The Games We Played
Hello everyone! Happy belated 2013! I hope you all had a great New Year's. My New Year's eve was fun until the hangover lol. No praying to the porcelain gods thankfully, but it did take me an entire day to recuperate. I do want to apologize for taking so long to update. I had my 12 year old niece over until December 29th. (Let's just say I know more about the group One Direction than I ever imagined.) Then there was my previously mentioned hangover. Oh, I got some new PS3 video games (Resident Evil 6 and the Walking Dead) to try out and new books (the Fifty Shades trilogy) to read as well for gifts. All that was followed by trying to get this chapter written.
To those who followed / favorited my story since the last chapter, I welcome you and appreciate your support!
Mhardman: I'm so sorry I scrambled your mind and confused you. It certainly wasn't my intention. Forgive me?
MangoMagic: Yeah, I probably did make my story a little too sad for the holiday. With everything that Peeta is dealing with, I couldn't have Cato lose his memory. I couldn't do that to either one of them. But that's not to say that it won't have other effects… As for Delly and Madge, well I wanted something I had never seen before in any story. I really like having these two more in the story. Read on to be introduced to all the tributes families The families will be a part of this story. Whether or not those roles will be big or small is yet to be seen. Also, a Peeta/Cato moment in this chapter ;)
movetotherhythm: Peeta's family just keeps getting bigger lol. Poor Haymitch, he wronged the Mellark family but with the rebellion happening he might be able to redeem himself in their eyes. Finnick says he's letting go of Peeta, but is he lying to Peeta, Cato, and himself? We're not only meeting Cato's parents, but the other tributes parents as well this chapter.
lincolnlog89: Thank you for the Christmas wishes! I did promise we'd see many of the characters from the books and Bonnie and Twill are mentioned, maybe seen again later. I knew that Peeta's Mother wasn't going to 13; she's just too much of a bitch. As for the fiancé, she needed to go as well. I have big plans for Wheet. ;) I couldn't do that to my poor, sweet Peeta. As for Cato's head injury, he may not have lost his memory but it will come into play again. I was a little shocked that no one commented / figured out about Finnick's secret. I had mentioned earlier in the story that he loved Annie – Peeta said something about it lol. As for the baby switch, I had loads of fun with that.
Guest: Hello newbie and welcome to my insanity, lol. So glad you found it! If you want, pm me your idea. I would really love to hear about it. And also feel free to pm me if you have questions or want help.
yuntani: Hello and welcome. Sorry to keep you waiting for an update, please enjoy this chapter
Chapter 14: Meet the Parents, a Nightmare, and More
As the group arrives in the hospital on the floor in which Wheet was staying, the group finds Clove, Marvel, and Foxface waiting for them. With them are the 4 Hawthorne's and the 2 Everdeen's. Marvel is sitting next to Prim telling her about his home. Clove was sitting between Vick and Posy smiling at the little girl who was telling the older one about the hovercraft she rode in. The three tributes look up and see the haunted looks on the group's faces. Marvel stands up and Katniss throws herself into his arms, the shock of the recent discoveries still disturbing her. Clove sees that Gale is also preoccupied. Hazel and Lily see anger and joy on Fennel's face.
Fennel looks at the ladies, "I'll tell you everything after I see Wheet."
Both women nod. "Dr. Aurelius just left. He applied some burn cream on Wheet's burns. Wheet will have to stay overnight but should be able to leave in the morning. You can go in now to visit." Lily tells him.
"Thanks Lily," Fennel replies. He turns to Delly and Madge, "Would you like to join us?"
The two girls share a look before Delly replies, "Sure. We probably should be there when you tell him."
Cato tries to let go of Peeta's hand so he could see his brother. He already overstepped the boundaries by going with Peeta and learning the dark secrets Haymitch kept.
Fennel sees the two boys and intervenes, "You boys coming? Wheet's waiting for us."
But Peeta refused to let go, "Please stay with me. I haven't talked to Wheet in years and I need you by my side." Peeta didn't understand why he was being so needy; he just didn't want Cato to go yet.
"Peeta, go be with your family. I'll be out here waiting for you. I promise." Cato tells him, trying to be strong for him.
Fennel can hear their conversation and speaks. "Cato, you are a member of this family. The minute you protected Peeta with your own life you proved you would be there for him. Besides, Wheet would love to meet you."
Cato looks up at Mr. Mellark, "Thank you sir." He turns to Peeta, "Guess you're stuck with me now."
"No place I'd rather be," Peeta tells him smiling.
Delly knocks on the door before opening it to let Fennel push Rie in. Madge, Peeta, and Cato follow. Wheet looks up and smiles widely when he sees his dad and Rie. He's shocked when the other four follow behind. "You're here! You got out!" he exclaims. "Did the others make it out too? Katniss and Gale? The boy from 1, the girls from 2, 5, and 11?"
At the mention of Rue, the 5 teens all look down. "Little Rue didn't make it." Rie tells his brother.
"Oh, I'm so sorry guys," Wheet says sadly. "I was hoping to meet her. But at least I get to meet Peeta's beau!" he teases. "Well Peet, aren't you going to introduce us?"
Peeta blushes a dark red, "Wheet, this is my boyfriend Cato. Cato, my brother Wheet."
"Nice to finally meet the guy who was playing tonsil hockey with my baby brother on live television," teases Wheet. Both boys turn bright red. "Geez guys, I was just teasing. It's very nice to meet you Cato." Wheet turns to Peeta, "Peeta, it's really good to have you back with the rest of the family," he says sincerely.
"Speaking of family son, we have a lot to tell you," Fennel says taking Wheet's hand in his. "Do you remember the night you spent in the office with me?"
Wheet nods as Rie and Peeta both share a look of shock. No one ever spent the night in their dad's office except their dad. "It was the night that Peeta told everyone about our family. The night I fought with Mother." Wheet answers. "You told me about Peeta's twin, our dead sister." He looks down at his hand being held by his dad's hand.
"Yes, well it appears I was wrong. She's still alive!" Fennel says confusing Wheet.
"How could that be? Where is she? Are you messing with me?" Wheet fires off.
Fennel smiles, "It's a very long story involving baby switching, but your sister is in this room with us," he says pausing a moment to let it sink in. Wheet sees Peeta and Rie smiling widely as are Madge and Delly. He is even more confused.
Then he realizes it's either of the two girls. "So, it's Delly or Madge?" he asks.
"It's Delly son. But Madge is family too. She's your cousin!" Fennel says smiling at the girls.
"How is this all possible? You told me that she died. Not that I'm not glad to find out that she's still alive," he rushes out turning to Delly, "I am glad to know, just confused."
"I understand that Wheet. I'm still getting used to the idea myself," she tells him as she lays a hand on his other hand.
"The short version is that Haymitch was blackmailed into taking her and switching your sister with the Cartwright's real daughter," Fennel says anger lacing his voice.
"I see. And how can the Mayor's daughter be our cousin? I don't remember being related to the Undersee's," Wheet asks.
"That's because she isn't the Mayor's daughter," Fennel replies. "She's Haymitch and Maysilee's daughter."
"Wow!" is all Wheet can say for a moment before turning to Peeta. "Not only did you bring home a boyfriend, you bring home our sister and a cousin! What's next baby brother? Are you two going to adopt a baby and make me an uncle?" Peeta and Cato know he's teasing but still turn red.
"Now Wheet, leave them alone!" Fennel chastises. "They just got together. Give them a chance to be together before talking about children." He shakes his head, "Besides, I'm not ready for Peeta to make me a grandfather just yet."
Wheet nods. "Hey Peeta," he says seriously. "I just need you to know how sorry I am for not being a better brother to you. I should've stuck up for you. I should've protected you from Mother. I'm sorry baby brother."
Peeta lets go of Cato's hand and walks over to stand next to Wheet, "Thank you Wheet," he says holding his hand. "I forgive you." Peeta gives him a smile before scowling. "Just stop calling me 'baby brother'. I may be younger than you but I'm no baby."
Everyone laughs as Peeta goes back to stand next to Cato taking his hand again. Cato whispers in Peeta's ear, "You're my 'baby'," as Wheet asks Rie about the 'fancy' chair. Peeta smirks at Cato as Rie tells him about the buildings crumbling and the rescue.
There's a knock on the door and Gale and Katniss walk in. "How you feeling Wheet?" asks Gale.
"Much better, thanks for asking," he replies. "Where are the others? I want to meet them all."
"I'll send them in and let you kids visit for a few more minutes," Fennel says walking to the door. "Wheet will need to rest." He walks out the door turning to the other three tributes, "My son would like to meet you. Please feel free to go on in."
As Marvel, Clove, and Foxface head into the room nervously Fennel signals to Lily and Hazel that he'd like a moment with them. They walk a few steps away keeping the 4 younger kids in eyesight.
"What's going on Fennel?" asks Hazel.
"Is everything okay?" asks Lily.
"Everything's fine. I just wanted to share what Haymitch told us." Fennel says looking at the two women who had now become his friends as well as confidants since the games started. "I don't know exactly where to start. It's a long story," he admits quietly.
"Give us the short version first. We can get the details later," Hazel tells him.
Fennel smiles a happy smile that Lily admits to herself she hasn't seen in a long time. "My family grew by two today. I got my daughter back and I have a niece!" he grins before continuing - not giving the women a chance to talk. "Apparently Haymitch was blackmailed into baby switching my daughter for the Cartwright baby and his own daughter for the Undersee's daughter by another Victor."
"I'm not sure what to say Fennel," admits Lily. "How could he do that to your family?"
"Where is that man? I want to wring his neck!" exclaims Hazel at the same time. She calms down enough to ask calmly, "So, Delly is your daughter and Madge is your niece?"
"I told him to go away for now, his excuse was being a drunk at the time. I am still very angry about everything but my kids need me to remain calm for now. And, yes, Delly is Peeta's twin and Madge is my niece." Fennel answers.
"Are you sure? I mean do you have proof?" asks Lily.
Fennel pulls the papers he received out of his back pocket and hands them to Lily. As she looks them over, Hazel reads over her shoulder. "These tests were run in a lab here in 13," Lily says shocked.
"That's quite a confession from that Seeder woman," adds Hazel. "I don't understand why they did it though."
"According to Haymitch it was to protect the sanity of the other women involved. Not much of an excuse but that's his story." Fennel shrugs. They are interrupted by Mitchell and Boggs.
"Sorry to interrupt folks," Mitchell says. "The president thought that you and the kids might be hungry after a long day. She has ordered the kitchen to fix you all something to eat. The families of all the tributes are invited."
"Thank you," replies Fennel. "I'll get the kids from Wheet's room. I'll be just a moment." He turns and goes back into the room he left earlier. He sees them all getting along. "Alright kids, we've been invited to eat. Everyone's families will be there. Wheet, we'll see you in the morning," he tells them. He walks out and the tributes follow, Delly pushing Rie.
Mitchell takes the Everdeen's and the Hawthorne's first. As the rest wait for the elevator to return, Cato sees Finnick down the hallway. "Peeta, Finnick's down there and he looks upset. Should we go see him real quick to make sure he's okay?"
Peeta looks up at Cato not sure what to do. "Are you sure? I mean we don't need to."
Before Cato can respond they hear a woman's scream. They look down towards Finnick and see him looking panicked. "He looks like he might need a friendly face." Cato says.
Boggs overhears the conversation and goes over to the couple, "When you get in the elevator, push the level 20 button. That's the floor the dining hall is on. When you get out, walk straight ahead to the double doors."
"Thanks Boggs," Peeta tells him. "We'll be there soon." The two boys walk over to Finnick.
"Hey Finn, what's going on?" Peeta asks.
Finnick looks up at the two boys a small smile on his face. "Hey Peeta, Cato. Annie's in labor. The baby will be here any moment. They won't let me in there with her."
"We can wait with you for a little while," Cato offers shocking the other two.
"That would be nice Cato. Thank you." Finnick says happy to have the company, even if it is with the guy who took his Peeta from him. Besides, they were going to have to get along once training for the war began.
Peeta and Cato sit down next to Finnick. There's a little tension in the air. After about 10 minutes of silence, a nurse walks out of the room with a small bundle in her arms. "Mr. Odair?" she asks. Finnick stands and she places the bundle in his arms. "Your son," she says. He looks down at the infant and a wide smile graces his face as he turns to the two boys, "My son," he says in awe.
Peeta and Cato stand and look at the baby. "He's cute," Peeta says checking out the infant.
"He really is," adds Cato, his arm wrapping around Peeta's waist.
"Thank you both for waiting with me," Finnick says, eyes not leaving his son. "I'm going to go check on Annie now." He turns and the nurse leads him back into the room.
Peeta and Cato go to the elevator and head down to the dining hall. Neither says a word as Peeta leans against Cato, the day beginning to take its toll on the younger boy. All Peeta really wants is to go to sleep wrapped in Cato's arms. As they get off the elevator, Cato sees his parents ahead. "Mom? Dad? Is everything okay?" Cato asks worriedly. The two boys walk quickly over. Cato's father was a little taller than Cato, same muscular build, with aquamarine blue eyes and dark blonde hair in a military style haircut. Next to him was a tall woman whose eyes and hair matched Cato's colors exactly.
Cato's mother smiles at her son, "Yes dear, everything is fine. Your father and I just wanted to wait for you and Peeta to make sure you found your way okay."
"Oh, okay," Cato smiles. "Mom, dad, this is Peeta. Peeta these are my parents, Maximilian and Ceteria Canelos."
Peeta shakes Mr. Canelos' hand before being wrapped into a hug by Mrs. Canelos. "It's a pleasure to meet you both," Peeta says when he steps back to Cato.
"The pleasure's all ours Peeta dear," Cato's mother says. "We never thought Cato would meet a nice young man such as you." Peeta blushes at the complement.
Just then the door to the dining hall opens and Fennel steps out. "Oh good, you boys made it. We're waiting for you."
"Hey dad," Peeta says. "Oh dad, these are Cato's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Canelos. Mr. and Mrs. Canelos, this is my father Fennel Mellark."
The three adults shake hands before the five of them head inside the dining hall. They watch as Boggs, Mitchell, Jackson, Leeg 1, and Leeg 2 rearrange the tables into one long table for all the families to sit at. Plates of bread, meats, cheese, and fruit are set on the table as people begin to make their way to the table. The seating around the table goes as follows: Rie (18) at the head of the table. To his right (and going around the table), Delly (17), Fennel, Cato (18), Peeta (17), Posy (6), Vick (10), Hazel, Rory (13), Gale (18), Katniss (17), Lily, Prim (13), Madge (17), Chloe (Foxface's mother), Foxface (18) is at the end opposite Rie, Owen (Foxface's father), Tavin (17, Marvel's brother), Ambrose (Marvel's father), Giselle (Marvel's mother), Marvel (18), Clove (17), Caleb (5, Clove's brother, Caspar's twin), Cresentia (Clove's step mother), Gable (Clove's father), Caspar (5, Clove's brother, Caleb's twin), Cleo (9, Cato's sister), Gaius (13, Cato's brother), Ceteria (Cato's mother), and to Rie's left Maximilian (Cato's father). Foxface found out her older brother Oliver, his wife Amelia, and their 1 year old son Noah had gone to their room for the night. Little Noah was just getting over a cold.
As most of the tributes ate on the hovercraft, they talked about what they experienced from their reapings to arriving in the tribute tower to arriving in District 13. Cato and Peeta were eating and thus fairly quiet, sharing smiles and eye rolls. Once everyone had eaten, the younger kids went off to play at another table while the tributes and their parents moved closer together to talk.
"So, why don't we adults all introduce ourselves, tell who our tributes are, and tell each other our occupations?" suggests Ceteria. "I'll go first. My name is Ceteria Canelos, my son is Cato, and I'm a secretary at the Academy."
"My name is Maximilian Canelos, my son is Cato, and I'm a trainer 3 days a week at the Academy for tributes and 3 days at the Peacekeeper Academy."
"My name is Gable Felder, Clove is my daughter, and I run a company that makes knives and swords." Gable is a tall, thin man with dark brown hair, blue eyes.
"My name is Cresentia Felder, Clove is my step daughter, and I am in charge of exporting the weapons my husband's company makes." Cresentia is a tall woman with dark blonde hair and hazel eyes.
"My name is Giselle Wright, my son is Marvel, and I'm a home interior decorator." Giselle is tall with light brown hair, green eyes.
"My name is Ambrose Wright, Marvel is my son, and I own a jewelry store." Ambrose is a tall, muscular man with curly brown hair and dark green eyes.
"My name is Owen Powers, my daughter is Camille, uh Foxface and I work in the power plant." Owen has red hair and green eyes, pale complexion.
"My name is Chloe Powers, my daughter is Camille, and I also work in the power plant." Chloe has red hair, light green eyes, and a pale complexion covered with freckles.
"My name is Lily Everdeen, my daughter is Katniss, and I'm a healer."
"My name is Hazel Hawthorne, my son is Gale, and I'm a laundress."
"My name is Fennel Mellark, my sons are Rie and Peeta, my daughter is Delly, and I own a bakery. Or I did before the Capitol bombed District 12."
"I'm sorry Fennel, did you just say Delly was your daughter?" asks Ceteria.
"District 12 was bombed? When?" asks Gable Felder and Giselle Wright at the same time.
"Yes Ceteria, Delly is Peeta's twin sister. We just found out earlier. It's a very long story for another time." Fennel answers. He turns towards Gable and Giselle, "District 12 was bombed right after the kids were picked up from the arena. My oldest son Wheet is in the hospital here being treated for burns from one of the bombs exploding."
"Why would the Capitol bomb 12?" asks Owen Powers.
"I can answer that," a new voice says. All heads turn to the new voice. Standing just inside the door is a woman in her 50's, with pale gray eyes and shoulder length gray hair. "My name is Alma Coin, the president of District 13. I welcome you all. As to why the Capitol bombed District 12, well that would be because of Peeta Mellark."
"What did I do?" asks Peeta freaking out. Cato pulls him closer to his side, rubbing his hand on his shoulder, trying to keep Peeta calm.
"Due to your story about your abuse, your dead sister, and your relationship with Mr. Canelos, you became a fan favorite beyond the scope of Mr. Finnick Odair. When we rescued you, let's just say President Snow took it very hard. He didn't want you to have anything to return home to. At least that's the leading theory." She tells Peeta. "But that wasn't the reason I came down here." She signals to Boggs who pushes a button on the wall causing a large screen to drop down at the end of the room.
As that is going on, the younger kids rejoin their families, Posy crawling into Peeta's lap. The rescued mentors and Capitol rebels enter the dining room as well. When everyone is settled Coin continues, "This footage I'm about to show you was just received." As the image flickers on the screen, it shows the stage where Caesar did the interviews. But instead of seats, there was a podium center stage. Walking towards the podium is President Snow. Behind him, following him to the stage are the remaining 9 living tributes – a district 1 female, district 2 male Leonitus Dante, 2 district 3 males, a district 4 female, a district 5 male, a district 7 female, and 2 district 10 males! The president began to speak.
"Hello citizens of Panem. Today a group of rebels from District 12 stole a Capitol hovercraft, destroyed the arena, and taken several of the tributes and their mentors. To show these rebels from 12 that their actions have consequences, I have destroyed their district and their homes. To better protect our citizens, I am increasing peacekeeper presence in the remaining 11 districts. There will be new rules for all citizens to follow. First, a curfew will be in effect. Any citizen out after sundown, without the proper paperwork will be killed immediately. Next, there will be no large gatherings permitted without express written consent from the head peacekeeper. Finally, anyone caught harboring the missing tributes and mentors will also be terminated. We must not let these rebels destroy our great country."
The screen went black and everyone turned to President Coin expectantly.
"We have word that three of the tributes on that stage have joined up with Snow. The others are being held for now, their fates unknown." The look on her face lets everyone know that that is the end of that subject for now. "Tomorrow morning the rescued tributes will report to the hospital for a final check-up. The younger children will be taken down to the school to meet their teachers and other students. As for you adults, you will meet with me to discuss what your roles will be while living here in 13. Boggs, Mitchell, and Jackson will meet you all here after breakfast. Boggs will bring the adults to me, Jackson will take the children to the school, and Mitchell will take the teens to see Dr. Aurelius. I will leave you now in the capable hands of Boggs. Good night." She turns and leaves the dining room.
Boggs, who had been standing against the wall, walks up to the table, "Your rooms have been prepared for you. The families will be staying on the family floor while the tributes will be staying on the recruit floor. You have 5 minutes to say good night. Tributes, you will follow me, the rest of you will go with Mitchell."
Cato looks over at Peeta. Posy was nearly asleep on his lap, twirling a strand on his blonde curls in her fingers. Peeta feels Cato's eyes on him smiles up Cato, "She likes to play with my hair when she goes to sleep."
"It's cute. You're good with her." Cato compliments him.
"She was a baby when I moved in. I've seen her first tooth, her first steps, and heard her first word. Plus it doesn't hurt that she is as sweet as she is." Peeta tells him.
"Brother Peeta?" Posy asks sleepily from his lap. "Are we going to get to paint together again now that you're back?"
Peeta looks down at the little girl in his lap, "I would love to paint with you again. We'll do it soon."
Posy looks up shyly at Cato, "Are you going to paint with us too Cato?"
Cato shocked that the little girl is speaking to him, answers, "I don't know how to paint Posy."
"Brother Peeta can teach you. He taught me," she tells Cato sleepily. "He's really good. I'm glad he's back here with us."
Peeta kisses her on the top of her head as Cato tells her, "Me too Posy, me too."
Hazel walks over and smiles, "I'll take her now Peeta. She's had a long day." She takes Posy into her arms. "We'll see you in the morning. Good night boys."
"Good night," Peeta and Cato reply. They go over to say good night to their parents before they leave with Mitchell.
Cato wraps his arms around Peeta as they wait for Boggs to lead them down to their rooms. Peeta leans into Cato, wishing they were in their room already. It has been a very long day. They swam, lost Thresh, had a confrontation with Leonitus, lost Rue during their rescue, found out his district was bombed - killing his bitch of a mother, dealt with the Finnick problem, found out Delly is his long lost (thought dead) sister, learned that Madge is his cousin, Wheet is alive and wants to try again, saw Finnick's son, and met Cato's parents. Peeta was definitely ready for this day to end.
Boggs leads them to the elevator, again a tight fit with Rie's chair. Boggs informs them that their parents are located on level 23 and they'll be on level 25. As they file out, Boggs opens a door on the left, "Soldiers Everdeen and Cartwright, this is your room." He crosses the hall, "Soldiers Rie Mellark and Wright, this is your room." Boggs walks to the next set of doors, opening the one on the left first, "Soldiers Undersee and Powers, this is your room." He crosses the hall, winking at Peeta and Cato, "Soldiers Canelos and Peeta Mellark, this is your room." He walks to the next set of doors, "Soldier Felder, this is your room. You will bunk with Soldier Mason." He crosses the hall, opening the door, "Soldier Hawthorne, this is your room. If Wheet Mellark takes the pledge, he will bunk with you." He turns to head back to the elevator. "Breakfast starts at 0730. See you there." When he's gone, the teens all wish each other good night and head into their rooms.
Cato and Peeta walk into their room and turn on the lights. To their immediate left are two desks with chairs. In front of them are 2 beds with dressers at the foot of each bed and a nightstand next to the bed. Each nightstand has an alarm clock. On the beds are the backpacks they had worn in the games. Located between the two nightstands is a door. Both boys walk over to the door and find a bathroom.
"I call dibs," Cato says heading in. Peeta cracks a smile and goes over to the bed with his backpack on it and sits down. He opens the bag and finds the pocket watch and Glimmer's token sitting on top. He had forgotten about these items. He sets both items on the nightstand and continues going through the bag. Folded inside are his wet suit, the clothes he wore underneath, and the clothes he had been wearing earlier. At the bottom of the bag was a note telling him his clothes were cleaned, his weapons were taken to the weapon room, the food to the kitchen, and medical supplies to the hospital. He took the clean clothes over to the dresser at the foot of his bed and put them in the bottom drawer as it was the only one that was empty. The other drawers contained underwear, socks, t-shirts, pajama pants, and cargo pants. As he was putting the backpack under the bed, he noticed two pairs of combat boots and the water boots that he wore in the arena under there as well. He stands up as Cato comes out of the bathroom with a towel wrapped around his hips, hair damp.
"There are clean clothes in the dresser," Peeta tells him, pointing towards it, his eyes taking in the sight of Cato's body.
Cato leans against the door frame, crossing his arms across his chest, "Like what you see?" he teases.
Peeta can feel the blush on his cheeks before replying, "Maybe."
Cato stands up straight, walks over to Peeta, and whispers, "Go take a shower. It'll make you feel better."
Peeta smiles at Cato thinking how he always seems to know what Peeta needs. Peeta grabs some clean clothes and heads into the bathroom.
Cato puts on clean underwear and pajama pants before taking his backpack and throwing on one of the desks for now. He gets on his bed and leans against the headboard to wait for Peeta. He knows today has been a long day for Peeta. He looks at the alarm clock on his nightstand and sees it's nearly midnight. He sets the alarm for 7 am.
Peeta comes out of the bathroom and sees Cato sitting on his bed. He bites his bottom lip before asking Cato, "Can I sleep in your bed with you tonight?"
Cato looks up at Peeta, "Of course," he replies standing up. "Would you get the lights?" he asks, pulling down the covers before climbing in and making room for Peeta. Peeta climbs in the bed, laying his head on Cato's shoulder. They both fall into an uneasy sleep.
Cato is awoken to what sounds like rain. He reaches over for Peeta only to realize that the boy is not next to him. He opens his eyes and looks over to Peeta's bed. It's empty. He looks at the clock, seeing it's 6 in the morning. He then realizes the sound he thought was rain is actually the shower. Cato jumps out of the bed and goes to the bathroom door, knocking gently. He begins to worry when he gets no answer. He reaches for the door knob and when he realizes it's unlocked, opens the door. He sees Peeta sitting on the floor of the shower in his bedclothes, soaked. Cato grabs a towel off the shelf before turning off the water. As he wraps the towel around Peeta's shoulders, he can hear the younger boy crying.
"Peeta, what's wrong?" he asks as he begins to dry his hair.
Peeta looks up at him with bloodshot eyes, "I had a nightmare." Cato lowers the towel to listen. "I dreamt that I was back in the arena all alone. The jabber jays show up and there are thousands of them. The- the screams were of all of you - you, Katniss, Rue - everyone. I ran, they followed. I kept running until I saw what I thought was pile of logs. B-b-but as I got cl-closer I realized it wasn't logs." Tears flow down Peeta's cheeks as he turns his head to stare at the wall.
Cato waits but Peeta doesn't continue. "What did you see Peeta?" he asks finally, encouraging Peeta to continue.
"It was my family, my friends, and -" Peeta stops talking. He looks up at Cato, his eyes wide and scared. "You were there. On top of the pile." Peeta starts crying again.
Cato wraps his arms around Peeta, "Shh, I'm right here, alive and well."
"Yes, but I killed you." Peeta's voice is muffled but Cato hears him anyway. Peeta pulls away, "I killed you with my sword. It was still in your chest. But that's not the worst part."
"Tell me the worst part then," Cato says quietly.
"Snow and Leonitus showed up. Leonitus was carrying a bundle. He handed it to me telling me it was to be 'our' son. I looked at the baby and it was Finnick and Annie's son! That's when I realized they were dead somewhere underneath you. Then Snow took the infant from me before telling me that I had to get ready for my wedding. I asked who I was marrying since you were dead. He said that since Leonitus and I were the only two tributes left, I was to marry him. I was to be his prize for stopping the rebellion. I tried to fight it but Snow threatened to harm the baby. Then Leonitus came over to me and began kissing me, pulling at my clothes. That's when I woke up." Peeta leans against Cato, beginning to shiver. "It was too horrible. I could still feel his hands on me. I had to wash the feeling off. And I didn't want to wake you up either."
Cato turns Peeta's face to look him in the eye, "Please don't ever be afraid to wake me up. I want you to wake me. Now, let's get you out of those wet clothes before you catch a cold." He stands up before helping Peeta to stand. Cato grabs another dry towel, throwing it over his shoulder before asking; "Shall we take those off?" indicating to Peeta's wet pants. Peeta nods and, never taking his eyes from Cato's, pushes his wet clothes down his legs. Cato, still looking into Peeta's eyes, takes the towel from his shoulder and wraps it around Peeta's waist. Peeta leans in and gives Cato a quick kiss.
But the quick kiss wasn't enough for either boy and soon they were wrapped in each other's arms, their tongues sparring hands roaming on bare skin.
Without breaking their kiss, they manage to make their way back next to Cato's bed. Peeta pulls away from Cato's lips, eyes on Cato's icy blue orbs, grabs the towel around his hips, and pulls it off dropping it on the floor. His eyes never leaving Cato's, Peeta put his hands on the elastic band of Cato's pants. Cato's breathing hitches in his throat before he whispers, "Are you sure?"
"Yes," Peeta says softly.
"Do it," Cato whispers gesturing to his pants.
Peeta slowly pushes the pajama bottoms and underwear down until gravity could take over. He then manages to get on the bed without breaking eye contact with Cato. Cato quickly follows, stepping out of his clothes. Kneeling on the bed, facing each other, Peeta lifts his hands to Cato's chest feeling the soft skin, hardened muscles. Cato raises a hand, slips it up Peeta's arm, across his shoulder, until he wraps it around the back of Peeta's neck, gently pulling the younger boy's head closer until their lips meet again. His other hand finding Peeta's, squeezing it before sliding around to Peeta's back. As the kiss becomes more passionate, Cato guides Peeta to lay his head on the pillow. Once Peeta's lying down, Cato's lips leave Peeta's as they find their way across his cheek, down his jaw, down to his neck, biting and nibbling when he hears Peeta moan. Neither was aware of when Peeta spread his legs nor when Cato positioned himself there. Peeta's hands slide from the bed up Cato's arms to his shoulders, up to his hair as Cato begins to kiss his way down Peeta's body. The feeling of Cato's hand on his hip causes Peeta to look down his body at the older boy.
As he slides his hand closer to Peeta's now throbbing cock, Cato looks up to see Peeta biting his bottom lip and nodding slightly. Cato wraps his fingers around Peeta's cock, eliciting a moan from the younger boy. Cato pulls his eyes from Peeta's and begins to stroke the younger boy. He then wraps his lips around just the head of Peeta's shaft, licking the tip, teasing as only he knew how.
"Please," comes the breathy whisper from Peeta's lips.
Cato smiles before taking the entire length into his mouth, slowly bobbing his head. Every time he came up, he'd flick the tip of his tongue on the sensitive spot on the back side of the head. He slowly began to pick up the pace; Peeta's moans encouraging and spurring him on.
Peeta knows he won't be able to hang on much longer. Whatever Cato was doing with his tongue was driving him crazy. He had never felt anything like it before. "Cato, please, I can't hold back anymore."
Cato stops long enough to say, "Let go for me."
Moments later, back arched, Peeta lets go exploding in Cato's mouth, "Ah, fuck!" he exclaims.
Cato swallows every drop, licking his lips before coming up to lay by Peeta. "Feel better?" he asks kissing Peeta's shoulder.
"Not quite," Peeta teases before leaning over the older boy. He begins kissing his way down Cato's body the same way Cato had done for him earlier. He only stops at Cato's nipples long enough to tease them with his tongue before working his way down to Cato's manhood. He grasps the older boy's cock, gently squeezing and pumping his hand before wrapping his lips around it and taking him into his mouth deeply. He tries the same tongue flicking technique Cato used. The moans that came from Cato only encourage Peeta more. After a few more moments, Peeta stops, looks Cato in the eye, and tells him, "I want more. I want to feel you inside me."
Cato doesn't need to be asked twice. He flips Peeta on his back. Peeta grabs Cato's hand and begins to suck on his fingers. When they've been thoroughly soaked, Cato places one finger at Peeta's entrance gently pushing it in. He quickly adds a second finger when he feels the tension ease. Before long, Cato adds the third finger. He slowly pumps his fingers until Peeta's voice stops him.
"Now Cato, please." Peeta begged. "I need it."
Cato doesn't hesitate. He spits in his hand, slickens himself, and begins to enter. He slides in and, while waiting for Peeta to adjust, leans down to kiss him. Peeta moves his hips in a signal not wanting to break the kiss. Cato moves his hips slowly, enjoying the feeling of Peeta's walls wrapped around him. Under him, he can feel Peeta getting hard again. He raises himself to look down at Peeta, lust in his eyes.
"Faster," Peeta pleads, the lust reflecting in his eyes.
Cato begins to move faster, ramming in a little harder.
"Oh my God Peeta, you feel so tight!" Cato exclaims. It was then that he hit the spot in Peeta causing the younger boy to arch his back with a guttural moan of the older boy's name, "C-Cato."
It was all the encouragement Cato needed. He began to pound the blonde beneath him, hitting the spot repeatedly causing Peeta to grasp the sheets beneath him tightly.
"Don't stop Cato," begged Peeta loudly.
When Cato knew he was close to his own release, he grasped Peeta's hard cock and began pumping it in rhythm of his own thrusts.
"I'm going to," Peeta tells Cato, back arched.
"Do it baby, cum for me," Cato pants, barely able to hold back himself. Peeta shoots his load over his chest, abs, and Cato's hand. Feeling Peeta's walls squeezing him, Cato releases his own load.
Cato pulls himself out slowly before lying next to Peeta. Both are panting still. When he's breathing at a normal pace, Cato rolls to his side, propping himself on his elbow and asks, "Care to join me in the shower?" He glances at the clock, "Breakfast is in about 45 minutes."
Peeta smirks before replying, "Race ya," as he jumps off the bed and rushes into the bathroom, turning on the water.
"No fair!" Cato exclaims as he follows the other blonde into the bathroom. "You cheated," he accuses as he grabs Peeta from behind causing the younger boy to laugh.
Peeta turns in Cato's arms and kisses his chin, "No, I just made sure I had a head start."
"So, what does my little winner want as his prize?" Cato asks as he pulls Peeta into the shower.
"I don't know," Peeta says thoughtfully. "Let me think about it?" he asks.
"Anything you want," Cato says as he sticks his head under the water. He moves under the shower head, pulling Peeta with him so he could wet his hair. They wash and rinse their own hair before taking turns lathering each other's body, enjoying the sensation of each other's hands exploring. When they're all rinsed off, Cato turns off the water as Peeta gets them towels. They dry off and wrap the towels around their waists before going into the room to get dressed. They dress quickly and put on their boots.
Cato can't help but notice that Peeta seems more like the Peeta he met in the training center. He's smiling and not as tense.
Peeta walks over to Cato, wrapping his arms around the taller boy's waist, resting his head on Cato's chest. "I am so glad you're here with me," Peeta tells Cato.
"Me too," replies Cato, wrapping his arms around Peeta. "We still have time before breakfast. We can talk if you want to." Cato worries he may have caused Peeta to withdraw inside himself again when he doesn't respond right away.
"I'd like that," Peeta finally says pulling away from Cato. He grabs his hand and pulls Cato to his bed. They both sit. "Where should I start?" Peeta asks looking up at Cato.
Cato thinks for a moment, "Why don't we start with Glimmer's death?"
Peeta grabs the necklace off the nightstand, "Her family gave this to me," he tells Cato, opening it to show Cato the pictures inside. "I feel guilty that she sacrificed her life for me." Peeta says softly as he looks at the smiling faces of Glimmer's family. "I don't understand why she took that trident for me. I'm glad I'm alive, but she didn't deserve to die for me." He closes the locket, holding it tightly in his hand. "She told me once that the only reason she agreed to join the rebellion was to stop the games. She didn't want her siblings going into the arena." Peeta can feel the tears welling in his eyes, "Her last words to me were 'Take out that son of a bitch for me. Take care of Marvel. He is good at what he does but tends to get cocky'. She put Snow's death and Marvel's life in my hands. What if I can't save Marvel? What happens if we fail in this rebellion and Snow lives?" Peeta asks laying his head on Cato's shoulder. "I don't know if I can handle that." He says quietly.
Cato puts his arm around Peeta's shoulder, "What if you didn't have to do it alone? I'm here. So are the rest of the tributes as well as the rebel forces we'll be training with. You're not going to be alone in this Peeta." He lifts Peeta's chin to look him in the eye, "I think Glimmer was letting you know she had faith and trust in you. That's what her last words meant." He gives Peeta a quick kiss, "I have faith in you too, you know. We'll win this war. We'll do it for those we lost – Glimmer, Thresh, and Rue."
Peeta looks into the eyes of his lover and sees the truth of what he said, "I believe you," he says. "Thank you Cato."
"You don't need to thank me. I'm just telling you what you already know," Cato tells him. "You had a lot happen in the arena. We all did. You haven't had the chance to deal with everything yet. Then we got here and more was added to it. I'm here for you. You just need to tell me what you're thinking and feeling."
Before Peeta can reply, there's a knock at the door. Cato goes and opens it. On the other side was the rest of the group.
"We thought we'd head to breakfast now. You two ready?" asks Clove.
"Just tell Peeta Bread to shake a leg. I'm hungry," says Johanna.
Peeta smiles and goes over to the door to stand by Cato taking his hand, "Guess we should go now. We can finish this later tonight if you want," he says referring to their talk.
Cato squeezes Peeta's hand, "Let's go then." They walk out and join the others.
They climb into the elevator, Johanna sitting on Rie's lap so they all fit in. They arrive on the 20th floor and head to the dining room. Johanna quickly grabs her breakfast and joins Finnick at a small table. The rest get their meals and join their families at the long table that they sat at the night before. Everyone is in good spirits, even with the parents telling embarrassing stories about their children. Boggs, Mitchell, and Jackson show up as everyone finishes. Jackson takes the younger kids to meet the other children and their teachers. Boggs takes the adults to go see President Coin for their assignments. Mitchell takes the teens to see Dr. Aurelius. Tavin, Marvel's younger brother, is to be checked out by Dr. Aurelius and will join the others in training.
In the hospital wing, the tributes are joined by the mentors, including Haymitch who stays back away from the group. When Peeta first sees him, he can feel the anger bubbling up. Cato can feel the anger radiating from the other blonde. He pulls Peeta into his arms before leaning down to whisper in his ear, "I know what he did was a horrific thing to do. Getting angry at him isn't going to help. Maybe you and I can talk to him privately if you'd like. Get some of your questions answered." Peeta's arms go around Cato as he speaks. His only reply to Cato is the nod of his head.
Soon Dr. Aurelius begins his check-ups. He starts with the girls first. Due to her injuries, Madge is put on light duty for one week, when she will be re-checked. Wheet shows up as Dr. Aurelius begins with the males. Rie goes into the room in his chair, but comes out on his own two feet, limping slightly. He tells the others that, like Madge, he's on light duty for now. Wheet goes in and when he comes out, admits he's on light duty as well as his burns are not quite totally healed. Peeta gets a clean bill of health. Cato goes in. Dr. Aurelius asks about his headache and Cato admits that his head ache is still there. Dr. Aurelius gives him a stronger medication and decides not to put him on light duty at this time. If his head ache doesn't get better in the next week, he is to report back. As Cato joins the others, Mitchell returns to take them to lunch and inform them that after lunch, they'll be meeting Coin.
At lunch, Posy climbs up on Peeta's lap and asks Peeta and Cato to come to the Hawthorne family's room later. Both boys agree when they see the joy on her face when she sees them. Then she does something that shocks everyone, she climbs from Peeta's lap to Cato's lap and gives him a hug, "Thank you Cato!" she says.
Cato hugs the small girl back asking, "What are you thanking me for little one?"
"For taking care of my Peeta and coming to see me later," she replies sweetly before climbing off Cato's lap to eat her lunch.
When lunch was over, the tributes and their brothers are gathered together to await Mitchell. Boggs shows up instead and takes them to a meeting room where the mentors are already waiting. Boggs gestures for the teens to sit as he walks to the front of the room to await President Coin's arrival. She shows up with Mitchell, Jackson, Plutarch, Portia and Cinna.
"Welcome to all of you," says Coin. "We'll start by getting the oaths of Tavin Wright and Wheet Mellark." Five minutes later, the meeting turns serious. "We have a lot to do and I don't want to waste time. First, our newest soldiers will go to the gun range tomorrow and be sorted. There will be two teams – ground troop squad and sharp shooter squad. Those of you that make the sharp shooter squad will get one week of training before you go on your first mission. The rest of you will go through intensive training." She gestures to those behind her. "Boggs will be the leader of the sharp shooter squad and Mitchell the ground troop. On top of your training, those of you we rescued will be filming propo's in your free time with Plutarch. Cinna and Portia have designed special combat outfits for each squad as well as your propo outfits. Jackson is the liaison between the two groups and will go on missions with whichever group is going out. In the event that both squads go, she will go with the larger squad." She stops speaking when Cressida enters the room and whispers in her ear. When Cressida finishes, Coin turns to Boggs who turns on the TV behind him. On the screen is Snow. To his left, dressed in brand new peacekeeper outfits, are Leonitus and Districts one and four females. Behind them are the six remaining tributes from the arena. They're on their knees, blindfolded.
"Citizens of Panem, the six tributes behind me refused to stand up with us to protect our great country. If they aren't with us, they're with the rebels. We will not tolerate this type of disobedience! Peacekeepers, to the stage!" he calls. Six peacekeepers march up on stage and line up behind the tributes. As Snow waits for the peacekeepers to take their positions, he continues, "Brie Valletta from District 1, Leonitus Dante from district 2, and Ariel Shoal from District 4 have agreed to join the fight and will help us hunt down the rebel tributes including Peeta Mellark, Cato Canelos, and Madge Undersee." Snow glances behind him and sees his peacekeepers are in place. "Let the execution begin. Ready! Aim! Fire!"
The six remaining tributes are killed on live television, shot in the back of their heads.
Just before the TV screen goes black, they hear President Snow say, "Let this be a warning to the rebels. We will find you. We will kill you."
Everyone in the room was silent.
So, there we are. I hope the sex scene between Cato and Peeta was good. I've never written a scene like that for others to read. Please, if there is anything wrong with it, let me know. Or if you liked it, I'd love to know as well. And again, I'm really sorry for delay in updating.