The Games We Played
Hi everyone! I know it's been like two weeks and I am truly sorry. I had 4 birthdays and 3 business meetings to deal with. I had this chapter and the next one hand written within 48 hours of posting the last chapter. The problem was getting the time to use my computer. Hope that this chapter will be worth the wait ;)
yuntani: Thank you for the kind words about the proposal. As for Coin not killing Leonitus, can't tell you right now.
movetotherhythm: Leonitus wasn't supposed to become more than a pawn for Snow but now that he's in District 13, he's growing on me… Coin is an enigma to me right now. She just keeps me on my toes lol. And I'm glad you liked the proposal scene. And no self-adoration for me. I almost gave them the proposal I got but figured I should keep it more romantic rather than, well, kinky lol.
MangoMagic: Yay, happy for their wedding! But is your concern about Coin and Leonitus justified?
lincolnlog89: Worried about what's to come? Yeah, me too ;) I really don't know who shot Peeta yet. No one will tell me either lol. Oh, and plenty more Leonitus to come. Finnick and Leonitus? Hmmm, very interesting….
SakuraDrops141: Hey, I'm so happy that you are up to date with us! I'm also glad you really like my story. Leonitus does make for a very interesting villain. And Coin has much up her sleeve – she just hasn't told me all of it yet…
CupcakeSprinkles14: I'm glad you liked the proposal! Here's the next chapter woohoo!
And to those who recently added this story, you have my sincerest thanks. It means a lot to me.
Chapter 20 Secrets and Devastation
Cato had been in District 5 for 3 weeks now and it truly sucked. Right now it was only 11 am and he was on patrol with Gale. At least he was partnered with someone he liked, a friend. But it didn't make daytime patrol any better. He hated day patrols because it left the nights thinking of Peeta. He wondered what he was doing, if he was safe, if he was having nightmares, if he was on a mission himself. At least if Peeta was on a mission, Boggs was going to pair him with Tavin. The couple had privately talked to Boggs about their engagement and the Finnick situation. Boggs was all too happy to switch the teams. All of which brings Cato's thoughts back to being on day patrol. He hoped this standoff with the peacekeepers would end soon. The District 13 troops had secured the power plants and the city limits, but the citizens were still danger of the peacekeepers. Jackson told their group this morning during the team briefing that more troops were being sent in to end the standoff. With 12 gone and Districts 6 – 11 in rebel control, they were getting closer to ending the war and he and Peeta have the option to push back their wedding date. Although, if the next 4 districts take as long as 5 is, they me married before Snow is removed from power. Cato was finding himself more comfortable with the idea of being married to Peeta sooner rather than later. Even Coin seemed okay with the idea of their wedding…
They walked into the dining hall. It was packed. Everyone they knew was sitting at the main table in the center of the room. It looked like all of District 13 was there as well. Cato gives Peeta's hand a squeeze. It was time. They look over and see Castor and Pollux with their cameras and filming Cressida talking to different people. It was set up to look like another propo. Cato clears his throat.
"Excuse me," he says loudly over the din of voices. "I have an announcement to make."
All eyes turn towards the couple. Even those working in the kitchen area come out. Once all the attention is on them, Cato continues.
"Actually, we have an announcement," Cato clarifies looking down at Peeta smiling. "I have asked Peeta to marry me …" he begins.
"And I said yes," Peeta finishes holding up his left hand showing off the ring Cato gave him (again) during their picnic.
A loud roar rings through the hall followed by thunderous applause. Their families and friends come over to congratulate them. Coin also comes over with Plutarch in tow. Neither boy had seen them enter as they made their announcement.
"Congratulations boys," she says smiling at the couple.
"Thank you madam President," they reply together.
"Madam President, boys, what a wonderful opportunity for another propo to pull all the districts together…" Plutarch begins.
"I'm sorry to interrupt Madam President, Plutarch," Maxamilian says stepping up. "The boys just got engaged and announced it. Maybe we should let them enjoy that for the time being." He points over to Castor and Pollux, "Their announcement did get recorded."
"Oh, yes, well, wonderful. Of course the propo can wait," Plutarch stutters embarrassed.
"If you don't mind, I'd like to take the boys to celebrate this happy occasion with their friends and family," Maxamilian says putting an arm around each boy to lead them to the table.
"Enjoy your evening boys," Coin says before walking back out of the dining hall.
That was 4 weeks ago. The heartbreak on Finnick's face as he left the hall soon after Coin was almost laughable to Cato if it wasn't for the fact that the whole engagement was a fluke, a miscalculation on Cato's part. And now Peeta was playing along. Sure Peeta says he wants this and that they're in this together but the guilt still eats at Cato.
"You know, if Peeta thinks you're second guessing your engagement, it will hurt him," Gale says knowingly. "And don't try to deny it. You went from serious, to happy, to looking like you just stole one of Mr. Mellark's cookies just now."
"I can't help it. I keep thinking how Peeta is back in 13 filming propos with Clove about our wedding and I'm here in 5 like I'm avoiding the planning. On top of that, I still feel like I forced this all on Peeta," Cato admits.
"Cato, you didn't force anything," Gale tells him. "Do you remember the night of the interviews? How you couldn't even get him to talk about his past? You can't force Peeta to do anything. Hell, the boy is as stubborn as you. And I should know, I did live with him for about 6 years."
"Hmmm," is all Cato says. Moments later he speaks again. "He did look happy in that propo they showed last night, right?"
"You mean the one where he spent 5 minutes telling all of Panem about your 'beautiful, icy blue eyes'? I particularly liked when he said, 'his icy blue eyes that are warm pools of light'," Gale teases. "Or maybe it was how he'd get a dreamy look whenever he said your name?"
"SHUT UP Gale!" laughs Gale.
"Hey guys, Jackson wants us back at camp," Gloss says running up to the pair with Cashmere in tow. "The new squads are going to be here in about 10 minutes."
The four run back to camp just as the first hovercraft lands. They quickly join their squad already in formation to welcome the new arrivals. Gale and Cato were particularly surprised to notice that the first craft wasn't more troops but medical personnel that included Prim … and Rory?! The two youngsters were followed by Dr. Aurelius and Lily Everdeen. Gale and Cato share a look. If such a large medical team was sent to their position, the fight for District 5 was about to get very serious.
The first hovercraft leaves and the second lands in its place. Out steps Boggs and Brutus followed by Boggs's squad. Bringing up the rear is Clove, Peeta, and Wheet. Three members of Jackson's squad break formation.
"Wheet!" screams Johanna.
"Clove!" screams Gale.
"Peeta!" screams Cato.
Johanna leaps into Wheet's arms as Gale swings Clove in a circle and Cato kisses Peeta. Little did the three couples notice their reunion being filmed by Castor and Pollux and being broadcast across Panem live.
Back in District 13 the family members left behind watch the reunions with smiles and tears, especially Fennel and Ceteria. They had watched Peeta grow more and more depressed the longer Cato was gone. Even the ever happy Posy was aware of how much Peeta was missing Cato. Her giggles at their kiss made everyone laugh. Well, almost everyone.
Leonitus watched the reunion with a blank expression. On the inside he was fuming. Peeta was his! He felt a pair of eyes on him and turned to see Foxface watching him. He remembered her from the games. He even watched a recap of the games when he was with Snow. He saw how she saved Cato's life. He knew she was very intelligent. He gave her a fake smile and turned back to the TV. He watched as Peeta and Cato answered questions about being reunited while they gazed into one another's eyes. Soon, he thought to himself, soon that will be him that Peeta looks at like that. A genuine smile grows on his face before he gets up and leaves the room.
Back in District 5, Boggs and Jackson wait with their teams for Peeta and Cato to finish their interview. None of them could deny the love between the two young men. Even Finnick, who watched with a heart filled with sadness. It had hurt when they announced their engagement. He had spent the night crying quietly in his room with his son. Then a couple days later, during training, he learned he would be partnered with Enobaria. That stung as well because he would never tried anything once Peeta was engaged. He learned to avoid being around Peeta when he could, using his son as an excuse.
Peeta and Cato finally join the awaiting squads. The two groups head over to the justice building where the war room was located to discuss the next step in the battle for District 5. Once everyone was seated, Lyme and Brutus outlined the attack plan for the next morning. Each member of the sniper squad would be located up on a separate rooftop[ while Jackson's squad would be going directly into battle. The sniper squad was to protect the members of the ground squad. The ground squad would lure the peacekeepers towards the sniper squad's best shooters – Peeta, Enobaria, Marvel, and Clove. The remaining 4 snipers were to take out who they could. The hope was that the peacekeepers would either give themselves up or be killed.
When the meeting was over, the two teams went to the Mess tent for lunch. After lunch, Boggs and Jackson gave their groups a 2 hour window in which to catch up. Everyone pretended not to notice when Wheet and Johanna took off alone. The former mentors decided to let the teens visit alone which worked out nicely as Peeta had a lot to tell his friends that were in 5. First he handed out the letters he had for those that had left family behind. Gale had a letter from his brother Vick as well as a picture from Posy. Clove gave him the letter from his mother. Delly, Rie, and Madge had letters from Fennel as well as from Haymitch whom they had all forgiven before they left. Peeta gave Cato letters from his family as well as several drawings from Posy. All had envelopes from Foxface – including those in Boggs squad. Peeta knew what was in these envelopes as he had been with Foxface when the contents were found. It was about a week ago.
Peeta had just finished his first full week of heavy training since being shot. He was tired but couldn't sleep as Cato wasn't there. He decided to walk around and explore. He decided to go see the work progress on the new housing floor. It was there he ran into Foxface. She was coming out of a storage room pushing a cart full of bedding.
"Hey Peeta, couldn't sleep either?" she asks.
"Hey Foxface. Yeah, the body is willing but the brain won't shut down," he tells her.
"Same here so I decided that I'd make some beds for the refugees due tomorrow. Or should I call them 'new recruits'? I hear that they're mostly young adult that want training for the war against the Capitol." She says.
"The more people we have fighting would be great," Peeta agrees. "Let me help you make some beds."
For the next hour, they make beds and prep the rooms for the new arrivals.
"Okay, enough of that," Foxface laughs. "I was thinking of going through some more papers. Do you want to join me or would you rather go back to your room now?"
"I'll help you if you're really okay with it," Peeta replies.
"Let's go then," Foxface says.
She leads him to a different wing on the same floor and grabs the box from behind a loose air vent. They go into a room that has yet to be cleaned and sit on the floor. She hands him a file.
"If you find anything interesting, let me know," she tells him.
"Will do," he says taking the file. Inside were mostly invoices of stuff like clothing, fabrics, and other miscellaneous stuff. Stuff from over 10 years ago, really boring. He's startled by Foxface's gasp.
"What is it?" he asks.
"You're not going to believe this," she says before showing him the paper she was looking at.
Peeta takes the page and starts reading. He looks at Foxface, his blue eyes wide in shock.
"Leonitus is Snow's grandson?!" he asks disbelievingly.
"Keep reading, there's more," she tells him quietly.
"This is not good. All 3 of those tributes Snow spared are related! Do you think they know?" Peeta asks as he continues to read the document.
"They might by now. But wait until you…" Foxface begins.
"NO FUCKING WAY!" Peeta hollers.
"You found it I see," Foxface says softly.
"My, my, my mother was Snow's niece?!" Peeta stutters in shock.
"But only by marriage, not by blood," Foxface tries to comfort Peeta.
"Still, I have a family connection to that, that monster," Peeta says as he hands her back the page.
"Peeta, we need to tell the others. They'll need to know. The mentor's too," she says gently.
Peeta sits there for a few minutes playing with the ring on his finger. "Make copies and we will figure out a way to get it to the others," he suggests.
Fox face nods before they clean up and hide the box again. They head back to their rooms in silence.
Peeta shakes his head to rid the memory.
"Before you open the envelopes from Foxface, we need to join the mentors," Peeta says as he holds up another stack of envelopes. They find the mentors in a tent with Wheet and Johanna.
"Hey Peeta Bread, what are you and the rest of the teen crew doing here?" Johanna asks.
"I have something for you all. I made the others wait until you all had yours as well," Peeta tells her handing her and Wheet their envelopes. He turns and hands one to Brutus, Enobaria, Gloss, Cashmere, and Finnick. "This envelope's contents… well, just open it and read."
"So that's why Leonitus got away with what he did!" exclaims Clove. "He's Snow's fucking relative."
"Keep reading, Clover," Peeta encourages while quietly looking down at his feet. He misses her strange look.
"OH HELL NO!" Wheet yells standing up. "Do you have proof this? Peeta?"
"I have a copy of the certificates on me," Peeta says. "We were worried about me bringing so many fat envelopes. We didn't want Coin to get suspicious." Peeta can't bear to look at any of them. "Foxface said 2 more of you would get a copy as well. She just didn't tell me who…"
"I got one," Johanna says rather quietly, which was out of character for her.
"I got one as well."
Peeta turns to the voice stiffly.
"It doesn't change anything love," Cato says walking up to Peeta. "And it certainly doesn't change how I feel about you and your family," he adds as he wraps his arms around Peeta before kissing him on his temple.
"Hey Finnick, aren't you related to this District 4 tribute Ariel?" Brutus asks.
"We're cousins," Finnick replies not sure why it really matters.
"I think Cashmere and I are related to Brie. And there is also a family connection to Marvel and Tavin but I'm not sure exactly how," Gloss says.
"This is getting really crazy weird," Enobaria says.
"What do you mean Eno?" asks Clove.
"Oh little one, it seems that it's time you find out," Enobaria says. "Brutus, I think it's time we told them."
"You're right Eno. I was hoping it could wait until after the war," sighs Brutus. "Everyone should sit down." Once they're all seated, he continues. "Eno and I joined the rebellion when Cato was in his 4th year of training. Clove was in her 3rd year at the academy. You see, Cato and Clove are related to us as well."
"Wait, how is that possible?" asks Cato confused.
"My great grandmother, Brutus's great grandfather, Clove's great-great grandmother, and your great-great grandfather were siblings Cato," Enobaria explains. "We're all descendants of Augustus and Petra Canelos."
Clove and Cato are speechless.
"But being related wasn't the only reason we joined the rebellion," Brutus says looking at Enobaria.
"I don't know if they should know this part Brutus," Finnick says sadly. "It's not exactly a proper children's story."
"Hey, we're not children!" exclaims Katniss a little offended.
"It's not exactly as if I really want it known either," Brutus admits ignoring the outburst from Katniss.
"Would one of you just say it?" Johanna exclaims. "Because I want to get past this quickly," she adds looking down at her hands in shame.
"I'll do it," Finnick says resignedly. "It is the reason so many of us mentors joined. And we did save one of them from joining our fate…"
"No, not all of you?" Peeta asks, the truth hitting him like a ton of bricks.
Everyone looks at Peeta in shock.
"How do you know?" Gloss asks very curiously.
"I told him Gloss," Finnick admits. "Back when we were seeing each other."
"That's why you always went to District 12? To see Peeta?" asks Cashmere.
"Can we not talk about my fiancé like this please?" Cato snaps.
"But I never told him everything," admits Finnick, ignoring Cato. "At the time, I didn't think it was something he needed to know." He looks down. "It's time they all knew."
"Well shit, I'll do it," Johanna speaks up. She turns to Wheet and looks at him sadly. "You may hate me after this but know I'll always be there for you if you need me." She stands up. "Winning the Hunger Games was not all it was thought to be. Sure, for the outlying districts that are starving it seems like a dream come true. But there is a much higher price to pay – a life or your sanity." She looks at each of the other mentors before continuing. "See, when you win you become property of the Capitol. But only…" she stops, tears in her eyes. Enobaria and Cashmere stand silently next to her. "But only after you have spent the night in Snow's bed," she adds quietly.
"Wait, are you saying…" Marvel tries to ask.
"Yes, after that you are sold to the highest bidders in the Capitol," Gloss answers.
"Finnick is that why you were always seen on TV with different women?" asks Madge.
"Yes," he replies. He is shocked when she gets up and sits next to him, holding his hand in hers.
"Peeta knew about this?" Katniss asks looking at Peeta. "You knew and yet you still volunteered? What if we were never rescued and we all died? You were willing to do that?" her voice rising until she's yelling. ""You were never going to let any of us know were you? What if one of us had survived? Me or Delly or Madge? Would you have told us before you died?" she screams.
Peeta flinches with each question she yells at him. Marvel tries to calm her down.
"Catnip, it wasn't his place to tell us," Gale says trying to calm her down. "Don't be mad at him."
"I didn't know about Snow," Peeta admits so quietly that it almost wasn't heard. "I didn't know about that part. But I had faith in the rebellion, that we'd be rescued. That's why I volunteered," he adds before jumping up and leaving the group.
"Peeta! Wait! I'm sorry!" Katniss yells as he leaves. She breaks down and cries in Marvel's arms.
Cato jumps up to follow Peeta but Clove and Gale stop him.
"Give him space for a minute. He'll be back," Gale says holding Cato's wrist. "He will be back."
"Gale, let me go!" Cato says barely keeping his temper in check. "He needs me! He needs to know that someone thinks he did the right thing! He also needs to know that…"
"Cato, stop!" Clove snaps. "There is one more thing. It happened after you left."
Cato looks at Clove, giving up trying to follow Peeta. "What are you talking about Clover?" he asks. "What happened to Peeta when I left?" He turns to Finnick. "Did you do something to him?"
"I haven't been near Peeta until today Cato. Other than training, I never saw him," Finnick tells him.
"It's the truth," Marvel says looking at Cato. "But it's big Cato, what Clove has to tell you."
"Thanks Marv," Clove says snidely. "Some friend you are."
"I'll do it," Peeta says from the doorway.
"Peeta," Cato says stepping towards him only to be stopped when Peeta puts his hand up.
"Peeta, I don't think this is the time," warns Enobaria.
"There is never going to be a right time," Peeta says smiling at her sadly.
"Peeta, please, whatever it is just say it. You're killing me here," Cato says sadly still wanting to hold him.
"Leonitus is…" Peeta begins. He takes a deep breath. "Leonitus has joined District 13."
"Peeta, look at me. What do you mean he joined District 13?" Cato asks confused.
"He's being trained to fight against Snow. He took the oath," Peeta explains still not looking at Cato.
"Okay, I get it," Cato says laughing. "This is funny."
"Peeta, you better tell him the rest," Finnick says ignoring the nasty look from Cato.
"I don't think that's a good idea," Enobaria insists.
"As much as I hate to admit this, I have to agree with Finnick," Clove says as she ignores the hurt look Gale gives her as she turns to Peeta. "It will be better coming from you but I can tell him the rest if you want me to," she adds giving him a small, sad smile.
Peeta returns the sad smile. "No, but thank you though. It's better if it comes from me," Peeta tells her.
Cato looks between Clove and Peeta, seeing them share a look. "Okay, this is pissing me the fuck off! Just tell me damn it!" he yells.
Brutus walks over to Cato and puts a calming hand on his shoulder as Enobaria walks over to Peeta and takes his hand. Cato gives them a confused look.
"It's okay, I'll be right here," she tells Peeta, squeezing his hand gently.
The rest of the group watches either in confusion or severe sadness.
Peeta finally looks at Cato who looks lost, confused, and hurt. "I was in the dining hall the other night talking to my dad. I was letting him know that I was about to be coming here to District 5. It was right after dinner so there were still people scattered throughout the room. I didn't see him there – Leonitus that is. Anyway, after talking to my dad, I left and headed to the elevator to go to our room." Peeta looks around at his friends before looking back at Cato. "It's my own fault really. I had sent Clove off to visit her family instead of keeping her with me like we had discussed. She hadn't been able to spend time with them as of all the extra training we were doing. And I knew Finnick was eating in his room with his son and Haymitch so I wasn't worried about running into him. I should've been more aware of my surroundings and of who walked in the elevator with me." Peeta pauses, looking at Clove and seeing his guilt reflected in her eyes. He looks at Finnick, who was looking down sadly. He turns his eyes to Enobaria at his side who nods at him, encouraging him to continue. He finally looks at Cato and sees the blank look on his face again.
"Please, keep going Peeta," Cato says flatly. His voice devoid of any emotion.
Peeta nods once. "The doors open and I get in. I push the button to our floor. I began to play with my ring," Peeta looks down at his finger where the ring used to be.
"Peeta, where's your ring?" Cato asks following Peeta's eyes. His voice now tinted with anger.
Peeta pulls the chain from under his shirt, the ring hanging on it.
"Why isn't that on your finger Peeta?" a now even angrier Cato asks as he takes a step towards the younger boy. Peeta flinches; Brutus tightens his grip on Cato's shoulder, and Enobaria steps in front of Cato, effectively blocking the two boys from contact. She still has Peeta's hand in hers.
"Please let him finish Cato," she says quietly. She steps back to Peeta's side. "Go ahead Peeta," she says gently.
Peeta nods but has a far off look in his eyes. "Leonitus got in the elevator with me. I never noticed because I was thinking of you Cato. I didn't notice he leaned in front of me and hitting the stop button until the elevator stopped and the doors didn't open. That's when he grabbed my arm."
"Show him Peeta," Brutus whispers.
Peeta lets go of Enobaria's hand and takes his jacket off. On his left arm were fading bruises in the shape of fingers. Several people gasped but Peeta didn't know who. He was too busy looking at Cato.
"That's when he began to try to wrench the ring off my finger. He was yelling at me. He told me that there was never going to be a wedding between us Cato. I fought him but he managed to get the ring off and threw it on the ground, breaking my finger in the process," Peeta tells Cato who pales at the last statement. "That's when he took something out of his pocket. It was a ring and he shoved it on my broken finger." Tears began to fall down Peeta's cheeks. "The doors open then. Enobaria, Clove, and your dad were there Cato. Leonitus looked at your dad and said he wanted to invoke the 'Two Suitor Rule'. He then pointed at the two rings. I didn't know what that meant. Enobaria pulled Leonitus out of the elevator as Clove grabbed your ring and handed it to me…"
"Where's the other ring?" Cato interrupts after finally noticing the slight bruising on Peeta's finger.
Peeta reaches into his pocket and pulls out the ring that he received from Leonitus.
"I took Peeta and your dad to the medical wing to get his finger fixed. It had swollen and the ring wouldn't come off," Clove says quietly looking at Cato.
"I took Leonitus back to the dining hall after learning that was where Peeta had come from. I was taking him back to his guards that he had somehow managed to knock out. He wouldn't tell me how he did it," Enobaria adds to the conversation.
"That's a very interesting story. What's the 'Two Suitor Rule' mean?" Gale asks looking from Peeta to Clove to Cato to Enobaria.
"It means that Peeta and I can't marry until Leonitus is dead! And I'm going to kill him the minute I see him!" Cato roars before storming out.
"Really?" asks Delly and Gale simultaneously. Both a little nervous.
"No guys, it's way more complicated," Clove tells them. "He is right about the fact that he and Peeta can't marry. Because Leonitus invoked the rule in front of Enobaria and I, Peeta has to give Leonitus a chance to win him over."
"And what does that mean?" asks Madge.
"Well, Peeta has to date Leonitus," Clove replies looking sadly at Peeta. "Also, Peeta and Cato can no longer share their room as it would be deemed to give Cato an unfair advantage."
"I traded rooms with Peeta, Gale," Wheet says. "Peeta will be your roommate and I will be Cato's."
"So, when is the first date with the jerk?" Gale asks getting upset himself. Clove and Peeta share a look and Gale gets angrier. "What!?"
"It was last night Gale. And things are about to get a lot worse," Clove says looking from Gale to Peeta who is now crying on Enobaria's shoulder.
"How in the hell can it get any worse?" Gale asks, voice rising in anger.
"There's a mandatory meeting in the Justice Building in 5 minutes soldiers," Boggs says as he walks in. "Let's move it!"
"You're about to find out," Clove tells Gale cryptically.
When the group enters the meeting room of the Justice Building, they see Cato already there. His eyes are red and sad. Peeta wants to run over to him and wrap his arms around him but knows he can't. Enobaria told him on the way over to stay with her and Brutus. It was a safety measure in case Pollux and Castor were filming. Once they were all seated, Jackson turns on the TV.
On the screen, Maxamilian and Leonitus are revealed. Maxamilian begins to speak. "Good afternoon Panem. My name is Maxamilian Canelos and I am from District 2. Recently you saw my son Cato announce his engagement to Peeta Mellark. I couldn't be more proud. But much has happened since then. You may recognize the young man standing next to me, Leonitus Dante. He has recently sworn his alliance to the rebellion by taking the oath to join. But there is another reason I am here to talk to you. Young Leonitus here has invoked the 'Two Suitor Rule' for young Mr. Mellark. In simple terms, there will be no wedding for my son and Peeta so long as Leonitus wishes to date Mr. Mellark. Last night was their first date. Here is the footage of the date."
Instead of watching the television, Peeta relives the day and date…
This is NOT good! He really didn't want to have ANYTHING to do with that idiot Leonitus. He had no one to blame but himself though. He did send Clove away and left himself wide open and vulnerable. Cato was going to hate him now and he, Peeta, will end up with that moron Leonitus. No, due to that stupid invoked rule and since he now had two suitors, Peeta was going to end up married to one of them. If Cato leaves him, then Peeta HAS to marry Leonitus. Yep, he really screwed the pooch on this one. He wished he never learned all the damn details of the stupid 'Two Suitor Rule'. Gah, it was giving him a headache!
There's a knock on the door. Peeta opens the door to see Leonitus standing there with flowers. He sees that Leonitus has visited one of the stylists as his normally long, shaggy light brown hair has been trimmed and now Peeta can see the actual color of Leonitus's eyes which was a dark shade of blue, so dark. 'Oh great', Peeta thinks to himself, 'he's bringing gifts as if that will get me to change my mind about Cato.' There's movement behind Leonitus and Peeta's eyes dart to see Pollux there. He sees the sad look Pollux gives him before turning his attention back to Leonitus.
"Hi Peeta, these are for you," Leonitus says with a shy smile on his face.
"Thank you," Peeta says taking the flowers. "Shall we go?"
"I hope you like what I have planned for us tonight Peeta," Leonitus says as Peeta closes the door behind him.
Peeta smiles politely at the other boy. He'd rather be tortured by Snow than to be where he is right now. They get into the elevator and Peeta shivers when he remembers the last time they two of them were in the elevator together. Dr. Aurelius said his finger would be better before he saw Cato tomorrow. It's going to be hard enough having to explain this to Cato. The very idea breaks Peeta's heart.
"Hey Peeta," Leonitus says gently. "Please just give me a chance. I'm really not a bad guy. I just want to get to know you better, truly. I know what happened the last time we were together was bad. I just want to make it up to you." To Peeta, it sounded sincere until he remembered his finger again.
"Tell that to the finger you broke," Peeta says rudely.
Leonitus looks down at Peeta's hand. "I am very sorry about breaking your finger. There is no excuse for my behavior that day," he admits sincerely.
They exit the elevator and Peeta realizes that their date will be outside. They're fitted with the tracker bracelets before heading out. 'Great, now he can do what he wants with no witnesses' he thinks.
"Oh good, the other couple is here Brutus," Enobaria says as she looks in the doorway.
Peeta can't help but to be secretly happy to see the two former mentors. He can also see that Leonitus is a little disappointed to see them.
"Come on boys, daylight's a wastin' and our food will spoil," Brutus says taking Enobaria's arm and leading the boys into the forest.
"Not that I'm complaining or anything, but what are you two doing here?" asks Leonitus.
"You invoke the 'Two Suitor Rule' and don't know why we're here?" asks Enobaria over her shoulder. "I guess you missed the section on chaperones."
"No, I read it. I just figured that the camera man here would be the chaperone," Leonitus admits.
"An Avox camera man as a chaperone? Boy, you are a funny one. Pollux is Peeta's camera man for his propos. His only job is to follow and film the things that Peeta does," Enobaria tells him.
After walking for about another 10 minutes, the group stops.
"This looks good," Brutus says. "Peeta, would you hold the basket while Leonitus and I lay out the blanket? Eno, darling, you just stand there and just stay beautiful," he adds while handing Peeta the picnic basket. He gives Peeta a wink making Peeta even more grateful that they were there. They all sit and Brutus begins to hand out the food. Peeta recognizes the sandwiches – his father makes them daily.
"So Peeta," begins Leonitus. "I understand your father works in the kitchens, what does he do there?" he asks.
"What? My dad working in the kitchen beneath you or something?" Peeta snaps back.
"No, no, no. I just meant that I know that the Sae lady makes soups and stews. I only wondered what your dad did," Leonitus explains all flustered.
"Oh, sorry," Peeta says. He's still a little worried. He still doesn't trust the other boy.
"It's all good. I just want to get to know you," Leonitus says.
"Um, my dad is the baker. The bread of these sandwiches – he made it," Peeta tells him, pride rather pronounced in his tone.
"Really?" asks Leonitus intrigued. He takes a bite of the sandwich, his eyes widen at Peeta as he chews. "This is really good! We don't have bread like this in my district."
"I know. Cato told me that once," Peeta admits looking down in his lap as he tries to get his mind off the large, burly blonde.
"Peeta, you're not really giving me a chance, are you?" Leonitus asks sadly. "I promise not to hurt you anymore."
"Of course I'm not giving you a chance!" exclaims Peeta. "I love Cato. I'm in love with Cato! You doing THIS is hurting me."
"I'm not giving up on you yet Peeta," Leonitus says quietly as he stands up. "I haven't been able to stop thinking about you since I first saw you in the tribute parade," he adds before he silently makes his way back to the underground district.
Peeta looks down at his untouched sandwich. "I'm sorry about all this you guys. You shouldn't be dragged into my problems," Peeta says unable to look them in the eye as he's ashamed of his actions.
"If it makes a difference…"
"We're on your side," Brutus says with his TV self.
Peeta smiles up weakly at Brutus.
"You'll get through this Peeta. You and Cato belong together," Brutus says as he looks over to Cato who looks utterly heartbroken. "You know, since you had your date with Leonitus – despite him walking away – Cato has the chance to counter that date." Brutus looks at Peeta and shrugs. "It couldn't hurt just to have the chance to be together, even if only for a little while."
"I'm not the one that needs to be convinced," Peeta says looking over at Cato who still hasn't looked at him.
Boggs dismisses the group with a reminder that they will be meeting before the mission the next day.
Peeta stands and walks over towards Clove and Gale. He stops when he hears them arguing.
"You were supposed to stay with him Clove! You promised Cato and me!" Gale snaps at her.
"You think I don't know that! It kills me that this happened. And if you don't think I feel guilty enough, you should've been there with Peeta! Today at lunch was the first time in several days that he's eaten!" Clove argues back. "How were we supposed to know that Leonitus was going to pull that stunt? He had armed guards he managed to get away from."
"You heard that Leonitus idiot, Clove! He's not going to give up on Peeta! The only way to get rid of that guy is to kill him! If Cato doesn't do it, than by gosh, I WILL!" Gale yells.
"Like that will help anyone! You can't just kill everyone who takes an interest in Peeta! You're not the one that wants to spend the rest of your life with him!" Clove yells back. "You can't just go killing people who like him!"
"Watch me!" Gale yells back at her before going over to Cato. He doesn't even see Peeta or his shocked face.
Peeta walks over to Clove. "Clove? You okay hon'?" he asks.
She turns to look at Peeta, barely holding back the tears. "I really screwed up Peeta," she manages to say before the tears begin to flow down her cheeks.
Peeta pulls her into his arms. "Shh, this is not your fault Clove. I made you go see your family, remember? This is all on me," Peeta says holding her close.
They stand there holding each other while she cries. When she's done, she pulls back and looks at Peeta who gives her a sweet smile. They look around and realize they're all alone.
"Come on Clove, let's go find out tents," Peeta suggests.
They walk out of the building holding hands. They find Boggs who happily shows them to their tents.
Outside the tent for Clove, she stops and looks up at Peeta. "Will you stay with me Peeta? I just don't think I can handle being alone right now," she says to him.
"Certainly Clove, come on. We're in this together," Peeta replies as they walk into the tent. They find it empty. Clove finds her bed and takes the bag off the cot. The two lie down together and fall asleep, their silent tears staining their faces.
An hour later
"If I didn't know exactly how much he loved Cato, I'd seriously wonder if his taste in partners changed," Wheet whispers as he looks at Peeta and Clove, their limbs wrapped together, her hand fisted in his shirt.
"For the record, Peeta Bread there is very comfortable to sleep with. Very cuddly," Johanna whispers back. "Oh don't give me that look. I've woken up in that position with your brother 2 or 3 times. It was merely for comfort measures. Come on; let's let the others know we found them."
"Do you think it's wise to tell Cato and Gale how we found them? Their cuddling position I mean?" Wheet asks when they're back outside the tent.
"I'll tell them if you're too scared. They're only sleeping, not going at it like rabbits," Johanna says sharply.
Wheet holds his hands up in mock surrender. "I was just asking dear," he says smiling softly at her.
They see the others gathering a few feet away from them and walk over to join them.
"Did you find them? Are they okay?" Gale asks concerned.
"Um, yeah, we found them and they're fine," Wheet answers uncertainly while rubbing his hand against the back of his neck.
"What does that mean?" Cato asks freaking out.
"It means what he said. They're together and they're fine," Johanna says getting mad.
"So, can you tell us where they are?" Gale asks getting mad himself.
"You want to know? Fine," Johanna says throwing her arms in the air. "They're asleep together in her tent. And I don't know exactly what the hell you two did to the two of them but the last female Peeta held the way he's holding Clove was me. And I had just seen the death of my best friend in front of me by peacekeepers."
"Johanna!" Wheet exclaims as Gale and Cato's faces pale.
"What?" she asks. "Look I'm not going to censor myself nor will I tiptoe around these two knuckleheads! They're the ones who hurt the ones they're supposed to love," Johanna tells Wheet exasperated. "Did you get a good look at Peeta and Clove's faces Wheet? Because I did! And that was pain etched onto their features. Besides, it wasn't like they were naked or anything. They did still have their clothes on." She turns to Gale and Cato. "If you don't believe me about that, let's go! I'll prove it. You should get a good look at their faces anyway."
She grabs each of them by their arm and drags them to the tent. She doesn't see the others following the trio.
"Now get your asses in there and take a good long look! They fucking cried themselves to sleep! Oh, and don't you dare wake either of them up!" Johanna demands in a quiet tone after peeking to make sure they were still asleep.
Gale and Cato quietly enter the tent. They see the pair on a cot and go over to look. They see the tear stains Johanna told them about. They also notice the protective way Peeta seems to be holding Clove as well as the way she is clinging to him. They walk out the tent feeling like crap. Johanna grabs them yet again and pulls them away from the tent.
"I know Peeta pretty well and have gotten to know Clove as well. I am really ashamed at the way you two are treating BOTH of them. Sure they screwed up and things got shitty! But if you two don't get over yourselves, you are going to lose 2 really good people. And Cato, I really don't want to see Peeta end up with that Leonitus character. But go ahead and keep up your caveman like ways and you will get what you deserve. I am so outta here!" Johanna says before walking away. Wheet shrugs his shoulders at Gale and Cato before running after his girlfriend.
"Both of you hate me for what I did to Peeta," Finnick says looking at the two yo0unger boys. "But you are really no better. I was there in 13 when Leonitus pulled his little stunt. I was avoiding Peeta for you Cato but once this crap went down, I offered them both a chance to talk to me – with others around. I saw the guilt on their faces at meal times. I watched as neither ate one bite. They just pushed their food around and hiding it in napkins so it looked like they were eating. Truth be told, while I know I could never have Peeta, I hope neither of them forgives either of you. Right now I think they deserve better than the two of you!" Finnick walks away holding hands with Madge who just glares at the pair.
"Just say it Catnip," Gale says as he looks at her and Marvel.
"You know what Gale; I'm NOT going to say anything, not another word. I think Johanna and Finnick covered all the bases pretty well," Katniss says sadly before her and Marvel turn and leave. Delly, Rie, and Tavin follow the pair leaving Gale and Cato standing there alone.
"Could this day get any worse?" Gale asks.
Jackson walks up just then, Leonitus in tow.
"You just had to ask that didn't you Gale?" Cato says sadly.
Okay, so I'm probably going to make a lot of people really angry after this chapter. But after nearly two weeks of holding on to the hand written version of this chapter, hoping for a different road or path to show itself, this is what we have. Honestly, I like it. I don't like how it's hurting Peeta and Cato or Clove and Gale but I still like it. Please feel free to chew me a new one if you must.
Also, haven't said this in a while, but I own nothing.