This Soon Shall Pass

It's Complicated

Pexey's POV
As I sit in the assembly promoting the Hunger Games for the final time, I feel queasy. It feels like it was just yesterday I was sitting here with Finch. Now everything is different.
"Everything about this games is different." Plutarch Heavensbee, Head Gamemaker, announces, but is interrupted by a hand shooting up.
"Yes?" Heavensbee asks.
"What happened to Seneca Crane? Why isn't he Head Gamemaker anymore?" I hear a young female voice ask. I turn and see the sophomore from 7, Ivy I think, standing up. The entire student body goes silent as Heavensbee clears his throat.
"Last year's games were... an anomaly. Seneca Crane clearly did not have what it took to be Head Gamemaker."
"Why are you speaking in past tense? Is he dead?" Before Heavensbee can reply, Headmaster Snow stands up and slowly walks over to Ivy, who pales at the sight of Snow.
"I don't know where you are getting these nonsensical ideas from, but I suggest next time you think before you speak." Snow orders and places his hand on her shoulder, pushing her back into her seat. Heavensbee clears his throat in order to grab our attention.
"That girl is oblivious. It's going to cost her one day." Marvel mutters from next to me.
"Oh don't say that. That's sad." Lanni states from Marvel's other side.
"It's true."
"With this year's games there is no need to sign up because everyone who meets the qualifications is automatically entered. There are also some additional rules in order to... mix it up." Heavensbee explains as Snow returns to his seat. Mix it up?
"Once the four tributes are selected for you area, their area partners will be chosen by the audience." Heavensbee announces and all of the Careers start murmuring, probably annoyed their whole setup is being threatened.
"As far as alliances go, the tributes have to stay with their area until it is announced they can form alliances with other areas." Heavensbee adds and even more people erupt into whispers.
"Quiet down." Snow orders from his seat, his voice booming throughout the auditorium. The voices become quieter.
"This is shaping up to be a very exciting and one of a kind Quarter Quell, so it makes sense that many of you would like to participate. That is why I would like to remind you of the new option to volunteer. After a name is read, you may volunteer to go instead if you would wish to have the opportunity. Please keep that in mind on the day of the reaping. Thank you." Heavensbee explains and the Careers applaud. Snow begins dismissing us and I follow Marvel and Lanni out of the auditorium.
"Marvel!" I hear someone yell and turn to see Glimmer approaching us.
"That's my cue." Lanni mutters and leaves me with Marvel.
"Hey." Marvel says.
"Hi, we should discuss the plan for the games." Glimmer states.
"We?"
"Yes. We. You're still my partner. We decide things together."
"Right."
"If you don't have plans after school, I was thinking you could come with the rest of us to Gucci Café?"
"Us being...?"
"Us, Sagara, Clove, and Cato."
"I don't know." I roll my eyes at Marvel. So dramatic.
"Marvel, just go. You're not going to be missing anything. What's the worst that could happen?" I say and Marvel sighs.
"Fine. I'll meet you at the cars."
"Perfect." Glimmer waltzes away and Marvel turns to glare at me.
"What was that?" He asks.
"Oh come on, as if you weren't going to go." I state.
"I wasn't sure. You can't just make that decision like you know the situation."
"It's not a big deal. We're at a dead end, Marvel. Might as well focus on the games for right now. We need you in them."
"I know. I get it. Just... butt out next time."
"Don't be so dramatic next time and maybe I will." Marvel rolls his eyes at me and walks to where Lanni and the others are standing. I follow behind him, chuckling.
Clove's POV
I get into the passenger side of Cato's car, the two of us waiting for the rest of the group to show up. I glance at Cato and he smirks at me. He begins to lean in and my eyes widen.
"Cato, we're in the school parking lot. Our friends could be here any second. Now is not the time." I say and Cato groans.
"It's not like we were going to makeout. It's just a kiss." Cato says.
"But anyone could see us."
"So?"
"So I don't want people seeing that."
"Why?"
"Because... I just don't, okay?"
"Fine." He mumbles and looks away. Before I can think of anything to say, Sagara gets into the car.
"Whoa, I can feel the tension right now." Sagara comments and Cato snarls. I sigh as Glimmer and, eventually, Marvel get into the car. The ride is silent, both Marvel and Cato pouting the whole way. We sit at a booth in the café, Cato next to me, Glimmer and Sagara across from us, and Marvel pulling up a chair.
"Okay, so I know things have been awkward lately, but we need to figure out our plan for the games. First off, are we all competing?" Sagara asks.
"Of course we are." Cato replies, staring at the table.
"Even though I would love not to, it is what I've been working for since birth. It doesn't seem right to give up my senior year." Glimmer mentions.
"Alright, second order of business. Alliances." Sagara states.
"What about them?" Cato asks.
"What are we gonna do about the other two tributes from our areas? Are we gonna form one big Career pack once we're allowed to align ourselves with other areas? Or are we sticking with our area?"
"I vote we stick with our pack. We don't need any outsiders." I state, thinking of how awful it would be to work with my brother.
"That wouldn't be smart in the long run. We should have as many allies as possible. Not to mention, we might not be paired together to begin with." Cato says. I turn to him.
"You do realize my brother could be competing, don't you?"
"Yes."
"And you think trusting him as an ally, for even a second, is smart?"
"I think he's a good asset to have."
"I don't. He's arrogant and has no sense of loyalty. We don't need an unnecessary risk in an ally, that's why we lost to Fire Girl and Mellark." I say and feel Cato become even more tense.
"I don't know how I feel about being allies with you guys." Marvel blurts.
"What?" Sagara asks.
"All of you pretty much hate me right now, so why should I trust any of you?"
"Despite everything that's been going on recently, we can still work together. We're professionals."
"Maybe you and I can work together, but I can trust Cato about as far as I can throw him. Admit it, you're itching to screw me over." I glance at Cato, his eyes fixated on the wall behind Glimmer's head.
"Can you blame me?" Cato spits and clenches his teeth to prevent himself from continuing.
"And that is why I'm gonna go."
"Marvel-" Sagara attempts.
"We need a break. We can figure out the Careers thing... later. I should go." Marvel says, puts his chair back, and leaves. The silence continues, everyone scared to speak as Cato growls. He eventually stands up and storms out as well.
"Should I follow him if I'm part of the reason he's mad?" I ask, Sagara shrugging.
"Usually when he's mad you're the only one who can calm him down. I never even thought about how he calms down when he's mad at you." Glimmer says.
"He doesn't." Sagara adds. I sigh.
"This is definitely a mistake." I mutter as I stand up and leave the café. I find Cato staring intensely at a tree near the entrance of the parking lot.
"Please don't punch it and hurt your hand again. You need to be in good shape for the games." I say, hoping to break the tension as I walk over to him.
"What if I punch it with the other hand?" He retorts.
"My point still stands." I state as I reach his side.
"It's not my fault we lost last year's games." He blurts after a few minutes of silence.
"I never said it was."
"You practically did with that comment about unnecessary risks."
"We all made the decision to allow Mellark and the three into our alliance, that doesn't fall solely on you."
"I was the leader."
"We all made that choice. Are you still beating yourself up over that?"
"Yes. I thought I would be a better leader than I was."
"Where is this coming from?"
"I've been thinking about it for awhile. You left and I didn't have anyone to tell until Calpurnia started pushing me to open up and... since my last session it's been on my mind."
"What did she say?"
"She doesn't want me to be the leader this time around. She doesn't think it's the right fit for me. I don't know who I am in the pack if I'm not the leader."
"Who would she have replace you?"
"You. I agree, to be honest. You've always been the brains behind the operation, I'm just the brawn." Cato says, glancing at me for the first time since I joined him. Me? A leader?
"We're better together." I say and Cato rolls his eyes.
"Stop sparing my feelings, Clove. You and I both know you've been in charge for awhile. Why not just make it known?" Cato asks, looking at his shoes. I nudge him with my elbow and he looks at me.
"We're partners. I tell you the plan, you get the group to execute it. We're both leaders." I say and he smirks.
"Good, because I don't plan on taking orders from anyone else. Except maybe Sagara."
"Better not invite Slate to the party then."
"The bigger the pack, the bigger the threat we are. If the games are doubling in size it only makes sense that the pack does too."
"I get that, but my brother is not necessary for that."
"You and I both know he's an asset. He might be an asshole, but he won his games for a reason. We don't want him as an enemy right off the bat."
"We should ask Glimmer and Sagara. They're part of this alliance too."
"You just want them to agree with you."
"Hey, if my own boyfriend won't-"
"We haven't made that official, so technically I don't have to pay attention to any boyfriend rules."
"Loophole." I mutter as he puts his arm loosely around my waist, guiding me back inside the café.
Katniss's POV
I enter the Mellark's bakery and walk over to Peeta, who immediately gives me a weird look.
"What are you doing here?" Peeta asks when I sit at the counter.
"The games are soon. We need to be seen together. Here I am." I explain coolly.
"You've never been compliant. What's the real reason?" Peeta comments as the door opens and in walks Madge and Gale holding hands.
"Oh. I see." Peeta says and looks down at his hands.
"I... I don't really know what to say." I admit, feeling a little guilty when I see Peeta's frown.
"You don't have to say anything. It's all for show. I got it. I just... forgot."
"I'm sorry."
"What can I get you?" Peeta asks and I turn to see Madge beaming at us.
"Two chocolate cupcakes, please?" Madge asks and hands Peeta the money. Peeta goes to grab her cupcakes.
"Hi Katniss, how are you?" Madge asks.
"I'm fine." I reply, my stomach turning the longer she smiles at me.
"That's good! Are you here to spend some time with Peeta?" Madge asks as Peeta returns with her cupcakes.
"Yeah, she surprised me. I haven't had a lot of free time lately between school and work, so we're trying our best." Peeta explains as he hands Madge her cupcakes.
"Aw, that's so sweet. I'll see you guys later!" Madge exclaims and walks over to where Gale is sitting at a table near the window. I growl the moment she's gone.
"That was nice."
"That was annoying. Why is she so perky all of the time?"
"She never bothered you before she went on a date with Gale."
"That's not true. I've never liked perky people. She treats Gale like her savior, you know? Because of what he did in the games."
"Well, he did kinda save her life and risk his own by doing it. He gave up winning the games and everything."
"Still. Gale doesn't need that kind of ego boost."
"Alrighty then..." Peeta remarks as he leans against the counter. Moments later his brother appears from the kitchen, a fresh loaf of bread in his hands.
"Well if it isn't the love of Peeta's life." Peeta's brother taunts and Peeta's face goes red.
"Ash-"
"I don't believe we've been formerly introduced. I'm Ash Mellark, Peeta's older brother." Ash says and sticks out his hand.
"I'm Katniss Everdeen." I say and shake Ash's hand.
"Oh I know. My fiancée is so excited to meet you."
"She is?" I ask, peering at Peeta for help. Fiancée?
"Of course. She never had any sisters of her own, so she kinda sees you as her chance to have one. Two, I guess, with Prim."
"How do you know Prim?"
"Oh she's in here all of the time. Don't tell my mom, but I sneak her cupcakes whenever I mess up the frosting. Gretta, my fiancée, wants to go dress shopping before you head off to the games. Does that work for you?"
"Dress shopping...?" I ask, turning to Peeta who's nervously biting his lip. Ash turns to Peeta.
"Did you not tell her?"
"I forgot. Sorry." Peeta admits.
"Gretta wants you to be one of her bridesmaids at our wedding in May. Peeta was supposed to tell you. Can you do it?" A bridesmaid? In Peeta's brother's wedding? Great...
"Sure. Tell Gretta to pick a day and I'll schedule around it." I reply, Peeta not meeting my glance.
"Perfect. I'll go call her." Ash says and leaves. I turn to Peeta.
"Peeta-"
"I know this isn't your thing."
"I barely know your family."
"Yes, but for all intensive purposes you're the girl I'm gonna marry some day. For Ash and Gretta that means you're family. How was I supposed to disagree without raising suspicion?" Peeta explains and I huff, knowing he's right.
"Effie is gonna love this." I mutter and Peeta chuckles.
Savera's POV
"The games are in a few weeks. We need to officially meet up again in order to decide what to do with everything." I say as Marvel paces along the bookshelf.
"How do we know it's safe?" Pexey asks, Turbo with his head in his history textbook and Lanni picking at her salad.
"It's been weeks since they found the sledgehammer. If they knew it was us they would have done something already."
"Unless they're waiting for us to get to the Capitol so they can deal with us without any scandal." Lanni mutters.
"Lanni-"
"What do you expect from me, Sav? You're lucky I came to this meeting at all. After what Finch did to my dad I don't see why I owe her anything, let alone my life."
"Well it's a little late to back out now." Marvel states.
"Why? I could just not do the games, move to Seven, and that would be the end of it."
"We all know that this is far from over. The games are the least of our problems." Turbo mentions, barely glancing up from his textbook.
"Regardless of our personal feelings towards Finch right now, we need to complete the mission for the greater good. With that being said, I think we should meet on Friday night." I state and Marvel stops pacing.
"That's the night of the Valentine's Day dance." Marvel says.
"I know. So much attention will be spent on that dance I doubt anyone will notice what we're doing."
"What if I had plans?"
"Oh come on. I think we can all admit that we're dateless for Friday. Even you, Career." Turbo comments, turning to face Marvel. Marvel scoffs at him, but sighs a few moments later.
"Fine. Friday it is. 8 pm at the safe place." Marvel states as the bell rings, signifying the end of lunch.
"Whatever." Lanni mumbles and leaves the library as quickly as possible.
Prim's POV
I race to my locker at the end of the day, not wanting to waste a single second of prep time for the dance. When I close my locker Ivy is bounding up to me.
"I'm so excited, aren't you excited?" Ivy exclaims and I giggle.
"Maybe not as excited as you, but yes. I'm more nervous though." I reply, joining her as we begin the walk back to my house.
"Don't be. Spade and Bay are gentlemen."
"Still, I've never been on a real date before."
"Never? Not even with... you know who?" Ivy asks as we pass Rory and Mace in the hall.
"No. We were never anything more than friends."
"Didn't he buy you a dress?"
"Yeah. It's complicated."
"Clearly. Bay isn't complicated."
"Should be fun then." I state and allow Ivy to excitedly pull me along. Deep in conversation about the outcome of the roses on people's lockers, neither of us notice the bike approaching us until he's off the bike and walking it beside us.
"Hey, Rory." I say as Ivy's eyes widen.
"Hello ladies. Will I be seeing you two at the dance tonight?" Rory asks.
"Yes, we're going to Prim's house right now to get ready. Our dates are picking us up there." Ivy explains and I feel my cheeks go red as Rory reacts.
"Dates? And who are these dudes, exactly?"
"Spade and Bay. They're juniors and not Careers so I doubt you'd know them."
"Juniors. Wow."
"They're our tutors in literature. Nothing more." I mention, not liking the way Rory reacted.
"Except for the fact that Bay is totally into you." Ivy states and I groan.
"Stop saying that."
"It's true. You should see it, Rory. He practically recites poetry about her but she pretends she's too busy reading to notice. It's pitiful."
"I could only imagine. Just be careful around older boys. You never know what they're after." Rory warns.
"Meaning what exactly?"
"Well, I don't know about you, Ivy, but I know for a fact that this is Prim's first date. Knowing that, I'm a little nervous she might be taken advantage of, especially by an older guy."
"I can take care of myself, Rory. Besides, Bay is a good guy. He wouldn't do that." I reply.
"Not that it's any of your business to begin with, Rory. You're going with Lace, remember? The whole grade knows what your rose to her said." Ivy comments and I turn even more red.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Rory asks.
"Nothing. It doesn't mean anything." I say before Ivy can get another word in.
"I would hope so." Rory mutters. He gets back on his bike and rides away without another word.
"Ivy." I exclaim the moment he's out of earshot.
"I wasn't about to let him play protector by making Bay sound like a creep. He chose Lace over you, for who knows what reason, and now he has to live with it." Ivy explains, crossing her arms.
"You just... you don't understand my friendship with Rory."
"No, you don't understand. He's been taking advantage of you since I met you and you deserve more."
"It's complicated."
"Any good friendship isn't complicated. Either you're friends, or you're not. It's that simple."
"Maybe for you it is, and that's great, but it doesn't mean it's the same for me."
"I guess so." Ivy mumbles as we enter my house and begin to get ready for the dance.