Chapter 25

You're The One That I Want

If you're filled with affection

You're too shy to convey

Meditate my direction

Feel your way

I better shape up, 'cause you need a man

I need a man who can keep me satisfied

I better shape up, if I'm gonna prove

You better prove that my faith is justified

Are you sure? Yes I'm sure deep down inside

You're the one that I want

We had walked silently back towards the camp, all of us lost in our thoughts. When we arrived, we decided not to start a fire since it wasn't worth the risk of someone seeing.

I don't know what Eli and Cato were thinking, but I couldn't get the image of little Rue surrounded by flowers out of my head. I unintentionally searched the surrounding forest, waiting for her head to peek out.

Go to sleep, little bird.

I know I had an emotional breakdown when I saw Marvel murdered and when I killed Rocco, but I almost feel like after watching Rue and Wilco's deaths, I'm the opposite. Numb. Like I'm currently in my body but my mind is somewhere else.

It's probably been a few hours since the incident and we're all sitting around the base of a tree when I hear it.

Beep. Beep. Beep.

It's comical the way all of our heads slowly look up at the parachute in unison, watching as it floats down.

It has D12 painted on it, so it could be for Eli or me.

When Eli realizes I'm not going to grab it, he reaches for it as it lands on the ground.

Eli looks at me before opening it to reveal a feast, much like the meals we got on the train.

There's chicken, rice, soups, and more, but what stands out to me is the bread. It's different than the kind we get in 12, but this bread has so many different grains and seeds in it, more than I've ever seen before. I slowly reach out to grab the full loaf of bread and turn it over in my hands, examining it. There are sunflower seeds in it, among many others, I note with shock. Sunflower seeds only grow in…

"Eleven," I whisper in surprise, the first one of us to break the silence in hours.

How on earth did we get bread from district eleven?

"What?" Cato asks in confusion, watching me look at the bread. "Eleven what?"

"This bread is district eleven's bread. Look, there are sunflower seeds. Those only come from district eleven."

"Why would we get bread that belongs to their district?" Eli asks.

Each of our districts has one type of bread that we make our own, and it is hardly ever passed around to other districts. I wouldn't even have recognized it if it weren't for the sunflower seeds. I hardly recognized the bread that Zadie's district, 9, sent.

Cato pulls out all the tins of food, searching for something. I'm confused as to why he's rifling through the food, not even stopping to examine any of the things he's touching, until I see that he finds something. There's a card with a my name on it, much like the one Haymitch sent with the other parachute, along with another card that's in an envelope with a Cato's name on it, and a small bag enclosed with a string.

Cato hands me the card that is obviously meant for me. I hesitantly grab it from him, my eyes on his card and noticing the differences.

"Why is yours in an envelope?" I ask, unable to hide the suspicion in my voice.

Cato looks between his card and my eyes that are narrowed on his.

"I don't know," he says calmly, but his eyes show that even he is unsure of his answer.

"That's Haymitch's handwriting," I accuse. "Why is he talking to you?"

If I didn't look close enough I wouldn't have noticed the wariness in his eyes as he gripped the card tighter. He opens his mouth to speak but I cut him off with another question even I can hear is laced in distrust.

"And why is it hidden from us-" I motion between Eli and I, "in an envelope?"

"Prim, it's addressed to him for a reason," Eli says, and I just now notice that he doesn't seem to hold any suspicion that I do. He looks calm, and if I'm seeing correctly, his eyes are lit with understanding. "Trust Haymitch."

Does he know what's going on?

Trust Haymitch. I do. I trust Haymitch with my life. I hesitate before nodding slowly, and Cato seems to let out a sigh of relief.

I read my card as Cato opens his.

Bread from D11. As thanks for the song, flowers, and for the way you took care of Rue.

The rest is from D12. To remind you of home.

Listen to Cat.

Remember who you are, Rosie. Don't forget yourself.

Love- H.

I have to read the words twice before I grasp the meaning of them.

District 11 sent us bread, bread they probably couldn't afford, because I sang to Rue and covered her in flowers.

District 12 sent us the rest of the food, which I know they couldn't afford.

My lips twitch upwards as I roll my eyes when I read that Haymitch still hasn't gotten Cato's name right. At this point I wonder if he does it on purpose.

Remember who you are, Rosie.

I can hear Haymitch's voice in my head as if he's really saying it. I think I know what he means, but I can't be sure. There can be several hidden meanings to that, but I interpret it as basically saying to stay true to myself. And I have. But after only being in this arena for barely two days I can see how some people could forget.

I snap out of my thoughts as I remember that Cato is reading his card as well. His secret card, I think bitterly.

I watch his expression as he reads the card, and his expression doesn't change except for his lips tightening into a thin line.

I can't tell if he's angry or just upset, but he's definitely feeling something.

"Something wrong?" I ask.

Cato's head snaps up from the card. I feel like he stares into my eyes for three minutes straight before answering.

"Nope. All good," he smiles, his voice light. I can tell he isn't acting because his eyes are light as well. I hide my surprise at his change of mood.

"Well-" I start, but am cut off as the anthem plays. I realize that it had gotten darker and darker (much too fast though so I know it was the gamemakers' doing), but I had been lost in thought and then we got the parachute so I didn't even notice.

Dread fills me as a blue hologram-type light fills the sky.

I startle when I feel Cato's hand wrap around my own and squeeze reassuringly.

It's comforting, his hand in mine, as I watch the faces of the dead tributes fill the screen.

District 1 girl and boy. Glimmer and Marvel.

District 4 girl and boy. Lana and Wilco.

District 7 boy. Rocco.

District 9 girl. Zadie.

District 11 girl. Rue.

Tears had started falling immediately when I saw Marvel's face, but just continued when I saw not only the two people I killed but also Rue.

I shimmy my hand out of Cato's to cover my face with my hands as I cry into them.

I feel someone rubbing my back before I'm pulled into their chest, their arms wrapping around my body as I shake.

I recognize the smell of Cato as it instantly reminds me of that night in my room in the training center when he spent the night. I can remember his lips on mine for the briefest of moments that felt like an eternity.

"Shhh, it's okay," he murmurs into my hair. I feel something on my head and I swear it's his lips.

I just continue to cry as I think of all that I've done, all that everyone's done, in this arena.

Cato's arms around me and his hand rubbing my back are soothing and I feel the tears slow down.

"Hey," Cato practically croons, leaning back before lifting my chin to meet his eyes. "Show me."

My eyebrows draw together in confusion. Show him what?

"Show me how to honor them," he whispers, clarifying.

I'm confused for a moment. Honor them? How do I honor them? I think of all the little ways I tried to honor my fellow tributes, of singing to Rue, of covering her in flowers, of showing the district sig-

Oh.

I smile shakily as I reach for his hand that he's already holding out to me. I lower all his fingers except the index finger to the ring finger.

He tightens his fingers when he realizes the motion. "Like that?"

I nod my head, before copying him and bringing my three fingers to my lips before raising them in the air. I see Eli do it in the corner of my eye and Cato follow suit.

I think I fall a little bit in love with him.

Eli is asleep on the ground, curled up at the base of a tree after stuffing himself with food. We all did, and we still have leftovers. Eli only had one spoonful of the soup before noticing that it was from Sae, his grandmother and my friend from the Hob. We both got teary-eyed as we explained to Cato who Sae was, and ever told a few stories about her that perfectly described her fiery character. The way Eli was talking reminded me of before we were reaped. He's boisterous and funny, and he always talks with his hands.

It's late, but Cato and I are awake, just sitting in silence.

He's the one to break it.

"I was acting, you know."

"Shhh," I hiss, trying to remind him Eli is sleeping. "Wait-what?"

"That day in the training center. When I said all those awful things about you. They were lies," Cato's voice sounds more dejected than I've ever heard in anyone before.

"But you said," I stop, unable to repeat the things he said about me. "Those things you said really hurt me, Cato."

He finally looks me in the eyes, and I can see the regret and pain in them. "I know. I'm so sorry, Prim."

"You know, when I thought about going into the games, I knew I was going to get hurt. I just didn't know that it wouldn't be physical pain."

"Prim," he chokes out before moving so quickly towards me he's practically a blur. His hands grasp my cheeks gently but firmly, like earlier today when he was helping me come back to myself after watching Marvel die and killing Rocco. "You have no idea how much I regret what I said, how much I wish I could take it back so I'd never have to see that look on your face. But I was lying, pretending so the careers wouldn't target you. Especially Callan. If he knew that you're my biggest weakness he'd use it. Exploit it."

Cato slides his hands away from my face and slowly folds them together in his lap. I feel cold almost instantly.

"Do you remember, when you said that you trusted my eyes? It was after the chariot rides and I pretended to be mad at you in front of the careers so they wouldn't target you. I had said that you weren't good at hiding your emotions from me. You responded that you felt the same way, that my emotions are all in my eyes?" He asks, nervous.

I remember exactly what he's talking about.

"Prim, what was that?" He whispers loudly. He isn't glaring, but he looks angry.

I feel guilty. But then I remember the hurt I felt when he abandoned me for his friends.

"Why are you mad at me? I should be mad at you! Why are you so embarrassed to be seen with me? Are you ashamed of the Panem scum known as district twelve?" I spit out.

He looks offended. His eyes soften and he's back to my Cato. The fuchsia boy I met on the train. My stomach does somersaults at the intensity and softness of his gaze.

"Of course not Prim. What do you think they'd do if I'd be hanging out with you in front of them? They'd target you. I'm trying to protect you. You can't join our alliance. But when you pull stunts like that-" he points in the direction of the lobby and I look down at my hands, fidgeting, "then I won't be able to protect you. They're dangerous, Prim. They're trained murderers. They won't think twice about stabbing you in the back. Literally and figuratively." I roll my eyes.

I feel guilty after hearing his explanation.

I sigh, "I'm sorry for exposing your secret obsession with fuchsia to your enemies." I say, biting my lip to hide my smile.

He chuckles quietly.

"I guess it's alright. They'd find out eventually. I probably wouldn't be able to hide it much longer." He's smiling.

"Am I forgiven?" I ask after a few seconds.

"You were forgiven when I saw the guilty look on your face. You're not very good at hiding your emotions, Prim. At least, to me."

That's weird, because I feel like that with him.

I look down when I say this, because I couldn't say it while looking in his eyes, "I feel the same way. Your emotions are all in your eyes." I murmur quietly.

I can't believe that was only days ago. Now, in the arena after so much has happened it feels like forever ago.

His eyes are staring so intensely into mine. "I swear to you Prim, if you had looked into my eyes then, you would've known that I was lying, that I didn't mean anything I was saying."

His eyes are so sincere that I want to believe him, I really do.

"Y-you were so convincing-"

He cuts me off by grabbing my face again. His thumbs rest under my eyes and span to my jawline, and he holds me so gently you'd think I was a porcelain doll. "Look into my eyes now. Do you think I'm lying to you when I say that I didn't mean any of it?"

I barely manage to shake my head no before he starts leaning in.

He's about to kiss me, I realize belatedly.

I can feel his breath on my lips as he hesitates. I close my eyes, and it's all the reassurance he needs. His nose brushes mine before his lips gently meet my own in the softest of touches and I practically melt.

He pulls away after a moment, though in my opinion much too soon, and I make a small noise of protest.

He just smiles and leans his forehead against mine. I don't think I've ever seen his smile this bright.

"Do you trust me?" He asks suddenly.

I think about my answer before smiling slightly. "I do, even though I probably shouldn't," I tease.

He doesn't lose his smile, if anything it gets bigger, his eyes more vibrant. "Why shouldn't you?"

I reach up to touch his cheek, as if I'm protecting him from what I'm about to say.

"We're in the hunger games. We're not supposed to trust anyone in the arena," I say, trying to keep my voice light.

Results? Unsuccessful.

"Prim, I would never break your trust," he forces out. His smile is gone, and I think I'm a fool for taking it away.

I'm nodding before he even finishes his sentence. "I know that. I know. I just mean that I shouldn't trust you. But I'm an idiot so I do."

His smile is back and I realize that seeing it makes me smile too.

"You're not an idiot," he whispers before kissing me again.

"In fact-" kiss, "that's probably-" kiss, "the smartest decision-" kiss, "you've ever-" kiss, "made." He pecks my face with kisses as he talks, getting my cheeks and my nose and even my eyelids until I'm giggling, and he lights up at the sound.

He pulls back, still framing my face with his hands, just to stare at me. His eyes dart all over my face before he reaches up to tuck my hair behind my ear. I grab his hand with my own before he can take it away from my face fully.

"I forgive you," I murmur. His smile freezes on his face as his eyes widen in surprise.

"I wouldn't blame you if you didn't," he replies sadly.

I shake my head, "I'm not saying I'll forget what you said. I probably never will. I'm just saying that right now I forgive you. Okay?"

He responds by brushing my lips with his. The kiss seems to last forever but is probably only a few short moments.

When he pulls back he nods and I'm confused at the action until I realize he's responding to my last statement.

"We should probably try to sleep now," I whisper.

He smirks, "You think I can sleep after that? My heart's still racing."

I laugh quietly before I reach up to kiss him.

"Yeah, definitely won't be able to sleep," he says with his eyes still closed. I can't stop grinning. I've never felt like this before.

"Try," I say with a mock stern face, but my voice is too light to pull it off.

He pulls away from me completely and goes to sit at the base of a tree before patting the spot next to him. I crawl over and settle myself against his side. He wraps an arm around me, and even though we're sitting upright against a tree, I've never been more comfortable.

I'm almost asleep when I hear Cato's voice, but I might be imagining it.

"That wasn't for you, Haymitch," he whispers into the night.

I'm asleep before I can respond.

I wake up hours later when I hear something I shouldn't hear at all in the dead of night. It's a snapping sound, and I try to blink the sleep from my eyes.

Cato has one arm around me protectively, the other resting on his sword. Eli is across from us, using one of the packs as a pillow. I realize that one of us should've stayed awake to keep watch, but it's too late now.

I hear the sound again, it's more like a hissing now, and I watch with wide eyes as the forest erupts in fire around us.

A/N: All right, here's another chapter for you guys. I guess I can keep posting. Thanks for the reviews; they make me feel like someone's actually reading this! I appreciate every one of you who reads this story, and I love every one of your reviews. It's been tough having to write this situation with Prim and Cato, where she's mad at him, so I'm glad they can finally kiss and make up! Literally!

And in regards to some of your questions: be patient guys, all your questions will soon be answered... *wink wink*

Sidenote: I love grease, but the version for this song is a cover sung by the lennings