All or None
Prologue
"Peeta, that's an… odd name." The man drones and then gives me a questioning glance. I flash a quick smile, I am use to this question by now, "Yes it is an odd name. A distant Swedish relative's terrible attempt to Anglicanize his name during the 15th century. Been in the family for years, and we really can't abandon it now, can we?"
The small desk between us seems to grow in distance and his dingy office becomes darker. My humor is lost on him and I only receive a stiff nod. "So Peeta," He continues his voice drawing out the syllables in my name, "what was line of work did you said your father was in again?"
"Baker." I answer instinctively.
His cold blue eyes give off a glint, he clearly sees this as a much more fitting occupation for me.
The pale lips on his face form into a ghost of a smile and I am getting the impression that my interview will end sooner than planned. "And he can't use a big, strong lad like you to help him?"
"No." I answer in a split second. It is the absolute truth, why should I hesitate to say it. "I have two older brothers, and even if there was enough work for all of us to do there wouldn't be enough profits for us to split between us. Besides my mother has always dreamed that I would go on to be a well thought of butler to great house like this someday."
His expression sourers, I have gone too far. "After I have put my time in, of course." I clarify.
He gives a grunt of approval and studies my reference again. It feels silly to me, the letter is from my father. His finger starts underlining the words as he reads it to himself again. "How old are you Peeta?" He asks off handedly, his finger still tracing the words on the page as he reads on.
"Sixteen."
His finger stops. "And are you a 'hard worker' like this says."
"Yes sir, I never give up on anything once I put my mind to it."
"And will you put your mind to it?"
His skepticism does not escape me. "Of course sir, I want nothing more than to be a success."
"You won't be climbing the ladders right away, the first footman is highly capable and The Lord of the house is in charge of any promotions." He searches my face seeing if his comment has caused any disillusions to form within me.
"Of course sir, I wouldn't have it any other way. I don't believe in getting things I haven't worked for."
"Hmm, good." His eyes drift to his offices small window. I can almost see the thoughts forming in his head. I am sure his next comment will be wether or not the job is mine. His eyes snap away from the window and hone in on me. I try and relax my facial features so I don't look so frightens. The world seems to be moving at half its normal speed. His mouth creeps open.
"And you plan to stay at this position for an appropriate amount of time, should I give it to you?"
My eyes scrunch shut for a moment and when my vision returns I realize my mouth is open. This was not at all what I expected he would say next.
"Yes, of course." I answer.
I wish I hadn't said anything at all. My voice came out as as shocked, hoarse whisper and not in the same cool and calm manner that the rest of my answers had. Thankfully, he doesn't seem to notice and gives another grunt and averts his gaze back to the window.
After what seems like an eternity his eyes come back to me. He makes one final study of my face. I feel like I almost should say something, but he speaks first. "I decided I will let you on. You will work on a trial basis which I will explain, but first I want you to have a full understanding of the place you will work and the people you will serve. Panem is the finest house in all of the county, maybe in the whole country. It works like a clock, each piece relying on another to keep things running smoothly. When you are here you will answer to me or, the Head Housekeeper, Mrs. Coin. It is our job, and especially mine, to ensure that no shame, dishonor, or inefficiency ever brings down the greatest house ever built by human hands."
I am not sure what my facial expression should be during this diatribe. I default to a stoic expression, though in my head I am laughing at how much stock he puts into this place. It is great big house to be sure, but to hear him talk you would think it rivaled Buckingham.
His voice breaks into my thoughts. "Lord and Lady Clayworth are the beating heart of the house. You will learn the protocol of what jobs are and are not permissible for a person in your position, but it is important to remember that no rules apply when it comes to their demands. If they ask then it is your job to do it."
I nod my head to show that I comprehended what he had said. He gives me an approving smile in return.
"Good, glad to see that you understand. Now I would like to explain the specifics of your job as second footman. You will be responsible for shining the shoes of The Lord and Lady and any guest they might have, setting the table with the help of the first footman for both the upstairs and the downstairs, serving tea to the family, and clearing the table of all serving dishes and glassware from the table. There are other things, but those are the basics The Lord does not have any sons so this significantly lessens your duties. I will have a full list for you on your first day and the house schedule."
"Thank you very much sir." His sharp eyes cut me off and I realize I shouldn't have spoken.
"You will need to be fitted for your livery before you leave today and have your things moved into your room by Sunday, and will start your first day on Monday. As I mentioned before you will be on a temporary basis and will receive only half-pay the first six month. You will receive back-pay if I let you stay longer. Do you understand?"
"Yes sir."
"And do you have any questions?"
"None that I can think of."
"Good." He stands up to leave and I follow his example. Once out of his office I turn to speak to him one last time. "Thank you very much, I won't make you regret it Mr. Snow."