Authors Note: Thanks so much to the anonymous reader who pointed out an error in the last chapter that implied that Titus was from District 5. He was from District 6 and I have made that change in the text. However, after looking that section over, I realized I made an even bigger goof. In my story Axel is from District 5, which is supposed to house the Transportation industry, and Tesla is from District 6, which houses the Power industry. According to my sources, I've transposed the industries of these two districts. So for the purists reading this story, please accept my apologies. I'm just going to pretend (since this is fiction) that in this universe, District 5 houses Transportation and District 6 is responsible for Power. Now back to the story.
Chapter 11 – Dating Capitol Style
When Katniss returned to the penthouse, she and Effie shared a quick lunch before Cinna arrived to prepare her for her second group date with the men of Districts Two, Four, Six, Eight, and Twelve.
He dressed her in a checkered shirt tucked into jeans. Brown boots completed the look. "Where am I going this afternoon?" she asked him.
"To a barn," he said.
Katniss' eyes widened. "What?"
"You're going to learn to lasso cattle."
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"How exciting," Effie chirped as they drove to a nearby animal park. Effie explained that the park gave Capitol citizens a chance to view all kinds of creatures in their natural habitats.
"We call it the woods in District 12."
Effie smiled faintly at Katniss' joke. "Don't forget to flirt with your suitors," she reminded as Katniss got out of the car.
Again, she was the last to arrive. An instructor who worked at the park was already speaking with Cato, Finnick, Tesla, J. Crew from Eight, Dalton from Ten, and Gale. The men were dressed for the part in denim jeans and plaid shirts.
Katniss walked closer to watch, leaning on the wooden wall of the cow's pen.
Dalton offered to go first. "My Dad owns a cattle ranch. I've been doing this since I was a child." He had looped the rope in his right hand. He swung it a few times before tossing it over the cow's neck and pulled it tight.
"Let me try," Finnick said. "I'm good with ropes."
The instructor went into the pen and removed the lasso from the cow's neck and handed it to Finnick. The victor quickly formed a loop, and then swung the rope. He missed a few times before encircling the cow's neck.
"It's trickier than it looks," Finnick admitted.
Katniss noticed Gale watching carefully. She could tell that he was enjoying the demonstration and was itching to give it a try.
When he got his turn, Gale was fairly successful.
Katniss wondered if he planned to use the technique in the woods when he got home.
She moved herself to Gale's side, leaning against the wooden pen as J. Crew attempted to lasso the cow. She bumped Gale's arm with her elbow. "What did you want to talk about last night?"
He turned to her awkwardly. "Aren't you worried about being overheard?"
"They're not filming me right now."
"Katniss, the camera is always on you. You're the star of the show." He nodded his head toward one of the operators, who was pointing the lens directly at Katniss.
"I don't think he can pick up the sound. It's kind of noisy in here."
As if to emphasize her point, loud catcalls echoed through the building as Cato finally managed to lasso the cow after multiple tries.
"I never guessed I'd be on television," Gale stated.
"I was allowed to pick the contestant from District 12," Katniss said. She partially covered her mouth with her hand as she spoke, so that anyone watching couldn't read her lips "You're my best friend."
"Then why don't you tell me what Mellark's doing in the Capitol? Rumor had it in Twelve that he left on the same train you did."
Katniss cheeks reddened. "They brought him here to teach me how to bake."
Was Gale jealous of Peeta? Gale had been right about Peeta all along. He had been staring at her because he liked her.
"We're just friends," she added.
"Your friend?" Gale snorted. "You never even talked to him at home. What happened before I got here?"
She bit her lip and didn't answer. Now was obviously not a good time to tell him about the toasting.
"What's going on Catnip? You got a thing for Mellark now?" His voice had a teasing quality to it.
No, she thought. Not like that. But she had to admit that she did miss him. A lot.
Irritated at Gale's comments, she turned away from him to notice Cato eyeing her carefully. Once he saw her looking in his direction, he kissed the palm of his hand, and then blew the kiss in her direction.
Kantiss gulped, but she didn't have time to think about it because it was her turn to lasso the cow. The camera operator came in closer and the other men stepped away.
Dalton took over for the instructor, showing her how to hold the rope. He stood behind her, his arms wrapped around her waist, his hands showing her exactly how to tie the loop and swing the rope.
"I can do myself," she said, stepping forward from his grasp. She took a few swings before tossing it. It encircled the cow's neck on the first try. She tightened the noose.
"That's what I like, a girl who knows what she wants and exactly how to get it," Dalton said.
Katniss smiled faintly and looked Dalton in the eyes exactly like Effie taught her.
"Cut," Cressida called. "All right everyone we're done here."
On the ride back to the penthouse with Effie, Katniss realized that she still didn't know what Gale wanted to talk to her about.
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After supper, Plutarch, Fulvia, and Cressida joined Effie and Katniss to watch the official start of The Match Game. While she had been on her group date, a large screen television had been mounted in the penthouse on the wall above the fireplace. The interview with Caesar had been shown live the previous evening, but the rest of the show would be aired in a delayed fashion to allow it to be edited as circumstances warranted.
This evening's show opened with a brief rehash of Katniss' interview with Caesar. Following were two minute-long biographical clips about each of the contestants. As she watched the individual clips, she noticed that nearly all of the representatives were the children or grandchildren of a major business owner in their district.
She already knew about Axel and Dalton. But viewing the show she learned that Marvel from One was the grandson of the maker of Luxo watches and other fine timepieces.
Cato's father, along with his four brothers, owned a stone quarry in District 2 that provided materials for many buildings in Panem.
Gates, who was trying to get funding to mass-produce his latest invention, came from a family of rich inventors in District 3.
Besides being a Hunger Games victor, Finnick Odair was a paid spokesperson for the District 4 Tourist Board.
Tesla's father in District 6 was the largest shareholder in Panem's power grid.
The lumberjack from Seven was the grandson of the largest paper manufacturer in Panem.
J. Crew's family business in District 8 made the highest quality clothing for men, women, and children. It was the oldest clothing manufacturer in all of Panem, having been in business even before the Dark Days.
The tall thin man from Nine, whose name turned out to be Wheaton, was part-owner in a large grain mill.
Thresh's family owned two large farms in District 11.
Katniss wondered how the show's editors would spin the story of Gale Hawthorne. His family was poor. He worked in the mines. He didn't fit the pattern of the other contestants.
In fact, Katniss couldn't think of anyone who fit the pattern in District 12. It was a poor district No one was truly rich, not even the Merchants. And the government owned the mines.
So, she nearly fell off her seat when the announcer talked about Gale's job as a dedicated public servant in the Justice Building. That was an obvious lie.
After a short commercial break, The Match Game, resumed. Katniss watched herself get out of the car and enter the large house where the cocktail party was held. The narrator said that all the men were living together in the house.
She saw herself make awkward conversation with the men around the room. She didn't like watching herself on television. She wondered what her mother and Prim were thinking. Were they happy Katniss had the opportunity to meet so many rich bachelors?
Her thoughts fell to Peeta. What did he think of everything? She missed him. Not only for his cooking, which was by far more varied and delicious than the Avox who'd replaced him, but also for the friendship he'd provided ever since she'd left District 12.
She wished she could tell him about her suspicions that the show was a lot less honest that she'd been led to believe – that it was all one long commercial with Katniss Everdeen as the final prize. But if he watched it, he would probably figure that out for himself.
The segment on the cocktail party was followed by brief interviews with the twelve contestants. Each was sitting on a stool, staring directly into the camera and speaking as if they were talking to Katniss directly.
"If I could melt all the gold on the earth, I would make a key with it to unlock your heart," Marvel said. "We are soul mates Katniss. Choose me."
Cato called her a prize that he was willing to earn by his muscles, talent, and brains.
Gates said he thought she had the mind of a fine inventor and that they'd be terrific partners.
"You're a girl on fire," Finnick said. "Whoever you choose, you'll make history."
Katniss was pondering Finnick's odd comment so she missed the sappy, silly and saccharine comments of most of the others.
Finally Gale. "I've always admired you Katniss. You're a hard worker and you'll do anything to help others. Any man would be lucky to have you for his wife."
The show ended with an announcement to tell everyone to be sure and watch tomorrow evening for the first group date.
"That was lovely," Effie said as she turned off the television.
Plutarch put his hand across his mouth and yawned. "It's not exactly riveting television."
"I been looking at the clips from the group date that were shot this morning," Fulvia said excitedly. "There's some good stuff there. Marvel fell over the handlebars of his bike and knocked out his front teeth. Lots of blood."
"Did you get a close up?" Plutarch questioned.
"Yes, and then I had a camera operator follow him to the dentist and film as two fake teeth were implanted," Cressida added. "The dentist offered to pay the customary rate if we aired that little clip as part of the show."
Plutarch put his head in his hands and rubbed his temples. "Keep it exciting. That's what makes for good ratings. Do you understand?"
He turned and gazed at Katniss.
She nodded, biting the inside of her cheek so that she wouldn't start screaming.
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The next day Katniss filmed two more group dates. The first was to a large grove of old-growth trees that bordered the edge of the Capitol. An instructor demonstrated how to climb the trees wearing spiked shoes, and using ropes and harnesses.
"I do this for a living," the lumberjack from Seven bragged before he made his way up to the top of a large cottonwood tree.
Katniss scoffed in amazement. She wished Gale had been on this date. He couldn't climb as well as her, but he certainly would have had a good laugh at the lumberjack's expense.
Once the lumberjack was back on the ground, the other men rushed to try it. Most figured it out quickly, although Gates claimed a fear of heights and refused to even try.
After the cameras had filmed everyone making their way up the tree, Cressida turned looking for Katniss.
"Up here," Katniss called out. The entire group looked on in amazement as she sat on the highest branch of a nearby tree. She had climbed it without using any climbing gear.
"You got that on tape, didn't you," Cressida shouted at one of the camera operators.
He nodded.
"Great, be sure to get her coming down as well."
The afternoon's group date was shopping. This seemed an odd activity to Katniss who never went into a store without the intent to purchase a particular item. The idea of shopping as a leisure activity, to walk through stores, pick up items, even try on clothes, for the sheer fun of it was ludicrous. No one in District 12 had the time or the money for such nonsense. The merchants would kick them out of the shops if they even tried.
She wasn't surprised though, when after walking through a large open-air mall area, Cressida directed the group to a shop bearing the name of Crew's Clothing. It was the Capitol branch of the business owned by J. Crew's family.
Once they went inside, the sales assistants were all over them handing them clothes to try on. The afternoon was a bit of a fashion show for everyone. After a couple of hours, Cressida called cut, but not before everyone got to take away an outfit for free.
During the mayhem of so many people in the story, Finnick furtively handed Katniss a note, which she snuck into her pocket. She guessed it was from Gale, maybe a further explanation of what was going on with him.
While Effie was chattering away in the car on the way to the penthouse, Katniss pulled the letter out of her pocket. Putting her new outfit, which was carefully wrapped in a Crew's Clothing bag, on her lap, she unfolded the letter and used the bag to hide it.
Immediately she recognized Peeta's writing. It was a short note without a picture, so she guessed he'd written it in a hurry.
Dear Katniss,
I'm sorry I left without saying goodbye. Fulvia showed up and said it was time for me to go. You were busy with Cinna, and Effie said she'd pass along my regards. I'm guessing she did.
I'm still in the Capitol, working with some of their bakers learning new techniques. It's funny because of the stuff they aired on t.v.; I've even gotten a few job offers here. I'm considering them.
Remember the toasting if you want an out from participating in the show. If not, I wish you and Gale a happy life together.
Take care,
Peeta
P.S. Finnick offered to deliver this letter to you. He tracked me down because he wanted to special order some cheese buns for a friend in District 4.
She wished she could see him in person. She wondered if Finnick had warned him as well about what could happen if she revealed the toasting. She sighed, folding up the note and putting it into her pocket to look at later.
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After dinner, Plutarch, Fulvia, and Cressida joined Katniss and Effie again to watch that night's episode of The Match Game, which featured the first group date where they had gone to Velodrome. Plutarch didn't seem that impressed, although he grinned like a fool at Marvel's bloody mouth.
"A little gore is always good for the ratings," he said. "Are there any more accidents coming up on future dates?"
Cressida shook her head.
"We need more drama, more excitement," Plutarch urged. "We need to kick things up a notch."
Fulvia frowned. "Well, there may be something. It seems that Cato has taken a serious liking to Katniss. His agent has requested more access to her. They're willing to double their payment if he could be one of the final contestants. If he were to win..."
A wave of fear washed over Katniss until she remembered that she had the power to end The Match Game whenever she wanted by mentioning the toasting. But since she hadn't come up with a plan as of yet, so she needed to continue to play along.
"No," she interrupted. "I signed a contract. I already picked the winner."
"You did," Fulvia said, looking directly at her. "But if we could get some kind of love triangle going, that would certainly hold viewers. People would be rooting for Team Cato or, your choice, Team Gale."
Fulvia's eyes grew brighter as a thought occurred to her. "We could bring it down to the two of them and then have the viewers pick the winner."
"What?" A shiver ran down Katniss' spine, as she though about how everything was spinning out of her control. The thought of revealing the toasting when it would likely cause a nationwide uproar made her gasp.
Maybe it would be easier for everyone if she stayed in the game and married Gale. Unconsciously she reached into her pocket running her fingers over the note Peeta had sent her, desperately wishing he was here in person to help her put a stop to everything.
"It doesn't matter who they vote for, we'd say your man won. But that way we might get some extra money from Cato."
"I like it," Plutarch said. "The more viewers are involved in the process, the more they are invested to watch the show. Brilliant idea, Fulvia."
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The next day's filming involved a special ceremony. Cinna dressed Katniss in a long blue gown. She met with the twelve contestants in a studio that was set up in The Hunger Games Training Center. All of the men were wearing very dressy black suits; Cinna said they were called tuxedos.
The twelve of them stood around her in a semi-circle and Cressida told Katniss to give a red rose to Axel, Dalton, the lumberjack, and J. Crew. The roses symbolized that she had officially rejected them.
It was a good symbol of rejection because President Snow had favored roses. Even though he'd been dead for a few years, most people still hated him and the type of flowers he had grown in his hothouse.
Cressida had written in chalk on the floor the words she wanted Katniss to say to each of the men. Katniss studied the words carefully, and then lifted her head and spoke to Axel.
"Cut" Cressida called. "You're too awkward and stiff. Can you bring some emotion to this? You're rejecting these men; show some sympathy. A farewell kiss on the cheek would be a nice, touch, too."
Katniss frowned. She didn't want to kiss the men. She'd barely spoken to any of them. Having to put her lips to their faces seemed wrong.
"Can you make yourself cry?" Cressida asked. "Think of something sad."
Katniss took a deep breath. She didn't want to think about anything sad. It was easier not to think at all. She missed her old life in District 12. She missed Prim and her mother. She missed hunting with Gale and selling squirrels to the baker. She even missed Peeta staring at her. Now that she knew why he was staring, it only made her feel worse.
If she thought too much about everything, she was sure she'd start crying so hard that she'd never be able to stop.
Her face must have registered a look of anguish because Cressida smiled. "Hold that thought, let's do it again."
The entire process took several hours, because they had to stop and start over so many times.
Finally, they were done. Katniss was taken to a separate area by Castor where she was taped reading from a screen. The monologue they wanted her to say was so silly that it took her several takes to finish without laughing. It was all nonsense about how none of the men she released were her soul mate and that she was looking for true love that would last forever and beyond.
Much later, when she returned to the group, she overheard Axel telling Dalton that he was glad to be getting back to District 5 because he missed his girlfriend. Katniss looked up at him in surprise and caught his eye.
Axel laughed. "You didn't think any of this is real Everdeen, did you?"
Katniss turned pink in embarrassment. She knew it wasn't real for her, but she wasn't aware of how fake the entire show was. She wasn't the only person playing a game. They all were.