Katniss barely slept, tossing and turning all night long, unable to snatch even a few hours of fitful sleep. In the morning, she dragged herself from her room. As she passed by Cato's room, she looked over and caught a glimpse through the cracked door. His entire space was trashed; pictures torn down from the walls, vases smashed against the floor, bedding ripped, and the mirror reflecting light in a million pieces on the tile. She may have once called such a response an overreaction, but with the news, Katniss was hard pressed to think anything was a fit of dramatics and Cato was well within his right.

He looked just as exhausted as she did. Somehow, the news of their supposed nuptials was the least offensive thing to wrap their minds around. Katniss' brain was still running a mile a minute, tracking every sibling pair she knew in District 12 and trying to imagine any of them having to go in and kill each other.

Enobaria was wrapping his hand in gauze. It seemed his most recent explosive action - the mirror - had come back for him. He sat on a bar stool, leg thumping in anxiety, wincing slightly as his mentor dabbed antiseptics on his palm.

"Idiot," She was shaking her head, "Idiot…"

"Yes, you've mentioned-,"

"Apparently not enough!"

Katniss coughed, "Morning."

Enobaria and Cato's necks whipped around to see Katniss awkwardly at the edge of the kitchen. An Avox rushed around to place a steaming mug of coffee in her hands, which she sipped just to have some action to do.

"Good morning, fiancee," Cato sneered cooly, as though she was somehow at fault for all of this, even though to her, it seemed Cato was the instigator.

"Snow wants to meet with you both today," Haymitch said, arriving right behind Katniss, "Probably to personally congratulate you on both such…joyous news." His smile was tight.

Katniss winced, "Any chance we can walk this back?" She asked, though feared she already knew the answer.

Enobaria snorted, "No. Once President Snow commits to something…" She trailed off.

"Right," Katniss dropped her shoulders, "Yeah…"

"I'll give 'em a piece of my mind-," Cato began, mumbling furiously, but Enobaria pushed on his wound. He yelped, snatching his hand away and glaring.

"Idiot! No you won't, unless you want to personally sign the warrant to send your siblings in!" Enobaria threw her hands up, "Or maybe Snow won't bother with that at all. Perhaps he'll just line them all up and put the gun in your hand."

Katniss watched the pair. She'd always been taught about how ruthless, how bloodthirsty, how unfeeling the Careers were. But Enobaria, though tough, seemed even more terrified than Cato. She was merely reacting in anger instead of cowering. She seemed to genuinely care for him, and more, to be very aware of what Snow could do.

Free choice wasn't much of a freedom when a noose was hanging over the heads of everyone you loved.

Cato tried to snatch his hand away in frustration, but Enobaria held it steady, knotting the gauze furiously.

"And eat something, Cato!" She finished, jerking her thumb back toward the spread of food left out for them, "For fuck's sake…"

"Teenagers, eh?" Haymitch grinned over his coffee mug, the scent of the vodka he spiked into it wafting as he lifted it, winking at Enobaria like they were two frazzled parents.

Cato gave Katniss a long, displeased look before grabbing a piece of toast, "I'm going to shower in your room," He told Enobaria without looking at her.

"Why, because you destroyed yours?" She asked dryly. Cato just threw her the middle finger and slammed her door. The echo resounded through the apartment.

"Touchy…" Haymitch widened his eyes dramatically, as though this was new information, and set his mug down, "What a winner, Katniss."

"He's upset," Enobaria defend him with narrowed eyes, "And feeling stupid. Looking before you leap may win Careers in the Hunger Games by having the upper hand, but Cato is still learning the finer points of how to navigate the politics afterward."

"Yes, clearly."

"Oh, and she's so much better?" Enobaria said, drawing Katniss in, which felt like a low brow, "We both know that Peeta had that spark of charisma. She's clammier on stage than a dead fish."

"Hey-," Katniss began, but Haymitch waved a hand over her.

"They're both doomed, yeah, yeah." He made no attempt to defend her, which Katniss seethed about, "But they're young…moldable. Stubborn, sure, but if you can get Cato on board, I think we can get them through this alive."

"Mentoring the mentors," Enobaria's fingers tapped on her arms, crossed tightly over her chest, "How charming."

It was at this moment that Effie blustered into the room, somehow entirely missing the morning activities.

"Cinna is here to dress you!"

"I thought we were just going to see Snow?"

"Well, of course the Capitol citizens are just so thrilled about your engagement, they'll be waiting for any sights of you." Effie didn't speak to Katniss like she was a child, but sometimes, the way she had that lit in her voice was far worse.

"I guess you'll have to remake my 'mourning' dress in white?" Katniss said, giving Cinna a half-grin, one of the only Capitol people she could stand.

He wasn't grinning though, which told Katniss how dire this situation was.

She was whisked away by her stylists, who cooed and awed over the situation, as though they actually believed it. Katniss winced through hair pulling, eyebrow plucking and face-jerking as they buzzed around her, completely in their own world.

Then, unceremoniously, she was shoved out of the room, wearing soft blush colors. Not quite white, but something soft and feminine and romantic that made her feel sick to her stomach. Cato was in the living room, wearing a simple button-down and a pair of slacks, irking his stylists as he pushed up the sleeves to his elbows and wrinkled the fabric.

"Well!" Haymitch clapped his hands, "The altar awaits."

Cato and Katniss both sent him furious looks.

Outside, they were nearly swarmed by citizens eager to get the first look at the happy couple since their engagement. At first, they were stiff, Katniss unwilling to commit to it. Enobaria hit the back of Cato's spine and he was spurred into action, like she'd pressed his activate button, and he slid an arm over her shoulder with only a moment of jerky hesitation, hopefully too swift for anyone to catch.

"Ah, we'd love to stay and chat, but President Snow has invited us for an engagement brunch, so we really must be off!" Cato said, maneuvering Katniss through the crowd and towards the car awaiting them.

Haymitch coughed loudly behind Katniss.

"Uhm, yes…" Katniss agreed, struggling, "We just…can't wait to share all of this with you." Her words came out choppily, like she was stringing them together even as they exited her lips.

There was a sigh of relief as the five people clambered into the car.

"Why is she here?" Enobaria finally asked, looking distrustfully at Effie. Their own district escort had vanished long ago.

"Some take their job more seriously than others," Effie said, sniffing, "I for one am very proud of my Victor here! And until new victors are chosen, she is still my responsibility."

The car ride was a cold silence all the way through the city. People stopped on the street, eager and pointing, coming as close as they could as though they'd catch a glimpse through the darkened glass.

When they exited the car, it was much of the same. It was only when they entered Snow's dining room and everyone but Cato and Katniss were sent away that Katniss started to relax, though it should have made her more anxious.

But, in some ways, it indicated they could speak freely. All the staff, even the Avoxes, were sent away so it was just the three of them standing at the long table.

"Please, sit," Snow said, waving a hand.

Katniss moved first.

Cato slowly, as though sure that he'd be arrested if he moved, sat next to her.

"What a handsome couple you two make," Snow said, keeping a smile on his face, one that absolutely unnerved Katniss, "But why aren't you wearing your engagement ring, Katniss? We went to great lengths to pick it out. Of course, Mr. Hadley, if you'd prefer differently, we can certainly arrange it…the public would love to see you pick something out that is entirely your own-,"

"I'd prefer differently, yes," Cato ground out, "I'd prefer not to be engaged."

"Oh, well now," Snow set down his napkin, "That's out of the question, isn't it? Besides, that's hardly what we're here to discuss."

"Isn't it, though?" Katniss asked, fork hitting the porcelain plate with a tinker as she spoke, "After you sprung it on us?"

"I would think both of you would be smart enough to realize that it is a non-option to break-up," Snow said plainly, "Since Mr. Hadley ever so elegantly 'claimed' you."

"I didn't-," Cato muttered under his breath, but his face was bright red. Snow reached for a piece of paper on the table and Cato got redder, if possible.

"Yes you did, here it is. That interview you gave with your news. It reached the Capitol swiftly, and two other Districts around you. Hmm, here it is…the interviewer asked about you and Katniss, expecting some very basic and uncomplicated answer about how you two were enjoying each other's time or exploring what this was but how did you respond?"

"Katniss, I-," Cato started, but he didn't have time. Up until now, Katniss had not wondered what the specifics of his comment had been, but it was enough to have him look sick at the thought of Snow reading it. But it was for naught. Snow's clearing of his throat cut through whatever apology he was starting to offer.

"In your own words; 'Katniss and I are close, yes, you could say that. We never expected to find each other, but we have a lot in common, being two new Victors. When you are sure of someone, there's really no time to wait at all.'"

Snow looked up, "And, of course, when you were asked to clarify what you weren't waiting on, you responded, 'We're two hotblooded young victors with all the time and money in the world. I'm sure everyone can make their own assumptions what we do behind closed doors, and how often we spend there.'"

Something about hearing that out of Snow's lips made Katniss want to vomit. It was less crass than she had expected, but equally startling to hear.

Cato opened his mouth to refute but closed it again, unable to formulate words.

"Ah yes," Snow put the paper down, "The romance of the spoken word possessed in seventeen year olds."

"But we haven't," Katniss blurted, "He hasn't…Cato and I…we…"

"It does not matter, Ms. Everdeen. With how sensually Mr. Hadley's grip was on you during the tour, likely no one would believe it. As it is, your marriage is truly the only path forward. It is a matter of honor, as both of your virtues have been publicly aired."

"Oh, our honor?" Cato asked sarcastically, his fury giving him a voice again, "Like we're the only Victors 'knocking boots'," He made elaborate quotation marks with his fingers.

"That would be naive to think," Snow poured himself tea and without asking poured both Katniss and Cato a cup, "I am aware of what other victors do, but they smartly keep it to themselves. And when a Victor gets married, it is long after the Capitol has had its fill and it is acceptable to live out their days in domesticity."

"So if Cato hand't talked-,"

"It is hard to say. The Capitol was quite incensed about the way he was dancing with you at the Ball. There would have been questions."

So much for just blaming all of this on Cato. As one may say, it takes two to tango.

Katniss gave a long sigh; if she'd been in his position, would she have done any differently? If she thought it would lessen this expectation from Snow, this awful task? If their years of victory were swapped and she knew full well what was coming for him, and saw an out, could she have gone on without at least trying?

"So, marriage," Cato croaked.

"Marriage," Snow confirmed. Cato weakly grabbed some food, mulling it over.

"And the baby?" Katniss finally asked.

"Well, with the frequency Mr. Hadley implied, it's hardly shocking."

Cato sunk down into his chair, face a bright red, staring at his fork with great intensity. His bite was gone for once, left only with an embarrassed boy.

Katniss held Snow's gaze firmly, not letting her nervousness slip out. She frowned.

"Miscarriages are horrifyingly common, you know?" She said slowly, "Especially in twelve, where the mother is underfed all their lives. It's a blessing in most cases."

"Of course, and it's truly a tragedy," Snow said, and for what it was worth, Katniss believed that he thought so. This unsettled her even more.

"So perhaps something happens, but we continue on with the marriage," Katniss asked. She could live with marriage, she thought. Perhaps if she showed her acceptance, Snow would let them get off easy. Perhaps the baby was just a slap on the wrist, something to get them to know how displeased he was, how serious it is.

"Ah," Snow chuckled, "I'm willing to negotiate."

Cato sat back up, a cautiously relieved look on his face.

"But the whole point of this, the reason that it was spurred into truth, was neither of you wish to partake with the Capitol folks that just want to dote on you." When he spun it like that, it sounded so innocent. But Katniss knew how insidious it was.

Katniss swallowed hard, nodding.

"Exclusivity comes with a heavy price, my dear. Most victors are expected to do their part in appeasing the masses until they are in their thirties. By removing yourself from that pool, you are not only disrupting that careful balance but pushing the extra eager Capitol members onto the rest of your victors. Very selfish."

"So even married Victors-," Katniss began, stomach dropping into her stomach.

"There are many patrons that are almost more delighted in a set, you know."

"You're the fucking President!" Cato snarled, "You can stop it if you want. You just have to say 'no'. Don't come in, putting the blame on us."

Snow startled back, looking frail and old by practiced design, though Katniss knew that only one of those was true.

"I am but a civil servant of the people, Mr. Hadley, keeping those that want to do truly villainous things under a tight leash, ensuring your safety. If I were to outlaw it, of course it would still happen, but who knows what injury may come to harm you?"

"That's a weak cop-out," Cato leaned back, crossing his arms firmly.

"Believe what you want, but I am tightly keeping this nation from descending into chaos."

"And it stays so with us getting married and having a child?" Katniss exhaled.

"Exactly."

"So…" Katniss swallowed down her shaking, "Our choices are to…get married and not have a kid, but still be sold out during it. Or if we don't want that to happen, to get married and have a kid…"

Snow nodded, as though pleased by her deduction, "The Capitol will be overjoyed to welcome a child of a victor that they adore so much."

"What if we say no to both?" Cato asked sourly. Snow tilted his head.

"I would navigate such things very cautiously. The Quell is already particularly precarious for you, no? Don't you have both a brother and sister? Quite young, if I recall…"

Though, from the look on his face, it wasn't a question. Snow knew it for a certainty.

At Cato's rapidly whitening face, Snow continued, "I would perhaps consider asking Mr. Abernathy what happens if you so openly reject my help."

Cato jerked his head toward the door that Haymitch had been escorted out and then looked at Katniss. She didn't need to speak words at all, but somehow was able to communicate the abject horror of being the only one left alive in your family and knowing it was because of choices you made.

Cato's entire fight dropped out of him and he sat quietly, deflated, and beaten.

"If you do this," Snow continued, "And make it your goal to not make trouble, we will consider the slight forgotten."

"We'll be even?" Cato's voice was rough, "You promise? No whoring us out, no lies?"

Snow huffed, "I mean exactly what I say, Mr. Hadley. You have my sincere word."

Katniss bit her tongue; she wasn't sure that got them very far.

She looked at Cato, asking without asking what he was leaning towards. He gave a barely imperceptible shrug. It seemed like too big of stakes to be deciding right now, with no time to analyze it, but here they were.

Cato wasn't the only one with a family on the line.

She inclined her head, indicating that she wanted to go with this plan. She didn't want her family to be collateral damage and certainly did not want the fate of most victors. She understood it was trading one prison for another, but at least there was certainty in this one, compared to the foggy path where Snow could still decide to marry her off one day.

Cato swallowed heavily, his brow knit, and his eyes showed defeat, "Alright," He whispered, "You have us."

"Oh, just splendid," Snow looked pleased, "I had so hoped you'd chose that. Of course, the Capitol will want no moment of this love story unturned. You'll remain here for the remainder of the week and interview with all those that are begging for it. After that, you'll go to each other's districts and spend a week in each, getting to know your future in-laws better," Snow said, as casual as though he was discussing his weekend plans, "And after that, you'll have about four months until the the Quell. I very much expect a pregnancy in that time to come true."

"How are we supposed to make a baby if we live in different Districts?" Cato asked, narrowing his eyes.

"Right you are," Snow didn't even flinch, "I will take care of transportation, ensuring you have ample time together. Your escorts and mentors will keep appraised of the schedules, no need for two love birds to worry about that. And of course, a word of warning, there will be no cheating whatsoever in this endeavor"

"Cheating?" Cato echoed, "As in cheating on each other?"

"Yes, in a sense," Snow agreed, "It would not do well for the couple so in love with each other to be seeing others, would it?"

"Really," Katniss read Snow's expression, "It means that it has to be yours, Cato. The baby," She clarified, "Not someone else's." She couldn't imagine who Snow imagined she may try to bend the rules with, but from his expression, he had someone in mind. Someone he was worried Katniss may find better favor with.

Cato looked at Katniss, as though shocked that she may have other options, but she sent back a look just as confused.

"If we do this…" Katniss began slowly, "This child, or any after, will never worry about the Hunger Games." It wasn't a question, it was a command. Cato shifted uneasily beside Katniss. She imagined he may have something to say about the 'or any after', but she knew this game. Why would Snow stop at wanting one child? The Capitol would only love a second or third equally if not more. She was starting to understand that this was something you could never leave.

Snow beamed, "Ah, now we're getting somewhere."

The children of Victors were reaped often enough that, when people had time to think about it in between starving, it was odd.

But Katniss, if she was forced to bring a child into this world, would not do so with the threat of their death hanging over their heads.

"Yes," Snow said after a moment, nodding, "I can agree to that."

"Shake on it. I understand we can't have it in writing, however-,"

"I will not renegade on my promises, Ms. Everdeen, if you do not."

"And after you die?" Cato asked bluntly. Snow chuckled. He winked.

"Such smart children. I promise, even after my death, your children will never be reaped. They may volunteer, however," He added, nodding to Cato. Cato didn't seem as pleased by the prospect.

"Now, let's eat this food. It's becoming cold and it's such a shame to waste food."

Katniss looked at it, and though she wasn't hungry at all, she remembered all the times she'd been near starving.

She forced it down.

At the end of it, as Snow was dabbing the corners of his mouth and Cato and Katniss were making movies to stand, he cleared his throat.

"Let me make sure that we are all on the same page," He said, and Katniss stiffened, half-way out of her chair, unsure what he was going to spring on them next, "Everyone has to believe this, you see."

"They will," Cato whispered, holding back his venom.

"You say that, but I mean everyone . Which means that no one other than yourselves and your mentors can know about the origins of your whirlwind romance. You will not tell a soul that this isn't an overwhelming, all-consuming love. Not your mothers, fathers, siblings, best friends…they all must believe it too."

Cato's grip on the back of his chair whitened, "Understood," He said shortly.

"If one person hears it, everyone hears it," Snow said as a final warning. Katniss was not a great liar…she could try to tell Prim otherwise, but her sister was so perceptive. However, Katniss wasn't sure that Snow would accept anything less than perfection on this task.

"And Ms. Everdeen? Are you not forgetting something?"

Katniss turned, frowning, scanning the table. Snow only now called in an Avox, who brought a small ring box.

"I had it brought from the suite," He said, "You must be desperate to wear it, shouldn't you?"

"Yes," Katniss said automatically, her inflection even.

"Perhaps Mr. Hadley would like to do the honors?"

Cato swallowed, and Katniss saw his fingers shake as he took it from the box. Then, shoulders slumped, he slid it on her ring finger.

Something about this action made it feel real all of a sudden. As she stared down at her bejeweled hand, this whole production went from being a publicity stunt to the realization that it was happening to her and this was going to be her entire life now.

"Well," Snow stood, steering the pair towards his front door, "What a productive brunch. I'm sure you don't want to make your eager fans wait any longer."