The Games We Played
Hello friends old and new! I apologize for not having this up sooner. My internet was off for a couple days and I was unable to post.
Rolyn: I decided to use your slogan idea and adjusted my story for it! The Mellark's have a small family moment with Delly in this chapter. More to come in the future as well.
yuntani: Thank you, now that the holidays are over, I hope to be able to update more often. Unless the internet malfunctions again. I know it took a long time for the 'hotties' to finally hit it and I'm thrilled you liked it!
movetotherhythm: I honestly felt bad making everyone wait. I'm happy that so many people liked the chapter. The whole story really. I only wanted to introduce the families for now. Some members will be taking on larger roles later in the story. I'm happy with Fennel and Wheet as well. I didn't like how Peeta lost his family in the original story. I may be overcompensating for that in my story lol. As for the sex scene, I was nervous about it. It's one thing to write scenes like that, it's a whole new experience to write for others to read.
MangoMagic: Aww, I missed you all too! The families will have more to do later in the story – smaller roles. I can't say right now if we'll lose more of our large group. I'm glad the live execution was shocking. It was in my head since the tributes were in the arena the first day. Thank you for your compliment about my sex scene. It wasn't that I was uncomfortable writing it, more like I was afraid I had left something out. I wrote another story (for myself) that has Finnick, Marvel, and Cato in an AU liking Peeta during college and opening a club together. Since this one was so well received, I may clean up the typo's, etc. of the other story and post it.
Mhardman: Geez, I feel like I'm going to fry your poor brain lol! Yep, the families will have minor roles throughout the story. And hot sex scenes are always good ;)
lincolnlog89: The children that were executed – I had planned this since the first day in the arena. I knew it would be shocking. I just wasn't sure if any of our group was going to be involved. Cato is a dream guy lol. Peeta's dream was pretty bad and the "stress relief" flowed from there. The whole Posy playing with Peeta's hair scene is something my youngest nephew does when he goes to sleep. It's really kind of cute and I thought I'd put it in. Wheet, sweet Wheet, will find a new side of himself soon.
Chapter 15 Missing
When we left off, President Coin, the new soldiers, and the mentors had just watched the 6 remaining tributes from the arena get executed on live television.
Back in the Meeting Room
Delly turns to Coin and asks, "Madam President, does Snow know where we are? Does he know we're here in District 13?"
"No soldier Cartwright, at this time he does not know you are here," answers Coin. "Once we begin shooting and airing the propos, he will learn of it though. Of that you can be certain." She takes a moment to gather her thoughts. "In light of what we just witnessed, I'm going to give you the rest of the day off to explore. I sincerely hope you use this time and opportunity to learn where your training rooms are and to visit with your families. Beginning tomorrow, you will receive your schedules and you may not get this chance again for a while. You're dismissed." As they get up to leave, Coin speaks again, "Soldier Peeta Mellark and soldier Cato Canelos, would you mind staying back a moment." It wasn't a question.
The 2 boys sit back down and wait for the others to leave. As soon as the room cleared, she turns to Peeta, "Soldier Mellark, I believe this belongs to you." She goes over to a table and grabs the sketch book and pencils and hands them to him. "They were mistakenly taken to the art center. I took the liberty to look at your work. I must say I'm impressed with your work. I was hoping that you'd be willing to help me come up with a new slogan and poster for the war effort."
Peeta takes the book and pencils, shocked and embarrassed, before replying, "I'd be happy and honored Madam President. Thank you."
She nods at him before turning to Cato, "Soldier Canelos, your father has agreed to become an instructor for the hand-to-hand combat training for our younger trainees. He has asked that you be allowed to come help him as you did back home. I agreed, on one condition – you will have to make up any and all training you miss at the end of the day or on weekends during free time. Will you accept these terms?"
Cato looks up at Coin, "Yes Madam President, I accept. Thank you." He replies.
"Excellent. You two are free to go now." She says dismissively.
The boys walk out the door and are surprised to see who appear to be waiting for them. Delly, Rie, and Wheet turn to look at the couple as they walk towards them, hand in hand.
"Dad sent a message that he'd like us to join him in his room," Rie says.
"Cato's invited as well," Delly adds smiling.
Peeta looks up at Cato, who can see that the younger blonde was hoping they'd get some time alone to explore, among other things. Cato shrugs and says, "Why not? When we're done we can go see Posy, then go explore."
"Let's go see dad," Peeta says disgruntled, wishing Cato could've gotten them out of it.
Cato grabs Peeta's hand as they follow the others to the elevator. He leans down to whisper, "The sooner we do this the sooner we can be alone."
Peeta looks up at him amazed that he hadn't thought of that. He gives Cato a smile before kissing his cheek as the elevator doors open and they all get in.
Wheet and Rie lead the way to their dad's door, keeping Delly between them. They find the door located between the Everdeen's and the Hawthorne's – which helps Cato and Peeta for later. Before either of the older brothers could knock on the door, Delly grabs their hands. They look down at her concerned. "What's the matter Dell's" asks Rie using her childhood nickname. "You know dad. You've even baked with us before. Why so nervous?"
"I know, but that was before I knew he was my father. What if I'm a disappointment to him?" she asks scared.
"How could you be a disappointment to him?" asks Wheet confused.
"I don't know," she admits. She turns to Peeta, "I remember Peeta and I pretending to be brother and sister. He would always laugh at us. You two," she indicates to Wheet and Rie, "would tease us terribly. But now we find out that it's really true. And I'm scared."
"You don't need to be scared Dell," Peeta tells her. "You've known us all your life. Nothing has really changed you know. Well, other than you really are a Mellark and we don't have to pretend anymore." He teases. She rolls her eyes at him.
"Just be thankful you didn't have to grow up with the witch," Rie adds. "The way she treated the rest of us, you're the lucky one."
Delly smiles before releasing Rie's hand and knocking on the door. Fennel opens the door and smiles brightly when he sees his kids. "Come in, come in," he says stepping back to let them enter. They find themselves in a large room with two full size couches, two desks with chairs, and a coffee table. At the back of the room are three doors.
"Please sit," Fennel says gesturing to the couches. Rie, Delly, and Wheet take one couch while Peeta and Cato take the other. Peeta puts his stuff down on the table in front of him. Fennel speaks first, "So, I got my job assignment today. I'm the new head baker."
"That's great news dad," Wheet says. "It's definitely something you're good at."
"Thanks son, but with the food shortages and dietary restrictions, I'm not –" begins Fennel.
"Wait, what dietary restrictions?" Rie asks before the others could.
"Well, due to the fact that there are limited resources, no food deliveries like the other districts, and the influx of new residents, there's a district wide dietary restriction," Fennel explains. "Although, now that you've all signed on to join the war, I don't think you will have much to worry about."
"I wonder if President Coin will allow me to go hunting to bring in fresh meat," Peeta says thoughtfully. He realizes it's been a while since he was last out in the real fresh air.
"I'm not sure I want you going out to hunt," Cato says to Peeta, worry lacing his voice. "And I definitely don't want you going out there alone."
"Cato, I've been hunting since I was 11 years old. And I've gone alone many times!" Peeta says exasperated.
"I think I agree with Cato son," Fennel says holding up a hand. "Hear me out, please. The forest out there isn't the forest you hunted in before. This isn't like District 12, you don't know what is out in that forest – what you'll run into."
Peeta rolls his eyes and folds his arms over his chest, sulking.
"Are you seriously pouting Peeta?" Delly asks incredulously. The others snicker. "I swear we outgrew that when we were like 5." She adds laughing.
"More like 'beat' out," Peeta mutters under his breath. Cato hears and takes a sharp breath in that attracts the attention of the others. Peeta scowls at him. No one notices the look.
"What's the matter Cato?" Rie asks worriedly.
"Huh? Oh, it's nothing, just my headache coming back." Cato lies.
"Do you need to go see Dr. Aurelius?" asks Delly.
"Nah, I'll be fine for now," Cato says brushing off their concern. "If it gets worse, I'll go see him. Besides, I've been invited to visit Miss Posy. I certainly don't want to miss that."
"Speaking of Posy, we should go over there soon," Peeta comments, still thinking about talking to Coin later that evening about going hunting.
"Before you all scatter like falling leaves, I think we need to discuss our situation," Fennel says. "Now that Delly is officially a part of this family, I want you boys to promise me that you'll keep your eye on her, keep her safe." Delly gives him a look. "Now Delly, don't look at me like that. I watched the games. I know that you can take care of yourself. I just, well I just found I got my daughter back. I just don't want to lose you again."
Delly smiles at Fennel. "I understand… Dad," she says causing Fennel grins broadly.
"Don't worry dad, I'll keep an eye on her," Rie says nudging her with his elbow.
"Me too," adds Wheet, grabbing her hand and squeezing it gently. "Besides, I have 17 years of big brother teasing to catch up on!" he says winking at her causing Delly to blush.
"I'll do my part to dad. Although, I may be protecting her more from Wheet's teasing," Peeta says.
"If it's alright with all of you, I'm willing to help as well," Cato says. "I'm not her brother, but I'd like to be there to help if I can."
"Thank you Cato. You all have no idea how much better I feel knowing that she's being protected," Fennel says. "And Cato, you are a member of this family. I already told you that." Cato smiles at Fennel.
"Dad, what about Haymitch?" asks Rie. "I know what he did was wrong, but we got our sister back. With the war about to happen, maybe we should forgive him. He did do what he did under duress. He admitted to his wrongdoings."
"I've already decided to forgive him Rie," Fennel says thoughtfully. "If Peeta can forgive us for not being there for him when he needed us most and can still be a part of this family, than I'm going to follow his example. In fact, I'm having dinner with him, Hazel, and Lily tonight."
There's a knock on the door. Fennel goes and answers it. "Madge, please come in." they hear him say.
"Thank you Mr. Mell- uh, Uncle Fennel," Madge says as she walks in. "Oh, hi guys."
"Hi Madge," they all say in unison.
"What can I do for you Madge," Fennel asks as she takes a seat on the couch next to Cato.
"I was hoping that you could come with me to talk to my, my father. But it looks like I'm interrupting," she says looking down at her hands.
"Actually, Cato and I were just about to get ready to go next door and see Posy," Peeta tells her.
"And Rie, Delly, and I were going to check out the gardens and farms," Wheet adds.
"I guess that means I'm free to join you Madge. Would you like to go now?" Fennel asks.
"Now would be great," Madge says smiling nervously.
They all stand up to head out, Cato grabbing Peeta's art supplies. Peeta and Cato head next door as the others head for the elevator. "See ya later," Peeta says to his family.
"See ya Peet," Wheet replies as the others just wave.
Cato knocks on the Hawthorne door and Hazel answers it, "Hello boys, come in."
Posy sees the couple and runs up to them, throwing her arms around Peeta waist first. "Brother Peeta! You're here!" She turns to Cato, throwing her arms around him as well, "Hi Cato!"
"Hello Miss Posy, how are you today?" Cato asks making Posy giggle.
"I'm fine Cato. Guess what?! I got to meet Brother Gale's girlfriend earlier," she says pulling them towards the desks. "She's nice." She makes the boys sit down in the desk chairs before she climbs up into Peeta's lap. "Look what I found Brother Peeta," she says excitedly as she opens a desk draw that's between Peeta and Cato, revealing paper and crayons.
"Wow Posy, that's really cool," Peeta tells the little girl.
Posy turns towards Cato when she notices what he has in his lap, "What's that Cato?" she asks.
"This is Peeta's sketch book that he got in the games," Cato tells the little girl.
She looks up at Peeta, "Can I see it?"
Peeta smiles as Cato sets the book up on the desk in front of her. Posy opens the book gently and studies each picture carefully. Her little ohh's and ahh's making the boys smile. After looking at the drawing of the animals on the savannah, she turns to look up at Peeta, "Buttercup died," she says sadly. "Prim was really sad. Rory hugged her and made her smile. It was the same day someone threw a rock through our window and almost hit me, Vick, and Rory."
Peeta's shocked and turns to Hazel with wide eyes, "When did all this happen? What happened to Buttercup? Why would someone throw a rock at the kids?"
Hazel had been sitting on the couch, quietly watching. "It happened the day you all went into the arena. Someone killed Buttercup and left him for Prim to find. I had left to return some laundry, leaving Rory in charge. He took Vick and Posy to hide in the bathroom until I got home. Thom was looking into it for us, to see what he could find out."
"Uh, who's Buttercup? And why would someone throw a rock at children?" Cato asks confused.
"Buttercup was Prim's kitty," Posy tells him matter-of-factly.
"He was a gift of sorts. He didn't like Katniss much," Peeta adds. "As to why anyone would throw a rock, I don't know. It sounds like something someone from Town would do. The 'townies' don't much like people from the seam. My mother was the worst hater." The last sentence was spoken in a whisper.
Cato looks over at his boyfriend, seeing the shame on his face. He realizes that they really need to finish the talk that they had begun that morning. He thinks that Peeta seems to have a lot to get off his chest about his mother.
"Cato, look I drew a picture of you and Brother Peeta," she says pulling him out of his thoughts. The boys stay for about another half an hour with Posy laughing, drawing, and coloring before they decide to go.
"Aww, but you just got here," Posy pouts with her arms crossed over her chest causing Cato to look from her to Peeta before snickering behind his hand.
When he calms down, he tells Posy, "I know sweetie. It does seem like we just got here. But it's getting close to dinner time. Peeta and I need to go wash up and get ready. Plus, we need to take his stuff back to our room. But we'll see you there, okay?"
She still pouts as she gives both boys a hug and a kiss on their cheeks before leading them over to the door. "Bye. I'll see you later," she says as she waves from the door.
When they get to their room, Peeta puts his stuff down on the desk. Cato watches him closely, noticing he's tired. "Would you like to lie down for a while? They stop serving dinner in about 2 hours."
Peeta looks up at the older boy, smiling tiredly, "Yes, will you lay with me?"
"Always," Cato replies as he takes Peeta's hand and leads him to the bed. They both note their room is clean and beds made. They lay down, Peeta's head on Cato's chest, Cato running his fingers through Peeta's curly hair. Within 5 minutes, Cato realizes Peeta's sleeping. Less than 40 minutes later, Peeta awakens with a jolt. He relaxes when he feels Cato's arm tighten around him, "Are you okay?" Cato asks, his lips on the top of Peeta's head.
"Yeah, I think I'm ready to dinner now," he says tipping his head to look into Cato's eyes. Cato smiles before rolling off the bed, pulling a surprised Peeta with him. They head down to the dining hall where they see Wheet and the other former tributes sitting together. They quickly grab their food and join them. Marvel tells them about a gazebo in the garden on level 8, Clove tells them about the orchard on level nine, and Wheet tells them to avoid the livestock pens on level 10.
"So Peeta, I hear you wanna go hunting," Katniss says grinning.
"Yeah, I thought I'd go talk to Coin after dinner," he replies not seeing the twinkle in Katniss's eyes or the scowl on Cato's face.
"Well, don't bother," Katniss says nonchalantly.
Peeta gives her a strange look. "Why not?"
"Gale and I already talked to her," Katniss says casually before bouncing in her seat. "She said that while Cato was helping his dad, we could go."
"There were some stipulations Katniss," Gale reminds her.
"What kind of stipulations?" Cato asks curious.
"We get an hour in the forest and we have to wear tracking bracelets when we go out," Gale tells him. "Oh and no more than three of us can go out at a time AND we cannot go out alone."
"Well, that's good news then," Cato says relieved. "Your dad will be glad to hear the rules," he says to Peeta.
Peeta bristles at the comment about his dad. He couldn't believe that his dad and boyfriend were against his going hunting in the first place. Well, maybe not against him hunting so much as him going alone.
The two boys finish eating and say good night to their friends. Cato takes Peeta over to say hello to his family before the head out to the garden on level step off the elevator and take a couple steps to a set of double doors. They walk in and breathlessly take in the view.
The large room is so grand that they can't see the side or back walls. To their left are acres of vegetable gardens and to their right was acres of flowers. They remember that Marvel had mentioned the gazebo in the flower side and decided to go look for it. As they walk hand in hand, they stroll through the different flower beds enjoying the beauty around them. They see the gazebo in the distance and walk towards it. They even see a beekeeper gathering some honey. They finally reach the gazebo and sit on a bench,. Each lost in their own thoughts.
Cato speaks up first, "Tell me about what your life was like before you lived with the Hawthorne's."
"Why would you ask me that?" Peeta asks getting upset.
Cato shrugs, "Something you said earlier today, about the townies not liking the people from the seam. You lived in both. I know about the good stuff from living in the seam. I just want to know about your life living in town. I mean, I know you had bad times, but there had to be some good, right?"
"Fine," Peeta says resignedly. "But I'm warning you now that there really isn't much good stuff that you didn't already hear." He looks out at the flowers, "I remember playing with Delly and Madge as a kid. They were my first friends. When I was old enough, I got to learn to work in the bakery. It started with learning to measure ingredients before I worked my way to decorating the cookies and cakes. I was told I was pretty good. My dad was really patient with me. My mother actually looked for faults. When she found something wrong, she would hit me. I tried really hard not to get hit. At first it was just a swat on my butt, later it was whatever she could reach – usually my face. As I got older, she stopped using her hand and used whatever was lying around – a wooden spoon or rolling pin." Peeta looks down at his lap, "I'd go to school pretending to be clumsy so no one would guess the truth. Although, I'm pretty sure they knew and just didn't say anything. No one wanted to hang around the bruised and broken boy except Delly and Madge. They never mentioned the bruises, or the beatings. The worst beating you know about. The one when I was 11 and ended up living with the Hawthorne's."
Cato pulls Peeta onto his lap, "I'm sorry I asked. I hadn't realized just how bad it truly was for you." He kisses the top of Peeta's head whispering, "Thank you for telling me." They stay in that position for a while. Cato looks down to see Peeta playing with Glimmer's necklace. "You and Glimmer were friends?" he asks.
"Hmm? Oh, yeah, we talked a little. She was really sweet. She knew I was gay, said she could tell when she saw me with Finnick before the tribute parade." Peeta replies absently.
"Really? I saw the two of you and I never figured it out. I guess I was too shocked that you knew two Victors from other districts." Cato admits.
"I've met others, but JoJo and Finn came around the most. I was 14 when I admitted that I liked guys. Finn was my first crush. It wasn't until I was 16 that we began a sexual relationship." Peeta says looking at his hands. "You probably didn't want to know that. Sorry."
"Well, the guy really isn't my favorite person. But he was a part of your past and I keep saying I want to know all about your past." Cato tilts Peeta's face to his, "I don't mind if you want to talk about it, honestly."
"Fine, but you're going to return the favor and spill your secrets to me," Peeta says realizing that Cato has gotten him to talk about everything he had wanted to keep to himself.
"As you wish," Cato replies knowing he owes Peeta the story about Leonitus anyway.
Peeta looks up at Cato and gives him a sad smile, "Right before my 16th birthday, Finn comes to 12 and brings me a gift – a sea shell. 'If you hold it up to your ear, you can hear the ocean', he told me. I never could hear anything. He stayed for two weeks that trip, including the day of my birthday. Before he left, he gave me my first kiss. After that he came back every couple weeks, usually for only a couple days at most. Things slowly became more sexual between us with each visit until we became lovers." Peeta gets a far off look in his eyes, which scares Cato, before continuing, "Then one trip he came and brought Annie with him. I had been in the forest training with Boggs so it was late when I got to Haymitch's house. Haymitch wasn't there. He always took off for a couple hours when we went upstairs, for privacy he said. I ran upstairs excited that he was there and hoping to surprise him. Only I was the one surprised," Peeta's voice cracks.
"You found him in bed with Annie," Cato says remembering the fight Peeta and Finnick had.
"Yeah, I heard him confess his love for her and I ran back home. Gale gave me a strange look because he knew I normally spent the night when I was with Finn. I lied to him, saying Finnick was asleep and I didn't want to disturb him. Gale didn't say anything. The next morning I went to see Finn, whether to confront him or not I wasn't sure. He was acting strange and I knew why but pretended I never showed up the night before. I wanted him to admit what he'd done. He never did and in fact left that same day. When he returned weeks later, we 'mutually' agreed to end what we had and just be friends. I was already depressed by that time, crying myself to sleep. It hurt a lot. I wondered why I wasn't good enough for him." There were tears falling down Peeta's cheeks.
"How come you never said anything to him about seeing him with Annie before yesterday?" Cato asks as he gently wipes the tears from Peeta's face.
"I wanted to, I really did. But I kept seeing the guilt in his eyes – the morning after and when we broke up. I just couldn't tell him." Peeta's voice gets quieter and quieter until he whispered, "I was a chicken."
Cato holds Peeta closer to him, "Maybe you were more afraid to face the pain and anger of what he did to you."
"Maybe," Peeta admits. "I found out Annie was pregnant when I overheard Haymitch on the phone with Finn a couple months later. He had called to tell Haymitch to tell me he wasn't coming. To be honest, I was relieved when he missed that trip. I didn't have to pretend it didn't hurt to see him."
"How does Johanna Mason fit into all this mess?" Cato asks.
"She found out Finn and I were having sex right before the Annie fiasco. She came the weekend that Finnick didn't. We were friends so it was nice just the two of us. She saw my depression and tried to keep me upbeat while she was there. I let her know that I knew about Annie's pregnancy but made her swear not to tell Finnick I knew." Peeta says. He's beginning to feel emotionally drained. "Then when I volunteered for Rory, the shit had hit the fan. I'd finally gotten over him, no longer crying myself to sleep. Then Finn decides he wants me back. And I thought about it. God help me, but I did. But I knew I wouldn't go back to him the first time I spoke to you in my room. I think I may have even known the first time I saw you. I knew I wanted to get to know you. Even before I knew you were a part of the rebellion, I think I wanted you." Peeta looks up at Cato and sees tears in his eyes. "What? Did I say something wrong?" he panics.
Cato hugs him. "No baby. In fact, you said everything just right," Cato tells him before kissing Peeta's lips. The gentle kiss soon becomes more passionate. Peeta adjusts his position on Cato's lap so that he's straddling the older boy, his lips never leaving Cato's. Their hands begin searching, feeling. When they finally come up for air forehead to forehead, Peeta can feel Cato's hardness pressing against his ass. "Shall we take this back to our room?" Cato asks his lips hovering over Peeta's, eyes filled with lust.
"I think we may want to 'cool down' before we go anywhere. I certainly don't want to run into anyone in my 'condition' to be honest." Peeta replies breathless.
"I have to agree with you on that one," Cato says staring into Peeta's dark blue eyes. He wants to kiss him again but Peeta was right, they needed to cool down. "As long as we're confessing, I think you should know that I've liked you since I saw your reaping. Even if you weren't a part of the rebellion, I was going to make sure you came out with me."
"Why? You didn't even know me," asks Peeta confused.
"Because I wanted you. I was going to try to make you mine when we got out," Cato admits unashamed.
"I guess this was bound to happen anyway then," Peeta teases.
"I was going to do everything in my power to make sure it did," Cato says honestly. "But I'm glad things worked out the way they did even more."
"Oh, and why is that?" Peeta asks playfully, his fingers playing with the hair on the back of Cato's head.
"Because of this," Cato says pointing between the two of them. "Because I got to be with you in the arena. Because I get to be with you now. Because you are my boyfriend." He smiles wickedly licking his puffy kissed lips, "Because I got to make love to you. And I want to do it again and again."
Peeta gasps audibly, feeling himself getting even harder than he was. "That doesn't help my situation Cato," he tells him breathlessly.
"Mine either, but it had to be said," Cato tells him before he kisses him again. He licks Peeta's lips and when they part, he slips his tongue into Peeta's mouth. Their tongues glide against each other, causing both boys to moan. Cato bucks his hips against Peeta who grinds down against him. They pull apart despite neither of them truly wanting to.
Peeta slides himself off Cato's lap, causing the older boy to whine. He sits back down on the bench, laying his head on Cato's shoulder, "Maybe it's better I remove the temptation," he teases.
"Just being next to you is a temptation," Cato admits.
Off in the distance they can see a couple walking towards the gazebo. They watch the couple as they try to cool down from their kissing. As the couple gets closer, Cato gasps when he realizes who they are. Peeta looks up at Cato questioningly. Cato, feeling Peeta's eyes on him, gestures to the now hand holding couple, "Don't you recognize them?" he asks.
Peeta looks again. Now that they're closer, he realizes he does. And the shock is not necessarily bad. He turns to Cato exclaiming, "That's my dad and Mama Hazel!"
"It looks like they're holding hands," Cato points out.
"I wonder how long this has been going on." Peeta asks.
"Well, we could go ask them," Cato smirks. "Or we can stay here, let them join us, pretending we didn't see them."
Peeta playfully slaps Cato's arm, "I don't relish either of those ideas. Besides, it's kind of weird to see my dad holding hands with someone that isn't my mother. Do you think we can just sneak away?"
"We can try," Cato answers, noticing Peeta's discomfort. He grabs Peeta's hand and pulls him in the opposite direction of Fennel and Hazel.
"Thank you Cato," Peeta says as they leave the gazebo.
"We still need to get out of here though," Cato replies. "As soon as we can we have to find another path out."
It takes a while but they manage to skirt around the gazebo where Fennel and Hazel now are sitting. Soon they find themselves in the elevator and head to their room. Neither one mentions what they saw until they close the door behind them in their room.
Cato turns to Peeta, "You okay? I know it's probably a lot to take in seeing your dad with another woman."
"Actually, I think I'm fine with it," Peeta says looking up at Cato. "My mother is dead. Mama Hazel is a good woman. My father couldn't pick a better person to spend time with."
"You're taking this pretty well. Are you sure you're okay?" Cato asks suspiciously.
Peeta puts his hand on Cato's cheek looking into his icy blue eyes, "You never met the woman that gave birth to me. She was evil. If my dad is ready to put her in the past, we all should be. Does this mean I'm going to ask him outright about what we saw? Hell no. I'll let him tell me when he's ready." Peeta places his other hand on Cato's hip, "Now, can we stop talking about my dad? I believe we wanted to come back for a reason."
"And what would that be?" asks Cato huskily, grabbing Peeta's hips and pulling him even closer.
"This," Peeta says pulling Cato's face closer, their lips barely touching, before Peeta leans up and gives Cato a lust filled kiss. Peeta flicks his tongue over Cato's swollen lips causing him to open up to Peeta's invading tongue. As the kiss grows more passionate, their arms wrap around each other.
Cato pulls back, panting, "Are you sure you want to continue? You haven't had much sleep."
Peeta grabs the waistband of Cato's pants, pulling him towards Cato's bed, "I've never been more sure. Besides, we're going to be pretty busy these next couple weeks training. I don't want to regret not being with you when we had the opportunity."
"Well said," Cato praises before grasping the bottom of Peeta's shirt, lifting it off, and throwing it behind him on the floor.
Peeta licks his lips, smiling before returning the favor, throwing Cato's shirt with his own. Their lips crash together as if they'd been apart months, not moments ago. They take their time, their hands exploring the planes and contours of the others body. Something they skipped over earlier that morning. As Cato reaches down to unfasten Peeta's pants, there's a knock on the door. Both boys groan loudly, foreheads pressed together. Cato adjusts himself as he walks over to the door while Peeta pulls down the covers on the bed and sits on top.
"Hey Cato, is Peeta Bread here?" asks Johanna when the door opens.
Peeta jumps off the bed and rushes to stand next to Cato who puts his arm around the shorter boy, "What's up JoJo?" he asks as he notices the small bundle in her arms. "Who's th–" he begins to ask before being cut off.
"It's Finnick's son. I've had him since the meeting ended earlier," she says.
"Why?" asks Cato, not understanding why Johanna had the newborn.
"They released Annie this morning per her wish. She took off, leaving the sleeping baby in her and Finnick's room. Now nobody can find her. I know it's a lot to ask, but can you two please watch him? I'm going to go join the search outside with the other mentors. I don't want to take him back to the hospital. I don't really know anyone else to ask Peeta. You're my last hope. Please?" she begs.
As the two boys look at each other, Johanna tries one last plea, "I know you can do this Peeta. I know you helped Gale's little sister. I've also seen you play with the little kids from the seam. You're good with kids," she looks at them with her best puppy face she can when they both turn back to her. "Finnick would trust you with little Finn here," she says, playing her final card.
Cato's response shocks Peeta and Johanna both, "We'll do it." When he sees their incredulous faces he continues, "What? His mother is missing. If it were me, I'd want as many people out there looking for my mother." He turns to face Johanna, "Someone will come and get him by the time we leave for breakfast though, right?" he asks.
"Yes!" she exclaims. "Me, Finnick, or another mentor will be here to get him." She looks down at the infant before looking back at Cato, "So you'll take him?"
"We will," he replies. He turns to Peeta, "We can always go to my parents, your dad, or Mama Hazel if we need to."
Johanna steps up to Peeta, handing him the infant before turning to Cato to hand him a large bag, "Inside are clean diapers, wipes, clean clothes, bottles, and formula. Just follow the instructions on the formula." She backs up, "Thank you both. I owe you guy's BIG time." She says before running to the elevator leaving the two boys rather dumbfounded.
Cato shuts the door and turns to Peeta. Seeing him snuggling the infant, Cato is shocked when he realizes that he can see him and Peeta raising a child of their own someday. The thought scares and excites him at the same time.
Peeta doesn't see the emotions that cross Cato's face. He's too busy looking down at the sleeping infant in his arms, worried that something bad has happened to sweet Annie.
"Come on Peeta, let's get ready for bed," Cato says pulling Peeta from his thoughts. Cato sets the bag on the foot of Peeta's bed as Peeta sits on Cato's bed, leaning against the headboard. Cato grabs a pair of pajama pants from his drawer and quickly changes. He goes into the bathroom and grabs a stack of towels. He returns to the room, setting the towels on Peeta's nightstand before pulling the bedding down on Peeta's bed. He takes the towels, rolls them, laying them in a square on the bed before pulling the sheet back up over the towels. He turns to take little Finn from Peeta but sees him sleeping with the infant on his bare chest. The sight makes him smile. Cato leaves the bathroom light on, the door cracked open, before turning off the bedroom lights. He crawls carefully over Peeta getting into bed, covering himself and Peeta.
What feels like moments later to Cato, the baby starts to cry. He sits up, leans against the headboard saying, "Peeta, hand me the baby. I'll change him if you'll fix the bottle." Peeta hands little Finn to Cato, grabs the bag off his bed handing Cato a diaper and the wipes, before taking the bag into the bathroom with him. Cato quickly changes the baby, having learned how with Clove's twin brothers. Peeta comes out and hands Cato the bottle before going to change into a pair of pajama pants.
As Peeta turns to go back to bed, the sight before him causes his heart to skip a beat. Cato is feeding the baby and the smile on his face takes Peeta's breath away. Then he can see his future, one with Cato feeding a child of their own, a child that will never have to worry about being reaped. The image is so strong and clear it makes Peeta's knees weak and he slumps to the floor.
"Peeta, are you okay?" Cato asks frantically while trying not to disturb Finn.
"Yeah, I'm fine," Peeta says clearing his head. "Just more tired than I thought," he adds standing up. He makes his way back to the bed, climbing over Cato's legs to get into bed. Once Finn is asleep, Cato gets up and lays him on the bed in the space he made. He covers the infant with his blanket before climbing back into his own bed and snuggling up to Peeta.
The waking, changing, feeding cycle plays out three more times before the two boys decide it's time to get up. Cato showers and dresses first while Peeta cares for the baby. Cato rocks little Finn to sleep as Peeta gets ready.
As breakfast time approaches, Cato begins to worry when no one shows up to pick up the baby.
"Let's just go to breakfast. We can leave a note to let whomever is to pick up the baby where to go," Peeta suggests hungrily.
Cato hands Peeta the infant, writes the note, and grabs the bag making sure they gathered everything that goes in it. They head out the door, Cato putting the note on the door. It's just bad luck that Gale and Wheet happen to beheaded to breakfast at the same time.
"Oh Peeta, dad told you he wasn't ready yet! Where were you two hiding it?" Wheet teases.
"Wheet, you're an idiot! This is Finnick and Annie's son, little Finn," Peeta says as he rolls his eyes.
"What are you two doing with Finnick's son?" Gale asks stupefied.
"Annie disappeared yesterday after getting released from the hospital. Finnick left the baby with Johanna, who left him with us to go search with the other mentors," Cato explains as he puts his arm around Peeta's waist.
"Well, don't you boys look like a happy family," teases Clove as she joins the conversation. "Can you believe Johanna asked these two to watch a newborn? That girl is off her rocker," she says before giving Gale a kiss. "I would've turned her down."
"Wait, you had the room to yourself last night and you didn't come get me?" Gale asks. "I'm hurt," he adds putting his hands over his chest, pretending to be heartbroken.
"Oh please, I didn't know if or when Johanna would be coming back," Clove says snickering. "Besides, you'd have left Bread Boy's big brother all alone, the poor fellow."
"Oh please little one, I would've been just fine," Wheet says folding his arms over his chest and smirking.
"Let's just go get breakfast," Peeta says irritably before Clove could respond.
"Geez, wake up on the wrong side of Cato this morning baby brother?" Wheet asks as they walk to the elevator.
"Probably didn't get much sleep at all," says Gale remembering what it was like when Posy was born.
The 5 of them went to the dining hall in silence.
Things were worse for Peeta and Cato when they walked in. Wheet, Clove, and Gale go get their breakfast. Peeta leans on Cato for support. Katniss, Marvel, Madge, Delly, Rie, and Foxface spot them first and rush over to them, all speaking at once.
"Wow, you two didn't waste any time, did you?" asks Foxface with a teasing grin.
"Please tell me you didn't make me an uncle already," quips Rie.
"Aww, look at the little family. They're so cute," says Marvel, snickering behind his hand.
"Dad's gonna be pissed Peet," Delly says before cooing at the baby.
"Certainly doesn't look like either of you," Katniss teases as she looks at the infant.
"Please tell me my father didn't steal another baby," begs Madge.
After fawning over the baby a few more moments, the 6 teens leave them alone. Unfortunately for the two boys, their parents walk up. Maxamilian just looks at the boys. The disappointment on his face makes Cato and Peeta both feel very uncomfortable. Ceteria looks like she's torn between crying and screaming. Fennel looks like he wants to pull his hair out.
Cato speaks up, "Guy's it's really not what you're thinking. Can we please sit down and explain?" he asks gesturing to a table. As soon as they are all seated Cato continues, "This is Finnick O'dair and Annie Cresta's son. We did not steal, kidnap, or adopt a baby. We were just babysitting as the mother disappeared. Honest." He adds.
Peeta speaks next, "Dad, Mr. and Mrs. Canelos, Cato is telling the truth. Johanna Mason was watching him. She brought little Finn here to us to go help the other mentors with the search for Annie." Peeta looks up at Cato before continuing, "We just spent the night barely sleeping. I can guarantee you, I am most certainly not ready for a baby right now. And I'm pretty certain Cato isn't either."
"I guess that makes sense," Ceteria says relieved. "You two really had me scared for a moment."
"Sorry mom. Truth is we were expecting someone to pick him up before we came down. Between you guys freaking out and our 'friends' teasing, I'm not sure we'll ever want kids," Cato says.
"Oh boys, we were just shocked," Fennel says. "When you're older, you'll see that being a parent is pretty nice."
"Why don't we let the boys eat now," suggests Maxamilian.
The three parents get up and go back to where they were. Peeta lays his head on Cato's shoulder wishing they had waited in their room. Cato pulls Peeta closer, kissing his head.
Just then Finnick burst through the doors. He sees Peeta holding his son. For a brief moment, he wishes that he and Peeta could raise the baby together. He shakes the thought from his head and rushes over, "Oh thank god! I am so sorry I was late. It took much longer to get back than I thought," he says as he takes his son from Peeta's arms. He then looks at Cato, "Jo told me that you were the one that agreed to watch my son. I thank you Cato."
"Like I told Johanna, if my mother was missing I'd want as many people out there looking for her as possible. It was an easy decision, no it was the right decision to make Finnick. With Peeta and I watching little Finn here, that was one more person out there looking for his mother," he tells him, handing over the bag. "His last bottle was about 45 minutes ago, as was his last diaper change."
"Thanks again guys. This means a lot to me. I don't know how I'll ever be able to repay you," Finnick say sincerely. Then he's hit with an idea, "I have a question for you both. It may seem a little weird but I want you guys to be little Finn's godfathers. Please? Johanna has already agreed to be the godmother."
Cato and Peeta look at each other. It was a really strange request considering the last few weeks. Cato just shrugs, "Sure Finnick, we'll be little Finn's godfathers." Cato and Peeta stand up. Cato puts his arm around Peeta, "If you'll excuse us, we're going to go eat now."
"Yeah, sure. I'm sorry. I'm just going to go. I'll see you around," Finnick says before turning and leaving.
As they walk to get their meal, Cato asks, "Do you think I was too harsh with Finnick? He seemed kind of dejected as he walked away."
Peeta looks up at Cato, "No, I don't. I think that he's just worried about Annie."
Cato smiles at Peeta before kissing his forehead, "Thanks. Let's eat babe."
Peeta raises his eyebrow at Cato but keeps his mouth shut. They get their breakfast and Fennel hands them some rolls. Then he sneaks 2 cheesy buns over the counter, putting his finger to his lips indicating it was a secret. Cato smiles taking the rolls and walking away. Peeta turns to follow after thanking his dad. They sit at a table next to Cato's parents, and begin eating. The look on Cato's face as he at the cheesy bun was priceless to Peeta. "Mine are better," he says quietly with a wink that startles Cato. They finish eating and join the others as they prepare to head for their training.
"The President requests your presence," Boggs tells them as he enters the dining hall and sees them all together. They follow Boggs to the elevator and into the meeting room.
As they sit down and wait for Coin to join them, Peeta looks around and notices several of the mentors are there, including Finnick who has his son with him. Peeta notes that Johanna, Haymitch, and Brutus are absent. He begins to worry.
President Coin enters and looks at the group that is gathered. She turns to Boggs, "Has the woman been found?"
"No Madam President. And three of the mentors have not yet returned," He replies.
"I see," she says as she walks to the front of the room. "Send a small squad out to retrieve the missing mentors."
"Yes ma'am," Boggs replies before turning to Jackson and nodding at her to do as the president requested.
As Jackson leaves the room, Coin addresses those that are present, "As many of you are aware, Victor Annie Cresta disappeared yesterday after her release from the hospital leaving her newborn son in the care of his father. Last night a search party consisting of prior victors and mentors went out into the forest to look. Some of them have yet to return. Due to this unexpected 'emergency', you new soldiers will not be going to training today. Instead, you will be fitted with tracking devices and will help join the search party."
Just then Holmes came rushing into the room. "Madam President, I'm sorry to interrupt. I need to speak to you immediately."
Coin nods and follows Holmes out the door. She returns moments later, "Boggs, we need to implement plan Alpha. There are Capitol hovercrafts heading our way." She turns and leaves the room without another word. All eyes turn to Boggs expectantly. Just then an alarm sounds.
"Everyone to the stairwells, NOW!" Boggs orders. "We need to get down to the bunkers. MOVE IT!"
Everyone jumps out of their seats and rush to the door. Holmes is outside the door and directs them to the stairwell. Cato and Peeta are behind Finnick who seems to be struggling with the baby and the bag. "Give me the bag," Cato says to Finnick as they reach a landing. Finnick hands him the bag and readjusts his son replying "Thank you," as he continues on. The lower they go, the more congested the stairwell gets.
The bunkers are located on level 36 and as they reach the room, they can see a large cavernous room behind a large Metal door. Once inside the door, they are directed to go to the letter area coinciding with their surname.
Cato hands Finnick the bag before turning to Peeta. "I'll find you soon. I'll keep Delly with me," he says before giving Peeta a kiss and heading to the "C" section. Delly goes with him.
Peeta follows his brothers deeper into the cavern to the "M" section where they find their father. As they sit down, they can hear the metal door close. As they sit on the ground awaiting their next order, Johanna Mason walks up looking ragged. "Hey Peeta Bread, fancy seeing you here," she says before collapsing on the ground before him. That's when Wheet notices the long gashes on her body.
That's all for this chapter. I admit I really liked this one. I hope to get chapter 16 up soon.