The Games We Played
Hello readers! Sorry I didn't get this posted Sunday – super bowl and all. My only other reason will be explained below.
To my new followers, I welcome you with a huge smile on my face. Every time I get a notice that someone has added my story, it makes my day.
To those that have been with me for a while, I haven't forgotten about you either. Knowing you're out there keeps me going.
And to my reviewers – Thank you from the bottom of my heart for letting me know what you think. Whether good or bad, I count on you to keep me on my toes.
Yuntani: I'll admit I worried a little about putting in another love scene so close with the last but hoped the change up would be worth it. As an older couple, Fennel and Hazel are my favorite older couple lol. And read on to find out Coins secret lol.
CupcakeSprinkles14: So happy you liked the Peeto lovin'! I am sorry that I took so long to update too.
Lincolnlog89: the sniper team leaves in this chapter and Peeta will be without his Cato But there is a 'nice' sendoff. Coin's secret comes to light and who reveals it is a surprise. P.S. Hansel and Gretel was awesome especially in 3D.
Movetotherhythm: you and I are good lol. I wasn't worried in the least. I felt bad that I had forgotten to respond to that review. Peeta and Cato's relationship strength – I see them as balancing each other but love the way you see them.
MangoMagic: I am so glad you were honest with me about how you felt about the last chapter. I prefer to know any and all constructive criticisms. They can only help to improve my story. And yours are always welcome
Chapter 18: Peeta and the Sniper Squad go on their mission
The morning after Fennel and Hazel announced their relationship, Peeta and the other squad members were called into Coins office and were given their first mission. Coin informed them that Snow was planning on sending one of his own 'tribute soldiers' to District 8 to try to bring them back under Capitol control. His soldier would arrive in the district in 3 days' time. As Snow's team wasn't to arrive until in the afternoon, the team would arrive in the morning and coordinate with the team leader there. Boggs was given the order to work with his team and figure out strategies and training. The group was to spend all their training time with Boggs. There was no idea how long they'd be there.
The day before they were to leave, Coin called Katniss, Wheet, and Peeta into her office. When they arrived, they saw Boggs and Haymitch there as well. They were a little confused.
"Before you three leave tomorrow, I'm sending you to District 12 to see the damage Snow caused. I think it will help you with your mission, to keep in mind what Snow is capable of," she tells them. "You may take one person with you as support as I realize this will be difficult. You leave in 2 hours. That is all."
Peeta immediately looks for Cato in the dining hall. He can feel Katniss and Wheet behind him, just as worried as himself.
"There you are, I got you -" Cato begins before he sees Peeta's pale face. "You okay? What happened?" he asks standing up to get a better look at Peeta.
"Coin is sending Katniss, Wheet, and I to District 12 in an hour," Peeta says quietly. "I'm allowed to bring someone with me. Will you come?"
"Yes, of course," Cato replies. "But what about my classes?" he asks a little skeptical.
"I don't know. She never said," Peeta looks up at Cato, scared he'll change his mind. "Do you not want to come with me?"
"What? No, I'm definitely coming with you. I was just curious," Cato says hugging Peeta to him to reassure him.
"Oh, good," Peeta says with relief. They sit down and quickly eat. They see Cato's dad and fill him in on what's happening. Maxamilian looks at Peeta and tells him that if he ever needs to talk, he is always available. Peeta is touched by the offer and thanks him.
As they walk out of the dining hall, Boggs sends them down to Beetee to dress in their propo outfits as Coin would like their visit filmed. They are to grab their special weapons as well, just in case. Peeta is not happy that he will be filmed seeing the devastation of his home.
The 2 boys arrive in the special weapons room and are a little surprised to see Portia, Tigris, and Cinna there. As they change, they see Katniss, Marvel, Wheet, and Johanna come in to get ready. Cato grabs 2 swords as Peeta grabs a bow, a quiver of arrows, and several knives. Beetee makes sure they have their bracelets and they all head to the hangar together.
Boggs leads them to the hovercraft and there they see Cressida, Pollux, and Castor. Haymitch and Finnick board soon after and they take off. Peeta isn't surprised to see Finnick there as Haymitch's support. The 45 minute flight is nerve-wracking for Peeta and Cato holds his hand, rubbing his thumb along Peeta's knuckles to calm him. They both had heard about the bombings from Thom and the other members of Peeta's family and friends.
They land in the meadow just outside the fence and exit the craft. Katniss and Peeta share a scared look that doesn't go unnoticed by Marvel and Cato. They head towards the seam first to inspect the damage. What they see before them is truly heartbreaking for the two.
Many of the houses in the seam are piles of ashes. Katniss and Peeta look at each other, tears in their eyes. They head towards where Katniss's house is first. They are surprised at what they find. The Everdeen home isn't in ashes but is a large pile of rubble. Katniss lets go of Marvel's hand and walks over. She begins to dig through the pile, hoping to find something of her past to take back with her. Peeta walks over to help. In the rubble, they find her father's hunting jacket and the book of plants that her parents made. The cover is damaged but otherwise unharmed. She takes both items with her, tears running down her face.
The group then moves on to the Hawthorne house. Alas, it's fate was not so kind. Peeta drops to his knees in front of the piles of ashes, tears silently falling down his cheeks. He thinks about the day he was brought there to live, Posy's first steps in the dirt at his knees, playing in the yard with Rory, Vick, and Prim waiting for Katniss and Gale to finish trading. He feels hands on his shoulders and looks up to see Cato and Katniss standing next to him. Katniss squeezes Peeta's shoulder as if she knows what he's thinking. Cato has tears in his eyes as he realizes that this was Peeta's sanctuary from his abusive mother, the one place he was safe.
Katniss walks back to Marvel who wraps his arms around her as Wheet joins Peeta and Cato. Wheet looks down at Peeta. "Shall we go see it?" he asks nodding towards town.
Cato helps Peeta to stand before Peeta replies, "It's why we're here." Wheet takes Peeta's hand and Peeta can feel the slight tremor. It's hard for him to think that his brother is scared. He gives him a reassuring squeeze as they walk towards the bakery.
As they walk carefully past the bodies on the ground, many burnt beyond recognition, Peeta wonders if they'll get the burial they deserve. As they near the bakery, Wheet's grip tightens almost painfully. Peeta looks at him and they share a sad smile.
Peeta looks at his childhood home and is surprised to feel … nothing. Well, not nothing, just the loss of his family's history, their heritage. The bakery had been in the family for generations. He looks at the melted lumps that used to be the ovens and is thankful his dad isn't here to see it.
The 2 brothers sit on the steps that once led to the bakery and sit down in quiet contemplation. Peeta turns to Wheet and whispers "Are you okay?"
Wheet looks back at Peeta. "I should be asking you that. This place doesn't have the same memories for me as it does for you." He looks away ashamed. "I was a horrible brother Peet. Big brothers are supposed to look out for the little ones. I watched as Mother nearly beat you to death and I did nothing to stop it."
"To be honest, I'm glad you didn't. She would've just turned on you." Peeta tells him as he looks up at Cato standing back with the group a couple feet away. "Besides, you're here with me now. I have both my big brothers back as well as a sister. That makes what happened worth it."
"You always were too good to be true," Wheet says smiling. "And I'm glad Rie snuck out to tell Gale to take care of you. It does make everything worth it."
They sit in silence for another moment before Peeta asks, "Do you think dad will want to come back here to rebuild after we win the war?"
"I don't know Peeta," Wheet says standing up. "But part of me hopes so."
Peeta stands up as watches as Wheet walks over to Johanna who wraps her arms around him, whispering in his ear. He feels Cato's arm go around his waist. He leans into him, the tears threatening to flow again.
"You okay?" Cato asks looking at the blonde next to him.
"Yeah, I'm good. I haven't been here in over 6 years," He says looking into Cato's eyes, finding concern and worry. "It is hard to see it like this but it's a good thing too."
"What do you mean?" Cato asks as they turn to look at the burned out building.
"When we win this war, my dad can rebuild it. It can be a fresh start, a new beginning, new memories," Peeta tells him. "It's what I'd do if I lost them – Dad, Wheet, and Rie. I'd come back and rebuild it."
"Oh, I see," Cato says.
Peeta can hear something like sadness in Cato's tone. "What's the matter?" he asks looking back at Cato.
Cato smiles at Peeta, "It's nothing, just thinking."
"Hey Loverboys, hate to interrupt a tender moment but we're going to check out the Victor's Village," Haymitch calls out.
The group heads towards the high-walled section of town that held the homes for the District 12 victors. As they follow the wall, they can see scorch marks but see that the wall is still intact. As the reach the tall, arched opening, they can see a couple of the homes. They look unharmed. They walk around into the village and are stunned to see all the houses still standing. As they approach Haymitch's house, Peeta can feel tension coming from Cato. He grabs Cato's hand and stops walking. This action causes Cato to be pulled to a stop. He looks at Peeta questioningly.
"I think we should stay here," Peeta says. When Cato doesn't respond he continues, "I think I know what the problem is Cato. That house holds memories, that's true. Some are good, others not so much." Peeta watches as Haymitch, Finnick, Wheet, and Johanna enter the house. "With Finnick with us, this can't be easy for you." He reaches up to make Cato look at him. "It sucks that he's here. But he's my past. You are my future."
"I am?" Cato asks shocked.
"I really hope you will be," Peeta admits.
"I'd like that too," Cato agrees pulling Peeta into an embrace. They stay quietly wrapped together, just enjoying the moment.
When the four that went into the house return, they all head back to the meadow. There they find a picnic lunch set up for them. As they eat, Cressida asks the 3 former District 12 resident's questions about growing up here, what school was like, about the separation of the town and seam families, and about those they lost. Peeta is shocked when Wheet begins to talk about Eliza, their mother, and himself.
"I lost my fiancé in the bombings as well as Peeta's and my mother. But the truth is Eliza wasn't someone I would've chosen for myself. My mother actually pushed us together, only I didn't realize it at the time. It wasn't until later that I figured it out," Wheet tells her.
"And how did that happen?" Cressida asks.
"It wasn't until I met the Hawthorne and Everdeen families. I had tagged along with my dad to watch my brothers in the games. I saw the happiness on Peeta's face whenever he was near Cato. But Peeta wasn't just happy, he was content, joyful, and comfortable as well. Those were things I didn't feel with her, that joy you feel just being with that person – the one you love. The night of the bombings, Eliza showed me that she was just as cold and callous as my mother. I left them at the bakery and haven't looked back since." Wheet replies looking down at his hands. "Peeta got the physical abuse, but I think Rie and I got the emotional. Watching Mrs. Hawthorne and Mrs. Everdeen during the games with their children spoke volumes to me. They were mothers that love their children."
"What Wheet and many others don't know is that after my father died, I nearly lost my mother," Katniss speaks up. "My mother went into a severe depression. She just sat in a chair, staring into space. It was Peeta's beating that brought her back to Prim and I."
"Care to expand on that Katniss?" Cressida asks turning her attention to Katniss.
"Gale brought Peeta in bloody and broken saying his mother beat him. My mother jumped up and began working on him. She had sat in that chair since the day she was told about my father's death. She wouldn't, couldn't get up. We were starving," Katniss tells her. "I wasn't very good at hunting back then. I didn't know what plants were safe to eat. If Peeta hadn't thrown that bread to me, hadn't gotten himself a beating, I don't think we'd be here talking about this."
"So, it sounds like Peeta is an important part of your life," comments Castor.
"Peeta is one of my best friends. I'm sorry that he had to live with the beatings he did before finding a life with the Hawthorne's. But I am so very grateful he's in my life." Katniss says looking over to Peeta. "Life here in District 12 was hard, but Peeta – he's like the dandelion in the spring, a sign of hope."
Peeta is shocked, amazed, and embarrassed with the talk about him.
"So Peeta," Cressida turns to the blonde boy. "What do you think of what Wheet and Katniss had to say about you?"
"I'm flattered by their words but I'm not anything special, I'm just me. With Katniss, I saw someone I knew that was hungry and the circumstances behind it. I knew the consequences of what I was doing and did it anyway." He smiles at her. "As for Wheet's comment about me and Cato, I like being around Cato. He makes me feel safe, protected, and happy. I just hope I do the same for him." He adds, smiling at the blonde next to him.
"You do," Cato whispers.
"Hey Bread Boy, I do believe your brother used the word 'love' to describe your relationship," Johanna teases.
Peeta blushes and can't find the words to comment. He looks up at Cato who's cheeks are as pink as his own.
"Jo, leave them alone. Just because we can see it doesn't mean they're ready to admit it," Wheet tells her just loud enough for Peeta and Cato to hear.
They finish eating and board the hovercraft. Peeta notices that Finnick is sitting across from him and sees a flash of jealousy as he lays his head on Cato's shoulder. He closes his eyes to avoid looking at Finnick again. That Finnick is starting up again is beginning to annoy Peeta. When he opens his eyes, he is surprised to find himself in his room, snuggled next to Cato.
"I know you're awake Peeta," Cato snickers. "It's almost time to go to dinner, you ready?"
"I guess so," Peeta says sitting up.
"What's the matter Peeta? Does it have to do with going to your District today?" Cato asks as he joins Peeta sitting up.
Peeta looks at Cato, "I'm leaving in the morning. We don't know how long we'll be gone. You won't be there if I have a nightmare."
"Maybe not physically," Cato begins as he lays his hand over Peeta's heart. "But I will be right here."
"You're always there," Peeta says with a smile. "I don't know if I can handle not having you calm me down." Then he remembers the other night, when Cato had his own nightmare. "What if you have one while I'm gone? We've never had to deal with them alone."
Peeta watches in confusion as Cato gets up and walks to his dresser. He opens the top drawer and pulls something out. He comes back and sits next to Peeta again. When he opens his hand, Peeta's eyes widen. Sitting in Cato's palm is a silver ring with a ruby in the center. As Cato shows him, Peeta sees Cato's initials on one side and two swords on the other.
"I can't –" Peeta begins looking down at the ring.
"Shh, I want you to take it. It's my ring for completing the academy and my token in the games," Cato tells him as he leans back and unhooks the chain that holds Glimmers token. "Now you'll have Glimmer and me with you," he says as he slides the ring onto the chain and closes the clasp.
"But I don't have anything for you," Peeta says looking down at the two tokens.
"It's okay Peeta," Cato says. "I just have one request though."
Peeta looks up at Cato, "Anything you want, just name it."
Cato leans down and touches his forehead to Peeta's. "Come home to me. Safe and Sound." He says softly before gently kissing Peeta's lips. "Now, let's go eat."
They walk to dinner holding hands and sharing smiles. Peeta's free hand plays with the ring around his neck. They grab their dinner and sit with the group. Clove sees the ring and gives Cato a questioning look. He shakes his head and mouths 'it's not what you think, talk later'. She gets the message, shrugs her shoulders, and continues eating.
As the group finishes, Boggs walks over. "Alright sniper squad, don't stay up too late tonight. We leave at 0600 sharp. I want you in the hangar bay at 0545," he tells them.
"Yes sir!" his squad responds before he walks away.
Peeta looks up at Cato. "I want to go visit with my dad before we go to bed," he tells him.
"Do you want me to come with you?" Cato asks.
"Would you be mad if I said I want to talk to him alone?" Peeta counters.
Cato smiles at Peeta, "No, you go. I'll go visit with my family. I really haven't spent all that much time with them myself. I'll see you back in the room, okay?"
Peeta smiles back, "Okay."
They stand up and after a quick kiss, Cato joins his family as they leave. Peeta walks over to his dad.
"Hey dad," Peeta says. "Are you about done?"
Fennel looks up to see Peeta. "Just about son. I just have to leave some instructions for in the morning. Did you need something?" he asks.
"I just wanted to talk," Peeta replies.
"Okay. Give me about 5 minutes," Fennel says before going back to talk to Greasy Sae. When he returns, they leave the dining hall together.
"So, what's wrong Peeta?" Fennel asks as they walk to the elevator.
"I went back to District 12 today. I saw the bakery," Peeta says sneaking a look at his dad. "It got me thinking."
Fennel kept his expression blank. "About what?" he asks.
"What you think you might do after the war," Peeta replies carefully. "If you'll go back to 12 and reopen the bakery."
"I haven't really given that much thought with everything that has happened since we got here to be honest," Fennel says. "Right now, I'm taking things day by day." He looks down and sees that something is wrong. Before he can ask, Peeta continues.
"I think you should rebuild it and start over," Peeta says as they step out of the elevator.
"Son, what is really going on?" Fennel asks. "Something else is bothering you. You can talk to me you know."
Peeta looks up at his dad. He waits until they go into Fennel's room before speaking. "I'm leaving on a mission tomorrow and I'm not sure when I will be back," he tells him.
Fennel pulls his son into a comforting hug, "Oh Peeta, I don't know what I can say to make you feel better about this."
Peeta hugs his dad back. "This is better than words dad," he says before taking a step back. "Could you do me a favor though?" he asks.
"Sure son," Fennel replies.
"Keep an eye on Cato for me please," Peeta requests. "I don't know how long I might be gone and we haven't been apart for any period of time since we met. I'm worried about him, worried he won't eat and sleep properly."
"Alright Peeta, I can do that for you," Fennel promises. "But Cato looks like he can take care of himself."
"I'm really more worried about him not sleeping due to nightmares," Peeta admits quietly. "He had a real bad one the other night. In fact, we both have them."
"I didn't know you were having nightmares still. Can you tell me what they're about?" Fennel asks concern lacing his voice.
Peeta shrugs. "They're mainly about losing each other, losing our families," Peeta tells him. "A lot of death and dying. The only thing that makes them better is waking each other up and seeing the other's face."
"Oh Peeta, I didn't know," Fennel replies.
"We don't like to talk about them much," Peeta tells his dad. "Especially when it's you causing the death of those you care most about."
"I see," Fennel begins before being interrupted by a knock on the door. He goes over and opens it to find Hazel standing there.
"Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to interrupt," she says.
Peeta smiles warmly at her. "You're not interrupting Mama Hazel. I have to go anyway, early morning tomorrow," he tells her before turning to his dad. "Thank you dad. And think about what I said earlier." He gives them both a hug before slowly heading to his own room, to Cato.
Cato isn't there when he walks in so he decides to write him a note. He'll give it to him in the morning before he leaves. Peeta barely has a chance to put the note with the pocket watch he's decided to give to Cato before he walks in.
Neither boy says anything. They just meet in the center of the room and hold one another, taking comfort in the arms of the other. Shortly thereafter, they go into the bathroom and shower together before climbing into bed. Holding each other in the dark, neither dares to speak. They let the gentle touches and kissing speak for them before falling asleep.
Neither had a nightmare that night.
The next morning, Cato helps Peeta pack his bag. When Peeta goes into the bathroom to grab his toiletries, Cato slips a note into Peeta's bag. When Cato goes in to brush his teeth, Peeta grabs the note and watch, stuffing them in his pocket for later. When Cato comes out, he grabs Peeta's bag in one hand and, as soon as their out the door, Peeta's hand in his other. They arrive in the hangar with 5 minutes to spare. Cato hands the bag to a District 13 member who is loading the hovercraft before facing Peeta and wrapping his arms around him.
"I'm going to miss you," Peeta says, his face in Cato's chest.
Cato squeezes him. "I'll miss you too," he says.
They pull apart just far enough to look into one another's eyes, ignoring all that is going on around them. So deep into each other, they don't see the rest of the squad arrive until Boggs speaks.
"Alright squad, say your final goodbyes and let's load up," he says before going over and waiting on the ramp.
Peeta tightens his hold on Cato and feels him do the same. They share a kiss that is filled with love and a touch of fear – things they can't say to each other. As soon as they separate, Peeta hands Cato the watch and note before joining Clove on the ramp. As the ramp begins to close, Cato calls out.
"Peeta!"
Peeta turns and looks at Cato.
"I – I love you!" he yells just before the door closes.
Peeta stands there stunned. It takes Clove pulling him to the seats to remind him that he was leaving. Clove chuckles as she fastens the seatbelt for Peeta before fastening her own. Clove waits a few minutes before she tries to talk to Peeta, figuring he may need the time to absorb what he heard.
"Peeta, are you okay?" she asks quietly.
He looks at her, shock still on his face. "Did he really …?" he asks.
"Tell you he loved you? Yes, that's what I heard," she tells him still keeping her voice down. "He's never said those words to anyone as far as I know. Not even to anyone in his own family."
"I didn't .. I couldn't .. I -" Peeta stutters.
"Calm down Bread Boy. He didn't exactly give you the chance to do anything. The boy always did have more muscles than brains," Clove says.
Wheet sits down next to Peeta, leaning over to whisper. "So, I heard his confession. I also noticed that you look like a deer caught in a trap. Are you okay?"
Peeta looks over to his brother. "You heard?" he asks before hiding his face in his hands. "This is NOT a good thing."
"Aww little Peetie, don't be embarrassed," Wheet says teasingly. "I think everyone aboard heard. Cato did yell it. I bet even dad heard." He adds snickering.
"Not helping Wheet Bread," Johanna says joining the conversation. "Peeta Bread, I get that your brother can be an idiot but don't let him ruin this moment."
Peeta looks at Johanna. "What happened to the snarky JoJo I love? Has Wheet softened you?" he asks.
"Oh, is that how we're playing this? You do realize that our departure was being filmed by Pollux and Castor? It will be hitting the air waves soon," she tells him before stomping off to sit next to Finnick.
Peeta pales at the news.
"So, back to you and Cato," Wheet says. "I'm standing up with you at the wedding. Don't even try to deny me. As your favorite brother it should most definitely be me," he teases.
"Well Bread Boy, you don't have to worry about me asking to stand up with you," Clove says.
"That's comforting," Peeta says sarcastically.
"Yeah," Clove agrees. "I'm going to be up there next to Cato. And I'm making it my mission to make your wedding memorable."
Peeta looks at Clove with fear in his eyes. "And what would you be planning to do Clover?" he asks fretfully. "Not that I'm getting married any time soon."
"You'll just have to wait and see," Clove says before getting up and going to talk to Boggs.
"All kidding aside Peet, how are you really doing?" Wheet asks.
"I'm good I guess. I mean, he tells me he loves me and then I have to process it alone," Peeta says.
"For what it's worth, I am happy for you. You found someone who loves you," Wheet tells him before getting up. He turns back to Peeta, "Just don't over think it. Accept it and figure out how you feel about him. He's going to want to know when we get back."
Peeta was left alone with his thoughts. How did he feel about Cato? Did he love him? He knew he cared deeply, is that love? He's brought out of his thoughts when Boggs starts to talk.
"Alright snipers, here's the plan. I'm going to put you in groups of 2. Clove and Wheet are a team; Enobaria and Tavin are a team; Katniss and Marvel are a team; and Peeta and Finnick are a team. Wheet, Tavin, Katniss, and Finnick are going to be the 'eyes and ears' of the team. They will be in contact not only with each other, but me as well. Remember shooters, we are here to capture Snow's tribute soldier NOT kill them." he states. "Now if you'll come with me to the command room, we'll discuss the plan further."
They spend the next hour going over possible scenarios and ideas. Before they head to eat a quick breakfast, Boggs adds one more thing. "If anything happens to me, you are to follow Peeta's orders. I trained him and I know he would do as I would do, understood?" he asks.
"Yes sir," the others reply. They head off to eat a quick breakfast before landing in District 8.
Meanwhile Back in District 13
Cato stood there and watched the hovercraft take Peeta away. He hadn't planned on telling Peeta he loved him until after he came back. But somehow he just blurted it out like an idiot.
"I can't believe you did that big guy," Gale says walking over to him.
"I can't believe I did either," Cato says.
"Did you mean it?" Gale asks concerned.
"What? Yes I meant it. I just wasn't going to tell him until he got back is all," Cato replies looking at Gale.
"Okay boys, keep the testosterone levels at normal. There is a lady present," Delly says walking over to the two boys.
"Lady? Is that what they call girls that shove their tongues down a boys throat?" Gales asks teasingly. "Yes, I saw that lovely display of affection between you and Tavin."
Delly's face turns bright red. "I'm never going to live this down will I?"
"Just be thankful the 2 brothers here didn't see," Gale teases some more.
As Delly turns a darker shade of red, Cato decides to join in the teasing. "Oh my god, she blushes as easily as Peeta. That's so cute," he teases.
The sound of footsteps running towards them kept Gale and Cato from giving Delly more crap. They turn to see who's running towards them. It's Foxface and she looks flabbergasted.
"Hey Foxface, where's the fire?" Gale asks.
"And what's got you so flummoxed?" Cato asks when she stops next to him.
"You guys are never going to believe what I found," she says gasping for breath. "I have been helping clean out some storage rooms when I came across a box that was unlabeled. And what I found in the box …"
"Slow down, catch your breath, and tell us," Delly says calmly.
Foxface looks around to make sure no one is around them before she scoots closer to them. "You are never going to believe this. Hell, I'm having a hard time with it," she stammers.
"We'll never have the chance to decide if we believe it or not if we don't know what 'it' is," Gale says getting frustrated.
"Right, right," Foxface mumbles. She takes a deep breath and says, "Coin is not who anyone thinks she is."
"A bitch? Everyone knows that," Cato states.
Delly smacks his arm. "Would you just let her finish?" she asks rhetorically.
Foxface gives Delly a smile. "Anyway, Coin is not who she says she is. She's not a native of District 13. She was born in the Capitol. And you'll never guess who her father is."
"Caesar Flickerman?" Cato guesses.
"Good guess Cato, but no," Foxface says to him. "She is Snow's illegitimate child!"
"WHAT?!" Delly, Gale, and Cato scream together.
"Shh!" Foxface scolds. "Yes, apparently Snow had slept with a Victor as a young teenager and Coin is their offspring."
"Do you have proof?" Cato asks.
"I made a copy of the birth certificate and hid it in a safe place," Foxface says. "In fact, I made several copies. I figured each of us tributes should have a copy for 'insurance', so to speak. I just don't trust Coin. I mean she just seems off to me. I just don't know exactly what it is."
"Well, there's really nothing we can do right now," Gale states. "We need to wait for a reason to use this information. A good reason."
"I'm still trying to wrap my head around the fact that she's Snow's daughter," Delly says. "Oh, and that Cato told Peeta he loved him." She adds getting back at him for embarrassing her earlier.
"Wait, what?" Foxface asks. "You admitted it?"
Cato gives Delly a dirty look before turning to Foxface. "I have."
"And what did Peeta say? Did he say it back?" Foxface asks dying for an answer.
"No, the meathead waited until right before the door closed before he yelled it out. I bet he didn't notice Pollux and Castor filming it either," Gale says smirking.
Delly and Foxface snicker behind their hands as Cato paled. "They were recording?" he asked rather quietly from shock.
"Dude, calm down. It's not the end of the world," Gale says clasping a hand on Cato's shoulder.
"Yeah, got it. But if they recorded it and, and, and what if Peeta doesn't say it back?" Cato stutters. "Oh god, what if he doesn't feel the same? I just made a fool out of myself."
"Cato, calm down. Deep breaths. Relax," Foxface tries. "Why wouldn't Peeta say it back? We've all watched you two. We can see that you two love each other."
"Oh crap!" Cato says suddenly.
"What now?" Delly asks.
"Oh god, how could I forget to mention it to her?" Cato says as he paces around, hand threading in his hair. "Shit! Clove saw it too! Crap! She better not say anything, I'll kill her."
"Cato, you're really freaking the girls out with the whole talking to yourself. If you tell us what's going on, maybe we can help you," Gale suggests.
"I don't know how you can help," Cato says. "I pretty much proposed to Peeta last night and didn't give it a thought."
"Okay, now you're freaking me out as well," Gale says unnerved. "How can you propose and not think about it?"
"In District 2, when you complete training or volunteer for the games, you get a ring," Cato explains. "I did both."
"Okay, I'm not seeing a problem yet," Delly comments.
"If you finish training and get the ring, you give it to the person you want to propose to," Cato tells her. "You have 6 months to ask and be married or you become an outcast, a pariah. You are sent to live in the outskirts of town, never to return. No contact allowed with anyone you ever knew."
"I'm still not –" Delly begins.
"You gave Peeta the ring," Gale states calmly.
Cato looks at Gale and nods. "He was kind of freaking out about being separated and I gave it to him so he would have a piece of me with him."
"What happens to the person you give the ring to?" Foxface asks.
"Nothing," Cato replies. "They do have the option to join the outcast, but none ever do."
"Alright, I can see your dilemma Cato," Gale says sympathetically. "But you're not in District 2 anymore. Surely you don't have to follow the rules here."
"I don't know to be honest," Cato says worriedly. "The problem is my dad kind of is the enforcer of the law."
"Just tell your dad what you told us," Delly suggests. "He'll understand, won't he?"
Cato shrugs and looks down. This was so bad… Or was it?
They head to the dining hall to have breakfast. Cato decided to take Delly's advice and speak to his dad. Outside the room, they caught Prim and Rory in a lip lock. Gale just looked at the two.
"You two can tell Katniss yourselves. I'm not getting involved," he warns them.
Back in District 8
An hour after breakfast, the hovercraft lands in District 8. As they gather their belongings and head out, they realize that the war has actually become a reality for them. They are met at the end of the ramp by a woman that Boggs called Commander Paylor. She greets the group.
"Welcome to District 8," she says. "I'll take you to the bunker so you can drop off your bags. Then we will head to one of the medical centers, where you will be filmed visiting the patients before you head to your positions. We've received word from the Capitol that Snow's tribute will be here at noon. We're to have the citizens in the square outside the Justice Building before then."
She leads them to a shed that is actually the entrance to an underground bunker. Each team is given a room. Clove and Peeta share a look when they realize that Peeta has to share a room with Finnick if they end up staying overnight. Katniss just patted him on the shoulder. All three knew Cato was polite to Finnick but didn't trust him around Peeta.
After dropping their stuff in the rooms, they follow Paylor to the medical center. Katniss takes one look at the building and voices her worry.
"These walls look like they'll fall down at any time. Isn't there some way to fix them?" she asks.
"Unfortunately Soldier Everdeen we are in the middle of a war. There is neither time, nor money, nor the man power for that right now," Paylor explains gently. Boggs had informed her on each member of his squad so she was aware of their backgrounds. "Let's go visit."
They walk into the building and see that it had once been a warehouse that had been converted. There were rows and rows of beds filled with injured citizens.
"How have so many been injured," asks Enobaria.
"When the tributes were rescued from the arena, the district rebelled. Many citizens began to kill the Peacekeepers here. Those that weren't killed ran away, but not before letting Snow know what had happened. We learned that some of the surviving peacekeepers dressed as citizens and sabotaged a couple factories causing them to explode. These are the wounded from those factories," Paylor explains. "Many more peacekeepers are expected to arrive today with the tribute."
That's when the group began to hear voices coming from behind them.
"Is that Peeta Mellark? Where's Cato? Those 2 are so cute together."
"Look, there's Katniss and Marvel!"
"I see Enobaria, Lacey. She's even prettier in person."
"Oh, it's Clove! I wonder if she'll give us a knife demonstration."
"That's Finnick! Isn't he dreamy?"
"Hey, isn't that Marvel's brother Tavin? He's taller in person."
The squad are released to go and visit the sick and injured. Katniss and Marvel stay together and answer questions about their relationship; how much they miss Glimmer, Rue, and Thresh; and how close the remaining tributes are. Enobaria answers questions about her games and what it's like to be a mentor. Tavin answers questions about meeting the tributes and mentors. Finnick talks about his son, life in the Capitol, and the rebellion. Wheet talks about his family reuniting and how he felt to have all his siblings in the games. Clove answers questions about life in District 2, the academy, and her knife throwing ability. But it was Peeta that everyone seemed like everyone wanted to talk to, especially his relationship with Cato, why he wasn't there, and about the relationship he had with Glimmer.
Two hours later, they were back in the bunker getting prepared for the afternoon ahead. Finnick left as Peeta was digging in his bag, looking for his helmet. As he pulls it out, an envelope falls on the ground. He picks it up and recognizes Cato's handwriting. He opens it and reads the note.
Peeta,
I've never written a letter before, but for you I am.
I lied last night when I said I was going to spend time with my family. Instead, I came back to our room to write this. I'm not as good at words as you are, so I hope you'll forgive my rumbling.
From the moment I saw you, I knew you were special. I knew I was going to get to know you; I just wasn't sure how to go about it. It didn't help I had a reputation to keep. I had to be the brutal tribute even though that wasn't really me. You were the first person outside my district to see the real me. I found myself not wanting to have that brutal image attached to me the more time I spent with you. And then we were thrown into the arena.
So many things happened to us in the arena – from me nearly dying to finding out about your past, to losing Glimmer to being rescued. But my favorite thing while in the arena was when you agreed to be my boyfriend. I had never before been as happy as when you said yes. It was no longer just me, it was us.
We've also had our ups and our downs after being rescued. The worst was when we fought in the cavern. I thought I was losing you, that I had lost you. It hurt so badly. Thankfully we worked it out. The best was our first time together. It didn't start out as a good night as you had a nasty nightmare. But it did turn into a fabulous morning.
Well, I guess that's all for now as I don't want you to catch me in our room writing this.
Oh, one more thing I want you to remember - being with you makes me feel complete Peeta. Please take care of yourself and come home safely to me.
Love,
Cato
Peeta sat down on his cot, holding the letter from Cato, tears in his eyes. Cato loved him. He not only said the words, he took the time to write a letter. Now was not the time to be missing him yet the tears began to fall anyway.
Clove found him a few minutes later curled up on the bed, tears soaking the pillow. "Peeta, what's wrong? She asks sitting down next to him.
"Cato loves me," Peeta says looking up at her.
She waits for him to say something else but he doesn't. "So I heard. But why are you crying? I would think knowing that is a good thing, make you happy," she says.
"I am happy," Peeta replies.
That's when she notices the piece of paper in his hands. "Alright, what's in the letter Bread Boy?" she asks becoming concerned.
He gives her a sweet smile. "It's from Cato and he loves me," he says before the smile slips from his face. "I don't understand why me? I'm just an abused boy from a poor district. How can he love someone like me?" he questions.
"I know Cato as well as his family, maybe better. When he told you he loved you, you have to know it's true. He's never said those words before – not even to his own family," she tells him. "Look, he dated many people back home but they were all intimidated by his strength and size. You, you're different. You don't put up with his shit and you weren't intimidated by him. You've been the only person to stay with him more than a couple of days. He's shown you a side that many never get to see. You have made him more human. Oh Peeta, if only you could see yourself as others see you."
Peeta looks at her, unable to understand. "What are you talking about?" he asks her.
"There is just something about you Peeta Mellark that pulls people in. Even I'm not immune," she says looking down in her lap. "I – I love you. Gale loves you. Katniss, Posy, and Prim – they love you. Even Marvel loves you." She looks him in the eye. "You have no idea, the effect you have on people. You make everyone around you a priority no matter what the situation. And you do it selflessly and it makes people listen to you."
"And what does that have to do with me and Cato?" he asks.
"Everything!" she says exasperated. "You make him a priority without even realizing it. You put him and his needs over you and your own needs. He told me about the nightmare he had and how you calmed him down. And I know damn well he left some things out of the story," she says with a knowing smirk. She sees him blush. "I thought so, but I'll leave that between the two of you," she says as she grabs his hands in her own. "Don't question why he loves you; just enjoy the fact that he does. You deserve it, accept it, and love him back."
"I do, love him I mean. I never thought I'd love anyone again after Finnick," he admits. "But I do love Cato." He pulls the ring out from under his shirt to show her. "It's not what you think," he rushes out seeing the shocked expression on her face. "It's to remind me that he's with me, waiting for me to return, to keep the nightmares at bay."
"This is more serious than I thought," she says quietly.
"No, I just told you what it means," Peeta tells her confused by the change in her attitude.
"I believe you that it means what you said Peeta, but it's a little more serious than that," she says a little unsure if she should continue. Looking at Peeta's confused face reinforces the idea that she shouldn't say more but it comes out anyway. "In District 2, the giving of your academy ring means that you found your soul mate, that person that holds the ring is your soul mate. Peeta, by giving you this ring, he's basically letting others know that he wants to marry you, The catch is that he has 6 months to ask you and be married. Otherwise, he will become an outcast, shunned by the district. Am I the only one that has seen you with it?"
"I think so. I've kept it under my shirt," he replies nervously.
"Okay, good. We need to keep Enobaria and the other mentors from seeing it," she says thinking. "All the mentors are aware of the law."
"No problem," Peeta says before remembering who he's sharing a room with. "Crap! I'm sharing this room with Finnick!"
"Okay, let's not panic. Just keep it in your shirt, okay?"
"Okay," Peeta agrees.
"Great. Now we better get going. I was sent to make you hurry," she says.
Peeta tucks the letter into his pocket and they make sure they have everything before running to join the others. Boggs and Paylor lead the four teams to their positions and they await the arrival of Snow's tribute. By early afternoon, the teams are told that the train the tribute was on was delayed. Apparently, someone had blown up the train tracks between District 5 and 6. Repairs were just being made when they got the word. The train was due first thing in the morning. Boggs called his teams down to head to the bunker to wait.
Once down in the bunker, the decision was made to let the squad relax for a while then have an early dinner before sending the team to bed early. Peeta was not looking forward to the night ahead and was seriously considering not sleeping at all. Unfortunately, all the emotional turmoil he went through sent that plan out the window. He was asleep as soon as his head hit the pillow.
He awoke to a pair of arms wrapped around his body. At first he thought it was Cato and rolled over to snuggle closer. Then he saw a pair of sea green eyes looking at him.
"What the hell Finnick!?" he exclaimed pulling away from the older man.
"You had a nightmare and wouldn't wake up so I crawled into bed with you. It worked. You stopped screaming," Finnick tells him.
"You should've tried harder to wake me up then. Oh, this is bad. Cato is never going to forgive me when he finds out," Peeta says running his hands through his hair. He jumps off the bed and begins to pace around the room. "Shit! Fuck! He is never going to forgive this. I ruined everything."
"So we won't tell him," Finnick says calmly as he sits up. "What he doesn't know won't hurt him."
"Yes it will! It will hurt both of us! I can't keep this from him," Peeta yells. "I love him!"
"Y-you love him?" Finnick asks shocked.
"Yes Finnick, I do. And he loves me. I know you heard him yell it yesterday," Peeta says trying to calm down a little.
There's a knock at the door. Peeta opens it to see Clove standing there. He invites her in. She enters and sees Finnick sitting on Peeta's bed.
"What's going on Clove?" he asks her trying to ignore the questioning look.
"The train will be here in one hour," she replies. "And we know who Snow sent."
"Great! Who is it?" Peeta asks.
Clove looks up at Peeta sadly before saying, "Its Leonitus Peeta."
Peeta pales and Clove stands next to him.
"What's the matter Peeta? You look like you've seen a ghost." Finnick says.
Clove gives Finnick her best death glare, "As a mentor, did you NOT watch the games? He was the tribute that wanted Peeta here. He threatened to take him away from Cato." She turns to Peeta. "We just won't let him see you and then he can't get you." She says trying to reassure Peeta.
"This is never going to work," Peeta panics. "It's like the guy has a radar out for me. I can't do this Clove," he says looking down at her, fear in his eyes.
She knows about the nightmares he's had with him in them, Cato has told her. "He won't get you Peeta. Your nightmares will not be coming true," she says trying to reassure him.
Katniss and Marvel walk in and see the state that Peeta's in. Katniss stands on the other side of Peeta and begins to whisper in his ear. "Breath Peeta. Deep calming breaths. You're fine; you're going to be fine. We're going to go out there and capture him and go home to Cato."
Peeta calms down enough to begin to get ready to go. Clove and Katniss stay with him, partly to keep an eye on him and partly to keep Finnick away. Katniss wasn't a total idiot. She knew Finnick would use everything in his arsenal to try and get Peeta back.
It was 45 minutes later that they had managed to get into position and wait for Leonitus. Peeta could hear Finnick coordinating with the others and knew the train would be arriving soon. Boggs had pulled him aside earlier and told him that he was to take the shot at Leonitus. Peeta knew the others were counting on him.
The train pulls up and the four teams await the arrival of the target.
When the cars arrive, Peeta lined up his sight on Leonitus and waited for the signal to fire. He watches as the other three teams begin to take out the new peacekeepers when Finnick gives him the signal, tapping on his helmet. Peeta shoots Leonitus in the leg. Finnick than tells him that he is to help take out as many of the peacekeepers as he can. Soon bodies were littering the ground. The citizens who had come to 'greet' Snow's tribute had dispersed with the first shot and there were no civilian casualties.
Finnick taps Peeta's helmet again. Peeta looks up. "We can go now, join the others." Finnick tells him. They both stand up and as Peeta turns, he feels a burning sensation in his lower back before everything goes black…
Back in District 13, same day as District 8
Coin has called the former tributes and mentors to her office to watch the live feed of the capture of Snow's tribute. Cato was sitting with Gale and Rie, worried about what was about to happen. It didn't help that he didn't sleep the night before after talking to his dad. He was going to have to get married in the next 6 months unless they win this war before then. With so many mentors and District 2 citizens living there, the old ways must be kept for now.
Cato is brought out of his thoughts by the sound of gun fire coming from the screen. He watches as Leonitus climbs out of the car he was in and makes his way up the stairs to the District 8 Justice Building. He watches as Leonitus is hit in the leg. Cato assumes it had to have been Peeta because he knew Peeta was the best shot of all. As he watches peacekeepers falling to their deaths, he hopes none of them are people he used to know.
Soon he sees the camera pan to get a shot of Boggs and a woman pick up Leonitus and take him inside the building. But before the screen fades to black, one more image is shown – someone from the sniper squad being shot! They can hear a faint voice that sounds like they're calling for Peeta. And in that brief moment, Cato knows immediately that his Peeta has been shot. Unfortunately the screen goes black and nothing more is shown. Cato doesn't move. He wants to run, no flee from what just transpired but can't. He thinks he's waiting for Coin to say something. Unfortunately, the room remains silent.
They all sit there in stunned silence, even after Coin left an hour ago. They are just waiting for some sort of news on what happened. Another hour passes before Mitchell walks in.
"We got our prisoner and the squad will be here soon. Those of you who want to can go wait in the hangar bay. Or you can stay here, waiting for news," Mitchell tells them.
"How long before we know who's been shot?" Delly asks nervous for Peeta.
"Radio contact has been silenced and it is now being looked at being fixed," Mitchell tells her.
It's another hour before they are told that the hovercraft will land in about 30 minutes. Gale and Rie promise to stay with Cato as they head to the hangar. When they arrive, the sit on a bench to wait. When the hovercraft lands, it's all Cato can do to not run over. He watches as the team begins to unload from the ship. At the very end are two sheet covered bodies and Cato knew without a doubt one of them was Peeta. What he didn't know was killing him…
So there we have it. I mentioned earlier that there was another reason I hadn't posted. The truth is I was wavering between two scenes for 2 days and which one to post in this story. I'm referring to when Cato admitted his love for Peeta. I will post the other version as a one-shot titled Peeta's 'Mission. I went with my gut for this story and my heart was with the other version.