The Games We Played
Chapter 22: Leonitus' Confession and Going to District 4
Yes! The next chapter is here! I'm dedicating this chapter to the 3 sweet people who reviewed the last chapter – cupcakesprinkles14, yuntani, and pumpkinking5! After taking almost 5 months to update, I honestly wasn't expecting any reviews.
Dinnertime
Leonitus walks into the dining tent with his two guards. Cato told him to sit with him and the rest of the group when he gets his dinner. He quickly grabs his food and turns to look for Cato, his nerves on edge. If he doesn't find him soon, he may never get this chance again.
"Leonitus, over here," he hears coming from his right. He turns and sees Finnick waving him over. He looks to his two guards who just shrug. They follow him towards the group quietly. As he arrives at the table, he suddenly gets the urge to run.
"It's okay Leonitus," Cato says. "I told everyone you'd be joining us. Please sit," he adds gesturing at a chair to his right.
Leonitus sits in the chair at the end of the table. Finnick is seated to his right and Cato to his left. Not a comfortable spot to be in his position. Especially knowing that everyone hates him for what happened with Peeta back in 13 and want to kill him. He's going to try to prove everyone that he is different.
"Thank you for allowing me to join you all," he says as he takes his seat.
"Well, Cato said you wanted to tell us all something and even went through the trouble to include Peeta Bread here," Clove says. "I still don't trust you but I do trust Cato – with my life. He said this was important." She points a fork at him, "If I even think you are messing with us, you'll regret ever being born!"
"Clove!" exclaims Finnick.
Leonitus puts his hand on Finnick's arm. "It's okay Finnick. I expected her to say something like that. It's who she is and I find it an admirable trait really. She shouldn't change just because I sat here. Just let her be please." He can feel the shocked looks towards him and he chuckles. "Why don't we eat before I tell you my story?"
Everyone nods and they quickly begin to eat. Once finished, they all eventually turn towards Leonitus expectantly.
"Alright Leon, what is it that you wanted to say to us?" Asks Johanna snidely.
"Johanna!" exclaims Finnick again. "What is it with all the rudeness towards Leonitus? Just give the guy a second to gather his thoughts."
"Listen here Fish Boy – " Johanna begins.
"Enough!" Peeta yells. "Can we all just calm down and listen to what he has to say?"
"I agree with Peeta," Cato says. "He said he'd tell us and I believe he will." He turns to Leonitus, "I don't mean to be rude but you may want to start soon."
"It's fine Cato. You're being rather nice considering everything," Leonitus says to Cato. He turns to Finnick, "And thanks for sticking up for me." He looks down and sighs before looking back up and faces the others. "What I'm about to tell you is in NO way to excuse my behavior but hopefully an explanation," he begins.
"I am the 6th son and 8th child born to a former victor. There are 2 more boys and 4 more girls after me. At least that I know of. None of us share a mother, except the twins Lena and Lara. All of our names begin with an 'L' because that is the first letter of our father's name. And he requests all his children's names begin with it I've been told. Out of all of us, I am the only one to actually enter the games, although we've all been trained. My older brothers are all peacekeepers. My 2 older sisters work for Snow in his mansion, secretaries or something.
I grew up thinking that the man raising me was my father until I began my training for the games. That's when one of my older brothers, Lakin, told me the truth. I didn't believe him at first. That night when I got home I mentioned it to my parents. I was devastated to learn it was true. Turns out my 'step father' couldn't actually father children of his own. So he and my mother came up with the plan to get pregnant with a Victor's child. They wanted a child with a high potential to win the games and get them out of the squalor they lived in. basically I was conceived to raise them out of poverty."
"I'm sorry to interrupt you Leonitus, but how old were you when you learned this?" asks Madge.
"I was nine and it shattered my world. I never could understand why my family on my step-dad's side didn't like me. I was bullied by my 'cousins'. It made sense when I finally learned the truth. But then things at home began to change. My 'father' started drinking more and my mother became withdrawn. I was 10 when the beatings began and 14 when my mother died."
Leonitus pauses, looking down at his clasped hands in front of him. The silence was deafening.
"How did your mom die Leonitus?" asks Tavin, curiosity getting the best of him.
"Tavin, that's not something you just ask like that!" exclaims Marvel, embarrassed over his brother's lack of tact.
Leonitus looks at the brothers sadly. "It's okay Marvel. Tavin is obviously curious." He looks down before taking. "It's my fault. I had realized that I was attracted to boys as well as girls when I was 13. I told my parents that I was confused about it and they never really did explain anything. They just seemed to accept me liking both sexes. My mother seemed more accepting than my step-dad but all I knew was that I felt better that I told them. I then met a boy not much later and brought him to the house. He was a year older than me and I thought he was absolutely perfect. We were in my room and soon we began to fool around. We were on my bed in just our underwear kissing and grinding against one another when my mother walked in. She never said one word, just turned around and walked out. The guy left not much later, dressing quickly. We were never together again after that night."
"What happened to the guy?" questions Rie, interrupting the tale.
"He freaked out being caught by my mother. He kept repeating that I was just an experiment to see if he was gay and that he wasn't. Then he told me that I was never to speak of what had just happened between the two of us. As he walked out my front door, he whispered in my ear that he'd kill me if he ever found out that I told anyone. He died in the 73rd games, leaving behind a very pregnant wife and a very confused boyfriend who didn't know about the wife."
Leonitus sat there quietly remembering his first relationship and the aftermath.
"Then what happened at home?" Wheet asks trying to get the story back on track.
"My mother swallowed a bottle of sleeping pills that night and died. I blamed myself for letting her see me like that and my step-dad just simply blamed me. Eventually his drinking got worse and so did his hatred towards me. That's when he began to abuse me. And I took it, believing every word he said about me. By the time I was 16, I was taking that abuse and turning it back onto others. I began hitting whomever I was with – male or female. I then started to hang with those 'cousins' that hated me when I was younger. It was so bad. I even slept with a couple of them – the guys not the girls. I told myself it was okay because they weren't my real family or anything."
"What about my brother Gavin?" asks Clove angrily. "Are you the one that beat him?"
"Gavin was my light in the dark world I lived in. He was trying to help me get away from all the bad in my life. So to answer your question Clove, no, I never hit him and I wasn't the one who raped him. But I do have my own theories about who could've done it. Unfortunately I have no way to prove it. I want you to know that he really was helping me when he was still alive."
"But he seemed so certain it was you," Clove said quietly.
"I know Clove, but I honestly did not do it. I have a brother and 2 cousins on my mother's side that I've been told I looked like and actually been confused for. I fell in love with Gavin, Clove. I was going to get away from my abusers and ask him to move in with me when he turned 18. When he killed himself, I gave up. I knew that without him in my life I would return to my old ways, and I did. I also vowed never to fall in love again."
"What about Cato? Did you drug him? Was it really you?" fires Peeta, his voice breaking.
"Yes, unfortunately it was," Leonitus admits. He turns to Cato. "I was really tired of all the accusations and decided just to be that 'bad boy' that everyone believed me to be. You were the first person I picked and I'm truly sorry for what I did to you. You were, and still are, so very attractive and that's why I chose you. I just hope that now that you know, that maybe one day you'll be able to forgive me."
Cato doesn't say anything. He actually looks down to avoid Leonitus' gaze.
"So, what made you go after our Peeta?" asks Gale.
"I first saw him on the reaping recap. I was interested but not over Cato yet. I then began to watch him during the games training. I began to realize he was rather attractive – almost as much as I found Cato to be. I also noticed Cato watching him and I began to get jealous. I watched as Cato began to change. He wasn't the blood thirsty guy I had known in 2. I realized that Peeta was changing him much in the way Gavin had changed me. I don't know the exact moment I decided I wanted Peeta or why I went after him the way I did in the arena or even in 13." Leonitus rubs the back of his neck, shame flooding through him. "I can tell you that that a part of me wanted the old Cato back. I was most definitely attracted to that brutal part of him. But I also wanted that, uh, calmness that Peeta had brought to Cato – which Gavin had brought to me once." He looks down to his lap. "I still do," he admits quietly. "It's the main reason I invoked the 2 suitor rule. I'm not really the bully I've shown to people. At least I don't want to be that way. I just…" he buries his face in his hands, elbows resting on the table.
Everyone at the table is stunned into silence, trying to make sense of what they've heard so far. Not one of them knowing exactly what to say next. After several minutes pass, Finnick is the first to speak.
"That's just… wow! I can't, and won't, speak for the others but I'm willing to give you a chance to show the real you," he says reaching for Leonitus' hand that was placed on the table during Finnick's speech.
"Thank you Finnick," replies Leonitus looking at Finnick's hand on his. "It means a lot to me."
After the others begin to add their voices of support Clove says, "You best be telling the truth or I will be sticking my knife in your heart!"
Boggs and Jackson walk up and join the group.
"We found out why we were able to take 5 in such a short time today. And without a single shot fired!" Boggs states.
"It turns out that Snow is pulling peacekeepers from the districts. He's concentrating all his man power to Districts 1 and 2 as well as the Capitol. District 3 is now under rebel control and 4 will be soon," adds Jackson.
"So, it's going to be an early night and morning for you all. We're heading to 4 first thing in the morning when the newly trained troops arrive to replace us. Make sure you're packed and ready to go by 7 am," Boggs tells the group. "No excuses."
"Leonitus, you and your two guards will be joining us as per Coin's orders," Jackson says. "Your guards will be released back to their squad when we arrive in 4 and you will be under Boggs and my guard."
"Sounds good ma'am. Thank you," Leonitus replies stunning everyone yet again. He is truly trying to be a better person.
A few moments later the group begins to get up and head to their tents. They know that the sooner they pack, the less they have to do before leaving the next day. Leonitus and his guards leave first after wishing everyone a good night. The last to leave are Cato, Clove, Gale, and Finnick.
"I don't know that I believe Leonitus' story. I think he might be lying to gain Peeta's trust," Clove says.
"Why don't we find out if there's anyone going back to 13. We can send a message to Foxface and ask her to check out his story," suggests Gale.
"I say we send it with Rory or Prim. I overheard Dr. Aurelius and Mrs. Everdeen before dinner discussing sending them back to get more supplies they want when they go to the next camp," Cato tells them.
"I'll talk to Boggs and Jackson about Leonitus joining us when we board tomorrow," Finnick says. "You know the saying – keep your friends close and your enemies closer."
"I guess it's a good thing we're all friends here, eh Finnick?" teases Clove.
"Hey, after this morning, Finnick proved himself to me," says Gale. "I watched as he passed the note just as we planned. I can't believe he did as we asked."
"Thanks Gale, but most of the credit should go to Cato," Finnick says turning to the blonde. "Whatever you said to him this morning must have made him want to open up. Even if the story turns out to be a pack of lies."
"Yeah, about that, I kinda used Peeta as a way to get him to talk," Cato admits rubbing his hand on the back of his neck. "I honestly didn't think it would work. But I think that there is a bit of truth to his story. I may not believe the whole thing but there's just something…. I can't explain it."
"In a way, using Peeta was a good idea Cato," Clove says intentionally ignoring the comments he made about Leonitus. She turns to Finnick. "Hey Finn, you mentioned this morning that you had overheard Brutus and Peeta talking and knew you had to talk to me. What did you hear?"
Finnick wipes his hands down his pants. "Uh, well Peeta had a dream last night about him and Cato but I was in it."
"Peeta had a dream and we were both in it? Care to tell your friends about it?" asks Cato.
Finnick nods and begins to tell the other 3 about Peeta's dream.
"And after Peeta and Brutus left, I wanted to talk to Clove. I wanted to ask her what her opinion was about taking a page from Peeta's dream for getting rid of Leonitus. But then this morning we all sat together and the point became mute," Finnick says.
"Huh, now that I've heard the dream, you're right Finnick. We did take a page from the dream," Gale says chuckling.
Meanwhile
Peeta, Brutus, and Enobaria break off from the rest of the group and head towards the fountain in the city center to discuss Peeta's upcoming 'dates'.
"So, we found out that your next date with Leonitus and Cato has been planned," Enobaria says.
"Cool," Peeta says uninterested. "When are they?" he asks kicking a pebble.
"In District 4," Brutus tells him. "Leonitus will be taking you to a carnival on the pier. Finnick, Madge, Eno, and I will be coming with you."
"And what am I doing with Cato?" Peeta wonders aloud.
"You and Cato will be going to the beach for and afternoon for fun and games, swimming, and a sunset weenie roast. You will be joined by Katniss, Marvel, Johanna, and Wheet," Enobaria tells him.
"Wait! You and Brutus won't be with us at the beach? I thought you two had to be there for all my dates as chaperones," Peeta ponders.
"Normally that would be true. But since your oldest brother will be with you, we've been given the chance to sit this one out," Enobaria admits.
"But just because we aren't going to be there, don't think you and Cato will be able to sneak away for any private time either," Brutus adds. "Just because we Eno and I aren't going to be on the beach with you doesn't mean that we won't be too far away either."
"When do these 'dates' take place?" asks Peeta.
"The day after tomorrow," Brutus replies. "Your dates are pretty popular in the Capitol. Our spies there are saying that your love life is a major hot topic there."
"Great," Peeta says rather sarcastically. "What else do the wonderful Capitol citizens have to say about me?" he asks not really wanting to know the answer but curious at the same time.
"Well, most are invested in you and Cato," Enobaria tells him. "But there are a growing number of citizens that want to see you with Leonitus."
"Ugh, are you kidding me?" Peeta asks. "I love Cato. I only want to be with him." He sits down on the edge of the fountain. "Why is my life always in such turmoil?"
"I know this is a lot to take in Peeta but keep your head up," Brutus tells Peeta. "Look at it like this – we have most of the districts on our side now. Soon we'll be in the Capitol and removing Snow from power and giving freedom to all of Panem. Once that happens, the 2 suitor rule can be eliminated and you will be with Cato."
"You make it sound so simple Brutus," Peeta says dejectedly. "But I can't help but feel that Coin isn't that different from Snow. As I see it, she may even be worse."
"You may be right Peeta," Enobaria says. "But we need to focus on getting rid of Snow first. Plus, Foxface is doing her part to investigate Coin with Beetee's help. By the time we get to the Capitol, we'll know more than enough to deal with her."
"You're right Eno," Peeta says smiling. "While I got you two here, what did you think of Leonitus' confession? Was it believable?"
"I'm honestly not sure about a lot of it," Brutus admits. "If his father is who I think he claims it is, than the part about all the children is true. But I can't say if he was completely honest."
"If it's all true, then I'm surprised that he didn't break down sooner," says Enobaria. "I used to watch him in the training center of 2. He was a fierce fighter. Almost as good as Cato. But I think we still need to keep an eye on him around you still."
"Thanks guys. You two are the only ones that are keeping me in one piece right now," Peeta admits shyly. "It's times like this that I feel like I don't know which way is up."
"Don't get all girly on us Peeta," Enobaria teases. She looks at her watch. "We better head to our tents and get packing. Stick close to us on the hovercraft tomorrow Peeta. We don't want to make it look like you've made a decision before the time is up on that crappy rule. Although everyone here knows you want to be with Cato, we still need to make it look good to the public."
"Sure thing Eno," Peeta tells her as they walk to the tents.
Back in District 13
"Stop worrying so much Fennel," Hazel says. "Your boys, the girls, and Gale are fine. You saw the footage, there wasn't even any gunfire or bloodshed."
"I know and you're right," Fennel replies. "It's just that Peeta seemed so fragile when he left. I've never seen him like that before. And Leonitus is there too. That boy is a danger to our son."
Hazel smiles as she understands that Fennel is referring to her raising Peeta after he was kicked out. She gets up from the couch she was sitting on and crosses over to the one Fennel was on. "Peeta is stronger than you think. What happened with that other boy is just a stumbling block. Cato and Peeta share a love that is strong. And now that he has you and his brothers in his life again, he has even more reasons to fight. After they get 4 into rebel hands, all our boys will be back here for a short time before they head out again. They'll conquer 1 and 2 before heading to the Capitol. Once Snow is gone, Maxamilian said all the laws passed in 2 will be null and void. Cato and Peeta will get their happy-ever-after."
Fennel turns to her. "How do you always know what to say to me to make me feel better?" he asks before leaning over to peck her lips.
"Women's intuition," she whispers against his lips before kissing him back with passion.
Elsewhere in 13
Foxface and Beetee are in a hidden room, going over more of the paperwork.
"The more I look over these papers, the more I think some of them are lies, fake," Beetee says fed up.
"What do you mean?" asks Foxface.
"Well, look at the pages the family lineages are on," he says holding up a small stack of papers. "Some of these pages look older than the others, like they've aged with time. Take this page that says that Peeta's mother is Snow's niece. It has a slightly yellow tint to it whereas this page that claims that Cato, Clove, Brutus, and Enobaria share a relative is whiter."
"Maybe I can talk to Maxamilian about this," Foxface says contemplating what she just heard. "When we were studying the 2 Suitor Rule earlier, he mentioned that his wife had been able to grab the families ancestry book."
"That's a great idea," Beetee says. "How is the rule research going anyway?"
"You can't imagine all the rules," Foxface admits. "And the language is so complicated. We only got about a quarter of the way through before he had to leave. He's training the new troops that are leaving tomorrow."
"Why don't you go talk to him now?" he suggests. "There's still an hour before bedtime and lights out. You have a photocopy of this family history page with the supposed relation. I suggest you take it and show it to Maxamilian. He could be a great asset to this investigation."
"Good idea. Thanks Beetee," Foxface responds. "Let's clean this up and I'll go talk to him before curfew."
Ten minutes later, Foxface finds herself knocking on the Canelos' door feeling slightly nervous.
"Camille my dear, please come in," Maxamilian says as he opens the door wider to let her in. "What can I do for you?" he asks as he closes the door behind her.
"I actually have something to show you as well as a favor to ask," she tells him.
"I'll do what I can to help," he tells her, directing her to the sofa. He sits and listens to her tale, glancing at the paper she brought to show him. He agrees to help. "The book is over here. Come, let's check this out," he says as he stands up.
Thirty minutes later Foxface was in her room writing a note to Peeta and the gang. In the morning she'd give it to one of the new soldiers to give to Peeta.
District 5 – the next morning
Clove runs over to the tent where the medical personnel was sleeping. She sees Prim and Rory packed and ready to return to 13.
"Prim!" Clove calls out.
"Hey Clove, what can I do for you?" she asks.
"I have a letter for Foxface," Clove replies smiling. "Would it be possible for you to give it to her?"
"Sure," Prim answers. Clove hands her the envelope. "Anything else I can do for you?" Prim asks.
"Just be safe," Clove replies. She turns to Rory. "You too Rory. Say hi to your mom for me." She turns to walk away. She stops, looks over her shoulder and says, "I hope to see you both in 4 soon."
"Bye Clove," the two youngsters say together as Clove exits the tent.
Clove runs back to her tent, gathers her stuff together, and heads over to await the hovercraft with the rest of the teams. About 10 minutes later, the hovercraft lands. She watches as the new team disembarks. A gorgeous, tall young man with dark brown hair and gold eyes walks over towards their group. He stops when he is in front of Peeta.
"Are you Peeta," he asks. His voice is as sultry as his looks.
"I am," Peeta replies unaffected by the good looking man in front of him.
"These are for you," the man says handing Peeta 2 envelopes bearing his name.
"Thank you," Peeta says as the hunk turns to walk away.
"The name's Mason and you are very welcome," he replies over his shoulder, giving Peeta a wink, as he rejoins his squad.
Clove checks to see Cato's reaction and is thankful that he seems to be deep in conversation with Finnick, Gale, and Leonitus. She catches Peeta sliding the envelopes into his vest pocket and smiles. She recognized the handwriting on one of the envelopes – it belongs to Foxface. She hopes that it's good news inside that letter.
Peeta gets on the hovercraft and sits between Brutus and Enobaria as he was told the night before. Directly across from him, Cato sits. Gale sits to Cato's left and Finnick to his right, which confuses Peeta greatly as he wonders when and how the two became friends. Leonitus sits next to Finnick when Finn calls him over. Now Peeta is so bewildered his head is swimming with questions. As the rest of the group comes in and takes their seats, Peeta shakes his head and pulls out the letter that Mason handed him. He knew the guy was flirting with him, but he had enough on his plate dealing with loving Cato and dating Leonitus. As he looks at the envelopes, he sees Foxface's writing and wonders what new hell she's found now. The other envelope is thicker and has Hazel's handwriting. Slightly worried now, he tucks Foxface's note back in his pocket and opens the one from Hazel. Turns out there are 4 notes tucked into the envelope – one for him, Wheet, Rie, and Gale. Once the hovercraft is safely in the air, he gets up and gives the other boys theirs before sitting down and reading his own. He smiles as he recognizes his dad's handwriting.
Dearest Peeta,
Hey son. How are you? I'm not doing so well. I miss my girls and boys – all of you, Cato included. Hazel is doing her best to keep me from going crazy. I'm not baking as much anymore as so many of you are out in the districts, protecting the citizens of Panem. With more time on my hands, the more I tend to worry about my kids. Sae has decided to take me under her wing and is teaching me how to do more than just bake. Wish her luck and keep your fingers crossed.
Love, Dad
Dear Peeta,
Hi sweetie, Hazel here. Chin up my son. Keep your head on straight and I will see you soon. Remember that you do this right and Cato will be yours forever.
Love Mama Hazel
Hi Peeta. I didn't have time to draw you a picture this time.
Love Posy
Peeta's eyes fill with tears. He fights to keep them from falling down his cheeks and causing the others to worry more about him. He is so very happy to have the three people he cares most about sending him love from 13. What Peeta missed was the concerned looks on both Cato and Leonitus' faces moments ago. Finnick realizes that both are looking intently at Peeta so he looks over. While concerned about what could be causing the tears, he knows that Peeta will talk about it when he's ready.
Peeta opens the letter from Foxface and reads:
Hiya Peeta
Some interesting news for you. Remember those 'family trees' we found in Coin's boxes? Well, it turns out that the information may be false! Well, some of it anyway. Cato and Brutus seem to possibly share an ancestor but it doesn't look like they share one with Clove and Enobaria. Tonight I am to meet with Clove's family to see if they can possible shed any light on this. I will keep you posted on my progress. Also, if you could ask Finnick if he has something about his family tree that I can study, that would be so very much appreciated.
Beetee and I found a box of videos the other day. Beetee is going to view them tomorrow. There are about 15 videos to be gone through. We're unsure how long the videos are so we don't have a time table for that. But as soon as I know anything, I'll tell you.
Oh, one last thing – I may be joining you all when you head to District 2! Beetee too!
Well, that's all for now. Come back to 13 safely and bring Cato home safely as well .
Your friend,
Foxface
p.s. I almost forgot. Your mother may still be related to Snow. I need to talk to your Dad soon.
Peeta's emotions are all over the place – shock, happiness, and embarrassment being the 3 prominent ones. He turns to Brutus.
"Can you, Eno, and I speak privately for a minute?" he asks quietly so as not to be overheard.
"Sure," he replies. "Eno, let's take Peeta for a stroll. He needs a moment to collect himself and his thoughts," he adds whisper yelling to Enobaria.
Eno looks at the 2 guys, looking for a clue. "Sure, let's go," she replies somehow understanding that Peeta has some news to share from one of his letters.
The three get up and leave the room. They walk through a couple halls before finding an empty room in which to talk. Peeta tells them of Foxface's findings leaving the pair in shock.
"When we get back, I'll go through my family tree with her and Beetee," Enobaria says. "I thought for sure the names on that paper seemed familiar."
"When we get to District 2, I'll go to my secret place and get my family book for Foxface as well," Brutus says thinking.
"At least you guys have a way to find proof," Peeta says sadly. "Unless my parents had a secret place like Brutus, it looks like my family tree is going to start with my parents. Everything my family owned, Snow bombed and burned."
"Don't give up hope Peeta," Enobaria says placing a hand on his shoulder. "There may still be a way to check and confirm everything."
"How's that going to happen?" Peeta asks curiously.
"You know the check-in procedure before the reapings?" Enobaria asks slyly. As soon as Peeta nods his affirmation, she continues. "You didn't think that information is kept in the districts, did you?"
"Well, yeah I did," Peeta admits. "I watched Old Cray, the District 12 Head peacekeeper, take them into the Justice building. But the one in 12 was destroyed, remember?"
"Right," Brutus agrees. "But the items in question aren't actually left in the basement of the local districts basements. They're placed in crates and shipped to the Capitol with the tributes. No one the wiser."
"So, how did you find out about this?" asks Peeta.
"Ah…, well, I explored the train once when I first became a mentor," Brutus begins explaining. "I can't tell you how I got past the peacekeepers guarding the door but I found the crate. I opened it carefully only to find the reaping records."
"Why can't you tell me how you got past the peacekeepers?" asks Peeta really curious as to how it was done.
"It's not something I'm proud of Peeta," Brutus tells him. "Just know that it's something I will never attempt again. And no, it wasn't anything sexual Eno." He adds turning towards her.
"I didn't say a word," she replies, rolling her eyes, hands up in surrender. "But we should head back now. We're either really close to 4 by now or we're going to be served some food."
"Well, that is… Uh, I don't even know how to respond," Brutus says confused.
"You do realize this brings more questions," Peeta says heading to the door. "Especially after the whole baby switch fiasco."
"We'll talk to Foxface and Beetee next time we see them," Brutus says following Peeta and Enobaria out the door.
The trio return to their seats across from Cato and the rest. Cato turns to Peeta and gives him a gentle smile before turning back to his conversation with Finnick and Leonitus. Moments later, Leonitus then Finnick also turn to Peeta to give him a smile. Peeta is now certain something is going on with the trio. He begin to wonder if Gale and Clove are in on it when they both wink at him when he looks at them.
"There's something fishy going on with the 5 of them," Brutus whispers in Peeta's ear.
"Tell me about it," Peeta replies with a whisper of his own before he sees Boggs walking in.
"Alright squads," Boggs voice booms. "There's food ready so follow me."
As they eat, Boggs and Jackson explain that District 4 is now pretty much under rebel control but there are rumors that Ariel was hiding out somewhere in the district, looking for something or someone. The mission for the 2 squads was now to find her and capture her. The mission would begin the day after tomorrow due to Peeta having his 'dates the following day. Plus, it gives time to gather more Intel on Ariel's movements within the district. Finnick surprises everyone by suggesting a tour of his home district followed by a home cooked meal at his home. Boggs and Jackson surprisingly agree.
They land in 4 about an hour later. Jackson volunteers to take a small squad already assigned to this district to Finnick's house to do a safety sweep of the home. Finnick's tour is to end at his house, meeting up with Jackson.
Brutus, Enobaria, and Peeta quietly discuss how to get Finnick alone and ask him for his family history while Finnick proudly shows off his district. It doesn't escape anyone's notice how loved he is by his home district.
Arriving at Finnick's home, the group is amazed to see how close it is to the ocean and pier. After giving them a tour of his 6 bedroom home, Boggs and Jackson decide that the 2 squads will stay at the house. Better for Peeta's scheduled 'dates' the next day, everyone agrees with the decision. The girls decide that they'd like to take a real shower, particularly those that spent more than a month in District 5.
While the girls were bathing, word came that Cinna and Portia arrived in 4 with Pollux and Castor for the dates happening the following day. It is arranged for them to stay in the house next door that once belonged to Annie. The small group is being guarded by a small squad from 13 led by Maxamilian Canelos. It was decided that the two households would have dinner together on the beach an hour before sundown.
Cato is thrilled to be able to spend some time with his dad again. He has missed him a lot. It also doesn't escape his notice that Peeta has disappeared again with Brutus and Enobaria. Now that he thinks about it, Finnick and Boggs haven't been around since the announcement about dinner either. When he speaks to Jackson about the missing members, she tells him not to worry. 'Yeah right,' Cato thinks to himself.
Peeta, upon hearing that Maxamilian was next door, has Brutus and Enobaria get permission for him to speak to the man. Brutus asks permission to take Finnick with them when he explains to Boggs about the letters from Foxface. Boggs was aware of the investigation and agrees to let Finnick go. When Finnick is informed that he is needed to go to talk to Maxamilian, he is surprised. He shows the group a hidden, yet quick path that leads to the other house that is located underground.
Once at Annie's house, Maxamilian joins the group in the library of the house. After Peeta and Maxamilian tear filled reunion, they sit and talk. Peeta pulls out the papers he and Foxface had gathered and begins to tell him about what they had discovered; unaware that Foxface had already talked to Maxamilian. Finnick learns of the newest letter from Foxface that contradicts the previous information of the family relationships of Brutus, Enobaria, Clove, and Cato. When Peeta finishes, Maxamilian pulls a thick envelope from his jacket.
"I have talked to Foxface just the other day about this," Maxamilian tells Peeta. "My wife was brilliant enough to pack our family tree book when we prepared to go to District 13. Ceteria was afraid to leave it behind. Cresentia had the same idea and brought Clove's family tree book as well." Max hands the thick envelope to Peeta. "Foxface and Beetee stayed up late last night and poured over the information in the books." He turns to Finnick, "I'm glad they invited you along as Foxface asked me to ask you if you had any information on your family tree and if it would be possible to examine it."
Finnick, still in shock from all the new information he heard, looks at Maxamilian. "I do actually. So did Annie and Mags," he adds tears in his eyes as he mentions Mags. He stands and walks to a painting on the wall. He removes the painting and reveals a hidden safe. He opens it and pulls out 3 books. "We had this secretly installed here when Annie found out she was pregnant. She insisted on it and Mags and I decided to keep our family books here," he tells the group. He hands the books to Max. "Please take these to Foxface and tell her she has my permission to go through all three books. I'm happy to do anything to help with her investigation." He turns to close the safe and notices an envelope in the safe with his name on it. He takes it out and recognizes Annie's handwriting. He slips the envelope into his pocket as he shut the safe door. He replaces the painting and returns to his seat.
"What about her own family tree?" Peeta asks Maxamilian. "Do you know if she's going over that too?"
"I honestly don't know son," Maxamilian replies. "Maybe the answer is in that envelope I gave you."
"Thanks Max, for delivering this to me," Peeta says sincerely clutching the envelope. "I know it carries a heavy risk to you and your family."
"You are my family too Peeta," Maxamilian says smiling at him. Before he can say more, Cinna knocks and enters the room.
"Sorry to interrupt," he says as he walks in. "I heard that Peeta and Finnick were here and I have something to give them."
"You're not interrupting Cinna," Maxamilian replies. "We were just about done here anyway."
"Then I'm glad I caught you when I did," Cinna says smiling widely as he walks over to the group pulling out a stack of letters from behind his back. "I have mail!" He removes the top envelope and hands it to Finnick before handing the rest of the stack to Peeta. "These are letters from your families."
Peeta and Finnick take the letters and thank Cinna.
"I hate to be the party pooper," Boggs says standing up. "But we really need to head back before too many of the others begin to notice our absence."
They all stand up and Maxamilian gives Peeta another manly hug before they leave, whispering in his ear causing the younger man to smile broadly.
"See you all later at dinner," Max says as they enter the secret passage.
Back at Finnick's house, the small group quickly sneaks in and separate. Finnick goes to his private office to read his letters. He opens the one from 13 first. It's from the ladies that are watching his son while he's out on these missions. With the letter is a picture of his son. Seeing the photo, Finnick begins to cry. He can see how much his son has changed in the short time he has been gone. He has a tooth coming in now. Finnick is startled by a knock on the door.
"Finnick, are you alright?" a voice asks.
Finnick wipes the tears from his face as he goes to the door. Upon opening the door, he's a little surprised to see Leonitus standing there.
"I'm sorry to bother you. I was walking by and heard crying," Leonitus says looking down at his feet.
"It's alright," Finnick says. "I was just missing my son."
"Oh. I'll, uh, just go. Uhm, sorry to, uh, have bothered you," Leonitus stammers.
Finnick looks to make sure no one is around before pulling Leonitus into the room and shutting the door. He turns to Leonitus, "I got a letter from 13 today and inside was a picture of my son." He hands Leonitus the picture. "It just hit me how much I'm missing of his life while helping with the rebellion," he tells the younger man before the tears begin to fall again.
Leonitus isn't sure what to do. He sees a small couch and pulls Finnick towards it. They sit and he awkwardly pulls Finnick closer to try and comfort him.
While Finnick is in his office, Peeta has been looking for his friends. He finds the guys in a bedroom upstairs, talking amongst themselves.
"Hey guys," Peeta says walking in, Brutus and Enobaria on his tail. "I just received some mail for you." He hands them each an envelope.
"Got to love parents," Rie says taking his envelope. He looks at the writing. "Dad must be really bored to write again so soon," he laughs.
"Uh, Peet, Rie, Wheet? I think your dad wrote me as well," Gale says shocked, opening his envelope.
"Cool," Wheet says as he opens his own envelope.
A few moments later, Gale speaks again. "He wants my permission to propose to my mother," Gale says quietly dumbfounded.
"He what!?" the three brothers exclaim at the same time.
"Cool," Cato, Marvel, and Tavin say at the same time as the brother's exclamation.
"Your dad wants to marry my mother," Gale says softly as the letter he was holding flutters to the floor and he sits on the bed in disbelief. "I hadn't realized how serious they were," he adds as he slides off the bed to the floor.
Peeta rushes over to Gale, making the older man look at him. "Gale, relax and breathe." He turns and thrusts the girl's letter towards Enobaria. "Could you please take these, find the girls, and deliver them for me? I need to be with Gale right now."
"Sure thing Peeta," Enobaria says as she takes the letters.
"They were in the room 2 doors down," Marvel tells her as she heads to the door.
"Thanks Marvel," she calls over her shoulder as she walks out the door.
Peeta's focus is back on Gale's shocked form immediately. "Gale, please relax," he says worriedly.
"What do I tell him Peet?" Gale asks not really seeing the younger man in front of him. "Why does he want my permission to ask?"
"That's easy to answer," Cato says as he kneels down next to Gale. "You are the oldest son, the 'man of the house' so to speak. If he marries your mother, he will be basically taking that title from you thus asking for your permission to do so," he explains gently.
"It just seems so sudden," Gale says, his voice shaking.
"Well, dad did go to your house to watch the games," Rie says.
"And that was a couple months ago," adds Wheet.
"Then there was the family meeting to discuss their dating," Cato also adds.
"Guys, you're not helping here," Peeta says exasperated. He looks at Gale. "You know you have time to think about this, to weigh your thoughts, and to ask your mom how she feels about my dad if you want."
At the last suggestion, Gale's eyes snap to Peeta's face. "And how do you propose I do that? I'm here in 4 and she's in 13!"
"Write her a letter," Peeta replies calmly. "Just ask her how she feels about my dad without mentioning the letter to you from him or the possible proposal."
Gale sits there, quietly thinking. He knows Peeta's probably okay with the proposal. He wonders how Rory, Vick, Rie, and Wheet feel about it. He turns to the older brothers. "I'm pretty sure I know Peeta's thoughts about all this, but I'm really curious as to what my brothers and you two feel about this Rie and Wheet."
Rie and Wheet share an amused look before turning towards Gale.
"I'm surprisingly okay with our parents getting hitched," Wheet says smiling.
"I agree with Wheet," Rie relies. "Plus if they did marry, think of how huge the family will become. You do know what that means?" he asks with a giant, stupid grin on his face and wiggling his eyebrows.
Gale, Peeta, and Wheet share a confused look before they turn to Rie and Gale asks, "No, what does that mean?"
"More presents on your birthday!" Rie exclaims looking at them as if they were idiots.
"You are such a dork," Wheet says shaking his head.
Gale reaches up and grabs a pillow from the bed behind him and hits Rie with it. "I don't know if I should hit you for real or make fun of you. How do you figure there will be more presents?"
"Well, you get one from the whole family now right?" Rie asks Gale.
Gale nods but is still skeptical of Rie.
"Now, as an adult you can get more because of the need for families to stick together," Rie explains.
"That makes absolutely zero sense, you moron," Wheet says as he pops Rie in the back of his head.
"Oww," Rie says rubbing the back of his head. "Allow me to dumb it down for you then O' wise one! Let's say you marry Johanna, Peeta marries Cato, I marry Camille, Rory marries Prim -"
"Rory isn't old enough to get married!" Gale states exasperated.
"Can I please finish?" Rie asks. "Anyway, where was I? Oh yeah, all of us married. Now let's say Johanna has a kid, Peeta and Cato adopt, and Camille has a –"
"Poor fricking kid," Wheet mutters under his breath.
Rie hears but ignores his brother. "Now Gale, let's say it's your birthday and your wife Clove throws you a party inviting all your now considerably larger family. Some of us travelling long distances to be there for you. All of us come, bearing gifts. Why? The children!"
"And how does that explain anything?" Gale asks beginning to get annoyed.
"As children, we were taught you never arrive at a party empty handed. It's bad manners so you bring something either bought or hand made," Rie explains.
"Okay Rie, I think I get what you are trying to say," Gale says chuckling now.
"Wow, district 12 is weird," Brutus comments laughing and shaking his head. "Too much coal dust in the air I think."
"Hey, watch it! That is our home brainless!" Peeta teases back. Brutus laughs as do the others.
"Come on Peeta," Brutus says when the laughter dies down. "We promised we'd help Eno with that thing."
"Coming," Peeta replies sadly. He stands with help from Cato. The two share a quick yet loving look before Peeta walks out following Brutus.
Cato stands and stares at the door that Peeta just exited, a silent tear falling down his cheek.
"This fucking sucks!" Marvel exclaims. "Ever since that twat Leonitus started this mess, Peeta has been unable to hang out with us much."
"The sooner we kill Snow, the sooner this will be over. Cato and Peeta will get their happy ending and we will get Peeta back in our lives," Wheet says as he put a hand on Cato's shoulder. "We all miss spending time with him."
"I need him," is all Cato can say.
The next chapter is Peeta's dates with Leonitus and Cato. I'm sorry this took so long to post. My daddy came for my sister's wedding last week and had decided to stay for an extra week to visit. (Yes, I'm a married adult that still calls her dad 'daddy'). I have the next 4 chapters hand written, just need to type and post. There's a chapter coming up that I can't wait to post! I didn't even see it coming lol.
Disclaimer: I own nothing but the plot.