The Games We Played
Hello all!
Merry Christmas, or Happy Holidays if you prefer! I thought I'd give you all a gift today – my next chapter!
MangoMagic: First off, when I read your review, I couldn't stop smiling for like an hour! Seriously. This new chapter will answer some old questions and I hope you like it.
Rolyn: Yes, Seneca is a butt. As for Finnick, Wheet, and Peeta's parent – your questions will be answered here and now. Please read on and enjoy.
shay89: First I want to welcome you to my story. Here's my update.
lincolnlog89: I have to admit that it's difficult for me to post my chapters without a review from you. You are not only a great friend, but someone who's opinion I respect. I have no idea where my one-liners come from but glad you like them. I loved writing Leonitus for those two chapters. Your worries about Wheet, his fiancé, the witch, and Finnick shall be answered when you read on.
movetotherythm: Welcome to my insanity (and my story)! Your kind words mean a great deal to me. My biggest fear writing this story was not only trying to keep track of so many characters, but that no one would like it. I'm really happy that I have so many wonderful people encouraging me and to have you join their ranks. I look forward to hearing from you.
Chapter 13: Discoveries and Confessions
The Mentors
Lyme watches as the mentors climb into the hovercraft. They lost some good people today. Finnick tried to stay behind but Mags convinced him to go. She closed the trap door behind him, sealing both their fates. Finnick had no choice but to stay with the group, the trap door could not be opened from the tunnel side. Then, halfway to their destination they group was attacked by peacekeepers that had managed to get into the tunnel. That's when they lost the morphlings from District 6, Cecilia, Seeder, Woof, Blight, and Wiress. Lyme could only imagine what happened to the Mentors that didn't join them.
As they take off, a refugee from District 8 named Bonnie came into the room where the mentors were gathered around a table. "I have news from the Tribute hovercraft. Thresh Temper didn't make it to the craft. And apparently the bombing of the arena caused some buildings to fall. Some debris from them had hit the tributes; three are reported to be seriously injured. Rue Burd died on the craft. We will rendezvous with the tribute craft within the hour. If we receive any more information on the tributes conditions, someone will be here to report to you." Bonnie nods once to the group before leaving.
Haymitch gets up and begins to pace the floor. Effie goes over to the bar and pours him a shot of whiskey hoping that it will calm his nerves. He had truly been doing so well up to this point. In fact she decides to pour a drink for everyone. Johanna sees what Effie is doing and offers to help. Once everyone has a glass, Brutus stands to make a toast. "To the kids and Mentors who didn't make it and to the kids we saved, we salute you all." The clinking of glasses is followed by the sounds of grunts from those who don't like the taste of whiskey. Effie makes a face that causes Johanna and Haymitch to laugh. Shortly thereafter, everyone jumps when Boggs walks into the room. "Sorry to interrupt, but there is news coming from District 13. It appears there are hovercrafts heading to District 12. Our operatives there are working on getting as many of the citizens out to safety as they can. Also, the families of the tributes from Districts 1, 2, and 5 have been retrieved and are on their way to District 13 now." Boggs gives them a moment to digest that information before continuing on. "We will meet up with the tribute hovercraft in about 30 minutes." With his report given, Boggs leaves the room.
District 12
After being knocked down by the blast, Fennel gets up and helps Hazel and Lily check on the kids before he takes off to find Wheet. Before he can get even 3 feet away, he sees Thom carrying an unconscious Wheet. Thom looks up to see Fennel standing there and yells, "Go help the Hawthorne's and Everdeen's. I've got Wheet. We have to go now!" Fennel turns and picks up Posy. They all quickly move through the forest listening to the explosions coming from behind them.
They soon come to a small clearing filled with the now homeless District 12 citizens. Thom finds a spot off to the side and sets Wheet down. Lily and brim immediately begin to inspect Wheet's injuries. What they find isn't good. He has severe burns on his back and legs.
"There's a lake just beyond those trees," Thom tells Lily. "Do you need any water?"
"We can soak one of the smaller blankets to cool the burns," Lily says.
Rory finds the smallest blanket and follows Thom to the lake. He comes back 5 minutes later and helps the Everdeen's to drape the blanket over Wheet's body.
"A hovercraft from District 13 will be here soon. There are medical personnel aboard to help with the injured." Thom informs them all.
Just as the craft arrives, Wheet regains conscience. "Dad, I tried to get Mother and Eliza to come with me but they both laughed at me, calling me a dumb fool," he says weakly. "I should've never gone for them. I'm sorry dad."
"It's alright son, you did what you felt was the right thing to do. I'm proud of you," Fennel tells him. "Now I want you rest and to let these people help you." Fennel adds tears falling down his face as a couple of men dressed in gray bring a stretcher over. He watches as they gently place Wheet on it. Lily and Prim decide to go with Wheet and the other injured to help if they could. Fennel stays with Hazel and the kids. He watches as the craft takes off with his son inside. Soon another craft comes and he follows Hazel and the kids inside.
As soon as the craft takes off for District 13, Thom walks up with a female who identifies herself as Twill from District 8. "I have news about the tributes," she says smiling gently. "Ten of them were rescued. Three are reported to be seriously injured. The others are injured as well, but mainly just cuts and bruises. We will be in 13 shortly. The Mentors that escaped in a separate craft are being reunited with the tributes as we speak. If I hear anymore, I will come find you." She finishes before leaving the room.
"Wheet is to be taken immediately to the infirmary," Thom tells them. "Mrs. Everdeen and Prim have gotten permission to stay with him given their medical knowledge. Mr. Mellark, it's up to you to decide but you can stay with Mrs. Hawthorne to wait for the tributes to land or I can take you to Wheet when we land. I'll get your decision when we land in about 15 minutes."
"Thank you Thom," Fennel says contemplating his choices. He could wait and see Rie and Peeta as soon as they land and be worrying about Wheet the whole time. Or he can be with Wheet and be worrying about Rie and Peeta's condition. He isn't sure what to do.
The Tributes Craft
Peeta opens his eyes and is confused as to where he is. He turns his head to the left and sees Gale lying in a bed. He turns to his right and sees Rie lying there. He hears a moan coming from somewhere down by his feet. He sits up and sees Marvel looking back at him. Next to Marvel is Cato. Or at least Peeta thinks its Cato. He can barely see some blonde hair sticking out from under the bandages wrapped around the head. Peeta takes a closer look and realizes his first assumption was right, it is Cato. It's then that he notices the beeping machines next to him. Peeta throws the covers off and stands on shaky legs before making his way over to Cato. He looks down at the older boy, afraid to touch him for fear of hurting him more.
He jumps when he hears Marvel's voice behind him. "Where are we? Where are the girls?"
Peeta looks around as he realizes he hadn't seen the girls. They're not there. "I don't know. I just woke up myself. Maybe the girls are in another room. Should we go look for them?" he asks the other boy.
"I think so," Marvel replies.
"Don't leave without me," Gale says scaring both Peeta and Marvel.
Peeta looks over to Rie, expecting him to speak next. He sees that Rie is hooked up to machines just like the ones Cato is.
"I'm certainly no doctor, but I think they'll both be out for a little longer. And probably more seriously hurt than us," Marvel says as he stands up. "Ugh, I hate these gown things. But at least they put shorts on us. Otherwise I could have gotten an eyeful of Peeta's sweet cheeks a few moments ago." Marvel and Gale laugh at Peeta's scowl.
"Oh yeah, that's really funny. Let's just go find the girls," Peeta snaps.
The 3 boys walk out the door into a hallway. They see a door directly across from the one they came out. Peeta opens it and is immediately relieved to see Katniss' seam gray eyes looking back at him, a smile on her face.
"Hey Peet! How's it going?" she asks before she notices Gale and Marvel behind him. "Gale! Marvel! You're okay too!" she smiles at them before it slowly fades. "Wait, where's Cato and Rie?" she asks as the door closes behind the boys that entered the room completely.
"They're still sleeping. Both are hooked up to machines," Peeta tells her.
"Like that one?" Katniss asks as she points to Madge's bedside.
"Exactly like that one," Marvel answers as he walks over to her, sitting down on her bed next to her. "How are you feeling?" seeing the bandages on her arms.
"I'm fine," she answers looking at her arms. "I kind of feel like I fell out of a tree though, a little achy all over."
Peeta looks around the room as Gale walks over to Clove's bed. "Where's Rue?" Peeta asks.
"I'm not sure," Katniss answers quietly. "I woke up moments before you opened the door. I barely had time to register where Madge, Delly, Clove, and Foxface were before you guys came in."
"Jeez, even in hell I can hear Catnip and Bread Boy's voices," Clove says, eyes still closed. "At least Muscles isn't here adding his 2 cents worth," she adds before opening her eyes. "Gale!" she gasps when she sees him.
"Yes girlfriend?" he teases, making her blush.
"So, you two made it official then?" Marvel asks teasingly.
"Apparently it became official when that creep, Leonitus was hitting on Peeta," Gale says, gazing down softly at Clove. "I wouldn't have it any other way," he adds smiling.
"Me either," Clove agrees happily. As she sits up with Gale's help, she looks around. "Where are Cato and Rie?"
"Across the hall. They're not awake yet." Peeta tells her. "They're hooked up to a bunch of machines like Madge," he says pointing at her. "I think I'll give you guys a few minutes of privacy to catch up. I'm going to go look around," he adds as he turns to the door.
He leaves the room, checking on Rie and Cato one more time before walking down the hallway. As he reaches a cross hall, he hears a voice he never thought he'd hear again.
"Peeta Bread! You're awake!" Johanna squeals. "Haymitch is around here somewhere making sure there's something to eat. How ya feeling?"
Peeta smiles at her, "I'm fine JoJo. It's good to see you too. What's going on? Where are we?"
"You must of hit your head pretty hard Loverboy," she teases. "We're in a hovercraft on our way to District 13. We just left District 5 where we joined you guys." She looks behind him, "Are any of the others awake yet?" she asks.
"Marvel, Gale, Katniss, and Clove are the only ones I know are awake. Cato, Rie, and Madge are all hooked up to machines. They all could be by now. I left to explore around," he tells her. "Why?"
"Once everyone's awake we're going to meet and eat," she laughs at her rhyme. "Let's go check on the others," she says as she hooks her arm into his, pulling him back down the hall he just came from. They go into the girl's room first. Madge appears to be the only one still out.
"So, Rie and Cato are across the hall hooked up to machines like hers?" Johanna asks quietly, not to anyone in particular.
"Yes they are," Marvel answers. "Is there something wrong if they're still connected?" he asks her worry lacing his voice. These were their friends that haven't woken up yet.
"Oh yeah. They'll just sleep a while longer as they were hurt just a little more than you all," Johanna plays down their injuries, knowing how worried they all were. "Let's go kids," she says changing the subject. "Time to eat!" she claims, rubbing her belly with her hand that wasn't holding onto Peeta. She pulls Peeta as she heads back out the door. Making sure the others are following, she says, "Don't worry about the three still sleeping. We have one of the finest doctors in all of Panem with us."
After several turns down a couple hallways, they finally reach their destination. "Here we are. Let's eat! I'm starving," Johanna says opening the door and sending the kids in first. Inside the very large room were several other people besides the mentors. Cinna, Portia, Venia, Flavius, Octavia, Fulvia, Plutarch, and Tigris all greeted the tributes before they all sat down to eat. It was crowded but the kids were happy to see everyone.
While Peeta was happy to see everyone, his mind kept drifting back to Rie. And Cato.
Haymitch, sitting to Peeta's right, watched as Peeta just played with his food. "The sooner you eat, the sooner you can get back to him boy," he says gruffly.
"I know. I'm just not very hungry," Peeta admits before putting his fork down and looking up at Haymitch. "Plus, we haven't seen Rue yet. Do you know where she is?" he asks noticing that everyone at the table got very quiet. "Okay, now I'm freaking out. What haven't we been told?"
"I know you wanted to wait until they were all awake Haymitch, but I don't believe they should be made to wait that long," Cinna says from across the table. "Better it comes from you now than from some stranger on this craft."
Haymitch sighs deeply. "Alright Cinna. I guess now is as good of time as any." He stands up, all eyes on him. He looks at each of the kids before he begins. "I'm not good at this and not really sure where to begin." He admits.
"Why don't you start with them in the arena?" suggests Lyme.
"Good idea," Haymitch says thankfully. "I'll start with when the arena gets bombed. From what we've been told, as the bombs hit, the buildings by where you all were waiting began to shake and crumble. Rie, Cato, and Madge got the brunt of the falling debris. Madge had a shattered collar bone, Rie's leg got a nasty gash, and Cato was hit in the head with a large chunk. His prognosis is the only one we're not quite sure about. He might have memory loss. We won't know for certain until he wakes." Haymitch had been looking at Peeta the entire time and noted his face ashen. He puts a hand on Peeta's shoulder when it looks like the young boy might bolt. He continues, voice shaky, "Little Rue didn't makes it," he can hear the girls gasp. "Once they got her on board, she passed on." He sees the tears falling down the four girl's faces. He watches Marvel easily pull Katniss into his lap, giving her a shoulder to cry on. Clove just lays her head on Gale's shoulder, tears silently falling. He continues, "But what I'm about to tell you will be hardest for my own tributes, my kids, to hear. We have reports that District 12 is gone, bombed by the Capitol," he holds his free hand up, the other still on Peeta's shoulder. "Please let me finish. There are survivors. They're waiting in District 13 for us to arrive. We don't know who made it out yet. We're hoping for a list or something." The silence is deafening as no one speaks. Suddenly Peeta shakes off Haymitch's hand, jumps up from his seat, and was out the door before anyone could stop him.
Clove is the first one to break the silence. "He needs Cato now more than ever," she says to no one in particular. "Cato calms him and keeps him sane. I hope Muscles wakes up soon." Gale wraps his arm around her shoulder. She looks up at him and sees that they both are worried about Peeta losing his mind.
Nobody noticed as Finnick slipped out the door behind Peeta.
Peeta manages to find his way back to the room through the tears in his eyes. He looks from Cato to Rie, unsure which one to go to first. He decides to go to Rie first, noticing he isn't hooked up to as many machines as he was earlier. It gives Peeta hope that at least his brother will wake soon. He takes Rie's hand into his. "I need you Rie," he begins, speaking softly. "Cato's hurt badly, Rie. Rue, Thresh, and Glimmer are dead because I failed them. And now District 12 is gone. The damn Capitol destroyed our home." Peeta's voice hitches on the last sentence, tears streaming faster. He squeezes Rie's hand as he turns to go to Cato. He stops when Rie squeezes back. Peeta turns quickly back to his brother but slumps his shoulders when he sees Rie's eyes are still closed. He leans down, kisses his brother's forehead, whispering, "I'll be back. I need to check on Cato."
He wipes the tears from his face as he walks over to Cato's bed. He climbs up to sit by Cato's hip, mindful of the tubes and wires coming off the large boy. He reaches up and traces his fingers across Cato's features – down the slope of the nose, across the soft lips, and along the jawline before resting his hand above Cato's heart. He starts talking, "Cato, I hope you can hear me. I need you. I need to feel your arms around me, keeping me safe and giving me the strength I don't have on my own. I need to hear your voice telling me not to worry, that everything will be alright." The tears begin to slowly fall down Peeta's cheeks yet again. "I need you to tell me that those we lost today wasn't my fault." He closes his eyes holding Cato's limp hand in both of his smaller ones, and lets the tears come. He cries for Glimmer, Thresh, and Rue dying, for Cato, Rie, and Madge's more serious injuries, and for District 12.
Finnick watches from the door. He had arrived just as Peeta climbed on Cato's bed. He watched the tender caresses Peeta gave Cato. He heard the words meant for Cato. He realizes that now is not the time to talk to Peeta. He also made another discovery that hits him like a ton of bricks – he's ready to let Peeta go for now. He still loves Peeta, but wants to put Peeta first and that means letting Peeta be with the one he loves. That thought stuns him even more, Peeta loves Cato! Even that revelation doesn't sting as bad as Finnick thought. He slowly backs out the door quietly closing it behind him. He had followed Peeta to fight for him and he was leaving him to be with the one he loved. He goes back to the dining room.
Back in the dining room, they were waiting for news, any news about District 12, its citizens, and who made it to District 13. While waiting for something to happen, Marvel, Clove, and Foxface learned that their families, as well as Cato's family, would be waiting for them in 13 when they arrived. Despite their worries of home, Delly, Gale, and Katniss ask questions about the other families.
"Wait, you had a step brother named Gaius and Cato's little brother is named Gaius?" Gale asks Clove incredulously. "That's weird."
"Yeah, it was. But the two of them got along great. Little Gaius took Big Gaius's death pretty hard."
Before Gale could respond, Boggs rushed into the room. "I have some news about the District 12 refugees. But it's not all good. Hawthorne, Everdeen, your whole families were rescued along with a Fennel and Wheet Mellark. Cartwright, I'm sorry to tell you that your family, as well as the Undersee's, have yet to be accounted for and are feared dead. If anything changes, I'll let you know." Boggs turns and heads back out the door. Cinna and Portia, who were flanking Delly, offer her comfort.
"Who are Fennel and Wheet Mellark?" Brutus asks confused. "Wait, isn't Mellark the last name of two of your tributes this year 'Mitch? And what's up with their odd names?"
Haymitch looks at Brutus, "Yeah. Fennel is their father and Wheet is their older brother. And their names are no more odd than 'Brutus' is." He replies.
"Someone should go tell Peeta," Finnick says nonchalantly. Gale whips his head in Finnick's direction. "Don't look at me like that Hawthorne. I'd tell him myself but he'd never believe me and we both know it." Finnick softens his tone, "You should tell him Gale."
"I think I will," Gale says, unable to fathom the change in Finnick since they last saw one another. Back when Finnick was fighting to get to Peeta back at the training center. Gale shakes the thoughts from his head as he stands up, giving Clove a kiss on top of her head whispering, "I'll be back." It takes him a few minutes, but he eventually finds his way to the room where Cato and Rie were. He opens the door, but doesn't see Peeta anywhere. As he turns to check in the other room, he notices Rie's eyes flutter open.
"Hey Rie, how you feeling?" he asks as he takes the few steps to the side of the bed.
"Well, my leg hurts like hell but otherwise I feel fine," he says. He struggles to sit up before Gale helps him. He looks around, "Where is everyone? I just see the big guy." He asks.
"Madge is across the hall. You, Cato, and I are here. The rest are in a large dining room, except for Peeta who I thought was here. Have you seen him? I have news," Gale declares.
Before Rie has a chance to respond, they hear Peeta's voice before seeing him.
"I'm over here," he says standing up from next to Cato's bed. "What's this news you have?" he asks tiredly, walking over to Rie's bed.
"I have some very, shall we say interesting, news from District 13," Gale teases smiling widely.
"What news?" Peeta and Rie ask at the same time.
"Well, Mrs. Everdeen and Prim are in 13," Gale says pausing dramatically.
"What about your family?" Rie asks impatiently.
Gale gets a really goofy smile on his face, "Mom and the kids are in 13 as well. But there's just a little more," Gale teases, pausing again. This time the pause is because he isn't sure how Peeta will take the news. He just spits it out, "Your father and Wheet are in 13 as well. We'll see them all soon."
"What?" Rie asks incredulously.
"How?" Peeta asks surprised. Both brothers' questions asked at the same time.
"I don't know how they ended up there," Gale says. "There's more, and it's not so good. The Cartwright's and the Undersee's are still missing."
"Wait a minute Gale, could one of you please tell me what the hell is going on? What are our families doing in 13, while the Cartwright's and Undersee's are missing?" Rie asks really confused.
Gale and Peeta both look at Rie surprised. They had forgotten that Rie was asleep and didn't have the information they did.
"Rie, District 12 is gone," Peeta says sadly.
"The Capitol bombed it. Some people made it out," Gale adds.
"Apparently those that did are now in District 13," Peeta finishes.
"Any word on Mother?" Rie asks.
"I can answer that," a new voice says. The three boys turn to the voice and see Mitchell standing just inside the door. "I just got off the radio with Jackson. She told me that your brother was trying to get your Mother to leave the district but she refused. I'm sorry to say, but the bakery is gone. Obliterated by the bombs. Wheet is in the hospital, badly burned. Primrose and Mrs. Everdeen are with him, helping where they can. As for the others, Mr. Mellark is waiting in the hanger for our arrival with Mrs. Hawthorne and three of her children. That's all I have to report now. Mitchell tells them. He looks at the Mellark brothers, "I'm sorry about your mother boys," he says as he walks out the door. He stops again. "One more thing boys, we'll be landing in 13 in about an hour." He leaves, closing the door behind him.
"So, the witch is gone," Rie says with a grin on his face. He's not upset by the fact she's gone.
"Yeah," Peeta agrees with a matching grin that slowly fades. "But Wheet is hurt. How the hell did that happen? And why was Dad with Mama Hazel? What the fuck happened while we were gone?" Peeta asks running his hands through his already messy hair. He looks over to Cato. He really needed him to wake up and hold him, calm him down, ease his fears, let him know he wasn't alone. Why was he so dependent on Cato now? His thoughts are interrupted by Rie.
"I have a theory," Rie says. "Don't be mad at me guys, but I had asked dad to take bread to the Everdeen's and the Hawthorne's on reaping day."
"That was very thoughtful of you Rie," Gale says, just slightly confused. "But why?"
"To be honest, the pact – our pact. When Peeta volunteered for Rory, it meant all six of us were going in the arena and leaving the families unprovided for. I couldn't do nothing. Plus, you and your family took care of Peeta. I wanted to return the favor, so to speak." Rie tells Gale. "And as long as I'm honestly making confessions, you and your family have been like a second family to me since we all began training together. I really liked having them all in my life." Rie admits.
"Well then brother, thank you for thinking and taking care of our families," Gale says putting his hand on Rie's shoulder. He turns his attention to Peeta. "I'm going to head back now to let everyone know Rie is awake. Do you want to come with me Peeta?"
Peeta turns his eyes from Cato, "No, I think I'll just stay here a little longer. I'm just not in the mood to be around all those people," he says. Thanks for asking though," he adds.
Just then the door opens again. This time a tall man enters, wearing a white lab coat.
"Oh, hello boys," the man says. "My name is Dr. Aurelius. I just came in to check on Rie and Cato." He looks down at Rie. "How would you like to get out of that bed Rie?"
"That would be fantastic," Rie answers enthusiastically, throwing the covers off himself.
Dr. Aurelius grabs a wheelchair from nearby and puts it next to the bed. "Due to the injury on your leg that isn't quite fully healed, you'll have to get around in this," he says gesturing to the chair.
"That's fine with me Doc," Rie replies anxious to get out of the room and see the others. Gale helps the doctor get Rie into the chair.
"I'll take Rie with me. I'm headed back to the dining room anyway," Gale offers.
"Excellent. I still need to check on Cato there, so that helps me immensely," Dr. Aurelius smiles at Gale.
Gale pushes Rie out the door as Dr. Aurelius and Peeta go over to Cato's bed. Peeta stands out of the way, letting the doctor work. When he's done, he turns to Peeta, "Everything seems to be fine. I'm just going to disconnect the rest of these. Cato should wake up soon after," he tells him.
Once all the tubes and wires are removed, Dr. Aurelius points to button on the wall next to Cato's bed. "If, when he wakes up, and there are any problems or he doesn't seem like himself, push that button and I will be here immediately."
"I will, and thank you Dr. Aurelius," Peeta says as he takes Cato's hand into his.
"You're very welcome Peeta," the doctor answers as he walks out the door.
Peeta sits on the bed again. The bandages are still wrapped around Cato's head. As Peeta sits there waiting for Cato to wake up, he notices that there is a bandage on his arm. He looks at his own arm and sees the bandage there. He then realizes that they all had bandages on their arms. He wonders what lies underneath as he touches the one on Cato's arm gingerly. He jumps when he hears a familiar voice.
"That's where they removed your trackers."
Peeta whips his head around to see Finnick standing in the doorway. "What can I do for you Finnick?" he asks tiredly.
"I just came to talk to you in private," Finnick admits as he walks into the room. "It will only take a moment of your time, I promise."
Peeta doesn't really want to deal with Finnick's drama. "Fine," he says standing up and facing his former lover. "Let's get on with it," he says, crossing his arms.
"Look, I'm really not here to fight with you." He holds his hands up in a surrendering like gesture, hoping Peeta would see he wasn't there to fight. "I came to tell you that I'm giving up, letting you go."
"Why now? What's the catch? What changed your mind now?" Peeta fires off skeptically.
"I'm being honest here. It was watching you with him," he gestures to Cato not taking his eyes off Peeta. "In the arena, seeing the two of you together was hard. It hurt to see you with him. The hardest thing to watch was the night you and him had the watch and you kissed. It brought back memories of the two of us, many good. But not all." Finnick tells him, hands in his pockets, looking down at his feet. "It brought back the memory of the aftermath of the worst night of my life. The night I hurt you."
"We don't need to talk about that," Peeta says, the memory hitting him hard, the pain still there.
"But I do Peeta. If I'm truly going to let you go, I need to." He looks into Peeta's blue eyes, seeing all the hurt he had caused in them. "I need you to know I never meant to hurt you. Sleeping with Annie that night was the worst mistake I ever made. We had been drinking, and I know that's a cliché excuse, but it is the truth." He pauses, giving Peeta a chance to speak.
"I could've dealt with your drunken sex with Annie. But it wasn't just the sex Finnick," Peeta says feeling the anger coming on.
"Then please tell me what it was that kept us apart because I honestly don't remember and you kept refusing to tell me. I need to know!" Finnick pleads. "What part of all this am I missing?"
"Fine Finnick! Let's talk about how you had sex in our bed! Or how when she told you she loved you, you told her you loved her too, 'more than anyone'! Or how that night resulted in her getting pregnant! Which would you like to start with?" Peeta yells.
Finnick just stands there, not knowing what to say for once.
"Those are the things that kept us apart Finnick." Peeta says in a calmer voice. "How is the baby, by the way?"
Finnick looks down, "She hasn't delivered it yet as far as I know. She's in 13 as we speak." Finnick looks at Peeta and quietly asks, "I really told her I loved her more than you?"
Peeta looks into Finnick's eyes, seeing the doubt, shame, and extreme sadness he was feeling. "Yes Finnick, you did. And if it weren't for the baby, I might have thought of giving you a second chance. But that innocent child, as well as Annie, need you. I had to let you go, for them." Peeta smiles sadly at Finnick, "You will always have a special place in my heart Finn. You were my first love. And we'll always be friends, if you want."
"I'd like that Peeta. And thank you for your honesty and loving me. You should know I came by earlier to talk. You were with Cato, crying. It was at that moment I realized I couldn't fight for your love anymore. Especially when you had already given it to someone else. You love Cato and I'm going to respect that," Finnick says meaning every word he said. "Well, I better go. I have things to do before we get to 13. Please let Cato know that he has nothing to worry about from me."
"I will Finnick. Take care of yourself."
"I will Peet, see ya around." With that, Finnick was gone.
"See ya Finn," Peeta says quietly.
"Finnick's going to be a father?" Cato asks quietly from behind Peeta.
Peeta spins around at the sound of Cato's voice. "Cato! You're awake!" he says rushing to his side. "How are you feeling?"
Cato reaches up and puts his hand on Peeta's cheek, looking into Peeta's warm blue eyes, "I'm fine. My head hurts like a son of bitch, but I'm fine. I noticed you haven't answered my question."
Peeta rolls his eyes before answering. "I know you heard me say he is. Why are you asking me about it?"
"I don't know, maybe I just needed you to confirm it again." Cato admits. "Finnick also said that you love me, is that true too?"
Before Peeta could answer, Katniss walks into the room. "Hey Cato, you're finally awake! So is Madge." She says smiling at the older boy. "Sorry if I'm interrupting but Haymitch says he wants to see you across the hall. He muttered something about righting the wrongs of the past."
Just then Dr. Aurelius walks into the room. "Ah Cato, you're awake. How are you feeling? Care to sit up?" He asks as he walks to the bed.
"Who are you?" Cato asks confused by the new face that knew him.
"Oh sorry. My name is Dr. Aurelius. I took care of you all when you were brought aboard from the arena." He answers as he helps Cato sit up. "How's that? Any dizziness or nausea?"
"Nope, I feel fine. Well, I have the mother of all headaches, but otherwise I feel fine." Cato tells the doctor.
"Well, that's to be expected. You did take a serious blow to the head. I have some medicine to give to you after I finish my exam." Dr. Aurelius says as he starts removing the bandages on Cato's head. He finishes the exam a few minutes later handing Cato a glass of water and two pills. "Lucky for you all, I managed to bring some Capitol medicine along with me when I escaped. Plutarch Heavensbee suggested it when he convinced me to join him rebel against the Capitol, to be here to help you kids after the rescue. Now, let's see if you can stand up Cato." Peeta helps Dr. Aurelius stand Cato up. "How do you feel now Cato?"
"Still good. Can I go with Peeta and Katniss across the hall?"
"Let's check your balance as you walk before I decide," Dr. Aurelius answers.
Cato walks around with Peeta on one side and the doctor on the other.
"Very good. I guess it would be alright for you to go. But if you feel dizzy or nauseous, I want you to immediately sit down and send someone to come get me, understand?" the doctor asks.
"Yes," Cato replies.
"We will Dr. Aurelius," Peeta promises. "Thank you. For everything."
"You're welcome, all of you. Remember to take it easy Cato. I'll check on all of you again in the morning." Dr. Aurelius says before leaving the three teens.
"Come on you two. Haymitch is going to blow a gasket if we don't get over there," Katniss says heading for the door.
The three cross the hall and enter the other room. "Sorry it took so long. Look whose finally awake," Katniss says gesturing behind her.
"Cato!" everyone calls out!
"Finally," Haymitch says. "My tributes need to listen closely. When we land in 13, you will get a few minutes to say hello to your families. Peeta and Rie, I want, no I need you to convince your father to join us. We're going to have a little get together. I'll meet you all by the exit to the hanger. When we're done, you'll be able to go to the infirmary to see Wheet. Someone will be here shortly to lead you to the exit of the hovercraft as I have other business to take care of first. I'll see you all real soon."
After Haymitch left, Clove walks over to Cato, "Muscles, it's good to see you up and walking around," she tells him putting a hand on his arm. "Have you been told anything about what's happened since we were rescued? Because Madge just woke up and hasn't heard anything yet."
Cato shakes his head, "I just woke up. What have I missed?" he asks, his curiosity piqued.
Peeta brings a chair over, "Why don't you sit down first. There's a lot to take in."
Cato sits down, "Okay, I'm ready. Tell me." He looks at the faces of the others before realizing someone is missing, "Where's Rue?" he asks concerned that she isn't there. Peeta stands next to him as Katniss replies, "Cato, Rue didn't make it. She died as they brought her on the hovercraft."
Cato feels horrible. He really liked the spunky little girl. He looks up at Peeta knowing that he was probably blaming himself. He pulls the younger boy onto his lap before whispering, "Are you okay?"
Peeta just nods, turning to face Cato before whispering, "I'm doing better now, just don't let go of me. There's more to tell you and it's not all good."
The two boys watch as the others sit on the beds getting comfortable. Marvel and Katniss are sitting side by side on the bed to the right; Gale and Clove take the bed to the left. On the bed next to them are Delly, Foxface, and Madge. Sitting in the wheelchair in front of them, facing towards them is Rie.
"Peeta, did Haymitch just say your dad was in 13?" Cato asks, getting the conversation started.
Peeta leans back, head on Cato's shoulder, "Yeah. Our dad and brother both are."
Gale watches the pair and begins the tale, "The Capitol bombed District 12 Cato. My family and Katniss's family got out safely as did Peeta and Rie's dad. But their older brother Wheet got burned pretty badly. Katniss's mother and sister are with him as we speak."
Cato tightens his hold on Peeta, shocked at the news. "Oh god, I'm so sorry guys." He looks over to Rie and asks, "What happened to you Rie? How come you're in that chair?"
"A chunk of building landed on my leg. I'm in this chair until Dr. Aurelius checks me in 13." Rie tells him, shrugging like it was no big deal.
"Cato, there's more you need to know," Clove says. Cato turns to her as she continues, "Your family is in District 13 as well. As are mine, Marvel's, and Foxface's."
Cato's face lights up with the prospect of seeing his younger siblings, "Really?"
"Yeah, they were all picked up today before we were rescued," Marvel adds smiling.
"This is awesome, thanks for the good news guys," Cato says happily.
"Okay, Bread Boy has definitely been a positive influence on you," Clove teases Cato. "Peeta is not allowed to leave you now – ever!" Everyone laughs as the door opens. Boggs walks in.
"Oh great, you're all here awake and together. Definitely makes my job easier. Are you guys ready to see your families?" he asks. They all nod excitedly. "Great. Let's go troops."
They follow Boggs down several hallways until they reach the ramp where the mentors are waiting for them. They all walk out together, the cheers of those waiting rising to a deafening roar. The teens see their families located closest to the ramp.
"Go to your family Cato," Peeta says turning to the older boy. Cato leans down and gives him a kiss before going to his family. Peeta turns to Foxface who had been pushing Rie's chair and giving her a smile before taking over. "Shall we Peet," Rie asks from below.
"Look, your dad is with my mom," Gale points out. "Why don't we all walk together?"
The four go over to Hazel and Fennel.
Fennel watches as his sons get closer. He begins to fidget.
"Be calm Fennel," Hazel whispers to him. "It'll be fine."
Gale rushes up to his mom, hugging her tightly as Katniss is attacked by Posy and Vick.
Peeta looks up at his dad unsure how to act. "Hi dad," he says before his dad pulls him into a hug.
"I'm so sorry son," Fennel whispers as tears fall down his cheeks. "I should've been a better father."
"It's okay dad," Peeta says crying as well. "I forgive you. I forgave you a long time ago."
Fennel hugs Rie before turning to Peeta, "Where's Cato? I was hoping to get to meet the young man that took care of my son."
"He's with his family right now. You'll meet him soon, I promise," Peeta replies, shocked at his dad's acceptance of his boyfriend.
Fennel looks at Rie, "How come you're in a chair, son?"
"A piece of debris fell on me. I'll see Dr. Aurelius soon to make sure I'm okay. I'm more worried about Wheet. How's he doing?" Rie asks.
"He tried to get your Mother and Eliza to come with us but they refused. On his way to join us, he was hit by a bomb. He's burned pretty bad but he has Lily and Prim taking care of him." Wheet tells his sons. "Would you like to go see him now?"
"Actually dad, Haymitch wants to see us. He says you're to come. Apparently it's pretty important." Rie tells him as Peeta goes to greet Hazel and the kids.
Peeta walks over and gives Hazel a hug, "I missed you Mama Hazel!"
"I missed you too Peeta. You look well." she tells him.
"Brother Peeta! Where's my hug?" Posy asks, tugging on his arm.
Peeta turns to the little girl, picking her up and spinning her in a circle before hugging her close. He sets her down before pulling Vick and Rory both into a hug. "I missed you all," he tells them.
"Hey Peet, you ready to go? We still have to meet with Haymitch," Rie says.
"We'll meet you guys in Wheet's room," Hazel says to them before they leave.
As Fennel pushes Rie towards Haymitch, Cato comes running up, "Can I come with you Peeta?" he asks.
Peeta smiles, taking Cato's hand, "I'd love that Cato. But first I'd like you to meet my dad. Dad, this is Cato."
"I'm glad to meet you Cato," Fennel says holding a hand out to Cato.
"Nice to meet you too sir," Cato replies shaking the older man's hand.
Peeta takes Cato's hand as they all resume walking towards Haymitch. They see Delly and Madge already with him.
"I got us a room where we can meet privately," Haymitch says as they reach him. They follow Haymitch to an elevator. It's a tight fit with the wheelchair. They go down two floors. The doors open to reveal a long hallway with several doors on both sides. They enter a door labeled Conference Room F. As they walk in, the lights come on automatically. The room is fairly large with gray walls and floors. There is a long, rectangular table in the middle of the room. They all go and sit except Haymitch who remains standing.
When they're all seated Haymitch begins, "I need you all to just let me get the story out without ANY interruptions until I finish, understand?" They all nod. "Great. This story begins 25 years ago when I was reaped along with Maysilee Donner. But what you don't know is that wasn't actually Maysilee in the arena with me. And it obviously wasn't Mayor Undersee's wife Madilee either. It was actually Marilynn Donner. The three were triplets but Marilynn was raised as their cousin. After the reaping, Marilynn and Maysilee traded places. They did it for me. I was madly in love with Maysilee and never would've been able to kill her in the arena. Marilynn went in to ensure I would come home as the victor, which I did. Fast forward 7 years. Maysilee and I kept our relationship secret from the Capitol. They had killed my family and wouldn't have second thoughts about killing my girl too. Maysilee and Madilee both got pregnant at the same time. There were two other women that were expecting at that time as well, Mrs. Cartwright and my step sister, your mother Peeta and Rie. All four women were due within days of each other. Madilee and Maysilee went into labor first. At the time, Seeder was visiting. She was a victor from District 11. She was a midwife back in her district so she helped with the deliveries. Long story short, both women delivered girls. Madilee's was stillborn. Something had happened during the delivery and she was left barren. Maysilee's delivery was the exact opposite. Not wanting her sister to never know what it was like being a parent, we switched the babies. Maysilee and I knew we could always try again for another one. A few days later, Mrs. Cartwright and Mrs. Mellark also delivered babies a single girl for the Cartwright's and a boy and girl for the Mellark's. Now this is where things go from bad to worse. Mr. Cartwright was in the Capitol on business and missed the birth of his child that died the day after it was delivered. Mrs. Cartwright had gone into a catatonic state after the birth and wasn't aware the infant died. Seeder, using my alcoholism and my relationship with Maysilee against me, convinced me to switch the female babies." Haymitch ends the story by saying, "Fennel, Delly is your biological daughter and Madge is mine."
The room remained absolutely silent. Haymitch was sure that Fennel was going to jump up and beat the living shit at any moment. The person who finally broke the silence was unexpected.
"I get what you did for my pare – uh, the Undersee's," Madge begins. "But why did you do what you did to the Mellark's?"
"Honestly, at the time I thought I was doing the Cartwright's a favor. Neither one got to know their daughter. Had Mr. Cartwright been there, I'm sure Seeder would've never had the idea to switch the infants. As it was, Seeder convinced me that due to the circumstances, Mrs. Cartwright would have gone insane after recovering and finding out her daughter died. With my booze addled mind, I didn't see how wrong the whole situation was. There's just no excuse for my actions."
"You're leaving out something Haymitch. What did Seeder have on you to convince you?" Cato asks trying to help out his boyfriend's family get to the truth.
Haymitch sighs heavily, "Seeder had figured out about Marilynn and Maysilee switching places for the games as well as our secret relationship. She threatened to tell the Capitol, to tell Snow. Snow had already taken my family; I wasn't going to lose Maysilee too."
"And what about your step sister, our Mother? Did you see what your decision did to her? What she did to Peeta?" Rie yells at Haymitch. "Your choices tore apart our family! Mother very nearly killed Peeta! Where the hell was your conscience then Haymitch?"
Haymitch looks at Rie, his face showing the pain and sorrow of knowing what he did to Peeta. "At the time your Mother attacked Peeta and kicked him out, I was here in 13 planning a rebellion. When I got home and heard about Peeta, I convinced myself that Peeta was in a better place." Haymitch knows what he's saying sounds like nothing more than a bunch of excuses. "Look, I'm here to beg for forgiveness. Hell, even I know I don't deserve it. I just couldn't keep this secret anymore. The guilt is killing me."
Fennel is doing his damnest to keep his anger in check. He could kill Haymitch for the suffering he has caused so many people. He takes a deep breath before he finally speaks, "Haymitch, I think it would be best if you left right now. Just send someone to come takes to see Wheet."
"As you wish Fennel," Haymitch says knowing that he was walking away without getting the beating he so rightly deserved.
With Haymitch gone, Fennel turns to the girls, "How are you two holding up? I know with everything you just went through and hearing this, you are probably exhausted."
"I'm not sure what I'm feeling at this moment," Madge admits.
"It's all too much. I don't know. I just don't want to think," Delly says confused as to how to talk to the man who she just found out was her birth father.
Fennel turns to his sons, "Boys, what's your take on what you heard?"
Rie speaks first, "Well, if Haymitch is Mother's brother that would make Madge our cousin. And we found out that Delly is our sister that we just learned we had. To be honest, my head is spinning. I'm not sure how much more I can take."
Peeta is drowning in a sea of confusion. He looks at Cato who gently smiles encouragingly at him. He turns to his dad, "I don't know how I should be feeling. I thought I wanted answers but these answers are just leading to more questions. It's a never ending cycle I just want to end."
Cato is impressed with Mr. Mellark. The man just found out that the child he mourned for 17 years is alive and well, living just down the road from him, and has retained a level of restraint Cato has never seen before. He doesn't think he could have just let that old drunkard walk away like that without even raising his voice. Then there's Peeta. The poor guy looks like he doesn't which way is up. The strong, self-assured boy he met at the training center is missing and Cato wants to help Peeta find him again. Cato looks at the others. Katniss and Gale are sitting in stunned silence; Madge and Delly are wearing matching facial expressions of utter confusion; Rie looks as if he could kill someone; Peeta is holding Cato's hand tightly as if he might float away if he let's go; and Mr. Mellark is staring at Delly as if he's missing something.
"Now that you heard Haymitch tell his story, how are you feeling Mr. Mellark?" Cato asks feeling everyone's shocked faces staring at him.
Fennel looks over at his son's boyfriend and smiles. He is really beginning to like the boy. "I was just thinking that we should have some tests run to make sure Haymitch was telling the truth." He looks to the other kids in the room, gauging their reactions. They all nod slightly. "As for how I'm feeling? I'm so angry at Haymitch for doing what he did and keeping it hidden for so long. I'm sad for the kids having to deal with this information on top of the fact that they just lost those they loved. And a little happy as well – my boys are no longer fighting to the death." He turns to Cato smiling brightly, "I'm also happy that Peeta has found someone like you."
Cato is surprised to hear that. He knew his own parents were fine with who he was but was expecting Peeta's dad to be a little more resistant to the idea.
Before Cato can respond, there is a knock on the door. Boggs enters, "Hey, I hope I'm not interrupting anything. I was sent here by Haymitch. He asked me to give you these papers and to take you to see your son."
"Oh, thank you," Fennel says taking the papers from Boggs. He looks down at them, unaware of the looks from the others wanting to know what they say. After a few moments, Rie speaks.
"What are they dad?" he asks nervously.
Fennel looks up, "These are the results of the tests I wanted to do. They're dated this morning and say that Madge is Haymitch's daughter and Delly is definitely mine." He looks at the girls to see their reactions. Madge looks stunned and Delly gives Fennel a small smile that doesn't quite reach her eyes.
"Is there anything else dad?" Peeta asks.
"There's a signed confession from Seeder. It states she blackmailed Haymitch into switching the babies. She asks that we blame her and only her." Fennel tells them all. He sees Boggs still standing by the door, waiting to take them to Wheet. "I say we just put this mess on hold and go see Wheet. He'll be happy to see you all." Fennel says deciding to take a break from the problem for a short while. "Cato, I hope you'll join us as well," he says. "I'm sure Wheet would love to meet you."
"I would be happy to come with you, thank you sir," Cato replies. He can feel the tension in Peeta's body easing. Whether it's from taking time away from thinking about Haymitch's confession or his agreeing to go with them, Cato didn't care as long as Peeta was relaxed and happy.
The group stands up and follow Boggs to Wheet's hospital room.
Not my best ending for a chapter but I hope that I at least gave you some interesting reading!