The Games We Played
Chapter 23 Peeta's 2 dates
Peeta wakes up in a rather large in a near panic until he hears the ocean waves crashing on the shore coming from the open window reminding him he was in District 4. He looks over and sees a sleeping figure. Before he can panic about who it is, the figure rolls over and Peeta recognizes Brutus' sleeping face. Peeta then recalls that Finnick offered them his master bedroom, insisted really.
As he lies there, he thinks about the dates for today, one with Leonitus and the other with Cato. To his shock and surprise, he finds himself looking forward to his date with Leonitus. But he can't pin point exactly why. He supposes that it could be because he is excited to go to the carnival on the pier. He's never been to one. Before he has a chance to decide it's time to get out of bed, there's a knock on the door. The door flies open causing Brutus to fall out of bed.
"Good morning you two," Cinna says entering the room. "Sorry Brutus, I did knock first," he adds noticing Brutus sitting up on the floor with a scowl on his face.
"Its fine Cinna," Brutus replies as he sits back on the bed. He notices Finnick and Leonitus standing behind Cinna. "I take it that it's time to start getting ready then?" he asks gesturing to the pair behind Cinna.
"Yes it is," Cinna tells him. "Portia is going to get the girls ready today and I'm doing the 4 of you."
"Well then, let's get started," Brutus comments before turning to face Finnick and Leonitus. "Good morning you two. Are you ready for this morning?" he asks.
"Good morning Brutus. Yes we are ready," they both replied at the same time, causing all 5 men in the room to smile.
"Did you two sleep well?" Finnick asks as he and Leonitus move closer to the bed.
"I slept very well," Brutus answers. "Peeta?"
"I did as well. No nightmares or anything," Peeta replies rather shyly. He turns to look at Finnick. "Thank you again for giving us your room Finnick."
"You are very welcome Peeta," Finnick replies with a small smile. "It was the best option for the situation.
Peeta only nodded. He couldn't stay in one of the other rooms as Cato was in one and Leonitus was in the other. Finnick was eventually assigned to the room with Leonitus. And even though he's gay, it just wouldn't be proper to stay in one of the room's with the girls either.
"Alright," Cinna says clapping his hands. "I have breakfast being brought up here. As soon as you're done eating, you'll start getting dressed and ready to go."
Just then Cato, Gale, Rie, and Wheet enter each carrying a chair. Right behind them was Marvel and Tavin carrying a small folding table. The six boys quickly get the table and chairs set up and leave the slightly crowded room.
Next Clove, Katniss, Madge, and Delly enter, each carrying a tray with a covered plate, a glass of orange juice, and silverware wrapped in a cloth napkin. As with the guys moments ago, they quickly and quietly place the items on the table and leave.
The four guys sit down and eat quickly as Cinna goes about the room setting out the robes and clothes that are brought in by Enobaria, Johanna, Gloss, and Cashmere.
When the four guys finish eating, Marvel and Tavin remove the table after Clove, Katniss, Delly, and Cashmere remove the dirty dishes.
Brutus showers first followed by Leonitus, Finnick, and Peeta. As they finish getting dressed, Cinna has them sit in their chairs and begins to get them ready. The 4 are dressed in similar outfits consisting of khaki shorts, t-shirts, and sandals. When they're ready, Cinna leads them down the stairs to where Madge and Enobaria are waiting. Both ladies are wearing sundresses and sandals. Madge's dress matches the emerald green t-shirt that Finnick is wearing and Enobaria is wearing a midnight blue dress to match the shirt Brutus is wearing. Peeta and Leonitus are the only couple that colors don't match but complement each other. Peeta's shirt is orange and Leonitus' is red.
The 6 say good bye to those that are staying behind and head out the door. Finnick and Madge lead the way down to the beach and then to the pier. It takes less than 10 minutes to walk to their destination. Madge and Peeta are a little overwhelmed at what they see, yet excited to try everything. They all hear approaching footsteps.
"Normally the carnival is open to everyone but for this morning only it is just for the 6 of you," Castor explains as he and Pollux walk up to them. "It was done to keep the 6 of you from being mobbed," Castor explains when he notices the confused look on Peeta's face. "You're wasting time standing there staring at us. Go and have some fun!" he laughs moments later when no one moves.
"Right,' Finnick says snapping out of it and grabs Madge's hand. "Let's play some games first," he adds leading them over to the rows of game booths. They start with the game where they have to knock down a pyramid of bottles with a small white ball. Finnick and Enobaria are the only ones to manage to knock down every bottle, each winning a blue teddy bear. The next game was one where they threw a large orange ball into a basket. There Finnick, Brutus, and Leonitus each won a yellow dog. They next went to the skee ball game. Madge got the highest score of them all and won a medium sized pink teddy bear. The last game they agreed to play involved using a water gun and shooting water into a small hole causing a balloon to blow up. The first to pop their balloon was declared the winner. Peeta won this game but not by conventional methods. No, Leonitus happened to be sitting by Peeta and when he realized Peeta hadn't won a thing yet, began shooting Finnick and the others causing them to falter in their own quest to win before turning his gun and helping Peeta blow up his balloon. Peeta thought it was a nice gesture and was glad that Leonitus only squirted the others on their legs. Otherwise, the other four would've been uncomfortable walking around wet. Peeta took a small stuffed orange giraffe as his prize.
From the games, they decided to try some tasty food from the vendors. They bought corn dogs, funnel cakes, cotton candy, and lemonade. For Peeta and Madge, the food was new and exotic. They tried a little of everything and decided the cotton candy was their favorite. As the group ate, the conversation was neither stilted nor uncomfortable. In fact, there was a lot of laughing and joking around. The teasing of Peeta needing help to win the last game being that he is so well rounded when it comes to weapons, is a main topic. Madge and Peeta even learned that Districts 1 and 2 also had carnivals but they were only open for limited times. Leonitus promised Peeta that he'd repeat Peeta's winning process in 2 if they get the chance to hit the carnival again. Peeta just rolls his eyes as he laughs along with the others.
After they finish eating, the group decides to try out a couple of the rides. Finnick takes them to the bumper cars first. Peeta had fun bumping into the others. He and Leonitus even doubled up to ram into Finnick – twice – making the three of them laugh like idiots. The carousel was next. Leonitus gently helped Peeta onto his white horse before climbing on the black one next to it. He laughed as Peeta freaked when the horse began its gentle up and down movement. But the unexpected payback on the Farris Wheel made Peeta feel better. The two had shared a seat and when the seat began to slowly rock, Leonitus grabbed the lap bar with a death grip. It made Peeta laugh, despite his own fears. Once their feet were back on terra firma, the group headed over to the House of Mirrors. Their laughter echoing, the 6 made their way through the maze of mirrors making fun of the various silly reflections. Conversations flowing, they unwittingly headed to their last ride of the day – a large wooden roller coaster. Peeta looks up at the ride; fear in his eyes as Leonitus gently grabs his hand and pulling him towards the awaiting car.
"I can-can't d-do this," Peeta stutters frightened and trying to back away.
"I'll be right next to you Peeta," Leonitus says calmly as he gently pulls Peeta with him.
Peeta looks to see Brutus and Enobaria in the car in front and Finnick and Madge in the car in back.
He climbs into the car and sits. Leonitus sits next to him and they pull the lap bar down across their legs. It clicks into place. Leonitus can feel the nervous tremors in Peeta's body and once again grabs Peeta's hand gently, rubbing soothing circles across the back. Peeta looks at him, eyes wide in fear and, well, shock.
"Calm down Peeta," Leonitus says smiling. "This will be over before you know it," he adds as the cars begin to move.
Peeta doesn't believe him but can't even get the courage up to argue a reply. As the car begins to ascend the first hill, Peeta squeezes Leonitus' hand hard. As the cars crest the top, Peeta glances to the side and feels like he could see forever – the view is amazingly beautiful. Before he can really appreciate it though, the car is speeding down the slope, picking up speed. Peeta finally finds his voice and screams. As the ride continues, Peeta's fear begins to subside and he begins to have fun only to realize that the ride is over. As they get out, the others notice the joy in Peeta's eyes.
"Are you happy because the ride's over or did you actually like the ride?" asks Brutus, a knowing smile on his face.
"Honestly, a little of both," Peeta admits with a grin. "I kind of want to ride it again."
"Really?" asks a skeptical Leonitus.
Peeta looks up at him, happiness radiating from him. "Yes, please," he says smiling widely.
The group gets back on and rides again. When they get off, Peeta is smirking like an idiot.
Shaking his head in amusement, Brutus looks down at his watch. "We still have an hour before it's time to leave. What should we do now?" he asks looking around at the others.
"Let's play games again," Madge suggests.
"I could go for some more food," Finnick says at the same time.
"Can we do both?" Eno asks. She is a little hungry but wants to win another game.
"Peeta? Leonitus?" Brutus questions for their thoughts.
"I'm up for anything myself," Leonitus says as he turns to Peeta.
"I agree with Eno," Peeta replies smiling. "Let's do both. But I say we play first and then eat."
"Okay then, games first then food," Brutus says laughing lightly.
They approach the Balloon game first.
"No cheating for Peeta this time Leon," teases Finnick.
"Hey, I was only trying to help my date win because he was the only one of us that hadn't," Leonitus replies laughing. "Besides, he was doing just fine on his own. I just helped him a little with the completion."
They all laugh as they prepare to play. This go around, no one cheated and Finnick won – just barely beating Enobaria and Peeta.
Madge won a second bear at the Skee ball game and Peeta won a second bear at the bottle game – with a little advice from Enobaria who sat the game out. Skipping the hoop game, they headed over to the food vendors again. Finnick ate 2 more corn dogs and a large size funnel cake. They grabbed several bags of cotton candy for the others left back home to try. They then headed back to Finnick's house, laughing about the silly things they observed.
Back at Finnick's House
While the 6 were at the Carnival on the pier, the rest of the squads broke into 2 separate groups. The guys deciding to make use of Finnick's personal home gym while the girls decide to relax by playing board games.
Around the time the other group decided to play more games and eat again, Katniss, Marvel, Johanna, Wheet, and Cato began getting get ready for their late afternoon/evening at the beach. The guys were dressed in board shorts (similar to the ones that were worn to the Luau before the games), t-shirts, and sandals. Katniss and Johanna were wearing bikinis under their sundresses that were similar to the ones Enobaria and Madge are wearing. By the time Peeta and the other group return from their outing, they were ready.
Cato saw Peeta smiling when he walked in the door and began to panic. Gale notices Cato's reaction and drags him into another room before Peeta could see the anger and sadness in Cato's eyes. As soon as he shuts the door behind them, Gale turns to Cato.
"Dude, you need to pull yourself together," Gale says calmly. "You don't want to start your own date off on the wrong foot."
"I know!" Cato exclaims. "But did you see how happy Peeta looked?! It must have been a really good date! How can going to the beach even match that?" he asks sadly.
"Well, for starters, Peeta is going somewhere really beautiful with the man that he truly loves," Gale replies. "He'll get to watch a stunning sunset with that same man. And during the finale of the date, he will get the chance to cuddle with that man. Now who is the man I'm describing?"
"Me," Cato replies quietly, not quite believing Gale's words.
"Right," Gale says smiling at his friend. "Now get out there and wait for the love of your life," he adds before opening the door. "And for the love of all things great and small, don't let the others see you acting like this."
The two walk out and quickly join the others waiting for Peeta. Clove was the only one who noticed their return and knew something was wrong. She also knew it had to do with Peeta and better to not bring it up in front of others. Instead, she went up to Cato and gently squeezed his hand as she wished him fun on his date.
Peeta came down after being put into an outfit similar to Cato, Wheet, and Marvel. As he walks down the steps, he notices that Finnick and Leonitus weren't there and he was thankful for their absence. While getting ready for this date with Cato, the guilt of having fun with Leonitus was eating him up inside. He decided to tell Cato about how the date went before Cato had to watch it the next day on the TV. Peeta didn't want any more misunderstandings or fights between him and Cato. He was even prepared to admit that he had had fun on the date. At the bottom of the stairs, Cato came up to him and took his hand, kissing him on the cheek. Peeta's smile widened and they followed the other 2 couples out the door. Castor and Pollux quietly follow and film.
The group follows the Tiki torch lined path down to the beach. There they find a large pit filled with wood, ready for the bon fire later. Around the pit are three rather large sized logs for sitting. On each log are a blanket and two towels that are color matched to the outfits each couple is wearing. Between the logs are small ice chests and picnic baskets. Marvel opens one of the coolers and finds hot dogs, buns, condiments, marshmallows, chocolate bars, and bottled waters. Katniss walks over and opens a picnic basket and finds two large 2 prong forks, napkins, graham crackers, and handi wipes. Johanna points out the volleyball net set up not too far away as well as a volleyball, football, and Frisbee.
"What should we do first?" Wheet asks excitedly.
"Let's play volleyball first," Johanna suggests. "Let's do Katniss, Peeta, and I against Wheet, Marvel, and Cato."
"Let's go!" Marvel agrees.
They play and surprisingly the score stays pretty much tied. Cato, Marvel, and Wheet are pretty surprised as they felt they had an advantage with height and strength. After deciding to leave the game in a tie, they decide to cool off in the water. Marvel grabs the Frisbee to toss as they play in the water. As they get in, all but Johanna are surprised at the warmth of the water. When Cato goes and grabs the football, Johanna and Katniss decide to grab their towels and watch the guys play. It was Cato and Marvel against the Mellark brothers. Katniss teased that it wouldn't be a fair pairing but ended up being pleasantly surprised at how well Wheet and Peeta held their own. Johanna teased that it was just an excuse for Peeta and Cato to be all hands-on with each other. While that comment did make Peeta and Cato blush slightly, it was actually Marvel who got more tackles on Peeta.
After a while the group noticed how low the sun was in the sky and decided to head back to the pit. They were slightly surprised to see that the fire had already been lit. They put back on their clothes, the girls their dresses and the guys their shirts. Then they roasted their hot dogs and ate quickly. As they ate, they also watched the sun setting. Cato actually watched Peeta's face more than the view of the setting sun. It made him smile as he saw the calm and serenity on the younger man's as well as a touch of joy. Once the sun was gone, they made s'mores and asked Peeta questions about his date earlier. As Peeta talked, he felt Cato's arm wrap around him and relief flowed through him. He told them about the games and how Leonitus cheated so that Peeta could win one game. Cato's laughter at that made Peeta feel happy that Cato seemed okay. As he talked about the food they ate, Castor handed Peeta a bag that held the cotton candy Peeta had brought back for the others to have. While Cato was feeling grateful of Peeta's generosity, Peeta was enjoying the priceless looks of delight on Wheet and Katniss's faces.
Then Peeta told the group about the rides they rode and about how freaked out he got on the carousel and roller coaster. It was actually the part he was dreading. He places a hand on Cato's knee and as he talks, he squeezes Cato as a signal to let him know there was more to the tale. And that it should be between the 2 of them. Cato smiles and, using the arm already around Peeta, squeezes him back letting him know he understood.
Castor walks up moments later. "The fireworks will be starting soon," he tells the group. "The best viewing spot is just down the beach, near the shore. You may want to take blankets to keep warm."
Cato, Marvel, and Wheet grabbed the blankets as Johanna, Katniss, and Peeta grabbed their towels to sit on. The group then follows Castor and Pollux down to the spot where they'd have a better view. Peeta and the girls laid out the towels on which to sit, making sure they were close enough to talk without yelling yet still allowing for some privacy amongst the couples. Cato sits down first and pulls Peeta down to be sitting between his legs. When Peeta leans back, he is leaning against Cato's chest. Both notice the other 2 couples are sitting similarly. Cato wraps the blanket around Peeta and himself just as the show starts. As they watch, Cato hears his name being called quietly.
"Cato," Peeta says quietly, turning to look up at Cato. "Cato, there are some things I really need to tell you about earlier today."
"You can tell me anything Love," Cato replies quietly yet fearing what Peeta could be ready to tell him.
"Something happened today and I want to tell you about it. I just don't want to upset you," Peeta admits quietly as a couple large fireworks go off, lighting up his and Cato's faces.
"You can tell me anything and I'll promise to try not to get upset," Cato says looking into Peeta's eyes as another explosion occurs overhead.
"I want to tell you now because I don't want to keep anything from you and more misunderstandings between us," Peeta explains. "I don't want you to be blindsided again when we watch tomorrow."
"I understand Peeta," Cato replies. "Please continue."
Peeta takes a deep breath. "Okay, we rode some rides today. On the carousel, Leonitus helped me up on the horse I was rode."
"I can't get upset that you needed help getting on your ride Peeta. It's okay that he helped you up," Cato says in a calm voice that belies his real feelings of anger.
"I'm more worried about what I still have to tell you," Peeta admits as he turns to watch the colorful bursts in the sky.
"Peeta, the whole situation sucks but I love you and I trust you as well," Cato tells Peeta.
"I love you too," Peeta says as he tilts his head back to look at Cato again. He is caught off guard as Cato leans down and gives him a quick kiss. Peeta smiles before continuing. "I was freaking out about riding the roller coaster. Leonitus held my hand and rubbed my thumb to calm me down," he says before looking down to his lap. "And it worked at calming me down." Peeta can feel Cato stiffen for a moment before he relaxes again. "Are you okay Cato?" Peeta asks worriedly.
"I'm fine Peet," Cato says calmly. "I admit that knowing that he touched you, uh holding your hand, upset me for a moment. And to be honest, I'm really not happy he touched you at all."
"I know Cato," Peeta tells him. "I just couldn't not tell you. Even the guilt that it happened was eating me up inside when we got back, as well as the guilt that I had a good time there." Peeta admits sadly.
"Is there anything else I should know?" Cato asks surprisingly calm.
"No, that's everything," Peeta says sadly.
"Good," Cato says pulling Peeta closer to him. "Let's watch the rest of the show then." He smiles when he feels Peeta snuggle closer.
The show ends 20 minutes later and the group heads back to the bon fire. Cato and Peeta walk back hand-in-hand sharing smiles with one another. Cato sits on the log and pulls Peeta into his lap, wrapping the blanket around them both. The group talks a little longer. Peeta lays his head on Cato's shoulder and is out less than 5 minutes later.
"Poor guy," comments Marvel as Peeta lets out a small snore.
"The little guy did have a long day," Wheet adds smiling at his little brother.
"Should we wake him to take him back?" Johanna asks.
"No!" exclaims Katniss. She quickly looks at Peeta and relaxes when she sees her outburst did not wake him. "You should know as well as the rest of us that Peeta has had a long day. Let him rest," she adds in a quieter tone.
"I'll carry him back when we go," Cato says. "I've missed being able to hold him like this."
"He's lucky to have you Cato," Wheet says smiling at the pair.
"No, I'm the lucky one Wheet. Peeta is the best thing that has ever happened to me," Cato counters.
With that said, the group decides to head back to the house. Castor and Pollux left after the firework show, telling the group to just leave everything there, it would be gathered later.
Cato carries Peeta to the house and upstairs to the room Peeta shares with Brutus. Cato is a little shocked when Finnick runs to open the bedroom door for Cato.
"I'm sorry I wasn't able to keep Leonitus from touching Peeta today," Finnick says resignedly.
Cato - shocked that Finnick seems bothered - replies, "It's okay Finnick. Just remember to think of how it will make for exciting viewing."
"Maybe," Finnick replies. "But we both know that you are the best man for Peeta." He's out the door, closing it behind him before Cato has a chance to respond.
Cato sits on the bed, Peeta in his lap, and gently tried to wake Peeta up. "Come on Love, you need to get ready for bed."
"Just strip me naked and let's go to bed," Peeta mumbles against Cato's neck.
"As much as I'd love to do that, we unfortunately can't," Cato says chuckling quietly. "Besides, I don't think Brutus wants to sleep with a naked guy."
"Got that right," Brutus says laughingly from the door, smiling at the pair.
"Oh fine," Peeta says as he slowly climbs off Cato's lap. He leans down and gives Cato a quick, yet passionate kiss before stumbling off towards the bathroom. "Good night Cato," he says before shutting the door.
Cato and Brutus hear the shower start.
"Good night Peeta," Cato says to the closed door before standing up. "Good night Brutus," he says as he passes the older man. "Thank you for taking care of him," he adds before heading towards his own assigned room. Once there, he decides to take a shower himself before going to bed. When he steps out of the bathroom, he's not surprised to see Clove and Gale waiting for him.
"So, care to tell us about earlier today muscles?" asks Clove.
"Not really," admits Cato slightly dejected. "But seeing as you're here and won't leave until I do, what choice do I really have?"
"We can wait Cato," Gale says hoping he's showing Cato support.
Cato sits on his cot across from his friends and sighs. "No, I really should tell you. If I don't, I won't get any sleep tonight freaking out about it."
"It's that bad?" Clove asks worriedly.
"If you call Peeta letting Leonitus touch him willingly and having a good time with the guy bad, then yeah it's bad," Cato tells her.
Clove and Gale both gasp.
"Not only did the guy 'help' Peeta onto the carousel, but when they rode the rollercoaster he also held Peeta's hand," Cato tells them, head hanging. "I'm going to lose Peeta guys. I'm going to lose him to Leonitus. He's already starting to take him away from me," he adds, voice hitching.
Cato looks up and Clove and Gale see the tears in his eyes.
Clove and Gale get up and sit next to Cato, Clove to the left and Gale to the right.
"I don't believe that Cato," Clove says taking Cato's hand into hers. "He loves you Cato. You."
"So? You couldn't have missed the happiness on his face when he came back from his date with him!" Cato exclaims with solemn glumness.
"Okay, he had fun on his date to the boardwalk. So what?" asks Gale. "His eyes lit up with joy when he saw you as he was coming down the stairs. That has to mean something."
"I guess," Cato replies miserably.
"No!" Clove exclaims standing up and facing her friend. "Enough Cato! Stop this 'poor me' attitude you have going on! It's certainly not you! And you will lose Peeta if you keep it up!"
Cato's head snaps up to glare at her.
Clove sighs. "I mean that if you keep up being like this, you will lose the will to fight for your Peeta and he will go to Leonitus," Clove says as she squats in front of her best friend. She grabs both his hands. "Pleas Cato, this sad and moody you isn't the Cato we all know and love."
"She has a point Cato," Gale adds laying his hand on Cato's shoulder. "Forget about the touching that happened and concentrate on showing Peeta why he fell in love with you in the first place."
"Okay," Cato says after looking both his friends in the eye. "Thanks guys."
Just then Boggs walks in. "Time to go to bed. First thing in the morning we will watch the date footage before discussing the mission."
"Yes sir," the three say as they stand. Clove gives Gale a quick kiss before following Boggs out of the room.
Gale turns to Cato. "Don't worry about this situation so much. Things will work out the way they're supposed to."
"Thanks Gale," Cato says as he gives Gale's words some consideration. "I'll try." He adds as Wheet and Rie walk into the room.
"Do you and Gale want the bed tonight?" Wheet asks Cato seemingly knowing that he needed to get his brother's boyfriend/fiancé mind off the day's events.
"I'm actually fine staying on the cot. Gale?" Cato inquires to his friend.
"I'm good as well. Thanks for the offer Wheet," Gale says.
"Great! I thought I was done sharing a bed with my brothers back when I turned 16. Now I'm sharing it once again," Rye says complaining as he climbs into bed.
"Hey, at least I don't steal the covers like Peeta did when he was a kid!" Wheet exclaims teasingly as he climbs into the other side of the bed. "He used to wrap the blankets all around his body."
"He still does that sometimes," Cato says from his cot. "Trying to get the blankets back sucks."
The four guys laugh together.
"Oh, I just realized Peeta is sharing a bed with Brutus!" Rye says as he calms down some.
"Poor Brutus," Gale says causing them all to laugh some more.
When the laughter calms down a chorus of good nights are said simultaneously causing the 4 roommates to laugh yet again before they finally calm down enough to fall asleep.
Back in Peeta and Brutus' room
Peeta steps out of the bathroom after his shower dressed in his pajama bottoms. He sees Brutus sitting on the bed, leaning against the headboard. "I found sand in places I never want to find it again," he says causing Brutus to laugh. "It's not very funny. I don't think I could handle having to wash like that several times a day on a daily basis. I can definitely say I never want to live next to the beach," he adds as he sits on the bed next to Brutus.
"What's the matter Peeta?" Brutus asks after several minutes of silence and noticing Peeta deep in thought.
"I think I hurt Cato earlier tonight," Peeta admits quietly.
"Oh? And how do you think you did that?" Brutus asks curiously.
"I didn't want Cato to watch my date with Leonitus and go jumping to the wrong conclusions. So I told him all about how Leonitus helped me on the horse ride and how he held my hand on the rollercoaster," Peeta tells Brutus as he stares at his hands folded in his lap. "I thought I was merely trying to give him a heads up," he adds in a whisper.
"And your being honest with Cato, how does that hurt him exactly?" Brutus asks slightly confused.
"I admitted that I had fun with Leonitus on our date today and felt no guilt about any of it until we all got back here to the house," Peeta confesses as his eyes begin to tear up. "I only want Cato but today was fun enough to make me forget about him for a short time."
"Peeta, you need to realize that we all were having fun today," Brutus begins, hoping to relieve Peeta's guilt. "It's no wonder you didn't feel any guilt until we came back." Brutus gently takes Peeta's jaw in hand and gently forces the younger man to look at him. "The fact that you did feel guilt just goes to prove that you do still love Cato. Please don't worry about it anymore," he adds as he let's go of Peeta's face. "Now let's go to sleep. We have to watch the dates before getting our mission briefing in the morning. Good night Peeta."
"Good night Brutus," Peeta says as he climbs into the bed.
Brutus turns off the light and climbs in bed as well.
Finnick and Leonitus (beginning after date)
"Do you think Peeta had a good time today?" Leonitus asks as they reach their room.
"I think so," Finnick replies a little evasively. "Did you?"
"Yeah, I actually did," Leonitus says smiling. "I even got to hold Peeta's hand on the roller coaster," he adds sitting on the bed.
"Oh," is all Finnick could say as he joined Leonitus on the bed.
"What's the matter Finnick?" Leonitus asks. "Is there a problem? Oh god! Do you still have feelings for Peeta?" he asks in a panic.
"Of course I don't!" Finnick exclaims gently. "I gave up on Peeta when I realized he and Cato truly love one another. It took me a long time to admit that to myself." He turns and looks at Leonitus. "I just don't want to see you go through the same pain as I did."
"That won't happen," Leonitus snorts in reply. "I have faith that Peeta will fall for me."
"I believed I could win him away from Cato. It hurt worse when I realized how truly wrong I was," Finnick tells Leonitus. "I consider you my friend. And as my friend, I just don't want to see you in that kind of pain and suffering."
"You consider me your friend?" Leonitus asks shocked.
"But of course, why is that so shocking?" asks Finnick.
"You did hear my story right?" Leonitus asks rhetorically. "I never had friends that actually cared about what I was going through."
"Well now you have one," Finnick says smiling at Leonitus. "So, what would you like to do friend?"
Leonitus laughs. "Well, what is there for us to do?" he asks happily.
"Well, I have a home gym, games – board and video, or we can sit and watch something on the TV," suggests Finnick. "I would've suggested the library but…"
"Yeah, no thanks. I'm not a fan of reading," Leonitus smiles. "Let's watch TV for a while. If we can't find anything worthwhile, we can go to the home gym."
The pair goes to the living room where the TV is located and find nothing on worth watching. They get up and head to the home gym. They work out together, laughing and joking with one another. Finnick realizes that Leonitus has a great sense of humor and Leonitus realizes that Finnick wasn't anything like the guy that was portrayed on TV. No, Finnick was more down to earth than Leonitus had thought. It's as they walk to the room to get showered after their work out that Leonitus finds himself realizing that Finnick has a rather nice body. He thinks of how much he wants to lie next to the man and feel all the planes and slopes of Finnick's body. It's this last thought that causes Leonitus to stop on the stairway.
"Are you okay Leon?" Finnick asks worriedly.
"What? Oh yeah, just fine. I was just thinking of our mission briefing tomorrow," Leonitus lies. When Finnick called him 'Leon', his heart actually stuttered. He begins to move up the stairs again behind Finnick and sneaks glances at the older man. But it's in the hot shower that another realization hit him – and hard. Leonitus is attracted to Finnick and it's not just sexually!
Meanwhile, waiting for his turn in the shower, Finnick comes to realize that he is jealous that Peeta got to hold and touch Leonitus. He begins to freak out. The knowledge that Leonitus wanted to hold Peeta's hand bothered him. The whole point of him befriending Leonitus was to keep the pair apart, to get the enemy to fall for him, not for him to fall for the enemy! At least that was the plan that Clove, Cato, Gale, and he came up with.
Finnick can hear someone coming up the stairs sounding a little breathless. He walks over to the door and sees Cato carrying a sleeping Peeta. He takes a moment to realize just how much the pair looks good together and deserve to get their happy ending. Suddenly he sees from the corner of his eye that the room Peeta's been using is closed. Finnick quickly gets to the door and opens it for the couple. He can see the love Cato has for Peeta as the pair passes him.
"I'm sorry I wasn't able to keep Leonitus from touching Peeta," Finnick says looking at the couple. He hopes that Cato heard the sincerity in his voice and not the slight jealousy which Cato would definitely take the wrong way.
"It's okay Finnick," Cato tells him. "Besides it will make for exciting viewing."
"Maybe," Finnick replies. "But we both know that you are the best man for him." He turns and is out the door before giving Cato a chance to respond, hearing the door click behind him.
He heads back to his room he's sharing with Leonitus, Marvel, and Tavin. He sees Leonitus sitting on his cot. "You okay Leon?" Finnick asks walking closer.
"Hey Finn," Leonitus says looking up at him a little startled. "You're still in your workout clothes. I thought you left to shower somewhere else when you weren't here when I got out."
"Nope, I saw Cato carrying a sleeping Peeta up the stairs and went to open the bedroom door for them," Finnick replies. He watches the other's body language closely despite the lingering joy of hearing his nickname coming from the boy's mouth.
"That was a nice thing to do," Leonitus tells him with a gentle smile. And deep down, he truly believed that. And it shocks him that he isn't more bothered by the knowledge of Peeta being in Cato's arms. He quickly wipes his face clear of emotion and hopes Finnick doesn't notice his response.
Finnick in fact did see a flash of something but is unsure what to make of it. Instead he just tells Leonitus that he's going to take his shower now. When he gets out, he sees Leonitus in his cot. Finnick goes and lies on his cot, pulling a photo of his son out from under the pillow to look at.
Moments later Leonitus is pulled from his thoughts of Peeta, Cato, and Finnick by someone sniffling behind him. He rolls over to see tears falling down Finnick's face as he stares at what appears to be a photo. He quickly gets up and goes over to Finnick's cot. He watches as Finnick quickly rolls on to his side facing away. He can see the way the other man's body is shaking with quiet sobs and makes a decision. He decides to climb into bed with Finnick and drapes an arm around Finnick's waist. He pulls the other man as close as he can while letting him know that he is there for him with quiet words and gentle touches. Finnick continues quietly sobs for his son.
Marvel and Tavin enter the room about 20 minutes later prepared to offer the bed to Leonitus and Finnick. But what they find shocks both brothers. Not only do they see Finnick and Leonitus on the cot together, but their body position throws the brother's into confusion. Leonitus is lying on his back with Finnick snuggled up on his side, head on Leonitus' shoulder. Their legs entangled together and Leonitus' arms are wrapped around Finnick. What is unseen is Finnick's hand on Leonitus' waist holding the photo of Little Finn because of the blankets. The brother's share a look before shrugging and, after getting ready, climb into bed and go to sleep as well.
I apologize for the wait. Had some personal problems to deal with. The next chapter will be up later today/tonight.