-Chapter III-
Katniss and Cato are now on the way to their old hometown. They're scheduled to meet Katniss' family for a reunion hosted by Katniss' parents, Mr. and Mrs. Everdeen. It's been a year since they both move to Manhattan but Katniss keeps her parents updated about their lives in the city.
After an hour long drive, they reach and pull onto the driveway of Katniss' parents' home. They are both excited and anxious.
Before they get off the car, Cato noticed Katniss fidgeting, "You okay?"
"What?" Katniss turn to Cato.
Cato chuckled, "You're being restless."
"Oh. Yeah, I'm fine. Just nervous."
Cato cupped Katniss' face and lean his forehead against hers. "It's going to be fine. We just have to answer their inquisitiveness and everything would be fine." said Cato. His voice serves to be a calming device for Katniss whenever she feels edgy and discomfort.
"You're right."
"And besides you have me beside you." Cato smiled and kiss the top of Katniss' head.
They get off Cato's car and head for the front door. After two rings, they were greeted by Mrs. Everdeen.
She hug them both, "Welcome home darlings." People in their hometown knows Katniss' parents. Mr. and Mrs. Everdeen is well respected and known as good people. Mrs. Everdeen is housewife, while Mr. Everdeen works as a fireman. "Come on in. How's the trip Katniss?"
"It's fine mom." Katniss smiled at her mother and surveyed the house. "House looks bigger."
"Yes. We decided to get rid of the stuff that is no longer useful. So, it looks wide now than before." Mrs. Everdeen turn to Cato, "Are you hungry son?"
Cato nod and smile at his future mother in law, "Famished."
"Good, right this way." Mrs. Everdeen led Cato and Katniss to the dining hall where they were surprised by the amount of food her mother prepared.
"Wow mom! You really outdone yourself this time."
"It's nothing. Since almost everyone in our family is coming. They are all excited to see the future in law." Mrs. Everdeen gave Cato a reassuring look.
Katniss and Cato shared a look as they were greeted by Gale, "Hey you two!" Gale pat Cato on the shoulder then kiss Katniss on her cheek, "You're early."
Katniss just smile and sigh, "Well, actually. I'm thinking that we'll visit Cato's parents first then come back here before everyone arrive."
Cato gave Katniss a confused look, "We don't have to do that. Let's just stay here and greet everyone."
"It's just that, it's been a year since the last time we visit them. So, I want us to tell them our news." Katniss stare at Cato trying to read his emotion. Katniss knows that Cato's still not fully recovered about his parents. "I think it's time Cato. The last time you saw them, is when we left to move." Katniss touch Cato's face, "Please."
Cato sigh, "Okay. But won't stay long."
Katniss nod and kiss Cato. She then finds her mother to tell her their plan, "If you want, we'll pick up Prim."
"Okay then, just be back before 3."
Katniss and Cato make their way to his car and drive. Within 20 minutes, they arrived at the town cemetery. "I'll get the flowers at the trunk." said Katniss.
"When did you even put them there?" asked Cato, he's out of the car assisting Katniss remove the flowers from the trunk.
"Before we leave. I got up early."
They enter the cemetery and head for Cato's parents tombs:
Mr. and Mrs. Hadley
August 15, 2012
Loving parents, and great human beings as an individual.
May both of you continue to look over your son and guide him, as another chapter of life opens.
Katniss arranged the flowers and light candles. She look up to see Cato's face serious, with his jaw clenched. "You know, I'm sure that after a year of avoiding to see them, they would be really happy to see you visiting them."
Katniss wait for Cato to speak, but after a few minutes, Cato remained silent. She sighed, "Hello Mr. and Mrs. Hadley. We have great news for you." She raised her left hand, "Your son actually made me say yes." She turn and see Cato is still stiff and not giving anything away.
She stood and hold Cato's hand, "You're son is the most amazing person I've ever met. And I can't think of any reason why I shouldn't marry him."
Cato, now having a hard time to contain himself. It's not that he's mad at his parents. But when they died, he doesn't have any family left. The day when he heard the news, he wasn't able to cry. He was too sad that he cannot go to his own parents' funeral. Since then, Katniss have been his source of strength. What Katniss about to tell his parents triggered his emotion.
"You both don't have to worry about him. I promise that I'll take care of him. And love him for the rest of my life. I'll be his family." Katniss turn to Cato and see tears forming in his eyes. "Cato?"
And with that, Cato starts to cry, "I'm sorry mom. I'm sorry dad."
They stayed for another hour, with Cato telling stories about their life to his parents. Katniss can't help but smile, because Cato finally let go and accepted his parents' death.
They only decided to leave when Katniss saw that it's already 2'oclock and they're both expected to return before 3. But they have to pick up Prim first. Primrose is at her school practicing for a recital. Katniss can't help but feel agitated. She missed her sister so much.
Less than half an hour waiting, Cato already spotted Primrose running towards them, "There she is."
"Katniss!" Prim squealed and throw herself against her big sister.
"Hey little duck." Katniss gently lift her sister while they hug, "You've gotten heavier."
Prim just laughed and let go of Katniss to give Cato a hug, "I'm so happy you finally asked Katniss to marry you."
"I'm lucky she said yes." Cato chuckled.
"Well, it's not possible for her to say no to you, you know." said Prim.
The three of them got on Cato's car and head their way back to Katniss' parents' home. When they arrived, there's already guests. As soon as Katniss and Cato stepped inside, they got instantly mobbed by Katniss' relatives.
"The horror." Katniss whispered to Cato.
He laughed, "Don't worry, I'm here." he reached for Katniss' hand and the make their way to the crowd.
Every relative of Katniss' asks Cato how he proposed to her, while Katniss is being asks if how many children she and Cato plans to have.
"Okay, enough with the questions please. Let the love birds breathe." They turn to see Mr. Everdeen in the living room grinning. Katniss immediately rushed to her father, "I missed you daddy!"
"I missed you too sweetie. Now, let's have a talk young man." Mr. Everdeen gestured for Cato to follow him.
"The horror." Cato whispered to Katniss who just giggled.
"You'll be fine." Katniss kissed Cato briefly and he head for the direction Mr. Everdeen went.
When he got to the terrace, Cato see Mr. Everdeen smoking. He slowly open the sliding door hoping to not make any noise. He had always been respectful to Katniss' father. But they never really got the chance to talk personally.
"Oh, good. Sit down son." Said Mr. Everdeen. "Do you want some?" Mr. Everdeen offering Cato a cigarette.
Cato shake his head, "Oh no. I don't smoke sir. Thank you." he sat at the seat opposite to Mr. Everdeen. "I didn't know you smoke."
"Occasionally." Mr. Everdeen put his cigarette in the ash tray and lean back to his seat, "So, you asked my daughter to marry you."
Cato cleared his throat and tried to make himself comfortable. He can't help but feel intimidated by Mr. Everdeen's presence. "I did sir. And fortunately, she said yes."
"I'm sorry. Am I making you uncomfortable?"
"Wha- oh no sir. No. I'm just cold."
"Very well then. I'll get straight to the point." Mr. Everdeen sigh, "I know that you're a good man Cato. I've seen you grow, I consider your parents as one of my best friends, and I've seen how you are with Katniss. I just want to tell you that I cannot think any one more suited for Katniss. I've seen how she is with you and how good of an influence you are for her. And I thank you for that. I thank you for not giving up on my daughter."
Cato is speechless. He didn't expect to hear Mr. Everdeen praise him, "Thank you sir. I promise that I'll be the best man for your daughter. I love Katniss so much and I don't want anything more than to be able to spend the rest of my life with her."
"Stop calling me sir son. You're gonna have to work on calling me dad." Mr. Everdeen said, "I'm entrusting you my daughter and I expect you to take good care of her."
"I will." Cato sighed, "I will. I promise."