Cato: 18 years old

Peeta: 17 years old

Chapter 4: Paradise Lost

The sound of a dawn chorus awoke the two boys from their slumber; Capitol birds that sang together in a sweet melody to signal a new dawn had arrived. Cato was the first to wake up and quickly realized that his blonde beau had fallen asleep in his lap. Cato noticed that the younger boy had not yet woken up from the chorus that shook itself along the Capitol and the booms of "Panem today, Panem tomorrow, Panem for always" making its way throughout the valley.

Cato took this bittersweet moment to admire the younger boy's natural beauty. Moving his hand from his side to tussle around in the Peeta's golden locks of hair, Cato noticed the fine features that he had not had the opportunity to distinguish from a distance: Peeta had long eyelashes which currently caressed his cheeks in his sleep, a jawline that was exceptional in illuminating the tips of his sweet, rosy lips, and a seamlessly beautiful collar bone structure that lead into strong shoulders and muscular arms – which must have been a result of his hard labor in District 12 that he had told him about the previous night, before falling into a deep sleep.

Before Cato could admire any more of the sweet boys dashing looks, a slow movement along Peeta's arms and the flicker of his light blue eyes indicated that the younger boy had awoken.

"How long have you been up?" Peeta mumbled, his voice weak from lack of use, all the while rubbing his fists along his eyes to rid of the morning sleep that lie along the crease in his eyes.

"Just a couple of minutes. I didn't want to wake you, so I just sort of watched you sleep…that's not weird or anything is it?" Cato began, looking to Peeta for any reassurance that he had not took things too far. God, when did I become such a sap?…he thought to himself, lifting his shoulder upright as the other boy sat up from his lap.

"Oh…no it's oaky. It was probably the best sleep I've had in a while," Peeta smiled as he spoke, unsure how he had become so lucky since the reaping to have been able to wake up beside such a mysterious and beautiful boy.

"Glad to hear it. I got a little sleep myself too. We have our interviews this morning, remember?" Cato replied, his face exerting happiness and sorrow all together. With every stolen moment he had with Peeta, there was always the underlying influence of the Capitol, threatening to take everything he had worked so hard to achieve away from him.

"Don't remind me…" Peeta chuckled, the other boy laughing alongside him, before admitting that he was not good with big crowds. Back in District 12, Peeta was no more a socialite than he was here in the Capitol. Before his thoughts could take him back to his life in District 12 that seemed to be in a whole other life, he felt the warmth of Cato's hand brush up against his left cheek.

"Just look at me when you're nervous. I'll be right there," Cato spoke softly, his confidence and reassurance doing its best to calm Peeta's nerves. This boy had altered Peeta's whole world in the last few days, and Peeta had never felt such a bond between himself and another person. Surely he and Katniss were very close, but things with Cato were different. They were natural…easy…

"Thank you…" Peeta replied, smiling up at the taller boy who moved closer to take him in for a full embrace. Peeta noticed how strong Cato was when his arms held him, sheltering him from the destruction that the Capitol imposed on their lives. If only this moment could last, Peeta thought.

"We better get going, Clove and the others are going to start to get suspicious," Cato said, implying that his night out would not go unnoticed with the Careers, seemingly keeping tabs on his every decision.

Cato pulled himself to his feet, and reaching a hand out to steady Peeta, who was surprised that Cato would offer him a helping-hand in the first place. It wasn't a hard task to get up from a bench, Peeta thought. But before he could read any more into the gesture, Peeta understood why he offered a hand to him in the first place. Acknowledging Cato's actions, the two boys walked toward the rooftop elevator, both smiling at one another as they made their way slowly, fingers interlaced with one another. Unknowingly it would be the last time the two boys would share a peaceful moment together, before forcefully being sent to the arena to fight for survival.

The Penthouse

Peeta walked into his living room, where he was unsurprised to see Haymitch, Effie, Katniss, and the two other district 12 tributes waiting for him. He had shared another embrace with Cato in the elevator before he was forced to get off at the first stop on their descent. It was a quick caress but nonetheless it stood for something to Peeta: it stood as a token of their allegiance to one another, both as friends and allies.

"Well," Effie said, and upon seeing her face Peeta knew that something was amiss. "And where do you think you've been all morning? We have a tight schedule today, and all my tributes need to look—"

"Perfect," Peeta inquired before a ripple crossed Effie's face demonstrating that she was not impressed with his tone.

"Exactly," Effie pointed out before continuing with an over-the-top wave of her hands, which sparkled with the glimmer of fuchsia baubles. "Now. We have the interviews with Caesar Flickerman in a couple of hours, so we must get to work right away. Portia! Cinna!" Effie called out the names of the stylists who worked to make their every appearance a memorable one, for the Capitol accepted nothing less than marvelous.

"Haymitch," Peeta whispered, catching the attention of their mentor who nearly batted an eye at him before turning away. Clearly still upset with my individual assessment act…he thought. "Could I have a word with you…in private?" Peeta asked.

The older man took a look at his tributes before nodding at Peeta and walking over to the dining room to their right. Peeta walked eagerly behind him, anxious to get this out of the way. Haymitch had always preferred Katniss for her stubbornness…Probably because it was a common attribute, Peeta considered.

"What do you need, Peeta?" Haymitch spoke, taking a small sip from his scotch before looking at Peeta with a questioning look in his eyes, eyebrows furrowed in anticipation to get back to the other tributes.

"I know how you feel after my stunt with the gamemakers, and I…well I'm sorry. But I need you to promise me something. Please, Haymitch." Peeta was unsure whether his mentor was prepared for what he had to confess to him. "I need you to promise me that you'll do your best to protect Katniss if it comes down to it…and Cato." Peeta was about to continue until he was silenced by Haymitch's over-bearing anger.

"That district two scum!? Why would I ever want to help him? He's a Career, Peeta. Lethal. Get that through that thick head of yours." Haymitch said and preparing to turn around was stilled by Peeta's next statement.

"I have nothing waiting for me in District 12, except an abusive mother and a run-down bakery. I could live a hundred lives and never deserve to win over Katniss. She has family, her young sister Prim, and Gale," Peeta began, tears forming in his eyes at the thought of Katniss' sister Prim, if she were to lose Katniss. "And Cato…I want him to be able to bring pride to his District and finally be accepted for the wonderful guy that he is – both by his family and friends. Haymitch, whatever you do, do not further my game if it means taking from theirs. There can only be two victors, we both know that."

"Peeta…I couldn't…wouldn't be able to promise you that." Resting a hand on Peeta's shoulder, Haymitch motioned for the two to sit down in the steel chairs that lined the black glass table. "Peeta, I've never met another boy like yourself throughout all my years of being a mentor. Your selfless nature is inspiring," and taking another gulp of his drink, "and also quite stupid. But if you believe that Katniss…and Cato…deserve to come out of this alive, then I will do my best to help them. This has never been done before, Peeta. Helping another districts tribute, I mean."

Peeta could tell that Haymitch was trying his best to be supportive of his tribute, but through his gritted teeth Peeta could feel a sense of disappointment in Haymitch that mocked Peeta's self-sacrificing nature.

"Peeta, ever since the 75th anniversary of the Hunger Games, the third quarter quell, there has been an uprising in the Capitol, which the peacekeepers have tried their best to silence. I'm sure you know this already, but as you know, the gamemakers have tried to calm down the revolution by ordering double the amount of tributes. The more bloodshed that occurs in the arena, well, the greater the response from the citizens." With a sigh that exuded itself from Haymitch's lungs, the older man took hold of the scotch in his hands and guzzled it all down before continuing his speech.

"You have a lot on your shoulders, Peeta. I'll do my best to ensure that you all make it to the end, but as much as I can try, I cannot guarantee this, okay?" Haymitch lifted his eyes to finally meet with Peeta's and registered the pain that the seventeen-year-old boy was feeling, and just how unfair his situation truly was. "If you can get everyone together from District 12, including Cato and Johanna, then I will have more to work with. But until then…" and Peeta knew what was coming next, "…may the odds be ever in your favor" Haymitch scoffed.

…

Walking back to the living room followed by a near drunken Haymitch, Peeta thought it was best to get to know they other tributes a little better, considering Katniss and himself had stuck to themselves most of the journey so far. Peeta considered that they were unusually young tributes this year and remarkably silent…probably taking in everything too, Peeta thought.

"Hey Katniss! Hey guys!" Peeta said, attempting to be as sociable as possible. "You all ready for your interviews?" he asked with an inquisitive look on his face.

"I'm a little nervous," the female tribute responded to which Peeta noticed that her blonde hair was tied to the side, like Katniss had done the past few days.

"Same here…" the male tribute added. He was very small for his age, and Peeta felt sorry for him, knowing that if it came down to it, he would not be able to protect him.

Katniss scoffed at the two tributes, stubborn as always, but made an effort to build friendships. "I think it'll be the perfect moment for you both to show off your charismatic nature. Caesar loves jokes, if I recall correctly." Katniss spoke with such reassurance that the younger tributes were quick to smile and all regard of fear was lost. They must remind her of her sister, Peeta thought upon looking at Katniss' grin when she spoke with the other tributes.

Portia came over to take Peeta from his mingling, all the while Effie pacing back and forth in the entranceway eager to leave the Penthouse for some much needed brushing up. With a twist of her heels and a small strut to the elevator, Effie called out that she would see them after their interviews, to remember to smile, and embrace the Capitol's love.

"I chose a nice navy blue suit for yourself, Peeta" Portia began, constantly thinking of new ways to improve on Peeta's already dashing looks. "A nice white dress shirt and a black tie. Oh! I found some lovely cufflinks that will do perfectly too."

"I'm sure you'll make me look irresistible," Peeta said, chuckling at the way Portia prided herself in the moment, taking a glance at Peeta from afar with gleaming eyes.

"As for your hair, I like it best the way it is now. Shaggy, yet also somewhat artistic." Peeta took notice of how alike most of the Capitol citizens were, ever inspired by couture and taking new approaches to the outlandish. Yet, Portia was different. Effie had nothing on the way she presented herself with Peeta; Portia could easily comfort Peeta, allowing him to be at ease with himself. Portia was not blind to Peeta's attractions, and ultimately made him desirable to all citizens of the Capitol. Women and men would find him mouthwatering.

Peeta took a glance at the other District 12 tributes, noticing first that the other male tribute that Portia had styled was in a nice burgundy tuxedo that went well with his skin tone. As for Cinna's tributes, Katniss and the young female tribute looked absolutely stunning. Cinna had such a way with making bold statements. Katniss was in an elegant white dress that was very slim in the waist and flaring toward the bottom. The dress itself was made to look like an Ice Queen, but Katniss poured life into it.

The other tribute was very properly positioned in a turquoise dress with a white puffed-out belt that hung loosely on her waist. It was very flattering to her figure, Peeta thought.

The microphone rang across all the floors of the tribute condominium notifying the tributes that they were to report to their chauffeurs for their trip to Caesar Flickerman's studio. This reminded Peeta of the tribute parade, but more was at stake here, especially with Peeta's score for the individual assessment. He would need to make a good impression if he was to get some sponsors…

Caesar Flickerman

Peeta was waiting anxiously for his turn to be interviewed by the infamous Caesar Flickerman. He had paid a lot of attention to Cato's interview, and as Peeta had expected, the blonde was a crowd pleaser. The applause rang out for minutes after the interview was done.

Peeta had been selected to go last for District 12, following Katniss. It was currently Johanna Mason's turn, which Peeta noticed that she was wearing an elegant gown that caressed her waistline and did not take away from her naturally slim figure. Her hair matched her dress perfectly: midnight black and blotched with red rubies that sparkled under the white lights of the studio.

Johanna's interview was relatively short. Caesar described her as being "strong-hearted and determined" as Peeta recalled. Johanna had a way with words, really, straight to the point and no filter stopping her from saying anything absurd.

After many tributes, the night began to take its toll on Peeta. Mostly all of the tributes were lined on stage listening to the others, when Katniss' name was called. Peeta noticed that she was very prepared for the questions that Caesar had for her. He asked her about Prim, the Seam, and her score during individual assessments. Peeta could see that she was on fire tonight. Not figuratively, literally. Another trick from Cinna's book, Peeta thought, chuckling to himself as the crowd swayed with every movement of the flames that trailed throughout her gown.

Peeta was standing in front of the black paneled doors when his name was called and soaring from the crowd rocked the stage. The doors opened to reveal Peeta, who walked anxiously toward Caesar, unaware that this many Capitol citizens had made it out for tonight's festivity. Wiping his hand along his navy pant legs to rid of the sweat that had been accumulating since Katniss' interview, Peeta acknowledged Caesar with a nod of his hand and a firm handshake.

"The wonderful Peeta Mellark! Looking dashing as always my boy!" Caesar called out, a roar of the crowd illustrating that they were in agreement. "Let's get things started." Peeta gulped quickly. "I wanted to ask you about how you volunteered to be tribute. Had you known that day that you were going to volunteer? Tell me, my boy, we're dying to hear!" A laugh rang out from Caesar Flickerman's throat that rocked the crowd in unison.

"Yes." Peeta replied nervously.

"Is that it? Come on! Tell us more!" With that the crowd began chanting "more, more, more" until Peeta was forced to continue. Stealing a quick glance at Cato who nodded reassuringly at him, Peeta felt his nerves begin to dwindle.

"I…well I thought that it was unfair for such a young tribute to be reaped, and I knew the family on a personal level. They're wonderful people, and I couldn't stand for them to potentially lose one of their own…" Peeta said, hoping his answer was sufficient enough for the audience.

"Lovely, such a lovely story! Now. Tell me, Peeta. What do you think you bring to the games that no other tribute has?" Caesar's question took Peeta off-guard, so he immediately looked to Portia in the crowd. She gave him a quick wink of her eye, almost unnoticeable under all the mascara and eye shadow that protruded around them.

"Uhm…well I think that…well I think that…" Peeta started, unsure how he would answer the question, before the answer it came to him amidst all the turmoil that rummaged through his thoughts. He had to encourage the crowd in some manner at least. "I can cook a mean cheesecake," he finished.

Laughter rose from the crowd that shook the stage and all but a few of the tributes that stood behind him chimed in with their own giggles.

"Wonderful, wonderful I say!" Caesar had a way with words that made the audience suffer under anticipation. "I have one more question for you, Peeta," Caesar started. "We are all here a little curious, more than curious shall I say, as to any love interests you may have left waiting for you back in District 12…can you elaborate on anything for us…pretty please," Caesar winked at Peeta, and with a pouty mouth, pleaded for a response that would draw the crowd in to Peeta's natural charm.

"I don't think any of the people back home take much notice of me, Caesar" Peeta laughed.

"I can't pull myself to believe that, my boy!" Caesar exclaimed.

"Well, I can tell you one thing…" Peeta said, edging the crowd on, before stealing a glance back at Cato, who was shaking his head in protest.

"And what is that? So cheeky this one…" Caesar chuckled between pearly white teeth, all smiles for the cameras.

"I do have a crush on someone…and they're here with me in the arena…" Peeta said, hoping his confession would be well received from the crowd. Rather than cheers, the crowd regarded him with sorrowful eyes.

"Oh, my boy…We pray that the odds are in your favor then." Caesar's expression had quickly gone from gleeful to melancholic. "Once more, give it up for Peeta Mellark!"

The rest of the night was a blur. He had received praise from most tributes for being openly honest with everyone, each with their own guess as to which of the tributes his mysterious crush may be. Haymitch applauded him for his ability to bring emotion from the hearts of the Capitol citizens, while Effie just looked on with grief. She had never had a victor, Peeta recalled.

Peeta noticed that Cato was walking by and tried to wave him over, but unfortunately Cato was busy with his mentor who was fixing his tuxedo and ushering the other District 2 tributes to their limousines.

He had to talk with Cato before the games…

Catching a glimpse of a black dress and dark hair with red highlights that rested on her open-back gown, Peeta called out to Johanna from District 7. She quickly dodged out of the procession and grabbed Katniss' wrist pulling her aside.

"What's going on, Peeta? We don't have much time to talk. The games start first thing tomorrow morning, so we're going to need our rest," Johanna whispered.

"I just wanted to know where we're going to meet in the games?" Peeta replied, careful not to speak too loud.

"I figured we could collect what we can from the Cornucopia and then head off together after that?" Katniss chimed in.

"Do you think it's safe with all the other tributes gunning for it themselves?" Peeta asked questioningly.

Tossing a glance behind her to see that the other tributes were filing out, Johanna quickly stated, "I think it's our best shot at getting supplies. I have to go, I'll see you in the morning." With that Johanna walked off and joined the other tributes from District 7.

The night finally came to a close with a fluster of camera flashes, Capitol broadcasting stations egging the tributes on for private interviews, and countless signatures.

The Launch

As Peeta awoke, he was aware of the stains that resided on his pillows from the night before. He had lost his chance to talk to Cato before the games, and the possibility of their deaths in just a short few hours of sleep, made him sob throughout the night.

After rummaging through the living quarters for something to eat before the games, Peeta noticed that he was the first of the tributes to awake. He would not eat again for a while so he made a large breakfast, before time began to pass by him. To Peeta it was only seconds, but to the world minutes were passing quickly, and the games were fast approaching.

Before Peeta realized it he was on and off of the hovercraft that took him to the arena. The hovercraft was a somber shade of grey that had red rings of flames protruding from either sides and large thrusters that made their journey seamlessly short.

…

"Thank you, Portia, for everything. I just wanted to say that befor—" Peeta began, but he was quickly silenced by Portia who took him in a grand embrace, before collecting herself and looking Peeta directly in the eyes.

"Don't. This isn't goodbye, you hear me? We're a team, you and I. So, you go in there—"

"60 seconds until launch. May the tributes please proceed to their launch pads."

"You go in that arena, and you make them," pointing her index finger in all directions of Panem, "pay for it." Zipping up his black uniform, customary to all the tributes, Portia pointed to the silver reflectors on the shoulder pads with a wink.

"30 seconds until launch. This is the final warning. All tributes proceed to the launch pads."

"This isn't goodbye, Peeta. I'll see you soon. Good luck," and with that Portia wiped a tear from her eyes, and watched as Peeta walked onto the launch pad.

As the launch began, Peeta waved slowly at Portia as a tear rolled down and stung his cheek, sizzling in place. Before Peeta could mouth a 'goodbye' he became shrouded in darkness and a deathly silence made his hands start to perspire.

When the launch pad opened to the surface, Peeta was immediately struck with a bitter cold wind, and taking in his surroundings, noticed that everywhere he looked there was nothing but darkness. Only the moonlight and the stars illuminated the few feet in front of him before a wall of darkness threatened to consume him.

A red light on the launch pad signaled that the mines were armed and a robotic arm appeared from the launch pad holding orange tinted goggles. As Peeta reached down to grab the goggles and then situating them upon his face and strapping them to his head, he immediately focused on the location of the surrounding tributes. The goggles did not completely illuminate the forest, but rather they reacted to the silver reflectors on the tributes, signifying each of their individual locations.

"Let the 89th Hunger Games begin," Claudius Templesmith's voice rang out.