Mature Scenes

Bonus Scene - More

It's month two of living in the Capitol, and Cato and I are settling in as well as can be expected given how differently we live compared to before. I'm very happy, though newly a victor, newly wealthy, and newly pregnant can sometimes get in the way.

Cato has been the only consistent source of happiness through it all. He's been patient through my morning sickness and moody attitude, and very caring and protective over me and our baby. I knew that he was possessive, but I didn't realize how much further it could go, nor did I expect how much I would love it. I am constantly on edge here in the Capitol, scared of my mind, scared of this new world and all the eyes on us, but Cato reels me into his safe embrace and it all goes away.

Like today...

I'd had a particularly rough morning slumped over the toilet, regretting ever letting Cato touch me, and after a long afternoon bed ridden, I had finally regained my strength and my appetite. I was hungry, but particularly for this incredible stew Cato makes, though we were out of ingredients.

Cato suggested that we take a walk to the store, reasoning that with my recent anxiety and being shut in sick all day, I needed to get outside. I disagreed at first, feeling gross, unattractive, and still a bit queasy, but with a promise of seeing the sunset on our walk back home, I'd slowly put on a pretty, comfortable dress (hopefully one that Cato would like) and slipped my arm in his as he led us to the market.

Since we were still pretty new to the Capitol, people still got very excited when we stepped out together. Today was no different, but Cato kept me close to his side and ushered them off.

As we walk arm in arm, I smell something sweet coming from the bakery that's on the way. I breathed in deeply, humming in want as I place my hand on my stomach. I hadn't eaten more than bread all day and I was hungry. My inhibitions had disappeared in the last few weeks, and I couldn't control my self in any respect anymore. When not sick, I devoured everything sweet in sight, including Cato. He never complained about my cravings for sweets or him. Instead, he'd buy me all the sweets I wanted and then help me work it all off in bed later.

Cato, noticing me inhaling what is definitely chocolate chip cookies, detours and leads us into the bakery where he buys me two cookies, smiling brightly as I take happy bites.

"What?" I ask when he chuckles at me.

He shakes his head, saying, "Nothing, I'm just relieved that you're eating. You haven't had much today."

There was concern laced in his eyes, and it tugged both my heart and my libido. Cato, more than anything, is insistent on making sure I'm well fed. I think it has something to do with me telling him about my life that night on the roof. I've never asked him, but I'm pretty sure his mission in life is to make sure I never go hungry again.

He cares so much about me, just like I know he will care for our baby.. the thought of him as a dad makes me want so many of his babies. I hope he wants more someday.. he sure is good at making one.

There's a hand waving in my face. "Rose?" Cato brings me back into focus.

"Sorry," I say sheepishly. "What were you saying?"

Cato frowns, placing his hand on my cheek. "You alright?"

"Mhm," I nod, flushing in embarrassment.

"I said that oranges are in season. Should I make you some juice? Maybe we could give this a try when you're feeling sick since you can't seem to stomach water."

I look up at him in surprise. "Orange juice?" Orange juice is my favorite thing in the whole world, but I don't think I've ever told him that.

Cato smiles and nods. "Yeah."