Fight For Me
Chapter 4:
"Get up get up get up!" shouted Charlie shaking Dean awake. "Up! Come on!" Dean shoved her away with a groan and turned away from her. "Deeeaaaan! Get up!
Dean waved his hand around hoping to smack Charlie in the face. "What are you, five? Go away! I'm exhausted." Charlie giggled like a school girl.
"Yeah, because you were up late with Caaastieeel!" Charlie teased as she continued to try and get Dean out of bed. What she said worked, because Dean turned over and sat up.
"How do you know about that?" he asked in slight panic. If Charlie knew, who else knew? Were they being too loud? No, that's impossible. Everything is soundproof in the building. Did something come downstairs and see them and tell everyone? Did—
"I know because you just told me. Sucker!" Carlie laughed. Dean let out the breath he didn't know he was holding in a heavy sigh.
"Dammit, Charlie, don't scare me like that! I thought someone came downstairs or something!" Dean climbed out of bed and ran his fingers through his hair. It's okay…no one saw. He told himself. He and Castiel were safe.
"Ooo! What happened? Were you afraid you made too much noise?" asked Charlie with a wink. Dean rolled his eyes.
"We just talked. That's it. Nothing else happened. Now go get ready instead of bugging me," Dean proceeded to mumble in worry under his breath as he walked into the bathroom to brush his teeth. Would Charlie say something to Castiel? No. She wouldn't do that. She was a lot of things, but cruel wasn't one of them. Besides, in less than two weeks everyone would be in the arena, and then no one would be friendly anymore.
The day quickly came and went. During training, Dean and Charlie both mastered a few new skills. Dean endured a few glares from Lisa, and resisted inviting Castiel to sit with him and Charlie at lunch. He sat quietly at dinner with Haymitch, Effie, and Charlie. Haymitch continued to give advice to stay alive, but it went in one of Dean's ears and out the other. Dean felt the games getting closer. It had only been two days, but that meant he was two days closer to his imminent death. What Castiel said rang in his head. "I don't want to win these games…but I don't want to die…" The way Castiel had looked, so scared and vulnerable. Dean couldn't help but to wonder why Castiel had let himself be seen that way. If it had been for the cameras it would have made more sense, but there was no one there to see. Just me… Dean thought to himself.
"Hello? Earth to Dean," said Charlie lightly poking Dean with her fork. Haymitch asked you a question, moron." Charlie rolled her eyes.
Dean shook his head and closed his eyes, "What? Yeah," he looked at Haymitch, "sorry I was thinking. What's up?"
"Would you care to share your deep thoughts with the rest of the class?" asked Haymitch in a condescending tone. "Clearly it's so important you can't pay attention to my advice, which you threated me for. I sobered up to help you and now you're not listening."
"Look, I was just thinking about my brother, okay?" snapped Dean. "I didn't mean to zone out. I'm just worried about my family."
Haymitch leaned forward in his chair. "If you really care about your family, you'll stop day dreaming and listen to me. Now, I've gotten some good information on this year's Careers."
"Do tell!" said Charlie excitedly. "I hope it's on how we can murder that bitch, Lisa." Charlie ate a forkful of rice. "I mean, she's such a snob. And she's mean to Castiel. At least Adam and Jo are a team. Lisa's a dictator."
Haymitch laughed, "Well my information is actually about Castiel. Apparently his family is trying to make a tradition of sorts of winning the games. They've got him in an arranged marriage with a previous District 2 winner, Hannah, and everything else. He's going to be well rounded in combat. If given the opportunity. Take. Him. Out. He's going to be your most dangerous tribute."
"Damn," muttered Charlie. "I liked him. He was cool to talk to when the elevator got stuck."
"Don't let him fool you. His father before him used a similar technique to win his games. He was a kind, charming tribute during training and on TV. Then as soon as that horn sounded, he slit everyone's throats without hesitation."
Dean felt his heart racing. No. Castiel couldn't be putting on an act. Those tears couldn't have been fake. Could they be? Was Castiel playing him? Was he pretending to be kind just to make a fool of another tribute? So he'd having something to gloat over as he tortured Dean in the games? Question after question rang in Dean's mind. His palms started to sweat. "I'm not hungry." He got up and retreated to his room before anyone could notice his nerves.
"I wonder what's upsetting him…" said Effie with her hand on her heart.
"Who knows," said Charlie. I think I do… She thought. "Will you excuse me for the first a second?" she asked as she got up from her seat. She walked over to Dean's room and knocked on the door. "It's me. Can I come in?" The door stayed close and Dean remained silent. "Dean, come on. I know why you're upset. Can we just talk about this?" Still no response. "You know what? Fine! See if I care. While you're moping I'm going to work on my strategies. To survive!" Charlie stormed off past Effie and Haymitch to her room and let the sliding doors complete her dramatic exit.
Haymitch rolled his eyes. "I hate tribute drama."
"You know," said Effie. She took a sip of wine and then set down her glass. "If things go well, you might be able to use this to our advantage. Maybe," Effie gasped, "we could get sponsors by making the games more emotionally dramatic!" she squeaked.
Haymitch waved his hand. "Hold up. Are you suggesting that we have Charlie and Dean act like they like each other to make the games more appealing to the Capitol? You think that'll get us sponsors?"
"It got you sponsors, didn't it?" Effie winked.
"Yeah…" Haymitch trailed off remembering his days in the arena. "I guess it did."
It was 11:30 p.m. Dean stared at the controller in his hand. He had been playing with the controls in the room, trying to distract himself. He found one feature where he could change the view out his window virtually. He changed it to the view of a forest, then to the view of a beach. Eventually he changed it back to the natural view of the city. He glanced at the clock. 11:37 p.m. Should he go meet Castiel? Maybe he could figure out if it was an act. Or would he just get lost in those beautiful blue eyes again? He shook his head. There had to be something wrong with him. It was one thing to be gay, but to crush on a tribute that he might have to kill? Over and over he told himself he was digging himself in deeper and deeper into something that would only hurt him more, but when the clock turned to 11:50, he headed to the elevator.
The elevator opened silently and Dean stepped out into the main living room. He immediately saw Castiel. Castiel spotted Dean and a smiled splashed onto his face. He stood up and waved at Dean to make sure Dean saw him in the darkness. Dean smiled and walked over to Castiel. Part of him wanted to hug Castiel, but he resisted. To his surprise Castiel embraced him, and he happily returned the gesture.
Dean and Castiel sat together on the couch and talked for what seemed like hours. They told each other about how their districts compared, hobbies, and family. It turned out that Castiel had a brother too. He had two brothers; Michael, and Gabriel. Castiel chuckled. "Being the youngest, you tend to get babied. Michael always tended to talk down to me."
"I'm guessing it's the older brother complex," said Dean. Castiel shrugged. "How come your brothers didn't volunteer for the games when they were 18?"
"My brothers are strong men, but they didn't want to be fighters. My dad tried to send them to training, but they refused. I was the one that was too scared of my father to fight against his wishes. I was the small one. Both Michael and Gabriel were very rebellious sons. I was the one that listened. I guess you could say I since I was a pushover I'm forced to redeem myself by becoming a warrior."
"Damn… I guess we've both had it pretty rough. At the reaping, that was the first time I disobeyed my father. He reached out his hand and tried to stop me from volunteering for Sammy, but in that moment I didn't give a shit what he thought. All I cared about was Sammy."
"You were brave in so many ways Dean," said Castiel shifting his position on the couch. Now the moonlight was hitting his eyes just right. Dean smiled. There was something about being able to talk to someone for the first time.
Dean stared at Castiel intensely. Haymitch's warning ringed in his mind, but as he looked into Castiel's bright blue irises, he couldn't believe a word of it. There was no way Castiel was lying. No one could be so genuine and be pretending. Dean felt himself being drawn to Castiel physically and emotionally. He scooted closer to Castiel until they were sitting right next to each other. "I'd like to believe it was brave."
Castiel gingerly placed his hand on Dean's forearm. He looked into Dean's perfect emerald eyes. As emerald met sapphire, a fire inside was started. Both men couldn't help but to feel something bigger than themselves forming inside their hearts. But how could they? They might have to kill each other. Castiel began to withdraw his arm, but Dean reached up and stopped him by pressing his palm firmly on Castiel's shoulder. They were so close to each other. Dean realized they were only about six inches apart. Next thing he knew, Castiel had leaned forward and pressed their lips together. Dean closed his eyes and leaned into the kiss. Both men untangled their arms and found each other's bodies.
Dean slipped his hands underneath Castiel's shirt, feeling his hard muscles. Castiel squeezed Dean's heavily muscled biceps, which were strong from hunting. He ran his tongue over Dean's, tasting him. Dean quietly moaned and grabbed at Castiel's back, pulling him closer. Both Castiel and Dean continued to kiss and touch each other hungrily, blissfully unaware of Haymitch standing in the hallway, trying with all his might not to burst out laughing.
Dean awoke the next morning with a smile on his face. It was going to be so hard not to act differently, but he and Castiel agreed to keep what they had a secret. Every day Dean and Charlie trained, and Dean would meet with Castiel in the middle of the night. Dean and Castiel mixed up talking and kissing, but it was mostly kissing. Dean couldn't take his hands off of Castiel. Castiel's body fit perfect against his own, and he couldn't stop holding him closely.
After a while, both Castiel and Dean tired out and went back to talking. "So, are you nervous for tomorrow?" asked Castiel.
"Am I nervous to try and impress the game makers? Yes, yes I am. I won't deny that. I don't have any skills that will get me a decent score. I'll probably end up with a 5," replied Dean. He shrugged and sighed.
"Hey, don't worry. Throw spears, set fires, you'll score just fine." Castiel smiled softly.
"Thanks, Cas."
Dean's leg shook nervously. One by one, tributes were disappearing into the training room to show their skills to the game makers. Dean had seen Castiel walk in but he never came back. None of the tributes came back. Eventually the time came and he was left in the waiting room with Charlie. He was next.
"Ready for this?" asked Charlie seeming calm and collected. Dean lightly shook his head. Charlie placed her hand on Dean's shoulder. "Hey. Don't sweat it. It'll be fine."
"Dean Winchester," said a monotone, animatronic voice through the speakers. Dean's head shot up. He was barely able to command his legs to allow him to stand, and walking into the room was a whole new challenge on its own.
Dean walked shakily into the training room and stood before the game makers. They were all men in obnoxious purple robes. They were eating and drinking and barely acknowledged Dean's existence. Dean cursed under his breath. The game makers were too drunk and bored from seeing other tributes to even give him a chance. He took a deep breath and made his way over to the spears. Picking up a spear he took his proper stance and threw the weapon. The sharp end pierced the heart of the target. Dean looked up to see that almost none of the game makers noticed anything.
Picking up a bow, Dean took a deep breath. It had been too long since he held the familiar weapon in his hands. He strung an arrow and fired at the dummy in front of him. The arrow sank through the heart and came out the other side. Dean smiled at his success. Looking up once again, he saw no one had noticed. Finally, his anger got the best of him. "Hey!"
The game makers all turned their attention to Dean, most of them looking shocked and offended. Dean glared at all of them. How dare they be so ignorant and care so little. "You're supposed to evaluate my skills! I don't know about you, but I have people I care about! And I want to return to my family! So put down your wine glasses. And I don't know, PAY ATTENTION YOU DICKS!" Dean screamed at the game makers and fired another arrow through the dummy's head. He fired at another dummy, hitting it in the heart again. Picking up a spear, he threw it so hard that it collided with a dummy's neck and tore the head right off.
Dean turned to face the game makers. He bowed and walked out without being excused. He didn't care anymore. His chances of getting a good score were over. His chances of returning home were going down each day.
Later that night, Dean, Charlie, Effie and Haymitch were gathered around the TV. Caesar was about to announce the scores from the game maker's evaluation. Charlie turned to Dean, "How do you think you did?" Dean simply shrugged. "I think I got at least a 6… Who am I kidding I have no talent."
Dean smiled softly, "I'm sure you did fine."
"Shush! It's starting!" said Effie nearly bouncing in her seat.
"Ladies and gentlemen, in my hand I hold the scores of the tributes," said Caesar. "Now this is very important. The scoring is on a 1-12 scale, and each score was assigned by the game makers after careful evaluation of the tribute's skill. Let us begin. From District 1, Jo has a score of 9."
Dean and Charlie exchanged nervous glances.
"From District 1, Adam received a score of 10," said Caesar. "No surprise there. From District 2, Lisa has a score of 9." Dean's heart picked up the pace. What was Castiel's score? "From District 2, Castiel has a score of…oh. That's impressive." Caesar chuckled. "Castiel scored an 11."
Everyone in the room quietly gasped. Careers scores usually ranged from 8-10. Rarely did anyone score above a 10. Dean felt proud of Castiel, but he also became nervous. This made Castiel a target. The Careers always worked together, but once the numbers dropped, they would start to turn on each other. Castiel had made himself a beacon of danger.
The scores continued to be read off, but Dean hardly paid attention. Caesar spoke up, "And last, but not least, the District 12 tributes. Charlie has been given a score of 7."
"Whoo!" shouted Charlie. "I got a seeeveeen!" Charlie got up onto her feet and did a small victory dance, earning a laugh from Dean and Haymitch, and a head shake from Effie.
"Sit down!" hissed Effie. Charlie sat back on the couch but continued to dance in her seat. Dean smiled at her, she had earned that score.
"Finally, Dean has earned a score of 9," said Caesar.
Effie, Haymitch, and Charlie all whooped and congratulated Dean. Dean blushed and thanked them for their support. He couldn't believe it. He scored as well as the Careers. His smile faded when he realized he was now a target. He didn't want to put Charlie in danger. What could he do?
The next day was full of intense preparation with the stylists. Dean had gotten a little more used to being scrubbed and plucked at, but it was still a big irritation. Flavius and Octavia chatted excitedly about the upcoming show. That night, all the tributes would speak with Caesar on live TV to try to get sponsors.
Cinna came in to Dean's room. He held up a suit with flame accents on the bottom of the pants and on the sleeves. "Don't question it. Now, a heads up, all the costumes are very elaborate this year."
"If they're elaborate then why do I have a gay flaming suit?" asked Dean in a snarky tone. He smirked.
Cinna raised an eyebrow and returned Dean's smirk. "A gay suit for a gay man." Dean's smirk instantly vanished. He opened his mouth to the protest but Cinna raised his hand. "Relax. I have a sense for these things, especially because I'm constantly shooing gay men away. I may be very flamboyant, but there's nothing like a female figure."
"Subject change?"
"Get dressed," said Cinna with a small laugh. Dean smiled a little and went into the other room to change.
Dean walked alongside Cinna and Charlie to the stadium where the interviews were going to be held. Cinna escorted Dean and Charlie backstage. "Now, I'm going to be sitting in the front with the other stylists. Like I said, everyone has elaborate costumes. When I give the signal, stand in the center of the stage and I will activate your costumes.
"What's going to happen?" asked Charlie pulling at her dress. She was in a red dress that glittered and shined beautifully. Dean had to admit, she was stunning like that.
"Just relax," assured Cinna. "Wait for my signal." And with that he was gone.
"We're going to die," said Charlie flatly.
Dean nodded his head. "Yup."
The lights faded and all the tributes took that as their cue to get in line. Dean caught a glimpse of Castiel as the tributes took their places. Castiel was wearing a black tuxedo with a bright blue tie and white accents. His hair was gelled much like Dean's. Dean's breath caught and he had to shake his head to clear his mind. Jo stepped onto stage for her interview and it began. Dean's heart raced. Why were the female tributes going first? They never went first! Dean was going to be last. He felt sick. In no time flat it would be his turn, and he would be the last interview of the night.
In a matter of minutes Lisa was finishing up her interview. Castiel looked back and made eye contact with Dean. He looked nervous. Dean smiled and him and gave him a head nod of encouragement. Castiel nodded back.
"And next up, is our District 2 tribute. He's quite a hunk, and is sure to give us quite a show. Put your hands together, for Castiel Novak!" Caesar's voice summoned Castiel. Castiel took a deep breath and stepped out onto the stage. He shook Caesar's hand and sat in the chair across from him.
Dean was paying attention to the interviews for the first time. He couldn't help but laugh at Caesar's golden hair, eyebrows, lips, and suit. The strange guy did a different color every year.
"So, Castiel, how are you liking the Capitol thus far?" asked Caesar.
Castiel leaned back in his chair casually and rested his left ankle on his right knee. "Well, it's different than District 2. I mean being the guy I am I never expected to have my nails done." The audience laughed along with Caesar. Dean couldn't help but to smile.
"Ah, yes! Our stylists cover all preparations before you make yourself known to the public. So tell me, Castiel, what do you think of the other tributes?"
"Everyone proved themselves worthy adversaries in training. Some more than others."
"Now it's tradition in your family to volunteer for the games, is that correct?" Caesar pushed on to the more juicy information.
Castiel nodded. "Yes, sir. My father won the games before me. I'm supposed to win, and go home to my fiancé."
"Ooo!" Caesar giggled. The audience went "Ooo" and "ahh". "A fiancé. That's exciting."
"Quite so," said Castiel flashing a smile at the audience. "Sorry, ladies." All the women in the crowd made an "aww…" sound.
Caesar laughed. "Well, you may be off the market, but you still have to win these games. Any strategies you can share?"
Castiel smirked, "I find that certain personas are useful, which is actually part of my show tonight."
"Whoa! Let's see it!" encouraged Caesar.
Dean's smile faded. Persona? No. Castiel wasn't…he wasn't…faking. Was he? The whole time? He couldn't have. This was the persona. This was the show. What he and Castiel had was real. Castiel wasn't lying. He couldn't be.
Castiel stood in the center of the stage and allowed the stage lights to bring out his eyes. His blue orbs practically glowed. Suddenly, it wasn't just his eyes that were glowing. His tuxedo was glowing as well in the back. Out of nowhere, giant wings sprung forth from the fabric. Castiel wasn't just a tribute from District 2 anymore, he was angel in disguise. The audience erupted with applause. Castiel's entire being shined like a star. His wings were solid black, but they somehow gleamed.
"Amazing!" shouted Caesar. He stood to his feet. Castiel's wings folded in as he turned to face Caesar. "Castiel it was wonderful having you here tonight."
"Thank you, Caesar," said Castiel shaking Caesar's hand.
Caesar raised Castiel's arm to the sky. "Let's hear it one more time for Castiel!" The audience stood to their feet and screamed and shouted. Castiel returned backstage and walked past the remaining tributes. He gently and quickly gave Dean's hand a squeeze before disappearing around the corner. Dean could feel himself smiling again. He had nothing to worry about.
The interviews went on and on. Dean tapped his foot nervously as his time grew closer. He also couldn't help but to take note on the fact that all the tributes costumes weren't as elaborate as Castiel's. The costumes only did something interesting or sparkled after certain lighting. District 4's costumes had a lot to do with the ocean. Castiel was the only one with something extravagant. Even Charlie's costume was fairly simple. She caught on fire and seemed to resemble a queen. Charlie walked backstage and gave a thumbs up to Dean. Dean's heart raced. It was his turn.
"Now, our final tribute of the night. He scored a 9 from the game makers despite coming from District 12! Let's have a big round of applause, for Dean Winchester!" shouted Caesar. The audience cheered and Dean took that as his cue to walk onto the stage. He looked at the audience horrified. He had never seen so many people. What was he going to do? How should he act? He shook Caesar's hand and sat down shakily in the chair. "So, Dean, you scored a 9 on your evaluation! How did you do it?"
Dean froze. What should he say? "I, uh, threw spears." The audience laughed and Dean blushed. He cursed himself. Stupid!
"You threw spears?" asked Caesar with a laugh. "You must have had good aim." Sensing Dean's nervousness, Caesar decided to help him out. "Well, let's move on from your score. Now you volunteered to come here, is that correct."
"Yes."
"Why was that?"
The crowd grew quiet.
"I did it to save my little brother. He's always meant the world to me. His name is Sam," said Dean just loud enough to be heard. "That's why I want to win these games. I want to go home to my little brother."
The crowd gave a quiet "aww…" Dean didn't know what else to say. He felt heartbroken thinking he might not return home to Sam.
"Well you're doing a wonderful job of making yourself known to the sponsors! You and Charlie made an amazing impact at the opening ceremony! Those flames, were they real?" asked Caesar.
"Yes, they were," replied Dean with a small smile. He looked and caught Cinna giving him a signal. "And flames are part of my show tonight."
"Well then show us!" encouraged Caesar. The crowd cheered as Dean got to his feet. Dean walked to the center of the stage. He closed his eyes and waited. Suddenly he was engulfed in flames. But the flames seemed to take a shape. He looked at his image on the screen that was being broadcasted on television. He wore a flaming crown and his eyes appeared to be black. He remembered Charlie's eyes seemed black too. Everything clicked into place in Dean's mind. He had overheard Haymitch and Effie talking about playing a star crossed lover's story with himself and Charlie, but they never said anything. They didn't have to. Dean and Charlie weren't just a king and queen. They were the king and queen of hell. And they were going to kill everyone.
The costume's effect ended and the audience stood to their feet screaming. Caesar shook Dean's hand, "Thank you, Dean! That was amazing! Give him a hand!" Dean held up his arm with Caesar nervously as he once again saw himself on the screen.
Dean and Charlie received praise from Effie, Haymitch, and Cinna at dinner. They were both happy that they did well. Haymitch gave them both some last minute advice for the games. Dean felt himself tense up. He was so nervous from the interview that he almost forgot he'd be fighting for his life in the morning.
Night fell and Dean went into the main living area to meet Castiel just like all the nights before. Castiel greeted him with a kiss and the two of them lay down on the couch together. Kissing, caressing, neither of them wanting to face the harsh truth that was about to become reality.
Eventually Castiel and Dean pulled apart and both knew that their time was up. Castiel took Dean's hand, "Dean…maybe we can-"
"No," said Dean, already knowing what Castiel was going to suggest. "We can't work together right away. You have to work with Lisa and I have to work with Charlie. The Careers will turn on you in an instant if you try to work with me."
"I'll never work with them. I'll run. I'll run and I'll find you and we can survive together."
"And what happens when the numbers start dropping, Cas?" asked Dean harshly. He could feel tears forming in his eyes. "I don't want it to come down to the two of us. Because the Capitol will find a way to make us hurt each other or they'll pick one of us at random to murder. I won't watch you die with my own two eyes! I won't!" A single tear slid down Dean's cheek. "I'm already close to losing my brother, I won't lose you too!"
Castiel's own tears rolled down his face. "I don't want to lose you. I can't protect you if I'm not with you."
"Look…if…if we find each other and it's just us, and maybe Charlie if she's still with me, we'll work together. But you have a better chance of survival with your Career buddies.
"They're not my friends. The only person here I give a damn about is you."
Dean leaned forward and pressed his lips to Castiel's. He wanted to remember what Castiel tasted like, how soft his skin was, what he smelled like. "I…" he paused, "I'll see you tomorrow."
Castiel smiled softly. "I'll see you tomorrow…"
Hey guys! Thanks so much for reading! I hope you enjoyed! Please review! Bye bye~