Author: Howlynn
Realm: The Hunger Games, Suzanne Collins
Story Title: Pleasure to burn
Summary: Katniss and Cinna may have shared more than ability to keep cool in the face of danger. They may have shared burning flames that were more than symbolic.
Character/Relationships: Katniss/Cinna

Author notes:

I am going to do some odd pairs just for the challenge of figuring out how to wrap it in canon. Cinna/Katniss has a few fun possible moments to me – see what you think and review.

Bonus material - warning, may contain any of the following ingredients –(old people, language. Spoilers, Sexual discussion, ghosts, sex, smexy lemons, smutty thoughts, sexual reference, sexual innuendo, reference to past violence, sadness, bondage, violence, dead characters being discussed, alcohol use, caffeine use, reference to man love, unintended exhibitionism, naked people, infidelity, torture, reference to adultery, reference to other persecuted unacceptable sex (threesome), reference to possible non-consent and prostitution -whew the warning alone makes me want to read it again) If you have any allergies to these subjects, please take appropriate measures for your maturity level. Side effects may include but not be limited to: flaming of the author, Pm grouchiness, and unwanted hair growth.

Chapter One

"It was a pleasure to burn." Fahrenheit 451

Adoration. Worship. Passion. Wrong. Right. But, not exactly love. It was not the kind of love that would last between two people who hope to find that special person to grow old with. It might last a lifetime, but when life could be measured in days, hours even, it could be said to be temporary or only a flame. It could also be called a love that would last forever, beings it would probably have to, for the two people standing on the brink of ashes.

There had been looks passing between them for some time, ignored by the other demurely. Cinna had gazed at her in the nude with longing and desire, but he could control it. He was no animal. She was a child.

A year ago he'd sent her to her nearly certain death, hating that the tips of his fingers had never known the pleasure of her softness. He'd held her hand and told her goodbye, giving her words of encouragement as she'd stepped away forever. He'd cried for two hours preparing her funeral ensemble, for when they returned his extinguished girl on fire to him. But his loving preparations for her had gone unused, unneeded. The firemen had not put her out, for she'd transformed into elusive magical spirit fire, not quite real and not quite friendly.

There were Foxfires where Cinna grew up, beautiful things that lead people to be lost in the deepest parts of the swamp if they followed. It was said they lead to fairylands and those who saw them never wanted to return, but others said the lights were evil and lead souls to doom. Come delight or damnation, Cinna knew he must follow her.

This time there was no hope of her return and he knew he would be racing her to that prize. Death and eternity is wantonly smiling at them, preparing to point it's finger upon the lives in this room. He already had both of their outfits laid aside for the inevitable. Peeta was to rest beside her for all time in splendor that would match the girls. Cinna had this covered as far as necessary preparations he thought. He was not prepared for her remark upon greeting her.

"I swear if you cry, I will kill you here and now."

Cinna just smiles, "Had a damp morning?"

Katniss drops her light robe and inquires about the costumes this year. Cinna remains vague and mysterious. "Don't worry, I always channel my emotions into my work. That way I only hurt myself. I think you will be pleased with the results."

"I am going to die Cinna. But that isn't the worst part." She'd said with both resolve and regret. He is behind her as she stands in her perfection, unable to take his eyes off her, the way her hips flared with such sweet curve, swelling with promise below her long muscular waist.

"Yes Katniss. Time is in very short supply for each of us now. Are you afraid?" His hand touches her silken shoulder in pure comfort, without conveying the things his face did not hide at all in that moment. She cannot see him, but he watches her face carefully.

"You have gotten yourself in to trouble haven't you?" She says eyes glassy and far away.

"Yes. Perhaps. I hope it to be more of a trade, but we will have to wait and see."

"If you are trading for me, I wish you wouldn't. I am sending Peeta home this time." She advises turning her head and searching his face. He didn't hide his emotions from her quite fast enough, because she tilts her head and spins to face him. "It is for me."

Just the hint of his knowing smile tells her she has guessed correctly. "I would rather that you be a living symbol instead of a martyr." He confesses hope, not truth.

"But we both know that won't be. Cinna, do you think I am pretty?" her eyes drop as her face flushes.

"You are beautiful. My beautiful girl on fire. No. A beautiful woman on fire by now." He says with a wistful sigh.

Her lovely gray eyes meet his placid green ones. Her head shakes slightly. "Still girl," There is no voice, only whisper, "and on fire."

His precise brows come together; a line nestles between them as he watches her with confusion. "You and Peeta have never? Why, if I may ask. Is there another?"

"Yes. But I don't have time to play games with him. So, if you say no, I will understand." Terror flashes in her eyes. Her pulse throbs in her neck and she stands there, naked before him, asking a question he could not comprehend.

"Katniss, are you asking me to…"

She nods, but he is so full of dismay he just stands there breathing and she begins to melt before his eyes. He fights the stinging tears, refusing to ruin his eyeliner.

"If I were coming back, I would not have to be so direct." Her eyes have fallen away from his, embarrassed and clouding with certain refusal.

He can think of no proper response, so instead he gives her the improper one. His hand slides from her shoulder to her neck and the tips of his fingers just slide into the silken hair at her nape before his lips close on the hard mouth he'd dreamed of kissing into softness.

She returns his kiss and he hears her release the breath she had held too long as his mind slowly fell into flight with his little mockingjay. The first kiss was only kindling. He pulls away from her and made sure he'd made no mistake. She touches his chest shyly and curls the fabric of his expensive shirt in her fingers, pulling him back for more. "I don't want to die a girl Cinna. That is one of the parts I wish to change." She chews her lip for just a second, and then attacks his mouth in passion.

Whatever he meant to say, disappeared in the smoke of the conflagration he was experiencing at her touch. He could smell her wish without even checking to see if her body was making preparations for her first experience. Every breath he took conveyed to him she was. The scent was heady and his mind muddled with elation. His body is tuning to her's with such intense focus he could have missed the rebellion if it began in this very room.

His hands began exploring her back with the touch of a phantom. The fingertips sent shivers and goose bumps all over her and when he finally took his first deep needful breath of real passion, and pressed her to him, a moan of craving escapes him. She responds to his call by untucking his shirt and slipping her hand under the fabric, expecting to find smooth perfect skin. Her eyes fly open as her fingers encounter the many grooves and dents on his back.

"You have been whipped." She blurts out before thinking it might spoil her wish.

"Yes, many times. Does it change the question you have asked me?" He steps back, just inches, but it feels expansive, the distance bringing him to the reality of this encounter.

"No, I am surprised you have not polished away any imperfection." She smiles as if maybe she likes that he hasn't utilized the capital services to full advantage.

"Sometimes it is imperfection that is our greatest beauty. Waiting for things to be perfect rarely exacts any price other than watching dreams become remote." Cinna stoops and picks up her robe. He helps her into it.

"So you are saying no?" Katniss questions, trying to keep the disappointment from showing on her face.

He kisses her softly. "I am saying that for your first time, I want to do things in a more private setting. Should some measure of perfection be found, it won't be lost by accidental discovery. I have too many pleasures to give you, for this to be rushed or treated as if it doesn't matter." His eyes sparkle and he guides them into the cozy private lunch space. He closes the door and locks it.

From his pocket he removes a black device and types into it, one handed. He glances around the room and studies the device again. It flashes dull red, orange and yellow lights then beeps as they become green. He smiles and sets it on the table.

"What is that?" Katniss asks bending over and examining the small gadget without touching it.

"It is a jammer. It offers us privacy for our activity. Are you sure this is what you want Katniss? Would you not prefer it to be Peeta?" she shakes her head. "Finnick is a good choice as well?" She rolls her eyes and shakes her head. He smiles again. "Haymitch is even more famously knowledgeable than Finn, perhaps you should at least consider…"

"Cinna. Please don't tease me." Katniss sits on the couch and draws her knees up.

"I wasn't teasing you. I want you to be happy with your choice. You and Haymitch are very close, I would not wish to step in his way, if there is a remote possibility."

She makes a face. "There isn't. He hates me."

Cinna looks at her as if she has lost her mind. "You don't actually believe that. Could you truly be so aloof? We all love you Katniss. Peeta, Haymitch…me. We all love you more than life. Haven't you noticed?"

"This isn't about what I owe everyone. It was for me. Just forget it Cinna. I don't want to explain." She looks miserable and won't meet his eyes.

He quietly takes a seat next to her and takes her hand. "I am honored by your trust, Katniss, but I won't make this a bit of furious satiation followed by regret. I want to express how deeply I care for you, with your full understanding that you have more options if it pleases you. I am not your last resort, nor the only one to whom you can turn."

She peeks at him from the safety of her curtain of hair. "I want you."

He reaches out and tucks her hair behind her ear. He stands and kisses the top of her hair. She watches him as he lowers the lights and lights the candles scattered around the room.

He keeps her eyes locked to him as he quickly undoes the buttons of his shirt and whips it off. He holds his arms out for her examination. "My god Cinna. What is all that?" She takes in the scars and stands. Her fingers reach out and trace all the tortures of his life written upon his chest and back. Her touch sends his nerves on overdrive again.

"Nothing that matters at this moment." He engulfs her in his arms and lips explore the perfect and imperfect skin with the hunger of long suppressed want finally allowed to burn. It is a pleasure to burn.

The fire sucks the oxygen from the room, making the breaths come hard and fast as Cinna lays his blazing girl gently down. There are no garments between them and he positions her comfortably on the couch while he sits on his legs in front of her. She trembles nervously. "I want you to open your legs for me. Then close your eyes and relax, only concentrate on the sensations. It is erotic for me to bring you to pleasure a few times with my mouth before joining with you in the traditional way. Your scent alone arouses me and the taste of you will add to my pleasure later on. Have you ever brought yourself to pleasure?"

Her eyes are wide with embarrassed curiosity. "No. I think about it, but someone is always watching, or there isn't time. I can't, seem to let it happen."

He smiles as if this news pleases him. "That is perfectly normal. I want you to be absolutely comfortable and relax. Don't be self-conscious. There is nothing I enjoy more than this part, so the longer you allow me to explore your lovely charms, the deeper the bliss will become for me. You are in no hurry nor should you fight the reactions of your body. There may be movement you did not expect or twitching or sound. Do not let it pull you away from allowing you body to find it's natural path to enjoying this experience."

She listens carefully and takes a few deep breaths trying to calm herself. Cinna has been feathering his hands from her ankles to her thighs touching her everywhere except the target. He has watched her slickness entice him with it's glistening promise and he lets his fingers edge closer now, watching her reaction. "I am going to touch you Katniss, close your eyes and focus only on how it feels."

She does as he asks and he lightly moves his hand to the area of her he has yet, only allowed his eyes to adore. She jerks in surprise slightly but immediately forces that reaction away and relaxes again. "Will it hurt? They say it does."

"Not the way I do it. By the time we get to the part that is uncomfortable, it will add to your pleasure in a way you will never know again. Trust me Katniss. Give me your faith and let me adore you." Cinna's voice calms her. He moves his hands in a more steady rhythm now, watching her reactions and letting them guide him. He is fascinated to know he will give her that first moment of ecstasy and wants to see her every nuance.

She is changing now, twitching and can't stop the quick breaths that that are turning into tiny humming noises with each exhalation. "That's it Katniss. Feel it building inside you and let it burn. Burn for me girl on fire. Become my fire. Let me see you at your most beautiful." His voice was sensual and her reaction to his words brought her still closer. Her brows wrinkled in concentration as he continued his nimble manipulation of her.

Her toes began curling involuntarily and she didn't know what to do with her hands as her left hand curled into a fist and began to shake. Her breath became deep and she forgot to breath then would catch up with five or six deep pants then hold her breath again.

Cinna moved one finger against her wetness and gently applied slight pressure there as he let her flushing lips part and the sound she made increased at this additional sensation, combined with his quick movement as her head rolled from side to side. "You're brilliant Katniss. You are right there, give me the vision of you truly on fire. My girl on fire. My girl on fire. That's right."

Her eyes opened in shock and she curled forward as her first cry of joy began to fill Cinna's mind with true peace. He smiled at her and crooned, "Let go for me. I love you. One moment of pure love and nothing else exists." As she began to convulse, he sighed in thankfulness for this treasure she had bestowed on him.

"Cinna. Cinn ohh?" Her eyes flashed a moment of fear before she let it take her.

He watches her, face lost in pleasure as her eyes rolled and he feels her contracting. No other had ever seen her face. They know her mask. As her waves of joy wound down, he leaned forward, his skin covering her and keeping up the friction, letting her erupting lubrication give him a few moments of torture at the promise of what was about to be.

He tasted every bit of her skin on the way to her lips. Her nipples, already standing aroused, were ever so gently licked and taken between his lips as his hips move, continuing her pleasure in random lurches that shock through her body, firing last twinges of delight.

She shivers and moans her thanks and all she felt with her behavior, rather than words. He smiles down on her and knew he had to stop soon, because he is very near. "Have you ever seen a man in pleasure?"

She shake's her head and smiles. He asks intently but without judgment, "Would you like to, or will it offend you?"

"Show me Cinna. Do that for me. I want to see you." Her face is serious and her lips purse in concentration.

He guides her hand to him and shows her what he needs. "I may be messy, do you want me to warn you? I can deflect it from landing on you."

She looks at him with amusement. "No. Please. I want to see. I want you all over me."

He needs little more encouragement. He is staring in her deep gray eyes, turned pools of black dilated need. "I love that it's you. I always wanted you." She whispers. He gives up trying to hold back, this first desperate will, to stop his body from allowing the fury of delight her hands are causing.

"Katniss. I…" He twitches and is undone in his own fire. He watches himself bathe her in the pearls of his pleasure. He can't hold back the surges and her attention does nothing but bring them to power.

She grins widely with surprise. Her fingers dip in the thick white warmth he has left. She studies it rubbing the substance between her fingers and sniffing it tentatively. Her tongue darts out to his amusement and she tastes him. "It makes me want more." She concludes.

"Good, then you will understand what I have to do next." He says holding himself over her but knowing he can't control his muscles for much longer.

He gives her no warning. He simply moves his head between her legs and his lips and tongue begin to drive her insane with yet another sensation. She soon can't control her demand as he brings her again to that land of foxfire and wishes.

A knock on the door interrupts the proceedings and he quickly dresses as best he can and assures the team, they have worked magic and he will finish the rest himself but he is letting her rest a little. He tells them to take the time to work on being calm in her presence, no matter how hard it is.

He closes the door and returns to her. "We still have hours. Don't panic."

His head moves with her hips as she once more groans. His finger slides softly into her warm wetness as she burns for him. Her muscles tighten and release on him and he sighs thinking how he will bear her wrapped around him like that as she becomes his woman on fire. The next time he has her filled with two fingers. She is gaining confidence and giving herself to the physical bombardment with more ease each time.

When she is once again on the verge of incoherence, he raises himself to her and toys her into the first convulsion of climax as finally he uses her own spasms of joy to hide the pain of his entry. As she feels him stretch her for the first time, her pleasure is rocked to new levels and he can only watch her writhe beneath him for moments before he is joining her cries of pure, perfect, soul-melting elation.

He never leaves her as his recovery is brought about while still embedded in her heat. This time they move slowly together, leisurely at first. They whisper the secrets of lovers for each other and for this moment there is no Capitol filled with those hungry for death and blood. There is only Cinna and Katniss fiery in pleasure.

Time is no friend to them and at last they must part. While she showers he wipes the evidence of her first pleasures away with a very delicate and expensive handkerchief, tucks it in his shirt pocket and then joins her in the steaming water.

Once they step out of the shower, Cinna dresses and returns to business. As he braids her hair in the style her mother had introduced to him, his eyes dart to her and just the corners of his mouth lift secretly each time. He moves on to her makeup and his focus is so pointed no one could guess that moments before he'd made her more beautiful than any make-up or costume could ever hope to copy.

Unlike last year her face is nearly obscure with dark shadow and fierce lines. The deceptively simple costume comes to life coating Katniss in glowing embers.

"How did you do this?" She asks, eyes full of admiration and a different fire from that of her costume.

"Portia and I spent a great deal of time watching fires," Says Cinna. "Now look at yourself."

"Thank you. Cinna, this is just what I needed to face….the others." Katniss would be blushing if her thick makeup did not hide the fact.

Cinna's hands run over her lightly with the familiar surety of one who knows his touch is desired. He pulls Katniss gently against him from behind. "Yes, I think your days of pink lipstick and ribbons are behind you."

She blinks her agreement. "Thanks to you, I am glad they are. You are perfect. So perfect."

Cinna kisses her shoulder. "No waving, no smiling this time. They are beneath your notice."

"Finally, something I am good at." Katniss says.

Cinna raises one eyebrow at her, "The other thing is my secret alone. A woman on fire. The girl is gone now. The greatest honor of my life, Katniss. My most secret treasure. Thank you for this day."

Katniss heads to the ground floor of the Remake Center. Haymitch and Peeta are not there yet, but Finnick Odair is. He seems determined to talk to her. He speaks of secrets to her and she wonders if he has guessed that she is no longer a little girl. He offers her sugar and she asks to borrow his very tiny costume.

He tips his head in so that his lips are almost in contact with Katniss. Is he some sort of bloodhound, who can spot ripe fruit? "What about you, girl on fire? Do you have any secrets worth my time?" his head tilts as if he might kiss her.

Katniss holds her ground, refusing to let him back her down. "I am an open book. Everyone else seems to know my secrets before I do." She narrows her eyes studying his reaction.

He looks at her purple lips for a moment and just an inch away he waits. He meets her eyes and smiles. "Unfortunately, I think that's true. Peeta's coming." His glance is sly but he inhales deeply as he gives her body suit a knowing look. He winks and moves on.

Peeta wants to know what Finnick wanted. He wonders if she is joking when Katniss tells him. Katniss looks up into his blue eyes, that no amount of makeup could quite make deadly and realizes she is so glad it is Peeta here, right this moment, and not Haymitch. Haymitch would have already caught her eyes searching the crowd for Cinna and been suspicious.

Peeta and Katniss play the role of the unforgiving to the crowd this year. Katniss sees President Snow fixate on her as much as the rest of the crowd and knows Cinna has done more than set her on fire. One way or another, she will burn.

After the doors to the training center close, Peeta and Katniss finally relax. Cinna and Portia complement them on the performance. Cinna's mouth turns up at the corners slightly and Katniss can't help but long to return to the activities of the afternoon. Haymitch is talking to the mentors from District 11 and nods to Peeta and Katniss. Seeder and Chaff softly convey that the families of Rue and Thresh are alive. Without warning, Chaff pulls Katniss into a big hug and kisses her right on the mouth. It makes her furious and she wonders if she is wearing a sign that says she just had sex.

She searches the room to see if Cinna saw this and is thankful to see his back turned as she jerks back, startled. Haymitch and Chaff laugh at her. They think it is quite the funny joke. Even Peeta snickers with them. They are all soon headed to the elevators and Johanna Mason from District 7 rides with Peeta and Katniss. She performs a complete striptease right in front of them while talking about dresses and paint the whole time. Peeta can't hide the wayward glances he is casting her way as she stands without a stitch on and completely unaware that it might make anyone uncomfortable. Or, maybe she is just naked to get Peeta's attention.

Katniss tosses aside Peeta's hand as soon as they step out of the elevator. Peeta laughs and says "It's because of you that they are like this. They are playing with you because you're so…you know?"

"What?" Katniss asks with disgust.

"You couldn't even look at me naked in the arena. You are so, you know…pure!" He says shrugging and laughing.

"I am not Pure." Katniss says almost mad enough to let Peeta have it about her real activities this afternoon. She glares at him with a touch of the attitude she's had on the chariot. "You are all just laughing at me."

"They are just teasing you."

"And so are you." Katniss spits at him, disgusted with him. He starts to protest but Haymitch steps off the elevator and glares in Katniss' direction with his hard furious expression. Great, he must know already. Katniss sighs, knowing this will be a blow up.

Effie brightly says, "We have a matched set this year."

Katniss turns to see what she means and stares into the eyes of Darious. A chill runs through the girl dressed in fire, and Haymitch is instantly at her side. His hand is on her wrist instructing Katniss with his silent advice. Any move she makes will cause Darius to be punished. Katniss yanks her hand from Haymitch's grip. He watches her stomp to her room and lock the door.

Within two minutes there is a knock on the door. "She won't answer. Wasting your time Cinna." Haymitch grouches just as the door cracks open and her eye presses to the gap.

"Katniss?" Cinna says.

A glance at Haymitch, nears the realm of hateful and the door swings wide for Cinna to enter. She slams it and locks it again to some comment Haymitch is making with curses under his breath.

She is in Cinna's arms and silent sobs wrack her. "I am sorry Katniss." He says, having been filled in by Haymitch. "A friend?" He whispers to her. She nods. "A boyfriend?" He asks.

"No. But a good guy. Tried to save Gale. Even being near those who are near me is not safe. Oh God Cinna, what have I done to you?" Katniss looks at Cinna in the dark, the only light in the room coming from her.

"You can do nothing to me, I have not chosen. I wouldn't trade today for all the rest of them combined." He kisses her softly and they stand in place, falling deeper into desire, needing the other as the power pack fades on her suit and the material glows less. Finally Cinna presses the button on her wrist and in the darkness they find the bed and quietly exchange the other magical fire they have discovered.

Everyone is quiet at dinner. Katniss can barely look up from her plate, as Darius is forced to serve her every dinner need. He moves slowly eyes down, but every once in a while he gets in a place where Katniss and he are in each others direct line of vision and then her eyes sparkle. Haymitch is in much the same mood, drinking and watching the new attendant with sorrow in his eyes. Cinna watches Katniss placidly, while Peeta, Portia and Effie speak of tributes, training scores and the costumes.

When it is time to watch the opening ceremonies, Katniss wedges herself between Cinna and Haymitch. She still intends to save him, but Peeta has made her so angry with the way he is acting that she doesn't have to be hooked to him every second. He can't understand how bad Darius being here hurts. Haymitch knows, Cinna understands. Peeta is merchant. The most Darius could be to him is a customer.

Cinna plays with Katniss' braid absently and she leans on his shoulder, wishing they were alone again, wondering if they ever will be again. At the end of the ceremonies, Cinna says he's tired. Katniss gives him a hug, and a quiet thank you, knowing he knows what it means.

She sits back down next to Haymitch and he narrows his eyes at her. "Don't expect me to pet you. Never liked cats, sweetheart."

"You look so pretty tonight Haymitch. Showers look amazing on you. Vomit dates you. To bad your aftershave can't hide that overpowering smell of mean." Katniss grouches back and decides - to heck with it. She gives the whole room a blanket goodnight and shuffles off to her room.

The movement in the room as she enters startles her. "I think Haymitch saw me." Cinna says softly.

"He did. He made me mad so I would come to bed." She tells him.

"I don't want to hurt anyone with this, Katniss."

"I am too tired of trying to please everyone to care." Katniss wraps her arms around him. "Thank you."

"How sore are you?" He asks kindly.

"Not bad. Not bad enough to turn you away," She says blushing.

He kissed her and soon they were moving silently under the covers. When the knock sounds on the door, she doesn't answer.

I have editied this several times now - and the save feature jumps the shark and I have to start over. (any errors may have been caught the 1st four times so forgive me) I decided to split this beings it was going over my one shot spot. So i will get the rest up when this site decides to let me. I plan to do several odd pairing in the future - including a few I have never seen done - ever...Just to see if i can find a spot to launch them. I love the BIG three too, but I prefer canon to launch, not be set in stone.

*************Please Review************

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