star crossed lovers ➸ cato hadley

viii. baby blues

The days of training had passed by in a blur, and surprisingly, without any problems. During the training sessions, Natalie had gotten close to both Finnick and Johanna, much to Cato's complaints. The latter had feared the two was using Natalie for a much bigger plan, only to stab her in the back during the games.

Being in the Quarter Quell had set Cato on edge. President Snow certainly wasn't going to make the same mistake again and he knew Natalie well enough to know that she would make Peeta the Victor, with allies or not.

The evening of the Interviews had everyone in a rush. Stylists and Prep Teams was pushing past Cato, trying to collect all the materials that were needed. Instead of getting ready down in the District 2 penthouse, he had went to the District 12 penthouse. He had stayed with Natalie throughout the whole time, that wasn't going to change now.

"What is this?" Cato asked with a hint of anger as he held an ultrasound picture in his hand. "and don't you dare lie to me, Nat."

Natalie flinched at his tone, turning away from him as her prep team left the room, leaving the two alone. "I'm eight months pregnant and that's our daughter." She mumbled, putting her hand against her stomach.

"How long have you known?" Natalie didn't answer him straight away, not wanting to see the hurt on her husband's face. "How long?" He repeated.

"Four months."

Cato swore under his breath and without a word, stormed out of the room. Natalie quickly followed him. "I was going to tell you." The male stopped in his tracks and turned around to face her. "When?" He demanded. "Did you ever plan to tell me or was you just going to wait until she was born?"

"Just forget it." Cato spoke before giving Natalie a chance to speak. He walked out of the penthouse, the photo still clenched in his hand.

Effie was quick to wrap her arms around the teen, rubbing her back in attempt to soothe her. Peeta took one look as his sister broke down crying in Effie's arms before following Cato, hoping to fix what happened.

➳

Natalie was anxiously pacing as her and Cato were the only two left waiting to be interviewed. Caesar had insisted that the pair was too be interviewed together. Cinna, Haymitch and Effie had left to take their seats in the audience which left Natalie alone with no clue what was happening.

Natalie absentmindedly played with both her engagement and wedding ring, twisting them around her finger as she tried to stop herself from leaving to find Cato.

"Sorry I'm late." Cato called out, rushing over to where Natalie stood, regardless of them needing to be on stage in a matter of minutes. He was dressed in a wedding suit to match Natalie's outfit, who was wearing a voluminous bridal-style gown that worked well with her unswept hairdo and a diamond necklace hanging down her back. The pair didn't have a choice in the clothing as usual, this time being it was down to President Snow.

Cato pulled Natalie into a hug, whispering in her ear. "I forgive you, Nat. I'm so sorry for storming off like that." He pulled away and took out a pair of baby socks from his pocket. "I saw this and immediately thought of our baby. It made me realize that I shouldn't be angry at you for keeping it a secret. I will do everything I can to protect you and our baby, I promise."

It wasn't long before the two was whisked onto the stage, the lights blinding Natalie temporarily as she held Cato's hand for support.

"Ladies and gentleman, Cato Hadley and Natalie Mellark!" Caesar announced, the crowd roaring at their appearance. Cato stood behind Natalie with his arms around her, his hands gently resting on Natalie's stomach.

"Cato. Natalie. The wedding, the marriage. Never to be." Ceasar commented once the screaming had died down, tilting the mic towards them for their response.

"Well actually, we got married. In secret." Natalie answered,

"A secret wedding, do tell." Caesar prompted, wanting to hear the tale of his favorite pair of Star-Crossed Lovers.

"We wanted our love to be eternal so we held a small ceremony with just our friends and family. Natalie and I, we've been luckier than most and we wouldn't have regrets at all, if it weren't..." Cato spoke, choking on the last words.

"If it weren't for what?"

"If it weren't for the baby." Cato concluded.

Both Caesar and the audience was in shock at Cato's words, the area in complete silence until one by one, citizens of the Capitol went to their feet and starting yelling. "Stop the hunger games."

Natalie and Cato looked at Haymitch for guidance, the drunken bastard raising his glass to them with a smirk on his face. Natalie rolled her eyes as the pair walked onto the large stands behind Caesar, who was still trying to control the crowd.

"I never told you earlier, but I'm really happy that you're pregnant." Cato whispered in her ear as they stood with the other victors. "I can't wait to start a family with you, Natalie Mellark-Hadley."

Natalie didn't have the heart to correct him, knowing that there was no way they were going to be a family because of President Snow. Especially as the tributes of the 75th Hunger Games joined together, holding each other's hand and raised them for everyone to see as one last act at defiance.

XXX
if y'all can imagine Jennifer Lawrence's dress for the 2013 Oscars as Natalie's dress for the interview then that will be great. fyi google translate sounded so condescending when i was trying to figure out which way the surname sounded better, so fun fact. also i cringe at this way too much, whoops.