Chapter 3: Honesty
The Penthouse
Katniss had ignored him for most of the morning shuffling about her room frantically trying to get things in order, and finally preparing her clothes before stepping into the shower. Katniss' shower seemed like it lasted forever, leaving Peeta to pace about back and forth outside the door trying to process her reaction to the news. He really didn't know how he felt about Cato, all he knew was that Cato continuously surprised him with how different he was from the other tributes and when he wasn't around Peeta was still thinking about him.
When Peeta heard the water turn off he hurriedly ran over to the door. "Can we at least talk about this," Peeta whispered through the door. He got his answer when the blow-dryer started, signaling that Katniss was almost ready and had no intention of forgiving Peeta for going back on his word to her. It was hard to avoid Cato because he was the one who kept approaching him.
When the door opened and Katniss rushed past him, she quickly grabbed a couple of fruit that lined the tray of the obsidian glass table, a mixture of berries, grapes, and golden apples – a predominant fruit in the Capitol that was excessively sweet. The Capitol sure loved their sweets and the amount of access they had to it was almost disgusting compared to their share in District 12.
Peeta was taken from his train of thought when Katniss nudged him with her elbow, apple in mouth and clothes in hand, asking if he was ready through the mouthful of fruit. Peeta nodded and quickly followed her to the elevator.
On the way down to the training centre, Peeta thought over the events that happened the night before with Cato. Were they still in an alliance? From the way he reacted it was probably not a good sign, so he would do his best to avoid the blonde boy today. Like he would approach me in the first place, Peeta chuckled at his own misfortune. Just as he was about to step out of the elevator, the door opened, and Peeta's eye shot up to register which floor it had stopped at. It was not the basement training centre, it was the living quarters of District 2, and Cato and Enobaria stood before him, ushering their way into the elevator.
"Good morning, Peeta" Cato said, quickly looking away from the younger blonde boy. That's unusual, Peeta remarked to himself, noting that this was probably a good sign as to how their alliance stood at this point in time: he won't kill me if he doesn't have to, but when it comes down to it, he probably won't protect me either, he thought.
"Morning…" Peeta groaned and a flash of teeth from Enobaria signaling her disgust at his comment immediately silenced anything else he had to say. And they say all careers are pretty…blahh look at those teeth.
The Training Centre
The moment the elevator opened, Peeta hurried out quickly followed by Katniss who looked at him empathetically, the first emotion he had seen that wasn't a sense of "stone cold betrayal." Pulling Katniss aside as half of the District 2 tributes walked out joining Clove and Brutus, Peeta began to explain just what had happened last night.
"Alright, if you can just listen for 2 minutes, I promise I can clear the air between us," Peeta said solemnly, looking to Katniss' eyes for any means of reassurance. A nod on her behalf demonstrated that she was ready to listen to what he had to say. And how was he going to say this exactly…
"Cato approached me at Snow's mansion and asked for me to meet him in the Garden. When I went to meet him, he discussed becoming allies with me, and I lied to him when I told him that I had no previous ties to other tributes alliance-wise. He seemed so happy, Katniss, and you can't stand there and disagree with me when I see he does have a certain charm…"
Katniss quickly chimed in "I never said he wasn't good-looking…he just isn't trustworthy, in my opinion."
"I understand why you feel that way. The point is: ever since the first day in training after our run-in he's been different…opening up to the possibility of making friends. Katniss, we all need someone right now – and although we have each other – Cato doesn't really have anyone like him that understands what he's going through. I don't know why he wants me to be his ally, but he could be useful. He can handle his own in a fight, he's particularly good with a sword and knives, and he's strong." Peeta finished his ramble, looking over to see a worried Cato looking his way, and breaking their line of sight turned back to Katniss to see what she had to say.
"Ugh…fine Mellark. The only way this is going to work though is if you tell him that Johanna and I come with the deal. Otherwise, it's him or me." Katniss gave me a grave look and walked over to the plant identification station.
Peeta took this opportunity to work on his long-range weaponry skills. He would have to brush up before showing his skills to the gamemakers and this would be the perfect time to take his mind off of his situation with Katniss and Cato.
When he arrived at the long-range section, he noticed two other tributes working on their knife-throwing abilities. Gloss and Cashmere, Peeta reminded himself, brother and sister… lethal in combat. Haymitch warned him about these tributes from District 1 beforehand, having known their parents who were also victors during his time as mentor.
When he approached the station Peeta could see the plentitude of knives available: black oxide balanced knives, short-steel tomahawks, and unbalanced steel spear-points, among others. Peeta was always best with balanced black oxide knives that had smooth edges, yet lethal when struck by its end.
Peeta noticed that both of the careers before him used a variety of throwing knives and all their targets were eliminated. Taking the reigns on this round of targets, Peeta stepped forward into the "light room" with targets that were made out of projection lighting. Looking to the panel for his options, Peeta quickly selected ten armed targets. Glancing around the training room that felt a world away now that he was secluded, Peeta caught sight of Marvel and Brutus wielding spears, and thus selected the spear-throwing targets for the bonus round.
The lights dimmed and soon Peeta found himself in darkness, with a dozen throwing-knives for ten targets. As the simulation began, Peeta found himself thinking about Cato and his situation with Katniss, before systematically pushing his thoughts aside to focus on the task at-hand.
His first target ran at him from the above panel, to which Peeta quickly threw an underhand knife, striking the target through the ribs under the heart. It was not long before more targets started appearing around him. Fueling with anger, Peeta launched two knives striking both victims between the eyes, and turning to dodge a spear that missed him by inches. Tossing two knives to either side and taking out the opposition, before barrel rolling, Peeta tossed a knife that struck the target dead centre in the throat. Continuing to take out his targets until they were all disposed of, Peeta felt satisfied with his abilities and prepared for his private session with Plutarch and the rest of the gamemakers and capitol officials.
Individual Assessment
Haymitch had prepared Katniss and Peeta for individual assessment the day they arrived in the Capitol, the other two district twelve tributes mindfully taking note of its dire importance to survival in the arena. A good result meant sponsors, and sponsors meant a greater chance at winning the games.
As Peeta was District 12 he would have to go fourth from last, before the other tributes from his district and after all the other districts. When Cato's name was called, Peeta looked up to see if he was looking back at him but there was no glance toward him before the older blonde boy walked through the doors and disappeared. It was reaching upon the fourth hour when "Peeta Mellark, please report for individual assessment" rang across the microphone. Breathing a sigh of worry, he raised himself from the seat and walked through the automatic doors, which quickly locked behind him, and then proceeded to present himself to the gamemakers.
"Peeta Mellark. District 12."
Peeta took a moment to figure out what he was going to do with his ten minutes time interval before realizing what would surely get the attention of the Gamemakers.
"You may begin, Peeta." Looking up, Peeta knew the voice before he had the chance to register the face: Plutarch.
Racing over to a white dummy that protruded from a shelf over near the camouflage station, Peeta began to work. This will surely get their attention Peeta chuckled to himself. After approximately five minutes, Peeta went back to the throwing knives and picked up three slim black knives with silver serrated edges.
Holstering the dummy up with the use of rope and hanging the dummy, Peeta watched as the Peacekeepers were signaled to stop him from his next move.
"Peeta, that is enough. You are dismissed."
Laughing to himself, Peeta turned to walk away before turning around and throwing the three knives singularly, each one piercing the heart. Then, taking a bow, Peeta turned to walk away mumbling, "Panem! I present to you President Snow."
The Penthouse
Peeta was summoned to Katniss' room to sit with Haymitch and Effie as the scores of the tributes were presented via Caesar Flickerman and Claudius Templesmith. Peeta had yet to mention to his fellow tributes and friends what he had done during his private session.
Claudius Templesmith's voice rings out stating that the tributes were going to have their scores presented now. Peeta paid attention singularly to those he cared for, allied with, and who presented a threat.
Marvel – 5
Glimmer – 8
Gloss – 9
Cashmere - 8
Clove – 9
Enobaria – 10
Brutus – 5
Finnick – 10
Johanna – 10
Katniss – 10
All the results seemed very obvious, except for Marvel and Brutus who must have done something wrong during their individual assessments.
Finally Peeta's name was called, and before he could register what happened, Effie, Haymitch, and the other tributes gasped and inquired to what he did to achieve such a low score.
After explaining what happened, Haymitch stood shaking his head at Peeta. "How dumb are you, Peeta? This is the Hunger Games…not some sandbox where somebody has kicked over your sandcastle. You need sponsors. You'll be lucky if you get anything now..." Haymitch exclaimed, furious with his tribute. As all the others scored exceedingly well, Peeta's score must have come as a shock to the others.
"I don't care what the Capitol thinks of me. This isn't fair in the first place. Katniss can I talk to you alone?" Peeta replied, not in the mood for a lecture from Effie too.
"Sure thing." Katniss walked with Peeta toward her bedroom, resting beside him on her bed. "What's going on with you Peeta?" she said shaking her head and placing her hand on his lap. The warm touch felt great against his leg and the feeling of comfort that had been stolen from Peeta when he was forced to volunteer came rushing back in that moment with Katniss.
"I don't know, Katniss. I can't stop thinking about Cato, he's the only one who seems to understand me, and now I've gone and ruined the whole thing. I'm not even sure we're allies anymore." Peeta said, beginning to cry. "I feel like I'm wounded, and it doesn't help that Haymitch and yourself treat me like it. Even the tributes look at me like I'm bait…"
"Peeta, Peeta, Peeta…" Katniss repeated taking Peeta into her arms. Peeta held her tightly afraid she would let go and he would be left without anyone. "I think you should talk to Cato. It's clearly bothering you, and you need to get this off your chest before the games. As your friend, I'm telling you to do this. I need to get my sleep. Early interviews tomorrow remember? Then we'll be sent to the arena." Katniss was really convincing, especially when it came to thinking rationally, which Peeta admitted he was not doing.
"I think you're right. Do you think you could send him up to the rooftop to meet me?" he asked. After seeing her nod her approval, he left for the rooftop without taking a second glance back toward Haymitch and Effie who sat together on the sofa trying to see what they could do about Peeta's situation.
The Rooftop
When he walked out into the cool night air that danced around the top of the roof, Peeta was swarmed with a fresh breeze that lingered with the scent of pines that surrounded the complex. Taking in the sights around him such as the intricate railing with budding vines and a city as far as the eye can see with banners lined with the Capitol seal, Peeta felt like he was in a faraway land. Away from the recklessness and destruction associated with the Hunger Games.
In his trail of thought, Peeta lost focus of his surroundings, and when a hand landed on his shoulder, he jumped in panic fearing it was a peacekeeper.
"Hey, don't worry, it's just me" Cato said softly, a twinkle in his gaze from the moon reflecting off of his cobalt blue eyes. His hair was somewhat different tonight, more spikey and messy-looking than it had been at any time before. Sexy, he thought. He wore a dark V-neck that showed off his arms and his slim chest, and dark jeans that tapered his legs slimly. "Katniss told me to meet you up here, what's going on? Did something happen? I didn't think you wanted to talk to me after you stormed away the other night in the rose garden…" Cato wondered.
Breathing in a shallow breath before speaking, Peeta motioned for the older blonde to sit beside him on the wooden bench.
"I really don't know where to start, Cato" Peeta said, before being silenced by the other boy's finger over his lips. The rush of Cato's touch against his lips caused his face to blush and a ripple effect sent itself down his spine. I don't think Cato knows his effect on me, Peeta thought to himself.
"Then allow me." Cato said softly. "The other night when you told me you didn't like Katniss in that way because you were only interested in boys, I didn't mean to let you walk off the way you did. I was just shocked and left speechless. But listen to me when I say that I don't have a problem with that at all, okay?" Cato started, silencing Peeta's quick interference again. "The reason I asked if you were with Katniss was because I – how do I say this – well, if it's not obvious already, I like you too."
Peeta almost fell out of his seat, before Cato's grip could steady him. His muscles all gave out at the idea that Cato could actually like him back. "I don't understand, you don't seem like—"
"Like the type? I hate when people say that. Just because I'm tough and intimidating doesn't mean that I have to like girls, you know," Cato said, if not sternly then reassuringly.
"Intimidating…hmm…I don't think I'd take it that far" Peeta said with a wink and a small laugh.
"What do you mean? This…doesn't intimidate you" Cato said, inching himself closer to Peeta.
"Not in the slightest blondy" Peeta replied, pushing the boy back from him. Are we flirting right now?
"Blondy…weird nickname, but I'll take it on one condition" Cato said, before Peeta looked questioningly back at him unsure where he was going with this.
"If you reassure me that you'll be my ally in the games," Cato inquired.
Looking back at the tall boy with the shaggy blonde hair and the black V-neck that hung loosely around his chest, Peeta couldn't say no. "Absolutely, but I have a condition of my own…you have to let Katniss and Johanna join too."
Peeta watched as many emotions passed over Cato's face: joy, sadness, curiosity, and acceptance. "That's fine by me. As long as you trust them, then they're friends of mine too," Cato replied, before reaching in for a hug.
"I'm sorry! Was that pushing your boundaries?" Cato exclaimed.
"Not in the least. I actually kind of enjoyed it…" Peeta said, a warm red blush filling his cheeks along with the boy next to him.
"I don't want to ruin our moment…but how are we going to kill 46 tributes…" Peeta said, worryingly.
"I don't care about them right now. I just care about you," Cato whispered.
It was now or never, Peeta thought. Reaching forward enough to close the distance between them Peeta's lips locked onto Cato's. There was an immediate sense of longing in Peeta's lips that came with the sensation of Cato's own. His lips were unbelievably soft. The kiss started out slow and innocent, as Cato reached his hand up to play through Peeta's golden locks and Peeta resting a hand on waist. Before the kiss could take them any further, Cato pulled back to take a breath and calm himself.
"Wow, that was…" Cato began…
"Amazing." Peeta finished.
For the remainder of the night, Peeta stayed on the rooftop in Cato's strong arms, where the sound of the wind chiming and the scent of fresh pine and Cato's cologne filled him with all the happiness in the world. For the first time since he arrived in the Capitol, he remembered what it meant to be happy. And for the first time since he arrived in the Capitol, he spent the night just listening to Cato's heartbeat, because for once Peeta's reality, in that moment, was better than any dream he could conjure from his imagination.
Pumpkinking5: Thank you so much for your review! I really appreciate your kind words, and I was glad to see that you understand how the story is progressing! If you have any concerns or constructive criticism I'd be glad to hear it: this is my first time writing fanfiction. I'll keep writing as many as I can, so definitely check back! Thanks again