Burning Heart ~ Cato 2 (Completed)

Chapter Nine

 I wring my hands, staring nervously at Cinna. 

"Ashlynn, it's been a week. Nothing has happened since then," He says, zipping up my the bodice of my dress. I run my hands over the top.

"Isn't this a little fancy?" I ask. Cinna shakes his head no.

"You would be surprised. Just wait till we get to 1," He laughs.

"I'm nervous," I tell him, tugging on my hair.

"Yeah, that's not going to work."He takes my hair and puts it in a fancy braided bun.

"Thanks," I say with a small smile.

"Anytime," He engulfs me in a hug.

"Knock knock," Haymitch says marching into the room. 

"Who's there?" I ask. Haymitch's deadpan face causes me to laugh.

"Me. You better get out there. Apollo is looking for you," He says.

"Thanks, Haymitch," I say. I walk over and give him a hug. He tenses, before returning the hug. As I leave the room I hear Cinna speak up towards Haymitch.

"So, you and Effie go on a date lately?" Cinna asks.

"Shutup."

As I enter Cato's room, I smile nervously. He sits on the edge of his bed, his suit coat thrown over his desk, his tie loose, and his shirt partially unbuttoned. His rough appearance his gone as I notice his stressful eyes.

"Hey," I say quietly, smiling at him.

"Ashlynn," He breathes. I walk over and sit next to him, awkwardly pulling my skirt down. Cato takes my hand when I'm done, just holding it.

"Cato, are you okay?"

"No," He says, and his tough voice wavers. 

"What's wrong?" I ask, placing my free hand on his knee. 

"I don't want my parents near you, but I really don't have a choice." Cato's shoulders tense.

"Cato, why? What is so bad?" I ask him. He glances at me, his light blue eyes full of worry and anger.

"Valarie was pregnant Ashlynn," He finally says. I grow silent, even my breathing.

"What?" I breathe.

"Valarie was pregnant. 3 months. They forced her to enter. They told her that if she didn't they would reveal the pregnancy and force her fiance to enter," He says, his voice growing angry.

"The baby," I gasp. Cato nods. 

"And to make it worse, Odius volunteered anyway. He went just to make sure she came home, and in return, they both died" He says.  

"Cato," I whisper, leaning on him. His arm wraps around me.

"I don't want them to hurt you," He says. 

"If you don't mind me asking, why the last name?" I ask him. His grip on me tightens.

"Valarie was going to name the baby Porcius. When I wanted to separate from my parents, I decided that out of all the names, that would be the one," He says. He turns and hugs me fully. His shoulders relax as he feels the small of amount water pooling at his shirt.

"Ash, you're going to get mascara on my shirt," He says softly. I pull back.

"You can't tell me something like that and expect me to be fine blondie," I say softly. I can see by his smirk I made a mistake.

"Leave it to Haymitch," He says with a grin. I roll my eyes. We sit in silence for a bit, embracing the silence. 

I notice that Cato is staring into my eyes. I stare back. Cato leans in slowly, glancing down at my lips. Right before we connect, the door slams open. We quickly pull back. Haymitch stands in the door his arms crossed.

"It became too quiet, so I came in to check. Clearly I made the right decision," He says quietly. Cato stands up, helping me up.

"She called me blondie," Cato says with a smirk. Haymitch looks at me.

"That's all you got?" He asks me. I roll my eyes.

"That's what I said," Cato laughs. Haymitch turns to him, his humor gone.

"Be careful Goldilocks," Haymitch warns before leaving the room. Cato rolls his eyes before walking up to me. He rests his hands on my waist.

"Stay away from my parents Ash, and if you can't, make sure I am right there with you," He says. I nod.

"I will," I respond.

"Promise me Ashlynn," He says resting his forehead on mine. 

"I promise," I whisper.

He gives me a kiss and grabs his tie.

"A little help," He asks. I laugh and help him tie it.

"Aw, the big tough guy can't tie a tie," I laugh. Cato rolls his eyes.

"You're lucky I love you," He laughs. After a while he stands and exits the car. I glance at the mirror, and quietly gasp. 

Even in a span of a week, my eyes have become more hallow. My body is fatiguing quicker than I can keep up with it.