Wild Heart
A/N: This chapter is a bit steamier than the others. We will see the confrontation between Cinna and Katniss. Also, Finnick has an unfortunate sexual encounter, as well as a daydream that hints at something important in the near future. There is also something special at the end of the chapter for my wonderful beta, nimthriel
Setting: This one takes place two hours after the last in the Prep Team living quarters. We will then shift to Finnick's chambers before moving to the Dining Hall, where the chapter ends.
Disclaimer: I own nothing.
∞K&F∞
Chapter 09
And they called you devil's daughter…
(Cinna's POV)
The entire room is silent, no one daring to move or speak. For the very first time in my life, I am scared absolutely shitless. Her face is devoid of any emotion, her eyes frighteningly unreadable. She leans casually against one of Portia's lounge chairs, toying with the ends of her golden leather top. Her leather legging-clad legs are strapped with a series of weapons, all glistening dangerously in the light. Even the heels of her pumps have a sinister look about them. There are about twenty artists in the room, but none are brave enough to engage her should things turn violent.
Hell, I am not brave enough to engage her should things turn violent!
"You are unnaturally attuned to this place, it seems," I mutter distantly. She quirks an eyebrow, shrugging noncommittally.
"It is what it is, I guess," she states uninterestedly. I glance over towards Portia, motioning for her to clear the room. A little too quickly, artists depart to places unknown, leaving me alone with the raven-haired huntress.
"I take it you are here seeking retribution?" She surprises me by laughing uproariously.
"Oh Cinna, that would not satisfy me in the least. No. Even though I want nothing more than to tear you limb from fucking limb right about now, that is not what I desire. I need answers, and only you alive can produce them." I watch as she moves from her relaxed stance to make her way towards me. I do not say anything, remaining still as she comes to a stop directly in front of me.
"What did he tell you?" I ask slowly. Her face is still blank, but her eyes are walls of steel.
"Nothing that I could not figure out on my own," she mutters quietly. She stares at me intensely for a moment, unnerving me deeply. I go to say something, but she grabs me by the arm and slings me onto the nearest couch.
"What the…" I gasp out, but she slams her hand over my mouth, glaring at me threateningly. When she realizes that I am not going to speak, she removes it before settling down on the ottoman in front of me.
"I am going to talk, and you are going to listen. You will also answer any and every fucking question that I ask you." I nod numbly, earning a small smile.
"I cannot believe that you are not reacting angrily right now," I state bluntly. She just rolls her eyes.
"While I am downright murderous in my rage at the moment, I am far more hurt than anything. The thing that keeps bothering me is the fact that you have sat right here and lied to my face. I can usually sense deception, but I have come to realize a very uncomfortable truth about you. Your lies are your truth. Every word that left your mouth was purely honest in nature, but false in presence. You could not tell me anything, and you have truly been on my side. But it is not for my own good. No. You and this sick, twisted idea of a rebellion are not meant to make anything right for me in the slightest bit."
I look away, knowing that deep down, she is telling the absolute truth. I do care for her, have from the moment that I first saw her all of those years ago. While Alma saw her as a chance to rid herself of Snow and his little lover, I saw her as the figurehead of our freedom. Sadly, I never have cared about her. She is the only means to a happy end, nothing more. In a perfect world, she and I would be very good friends. As much as I would love to share that friendly connection with her, I cannot afford to waste time with any trivialities…
"It will happen, Katniss; that much I am certain of." She smirks at me.
"Over my dead body. I told your deceased compatriot that I am willing to die to stop it, and I mean that with every fiber of my being. He was too far gone to care, though. Why him, Cinna? Hell, you could have gotten Thread to be your little pawn, and he would have happily given it more than enough effort." I look deep into her eyes, knowing that I am about to hurt her even more…
"Because he loved you. I knew that he was going to end up dead, which did not bother me in the least. I also knew, though, that he would affect you the most. You may not ever say it, but you always had a special place in your heart for Gale. You loved him, but you just could not admit it. He was not supposed to attack you quite so violently back in Twelve, but it led to the preferred outcome regardless. It got you here, and it got you angry." I watch for any reaction, but she maintains her cool. I am starting to become a little worried…
"Just like Snow, you truly know nothing about me. Gale was dear to my heart, but not as much as another. You missed the mark on that one. I guess you thought that you would hurt me with that, huh. Madness. I can only guess that Madge was to serve the same purpose, hm? You brought her here to shake things up? Make me doubt everything and everyone?" His eyes widen.
"You truly are perceptive. I guess you already know that she is no longer here, then." She snorts derisively.
"You say it as if she is not dead, as if she was not flung in front of the train." I am rendered speechless for a bit, scared to ask how she figured it out.
"You have to understand that there are a lot of people involved in this, an entire district involved in this." She just shakes her head.
"That is of little concern to me. What you do not seem to understand is that for all of the people you claim are involved, there are hundreds of thousands more that will be adversely affected by this. And yes, I figured out how you killed my other childhood friend. She was arranged to leave, but I figured she contacted you before departing to voice her opinions. We both know how that ended. The one thing that truly gave it away was the little handbag that I made her in grade school hanging off of the edge of the platform. There was blood on the bottom of it."
We simply stare at one another for several minutes, silently turning over our thoughts. I never thought that she would ever figure this much out, if I am honest. I have always made sure to tie up all of my loose ends, keeping my personal operation hidden away from all but the few necessary. I am stunned, but I am not deterred in the least bit. There are still things that she does not know about, which I now know that I have to push further into the shadows. It will all come to fruition, and she will be the Mockingjay.
"You seem to have it all figured out, huh," I remark offhandedly as I move to stand. Unfortunately, she is not done with me yet. Lightning quick, I find myself pinned to the couch, her heel in my chest. She smiles at me darkly.
"Do not mock me, Cinna. I am going to leave you, but there is one little bit of information that I think you ought to consider. You see, Gale was not alone. Nope! He had a little friend with him, one that I know for damn sure did not come from you, nor any of the idiots in your circle. By the way, I will dress myself from this point on, so if I catch any of your cronies near my sister, I will have this entire place running red with blood. Anywho, just be aware that you were not the only one speaking with little old Hawthorne, nor are you the only one planning a coup. I would watch my back if I were you…" With that, she hops up cheerily and walks off. Before leaving, she looks over her shoulder, a look of pure mischief on her beautiful face…
"What?" I ask simply, albeit bitterly. She turns to fully face me, leaning casually against the doorway.
"You know, I always wondered why District Thirteen was never really heard from again after the bombing. I have it all figured out now. I find it ironic that you all hate the Capitol, but have spent years slaving for it. You want to wage war, but you are starting from the losing position already. I really did love you, Cinna, but this is it. I know the rebellion does not end with you, but I can at least say that I 'shook things up a bit'. Have fun!" I say nothing as she leaves the room. As soon as the door shuts behind her, though, my breath catches in my throat…
"Shit…"
∞K&F∞
(Finnick's POV)
I sigh as I press downwards, holding her beautiful head beneath the surface. She does not struggle for long, being such a slight young girl. Ever since meeting Katniss, this life has truly become rotten to me. I have never actually found any joy from seducing and killing these people, but I had never questioned it until Katniss came along. She forced me to grow a conscious, to really and truly consider what I have been doing all of these years. In a sense, I can understand Gale's disgust towards me, his filth comment holding some truth. However, I have come to realize that I am more than my 'profession'.
"You are finally dead. Peachy, just peachy…"
Pitching her lifeless body into the nearest corner, I step out of the pool and into the open air of my corridor. The cool breeze flowing in from the outdoors chills my bare skin, creating goosebumps where it caresses my flesh. I go and take a seat upon one of the benches suspended from the wall, staring blankly into the distance. The day has been rather long, filled to the brim with appointment after appointment. I have racked up quite the body count in the last twelve hours, having claimed the lives of six women and four men. Ten deaths in that short span of time is pretty damn impressive, considering that I have sex with them up to their demise.
"Hey!" I look up into the bitter blue eyes of Cato.
"Come to be yet another victim finally?" I ask nonchalantly. He glowers at me darkly.
"Coriolanus wants us in his bedroom, now!" he barks before storming out. I sigh as I stand to follow him.
The walk is relatively short, just as it always is unfortunately. I smile softly as I imagine Katniss' reaction if she were to see me walking naked through the halls like this. She has been adamant about keeping me properly clothed, which amuses me to no end. I have come to realize that male nudity bothers her, but then again, males bother her in general. Katniss is a strong woman with no equal, so it is only natural that she not be too fond of male interference. Having realized my desire for her, I can only imagine the trials I will have to endure to finally get intimate with her.
Fun times…
I do not knock, strolling in casually due to him already awaiting my arrival. Stepping into the bedroom, I sigh at the sight in front of me. Snow is seated in his favorite lounge chair at the edge of the bed, idly reading a magazine and stroking himself. Cato is stretched out upon the plush mattress, irritably toying with the straps of his jock. I stride over to Coriolanus, leaning down to lightly peck his lips. He practically beams into the connection, something that strikes a dark chord deep within my soul. As I go to lean back, his hand moves the lock tightly around my neck…
"I remember now, my beautiful lover, I finally remember…" he whispers against my lips so that only I can hear. My heart stops beating within my chest, my body growing cold…
"The wall crashed down around you," I mumble distantly. He smiles brilliantly before kissing me soundly.
"Right into the sea, my love, right into the sea." I smile back beautifully, even though I want nothing more than to curse rather loudly right about now.
Before the incident with the nightlock, Snow was completely and madly in love with me. He made no bones about sharing his affections openly, daring anyone to say anything to him about it. Of course, no one was stupid enough to make that mistake. For my part, I accepted my fate wholeheartedly, knowing that there would be no escaping him outside of death, and I was not about to take the coward's way out. If there is one thing that the people of District Four take pride in, it is our sense of honor. We face life head on with no regrets, taking whatever is thrown at us and handling it accordingly. We do not believe in flight, biding our time until the moment arrives that we can successfully fight our way out.
Whenever I was not dealing with an appointment, I was by his side…in his bed. To the outside world, he seems as if a small, simple old man who commands way too much power. That is the reason why those that attempt to challenge him do so. I know the truth, though, as does Katniss. Whenever we were alone, I got to see the true Coriolanus Snow. In his youth, he was quite the warrior, built strong and sturdy as only young men in that era were. His body has not lost that strength at all, but he learned early on how to make himself appear much smaller…
To welcome the beast is the best way to tame it.
I can say one thing about Snow, though, and that is that he never once harmed me in any way. Hell, he would kill anyone who even threatened to do so, hence his issues with his wife. After his stroke, he mellowed out a lot, becoming unusually cautious and complacent around me. I was quite relieved, if I am honest. I could finally enjoy a small bit of freedom, his formerly aggressive nature reduced to one of intense caring. He would visit every day, but he was not as adamant about me being by his side and in his bed. I have only had sex with him a handful of times since, although I have had to witness him masturbate far too many times…
"So, can we get things started already?" the young blonde gripes irritably. I just roll my eyes as Coriolanus chuckles…
"Put on a show for me, love," he chuckles before lightly shoving me towards the bed. I grind my teeth together as he gropes my ass.
Walking over to the bed, I stare down uninterestedly at the blue-eyed youth stretched out before me. Steeling my resolve, I lean down and capture his lips, kissing him rather passionately. I surprise him, his body still under mine as I cover him completely. Soon, however, he finds his confidence and returns the kiss with much more gusto, tugging my hips down to meet his as he grinds rather aggressively. I smirk into our kiss, realizing his intent to dominate. I have been at this far longer than he has, and I plan on putting the little bastard in his place.
Pulling away, I grab onto one of both his legs and his arms, flipping him onto his stomach and pulling him onto his knees. He gasps as I press myself against his back, biting and nipping my way along his neck and spine. He bites his bottom lip hard enough to draw blood, trying desperately to suppress the groan of pleasured submission threatening to escape. I press harder against his firm ass, kneading his firm globes as I place open-mouthed kisses upon his lower back. By the time I finally press my face between his cheeks, he is pushing his ass back in need.
"Good boy," I whisper before dipping my tongue into his quivering hole.
"Fuck…fuck you, Odair!" he barely manages as I play with his entrance. His delicious little gasps draw light laughter from within my chest.
Shaking my head lightly, I continue my ministrations. He draws in a sharp breath as my left hand wraps tightly around his cock, pushing his jock to the side as I begin long, languid strokes. His balls are drawn tight from the cock ring encircling them, keeping him firm and taut for me. His entire body trembles from the pleasure coursing through his veins, although I can feel the slight disdain bubbling underneath. He is usually the dominant one in any coupling, I can tell, but I am the top dog here. I have only submitted once, and that was for penance.
Deciding that it is high-time that I stop torturing him, I release him before positioning myself at his entrance. Without any warning, I slide into his firmly-sculpted ass. His heat is utterly amazing, but I can still feel the clandestine hatred for my very existence in the subtle tension of his body. I lean forward, pressing my chest against his back, making him feel and accept my presence bearing down upon him. He growls deep within his chest, fighting with everything in him to suppress the moans of pleasure threatening to escape his lips. I whip my head to the right as I hear the pleasured grunt of Snow as he takes in the sight before him.
"Your beauty is beyond compare, my beautiful Finnick," Snow purrs softly as he leans forward, stroking my back lovingly. He is openly stroking himself, his paper long abandoned.
"Am I beautiful?" comes the soft mumble from beneath me. Coriolanus releases a dark chuckle.
"Is that what you want?" he asks slowly. I cease all movement immediately, recognizing that tone all-too well…
My eyes follow the white-haired leader as he stands slowly, dramatically. He takes his time as he removes his clothes, the fine materials flashing dangerously under the dim lighting. I am not surprised by the gasp that Cato releases once our voyeur is completely nude. Although he has only bottomed for me, I could never deny that he is heftily endowed, his cock a thing of beauty as well as a cause for fear. Just like everything else about this man, it is meant to inflict pain, and lots of it. His muscles ripple fluidly as he slides upon the bed beside us, his normally unseen build flexing delightfully with unrestrained freedom.
He first leans in to capture my lips, dragging his thick tongue over them slowly before delving within with abandon. I groan into the kiss as I feel the deep yearning that he has had pent up within for years. Things are definitely going to be even more complicated between Everdeen and me, and not in a good way. I return to the present when I feel his palm resting again my lower stomach. Without a single word, I remove myself from Cato, clearing the path for the mighty President to take my place. I quickly move to kneel before the young blonde…
"Cato, look at me," I whisper harshly. His clear blue eyes are swirling with fear, but he keeps his features schooled in an expression of utter calm.
"He is…" he starts, but I shake my head slightly to silence him. Coriolanus Snow is truly a man of magnificence, and Cato is about experience it in the worst of ways. I lean in close, placing gentle kiss upon his lips before locking my eyes with his…
"Do not scream," I say before his eyes widen impossibly, signaling Snow's entrance into his poor soul…
∞K&F∞
(Katniss' POV)
"There are just some things that you do not need to see…ever…" I grumble to myself as I lean back against the wall.
My thoughts have been focused around Finnick all day, something that should trouble me, given my disregard for such things. It does not, however, which shows some growth on my part. After my visit with Cinna, I decided to do a little research into my…whatever the hell he is. He has been nothing but open and honest with me since we have met, so I have no reason to really look into him and his past. Rather, my focus in locked onto the people surrounding him. His predicament is one of relatively shitty circumstances, and I have heard that his capture was a rather violent one. Still, there is something that bothers me about the whole thing.
It is a bit too close to my current situation for my liking.
I sigh, rubbing my temples. All of this digging and caring has given me a headache, slightly darkening my mood. The scent of food, however, brightens said mood tremendously. Following the wonderful odor, I find my way to the Dining Hall, a large corridor that has groups of Tributes milling around haphazardly. I ignore them as I walk towards the large cauldrons of wonderful smelling delights. The cooks all chuckle lightly as I make short work of loading up a plate and bowl. I have never really been polished or etiquette-minded, so I can imagine that I am a sight to behold for them. Oh well.
I make my way over to a quiet spot on the far side of the room by a large oval window. The view is truly magnificent, the shadows of late evening giving the Capitol an eerily pleasant glow. It is almost hard to believe that this is a den of snakes that will surely poison the entire world if left to its own devices. I will not let that happen, though, just as I will not let anything happen to Prim…or Finnick. I sigh once again, an oddly pleasant feeling settling over me at the thought of him. I have absolutely no idea what I am doing with him, but would be lying if I said that I did not like it. He is a certainty, something that I have far too few of as of late. As strong and independent as I am, I cannot deny that I need a certain level of certainty in my life.
"What is this? Everdeen has finally decided to grace us with her presence, everyone!" I close my eyes for a minute, taking a few deep breaths to calm myself. I am most definitely not in the mood for this…
"What do you want?" I deadpan. The young blonde sits down beside me, glowering at me menacingly. I continue to eat, staring at him blankly.
"I hope you enjoy that. It very well could be your last meal." I want so badly to roll my eyes, but I choose not to play his game.
Finishing the last few bites of my meal, I drop my dishes and swiftly move away from him. As I move towards the exit, I see his sister rising to cut me off. I toss her a glare that promises a quick demise should she even think about it, halting her immediately. I feel my follower closing in, so I whirl around, stopping him abruptly. Everyone in the room is watching us, waiting to see what happens. I know that they all want a show, which will not benefit me in the least bit right now. I need to stay under the radar for a while.
"Look, just leave this alone. Right now, in this moment, I have no reason to kill you or even care that you exist. Go," I command softly. He looks at me oddly for a moment before moving into my personal space. I hold my ground.
"What are you up to, Katniss? I know that temper of yours, so I know that you are dying to rip my fucking throat out. Why so…" he goes to ask, but I silence him with a fingertip to his lips. I stare right into his very soul as I speak…
"Because I am not a toy for you or the Capitol to play with. Find someone else to play your stupid games, Capitol slave." With that, I make my exit.
Just as I step into the hallway, I bump into yet another person that I did not wish to see until much later. Her colorless eyes focus on me intensely, watching my every move as I step back, recovering from our impact. The woman is wearing one hell of a protective vest underneath her simple gray clothing. There are weak spot to every armor, though, and I am sure I could find it should I need to. Hell, I am more than certain that even Snow has found one. He is my grandfather, after all. I hate the man, but I do have to respect his thinking when it comes to survival…
"I was just wondering about you, my dear Katniss. How are you?" I roll my eyes at the 'sincere' smile on her face. I decide not to mince words with her…
"Just as I asked what's-his-name earlier, what do you want? I am not in the mood to deal with anyone right now." Her expression becomes blank then, my words hitting home. Now, we are on a level playing field.
"Does that include your sister, Primrose?" she asks, testing me. I smirk dangerously at her.
"It does." In this moment, I can see her gaining a distinct appreciation for me, acknowledging the threat of an equal. I bet she has not seen that in quite some time…
"Well, I see you are truly as great as I thought you would be. Katniss, there are many different plans for you, many that I am sure you will shoot down, maybe even literally. I do not have something so meager as a mere plan for you, though. No, I have high hopes for you." I narrow my eyes at her minutely, taking in her words carefully.
I have figured out that my coming here was no coincidence. I know that it was planned well before now. I am still figuring out who all of the key players were; who exactly I need to kill. When everything is said and done, there is going to be a bloodbath like no other. I have already spoken to Prim about it, given that there is a good chance that I will die in the end of things. She may not like it, but it is an unavoidable truth. I know Snow is going to have to die, but I have yet to really figure Coin out. She seems like just as much a threat as he does, if not more.
I guess now is as good a time as any to find out.
"Hopes are the same as dreams and wishes, President Coin, mere fallacies for the weak and weary. What is your vision of my future, if I may ask?" She seems taken aback at my formality. Hell, I am taken aback by my formality.
"Well, my dear, I can see you as a symbol for all of Panem to look up to and follow. The Mockingjay, mocking the Capitol and leading us all to a new future." I think for a moment, something about her words sounding very familiar. And then it clicks.
"Cinna."
Her eyes widen as she sees the pieces to the puzzle finally falling into place. Cinna was working under her orders, championing a rebellion that could fuck up all of my plans. The air is tense between us, the implications clear and direct. This bitch wants me to lead her rebellion, among other things. She is out for something, and I am more than certain that it is not just the removal of her dear husband. She is out for blood, which further complicates things. I could honestly kill her now and save myself some drama later, but she might prove helpful.
"Where are you?" she asks. I smile at her gently…
"Somewhere. I am certain that you know of my tendency to ignore all forms of authority. I only have the best interest of those closest to me in mind. If, however, you can help me protect said individuals, I may just be inclined to consider whatever you have in mind." She looks at me skeptically for a bit before nodding slowly…
"We will see what we can come up with, then. Just…do not die during the Games." I laugh lightly to myself as I turn to walk away.
"You can bet on that," I toss lightly before heading off down the hallway.
Once I am completely clear of her, I stop to lean up against the nearest wall. Things are starting to become far too complex for my liking. I am going to have to start drawing everything back towards me. It is not going to be fun, nor is it going to be a clean affair, but it must be done. With that in mind, I decide to go and see Odair. Whistling a little tune, I await my little birdie to appear. Soon enough, a vent a few feet away from me pops open. I smile at the beaming little doll that sticks her head down to grin at me impishly.
"Hello, Rue!" I chime happily. She giggles delightfully.
"Let us get going, Katniss!" she chimes happily before disappearing again. I smile brightly as I bound up to follow her.
"Here I come, Odair," I say as I close the grate and begin my journey after the darling from District Eleven…
∞K&F∞
Sorry for the long wait. A lot has been going on, so updates will be rather infrequent. Anywho, review and let me know what you think. In the next chapter, Finnick gets a surprise, and Coin reveals a little bit more of her plans. Things to note about this chapter:
Cinna is not dead, but will reappear in a much different form.
Coin did not miss Katniss' interaction with Gloss, which comes up again fairly soon.
The fallout from Cato and Finnick's affair with Snow will be dramatic.
Annie is set to make an appearance very soon.
Thanks to all of my reviewers since I have been gone. I really appreciate you guys so much. Your kind words keep me going. Thank you again, and keep them coming