Hello, the lack of update for some of my favorite Catoniss stories inspired me to continue mine. Besides, it's been about two weeks, right?

The time period is more Medieval except they have baths and some basic modern luxuries like the bath tub...does that make sense? No computers, TV's, phones, or planes.

Third Person Pov

So this is what heaven tastes like.

Prim couldn't believe her eyes when the Peacekeeper unlocked the doors for a second to shove the tray into her hands. She couldn't believe it was real, all this food and utensils and medicine and pile of blankets. It certainly smelled real; the food smelled hot and good and the other necessities new and clean. She hadn't smelled anything clean in months.

The first blanket and bite were of course given to her mother. Prim was a little surprised that a blanket in District 2 had rose print, but her mother looked so comfortable wrapped in it that it made Prim's heart melt. It reminded her of the days when her father was still alive, when her mother stilled cared about being pretty and being there for her and Katniss.

Why? She wondered. Why would the king send her these luxuries? He didn't seem like the merciful type in his throne room, when she called for Katniss...

Prim dropped the sandwich she was holding. Katniss. Of course. It had to be her that sent all this to them. She felt a wave of joy overcome her. That meant Katniss was still alive! But how? Prim wondered. How did Katniss manage to send them all this? And where was she? Is she okay? And ~ and what exactly did she have to do to send them these luxuries?

She shared the food and blankets with the other prisoners (especially the ones with children). There wasn't enough to go around, so she decided to pick those who looked like they most needed help. She tried not to think too much about those left to hang on by themselves, the guilt would devour her alive.

She fed her mother big gulps of the syrup-like medicine and also passed it around to the children, whose thin, bony frames shook as they took it. And she spooned dollops of it into her own mouth, trying to ignore the mealy bittersweet taste. She wouldn't mind giving everything to those left behind, but she knew that probably wasn't Katniss's intention. Try as she might, she couldn't enjoy the food as much as she wanted to, even though she'd almost forgotten what food tasted like.

All throughout the night and day, Prim checked on her mother. She fed her medicine in small spoonfuls and bits of food in little chunks. By the time Prim felt her mother's forehead again, it was much cooler than before.

"This is a courtesy of His Majesty," barked the Peacekeeper, dumping the contents of the tray into the lap of Gale Hawthorne.

He waited till she was gone, craning his neck just to make sure, before examining the items in his lap. A rough woolen blanket, a squashy bundle of sandwiches (some kind of meat paste), and a tin of stale-smelling water. Starved and thirsty as he was, he would have nothing from that tyranny of 2. He tossed the sandwiches over his shoulder, not bothering to see where they landed.

There was a mad scramble. Heads, hands, even feet scrambled for the couple of unwanted morsels. Those who had gotten just a scrap scurried to find a quiet corner to enjoy their prize in.

Gale didn't turn around, but he heard the racket. He tightened his grip on the blanket and tin can, making the water slosh inside.

The woman across the cell uttered a shriek as her swollen belly budged. Gale dug his nails into his fists as he watched a Peacekeeper storm inside. He turned his head away. He couldn't bear to watch.

To his surprise, he heard no screams. He glanced back. The woman laid on the floor on an old but warm-looking sheet, an identical one covering her trembling body. The Peacekeeper was back outside, the prison doors shut, a particuarly sour look on his bulldog-ish face.

Gale was sure he had wanted to beat her, but something had stopped him. But what?

Katniss, you better have cleaner water than I do.

Peeta Mellark was exhausted. The deep wool pockets of his cloak didn't protect his hands from the numbing chill that rattled through the passageways of the District 2 castle. It was lucky that the hideout wasn't far from 2. He felt as if he was walking in a long, narrow tomb, with air that was running out second by second.

He emerged into a small hallway from the sliding wall, glad to leave the cold and damp world of District 2 behind at last. The hallway led down further, but at least it had a warmness radiating through it. He didn't have to walk very far before he reached the small door at the end.

He took huge gulps of air once he was outside. The cool air filled his lungs like a shower of refreshing cold water being poured into an empty mug, refilling his emptiness with purpose. He could hold his breathe for as long as he want or take as many gulps of air he wanted to without anybody telling him hush. He'd missed having freedom like this.

He hurried along, not wanting to waste anymore time. The trees and brambly bushes and broken stone paths seemed to part their way for him. Moonlight danced on his path, and for once he could allow himself to feel a shred of safety. This, although far from home, was the closest thing he had right now. Before long, rows of old huts came into sight, each with a bell hanging over its door. It took him awhile, but eventually he found the only door with the silver bell instead of copper. He slipped inside silently.

Dozens of heads turned towards him. The room expressed their relief as he slipped off his cloak, revealing the gold hair and broad face they knew and loved so well.

"Oh, you're back!"

"Welcome back, sir, welcome back!"

"Peeta!"

They beamed and smiled at him with their ragged, worn faces. Peeta beamed and smiled back, but he didn't waste a second making his way to the far corner of the room-which in this case was not very far, and not very roomy. A man, woman, and girl sat on a worn rug, their faces illuminated by the glow of candles.

He got on one knee before them. "Your Majesty."

"Peeta," the man said kindly, "Welcome back."

"We're so glad you're back," added the queen. The princess inclined her head, smiling.

Peeta smiled. "Thank you, Your Highnesses. As am I."

"You must have something to eat and drink," said the queen, "What a journey you must have had. For once, feast upon our rations without selflessness - you have greatly earned it."

Peeta bowed. "Although your kindness runs further than I can ever go, I must address the results of my duty with His Majesty first and foremost."

"Thank you, my dear lad. Tell me, what becomes of our people?" King Undersee gravely asked.

"I wish I could spare you the truth," grimaced Peeta, "But I am afraid every single one of us who's not in here has been captured and sent to the dungeons of 2."

King Undersee's grey-blue eyes grew, rather horrorstruck. "Every single one of us who is not in here - does that include - "

"I'm afraid it does," whispered Peeta.

"This is a great tragedy," proposed the king. "Katniss Everdeen was one of our finest warriors, despite her age. How shall our people fare without her courage?"

"It gets even worse," said Peeta, on the verge of tears, "With my pose as a servant, Sire, I have found out that Katniss Everdeen is being tortured and used as a pawn - by the tyrant king of District 2 himself!"

"Lad, we musn't call kings 'tyants', matter not how they rule. Each has his own kingdom and his own law. They have the power because they have, in one way or another, earned the title. Now," King Undersee held up a hand, silencing Peeta's stammers, "I do believe, however, that Katniss is not in any immediate danger. She may have had to answer to the monarch of 2 himself, but since you say she is being used, he will not good riddance of her anytime soon."

"But she's being tortured - "

"She is. But she is not about to see the face of death just yet. If battle all these years with 2 has taught me anything, it is that their kings take their time with pawns - he will use her as means to break the spirits of our people, and then dispose of her with them."

"But we have to save her! We must rescue her before - "

"We shall. It is a devestation that she is being subjected to torture - but we must not try and bring about a rescue soon. Capture means certain death - and immediate this time, for all our people. Perhaps he wishes that we ambush quite soon - and get captured in the process. It may be his trap. Our only chance is to heal a bit, the war has taken its toll, and there are so few of us left from 12, those who are free, forced to hide in the outskirts of a nearby district for our freedom." They stole a glance at General Haymitch Abernathy, the snoring general passed out in another corner.

"Only when our wounds are less fresh, our flesh less bloody, our hearts fuller, can we attempt to rescue of our people from prison. And only with the help of our people - District 12 united as one - can we have any hope of defeating 2."

"But what about Katniss - what if we're too late - "

We will rescue Katniss in time. Do not worry, lad. The people of 12 may altogether be a small group, but we are strong, fierce survivors, and we do not give up. I believe the tides will turn in our favor if we do not give up strength, determination, courage, and hope."

"Beg pardon, Your Majesty, but Katniss is many of our people's hope. If she goes down - "

"Ah, but she won't, Peeta."

"She won't? Forgive me, Majesty, but what makes you absolutely certain, as I'm quite sure you are?"

"I am afraid I am not absolutely certain." The king's eyes were piercing into Peeta's, blue on blue. "It is up to you to determine Katniss Everdeen's fate. As long as you remain your noble and dangerous spywork for us, as you have been doing, you will be able to protect our hope and courage."

"But I - "

"As long as we are informed of 2's current events, as long as we have someone who is close to them, they can learn secrets. As long as we have that, we have hope of rescuing our people and claiming back what is rightfully ours."

"But I'm just to them a servant - "

"And a servant is all you shall be to them. No one will pay much heed, no one will suspect anything of a servant. I know I am asking a very high sacrifice of you, but I know not of any other of us who has your strength and ability. I would go myself, but they would recognize me firsthand..."

Peeta was silent. He thought about his mother and father and two brothers, who had all been captured. He thought about Katniss Everdeen and her family, and even that Gale Hawthorne who always hung around her back in 12. He thought about all these people here, each one with family and friends, torn apart by this imprisonment.

He swallowed. "I understand, Sire. And I will do my best to reunite our people with our kingdom."

The king's voice was soft when he spoke. "Go now, and carry on your noble work. Learn and listen. Listen and learn. Protect our people. Save our kingdom." His voice was almost a whisper now. "We appreciate all you do for us, Peeta Mellark. And on that beautiful day when we are finally free, you will become Sir Peeta Mellark, Knight, Mockingjay Harmony, First Class."

If she looked hard enough, Katniss could see patterns in the ceiling. They were so abstract, they reminded her of clouds floating in the neverending blue sky that she ached to see, even if it were to be her last time. Everyday stretched like a year in this...predicament of hers. She longed to see her family again, to be back in the meadows of her district.

The door opened, and Katniss flinched, sure it was the king coming for her again. Of course, not that she minded as much as before, he could make her feel like she'd never felt before - wait, what in hell was she thinking? There was no way she liked what he did to her! She closed her eyes, waiting for the mattress to sink down beside her, a pair of large hands to grab her...

"Just here to change the bedsheets," said a familiar, feminine voice, "Excuse me - "

Katniss felt something land next to her on the mattress, but it didn't seem very happy. She opened her eyes, to see a pile of garments in all shapes and colors. That was not the first thing to spring to her mind, though.

"Lavinia, how is my sister?" Katniss croaked raspily. Worry clearly sparked in her eyes.

Lavinia beamed. "Good, good! She and your mother and friends have been fed. My, the food was gone immediately. That sister of yours really knows how to take care of your mother, I say. They're gaining weight and looking healthier than before."

Katniss could feel her chest sink in relief. So the monster had kept his promise. Maybe he wasn't such a monster after all. She let her gaze rest on the clothes.

"Brought you some clothes - by the order of His Majesty -"

Upon closer look, the clothes Lavinia had brought Katniss were not clothes - they were lingerie in all sorts of shapes, sizes, and colors.

"I'm sorry, Miss Katniss," Lavinia said softly when she saw Katniss's expression, "His Royal Majesty picked them out himself - for you."

"I'm sure he did." Katniss absentmindedly traced the pattern on a soft-green silk. It was trimmed with lace and ribbons of yellow satin. Monster, she thought.

"Look, Katniss." Lavinia dropped down so she was on her knees, not an unusual position for her. "I am so sorry about everything that's happened here, that's happened to you. You've - you've been through a lot, and I wish His Majesty could be less harsher with you. He is not a bad man, really. It's just he has a lot going on, and sometimes he needs to take out his anger - "

"By doing what, killing everybody? Murdering the innocent? Imprisoning their families?!" Katnis cried angrily. "Raping me?!"

Lavinia gasped, her doe-like eyes widening. "You don't mean that, Katniss! I'm sure he would never - "

"Oh, but he did, Lavinia. He RAPED me."

"But - but isn't rape illegal? Why would His Royal Majesty do something against his own laws? That doesn't make sense, so I don't understand - "

"What don't you understand, Lavinia?" said a new voice.

King Cato stood there, dressed in dark blue robes and leather pants that went nicely together with his bulky muscles. He was not wearing his crown, and he carried a tray of something in his arms.

"Your Majesty," Lavinia crawled over to him on her knees, bowed, and kissed his feet. "Good day!"

"I repeat, Lavinia, what don't you understand?"

"Katniss, Your Majesty," Lavinia replied quickly, "I don't see why she doesn't get along with you. Personally, if I were her I would - "

"Ah, but that is not related to any of your business, is it?" said Cato coldly. "Your only orders were to bring her clothing and change the bedsheets. Do so immediately!"

Katniss stood up so Lavinia, who had a very apologetic look on her face, could change the bedsheets. She watched as the maid peeled off the stained sheets and replaced them with fresh ones. Something sickened in her stomach as Lavinia sprinkled rose petals over the fresh bedsheets.

She turned to Katniss and was about to say something, when King Cato said, "Thank you, your job here is done. Go now."

Lavinia tried to ignore her guilty feelings when she read Katniss's don't leave me alone with him expression on her face. On the other side of the door, she tried to think of ways she could make Katniss feel better.

Katniss didn't feel too good at the moment. He was back again. He probably wanted to do something even more vicious this time. She brought her knees to her chest, huddling on the floor. She tried to mentally prepare herself for whatever was coming.

"Good morning, my sweet."

She failed.

"W-w-what do you want this time?"

His throat rumbled when he laughed. "Is that any way to greet your king? Looks like I'm going to have to teach you some manners as well, as it seems your own mother never taught you any."

His words gave her a sudden, strong impulse to see her family again. She would give anything...

"What - what are you going to do with me? T-today?"

"How cute, you can't wait either." He flashed his white teeth at her and came over and sat down on his bed, setting the tray on his lap. "I want you to eat. And put on one of the...garments brought to you. Do you like the pastel colors? I picked most of them out myself."

She decided to put on the first one she grabbed onto, which was the pale-green silk. She slipped it over herself in her corner, looking away so she wouldn't see him looking at her. It was tight in all the right places and hugged her every curve. After she put it on, she came over and sat next to him. She reached for the spoon.

"Uh uh uh." He swatted her hand away. "Open your mouth."

Oh. He wanted that. Leaning back on the pile of pillows so she wouldn't be so uncomfortable, Katniss slowly parted her lips. The spoon, guided by his hand, made its way into her mouth. A sweet, creamy soup, of nectar and honey milk. She swallowed and then opened her mouth for more.

When the bowl was half empty, the king met her eyes with a smirk. "I am so glad you like this, my sweet. I had it specially prepared just for you."

A terrible thought registered in Katniss's mind as she registered those words. Her eyes grew wide. Her hands clutched at her sides. "You - you poisoned me." She grabbed her stomach and waited for the pain to begin.

He let out a deep, throaty chuckle. "Now, Katniss, why would I do that?"

Katniss didn't answer him. She felt incredibly stupid that she had not an answer.

"I don't want you dead," he said softly, and his fingers traced a pattern on her face, where he planted a kiss a second later. "Your kind has a lot more to you when you're alive."

"My - my kind?"

"Are you afraid, Katniss?"

Katniss felt her heart pounding faster. Her brain couldn't process an answer. She wanted to say no, but even her mind couldn't make her blurt out a yes.

"You should be."

She stumbled and felt like she was being steered - he was suddenly somehow on top of her, tray and bowl and spoon dropped and forgotten. She was pinned down underneath him.

He took his time peeling the silk lingerie off her. He snapped her bra from behind so suddenly that she thought it'd fallen off, until he slowly and sensually removed it from her shoulders. Even though he had seen her body before, he liked what he saw. Even though he had seen her body before, Katniss felt so vulnerable, so helpless, and so bare when he looked down at her. She could not bring herself to meet his eyes. (This was a mistake that she would pay dearly for.)

He attacked her chest directly - no neck or ear kisses this time. Placing numerous light kisses on her breasts, he rubbed his arousal against her (discarded of his clothing). The electricty was so strong it made her pulse with need. She tried to meet his center with hers, but he pulled away. He was in total control. (And the fuck was she doing?)

He caressed her stomach, taking his sweet time. She gasped and breathed, running her small fingers through his thick, tousled hair. He traced one hand down her leg and then up to her thigh. He caressed the outside before making his way in. A tickling sensation told her he was at her sacred place again. She whimpered as he stuck two fingers inside her, stroking, rubbing, and dancing. Sensations of dizziness claimed her as her lips bucked against his hand - all of their own accord, she told herself.

She panted hotly as he replaced his fingers with his mouth. She bit down on her lip to refrain from moaning or whimpering. She drew blood, which she quickly licked away.

"Yeah, you like that, 12?" His voice was so low and so husky that it was making her heart beat faster, her blood flow faster, her nerves throb heavier.

"Answer me," he commanded as he dived back between her legs again. His mouth worked magic - she could feel herself melting into a puddle...

She nodded, hands groping blindly at his chest. She was flushed and positively vibrating with need - there was no room for dignity in the world of fire and passion. She wanted this to be over with as soon as possible. But most of all, she wanted him to be in a good mood when she asked him. So she tried her best to submit to him.

He took her with her legs in the air.

It was more like pounded into her. She felt thunder and fire between her legs, all at once. She forced herself not to scream. Her nails dug into his buttery back (he hissed when she'd scratched a scar, but she didn't notice). She could feel something inside her collapse as she bathed in the pleasure, a pleasure she was sure no kind man could ever afford. She tried not to think about it, less it shattered her even more. After a short while, he quickened his pace and slid in deeper. She lost her mind, but she didn't squirm.

It did not come to her until they both laid there panting and soaking up the feeling of being with each other. Katniss feels sickened for the butterflies that flutter in her stomach and for the sense of rationality that overcame her. A block of nervousness formed in her stomach for thinking what she is about to ask, to do next. But it is nothing compared to the shame.

Cato laid there feeling content, but he possessed the knowledge that he would soon be hungry for more. He smiled at his little prize, no, his little slave. He was always the ruler, and he would always be the ruler of everything he saw, whoever he wanted. People belonged to him. He didn't like to see her shriveled and withered, though. He liked a fresh, blooming rose.

"I want to see them." She didn't know what made her blurt out like that, but she did, and there was no backing it back. If she was going to suffer to keep her family safe, she at least should get to see them. She didn't know how to beat around the bush, as they say, and even if she did she wasn't the type to anyways. He turned to her, surprised by her bluntness as much as she.

"Pardon?" Although his tone is neutral, his eyes are cold and narrowed.

"I want to see them - my sister, my mother. My friend." I'd have friends if Princess Madge survived. But I don't know if she did.

She squeezed her eyes shut, trying to prepare herself for his 'no'. She knew she'd ruined it, but she didn't want to be told. One word could break her fragile world, or what was left of it. She turned her body away from him.

"Very well, then."

She was so surprised, she immediately whirled back around to face him. What? What did he say? Did she imagine him to say yes? Is he messing with her again?

"Don't look at me like that," he said with a half-smile in his voice, stretching his muscular arms. "It's very well if you'd like to see them."

She felt happiness and hope burst in her at once. This was it, she really could, she really could see Prim and her mother and Gale again!

"But there's a catch."

Isn't there always?

I really like the next chapter because it comes with a big reveal and things I think you'll like. If everybody who reads leaves a review, I'll update quicker, say less than the usual time. I've already got a part of the next chapter written down, it'll be such a turn. Why it usually takes me awhile is that it takes awhile for a chapter to reach a certain number of reviews, so the more reviews, the less waiting time, yay :)

I appreciate any review from all, and adore reading them all. Thanks so much for everything you guys have given me :) I'd also appreciate any constructive critcism if you have it, or small suggestions you might have (you can pm me), or pieces of writing advice. Love hearing from you all :)

To my amazing reviewers, whom glow brighter than all the stars in the velvet night skies of District 2:

thepinkmartini- You always review every chapter, and if my memory serves me correctly you've been there in the very beginning. Thank you so much for all you do, I love reading every single one of your reviews :) And thank you for always reading the AN's, too

Heyomyfellowreaders- I admit it - I kind of lol'd when you said Cato reminded you of Henry Tudor. I hope/think that'll change as the story goes on. Thanks for always dropping by with a nice review, always love reading them

Catnipgirlonfire- Thanks for always reviewing :) I hope it'll get even better with every update because that's what you deserve, thanks so much

- Thanks for your review! I must admit I'm more supportive of Cato and Katniss than Peeta and Katniss, though ;)

The Giggling Gummy Bear- Thanks so much! I absolutely love your name, made me giggle :)

FishFlapper- I'm glad we sorted out your confusion :) That seemed like months ago! Anyways, I updated. Thanks for reviewing!

rayleen14- Yes, Peeta is here! But now Peeta's back in 2! Thanks for reviewing :)

TwoLeftFeet- (I love your name, I have two left feet lol :) When I read the first four words of your review, I braced myself for what was coming next - but it never did come. Thank you for the amazing review :) I hope you enjoyed the update

dragonflame- No, never would I forget about the ultimate Hunger Games couple! Yup, Cato's a sweetheart in the other story compared to this one but I wonder if our opinions about him will change as the story goes on. Thanks for always reviewing, you are awesome :)

Youcan'tbandagethedamage- I LOL'd so hard when I read your comment. Yup, it definitely gonna go down! I think you really might be interested in what's coming up next, I know I'm excited :) Thanks for reviewing!

sundragons- Thank you for taking the time to read and discuss with me. You've helped a lot in my confidence of the story. And thank you for the reviews. I think once you've learned Cato's backstory, your opinion of him might change.

Inescapablevoid- I think your name is just epic. Heh, only 3 people on this site have used my pen name in a pun, much to my surprise. Thanks so much, I really loved your review! Cato heard Prim scream Katniss's name back in his throne room, but he had no way to be sure that it was her name at the time...and he just wanted to play with her sanity. I answered your first question back up there, hopefully it made some sense :) and thanks once again!

Absolutely Adorkable- Once again, I am enraptured by the creativity of names of people on this site :) Thank you so much for just dropping by and reviewing!

Blackdove085- Thanks for sticking by me all this time and for just writing up some of the best stories in the Catoniss section. I look to your stories for inspiration whenever I need it because they inspire me a lot :) BrieflySweet thanks you for the love and wishes, and accepts them, and sends you her love and wishes back as well. Always love your reviews because you say so much in so little, it's always great to see you!

hookedonpeeta- Thanks for reviewing :) Don't fall off the edge of your seat, stand up like a boss lol had no idea where that came from, sorry. But thanks for the review and I'm glad you're enjoying it so far! :)

Abigail25- Aww thanks SO much :) Here is the next chapter, all leading up to the next chapter! Thanks for reviewing!