Disclaimer:

I do not own anything in relation to The Hunger Games Saga. Suzanne Collins owns the concept and the characters of the books.

Author's Note:

In this chapter, the tributes will be in the Capitol.

I want to thank my beta/co-writer 3vlee for all of your help, collaboration, and support. All of this chapter is your words.

Please remember that this is rated M for a reason and I am always open to suggestions on how to make this story better.

ENJOY!

Chapter 11

Katniss POV

I can finally get out of bed after two long boring weeks and watch as Brutus catches up on Cato's training but not train yet myself. So, Brutus has me work on the poems for the contest.

Hopefully next week I can start back in training with knives and my bow. I really need to restart my training. I need to practice with a bow so I can relax maybe sort all these damn questions I have with Cato.

Damn does he look F-I-N-E without a shirt on. Shit did I actually think that? I don't understand these feelings that I'm having now. I need to talk to somebody about this. After this hospital stay I want to know who is this guy caring for me and what the hell has happened to Cato?

I like this side of Cato. I REALLY like this side of Cato. He's caring and at times very very kind to me. I can only hope it'll last. Some how I don't think it will in the arena.

But then why would Dad and Uncle Garrick tell me about what happen with that Samantha? I just should take the bull by the horns and ask him.

However right now I'm going admire the view. Believe me with that chiseled chest, it's a hell of a view and momma like. Boy does momma like, a lot.

"BOO! See something you like here Fire Girl?"

"Sorry . Little lost in thought there."

"About?"

"I want to talk to you after training about something. Just you and I okay?"

"Okay. Time to get back to work."

Later that night back in the hospital wing. Katniss ask Cato about Samantha.

"I'm trying to understand Cato not pry?"

Cato turning beet red.

"I'm not ready to talk about that yet Katniss. It's not one of my best moments during this training year. There's a lot this year that I'm not proud of when it comes to you and I that I'm still trying to figure out. I'm trying to figure out how did you know about it?"

So I explain what I remember of my dream while I thought we were still in D-2 including; hearing him apologizing for something, that there wasn't enough booze for the Capitalist and Haymitch too.

That he kept calling for me kept saying come on fire girl, wake up.

Cato POV

What is she thinking?

For Katniss to 'ask' me about Samantha?!

This just pisses me off. I'm mad, really mad. How dare she ask about her! About Sam. If I weren't in these fuckin' games, I would be with her now!

But how could have Katniss know about what happened with Sam & I this last time?

That's what gets me. How COULD SHE HAVE KNOWN for FUCK SAKE!?
So I tell Katniss (Hell she has me BLUSHING! This just makes me madder as I clench my fist in anger.)

"I'm not ready to talk about that yet Katniss. It's not one of my best moments during this training year. There's a lot this year that I'm not proud of when it comes to you & I that I'm still trying to figure out. I'm trying to figure out how did you know about it?"

Katniss then explains about some stupid dream with her father and uncle while she was suffering from Hypothermia!

She must have been hallucinating yet she heard me say:

"Come Fire Girl, about Haymitch drinking the Capital dry!"

Just HOW IN THE HELL SHE FIGURE THIS OUT FOR FUCKS SAKE?!

The more I think about it the angrier I get.

Katniss says she's trying to understand and not pry. Yet she is prying and what's to understand.

That I wanted Samantha and not her!

So I turn the tables on her see how she likes it for a change;

"So did you get the poems done?"

As I get up to hit the showers

"I wouldn't wonder if you'd win being that this is the best experience you'll ever have. Just leave it and go to bed Katniss."

With that I walk away.

In doing so she gives me a confused and hurt look.

Ha! Now she's getting a taste of what I've been through with her from day one but I'll be careful so she doesn't get sick again.

Brutus POV

I am very happy with the progress that Cato and Katniss are making. I also like that their personal relationship is mending.

He seems genuinely concerned for her and the twins. He dedicated all of his time spent in personal training to getting up to above untouchable to be able to protect Katniss in the arena.

She is finally able to get out of bed and every time Cato is training she is here watching.

The doctors say that she will be able to do light training in a few more days. I know that she has been anxious to get back to practicing with the knives and she doesn't want to get "rusty" with the bow and arrow.

Today she is sitting on the bench writing her poems and listening to her MP3 player. She looks up and sees Cato without his shirt on and she starts to stare. I get a smile on my face and realize that there could be a chance for them yet.

I tell him to go get a drink because he is looking a bit parched.

He walks over to her knowing that she is lost in thought. I see her jump a little.

I couldn't help but chuckle at her reaction. It seems like he is getting back into his groove and flirting with a pretty girl.

She says something that he agree to with a smile and walks back to me to continue training.

However the next morning there is a shift & I do not like it. Katniss has her wall up again and Cato looks angry. So while Meathead is stretching I go talk to my "little girl" to find out what is wrong.

"Katniss its Pops, you don't have to hide behind that wall. Talk to me."

To my surprise she does. She tells me that Cato changed back overnight when she was talking to him. She's trying to understand what happened, also about Samantha. Katniss hands me the poems to me to give to Caesar. I read them and thought is there anything that she can't do? These are really good. I mean really good.

"Please don't show them to Cato Brutus. He said something that actually made right those while he was in the shower. He needs to know because I'm from the Seam, I'm not scum and I have feelings too."

Brutus figured that dipshit did it again yet he agrees because Cato needs to hear Katniss.

"Also you get to start training again next week."

This brings a smile to face. Brutus then goes to Cato & lets him know time to get to work and works him harder than her ever worked him before.

"Not complaining but what's with the workout today Brutus?"

"What did you say to your partner that has her wall up this morning? "

Cato decides to tell the truth.

"I can't figure how she figured it out or found out. I'm still angry & I don't want to really talk to her about it."

"EARTH TO CATO! (lowers his voice) dipshit, you weren't the only one that got 'stuck' too. Do you honestly think knowing what she knows NOW about you that Katniss would want to be with you. Yet she treats you with respect & care. For once in your selfish life return the damn favor. Go eat get lunch for you & Katniss."

"Yes Sir."

Then he walks away.

Brutus goes to Katniss gives her a hug as she tears up.

"Don't worry Katniss. Pops & Cranky dad are here. You're stronger than you know."