I'll Be Beside You (Sequel to I'll Be Watching You)

One Bombshell After Another

I can't believe the nerve of President Snow! Cinna came to me with the outfit for the interviews and it just had to be a wedding dress. It was big and frilly with feathers and just looked plain ugly.

"I'm sorry Brooke, but President Snow wouldn't take no for an answer. But I made a few adjustments to it so that it matches Cato's suit."

"Thanks, for everything."

"Remember, look down to no one."

I walked out to the line-up, behind Cato and waited for the interviews. Cashmere and Gloss went together and Cashmere fake cried to everyone. Brutus and Enobaria stayed vicious. Beetee tried to use logic and Finnick told the public a poem he wrote for his love. Johanna was angry all right, she swore a lot during her speech. Then it was my turn.

"Please welcome the Girl on Fire, Brooke Fairfall- Hadley!"

I step out onto the stage and the crowd goes crazy. My wedding dress sparkles in the lights and I paint a small smile on my face.

"Haha, look at that! So tell me Brooke, is this the dress you would have worn?"

"Yes, President Snow thought every one would want to see it."

"Well President Snow as usual was right. So how are you feeling about this whole situation?"

"It's very unfortunate and I really hope that, should I die, my darling Cato should be Victor once again."

"Aw so sweet. So is there a big finish this time?"

"Of course!"

I start to twirl in my dress and the white fabric starts to burn. I watch in horror as the fabric melts away, leaving a short dress made of black feathers. I knew Cinna said that I would match Cato but I didn't know how much though.

****

It was so different to last year. Instead of heading offstage, the peacekeepers directed me to a balcony overlooking the stage. All the other tributes were there and they all stared as I made my way to stand beside Chaff. Cato made his way onto the stage, the black feathers of his suit fluttering in the breeze and shook hands with Caesar.

"So Cato, the wedding, the marriage never to be?"

"Actually we already got married, in secret."

I felt my eyes widen as he held up his left hand and showed off the ring I bought for him. I wanted to facepalm so much but I knew that the public would know he was lying.

"You're already married?! Wow now this is news to us. I'm sure that you're both very happy."

"Well we would be if- if-"

"If what?"

"If it weren't for the baby."

The crowd went absolutely crazy, I could hear some shouting;

"STOP THE GAMES!"

It was nice to know that the Capitol citizens actually care about what happens to me and my baby. But now the whole of Panem knows and the other tributes know about my pregnancy. They'll be coming after me for sure. I swear to fucking god, Cato is in so much trouble when we get back to the Penthouse. Caesar ushers him up to our balcony and he grips my hand tightly. I grab onto Chaff's stub and every tribute holds hands. Noticing this, Caesar gestures to the people to turn off the lights but it's too late.

The whole of Panem has seen our act of unity.