The Games We Played
Hello and welcome to the next chapter. I apologize for the delay. I went out of town for a surprise shopping spree. I got some new clothes and had a lot of fun getting away for a while. With my job, there's not a lot of chances to get some free time so when it comes, I jump at the chance. (The last time was in October and I went to Seattle, WA to see the King Tut exhibit for my birthday.)
Rolyn: Glad you liked the chapter. I can't tell you much about Annie. It would ruin the story ;)
Lincolnlog89: No need to be jealous, it's her family lol. Peeta and Cato's cute factor is just so much fun to write. And Johanna didn't really mean to interrupt. Little Finn gave Peeta and Cato a glimpse into what their future could be like.
Genna (Guest): I'm glad you liked it. For your idea of a certain pairing, did you read my mind? ;) As for Rie and Foxface, I never really thought about pairing them up. I may have to see if I can work that in somehow. I like Fennel and Hazel too. There's more of them coming up soon.
yuntani: Annie and the missing mentors – read on to find out what happens. Fennel and Hazel – I don't know why but I really like the thought of them together. Foxface's past – you know, I hadn't given it much thought to be honest. I may have to rectify that.
MangoMagic: Cato is a great guy. And I think he'd agree with you about the "smut teasing" lol. When writing chapter 10, I started thinking about Fennel and Hazel possibly being a couple later in the story. We'll see in the coming chapters if they become a couple or remain just friends ;) As for Madge's comment, it was too funny and I just had to throw that in there.
Mhardman: I was a little nervous about having Peeta and Cato taking care of an infant, worried that people would freak out on me. But it fit into the story and I took the chance. A plot? My story has a plot? I'm kidding of course. I like that I'm keeping readers on their toes lol.
movetotherhythm: In district 13 things are not always what they appear. You will find out a little more about Coin in this chapter. Baby Finn was fun to write about even though I was afraid of my reader's reactions about 2 teenaged boys taking care of an infant. I'm happy that everyone was good with it.
Chapter 16: What now?
Wheet scoops up Johanna and begins to run over to section "E" to look for the Everdeen's. Peeta, having not seen the deep marks on Johanna's back, takes off after him worried for his friend. Rie and Fennel stay where they are, waiting for further instructions.
Wheet finds Katniss and asks her where her mother is. Peeta arrives as Katniss tells Wheet that she'll take him to where her mother and sister are working and follows them. The reach the area set up for medical attention. Lily sees Wheet carrying Johanna and rushes over.
"What happened?" she asks Wheet as she signals for him to follow her.
"We don't know. She came up to us, greeted Peeta, and then collapsed. I saw her back and immediately thought to bring her to you." Wheet tells her.
They come up to an empty cot, "Lay her on her side and I'll look." Lily tells him. He lays her down and steps back as Prim shows up. She sees the scratches and immediately begins to gather the items needed to clean the wound.
When she returns, she looks at the three older teens, "This is going to take a while. I can come find you when she's done," she offers.
"Peeta and Katniss can go. I really want to stay," Wheet replies.
Peeta, who finally saw the damage, just nods before turning to Katniss, "We can go if you want. I should let my dad and Rie know what's going on."
Katniss looks at Peeta, "I think I'll go see Marvel. I already got our supplies set up in our spot." She turns to her mom and Prim, "I'll be with Marvel's family for a while. They're in the "W" section, just so you know." Her mother looks up nodding to let Katniss know she heard her before returning to her work.
Katniss and Peeta walk to the "M" section talking and laughing. Anyone could see they were close. They arrive at Peeta's family spot where she gives him a hug before continuing on to see Marvel.
"Are you sure you and Katniss don't have something on the side? You two sure seemed couple-y. I just hope Cato didn't see it. I certainly wouldn't want to see his jealous side," Rie teases.
Fennel pops Rie upside the back of his head lightly before turning to Peeta, "Where's your brother?" he asks.
"He stayed with Johanna. She was hurt worse than I thought. Several long gashes on her back," replies Peeta.
Just then Cato and Delly walk up. Delly has a bag in her hand.
"What's going on Delly?" Fennel asks looking at her bag. "Where are you going?"
"I didn't want to be alone so I asked if I could be with my family," Delly says smiling. "Homes said Haymitch had told him that we were family so he let me come." She looks down at her feet, "I hope that's okay."
Fennel walks up to her wrapping her in his arms, "It's wonderful," he tells her.
Just then Madge walks up, "Is it okay if I stay here with you uncle Fennel? I got permission to come ask you."
Fennel beams at Madge, "Well, of course you can stay." He steps back and looks around at his family, "This is perfect despite where we are. Do you need to get your stuff?"
Just then Homes walks up with several bags. "These are some supplies you'll need while you're down here. There's even a bag here for soldier Undersee. A late lunch will be provided once all families are settled."
"Thank you Homes," Peeta says as the older man turns and leaves. He turns to Cato, "Thanks for walking Delly here."
"Ha, it was an excuse to come see you," he says wrapping his arms around Peeta. He leans down to whisper in his ear, "The nights are going to suck. I've gotten used to holding you in my arms as we sleep." Neither boy noticed Peeta's family giving them some privacy by walking away.
Peeta's arms went around Cato as he lays his head on Cato's shoulder, "I know. I don't know if I'll be able to sleep at night. Especially after that nightmare I had."
"Well if you have one, just come find me. You know where I'll be," Cato says tipping Peeta's chin, gazing into his eyes. "I'll always be there for you."
Cato spends the rest of the day with the Mellark family. Wheet joins everyone at dinner, reporting that Johanna is doing better. She'll have some scars but she should be able to leave the hospital area in the next day or two. She will need someone to keep her company and Wheet volunteered. Peeta shakes his head in disbelief. Wheet was going to have his work cut out for him getting Johanna to accept help. Peeta wished him luck, snickering as he did so. Wheet also mentioned that Johanna was talking in her sleep about large wolf-like mutts with large claws and human eyes. It freaked Peeta out.
All too soon it was time for Cato to go back to section "C". Peeta decided to walk him half way. When they reached the section "H" area, Cato pulled Peeta into his arms. He looks down at Peeta, "I don't want to let you go."
"I wish you didn't have to go either," Peeta tells him before stretching up and kissing him. Cato deepens the kiss, their tongues meeting, fighting. Cato's hands gently running up and down Peeta's back as Peeta's hands tangle themselves in Cato's hair. When they finally pull apart, both are panting heavily. "I want you so bad," Peeta admits breathlessly.
"Ditto," replies Cato. He reluctantly lets go of Peeta and both boys slowly walk back to their families, stopping often to look back at the other wistfully.
Peeta walks out of District 13's hidden entrance to go hunting. Cato and Gale had already gone out ahead of him. As he walks through the forest, he sees it's exactly like the one outside of District 12. Behind him he hears a deep growl. He turns around and sees three mutts. The first one to catch his eye is a light colored, green eyed wolf. The next one is brown with hazel colored eyes. It's smaller than the blonde one. The last one is a huge brown colored wolf with brown eyes. Peeta looks at the eyes again. He realizes that they are Glimmer, Rue, and Thresh! They slowly advance towards him. He turns and runs. He reaches a meadow. He realizes it's the one from outside of 12. As he reaches the center of the meadow he stops running, remembering his bow and arrows on his back. As he notches an arrow and turns around, he's surprised to see another wolf. The new addition is bronze colored with sea green eyes – Finnick! The four wolves enter the meadow and stop. Suddenly they speak.
"Why didn't you save me Peeta? Why did you let me die?" they say.
Peeta falls to his knees, hands tangled in his own hair, unable to speak. Suddenly, from behind him comes gun fire killing the four mutts. Peeta turns around hoping to see Cato and Gale only to find Leonitus, Brie from D1, and Ariel from D4. He then hears a chorus of growls coming from the dead wolf mutts. Turning back around he sees Katniss, Delly, Madge, Clove, Foxface, Rie, Wheet, Tavin, Marvel, and Gale in wolf mutt form. They begin to speak to him.
Why did you let Snow do this to us Peeta? You were our friend, family, and ally. You swore to protect us."
Then Leonitus speaks, "Come my love, let's kill these mutts and raise our child together."
Peeta turns to gape at him and sees Leonitus with baby Finn in his arms, smiling.
Then he can hear Cato's voice, "Peeta, I loved you! How could you do this to me? To us?"
He turns towards the voice and sees Cato standing there in human form. Peeta thought he never looked more handsome. Then Peeta sees the guns Brie and Ariel are aiming at Cato. "How could you do this to your friends? To your family? How could you leave me? Wasn't I enough for you? Didn't you love me?" Cato continues, tears running down his face.
Peeta stands and tries to walk towards Cato, wanting to feel the older boy's arms. "No Cato! I do love you! I haven't done anything wrong," he says. But with each step he takes towards Cato, Cato seems to get farther away.
Leonitus stops Peeta by handing him the baby. "Come on darling, we can go now. Our son needs his daddy," he says.
Peeta looks at Leonitus with disgust before turning back to look at Cato. "Cato, please come back! I need you! I love you, only you!" Peeta cries as he takes off running towards him with the baby in his arms. Right before he reaches Cato, Brie and Ariel shoot Cato before running off. Peeta falls to the ground cradling the infant in one arm and pulling Cato's head into his lap with his other. "Please Cato, don't leave me! I need you!" he cries.
With his dying breath Cato looks up into Peeta's eyes, "I loved you and you left me. Now it's my turn to leave you."
Peeta sits up, his breathing ragged, a scream stuck in his throat. He looks around seeing his family still asleep. Except for Wheet, who went to go be with Johanna. He wants Cato. No, he needs Cato. He needs to see him alive and breathing, needs him to take away his guilt with his comforting words. Peeta gets out of bed quietly and carefully makes his way to the "C" section.
When he arrives, he looks for Cato's family. Finding them, he doesn't see Cato. He's not worried about where he is. Peeta doesn't think he'll be able to go back to his family's space and sleep so he decides to walk around. As he's walking, he can hear a baby crying. He follows the sound to the "O" section. He looks around and sees Finnick walking around, bouncing his son who was the baby crying. By some odd miracle, the few other people in the section were still asleep. Peeta walks over and smiles gently at Finnick who looks flustered and exhausted.
"Peeta, I can't get him to stop crying," Finnick says wearily. "I've fed him, changed his diaper, sang to him, and even tried walking him. Nothing is working." That's when Peeta notices the tears streaks on Finnick's face in the pale light.
"Give me the baby Finnick," Peeta says reaching for the infant. As soon as the infant is in his arms, he quiets down. Peeta turns to Finnick, "Go to bed. I'll take care of little Finn for a while."
"Thank you Peeta," Finnick says as he lies down. He's asleep before Peeta leaves the "O" section.
Baby Finn totally stops crying as Peeta walks, humming to him. Peeta continues his walk towards the "Z" section. By the time he reaches it, little Finn is asleep, drooling on Peeta's shoulder. Peeta turns around and retraces his steps, heading towards the "A" section. As he passes the "O" section, he looks in on Finnick and sees he's still sleeping. He knows he could take the sleeping infant back, but he likes the feel of the infant in his arms. And it's also a way to convince himself that he can't return to his bed. Reaching the "A" section, he turns and walks back the way he came again.
Left without Cato to help him, Peeta can't stop thinking about his nightmare. When he reaches the "C" section again, he looks to see if maybe Cato was back. He's still not there. Now Peeta begins to worry about where he is. He had promised he'd be there if Peeta needed him. He decides to take the baby back to Finnick before sitting at his family's space.
When he reaches the "O" section again, he sees Finnick sitting up on his bed. As Peeta gets closer, he can see the sobs wracking Finnick's body. Peeta rushes to Finnick's bed and squats down carefully in front of the older man, "Finn, what's wrong?"
Finnick looks at Peeta, tears flowing down his cheeks. "They found Annie. She was killed by wolf-like mutts," Finnick tells him.
Peeta lays little Finn on the bed next to Finnick and sits on the opposite side. "How do you know? Who told you?" he asks curious.
"President Coin herself told me. The squad that went out while we were in our meeting with her came back. Haymitch and Brutus managed to keep the mutts from ripping her to pieces but got pretty mangled themselves," Finnick says before he starts crying again.
Peeta pulls Finnick's head to his shoulder letting him cry. He runs his hand over Finnick's hair comfortingly.
When Finnick cries himself out, he sits up and looks at Peeta, "Why did she take off? She seemed excited when little Finn was born. She even kept smiling at me when I was holding him right after I left you and Cato. She seemed better. The problems she had before she got pregnant seemed to disappear."
Peeta knew the problems Finnick was talking about. After her games, Annie retreated into her own mind only responding to Finnick. He would bring Annie to District 12 for a change of scenery every year thinking it would help. "Do you think she reverted back after the baby was born?" he asks.
"I don't know. Maybe," Finnick replies despondent. He turns to look at his son, "It hurts to know that my son will never know his mother." Finnick's tears start again. Peeta grabs a shirt that was on the foot of Finnick's bed and gently wipes his tears. Finnick smiles sadly at Peeta, "Why are you helping me? Won't Cato be upset if you're with me?"
Peeta puts the shirt back where it was before looking down at his hands, "I'm helping you because you are my friend. As for Cato, I had a bad dream and went to go to him. But he wasn't there so I started walking. I heard little Finn crying and saw how tired you looked. I wanted to help. Besides, it took my mind off the dream for a little while. I did check again to see if he was back, but he wasn't."
Finnick reaches over and takes Peeta's left hand into his right, "Thank you Peeta. I know we had our problems but I'm grateful you still consider me a friend."
Peeta smiles a small smile at Finnick, "We'll always be friends. Our problems are where they belong – in the past." He then remembers Finnick mentioning Coin. "I wonder where Coin is hiding? I haven't seen her once since we've been down here."
Finnick shrugs, "All I know is that she woke me up to tell me about Annie then left. I was crying so I didn't see which way she went." The two sat there quietly, each lost in their own thoughts. Finnick put his left hand on his son, watching him sleep.
Two hours later, the search for Peeta began. Fennel had awakened to find his son not in his bed. He checked the "C" section to see if he was with Cato, but Cato wasn't there either. Fennel relaxed a little thinking the two boys probably were together and went to offer his help in the kitchen area. I wasn't until he ran into Wheet that he found out that Cato had been in the hospital area most of the night. Hazel walks into the kitchen area to get some water for Posy when Fennel asked her if she's seen Peeta. She says she hadn't but would send Gale to go look.
Fifteen minutes later, Gale and Cato were looking for Peeta together. As they were passing the "O" section, Gale heard a noise and when he looked, saw Peeta sleeping on Finnick's shoulder. Before he could do anything he heard Cato gasp and knew he'd seen Peeta as well.
Cato was worried about Peeta. When Gale had told him Peeta was missing, all he could think about was how Annie Cresta was missing too. Cato and Gale started looking together thinking he might have gone to see one of their other friends. As they pass the "O" section, he notices Gale's step falter slightly and looked in. There was Peeta, asleep with Finnick. Cato looks closer and sees they're holding hands as well. It hurt him deeply. How could Peeta do this to him? Before he could walk away Gale grabs his arm to stop him.
"We don't know why they're together. We don't know what happened. We really shouldn't jump to conclusions. For all we know Peeta fell asleep talking to Finnick. Let's hear what Peeta has to say. Please, just wait here. I'll go get him" Gale says before walking over to Peeta.
Cato stands there waiting, his hands clenched into fists fearing the worst.
It's not until he gets closer to the sleeping pair that Gale sees they're holding hands. All he can hope is that Cato hadn't seen that. He squats in front of Peeta, gently shaking his shoulder.
Peeta opens his eyes and sees Gale with his finger over his lips in a shushing gesture. They both stand and Gale whispers that everyone has been looking for him, including Cato. Peeta sees Cato behind Gale and his nightmare comes back full force.
Peeta rushes over to Cato, wrapping his arms around the stiff, older boy. "I'm so happy to see you," he says. When Cato doesn't move or speak, Peeta looks up and sees hurt and anger in Cato's eyes. Peeta steps away from Cato his eyes never leaving Cato's, "It's not what you think Cato. Please listen to me, hear me out." he begs, his eyes pleading for Cato to listen.
"Fine," Cato replies crossing his arms over his chest.
Gale had walked over towards the couple but giving them the space they needed to talk. He was ready in case Peeta needed him. He can hear Peeta telling what had happened.
"I had a nightmare. I went to find you but you weren't there with your family. I knew I wouldn't be able to go back to sleep alone so I went for a walk hoping to either wait for your return or wear myself out. As I was walking, I heard little Finn crying. Finnick said he tried everything try to get him to go to sleep. I could see Finnick was exhausted so I took the baby and continued to walk, eventually getting him to sleep. I walked from "O" to "Z" back up to "A". I stopped at "C" to see if you were back but you weren't. I was beginning to feel tired again so I decided to take little Finn back." As he's talking, Cato never moves. Peeta's already afraid Cato has already decided to leave him, "When I got back, I see Finnick sobbing. Coin had just told him that Annie had died and that Brutus and Haymitch were seriously injured." When Cato didn't even flinch at the mention of Brutus, Peeta knew that Cato must already know about him. "I stayed with Finnick, talking to him as he really needed a friend. I must have fallen asleep. Nothing else happened."
Just then Finnick spoke up from behind Peeta, little Finn wiggling in his arms, "He's telling you the truth Cato. Nothing happened between us other than talking. Peeta fell asleep and I let him sleep. Maybe it would've been better to wake him but he was exhausted."
Cato looks from Peeta to Finnick. He looks into Finnick's bloodshot eyes and can see that he is telling the truth. When he finally looks back down at Peeta, he can see the fear before the tears begin to fall. But before he can say anything Peeta turns and begins to run away from them all.
"Peeta wait!" Cato calls out to him.
Peeta stops and turns around, "Why? Why should I wait? You don't, won't believe me even though Finnick told I was telling the truth!" Tears are flowing down his face. "Just leave me alone!" he adds as Cato begins to walk towards him. For every step Cato takes forward, Peeta takes one back.
"Peeta please stop. I believe you, I truly do." Cato says softly. "Just please stop running away from me."
Peeta can hear something in Cato's voice that causes him to stop walking backwards. "You believe me?" he asks perplexed. Cato had stood there stone faced and rigid when he explained the situation. Peeta wasn't sure what to believe.
Cato slowly approaches Peeta, "Yes Peeta. I was just surprised to see you with Finnick. And to be honest, seeing you holding his hand hurt." He reaches Peeta, lifting his right hand to Peeta's left cheek. "I'm sorry Peeta," he says softly as he uses his right thumb to wipe the tears on Peeta's cheek.
"Why are you sorry?" asks Peeta not understanding.
"For not being there for you last night, for making you cry," Cato replies as he brings his other hand up and wiping the tears from the other side of Peeta's face. "For letting you think I doubted you," he adds before leaning down to kiss Peeta's lips gently.
When they part Peeta looks into Cato's eyes, "I'm the one who should be apologizing to you. I ran from you and yelled," he says wrapping his arms around Cato's waist. "I'm sorry."
As Cato wraps his arms around Peeta, whispering in his ear he jokes, "You know this was our first fight as a couple. We're supposed to have make up sex now." He looks down and sees Peeta smiling, "That's what I like to see," he says before pulling Peeta closer. They stand there, wrapped in each other's arms, eyes closed, enjoying the moment. Neither one notices Gale and Finnick leaving, taking the baby to meet Hazel. Moments later Cato speaks again his lips against Peeta's temple, "Tell me about your nightmare, baby."
"I'd rather not think about it right now. Just know that I watched you die and now that I can see you walking, talking, and breathing I feel much better." Peeta says wrapping his arms tighter around Cato.
"Alright, I'll let it go – for now. But I think we really should talk," Cato says, his tone serious. He pulls back a little to look at Peeta, "The reason you couldn't find me was because I was with Brutus and Haymitch last night. They're in really bad shape. Brutus may lose his leg. I was still awake last night when they were brought in. But I didn't know about Annie. No one told me." He watches as Peeta bites his bottom lip. "Wheet was going back to sit with Johanna. When he saw me, he told me you weren't in your bed this morning. I was worried about you. I ran into Gale who was looking for me to help him find you. When I saw you with Finnick I -"
"Please don't Cato," Peeta beseeches. "I don't want to fight anymore."
"Me either," Cato concedes.
"Should we go tell my family you found me?" Peeta asks.
Cato looks around and realizes that Gale and Finnick are gone, "No, I'm pretty sure he knows by now. Gale and Finnick left."
Peeta notices the bags under Cato's eyes, "Did you get any sleep last night?"
"Very little," Cato admits sheepishly. "I wasn't able to snuggle with my little bread boy."
"Ugh, these stupid baker nicknames," Peeta scowls.
"You don't like them?" Cato asks.
"They're not bad, just annoying," Peeta admits sighing. "I've heard pretty much heard them all."
"Since I used a baker nickname, does that mean you don't want to snuggle with me anymore?" Cato asks regrettably, pretending to pout.
Peeta smiles, "There's nothing I'd like to do more right now."
The two boys walk hand in hand, stopping in the "M" section when they realize it's empty. They lay down, Peeta with his head on Cato's shoulder and Cato with his arms wrapped tightly around Peeta. They share one last kiss before falling back to sleep.
Peeta wakes before Cato having gotten more sleep. He stays wrapped in Cato's arms, relishing the fact of being able to watch Cato sleep without being interrupted. He's slowly and softly running his hand across Cato chest, wishing they were in the privacy of their own room, when he hears a snicker coming from behind him. He carefully extricates himself from Cato's arms, briefly pissed at whoever snickered, before looking behind him. What he sees makes him blush a deep shade red.
All his arena allies plus Wheet, Johanna, Tavin (Marvel's brother), Cleo and Gaius (Cato's siblings), Caspar and Caleb (Clove's twin brothers), Prim, Rory, Vick, and Posy were all sitting on the ground in a circle pretending not to be watching Peeta and Cato sleep.
"What the hell guys?" Peeta asks before looking back at Cato to make sure he didn't wake him. "That's a little creepy, watching us like that," he adds quietly, getting out of bed and going over to the group.
"Oh Peeta Bread, you two are just way too cute together when you sleep," says Johanna teasingly making Wheet grin like crazy. Johanna sees it and turns on him, "Something funny over there Wheet Bread?"
"Oh, so you do know my name," Wheet replies giving her a wink causing Johanna to blush.
"Wow JoJo, looks like you may have feelings after all," Peeta whispers in Johanna's ear before moving out of her reach quickly.
"Leave her alone baby brother. She's still healing," Wheet says to Peeta, the concern for Johanna evident in his voice. Peeta looks at his brother who just shrugs.
Peeta sits between Clove and Marvel. Clove hands him a sandwich, "This is for you Bread Boy. Your dad sent one for Muscles when he wakes up. You guys slept through breakfast and your dad thought you two would miss lunch too."
Peeta takes the sandwich and eats while listening to the others complain about being stuck in the large cavern. "Does anyone know what's going on? Has District 13 been attacked?" he asks when his sandwich is gone.
"I overheard Boggs talking to Coin last night. He said that the Capitol miscalculated where the underground bunker is located. The bombs hit some old buildings North of where we are," says Wheet. "I wasn't able to hear much more after that due to all the medical help rushing to help care for Brutus and Haymitch. Cato showed up about that time. He may have heard something. We can ask him when he wakes up."
"Cinna told me that we're going to be filming propos tonight showing us helping the district in different areas," Katniss says. "They want to show us all alive and well, show the districts that we're not afraid of the Capitol. Apparently Portia and Tigris were able to help Cinna get our 'special' battle outfits down here."
"Beetee told me that he made special weapons for you all," Foxface tells the group. "I'm to be his assistant in the special weapons unit."
"That's sounds really cool Foxface," Rie tells her. "Wait, so you won't be training with us then?" he asks.
"Not necessarily. I just know I don't have to go to the firing range with you all. It seems we're to be filmed training for the war effort," Foxface tells him. "Plus, I'll still be able to have my meals with you all."
Posy crawls from Gale's lap into Peeta's, "Brother Peeta, this stuff is boring," she tells him looking up at him.
"What would you like to do Posy?" Peeta asks. He notices Clove's twin brother's look bored as well.
She looks around at the group gathered, thinking for a moment. She sees them sitting in a circle and it gives her an idea, "I want to play a game," she says enthusiastically.
"And what game would you like to play Posy?" Peeta asks her.
She smiles at Peeta before turning to the rest of the group, "We're going to play 'Duck, Duck, Goose'," she says decidedly. "Look, we're already in a circle!"
Caspar and Caleb look really excited to play so everyone but Johanna agrees to play. Johanna can't because her injuries are still not quite healed.
"I'm 'it' first," Posy calls as she stands up. She gets behind Peeta and starts, "Duck, Duck, Duck, Duck, Duck, Goose," she says tapping Wheet on the head.
It was the laughing by the group that finally woke Cato up. When he looks up, he sees Marvel calling Goose on Clove before running around the group with her chasing him. That wasn't as shocking as having to watch Clove take her turn, calling out, "Duck, duck, duck" until she reaches Peeta and calling "Goose" and take off running. Cato sits up to watch. Clove catches his movement and stumbles allowing Peeta to catch her. This shocks everyone, Peeta included. They all look to see what she's staring at and see Cato sitting there with a big smile on his face.
"Cato!" Posy screams jumping up and running over to him, throwing herself in his lap making him chuckle at her enthusiasm. Soon he and Posy are joined by Caleb and Caspar. The three 5 year olds tackle him back onto the bed when he tries to stand up. "Dog pile!" Caleb calls out looking at Clove.
"Dog Pile!" Clove calls back before joining the young ones. Cleo and Gaius quickly join the dog pile.
"Peeta, help me!" Cato pleads.
Peeta can't move, the sight before him causing him to laugh along with the rest of the group.
"Peeta, baby, please come help me!" begs Cato in between fits of laughter from being tickled.
Peeta goes over to help Cato but at the last minute changes his mind. He pretends to lie on top of the kids that are on top of Cato. "Aww baby, what's the matter? Can't keep the kids from tickling you?"
"Peeta, if you don't help me," Cato begins.
"Chill out Muscles," Clove interrupts. "Give us a second to move."
As Peeta and Clove get up to let the kids up which would let Cato up, the whole gang came over and piled on the bed knocking Clove and Peeta back on top of the kids. The others were laughing like idiots. Unfortunately for Cato, when Clove and Peeta were knocked over they bumped one of the youngest kids whose foot kick Cato's inner thigh narrowly missing his nuts. Cato's grunt of pain was heard by Peeta who managed to get everyone off him quickly. The three 5 year olds were standing in front of Cato looking at their feet knowing that Cato got hurt because of one of them. When Cato sits up, he sees their dejected little faces. He calls them closer to him and tells them that it was an accident and none of them are in trouble. They smile at him and he smiles back. Cato turns to Peeta who was standing next to the bed and pulls him onto his lap, whispering a thank you before giving him a chaste kiss. The three little ones were still there watching, giggling before Gale lead them back to the area where they'd been sitting earlier.
Clove walks up to the couple with a sandwich in her hand, "Eat up Muscles. This is from Mr. Mellark. You slept through breakfast and lunch Sleepyhead."
Peeta goes to get up so that Cato could eat but Cato wouldn't let him. "Stay with me," he requests before unwrapping his sandwich.
"Always," Peeta replies leaning back against Cato laying his head on the other's shoulder.
The others straggle back to sit in a circle again. Peeta observes that Rie is sitting next to Foxface, Wheet is sitting next to Johanna, and Delly was sitting next to Tavin all three couples looked to be conversing quietly. Clove and Gale were entertaining the twins and Cleo. Marvel and Katniss were playing with Posy and Vick. Prim and Rory were talking with Gaius. Peeta smiles at the sight of everyone.
Cato finishes his sandwich and wraps his arms around Peeta causing the younger boy to sigh happily. "I was thinking that I want to stay here with you tonight," Cato says casually causing Peeta to turn and look at him.
"Really? You want to stay here tonight?" Peeta asks happily.
"Mmhmm," Cato replies. "If your dad says it's okay with him," he adds. He turns looking into Peeta's eyes, "You're having nightmares now and I want to be here for you. I want you to wake me up so I can make you feel better. You needed me last night and I wasn't there for you. You ended up with Finnick." He turns and looks away, "It was hard for me to see you with him like that. It hurt Peeta. I thought I lost you," Cato admits sadly.
Peeta makes Cato look at him. "I'm not going anywhere. And we'll get my dad to agree to let you stay," he tells the older boy. "I personally don't think we'll have a problem getting him to agree though. Especially when you consider the fact that I was presumed missing. As for Finnick, nothing happened and it never will." He gives Cato a flirtatious grin lowering his voice, "After what happened the other morning, do you really think I'd leave you? That was an amazing experience. The best actually," he says honestly.
Cato looks at Peeta with disbelief written clearly on his face, "You think I'm going to believe that? I know how 'experienced' Finnick is. I've seen the Capitol women that swoon at his feet and heard the rumors at how great he is."
Peeta shakes his head. "He may be 'experienced' as you put it, but that doesn't necessarily make him a great lover. And we both know the women from the Capitol are idiots." Peeta leans to whisper in Cato's ear, "If they had you, they'd all be asking 'Finnick who?'"
Cato looks at Peeta questioningly and Peeta just nods. Cato finally smiles widely before pulling the other boy in for a kiss. As they are both aware that there are young children in the room with them, it was kept rather tame. Peeta whisper's in Cato's ear one more time, "As soon as we get back to our room, I'll show you how great the last time was for me by returning the favor."
"Promise?" Cato whispers back hoping Peeta would tell him more of what he could expect.
"Try and stop me," Peeta whispers as he nips at Cato's ear lobe. He stands up and heads over to the group when he hears a low groan from Cato.
Cato stays on the bed. Between Peeta's promise and watching him walk away, he has a fricken boner. He hopes they'll be out of the damn cavern bunker soon. It wasn't long before he was able to sit by Peeta playing games with the kids.
Hazel, Lily, and Ceteria came to get the kids for dinner and the teens joined them. When Peeta sees his dad, he apologizes for making him worry and explained that he was helping Finnick with the baby and fell asleep. Fennel, who had heard about where Peeta was and what happened to Haymitch, Brutus, and Annie through Finnick, told his son that everything was forgiven. When Cato asks to stay with the Mellark family to help Peeta with his nightmares, Fennel gave his blessing, as long as his parents were okay with it. Ceteria and Maxamilian both said yes when asked.
After dinner, Hazel took baby Finn so that Finnick could go with Cinna, Portia, and the rest of the young rebels. Cinna led the group to the shower area where they would change. The girls go in and come out in a black spandex pants ant white spandex like t-shirts. The guys go next and come out in black spandex pants and red skin hugging t-shirts.
"The outfits you are wearing will help absorb any sweat, keeping you dry under your propo outfits," Portia tells them when they're all back together.
"Alright gentlemen, your jackets are based on an early 21st century leather motorcycle jacket." He holds up a jacket that is black and red. The red is on the back, front, and a strip that goes from the top of the shoulder to below the elbow. "You'll notice that the red areas seem a little thicker than the black part. That's because the red areas have been reinforced with a bulletproof material." Portia and Cinna hand out the jackets and the guys put them on, zipping them up. "They are form fitting and allow for moving. So no matter what weapon Beetee has designed for you, you should be able to use them with no problems," Cinna tells them.
"You girls have a similar jacket to the guys only instead of being red, yours are white," Portia says as her and Cinna hand out the girl's jackets. They put them on.
Cinna holds up a pair of pants, "These pants are made of a similar material as your jackets. You'll notice the bulletproofing on the front, back, and outer sides of your thighs. It's also on the shins and calves. You can see reinforced, extra padding on the knee and butt areas. That's in case you are running and have to slide to safety. Again, you guys are in red and black and girls in white and black." The group pull on the pants.
Portia pulls out a helmet, "This is your helmet. As we will be filming down here today, you won't need them. But if and when we film outside, you will need to wear them. All helmets will be all black."
Just then Plutarch Heavensbee and his assistant, Fulvia Cardew arrive.
"Oh, don't they look fabulous!" exclaims Plutarch. "Glad to see you all. I just want to say a couple things before we get started. First – this propo we're filming tonight is just to show everyone in Panem that you all are alive and well, ready to help the rebels. Next – until we get out of the bunker, all our propos will have a similar format. None of you will have to speak directly into the camera. And finally – we want you to just relax and not worry about the cameras. I think that's about it. If I think of anything else, I'll let you know." he says before consulting with Fulvia.
Moments later 2 men and a woman walk up. Plutarch introduces them as Castor, Pollux, and Cressida. Plutarch explains that the two men will be filming and, when the time comes Cressida will interview them for the cameras. The men indicate that they are ready to film.
Plutarch, Fulvia, and Cressida discuss what to film first. They decide the best place to start will be with the group and their families and friends. Plutarch lets the group know of their idea before discussing where to film.
"Um, Plutarch sir," Peeta stutters running over to speak to the man. "There is something you need to know, that might even help the propo. It's about Delly Cartwright and Madge Undersee."
"My dear boy, I already know their families didn't make it here to district 13. When it comes time to film them, we'll just get them interacting with members of the district," Plutarch says dismissively towards Peeta.
"Sir, they do have family here," Peeta says with a commanding tone in his voice. "Delly is my twin sister and Madge just happens to be my cousin. I just wanted to let you know they'll be staying with Rie and I as well as my brother Wheet," Peeta adds is a condescending voice before stomping off back to the group.
"What was that about Peet?" Delly asks watching Peeta carefully."
"Just letting Plutarch know that my sister and cousin will be with the rest of their family during the propos," he replies smiling his infectious grin at her.
Cato comes up behind Peeta and wraps his arms around him, "You know, you look pretty damn hot in that outfit baby," Cato whispers in his ear.
Peeta turns slightly to look into his lover's eye, "You know, you don't look so bad yourself. I so want to rip those off you right now. You have no idea," Peeta whispers back. His attention diverted when Plutarch speaks.
"Alright, let's get this done. We're going to film you all in the dining hall with your families," Plutarch says determinedly. He starts walking, leading them towards their destination.
The filming takes less than 2 hours. Plutarch is excited about some of the footage they filmed. There's Peeta and Rie with their older brother, father, long lost sister, and cousin reminiscing about when they were younger. Next is Finnick just being with his son like a normal father would. And then there's the footage they got with the families from the 'career' districts supporting the rebels and the rebellion. Cato and Marvel are star figures of those scenes. Plutarch thinks Coin will be pleased with the footage once they get it edited properly.
Cinna takes the young rebels to where they could change back into their other clothes. Tigris had washed what they had been wearing while they were filming with Pollux and Castor.
That night as Peeta slept in Cato's arms, safe and warm in the knowledge that nothing could happen to him, he suffered no nightmares. Neither did Cato. Not only were there no bad dreams, but both boys got their first night of real good, replenishing sleep since before the reapings.
A pattern emerged over the next couple of days. After breakfast, the young rebel team would play games with the younger siblings. After lunch, the younger children of District 13, those aged 4 to 13, would join in as well to play games such as Freeze Tag and Hide-n-Seek. Castor and Pollux, who always kept a video camera on them at all times, would video tape the teens playing with the younger children. They were able to record in secret, not even disclosing their tapes to Plutarch. The worst part of the day was after dinner when they were led back down to the shower area and got into their propo costume. They were filmed saying various anti-Capitol and anti-Snow slogans. Peeta's personal favorite was 'Snow needs to go!' (AN: slogan credit goes to Rolyn ;) who suggested it).
At night when Peeta would wake from nightmares of death, particularly of his boyfriend, Cato was there next to him, holding him tightly, whispering in his ear, promising that Peeta would always be safe. But Peeta learns he's not the only one plagued by nightmare. Katniss admits to having them as well. Hers stars the dog mutts from the ruined city as well as the tributes she saw die. Marvel gets permission to stay with the Everdeen family. This works especially well when Lily and Prim get called to the medical area to help with the sick and injured.
The morning of their fifth day stuck way underground, they get word that they will soon be heading back to the upper levels. But first they have to all work together to get the bunker back into the condition it was in before they went down. It takes most of the morning, but soon enough everyone is taking turns piling into the elevator and heading back to their own rooms. Unfortunately for the young rebel team, they were not allowed to go to their rooms just yet. President Coin orders them to go out and inspect the damage from the bombs and record any and all moments pertaining to the war effort.
The team meets up with Cinna, Portia, and Tigris, getting into their propo outfits, and much to their disbelief – heading outside. They are excited, relieved, and worried about being outside in the open considering everything that had happened to them in the past week. The best footage that was caught was when they saw firsthand the damage done by the bombs they never felt or heard so far underground.
There were large craters everywhere. Some of the more deep ones were located in an area that had been part of the original underground bunker area over fifty years ago. They had moved the district to a whole new bunker area when they realized that the ground they had been digging in wasn't as stable as originally thought. There was a massive cave-in that had cost the lives of many civilians. The population had actually been cut by a quarter. It was pure luck that the area where District 13 is located now was being constructed as an expansion. Fortunately for everyone there, the Capitol didn't know about the cave-in or the new bunker expansion.
When they reached the final crater, it ended up being the hardest for Peeta, Marvel, Katniss, Gale, and Rie. The crater was filled with flowers, millions of dark purple tulips, yellow tipped orange tulips, purple rue flowers, and white rue flowers. Only Peeta and Marvel knew that the colors of tulips in the pit were a favorite of Glimmer. Gale, Rie, Peeta and Katniss were the only ones who knew what the other flowers were. It hurt them in a way the others couldn't understand, especially Peeta who knew the meaning behind both flower types. He saw the message that President Snow was sending – no one was safe. Peeta turned to Castor and Pollux. He looked right into the camera and asked, no begged, the other districts to join the rebellion and take out the horrid dictator that had an affinity for killing the innocent children of the districts. Soon the other 10 members of his new squad were adding in their pleas, begging for help to end Snow's reign of terror.
President Coin was watching the activities from a distance. She was curious to see how the young tribute/rebel squad was doing. Oh sure she had her reports from people like Jackson, Holmes, Leeg 1, Leeg 2, and Boggs. But the woman had to see for herself what was special about this particular group. The time and effort it took to build her army of District 13 members as well as those who wanted to rebel was finally beginning to pay off. If these kids from the arena could convince the other district to join her rebellion, her forces would be unstoppable. Once Snow was gone, her grab for ultimate power would be complete. She plans on ruling with an iron fist. Unlike Snow who used the threat of death against the children to rule, Coin was going to let the districts relax before she changed the laws. The games would eventually continue, but only with law breaking citizens. In her games, to win was to earn a pardon. The number of 'tributes' would be determined by the number of law breakers. And watching the group in front of her, she decided on what her first law would be – the ban of same sex relationships. She personally didn't have a problem with those that were gay. But if Peeta and Cato survive the war, they could become a problem that would need to be dealt with. She watched the couple walk back to the door that would take them back underground. Yes, she knew that the couple would be the first of those to be rid of.
Peeta and Cato didn't realize that they were being watched. They were too wrapped up in their thoughts that they were going to have a chance to be alone. Something they thought was never going to happen. They didn't say anything out loud for fear that something – or someone – would interrupt. Both boys would catch the other's eye, seeing their thoughts and desires reflected in the others. Each little touch would send jolts of desire running through their bodies. If they could, if no one else was around, they would just rip off their clothes then and there and fuck in the dirt. But they waited, with the patience even a saint could admire. When it was time to head back in, they both fought the urge to grab the other and run straight to their room. They let Portia and Cinna do their job, to make sure their outfits were given back in the condition they were received. They were both ready to head back to their room when Rie, Wheet, Delly, and Johanna reminded them they would have to go to dinner first.
Dinner was a long drawn out affair in their eyes. The only thing that helped them keep their sanity was the knowledge that as soon as dinner was over, they could beeline back to their room. That plan almost flew out the window when Boggs said that he needed to talk to them. But thankfully, gratefully, happily it was just to remind them that as soon as breakfast was over tomorrow they had a quick meeting with Coin before their gun test.
Leaving the dining hall, both boys tried hard not to make it obvious that they weren't 'running for the door'. The only person to figure out what was going on was Finnick. But he should recognize the signs – they were the same ones he and Peeta showed when they were off for a night of love making, sex, passion, fucking. Whatever one wanted to call what they did.
Peeta and Cato managed to get the elevator all to themselves. They made use of their short bit of privacy. Their lips crashed together, their tongues fighting each other, tasting the other, trying to dominate. Their finger tangled tightly in each other's hair, holding the other close. It wasn't a kiss to end all kisses, filled with romance and love. It was a kiss that let the other know of the desire, the fire that was all consuming, and the promise of more to come. The ding of the elevator was what broke the kiss.
Knowing that some of the others were already in their rooms, they walked at a normal pace, hand in hand, fearful of anyone hearing them walk down the hall. Once inside the room, Peeta lets go of Cato's hand and walks to the bathroom. As he goes, he slowly begins to undress, dropping the clothes on the ground, revealing himself to Cato's eyes, letting him see the skin that was begging for his touch, his normally double knotted boots never tied. By the time Peeta reached the bathroom door, he was left only in his boxer briefs.
Peeta turns and looks at Cato who was still standing by the door, winking before dropping the underwear and going into the bathroom.
Cato, stunned from watching Peeta, quickly locks the door and undresses himself before rushing into the bathroom. He finds Peeta already in the shower. He joins him, taking one of the two bars of soap from Peeta's hands. Staring into one another's eyes, they slowly lather the neck, chest, and abs of the other. Peeta squats down first and begins to wash Cato's feet and legs. He pauses once, to teasingly take Cato's manhood into his mouth for a quick suck before grabbing Cato's hips and spinning him around to wash the backside of his lover.
Cato luxuriates in the feelings of Peeta's hands rubbing on his skin. He lets Peeta take his time, knowing that when it's his turn he'll return the favor to Peeta. When Peeta turns him, Cato is even more turned on than before. There's something exciting about not being able to see what Peeta's doing. The feeling of Peeta's soapy hands on his ass sends Cato to the edge. He spins around and kisses Peeta hard. For Cato, the time for teasing is over. He quickly makes sure that Peeta is washed and rinsed off before pushing up against the back of the shower. He kneels down and takes Peeta's stiff cock into his mouth, his left hand gently caressing Peeta's nut sack. He feels Peeta's hands in his hair, gently encouraging Cato to take him deeper in his mouth.
Peeta looks down and watches as Cato's mouth glides along his shaft. The soft moan that escapes his lips causes Cato to increase his speed and change his technique. He swirls his tongue along the head of the shaft, flicking the tip of his tongue over the sensitive spot on the backside of the head, before flattening out to caress the underside as he slides back down the shaft. Peeta leans his head back, eyes closing, against the shower wall as Cato's right hand slides up to Peeta's side, a silent request to keep Peeta from bucking his hips. It doesn't take long before Peeta lets go and releases into Cato's mouth.
Cato swallows Peeta's load, licking him clean before licking his own lips clean. Peeta looks down, eyes sparkling. He sees a little cum on Cato's chin and wipes it with his finger. Before he knows it, Cato takes that finger and licks it clean as well. Cato stands up and kisses Peeta. Peeta can taste himself on Cato's lips, a reminder of what just occurred. Cato leans down to whisper in Peeta's ear, "Wrap your arms around my neck and hold on tight baby."
Peeta does as he's told and feels Cato lift him. Peeta immediately wraps his legs around Cato's waist as Cato widens his stance. He can feel Cato at his entrance and begs, "Please Cato," as he rests his forehead against Cato's.
Cato gently pushes against Peeta and feels himself slowly entering. He looks into Peeta's eye's and sees his own lust filled thoughts reflected in them.
Peeta relaxes his legs a little helping Cato to slide deeper into him. He kisses Cato, their tongues battling for dominance. He pulls back slightly, his arms loosely around Cato's neck and his shoulders resting against the shower wall.
Cato takes Peeta's moving as a signal and slowly begins to move his hips, slowly sliding in and out. The two move together in a rhythm, Cato's cock hitting Peeta's spot, their moans combining. When Peeta starts moaning, "Cato, please, faster." Cato does as he's told. It doesn't take long before Peeta lets loose again, shooting his load over the both of them. Peeta's walls contracting causes Cato to release his own load while calling out Peeta's name. Peeta lowers his legs to stand on his own two feet.
"Wow! That was…" Peeta says unable to describe what he was feeling. "Who knew showers could be so much fun."
"I know," Cato agrees, panting. "I've been wanting to do that since the last time."
The two get back under the water and wash off before heading back into their room. They crawl into Cato's bed, neither one caring to put on any clothes.
I made this chapter a little longer in hopes that you would all forgive me for taking so long to update. I will try and get the next chapter up as soon as I can. Again, I am sorry it took me so long to get this one up.