A/N: 20 reviews already, impressive. Well thanks for all the support you guys have given me for this story. It makes me realize someone at least likes my work somewhere. So, without further ado, I present chapter two! (ahaha that rhymed) This chapter is basically getting to know these to lovebirds (eventually ;P) and then a setup at the end for chappy three (another rhyme!)
Cato's POV
Some people PMed me about my Frencg being confusing, so I cut it back just a little for no compications. Sorry :( ~FM
I motion for her to go to the booth in the back, so we can have some privacy (even though I don't think anyone will be here for a while). Once were settled, have the necessary utensils, and have no conversation for about three minutes, I decided to start off with a joke. To make it less awkward, though.
"I have a question," she nodded her head for me to go on, "Um, how much does a polar bear weigh?"
"That's an… interesting question," Katniss thinks aloud, "I'm not a genius, so I don't have a clue."
"E-enough to break the i-ice," I stutter trying not to laugh. I bring my head up and see her letting a little smile out and a cute giggle. Qui est elle trop belle? (why is she so beautiful?) I ask myself.
"Very literal, I see," Katniss comments.
"Oui."
"I'm coming from an observant mind here, but you're French, right? If not, I am really bad with guessing accents."
"It looks like we're playing the question game, non? I'll answer, and then ask, okay?" She agrees, so I continue, "Yes, I am French. I was born in Merseilles (city in France). My parents annulled their marriage, so I moved with my mother to Paris. My turn, where were you born?" I hoped that wasn't too personal, but I acted like it was an average question.
"I was born in New Hampshire and raised there until I was fifteen. After some family issues, I travelled to San Francisco and have been here ever since," Katniss answered. I wonder what happened for her to move to a big city like this, at a young age, nonetheless, "What do you do for a living, Cato?"
Hmm, how do I answer that? Do I straight out say 'I'm a professional Olympic skier for France'? Or, 'I ski for France here and there' like it is nothing more than someone working at a Wal-Mart? "Well, I am a professional skier. I showed some judges my talent about six-seven years ago at a trial and I made Team France for the Olympics. I injured myself at the last Winter Games, my boss and trainer, Seneca Crane, broke the news to me- explaining that I ended my career," I ended my 'sob story'. Katniss regarded me sympathetically, but didn't apologize for my job-loss.
"And what do you do now?" she pondered.
"I train the Summer Athletes and sometimes travel the world to look for new assets. The committee changed the rules a few years ago, saying 'Tributes may compete on any country's team no matter what nationality, as long as he or she agrees'," I respond.
"One more question: is that why you're here now?"
"Non. Crane asked me to travel here for a fundraiser to make friends and gain sponsors."
"How old are you?"
"I'm twenty four. What might your age be?" Please don't be fewer than twenty-one. Please don't be fewer than twenty-one, I chanted.
"I am twenty three. Turning your age in three months."
Now it is my time to ask a lot of questions, since she asked a shitload of them, "I'll be mushy-gushy and ask the girly questions, alright? What is your favorite color, season, hobby, and meal?"
"Oh, wow! You really cracked down on them didn't you? Fine, my favorite color is green. I like autumn because it reminds me of the wonderful colors the leaves were back in New Hampshire. I was a skilled archer until I came here, but it is still my preferred hobby. And for a meal… a lamb and rice stew that this restaurant makes downtown," Katniss takes a breath from her retort, "You?"
"My favorite color is a silvery-white; which makes me think of snow on the Alps in Europe. Winter of course. Skiing, snowboarding, and lifting weights. And I love this new delicacy called the Italian Brie Sandwich. It is to die for!" I take a bite of the sandwich this fine lady made pour moi (for me).
"Such a kiss up."
"If you don't mind me asking, why did you stop being an archer?" That subject made my heart flutter for a second. I hope that this 'date' goes well because if it does our second outing will be at a shooting range. I want, no I need, to see her practice, if she is talented, I am bringing her to France immediately! Crane will be so proud, but I will have months of training and alone time with Katniss if I ask to be her private trainer. I overreacting and bringing too much thought into this, but you never know…
"Um, I h-had a family accident wh-when I was fifteen. I set aside my liking for being an archer and helped out. When the emergency was over, I never went back to it for some reason. I think it has to do with bad memories," Katniss murmurs shyly. She shouldn't be scared, I'll never judge her.
"Do you mind telling me what happened, belle?" I inquired.
"Even though you're still kind of a stranger?" I nodded, ashamed of how I want to know about a family issue when I've only known her for an hour, "I guess I can tell you."
Katniss' POV (Just for her story then back to Cato, for a little, then back to Katniss. Confusing, right? Yeah, I thought so.) Down below is a song by the Extreme called More Than Words
*Flashback to when Katniss was fifteen*
"Saying I love you,
Is not the words,
I want to hear from you,
It's not that I want you,
Not to say, but if you only knew,
How easy, it would be to show me how you feel.
More than words,
Is all you have to do?
To make it real,
Then you wouldn't have to say,
That you love me,
Cause I already know"
Our radio blasts in the living room. Ma and Pa are dancing together with their arms connected to their hips, while Primmy and I are randomly busting out moves. This is always how we ended our Friday nights. The fun we had was suddenly interjected by a loud knock on the door.
Pa gave Ma one look and she already started to move in action. "Come on Prim, Katniss. We should go upstairs and play some scrabble."
"But Mommy, I want to stay down here!" Primmy whined.
"That's too bad, maybe another night. Let's go," Ma protested. Half-way up the stairs a gunshot rung out. "Oh dear lord." She ushered Prim and I into the main bedroom. "Katniss, hide under our bed and keep quiet. We'll be in the closet, don't make a sound, am I clear?"
"Yes," I croaked.
"Mommy, what are we doing?" Sweet little Prim asked.
"Playing hide and seek, honey. Come on now." I plummeted under the bed, bringing a quilt near me for protection. Prim and Ma closed the closet door just in time before a person burst into the room. From peeking under the bed I could see dark black pants with brown boots that squeaked when the man scuffed them against the wood floor.
"Where the fuck are they!?" the rough voice boasted. This must have frightened my little sister because she let out a small cry from their hiding spot. "In the closet, huh? Not very creative." He stumbled to the door and literally threw it open, almost taking it off the hinges. "Hello dearies. Only two of you, where is the third?"
"I-I have no idea wh-what you're talking about!" Ma shrieked.
"We'll see about that," another gunshot had gone off and my mother dropped to the floor. Blood starting oozing out of the wound, killing her shortly. "Now for you, young lady. You're coming with us." Primmy thrashed and tried to escape, but the killer still took her out of the room and down the stairs. Faint commotions occurred followed by an engine starting and gravel being pushed by the tires.
I started to cry slowly, too scared to come out of my little cocoon under the bed; realizing there is no one left for me to go to. I'm alone and broken.
Cato's POV
I sit there too shocked to even move a muscle. Katniss had an ordinary family, these ruthless bastards just came one day and fucked it all up. Look what they've done, making a fifteen year old emotionally scarred, ending her chance at a career in archery, and killing off her family. What the fuck?
All these questions pop into my mind, not letting me realize Katniss is on the verge of tears. I race over to her side comforting her in a warm embrace. I take her head and lay it on my chest, slowly rocking her body back and forth in a nice fashion. "Oh, shush. Don't let those horrible people use up your tears. Katniss, ma belle, nothing is going to happen. I stepped in your life today and I don't plan on stepping out of it anytime soon. Not even if you ask me!" I tell her in complete honesty. This lady is a treasure, which makes her something that could be stolen or wanted out of my hands. That will never happen though because now that I am here, nothing awful will occur in this beauty's life again.
"Y-you mean it?" she stammers.
"Of course, love. Are you feeling a bit better now that you left that treacherous story out?"
"Yes, I do. I've n-never told anyone b-before. Well, except for Sae, since I-I live with her and all."
"I feel pleasured to know something about you. Want to know a secret, Katniss?" I request.
"Um, yeah, sure," she replies nonchalantly.
"Even though I met you today and have only been talking to you for about two hours now, I really like you."
"I can't believe it, but I feel the same way."
"Now since we just had this little intervention," I say with a silly face, "I want to take you out sometime. Does that sound good to you?"
"Oh, that's sounds great! I can't wait." And score for Cato Fort!
"Well, I must be off mon cherie (my dear). Here's my number, I'll be waiting for a call." Katniss blushes from my forwardness and snatches the slip from my hands. I lean into give her a quick peck, but am interrupted by a southern voice.
"Kat, darlin'. Les' go home now! I finished up the dishes. Getta move on, lady."
"Quite the charmer, isn't she?" Katniss asks.
"Oui, quite. I must be off, until then…"
"Katniss Everdeen."
"Maginificent. So, until then, Katniss Everdeen."
"I'll make that call real soon, um—"
"Cato Fort, love."
"Right," she lets out. I turn around and walk towards the door, only to turn around. I stroll over to Katniss and give her a short, chaste kiss on the lips, which leaves her wanting more.
"Au revoir!"
When I get to the hotel I am staying at, I quickly grab my phone from my jean pocket. I call up Seneca. No answer, shit. I decide to leave a message because it is important to me.
"Bonjour, Seneca. I landed safely and am now looking out at the San Francisco Bay. I met someone today that you might like, and not that way. I haven't seen her work, but let me say I have a feeling we just gained a new archer. Have a good night."
Katniss Everdeen- welcome to Team France. She just has to say oui.
Damn. This is going to be difficult.
Katniss' POV
Getting kissed by a stranger is crossed off the 'Bizarre Things That Will Happen To Me' list. I quickly add another.
Getting kissed by a stranger twice.
A/N: And scene! Did you guys like it? I just want to clear this up right now- CATO LIKES KATNISS AND IS NOT GOING TO PRETEND TO LIKE HER JUST FOR HER ARCHERY SKILLS, KAPESHE? What happens next? PM me for suggestions, questions, clarifications, statements, problems, et cet era. More reviews for quicker updates.
I want at least 38 reviews!
Review, review, review!
Peace out, babess
~FM