CHAPTER 1
HOMECOMING
I once had the impression that Victors are the most fortunate people in Panem. The circumstances to which they (or should I say we?) got that title may be devastating at the very least, but the fortunes that await each one upon returning home seem to be a satisfactory compensation. A huge home in an exclusive area of the district (called the Victor's Village), luxurious clothes and other materials, plus an endless supply of food and money each month. It's a kind of life that everybody, especially in a dirt-poor district like ours, could only dream of having. But now, just days after being announced a Victor and seconds after our train stopped at District 12, I'm dreading being one already.
Could this be the reason why Haymitch chose to live his life in a drunk stupor? Is that what I will eventually turn into?
Katniss unconsciously tightens her grip on me. I stare at our intertwined hands before hesitantly looking at her face. Her grey eyes are staring blankly at me, her features twisted in unease and sadness. I push the last thought away. Katniss has no reason to be sad; I know ho excited she is to see her family again... and maybe Gale.
I try to keep the grimace off my face as unwanted thoughts occupy my mind once again. I focus on our interlinked hands before forcing a smile out (which I hope doesn't look fake) and acknowledging her.
"It's fine, Katniss. Relax, okay? We have an audience to satisfy."
I meant for those words to be reassuring, but as I see her wince, I realize that it came out more as mockery. I hurriedly try to make up for it.
"I mean, it's okay. Really. At least we're on the same page now."
"Peeta..."
I cut her off. "Smile, Katniss. Prim's out there waiting for you." I say, knowing that her sister's name will be the sure way to get her to focus. It works almost immediately - her eyes light up as I mentioned Prim and her lips involuntarily twitch upwards. The train doors open, allowing the spectators outside to catch us as we are looking at each other with an easy smile on our faces. Out of the corner of my eye, I see Haymitch nod in approval. A picture perfect moment, I think. The cameras snap wildly as they catch a glimpse of us. Katniss and I wave at them with our free hands before carefully stepping out of the train.
"There they are! Our favorite lovers, and our latest Victors! Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark! The lovely pair has now arrived in their hometown, District 12!" Caesar Flickerman's voice booms in the background. I am able to catch sight of us in the huge television situated in the left side of the train station, walking down the steps hand-in-hand. From an outsiders' perspective, the two of us look as comfortable as we can ever be, when in truth, both of us are a jumbled heap of nerves inside. I peel my eyes away from the television and the reporters as I glance around for my family, effectively blocking off the sound of Caesar's voice in the background.
The Capitol reporters and camera crews are all lined up close to the railroad track, blocking off all others from having the front row advantage. They converge towards us as we mount down the steps of the train to the platform, giddily asking us thousands of questions at once. I try to shield Katniss as much as possible from the blinding assault of the cameras and the hands that try to reach her. I've seen some homecomings on television, but I never expected it to be this chaotic in real life. The hype seems to be heightened even more with the fact that this is District 12 - a place that has conveniently been overlooked in the Games' history because of the incompetence seen in our past tributes - and that there are two Victors. Thankfully, Effie immediately comes to our rescue.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I believe we have an allotted time for the interviews!" She chirps in her Capitol accent while holding a microphone. "For the moment, let us all stand back and allow our beloved Victors to reunite with their families."
To my utmost surprise, the herd of reporters actually listen to Effie and steps aside to give way for our families. They are all crowded behind the press - I easily catch sight of my parents and siblings standing rather shyly through the crowd. I hear Katniss's breath hitch and whisper "Prim" before her hand slips from mine. Her family rushes to her side in an instant. I look at her in time to hear her mother say "Your cousins can hardly wait to see you!" I had no time to process the information - what cousins? - as my family has rushed over to me as well.
Before I know it, my two older brothers - Kale and Graham - have embraced me in a tight, brotherly hug. Both have tears in their eyes but are grinning from ear to ear.
"Way to go, 'lil bro." Kale says.
"Damn Peeta, you sure know how to make a scene, don't you?" Graham jokes.
"Forgive me for being charming." I retort back, easily falling back into our playful jabs at each other.
"Graham, Kale, cut your brother some slack." My mother says authoritatively. My back automatically stiffens - an acquired habit after many years. My eyes dart to her as I anxiously wait for her reaction, particularly to my love interest. Please don't make a scene here, I chant fervently in my head. It will not help our situation in any way.
She doesn't. Instead, she simply says: "I almost thought you'd die there, Peeta. I'm happy the girl saved you."
It's ordinarily an insulting statement, but for my mother, that one is actually the closest she can get to affection. For my mother to say that she's happy Katniss saved me... it speaks volumes.
"I wouldn't be here if not for her. She saved me time and time again." I whisper as I hug her awkwardly and kiss her cheek. She steps away in an instant, her discomfort at anything intimate showing profusely.
I let it go and step towards my father eagerly, who has just been standing quietly in the corner.
"Dad." I whisper as he hugs me tightly. I hear his breath hitch and it was then that I realize he's crying.
"I couldn't be more proud of you, son." He says as he slaps me lightly on the back.
"I wouldn't have made it out if not for her." I reply. It's true, and we all know it.
"Yes but you saved her, too."
I nod. My father knows how genuine my actions were in the arena. He's the one who truly understands the depth of my emotions for Katniss.
"Hello, Mellark family! It's so great to see you." I hear Effie say, surprised that she's beside me already. "I'm sorry to cut your reunion short, but you'll all have to stand in front of the podium for a short interview with the reporters!"
I groan inwardly. I see my father duplicating the look on my face, but I am able to remain composed. Katniss surely will be more of a mess than she usually is, so I need to become more focused now.
Effie directs us to the podium set up by the entrance of the train station. Katniss and her family are already there. I freeze abruptly in my tracks as I see Gale and his family standing there as well. He stares at me with a look of contempt which could once have made me cower. Why are they there? As far as I know, Katniss and Gale aren't related...
My eyes grow steely as I force my feet to move forward, easily taking my place beside Katniss. I take her hand in mine to keep up the act and smile warmly at the reporters.
Katniss wraps her arms around me, burying her face in the crook of my neck as she does so. "They made up a story that Gale is my cousin." Katniss rapidly whispers to my ear. This display of affection earns lots of hoots and cheers from the press and other spectators. I hug her back and hold her at arms length, smiling warmly while giving a subtle nod to show her that I got the message. We hold hands again before turning our faces to the reporters.
"Sorry, we're not used to being separated - even for just a short amount of time." I tell them warmly. The crowd cheers again.
Ten minutes into the act and I already feel so tired, but I have to keep it up. For Katniss.
"Okay, we will be entertaining some questions from the reporters. You have fifteen minutes, at most!" Effie says brightly in her microphone.
The first reporter, a thin, pink-haired woman, bounds over to the microphone. The train station may be small, and surely, under normal circumstances, her voice could be heard without any problems. But since the press are going crazy and there are a lot of cheers and happy comments from the crowd, the microphone becomes a necessity. There's also two situated in the podium for us.
"Hello, Katniss and Peeta. How are you feeling now that you're back in your district?"
It's a very easy question, but a tricky one for us. How can we tell them that this homecoming is the end of our relationship? I doubt they'll accept that easily. Katniss's face has taken that pained expression, so I decide to answer the question for both of us.
"It's overwhelming. But we're just so happy to be back, it's something that we'll be thankful for for the rest of our lives. Being reunited with our families makes us the happiest we can ever be."
The mention of families brings Prim to the spotlight. Another reporter comes up. "Hello. You must be Primrose Everdeen?" He says, pointing to the little girl standing beside Katniss. Katniss, in turn, protectively wraps her arms around her sister's shoulder. "I remember Katniss saying in her interview with Caesar that she promised you that she'll do her best to come home. How are you feeling now that she has fulfilled her promise to you?"
Prim beams her sunny smile at them, totally winning them over. Cameras click and flash in front of us. "Of course I'm very happy. Seeing her in the arena was really frightening for us. We can never know what's gonna happen next. But my sister is strong, and I'm just so happy she came back. I know she'll do everything to keep her promise to me because that's how she is. And I'm even happier because she has found someone who looks after her too, and who loves her so much." Prim looks meaningfully at me then, and I feel myself flush brightly in response. Her words bear so much honesty, but how will she take it when she finds out the truth?
If only she knew...
"Anything for you, little duck." Katniss says affectionately, ruffling her sisters hair a bit. I wrap my arms around Katniss's shoulders and kiss her temple tenderly.
More cheers erupt.
"Does that mean that you approve of Peeta?" The reporter asks again.
"Of course." Prim answers easily. "I mean, why wouldn't I? Peeta is such a handsome and strong man, and everyone can see how much he loves my sister. I couldn't ask for anything more. He's perfect for her, like they're made specially for each other."
Her words make my heart flutter happily in response. It's obvious that Prim believed everything that she saw in the Games. But I scold myself before her words could get into my head. It means nothing, nothing at all now. Her approval doesn't matter, because Katniss doesn't want you that way, I remind myself.
The masochism works instantly.
Ah, Prim. If only your approval is all it takes to make Katniss like me that way...
"May we ask Mrs. Everdeen what she thinks of Katniss's new boyfriend?"
My face go even redder as I wait for her reaction. Surely, she won't be very approving, especially after all those kisses in the arena.
Mrs. Everdeen chuckles lightheartedly. "About that... Peeta Mellark is the very model of what a young man should be - he's decent, charming, and very protective of Katniss. I like him for that. Prim's right, I can see how much he loves my daughter. However, in my opinion, Katniss isn't old enough to have a boyfriend at all." She says, looking me straight in the eye. I cringe, dropping Katniss's hand and stepping a bit away from her. She chuckles again.
The reaction from the crowd varies from "Someone's in trouble!" to "Awwww" to "Surely something can be worked out!" to a thousand other comments. It takes a while before everyone is pacified and the questioning resumes again. The next question is directed at my family.
"How about the Mellarks? What is your reaction to Peeta's relationship with Katniss? Do you approve?"
My head whipped around to look at my mother, afraid again of what she has to say. Thankfully, it's my father who takes the microphone. "My wife and I think that Katniss is a beautiful young lady. We have a lot to thank her for, especially for saving Peeta in the arena. She's very much welcome in the Mellark family, but if her mother objects to the relationship now, I'm sure Peeta can wait another few years before it can be official. I mean, he waited for 11 years. He can wait for a few more, especially now that they have bonded already. We respect Lillian's opinion."
The crowd cheers again. I smile at my dad, and in the corner of my eye, I see Mrs. Everdeen smile a bit as well. I wonder idly how my dad feels right now, especially with the whole Panem knowing that he has a thing for her.
"Thank you for that, Arthur." She says quietly.
People start chanting that Katniss and I should hold hands again, so we do. However, I look at Mrs. Everdeen first and ask her: "Mrs. Everdeen, I'm sorry for doing this just now, but... may I have your permission to hold Katniss's hand?" This of course generates another wave of applause, and she has no choice but to comply. "I suppose holding hands is okay."
The questions resume when the crowd has settled. "And Peeta's brothers? When he was called, did any of you feel the need to volunteer in his place?"
Graham, my eldest brother, speaks up. "I certainly felt terrified when I heard his name. I mean, that's my little brother in there. But I couldn't take his place because I'm past the reaping age already, and Kale... well, I'm pretty sure I know why he didn't volunteer. It's our way of helping Peeta to finally get to talk to the girl she's been eyeing for so long."
Graham says this with a smirk so I playfully elbow him in the ribs. The press nods in assent, throwing comments along the line that he made the right decision, because otherwise Panem will not have it's well-loved star-crossed lovers now.
It's like a punch in the gut over and over again.
"Peeta, you've gotten Mrs. Everdeen's reaction, how about her handsome cousin? Do you plan to ask permission from him too?"
I can feel Katniss stiffen beside me. I do, too. The question has caught me off-guard, but I quickly compose myself.
"Well, yes, of course. Gale and his family is very protective of Katniss, and they're very important to her so I'm certain that I also need their approval first."
"Gale?" The reporter probes, looking pointedly at him.
"Whatever makes Katniss happy." He replies stiffly.
"Then I guess it's all settled then!" The reporter squeals. "Everyone sees how totally happy and in-love they are!" The others murmur their agreement. I keep a tight smile on my face, not even bothering to look in Gale's direction.
"Having two Victors is a first in the Games, and this is a very great achievement especially for your district, which has the least number of Victors in all of Panem. How do you feel about this?" Another one asks me and Katniss.
"Well... Haymitch directed us well." I reply. Where is Haymitch, anyway? "He really should be the one taking credit for our victory. It's not an easy task for him, and he handled it fairly well, what with the booze and all." I say. They all laugh merrily, probably remembering that scene during our reaping where Haymitch fell of the stage because he's so drunk. I squeeze Katniss's hand, willing her to speak up. She has been awfully quiet since the interview started, offering only a few smiles and rare comments.
"We're so grateful to our mentor for really trying to get us far. And of course, for the sponsors." She says.
"We're both deliriously happy to be alive, and we're happy that the district will finally have it's taste of pride from the Games." I finish.
"Do you plan to live together in the Victor's Village?" Another reporter asks.
I know Katniss will not answer this, so I decide to take the lead.
"We all heard what Katniss's mother said earlier, so no, I don't think so. I mean, I'd like that to happen of course, but we'll have to wait for the right time. In the meantime, maybe we can settle on visiting each other's place, if that's okay with Mrs. Everdeen." I can add something like: 'And we have the whole future for that, so there are no hurries,' but I know I shouldn't.
I hear Katniss's sigh of relief when she hears my answer, and I know that she's grateful I didn't mention anything about the future.
This went on and on for a few more minutes. They try to press for more information on our "plans" for the future, but we effectively avoid talking about it. It's easy to notice how the press tries to interview all our family members about our victory, but the center of attention is always our relationship. The star-crossed lovers of District 12 - two people who fought hard in the Games and defied the rules so as to not lose each other. The Capitol people are so caught up in our love story, it's probably going to be chaotic when this ends.
Which poses a bigger problem for us. How are we going to tell everyone that the love story they so adored is coming to an end? I'm pretty sure that Katniss wouldn't want to be stuck in this arrangement with me all her life.
I would have had more enthusiasm in this whole thing if it's real. Only, it isn't.
"Okay, everyone!" Effie thrills a little later. I have a feeling that the entire interview lasted way more than the allotted 15 minutes. "I believe the time's up! We must let our Victors go to their new homes now! Mayor Undersee?"
A new buzz is heard among the Capitol press at the mention of "new homes." The tall, balding mayor steps up on the stage with a huge smile on his face. He moves toward Katniss and I and proceeds to hug each of us tightly - though in an awkward manner as our hands are still entwined - while murmuring his Congratulations.
Mayor Undersee steps forward and takes the microphone.
"The entire District 12 is so proud of the accomplishment of these brave souls. Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark are two young people who proved to all of Panem that the impossible can indeed be made possible with enough dedication and willpower. It is an honor for our entire district to welcome them back. Congratulations, Katniss and Peeta. The odds have been in your favor."
The mayor's speech is rewarded with a thunderous applause. We are led by several Peacekeepers down the podium and out of the station, with some of the reporters following closely behind. As we step out into the open area, we are greeted by what seems like the whole District 12 population. Everyone cheers as they catch a glimpse of us. I freeze in my tracks, overwhelmed by the welcoming reception.
"Wow." Katniss whispers beside me. I glance at her and see that her eyes are almost filled with tears, her face contorted in a very weird expression. Deliberately, I slowly raise our entwined hands over our heads. A united front. The crowd roars louder. Somehow, despite receiving the same kind of enthusiasm at every public appearance that Katniss and I had at the Capitol, getting the same welcome from our District is even more heartwarming. Nothing beats the happiness that comes when the people you care about most are the ones cheering you on. I know that Katniss feels exactly the same way; she has been passive the entire time we're at the Capitol, but in a similar reception here in District 12, Katniss is able to feel moved, despite the circumstances to which we are being cheered upon.
We wait for the crowd to settle down, greeting them with waves, huge smiles, and kisses all the while. Mayor Undersee ushers us at the back of a black, tinted car; one that is considered to be such luxury here in our District. Only the high-ranking people have one, and that includes the Mayor (not that any one of us need a car, anyway. District 12 is small enough to be traveled by foot.) I've seen this a few times before; even the Mayor refrains from using it and he only does so on special occasions such as those televised by the Capitol.
The black car now brings us from the train station to the Victor's Village. Once inside the car, Katniss and I resume our cold relationship. I immediately remove my hand from hers for fear that she may feel uncomfortable, and she busies herself by looking outside the windows. We, however, are careful to stay close to each other just in case that some photographers are able to sneak some shots of us inside the car. Her family and mine were ushered in a truck - one that is owned by Head Peacekeeper Cray, I believe - and they too will be brought to the Victor's Village to witness the cutting of the ribbon.
It doesn't take long for us to reach the area. While it is a considerable distance away from the rest of the district, the Village is still relatively close, about 20 minutes by foot to town, I suppose. It is unlike any other place in District 12, with its lush greenery and huge houses. A wrought iron gate bearing the name Victor's Village on top separates it from the others.
The houses are spaced evenly apart, with a spacious lawn in front planted with trees on the sides and decorated with various colorful flowers all around. There are twelve houses in total, with four on the left side, four on the right side, and four directly facing the gate. The middle space is a vast beautiful greenery of more trees, and there is also a paved area for cars.
The car stops in the first house on the left. I head out of the car and hold my hands out for Katniss to hold. She takes it with a beautiful smile lighting her face, and I feel my heart thump painfully in response. Since learning their strategy, the only thing that my mind can conjure up is: "That smile is not for you, Peeta. It's all for show." so that I can prevent myself from getting to carried away and to keep myself in the right place. I would never want Katniss to think that I'm taking advantage of our situation so that I can do all these things to her.
Our families arrive a few minutes after we do, and once the party is complete, the Mayor assembles us in front of the house. It has a huge ribbon attached from one tree to another. As I look around the small crowd gathered, I can see that some of the camera crews didn't come. The reception allowed here was probably regulated to give it a more intimate air... but not quite succeeding.
Katniss and I stand with our hands interlinked again, while our families stay on each of our sides. I can see my mom evaluating the new house, and I suddenly wonder how she will like it here.
"Ladies and gentlemen, we stand here in front of Katniss Everdeen's new home. Being a Victor guarantees having the best life possible, and the Capitol generously offers this house to our latest one as a congratulatory gift and a reminder of what she has bravely accomplished."
Mayor Undersee then hands Katniss a brass key and a pair of scissors. He then guides her towards the ribbon and ceremoniously cuts it. We repeat the same procedure when he presents my house, which is just three houses away from Katniss's - the leftmost one in the row of houses facing the gate of the Village.
Everyone claps and cheers for us. The Mayor also informs us that our houses are already filled with clothes, utensils, food, and other things that we may need. The camera crews start filing out one by one once the ribbon cutting is over, and after all the congratulatory hugs and pictures, we are finally left alone with our families. I look at Katniss and subtly removed my hand from hers.
The pain from the separation is inevitable, especially with the thought that this will be all over soon and we'll be living our separate lives, just like we did before we went into the Games.
"I guess I'll have to go to my house now. Show Prim and my mother around..." She says in a small voice. I look at her and nod my head slowly, not knowing what else to say. I can feel our family's eyes on us so I keep masking my emotions with an indifference which I hope is unrecognizable to them.
"Goodbye, Peeta."
Will the pain ever come to an end?
"Goodbye, Katniss."
AUTHOR'S NOTE:
What do you think? Thank you so much for reading! But also... please take the time to make a review for the story, it will really mean a lot to me.
I'm not so sure about the position of the houses, but I decided to just make it that way because at one point of their conversation (in the later part of the story), Peeta says that he lives "three houses away" from Katniss. So... yeah. Tell me if you have suggestions, this part is really troubling me. I mean, why didn't they just live beside each other?
Again, thank you for taking the time to read my work! The characters and plot are all Suzanne Collins'. PLEASE REVIEW! I really need to hear what you have to say.
Lots of love. S
