𝘾𝙃𝘼𝙋𝙏𝙀𝙍 𝙏𝙀𝙉
—𝘥𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘥—

     "𝙎𝙊 𝙃𝙀 𝙏𝙍𝙄𝙀𝘿 to hit you?" Finnick questions River, his hands clasped behind his back. "Or was he just aching for a fight?"

"He didn't swing," River replies, sending me a glance. "But he wanted to get to Casey for some reason. Probably to mess with her like Glimmer does."

Johanna bites her lip from behind Finnick, before raising an eyebrow at me. I only shake my head, looking to the floor.

"Sounds like a career," Finnick sighs. "You did good, River. Nice job with Casey."

"I'm supposed to protect her," River shrugs. "I did what had to be done."

"Casey, can I see you in the dining room for a minute?" Johanna asks, her eyes not leaving my face.

I nod in response, before following her out of the living room, wary of the eyes on me. When reaching the dining room, Johanna lets out a flustered huff, leaning against the wall.

"Sounds like you, my dear, have a lot of things to think about," She frowns. "How did River really handle Cato?"

"Well, they didn't hit each other," I reply. "But they looked like they wanted to. Both of them were extremely angry; and for what reason, I have no idea."

Johanna stares at me for a moment, before bursting into laughter. I watch her, confused as she shakes her head, her laughter dying down.

"Casey, you are so oblivious, hun." Johanna chuckles lightly. "How do you not see it?"

"See what?"

"Nevermind," She waves it off, crossing her arms over her chest. "So are you meeting Cato again tonight, or what?"

"Well, I planned on it," I say. "But now I'm not so sure. It scares me, knowing how he gets when he's mad. I want to know where we stand, though."

"I'm guessing that's what he wanted to talk to you about," Johanna leans her head back, looking at the ceiling. "I just don't know whether or not he's using you."

"You think he'd use me?" I ask softly, my voice cracking in the slightest.

"Careers will do anything to win," She says disgustedly, finally meeting my gaze. "Even if it means using the sweetest people they can. I just don't want you to get hurt, Casey. I care for you, and I want you to win this."

"So you think I should stop seeing him?" I ask, hoping that my disappointment is hidden.

"I'm only saying that you should be cautious." She sighs, mocking Finnick's earlier action. "Maybe this could be worth something, though."

"What do you mean?"

"If I can talk to his mentors- and him- I'm sure we could work something out." She seats herself at the table. "During the interviews, we could have both of the guys announce their undying love for you, and surprise the hell out of the Capitol. It'd definitely make you look even more valuable."

"I'm not following," I state unsurely, sitting across from her. "What guys? And I'm not even sure if Cato likes me, let alone loves me."

"I'll have to talk to Finnick, too," Johanna speaks to herself, concentrating on her thoughts and completely ignoring my comment. "Maybe this could work..."

"Please, Jo," I grab her arm lightly, pulling her from her thoughts. "Tell me what you're thinking."

"You'll see," Johanna dismisses, standing from the table. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a few mentors and tributes to talk to."

And with that, Johanna disappears into the living room again, leaving me to myself and my confusion.

___♕___

I step onto the familiar balcony, my nerves beginning to set in. There is no sign of Cato yet, to my relief. I honestly don't know if I even want him to show up. And maybe I'm second guessing myself a little too much, and overreacting over something as small as greeting him.

Hearing a slight movement from behind me, I step to the railing, and look down at the city below me.

"I like to hope that you aren't playing games with me," I smile softly, not turning around to see Cato. "That you aren't lying for yourself and your chances."

I bite my bottom lip, not waiting for a response as I continue. "But I'm not sure what to think anymore. You told me you cared about me... and I don't believe you."

"You should," Cato says lightly, bringing himself to stand beside me. "Everything I said is true."

I glance up at him, taking in his messy blonde hair, and blue eyes. His t-shirt clings to his chest, revealing his abs and biceps. I avert my gaze, not allowing his good looks to be a distraction.

"Including the fact that River is first on your list?" I raise an eyebrow. "Because right now, he's the only person protecting me in the arena."

"I will," Cato turns, looking me in the eye. "Why won't you trust me?"

"The stunts you pull aren't deeming you trustworthy, Cato!" I run my fingers through my hair, trying to ignore his piercing blue eyes. "You threatened to kill my only friend! What will happen after he's dead, huh?"

"Then you'll have to lean on me, the person you should be leaning on in the first place," He shrugs.

"You're acting like this is okay!"

"That's because it is," Cato hisses through gritted teeth. "These are the Hunger Games, Casey! Of course it's okay."

"Not to me," I shake my head, tears filling my eyes. "Please, Cato. You can't do that to me."

"You don't understand," He says calmly, grabbing my hands into his. He places his forehead on mine, his jaw slightly clenched. "River stands in my way."

"What?"

"He likes you, Case. I can tell, I'm not stupid." Cato sighs, leaning closer.

"And how would you know that?" My breathing grows deeper, and butterflies begin to appear in my stomach.

"Because he looks at you the way I look at you."

And once again, I find my lips meeting Cato's.

His arms wrap tightly around my waist, lifting me up, and sitting me on the railing. Now, properly able the reach his height without standing on the tips of my toes, I kiss him freely, and lock my hands in his hair. And by now, the butterflies have multiplied.

As I tug lightly on his hair, a moan falls from his lips. A blush arises in my cheeks, but Cato only pulls me closer to his chest.

Pulling away for a breath, Cato places his forehead on mine again. Now able to think clearly, I replay our earlier conversation in my mind.

"Wait," I say after a heavy breath, pulling away slightly to look at him. "You think River likes me?"

"I don't think, Case, I know," Cato says, brushing his hand along the side of my cheek. "And no one else is allowed to look at you that way. You're mine."

"I don't think you made that clear the last time we talked here," I frown. "You left me stressed out, so I didn't get any sleep last night."

"Well, I'm sorry for stressing you out," He sighs, pulling me impossibly closer than we already are. "If you'll allow it, I'll make sure you get some sleep tonight."

Immediately catching on, I roll my eyes.

"Cato, if I invited you into my living quarters without Johanna's permission, I'd be killed before the games," I chuckle.

"But she doesn't have to know," He groans. "C'mon, Casey. Please? Just for tonight?"

Staring into his eyes, I can't help but cave.

"Fine." I jump down from the railing, lacing my fingers in his. "Just one night."

___♕___

"Shhh!" I snap in a whisper, shoving Cato inside my room, and away from the now broken vase. "Cato, watch where you're going!"

"It's hard to watch where I'm going when it's dark!" He growls back, tugging me along with him. He shuts the door behind us, flipping on the light switch. "Nice room."

Moving towards my dresser, I skim through the drawers.

"Can you stay in here while I run to the bathroom to change?" I ask, pulling out a t-shirt. "Aspen is in the room beside me, and he's a light sleeper."

"Here," Cato pulls off his shirt, tossing it at me. "Wear mine. And just change in here."

I try not to drool over his exposed chest. Instead, I focus on his instructions.

"Cato, I'm not changing in front of you," I shake my head.

"I'll turn my head if it makes you feel better," He rolls his eyes, turning to face the wall.

For a moment, I stare at his back, admiring his muscles. But, being pulled back into reality, I slip the clothes from my body, and yank Cato's shirt over my head.

When looking down at myself, I snort. "This shirt swallows me," I comment.

Cato turns, only to reveal a wide-browled smirk on his face.

"What?"

"You should wear my shirt more often," He winks, before falling onto my bed.

I turn off the lights, before laying down next to him, and pulling the silky sheets over my exposed legs. Cato wraps his arms around my waist, pulling me into his chest. I allow a giggle to escape my lips, before closing my eyes.

"Goodnight, Casey."

"Goodnight, Cato."

_______