guess I could stop by," I stuttered. It hardly seemed reassuring as the others all turned to stare at me. "I mean, I can't wait!" I corrected. This was going to be an awful idea, but I guess it couldn't hurt. It was time that I stopped holding back.

I received smiles from all of them. Cato turned back to his lunch as if nothing had fazed him. I'd hope that tonight I'd have more luck with him than I had this afternoon. Eventually, I'll find out what makes him tick, I mumbled to myself.

I spent the remainder of lunch basically in silence as the others joked around with one another. It was almost cynical how neither Cato nor the others made a passing glance toward the police who filed into the room to inspect the defaced walls of the cafeteria. I nervously fidgeted in place, before I received a reassuring smile from Cato as all my worries fluttered out of my system. Until the bell went off, that is.

I made my way slowly to art class. I managed to take my time at my locker and walk at a slower pace until I had to give in and stand up for myself.

Cinna gave me a small smile as I entered the classroom, before heading over to take my seat. I noticed that Katniss was already at the back of the room, anxiously grabbing both our artwork and our personal set of shading pencils. She walked back at an unusually fast pace, before crashing down into the seat beside me, her arms rising into the air.

"What happened today? One second you and Gale were behind me and the next he was on the floor and you were practically running down the hall?" Katniss exclaimed. Her face had contorted into curiosity and anger. I went to answer her question in the best way I knew how, but she was not finished just yet. "Also, I seen you at lunch with Cashmere and the others. Do you mind telling me about that too, while you're at it."

I breathed a sigh of exasperation, before managing to find my voice. "Where would you like me to begin, Katniss?" I said, averting my gaze.

"I think the beginning would be the best," she said sarcastically. I could swear she rolled her eyes as she said it, but I succeeded in calming myself prior to confessing.

"Clove invited me to the school after closing last night, and I went because she told me that Cato was going to be there. Gale knew beforehand, and he recommended that I stay away from them, which I knew you would do if I approached you with the same question. Unfortunately I went against my better judgment and when I arrived at the school, I soon realized that it wasn't a meeting with Cato that I was rushing into. Instead, I found myself with a can of spray paint and a guilty conscience," I started, as Katniss' eyes gawked at me with panic as she realized that I was involved in the vandalism this morning. "Gale approached me this morning about it, and needless to say it didn't go over well, Katniss. I know what I'm getting myself into. I can take care of myself, you know," I added. Katniss' head was held low in shame, but I was surprised when she looked up at me with a huge grin.

"You're stubborn, you know that right?" Katniss said, as she continued to smile at me. "I have to admit that I had a feeling you were involved. Nobody compares to you when it comes to detailing. It'd be hard to mistake," Katniss continued. Her expression turned from pleasure to worry in a matter of seconds as she warned me to be careful. "I don't want to see you get hurt, Peeta."

"Do you remember that time when your mom caught us on our way back from a hunting trip with your dad, when we were younger?" I asked, which clearly took Katniss by surprise. Her dad had passed a way some few years shortly after, and talking about him was always a sensitive subject.

"Yes, why?" Katniss responded.

"Do you remember how I completely made up a story about how you and I had just gone over to pick a few flowers from Primrose after school, and that's why we were late. The point is: I can handle myself, no matter the situation I find myself in. I promise that I won't do anything stupid anymore," I suggested. Katniss' smile revealed that she had forgiven me for my actions. All was well in the world until Cinna passed by.

"Nice artwork, Mr. Mellark" he whispered, while he motioned behind my chair. His tone was laid-back and otherwise harmless, and I peered behind to see a small grin protruding from his lips.

When I arrived in Mr. Beetee's math class, I could tell that things were not well between Gale and I. He would hardly pass a glance in my direction, unless it was filled with deep concern as I conversed with Cato. He could hardly stand my attraction to him, and I could care less what he had to say about it. Most of the class itself was repetitive, as we learned more about parabola's and line curves. I had not had time to do any reading last night since I arrived home really late. It didn't help that I wasn't paying attention either. Cato consistently commented on things regarding Glimmer's outrageous outfit this afternoon all the way to Mr. Beetee's receding hairline.

When the school day had ended with the sound of the bell ringing across the speakers, I watched as Cato stormed off without saying a word. He must be anxious for practice, I thought. I shrugged my shoulders and made my way to my locker. I made sure to take my math textbooks home with me, and stuffed them into my book bag alongside with my "Macbeth" reader. I had to sprint to catch Clove at her locker downstairs to ask what Cato took in his coffee. She gave me an awestruck look and a curious glance before she shook her head with a small grin. I worked my way to my car at a steady pace alongside Katniss and a very silent Gale. Nodding to them as we both made our way into our car, I waved them a small goodbye. I pushed the key into the ignition and turned it to hear the sound of gears grinding and the engine roaring to life. I placed the car into reverse before passing a glance over my shoulder and easing my foot onto the pedal. The remainder of the car ride home was spent listening to the "top 10 greatest singles of all time," and before long I made my way into the bakery parking lot.

I had a short shift tonight, since my father had made his way back into town and would be closing up for me. Most of the night was quiet. I managed to serve a couple customers and decorate a few cakes, before my dad smiled at me and waved his hand approvingly. I recall him saying, "Go on, and get out of here. I know you have a study date," to which I completely reddened. I had told him about Cato throughout the night, mentioning that he was blonde, tall, and blue-eyed. Before long my dad had put the pieces of the puzzle together, and gave me the Mellark-style grin and wink.

I heard the bell sound that meant a new customer had entered the bakery, but I was surprised to look up and find Cato standing before me. He was wearing a Panem High sweater rolled up to his elbows, and blue tapered jeans. My dad looked up from decorating the remainder of the cakes to catch a glimpse of the boy, before giving me a secretive thumbs-up.

"Dad, this is Cato. Cato this is my dad," I said nervously. Both Cato and my father gave each other a smile and a handshake, before Cato was back at my side.

"Introducing me to your father already, Mellark?" Cato said sarcastically. He gave me another wink, but this time it was more flirtatious than anything. Was he flirting or making a joke, I asked myself.

"Here's your coffee. One cream and two sugar, just how you like it," I said effortlessly. He managed a laugh before reaching over to take the cup. I felt as his fingers brushed against mine, and the hairs on the back of my neck rose. He tilted his head toward the door, before I nodded. When he opened the door in front of me and held it open as I made my way outside into the cool night, I could feel his eyes grazing into the back of my head. That's when I noticed his black convertible.

He drove fairly quickly as we made our way out-of-town toward the richer community. I stole a few glances in his direction as the wind plummeted his golden hair into his face. We made eye contact several times, but neither of us spoke. When we finally managed to make our way to his house, I was in awe. It must have been four times the size of mine, at least. It had spiraling columns, which led to a large set of doors. The house itself was a dark grey, and it contained two sets of garage doors, and a large parking space. I knew that Cato's eyes were watching me, as I managed to pull my book bag from the back seat and opened the door.

He smiled when I met his gaze, before he stepped up to the front door and opened it for me. "My room is upstairs, just passed the bathroom, to the right. Make yourself comfortable. I need to see my parents about something," Cato said aloud. He placed his sweater on a coat rack, alongside a white fur coat and a black pea coat. I nodded and watched as he made his way down the white hallway. His backside was truly enchanting, as I watched his thin t-shirt cling to his shoulder blades. His pants were also an enjoyable sight, not too tight but not overly flared either. Instead of prying any longer, I turned to face a spiraling staircase that led upstairs.

The house was as enormous inside as it looked from the exterior. There were several rooms, and I was surprised to see that a household maid was washing the floors on the other side of the room. I picked up my pace so that I could avoid any more sights that threatened to captivate me. Unfortunately when I made it to his room, I was equally as overwhelmed.

His room had wooden flooring that was largely covered by a dark blue carpet. He had a king-size bed that had a matching duvet, the same color as the carpet itself. He had several portraits of signed autographs from famous football stars, swimming legends, and Olympic gold-medalists. He had a crystal chandelier above his bed, which was utterly massive. It sparkled and tossed its light onto the drapes, which were navy and brown.

I walked slowly toward the bed, and pressed my fingers into the duvet to feel the warmth of the cotton. I was making my way over to the other side of the room, when Cato's voice startled me.

"I see you've had a chance to explore?" Cato inquired. I smiled at him nervously, before motioning for my book bag. "Let me grab my textbook too," he said. I could feel his nervousness as he darted to the other side of the room, and made note of how cute he was.

"I was thinking we could begin with the next section on transformations?" I suggested.

"Sure, whatever works for you," Cato said simply.

Cato gestured for me to join him on the bed, which both thrilled me and made me nauseated. It was difficult for me to look at him, let alone be alone in his room with him on his bed. We read the chapter in silence, and I could feel his steel blue eyes on me as I turned each page. It was hard to concentrate knowing that he was looking right at me, but I didn't want to get distracted.

"I don't understand this section," Cato pointed out. It was noticeable in his tone that he was either bluffing or trying to make conversation to ease the awkwardness.

"Here, let me explain," I said, as I made my way over to him. "It's pretty simple really. All you have to do is…" I began, reading out the instructions to him. His eyes never left mine, even when I motioned for the paper.

"Does that make more sense?" I asked, biting my bottom lip.

"I guess so. Do you mind if we take a break?" Cato asked, which didn't exactly surprise me. "Can I get you anything to drink? Sparkling water? A soda?" he added, gesturing to the fridge across the room. He had everything didn't he, I noted.

"Sparkling water sounds amazing," I replied. He made his way to the fridge and back again in a flash, even opening to cap for me. "Thank you," was all I could manage.

"Not a problem. I actually wanted to ask you something personal," Cato said faintly as I gulped. "Nothing like that," he added before he started to laugh. "The other night at the school, you came thinking that I had something to say to you, didn't you?"

"I mean, Clove said that you wanted to talk to me. But I had a good time nonetheless," I managed to say, half-convincingly.

"Yeah," Cato mumbled. "I just don't understand her sometimes. She comes up with these crazy ideas to test people," he added, shaking his head and chuckling.

"To test people?" I questioned him, unsure what he had meant by that.

"She thought that you were like all the others at the school, but she was wrong, I guess. She had to finally admit that you were different," Cato replied. I still didn't understand what he was mumbling on about.

"Well, I hope different isn't a bad thing?" I asked, biting my lip once again. I really need to stop doing that, I noted.

"Different is good. I like different," he replied earnestly. His comment brought a smile to my face, and I began to blush. "So tell me, your parents didn't have a problem with you staying the night then?" he asked quickly, turning his body over the bed to grab a fallen textbook.

"Excuse me?" I questioned. What is he talking about?

"Tonight. Your parents are cool with you sleeping over at my place? I already talked to my parents when we got here, and they said you could stay the night," he said, smiling back at me. My mind was racing as I tried to process what he was saying.

"I don't think they'd have a problem…" I trailed off, before he cut me off.

"Perfect! My bed is unbelievably comfortable. You'll love it. Don't worry, I don't hog the covers too much" he interjected.

I nearly blacked out.

Author's Note: Here's the next chapter! I hope I didn't make too many spelling mistakes since I tried to get this out to you guys as quick as I could. I hope you all enjoy! :)