The Games We Played
CupcakeSprinkles14: I lost sleep to get this out for you. Okay, it wasn't just you. I couldn't leave everyone hanging on that cliff lol.
Guest: Thanks, it's great to be back. I missed updating, just had some things to deal with first. I was able to write out more chapters but on paper. Now to get it into my computer…
Chapter 25 the Return of the Dead
Finnick sat in his home office studying the original floor plans to his house as well as the plans for the upgrades he made with Brutus and Boggs. In the back of his mind he thought of Peeta. He hoped that whoever had him was treating Peeta well. He hears Boggs talk about the underground tunnel being the best escape route.
"I have to agree with Boggs. The best route to escape is the underground tunnel," Finnick says joining back into the conversation. "The only problem with it is that someone would have seen Peeta being taken. The only way to get to the passage is through the bookshelf in the living room. We were all in there watching the TV, remember?"
"I should have never left him alone in the kitchen. This is my entire fault," Brutus states. Again.
"Okay that's like the 6th time in less than an hour that you've said that! Enough!" Finnick exclaims. "Brutus, we know you feel guilty and responsible for Peeta being taken. But we really need you to focus. Help us to figure this out now. Please, do it for Peeta," he begs the man.
"Okay Finnick, I will stop. And thank you for not blaming me," Brutus compromises.
"Psh, I never thought you were at fault," Finnick admits. "In my opinion, it was just chance, happenstance if you will, that allowed Peeta to be left in the kitchen to be taken."
"I'm not so sure of that," says a voice from the door. "I'd like to see the room of abduction and the note please."
"Ah Mitchell, you've finally arrived. Whose on the team?" asks Boggs greeting the newcomer.
"The Leeg sisters, Thom, Foxface, Beetee, and myself," replies Mitchell smiling at his friend.
"What happened to Holmes?" asks Boggs.
"He got sent to District 2 to help Lyme. I don't know much more than that," Mitchell replies. "I would really like to see the room and the note now please." He adds getting back to business.
Boggs and Mitchell leave Brutus and Finnick to study the plans more as they head towards the kitchen. "We blocked off all entrances. Finnick, Brutus, and I were the only ones to enter here after Peeta was taken. We tried to touch as little as possible," Boggs says as they approach the kitchen.
"Good. I want Pollux to join us please," Mitchell says as they begin to remove the barrier to the kitchen. "I would like him to video the scene before anyone else goes in."
Boggs nods and radios for Pollux who meets the pair at the entrance, as do the Leeg sisters. They help Pollux put on paper like slippers over his shoes so as to not contaminate the scene more.
As Pollux quickly films the scene – the tipped over stool, the knocked over glass, and the envelope for Cato – Mitchell and the sisters prep themselves to go into the kitchen with the fake slippers and rubber gloves. The sisters grab their kits and dust for prints as Mitchell studies the note. He slips it into a plastic bag to preserve any prints. He and Pollux leave the sisters to finish their dusting. Boggs takes Mitchell back to the office where Foxface, Thom, and Beetee have set up some equipment. Mitchell scans the note into their laptop computer for handwriting analysis. He then prints out 6 copies, 1 for each member of his team. He then sets aside the original plus two copies aside for the sisters before handing Thom, Foxface, and Beetee their copies. He sends Thom and Foxface to interview the others as he and Beetee go over the report that Brutus typed up for them. As Thom and Foxface walk out, Beetee reminds them to take Marvel and Tavin to the room where Cato and the others were waiting for questioning. As Beetee and Mitchell read the report, they question Brutus and Finnick.
"So Peeta said he felt like he was being watched?" Mitchell asks.
"Yes. He was fidgeting really badly so I got permission from Boggs to remove him from the room. We went into the kitchen where he told me he felt like there were eyes on him in the living room," Brutus relates.
"Did either of you feel like you were being watched?" Beetee asks.
"No," Brutus replies.
"Me neither," Finnick replies.
"Did either of you ever notice anyone out of the ordinary hanging around? Any unfamiliar faces?" Mitchell questions.
"I didn't," replies Brutus. "But I honestly never paid much attention."
"I didn't either. My staff, with the exception of the cook, was sent to stay with their families. Everyone else that was here was from District 13. They were actually sent next door as we were going to watch the footage from Peeta's dates last night," replies Finnick.
"That house was put on lockdown as soon as Peeta was known to be missing per my orders," Boggs adds. Mitchell nods his head as Finnick and Brutus are stunned with this unknown bit of information.
"Very good," Mitchell say suddenly. "Brutus, Finnick, you 2 go join Cato and the others. Beetee, I will take Boggs and go question Leonitus. When we're done, Boggs will bring the girls to us for their questioning. While we're gone, Beetee, I want you to go over the plans, Brutus' report, and the note. See if you can find any that we may have overlooked."
"Sure thing," Beetee says smiling.
The 4 men stand. Brutus and Finnick go up the stairs to the room where the others are as Mitchell and Boggs head to the room where Leonitus awaits. Beetee grabs his copy of the note and heads over to the table where Brutus' report and the floor plans await. He looks at the note. "Oh Peeta, please do whatever it is that you are asked for those you love," he whispers to himself.
Meanwhile, upstairs in the room where the 4 boys are waiting for Thom and Foxface to begin questioning them is filled with sadness and worry. As soon as Rie got comfortable on the bed again, a knock on the door was heard before it opens to reveal Marvel and Tavin. The brothers come in the room and join the others on the bed.
"Now that you are all here, we have a couple of questions we need to ask you," Foxface says.
"At any time did Peeta mention to any of you that he felt like he was being watched?" asks Thom.
All 6 reply. "No."
"At any time, did any of you feel like you were being watched?" asks Foxface.
Again all reply together. "No."
"Did any of you notice anyone hanging around that shouldn't have been here?" asks Thom.
"No," the group replies together.
The room went silent for a moment, each person deep in thought. Before anyone could say anything else, another knock was heard just before Brutus and Finnick walk in.
"Sorry if we're interrupting, Boggs and Mitchell sent us up," Brutus explains. He and Finnick sit on a cot next to the bed and wait for something to be said.
"No, you're not interrupting," Thom finally says. "I have no more questions. How about you Foxface?"
Foxface looks up from the note she was studying. "What? Oh, no. I have no more questions either." She looks down at the note again. "Well, maybe just one. It's the writing on this note. I was wondering if maybe one of them would recognize it."
Thom nods. "Let me get permission to show them first." He radios Mitchell and receives the go ahead. Thom hands his note over to Brutus and Finnick while Foxface hands her copy to Rie. Rie sets the note in the middle of the bed for the others to see as well. The note reads:
Peeta is safe. He will return to you tonight if he accomplishes the task set before him. If he does not, Snow will be notified and we will hand him over. Do not try to look for him or you will endanger his life.
"I recognize the writing," Marvel says quietly yet loud enough for the others to hear. "But it's not possible."
"Me too," Tavin adds just as quietly. "I'd recognize it anywhere."
"So, tell us, who wrote this note?" Cato asks in a slightly demanding tone.
"Someone who died," Marvel says looking over to Cato. "And we all saw it."
There is yet another knock on the door.
Meanwhile
Boggs and Mitchell enter the room where Leonitus is waiting and sit across from him.
"I just have a couple questions for you," says Mitchell.
"I'll do my best to answer them," Leonitus tells him.
"Thank you. Now, did Peeta ever tell you he felt like he was being watched?" asks Mitchell.
"No. Peeta and I hardly speak to one another. I spend most of my time with Finnick O'dair," Leonitus tells them.
"Did you ever feel like you were being watched?" asks Mitchell.
"No, never," Leonitus replies.
"Did you ever notice anyone suspicious around the house?" asks Mitchell.
"No, but like I said earlier, I spend most of my time with Finnick," Leonitus replies.
"Are you aware of any plots for Snow to take Peeta?" asks Mitchell.
"I knew Snow wanted Peeta, but he also wanted the others that escaped the arena as well," admit Leonitus. "He wouldn't take just Peeta alone."
Just then Mitchell was interrupted by his radio. They all hear as Thom asks permission for showing the note to his guys. Mitchell gives permission.
"Excuse me, do you think I could have a look as well?" asks Leonitus. "I may be able to figure out who wrote it, especially if it was one of Snow's people."
Mitchell hands over his copy of the note.
Leonitus studies it for a moment. "I'm sorry, the writing doesn't look familiar."
"Okay, thanks anyway Leonitus," Mitchell says. He turns to Boggs. "He doesn't need to be separated from the others any longer. Take him with the other guys and bring the girls to Beetee and me please."
All three men stand. Mitchell heads to the office where Beetee was while Boggs and Leonitus head up the stairs. Boggs knocks at the door. When it opens he says, "Leonitus is to be reunited with the other men for now."
As Leonitus walks in the door, Thom speaks. "We may know who wrote the note."
Boggs is stunned. "Radio Mitchell. Tell him you may have the identity and ask if he still wants to speak to the girls."
Thom does as requested. Boggs notices how pale Marvel and Tavin appear and how hard Cato is holding in his anger.
"Marvel, Tavin hold your thoughts. Mitchell wants to speak to the girls first," Thom tells those in the room a few minutes later.
"Wait, so we're not allowed to hear what Marvel and Tavin may know?" Cato asks angrily.
"Foxface, take Marvel and Tavin to another room and keep them separated, no talking to each other allowed," Thom orders next. "Come back here with them in 10 minutes." He turns to Cato who is looking to crawl off the bed and follow Marvel and Tavin. "I truly understand how hard this is for you right at this moment. Let Mitchell talk to the girls first and let them look at the note as well. If one of them recognizes the writing, we can compare it to Marvel and Tavin's thoughts of who it could be."
Boggs leaves as Foxface leads Marvel and Tavin out the door while Thom talks to Cato. Boggs leads the girls down the stairs to talk with Mitchell and Beetee. Mitchell begins the questioning once the girls were all seated. As with the boys, their responses were all no. Mitchell then shows them the note hoping for one of them to recognize the writing. Sadly none of them do. Mitchell radios Thom and tells him to bring Foxface and the men down to the office. Moments later they were all seated. As Thom goes to shut the door, it is swung open and reveals Gloss and Cashmere.
"How are Cinna and the others holding up?" Boggs asks as they walk in.
"They're all fine. Cinna and Portia are worried about Peeta obviously, and all are willing to help with the investigation in any way," Gloss reports.
"As you two weren't here for the abduction, seeing as you were escorting the staff to the other house, I need to know if either of you noticed anyone strange outside today?" Mitchell asks.
"No sir," they both reply.
"Okay. One last thing then," Mitchell says as he pulls out his copy of the note. "Would you two look at this, and without saying anything more than a yes or a no, try to identify the writing – if you can!"
As they look both Gloss and Cashmere gasp loudly, which indicates to those in the room that they do recognize the writing. Mitchell wants verbal confirmation though.
"I just need to hear only a 'yes' or a 'no' to my next question, understand?" Mitchell asks and sees them both nod at him. "Do you recognize the writing?" he asks.
"Yes," they respond together. They both glance towards Marvel and Tavin who just give a slight nod.
"Okay, I want the 4 of you that recognize this writing to take a piece of paper and a pen and one by one, walk over to the desk where Beetee is sitting, write down who you think wrote the note. You will then fold the note before handing it over to Beetee who will look at you responses and let us know if they match. After passing your reply, you will sit back down. Any questions?" Mitchell asks. There were none so Mitchell indicated they begin.
Less than five minutes later Beetee looks up from the papers and nods before saying…
On the other side of district 4
"I don't understand this," Peeta says frustrated. "How can you be here? I must be dreaming, that's it. I'm definitely dreaming. I fell asleep watching that stupid date with Leonitus," he mutters to himself as he slowly paces back and forth in front of the couch he woke up on. His hair stands on end with his constant running of his fingers through it.
"Peeta, this sadly isn't a dream and I'm not alone either," the voice says. "You can come out now," it calls.
Peeta hears footsteps and looks over to see who joined them. He screams.
"Well, this is going great," the second voice says.
"What in the hell is going on here?" asks Peeta as he sits on the couch. "How is this possible? I saw both of you die in the arena! Glimmer, you died in my arms! And Thresh, the mutts killed you!"
"Honestly Peeta we don't know," Glimmer says walking over to the couch Peeta was sitting on. "All we know is we woke up and told we were to kill you and the others."
"So you're going to kill me?!" Peeta hollers, scooting down the couch away from Glimmer.
"No Peeta. Please calm down for a minute. We will explain everything as we know it. But we are also running out of time," Thresh says looking at Glimmer as he makes his way to the couch.
"Okay, let's get to it before I begin to freak again," Peeta says as he moves to make room for Thresh to sit.
Once they were all seated, Glimmer begins with an apology. "I am so sorry for the way we had to take you from everyone Peeta. It can't be helped. You are, were the only one we could trust fully," she says.
"What we are about to tell you will sound strange, but please hear us out before you say anything please," Thresh adds.
"Well, it's not like I have anything better to do right now," Peeta says dryly.
"Please Peeta, don't be like that," Glimmer begs. "Thresh and I truly need your help."
Peeta sighs. "Fine, let's do this. Tell me your wicked tale," he says calmly even though he is still freaking out deep inside.
"Thank you Peeta," Thresh says. "You start Glimmer."
Glimmer takes a deep breath. "About a month and a half ago I woke up in a bright, solid white room. I don't know how I got there or why I was there. A man enters the room wearing a mask, hiding his face. He tells me that I was raised from the dead with a single purpose. Me and my partner were to destroy the rebels from within, he says. Then a group of peacekeepers come in and I was strapped to a chair while all the other furniture was removed except for another chair," Glimmer tells Peeta. "Then my 'partner' was brought in."
"I awoke in a white room as well. A woman came in and basically told me the same thing Glimmer was told. Except when peacekeepers came into my room, it was to escort me to another room. Only I was forcibly dragged down a dimly lit hallway and shoved into a room that was similar to the one I came from. Inside were 2 other people – one standing and one strapped to a chair. The figure in the chair looked familiar to me but I couldn't figure out why at first," Thresh tells Peeta. "I was then forced over to an empty chair and strapped in as well."
"Everyone but the masked man left," Glimmer begins again. "Then 2 new figures walk in. They looked like medical personnel but they weren't gentle like you would think. They put this strange helmet-like thing on our heads and after some adjustments, the device was set up to keep us from closing our eyes. We couldn't even blink."
"To keep our eyes from drying out, eye drops would leak into our eyes at designated intervals. Anyway, the 3 figures left after a screen dropped down in from of us. Pictures began flashing and before we knew it, we were watching the games – OUR games," Thresh says as his body shakes. "It began with the reapings."
"From there, we watched the trainings, the luau, and then the games themselves," Glimmer says miserably. "All the way up until where the signal had been lost. It was hard to watch our deaths."
"We don't know how long we sat there watching that footage. Once the final scene played, the masked man returned to the room with the 2 medical people. They unstrapped our hands and removed the helmets before being given some food. As soon as we finished eating, our hands were strapped down again. The masked man told us to get some rest and the 3 of them left," Thresh tells Peeta.
"Strangely we fell asleep rather quickly. There may have been something in our food to help us along," Glimmer says. "It felt like I had just fallen asleep when the 3 returned and woke us up. Our heads were once again covered, eyes kept opened. Then… then they injected us with something."
"They showed us the games again. Only this time there were differences. This time it looked like you and Cato, as well as a couple of the others, were plotting against us once the 13 of us met up," Thresh tells Peeta as he looks down like it hurt to be retelling the next part. "Peeta, they made it look like you were the one to kill Glimmer, Rue, and myself. They made it look like you stabbed Glimmer on the bridge and commanded the mutts to go after Rue and me. When it reached the end again, we were once again given food and told to sleep. And again, it seemed like we had just fallen asleep when we were injected again and forced to watch as well."
"But I never did those things!" Peeta exclaims, interrupting despite promising not to.
"Oh, we know that now Peeta. But after watching the fake footage repeatedly, we began to believe the new footage was the true footage," Glimmer says calmly. "One time the masked man came in and asked who killed us. When we didn't reply right away, we were forced to watch the footage twice in a row without food or rest. When he asked again, we both replied 'Peeta' at the same time. The masked man nodded and then we were shown new footage, your propos from District 13."
"Those were false as well," Thresh tells Peeta. "We were shown footage where you were seen laughing and telling how good you felt when you killed us. After that scene, we were given one more injection. The masked man then came in and told us we had a mission. We were to protect Leonitus in District 10 as he went to recruit people to Snow's side. Leonitus was not to know we were there."
"I'm so sorry Peeta," Glimmer says as she tears up. "I am the one who shot you after Leonitus was taken down. It was me."
"Wait, what?" Peeta asks confused at what he is hearing. "How'd you learn to fire a gun like that?"
"Rebel training, remember?" Thresh asks. "It was the one thing that bonded the 13 of us together during training."
"Anyway, as I watched you go down, something happened to me," Glimmer continues, needing to finish the story. "Not just me, but the both of us began to feel different."
"We began to remember the truth," Thresh says.
"But how is that possible?" asks Peeta intrigued.
"We're not sure," Glimmer admittedly replies. "But we ran and hid in the forest outside of District 10. We had no idea what to do next."
"One night as we were walking through the forest, trying to evade capture, we overheard some peacekeepers talking about District 5 and how there were rebels stationed there," Thresh recounts to Peeta.
"They also unknowingly let us know that you had lived Peeta. I was so happy and relieved you lived," Glimmer smiles.
"But what we heard next changed everything for us," Thresh says. "The Capitol was now looking for us as well, saying we had gone rogue, that we were mutts now."
"By the time we reached District 5, you and your squad were already on your way here to District 4," Glimmer says. "So, needing to find you as quick as possible, we managed to sneak onto a hovercraft we heard was coming here."
We found this house and took turns spying on you," says Thresh. "And when we weren't watching you, we were watching Capitol TV to get news.
"We were so happy to hear about you and Cato getting engaged. But then we heard about you and Leonitus and got really confused," Glimmer says, the confusion showing on her face. "I saw you holding hands with the creep yesterday, why? And Thresh told me you were kissing Cato last night. What is going on with you Peeta? Are you cheating on Cato? Does he know about Leonitus?"
Peeta sighs. "So much has happened its freaking crazy!" Peeta exclaims. "Cato and I ended up engaged because my ex Finnick was – "
"You dated Finnick?!" both Glimmer and Thresh holler at the same time.
Peeta laughs. "Yeah, we were actually lovers a little over a year ago until he cheated on me with Annie Cresta," he says as he puts his hand up indicating he wasn't done and not to interrupt. "Annie got pregnant. During the training for the games, while Cato and I were beginning to start a relationship, Finnick tried to win me back. So when I had to go to District 10, Cato gave me his academy ring to help me. Turns out in District 2, giving your ring to someone is like proposing. Anyway, back in 10, Finnick was trying again to win me back even though Cato and I made it clear we were a couple. It was Clove and Gale who figured the way to make Finnick stop – make our engagement real by going public and announcing our decision to wed. It worked and then Cato got sent to District 5. Leonitus decided to switch sides and fight for the rebels. And he also decided he wanted me. He caught me alone and when witness arrived, he evoked the 2 Suitor rule and now – "
"What exactly is the 2 Suitor rule?" interrupts Thresh.
"Basically I have to give Leonitus a chance to date me and try to win my heart," Peeta explains.
"But you love Cato!" exclaims Glimmer.
"And I do with all my heart, but I have to follow the rules," Peeta admits. "Back to Leonitus, yesterday was a scheduled date day with both guys. I didn't hold Leonitus' hand, he held mine."
"Anything else we missed?" Thresh asks.
"Did you hear that Delly is my twin sister and Madge is actually my cousin? Marvel and Katniss, Rie and Foxface, and Clove and Gale are all couples now," says Peeta. "Oh, my dad and older brother are in District 13 and we've repaired our relationship. Delly is dating Marvel's younger brother Tavin. My oldest brother is dating victor Johanna Mason. And my dad is officially dating Gale's mom."
"Wow," Glimmer says as she and Thresh laugh.
Peeta smiles before getting serious again. "Rue was still alive until we were rescued from the arena. Her body is buried in District 13 for now," Peeta says sadly. He gives them a minute to deal with the news. "You said you needed my help and that was why I'm here. What do you need me to do?"
Glimmer and Thresh share a look that Peeta barely caught. "We need you to kill us!" Glimmer states.
"What? No! Why?" Peeta questions frantically. "You guys just got back! Come back to the house with me. We can get you sent to District 13, there's a really good doctor there!"
"Peeta, we're already dying, and quite painfully at that," Thresh says near tears. "Please, help us."
"I – I don't know if I can," Peeta admits crushed. "I mean I took your deaths pretty hard the first time. It was bad."
Glimmer takes Peeta's hands into her own. "You can do this dear Peeta. We really need you to do this."
"But I don't know if I can Glim!" Peeta cries. "Just come back to the house with me. We can have Dr. Aurelius come and look you guys over. He can – "
"Peeta! If you don't do this than we'll have no choice but to follow our original orders and hand you over to Snow," Thresh says calmly but directly.
"What? Why would you hand me over to Snow?" Peeta asks very confused now.
"I didn't want to use this but I guess we have to," Glimmer says letting go of Peeta's hands and stands up. She shows Peeta her forearm. There is a small, triangular lump on her arm. "This is my Capitol tracker. I just have to push two sides and Snow's men will be here in less than 10 minutes to pick us up."
"And once we get you to Snow, who's to say we won't then be sent after the others? After Snow's medical team fix us up again," Thresh threatens. "What about your brothers and sister? Gale? Think about Cato. He'd do this to get back to you wouldn't he? Don't you want to get back to him?"
"Now that's not fair using Cato against me!" Peeta snaps. "If you are so certain he would have done this, why not take him?"
"Peeta, the truth is we trust you to make our deaths as painless as possible," Glimmer admits. "And we trust you to finish the job by burning our bodies so we cannot be brought back again a second time." When Peeta doesn't react she tries a different tact. "Look, whatever happened to us that caused us to get our true memories back is now causing us pain. Aspirin isn't working anymore and the urge to kill is growing stronger."
"We're really running out of time here Peeta," Thresh adds sadly. "And the driver I arranged for to take you back to the house isn't going to wait all night. All they're waiting for is the smoke signal showing that you completed the task."
"Why not just run? I'll burn down the house and meet you where the others are. We have a really good doctor that used to be from the Capitol. He can help," Peeta tries again.
"Peeta, you are NOT listening to us!" Glimmer yells. "The longer we're with you, the more the urge is to touch this tracker!"
"Peeta please," Thresh pleads tearfully. "We honestly understand what we are asking is a lot, possibly even too much. But we are dying. We're losing our real selves and becoming tools of Snow. Please, just kill us."
"And burn us," Glimmer adds. "Our bodies will change the color of the smoke to signal your driver."
"And how do I know I can trust the driver you found to take me back to the house where Cato is?" Peeta asks resignedly. "How do you know they won't just take me to Snow?"
"Because you talked with this person during the Luau with Cato," Thresh replies. "They're waiting for the signal Peeta."
"How will the smoke change colors?" Peeta asks.
"We have injected out bodies with a chemical substance that will change the color of the smoke from our bodies. It was injected into tributes one year but the chemical killed the tributes first," Glimmer explains. "Snow got the country's leading scientists to work on it until it worked properly. He even made designer colors for the Capitol residents that want to burn their bodies after death."
"Sounds about right," Peeta mutters under his breath. He sits there for a moment and weighs what he has learned. He unconsciously reaches for the chain around his neck and pulls it out from under his shirt, rubbing the locket and Cato's ring.
"Is that my locket?" Glimmer asks moments later.
"Huh? Oh yeah. Your family gave it to me after you died," Peeta says absently. "I've heard they are helping the rebellion from within." Peeta turns to Thresh. "Your grandmother and sister led the revolt in District 11. Your grandmother was killed but your sister is still there, directing fugitives from the districts and the Capitol to District 13. She's really good at spotting those that are faking it to hurt the rebellion. At least that's what I've heard."
"Thanks Peeta for sharing that with me. I am glad to know," Thresh says sounding sad and happy at the same time.
Hearing both is Thresh's voice, Peeta comes to a decision. "Okay. Okay, I'll do it," he says reluctantly. "I'm not sure how you want me to do this though."
"I managed to steal this from the weapons room at the house you're staying in," Glimmer says as she pulls out a Ruger 9mm hand gun and full clip from a bag next to the couch. She sets both items on the table in front of Peeta. "Thank you for doing this Peeta. And please don't be sad about this. Remember, the alternative is being Snow's puppet." She hugs Peeta. "Don't forget to take out that son of a bitch for me and to take care of Marvel," she whispers in his ear.
"He's good at what he does but tends to get cocky," Peeta whispers back, a lone tear falling down his cheek. "Could I get a glass of water?" he asks her.
"Sure Peeta," she replies. "Take care of Tavin too. He's a good kid," she says standing up. "Delly really is a good match for him," she adds just before dropping to the ground, a bullet to the head taking her down.
As she talks, she doesn't hear Peeta slide the clip into the gun and cock it. In fact, her death was exactly as she wanted – quick and painless.
When Thresh turns to watch Glimmer fall, Peeta shoots him in the head as well. He slumps over in the chair. Peeta sits there for almost an hour, unable to move. He can't believe he had Glimmer and Thresh alive and in front of him and he couldn't save them yet again. Why wouldn't they just agree to go see Dr. Aurelius? The Doctor could have saved them! As Peeta thinks, he doesn't feel the tears that slide down his cheek and drip on the floor. When he finally settles down, he sees a book of matches under the table and continues to what Glimmer and Thresh asked of him. He lights matches dropping them on flammable items and slowly begins to start things on fire. He walks over to the door and watches as the fire begins to grow and spread. Peeta stands in front of the door, watching the flames grow bigger and hotter until it gets too hot for him to stay there. He opens the door and walks out to the front yard. He turns and continues watching as the flames spread and the smoke pours out. He knows that either Thresh, Glimmer, or both are now burning as the smoke has turned a vibrant Lime green color. Peeta can't help but think how beautiful it is. He's startled out of his thoughts by a car horn honking behind him. Turning, he sees a smiling Tigris looking at him. She gestures for him to climb into the back of the car. He climbs in and they are soon driving their way back to Finnick's house. Neither spoke. When they arrive back at the house, Peeta gets out and nods his thanks to Tigris before watching her drive away. He turns, looks up at the impressive home, straightens out his shoulders, and heads for the front door. He can't wait to see his friends, family, and especially Cato again. He really needs Cato.
Back at the House
"Glimmer," Beetee says. "All 4 wrote her name down."
"But Glimmer is dead! We all saw her die in Peeta's arms!" Cato exclaims freaking out. "How can a dead girl kidnap Peeta? If she was seen, someone would have surely recognized her!" He turns to Marvel and Tavin. "Are you guys absolutely sure that the writing is Glimmer's?" he asks tearfully.
Marvel looks at his friend sadly. "I'm very sure Cato," he says confidently. "I used to copy her homework every morning. I would know her handwriting anywhere. I am so sorry Cato."
The other three that recognized the writing could only nod their confirmation of their certainty.
"Fine! Then why aren't we trying to find them?" demands Cato. "It shouldn't be too hard to track down two tributes considering one is dead and the other is being forced to air his love life to the freaks of Panem! If that doesn't make the search easier than nothing will!" he adds as he begins to walk to the door to leave the room. He is stopped by Brutus and Gale. "Get the fuck out of my way! You can either help me or go hang yourselves!" He tries again to pass them. "Just. Let. Me. By!"
"Brutus, Gale could you two please lock Cato in the other room before he gets hurt," Boggs says saddened by what is going on with Cato. "I will have guards posted by all exits and will have all doors locked from the outside," he adds ignoring the death glare he is getting from Cato.
Brutus and Gale sadly nod before following Boggs' orders. The two volunteer to guard the door in the hallway. They want to be close if Cato needs them. When they reach the door, they push Cato into the room forcibly. They quickly close the door and lock it. Behind the door they can hear Cato yelling, crying, screaming, and throwing a major tantrum by throwing things around the room. Both men understand that Cato is in pain, hurting from not only the events of yesterday and Peeta's abduction, but also from not being able to protect the one person whose life meant more than his own and not having the control of his life he used to have before the games started.
Back in the office there was a stunned silence. They could hear the sounds of Cato's tantrum. Everyone is surprised that Finnick is taking the crashing sounds so calmly. And it wasn't that they didn't want to go looking for Peeta, they all truly did. But District 4 was just so large. No one knew where to even begin to suggest a starting point. Plus the note did say that Peeta would be back after completing some task. That thought was another thing that occupied their thoughts. Would Peeta do the task? What exactly was the task? Before long, one-by-one, they realized Cato had quieted down. The crashing noises had stopped. Was that a good thing or was it bad? No one really wanted to check it out.
"Jeez, I'll go check it out," Clove says rolling her eyes as she stands up, breaking the silence. She walks to the door before turning and saying, "You do realize that since he's met Peeta he's all bark and no bite. And right now the love of that man's life is missing and no one knows where he is. Try putting yourselves in Cato's shoes for a moment. He might be a little more extreme, but he is hurting." She turns and stomps the rest of the way to the door. As she leaves, she can be heard muttering, "Sure, send the small girl. If he rips her in half, there will be less to clean and we'll know for certain that he's lost it."
Finnick is suffering. He loves Peeta but gave him up because it was the right thing to do. He looks next to him to Leonitus, the other man to love Peeta too, to see how he is dealing with Peeta's kidnapping and Cato's outbursts. Leonitus looks upset but not devastated like Cato. In fact, he seems as calm as Finnick himself. Finnick sees Leonitus look over at him gives him a small smile.
"How are you holding up?" Finnick asks Leonitus quietly when he hears the others begin to quietly talk amongst themselves.
"I'm fine," Leonitus replies just as quietly. "Do you agree with Cato? About going to look for Peeta I mean."
"Honestly, I don't think we should. Personally, I'd leave in a heartbeat," admits Finnick. "But after everything Peeta and I have been through, and knowing him the way I do, he'd want us to as the note says and wait for him."
"I see," Leonitus comments. "I was actually thinking along the same lines – about Peeta wanting us to wait I mean." He looks at the others in the room. "Do you think they are thinking like Cato or like us?" he asks curious.
"Well, I think that Delly, Madge, Katniss, Gale, and Rie are most likely thinking like us as they know him rather well. Clove, Marvel, Tavin, and Wheet are the most likely to want to join Cato in going after Peeta but Johanna, Delly, and Katniss would be able to convince them to wait. As for Brutus, Eno, Gloss, and Cashmere I think that they really want to go search but see it as being a waste of time and resources as we have been promised his return," Finnick says as he looks at the others.
"But Peeta's return to us was conditional on completing some mysterious task," Leonitus says thinking. "What if he doesn't do it?"
Finnick looks Leonitus in the eyes. "Peeta will do the task set before him," he says confidently.
"How do you know for sure?" Leonitus asks baffled at Finnick's certainty.
"Cato," Finnick replies. "Because Peeta loves Cato more than anything else in this world. He'll complete whatever it is to get to see him again." He watches as Leonitus takes in what he said.
"You don't think I have a chance to win Peeta over do you?" Leonitus finally asks dejectedly.
"Again, honestly no. I have been where you are. I fought for Peeta's heart and lost. It's a pain I don't wish on anyone," Finnick tells him sadly. "I love Peeta enough to let him go and be with who he chose. I will always love Peeta and I will cherish my memories of him all the more."
"You think I should let this 2 Suitor thing go," Leonitus states. "Let Peeta be with Cato."
"I can't tell you how to feel or what to do, only share what has happened to me. What you ultimately decide to do with that information is up to you," Finnick answers diplomatically.
"What if I were to say that it's a matter of life or death that I am doing this?" Leonitus asks.
"Is it?" Finnick asks shocked at the possible twist of information.
"I c-can't tell you," Leonitus admits hanging his head down in shame.
"Okay, I can accept that for now. But I am your friend Leonitus. And as your friend, you should know that no matter what I will stay your friend," Finnick says sincerely. "I can wait until you are ready to share with me if you ever decide to."
"Thank you Finn," Leonitus says before adding, "I trust that you will keep this just between us for now?"
"Of course I will Leon," Finnick tells the other man. He feels guilty holding on to this information that could help Peeta and Cato reunite for good. But the thought knowing if he is patient and quiet, he could learn more of the secret. And that is why he knows he'll do as Leonitus asks. Truth is the information to Peeta and Cato should come from Leonitus himself. But deep down, Finnick realizes that if that were to happen, Leonitus' life would be in danger. With that particular thought came the realization that he actually cared about Leonitus' wellbeing. He cared way more than he should. Crap he was in deep!
Leonitus was also deep in thought. He almost told Finnick about Coin's threat on not only his and Peeta's lives but another innocent life as well. To make matters worse, the only reason he nearly told was because he was starting to like Finnick the way he likes Peeta. Or rather the way he thought he loved Peeta. Oh the whole situation was confusing now. He would never have a chance with Finnick because said man still loved Peeta. Could his fucked up life get any more screwed up?
Clove, meanwhile, arrives at the door Brutus and Gale are guarding. "Let me in please. I am here to check on him. I need to," she says.
"Are you sure Clo'? He could start throwing things again," Gale asks her. "I can also come in with you."
"I'm positive Gale. I am his best friend. He won't hurt me so you can just stay right here," Clove replies. "I can always yell for you if I need you."
Both men nod reluctantly before Brutus unlocks the door and opening it. They all see the room is trashed as Clove walks in. Before Brutus or Gale can walk in, Clove turns and shuts the door. She takes a deep breath before turning and beginning her search for Cato. "Hey Muscles, its Clover," she calls out gently. "I just want to talk to you." She sees him a moment later, in a corner, behind an overturned sofa.
"If they aren't sending anyone after Peeta, I don't want to hear anything you have to say," Cato says in a defeated voice when he sees her. "I will just stay in here until Peeta comes back or they finally decide to send a search party out after him."
Clove is stunned. She has never seen Cato this crushed. "Cato, I want to look for Peeta just as much as you do," she says as she sits next to him.
"Then why didn't you stand up with me? Why didn't you demand to go looking as well?" Cato asks her, disbelief and anger tainting his voice.
"Because I knew they wouldn't listen Cato," Clove admits. "Peeta means a lot to me too you know. He was there when I thought I lost Gale…" she adds stumbling over her words.
"Lost Gale when Clove? When all our lives were turned upside down because of that piece of shit Leonitus?" Cato asks angrily. "Because ever since that day I learned I had to share Peeta, my life has been fucked!" He suddenly slumps and starts crying. "I love him Clove. God I love him soo much! I just want to hold him, to wake up every morning next to him, to see his smile and hear his sweet voice."
Clove pulls Cato towards her, laying his head in her lap, running her fingers through his hair, letting him cry. "He'll be back soon Cato," she tells him quietly. "I know he will. He loves you so much. He would do anything to get back to you," she adds gently as she watches her best friend slowly calm down.
A rather short time later, Cato stops crying but doesn't sit up. "Clover, why is it every time I finally get something good to happen in my life, something comes along to mess it up?" he asks.
"I don't know Cato," she answers truthfully. Suddenly she chuckles. "You know, Peeta asked me that very same question not too long ago. You two really do belong together."
"I just want to be with him," Cato says sadly.
"I know you do, I know," Clove replies gently.
Cato sits up. "I hope Finnick won't kill me for destroying this room," Cato says moments later as he looks around.
Clove looks around at the mess. "Well, you certainly did a good job."
"Maybe I should see what can be saved and what needs to be tossed out," he says standing up. "Clean up my mess."
"You clean up after yourself? Are you feeling okay?" Clove teases as she stands up. "I'll help you."
As the two begin to sort through the mess, Brutus and Gale can hear their movements and decide to open the door. They see the pair sorting through the mess and decide to help as well. The 4 quietly sort out the good furniture from the broken, careful to avoid any broken glass. It takes less than 20 minutes for the room to look almost normal again – not including the small pile of garbage.
"I'll go see about getting a broom, dustpan, and garbage bags," Cato says, his voice sounding a little happier. "Plus, I really need to apologize to Finnick for destroying this lovely room."
"He probably won't be too upset considering the circumstances and all with Peeta," Gale says as he wraps his arms around Clove.
"And you really didn't break as much stuff either," Clove says.
"We'll wait here for you," Brutus says. "You know, just in case," he teases Cato.
"Haha, thanks guys," Cato says as he walks out the door.
As he approaches the office door to speak to Boggs and Finnick to apologize for his attitude and the mess, Cato hears the front door open then close. He stops and waits, hoping for a miracle but not expecting it. When he sees Peeta walk around the corner, Cato screams his name before rushing to him.
Peeta walks in the door and realizes how quiet it was. He nervously walks into the house and around the corner. He sees Cato just as he shouts Peeta's name. He starts to run to Cato, tears running down his face, as he sees Cato coming towards him as well. As they reach one another, Peeta jumps into Cato's arms and wraps his legs around Cato's waist, fingers gripping Cato's shirt holding on tightly as the crying intensifies for both of them.
Neither one noticed the others come running from the rooms they were in to see Peeta's return. Clove and Gale share a happy smile seeing Peeta and Cato together. Finnick smiles as well, happy that the pair has been reunited. Leonitus looks relieved that Peeta is back. Wheet, Rie, and Delly want to go to their brother and hold him close, never letting the young man out of their sight again but understand he needs this reunion with Cato.
Cato can feel Peeta's body shaking and carefully lowers them both down to the ground, never letting go of Peeta once. He gently rocks with Peeta in his arms, gently rubbing his back, as his own tears fall. Peeta never once lets go of Cato's shirt, never loosens his grip.
Finnick, and surprisingly Leonitus, begin to escort people back into the office to give the pair on the ground some well-earned privacy. Boggs sees what the unlikely pair is doing and orders everyone back into the room. Clove, Gale, and Brutus smile at the unobservant pair before joining the others in the office.
Once they are all in the office, Boggs shuts the door. "We'll give Cato some time to calm Peeta down before we ambush him with our questions," he says a small smile gracing his lips. He'd never admit it aloud, but he really was rooting for Cato and Peeta's relationship.
I really loved writing this chapter. I couldn't wait to reunite my boys again. I hope you liked it as well. Unfortunately for me, I do still have an important meeting coming up on December 2nd and I really do have to get prepared. I will try to post one more chapter before then but no promises.