Burning Heart ~ Cato 2 (Completed)

Chapter Three

"Wake up Ashlynn, It's your big, big day! You get to see your lover!" Effie's annoying voice pierces my ears. 

I bounce on the balls of my feet, and I pull the large dark gray fur coat tighter around me. It had freshly snowed the night before, and the flurry had dusted the ground like a coat of powdered sugar. Our breaths mingled with the air, creating ghosts of heat around us. 

"And you wanted the hunting jacket," Cinna comments with a smile, walking up next to me in his thick coat. I glance at him with a smile.

"Aw, shut up."

"Ready to see Cato?" He asks. I glance back down the road. It seems solemn and still, the only life it had seen recently was the camera and prep crews vehicles.

"I don't know," I admit honestly. I turn as Haymitch taps my shoulder. He embraces me and wastes no time whispering in my ear.

"Good luck Ashlynn, Carpenter said he wishes you well, and he'll see you soon," He pulls back and I smile. I open my mouth to speak when the sound of tires fills the air. In a flash, I whip around. 

An armored car pulls onto the street, the large and expensive-looking car out of place in the dusty ice covered area. As it stops, a Peacekeeper rushes up and talks to the driver before opening the passenger door. A large burly man steps out. His blond hair is shaved on the sides and is longer on the top. The top hair is pulled back over his head and pulled into a ponytail. His blue eyes search the area, and everything stops as they connect with mine. Silence fills the area as Cato and I stare at each other. He tentatively takes a step forward, and so do I.

We shoot off in runs towards each other. I slip on the ice, crashing into him and his arms wrap around my waist, pulling us on to the ground. He lets out a slight groan as his back hits the cobblestone path. 

"Cato," I whisper, my hand trailing his face. He leans in and kisses me. Our soft moment is interrupted by cheers and sighs. I blush and duck my head into his shoulder. As quickly as we can, without slipping, we both stand. Cato has grown larger in muscles since I've last seen him, and I can feel them slightly flex as one of his arms wrap around my waist. 

"Come on Lovebirds," Haymitch says, lightly touching Cato. He leads us into my house, away from the cameras. 

"Cozy house," Cato comments as he enters into the living room. He seemed to clean to be in the room. While my victory mansion was luxurious to most of the slum filled District, it was probably nothing compared to the mansions in District 2.

"Shoes off!" Mina hobbles into the room, and hits Haymitch with a wooden spoon. He sighs annoyed, but a smile hints at his face. I try not to laugh as I pull my knee-length boots off. She gives Cato a little hmf, before extending her hand. 

"It's nice to meet you," Cato says as a nervous smile. She responds politely. 

"Your shoes," After that comment she returns to the kitchen. I take a deep breath as the aroma of venison and vegetables fill the air. 

"So that's Mina," He says, looking towards he retreating figure.

"It is," I say with a soft smile. 

Haymitch gags and stalks into the living room. I grin and motion for Cato to follow suit. 

As we step into the living room Cato's eyes widen.

"What?" I ask, glancing to see if something is out of place. 

"Its much cozier than the ones in our Victor's Village. This house actually feels like a home," He muses quietly. 

I follow his eyes and softly smile. 

Our house was quite cozy. 

The fancy couch that came with it had been draped with homemade quilts and knitted blankets. The pillows, although nice, were worn. Books were stacked on shelfs and the floor, vases of flowers and pillared candles mixed throughout. Plants lingered on the remaining counter spaces and windowsills. 

It looked well lived in, not just a showy mansion. 

"It is a home afterall," I say before sitting on the loveseat. He follows suit and Haymitch leans forward and fills a glass, handing it to him. 

"This is the best place in all of the district, If you ask me."

I turn to Haymitch with a taunting smile.

"Better than the Hub's bar?" He shoots me a look, before allowing the smile that has been attempting to appear to grace his face.

"Maybe."

We sit and talk some before Haymitch excuses himself to the kitchen. Cato turns to me.

"Can I see your room?" He asks. I smirk.

"Already? Moving a little fast, no?" He shakes his head with a chuckle. 

"Ashlynn, come on." With a laugh I extend my hand, and guide him up the stairs. 

Like the rest of the house, my bedroom was an ode to comfort. Comfort, being my happy place. The woods. 

The walls were painted like the forest on a misty morning. My bed had a frame that snaked to the ceiling, mimicking the branches I so loved to climb on. 

My desk was made of wood from forest, we were able to find a piece on this side of the fence, and had to drag it awkwardly to the Victors's circle. 

Vining plants trail along the room, and books were tucked away on the floor.

I had a bookshelf, but over time, the books on it were replaced with samples of wildlife.

Dried flowers, leaves, and pinecones dotted the surface. 

Cato takes the room in in silent, before sitting on the bed. I follow suit and we sit in silence. 

He grabs my hand and traces my fingers. He lingers on my ring finger, and opens his mouth to speak. 

"So are you enjoying your time as a Victor?" I ask, before he can say a word. He nods. 

"I do. Its maybe the easiest my life has ever been, you know?" He responds. I smile.

"I do."

But I don't.

Being a Victor may be the hardest part of my life.

Harder than the games.

Harder than my childhood.

Being a Victor means I am one step closer to the uprising. 

One step closer to my own death.