Disclaimer: I don't own Hunger Games.

Warning: There will be smut. But you'll have to wait :)

Peeta stood in the midst of the heat, shocked by what just happened. Cato had just kissed him. He didn't know how to respond. A leather killer kissed him, and judging by the look on Cato's face, he didn't know how to react either. Then suddenly, anger filled his eyes.

"This never happened!" Cato yelled and shoved Peeta down. The brute stormed into the cavern breathing heavily, not willing to stop for anything.

"Wait Cato," Peeta clenched his leg and slowly crawled inside. "What-who-why-Why'd you kiss me?" Peeta asked. Again, Cato kept up his strong façade, staying silent throughout Peeta's question. "Cato, talk to me." Peeta tried. Silence. "Damn it Cato say something!" Peeta yelled stumbling to get on his feet.

"I told you it never happened." Cato stated. "So stop talking about it!" Even in the dark, Peeta could feel Cato's eyes stabbing into his skin. It was clear he didn't want to be around Peeta anymore, but where was Peeta supposed to go. He couldn't move very far with his leg, and he'd be pretty easy to chase after if a career found him. So the crippled boy decided to sit down and be quiet, very quiet. If Cato got angry enough, there's no telling what he would do to Peeta.

The rest of the day went by dragging on. Peeta was happy when it finally got dark. It meant he could sleep the rest of the night away and keep out of Cato's way.

Cato.

That was all that had been on Peeta's mind the whole day. After that kiss there were so many questions wrestling through Peeta's brain. The boy was confused. It might be love that had pulled Cato into the kiss. It might have been that Cato was feeling vulnerable, and it happened in the heat of the moment on accident. Or it could be that Cato hasn't had his manly "needs" fulfilled in a while. Back in District 2 he probably had girls fawning over him, willing to kiss his feet for anything.

Through all of this thinking Peeta had only wondered how Cato felt about it. It struck him, he hadn't even thought of if he had enjoyed it. That in itself was confusing. There were too many conflicting emotions. He liked the way it felt, enjoyed how Cato took over so effortlessly. On the other hand, he was unsure about Cato, whether he was really safe with him or not. On top of that, if they even did like each other, it's not like people would support it. Then blood rushed to his face, and his eyes widened.

What if they saw and aired the kiss? Peeta could be as good as dead already. God knows that no one's died for a while, and the crowd is probably getting hungry for some news. Clove and Thresh had just been knocked out at best, no cannons were sounded. Peeta shook his head, there were so many problems that had occurred today. The fight, the kiss, and now the districts could've seen it. Good luck getting sponsors Peeta, the boy thought to himself.

After some debating. Peeta decided to tackle this one problem at a time. First, the kiss. It started off as an inner battle, whether he could trust Cato or not, whether or not Cato had feelings for the boy, etc. Peeta decided to test the latter one. The question was, how to go about doing it. Peeta already seemed out could, and the cavern was already getting cold.

That was it. Peeta smiled.

"Cato," Peeta started off very shyly. "I'm re-really cold, a-and I'm tired too." Peeta looked up to Cato with puppy dog eyes.

"What do you want me to do about it?" Cato asked very aggressively.

"Wi-will you come lie down and wrap me in your arms?" Peeta asked, and then suddenly realized how ridiculous it sounded. "Just till I calm down and get to sleep." He added.

"No." Cato answered. "I have to watch out for more tributes." The brute turned around, facing the opening. His bright ice-blue eyes stared out in the distance, making sure he didn't miss anything.

"Please." Peeta begged.

"No!" Cato shot around. "Look, there's nothing between us!" Suddenly Peeta felt as cold as Cato's eyes looked. "Forget about the fucking ki-," Cato cut himself off, staring out into blank space. The bulk one shook his head and continued. "kiss. And by the way, I'm only protecting you because I like to hunt my targets when they're at their best, otherwise it's not the same. Enjoy the protection, because it won't last much longer. In the next few days, I'll set you out in the wilderness like a deer. Then guess what, It's hunting season, and I won't hesitate to gut you like a fish I just caught." Peeta gulped. Cato was certainly a killer, and not to be trusted. "Don't take it personal, it's just the rules of the game." Cato spat and walked back towards the cave's entrance. "Now leave me alone."

Peeta turned away, coming to a fast conclusion about the kiss. It meant nothing to Cato, he probably just got in the heat of the moment. Another conclusion was made in Peeta's head. Get out. Fast.

Peeta tossed and turned throughout the night, having nightmares about Cato chasing after him. How easily it would be for the career to snap his neck. No where was safe in the whole arena. No where.

Suddenly in the middle of the nightmare, Peeta felt safe... and comfortable... and warm? His eyes peered open very slightly, and the boy found his arm being covered in another, more muscular one. He felt protected, feeling Cato's chest meet his back, and the second Peeta saw a flash his golden hair, he could fal back asleep now. Happy. Maybe he did like Cato.

Sorry for the really long wait, I feel awful about it I promise. But please review anyway =)