One Night

Chapter 1

Katniss POV

You can do this, Katniss.

I keep repeating this mantra to myself as I look in the mirror. I have dressed in my best today. It's a white silk button blouse with a navy pencil skirt. I don't usually wear clothes like this much, but today is a big day. My dark hair I let fall in waves down my back for once. I'm trying for the most professional look possible.

The newspaper clipping lies on the corner of my dresser where I can still see it.

MELLARK'S BAKERY-DISTRICT 12 GRAND OPENING SOON!

We are proud to announce the return of Mellark's Bakery to District 12. Construction is scheduled to begin soon. Hiring for the following positions will be taking place in the next couple of weeks.

BAKERS

SALES ASSOCIATES (Day and Evening shifts)

PURCHASERS

STORE MANAGER

If interested, applications can be found online at the Mellark Bakery website. Please submit applications by March 8th by email with the subject DISTRICT 12. Applicants will be notified by phone for interviews.

A month ago, my boss, Greasy Sae, had placed the advertisement in front of my face. "See anything there that interests you girl?"

I read over it quickly and hopefully hide my emotions at reading the name Mellark. Sae doesn't know anything about my connections to that name, other than I am familiar with the family. I take a hint at what she is driving at with this, though.

"Is there something you think I should be interested in?" I ask.

"Don't be silly," the old woman scolds. "You know you would be perfect for the manager position."

I think it over for a moment, and then shake my head. "The probably want someone with a college degree for that. I'd be better suited for the purchaser job," I argue.

Sae wiggle her bony finger in my face. "You think that I have been training you up these past years to be a simple purchaser? Use your brains, girl. You may not have that piece of paper, but you are more than capable of running that business."

"You really think I can do it?" I ask quietly.

She brings her fingers to my jaw and lifts my chin up. "I wouldn't have shown you this otherwise."

"What about things here? You need the help." I continue to argue.

"I can always find someone out there," Sae answers. "You know that you need this job."

And she's right. I do. Things have been getting tough lately in our house. Although Sae gave me a pay raise last year, with the rising costs of trying to provide for a four member family and trying desperately to have something to save for Prim's college education, we have been scraping by some months. Mom brings in a little bit helping with the sick, but because of her depression she can be unreliable. Some months she can't get herself to even get out of bed, let alone work. I've told Prim expressly that she cannot get any employment because she has to focus on her grades. So, it's up to me. I know that this manager's position at Mellark's will be a larger salary than what I am getting now. It could help so much.

I give a sigh and grab the paper up from the counter. "Alright Sae. As you wish."

The next three days I spend pouring over the application that I print out from the bakery website. I fill it out longhand at first. Most of it is basic personal information, but there are also a few free answer type questions like What is your managerial style? and How do you work best leading a group of people? I spend the most time on these kinds of questions and after a couple of tries at writing it, I finally feel happy with my responses.

I go back online to the website and input everything I had written into the online document. I double check my spelling and grammar one last time before I am ready. I find the correct email address at the top of the document. I type up a business like note in the email message and attach the application.

"Here goes nothing," I say as I hit the send button.

I try my best not to think about it over the next week or so, and I am so busy with work and my family that I don't have time to mull over it anyways. Before I know it, I am sitting comfortably at our little kitchen table one night when the phone rings. I am the closest so I pick it up.

"Hello?" I call out.

"Hello!" It is obviously someone from the Capitol. The accent is a total giveaway. "May I speak with Katniss Everdeen?"

"This is she." I reply.

"Oh, Miss Everdeen," the voice cheerfully says. "I'm so glad to get you. I am calling on behalf of Mellark's Bakery. We received your application."

My back automatically straightens at this information. "Yes. I sent one in."

"Well," the woman continues. "I wanted to give you the good news that we would love to have you in for an interview. Would next Tuesday at 2:00 be okay with you?"

I think about my schedule quickly and know that my shift didn't start until 3:30 that day. It should be plenty of time. "Yes, that should be just fine."

"Wonderful!" she practically screams. "Do you know where the new bakery is?"

You can't have helped but noticed the construction going on. "Of course. I've seen it many times. I can find it."

"Well, we look forward to seeing you then," the woman finishes.

"OK." I say simply. "Thank you so much." I hear the phone click off then and know the call is over. I have an interview, and now I have to nail it.

So here I am now, sitting in my room dressed and trying to motivate myself that I am capable of this. I am just about to get up when there is a knock on my door.

"Come in!" I call out. My sister walks in smiling in that winning way she has.

"You look great!" she exclaims.

"Thanks, little duck." I say.

"Not so little anymore," she jokes. Prim sits down on the bed. "Are you nervous?"

"A little," I reply honestly.

She looks deep in thought for a moment. Then quietly asks, "Do you think he will be there?"

I shiver at the thought of who she is talking about. Of course the possibility of him being there today crossed my mind, but I couldn't allow myself to think that. He just couldn't be here. It can't happen.

"He lives in the Capitol, Prim," I finally say. "He probably has a ton a people working for him who could handle the hiring out here."

My sister seems unconvinced, but decides not to force the issue. "Alright, Katniss. Whoever it is, you're going to knock them dead."

"You definitely have more confidence than I do." I say turning around to look at myself again.

"That's because we all know you've got this." She takes my hands and forces me to get up. "So now you get out there and go get it!"

I can't help but smile and nod. I breathe out one last time and muster all my strength to pick up my bag and walk out the door. I look back at the house one last time to see both Prim and my Mom waving at me. As I keep going I remind myself that I am doing this for them. My family. We need this. It's up to me and I can make it happen.

By the time I reach where the new bakery stands I almost believe it myself. As I see the storefront, I take another deep breath. The Mellark's Bakery sign already stands proud high above. Seeing its familiar script brings back so many memories of long ago to mind. I shake my head. I have to push all of that away. I am on a mission. I can't let the personal stuff get in the way.

With renewed determination, I open the door and hear the familiar chime from long ago that has already been put in. It's quite the construction zone on the inside with workers everywhere putting in glass for display cases, painting, and putting in shelving. It takes a moment, but I finally notice the one person out of place. It's a woman holding a clipboard and quite obviously in charge. She is fully made up with loads of makeup, crisp navy skirt with sky blue silk blouse, and completed with a platinum blonde wig. She looks absolutely out of place, so I know she must be who I need to talk to.

I walk up to the woman and tap her on the shoulder. "Excuse me." I quietly call out.

Startled, she turns in my direction. "Oh my goodness! You frightened me."

"Sorry about that," I say with a small smile. "My name is Katniss Everdeen. I'm here for the 2:00 interview?"

"Oh!" her face lights up as her ruby red lips turn into the biggest grin. "Welcome, welcome!" She takes my hand and gives it a shake. "I'm Effie Trinket. We spoke on the phone the other day."

I nod in remembrance of the name and the clipped voice. "Yes. Thank you for asking me to come."

"You are more than welcome my dear," she replies. "We want the very best for Mellark's Bakery."

"Well, I hope that I am what you are looking for." I say.

"Let's find out then." Effie states. "Follow me." She turns and leads me behind the counters through a heavy door with a STAFF ONLY sign. Once we go through, I take in a small hallway with a restroom and a heavy oak door marked as the manager's office. My eventual office if I can get the job.

We stop in front of the door and Effie knocks on it. "Just go right on in, dear. He's ready to see you."

Fear of what lies beyond begins to overtake me. "But I thought you would be doing the interview?"

The Trinket woman gives a laugh. "Oh no. I've got way too much to do out there." She waves her hand dismissively toward the front area. "Just go on in. He'll take care of you."

"Okay," I say and in trepidation take some steps and push on the door. It's heavy but finally moves to open and I walk through and immediately see the man behind the beautiful oak desk. He in hunched over a bunch of papers so I can't see his face, but it only takes me a second of seeing the blond curls to know who it is.

I give an audible gasp. The man looks up then and sees me. His familiar crystal blue eyes take my form in and it's not too long before he gives that smile of his that could always melt my heart.

"Hello, Katniss," he greets me.

"Peeta…" I am still in shock with surprise. "I…I…I wasn't expecting it to be you at this interview."

"Obviously," he remarks. "But why not? I own this place."

"Yes, you do." I agree. "But you live in the Capitol. I just didn't think you would be taking the time to come all the way out to Twelve."

"I take great interest in the success of every bakery opening," Peeta explains. "So, it's important to me to be a part of the hiring."

"I understand." I reply.

The silence becomes acute then until Peeta finally breaks it. "It's been a long time," he says softly.

"Almost 4 years." I whisper. Even though I didn't want him to, I think he still heard me.

"Why don't you sit down?" He motions to the chair in front of the desk. "Let's talk about your application, okay?" I feel relief knowing that he is planning to keep our conversation all business.

I nod and take a seat as Peeta looks over my qualifications. He gazes up after a minute. "So, you have been working at Sae's Diner for 3 ½ years now? And have gone from waitress to shift manager."

"Yes. Sae promoted me a year ago" I tell him.

"Good," Peeta remarks. "It says here that you took multiple college business courses, but don't have a degree?"

I know what he is doing. Trying to get out of me the reason for not finishing my college plan that he knew I was so adamant about the last time I saw him. But right now, at this moment, I can't tell him that. It would reveal the one thing he doesn't know. The one thing he should know and have agonized over and over how to tell him.

This is not the moment, though. So, I come up with a more general answer. "Some personal things came up in my life and I had to quit. One day I do hope to finish."

Peeta doesn't seem completely satisfied with my vague reply, but doesn't push any further. "I hope you do," he says quietly. He then asks a variety of questions about situations that could arise in the bakery and how I would handle them, from angry customers to workers who continuously come in late. I answer to the best of my ability. Luckily, many of the events he describes have already happened during my tenure at Sae's, so I use that knowledge to my advantage.

When Peeta is running out of questions, I can see from his expression that he is pleased with my responses. "I can tell you have had quite the experience at the diner."

I give a little chuckle. "It's definitely an education in itself in dealing with people."

"So it seems," and once more he gives off that radiant smile. I take a glance at my watch and notice that I have already been there for 45 minutes. I hadn't even realized that so much time had passed. But I shouldn't have been surprised. Peeta always made conversation, no matter the topic, easy.

It's then that he gets up from his chair. "Well, Miss Everdeen, I appreciate you coming in today." He puts out his hand and we shake over the desk. "I have a few more applicants to see through this week, but I will be making a decision as soon as possible. Would it be possible for me to call you if I have any more questions?

"Of course. You have my number." I reply. "Thank you for taking the time to see me."

"It was a pleasure," Peeta says. He walks around the desk and leads me to the door which he opens. With one last handshake, I turn to walk back to the front of the store and hear the door close behind me.

As I move through the continuing chaos of the main area, I pass by Effie again and give her a nod. She taps her clipboard. "Have a wonderful day!" she calls out.

I wave and leave the bakery. I go about half a block before I stop and lean against the brick wall of the District 12 bookstore. I let out a breath that I didn't know I was holding.

I had imagined many things for when I saw Peeta Mellark again. A job interview was definitely not one of those situations I dreamed of. I mull over the last hour in my mind. He looked good. Really good. Successful. He deserved it, for sure. The kindest person I have ever known and he has worked so hard. And I could have destroyed it all for him.

He looked happy to see me. I could tell he wanted to get personal, but the situation kept him from it. I shake my head. Snap out of it, Katniss! Get your head together. Peeta is here to hire for the bakery and that is it. He will be here for a short time and then return to his life in the Capitol.

Determined and relaxed no I am ready to go on with the day. Try to get busy to keep him out of my head. I look at my watch and see that I have only fifteen minutes before my shift is supposed to start. I practically run down the sidewalk the next three blocks until I am in front of Sae's.

I crash through the door, panting. "I'm so sorry! My appointment went a little longer than I planned."

Greasy Sae looks up at me from the register and smiles wickedly at my disheveled state. "It's alright girl. You're here now. How did it go?" she says with a wink.

"Fine," I call out as I pick up my badge from the register desk. "Thanks again for encouraging me to do it. I'm not sure I'll get the job, but I'm glad at least to have the chance."

"I'll keep my fingers crossed for you." Sae replies. "Now, go on back and change."

I give her a hug and make my way to the staff bathroom. I grab my uniform out of my tote bag and get out of the constricting skirt and blouse. I change out my low heeled pumps for sneakers. Finally, I run a brush through my hair and braid it back up.

Once I head into the kitchen, I check over today's schedule to see who is on. It must be my lucky day because everyone on call tonight usually does a great job and gets along well. It should be a good shift.

I put on my apron and get in my spot behind the counter. As shift manager, I no longer serve the tables much anymore. I manage those who do, and deal with any problems that may arise. I also stand watch over the counter where I take care of drinks and carry out orders.

Already, a familiar face sits at one of the barstools. Haymitch Abernathy is a regular. He's here most nights to get a cup of coffee and a meal because the rest of the time he is too drunk to feed himself. The man is gruff, but we've come to a kind of understanding in our relationship. I don't try to stop his drinking, and in turn he gives me advice from time to time. I came to find out that beneath the exterior the old man is usually spot on in his take on people. Sometimes I think he knows me better than I know myself.

"Hey Haymitch," I greet him as I stand in front of him. He must have just woken up because his head is still lying halfway on the countertop. "What can I get for you tonight?"

"Sweetheart!" he slurs. "Glad to see it's you here and not one of those other idiots. I'll have a BLT sandwich and fries."

"Ok." I tell him and go over to call in the order. As I clean off the countertop near him. Haymitch gives me the once over.

"You're wearing makeup." He says. "Not your usual thing. What's going on?"

"Not that it's any of your business, but I had an interview today." I grouch at him.

"Interview?" he questions. "You mean you're looking to leave this classy joint?"

"It's a management position at the new Mellark's Bakery. It's a good job." I retort. "It will help give us more money for Prim's tuition next year."

"I see." He picks up the mug of coffee I left in front of him. "So, how did it go?"

I think about how to answer. I haven't had any time to sit and digest how I really think the interview went and if I had a chance at getting the job. I shrug my shoulders. "Fine, I guess."

"You guess?" he raises his eyebrows.

"Yeah," I reply. "I haven't had a chance to really think about it, okay? I think I did well at answering the questions, but the whole thing was hard."

"How's that?" Haymitch's sandwich has arrived and he picks it up with his hands and begins to eat.

"I knew the person who was giving the interview personally." I say this quietly because I know he is going to connect the dots together.

"So the boy is back in town." He says casually.

I nod my head. Haymitch knows a little of my past with Peeta, but not everything. Definitely not the one most important fact.

"Yeah, he's doing the hiring." I tell him.

"That must have been one awkward conversation," the old man remarks, and as if on cue the diner door opens and Peeta walks in.

"Speak of the devil." Haymitch mutters. I shoo him with my hands and walk over to where Peeta now stands at the counter.

"Hi!" I say in the cheeriest voice I can manage. "What can I do for you?"

"I called in an order a while ago." Peeta states. "I've come to pick it up."

"Let me just check on it." I tell him and look at the to go orders that are waiting in front of the kitchen. Of course, one is labeled with the name Peeta on it. I grab the bag of food and hand it over to Peeta.

"That's $5.45." I say.

Peeta gets his wallet from his back pocket and opens it up and hands me a ten dollar bill. I plug in everything into the register and get his change. I lay the money down on the countertop and am shocked when Peeta's hand suddenly covers mine.

"Katniss," he begins. He looks away as if trying somehow to find the words he wants in the air. "I came by to get food, but I also wanted to talk to you."

"Did you have another question regarding my application?" I ask in confusion.

"No," he states. "I had something personal to ask you. I wanted to do it before, but an interview isn't exactly the right place to ask someone to go out with them. I thought here and now would be better."

"You came by to ask me out?" His hand feels so warm and secure on mine.

"Yes, Katniss." Peeta replies more confident now. "Have dinner with me Friday night. We need to talk. You know that."

I do know that, but I'm so scared of what I know will happen between us during that dinner. I can't even think about it.

"I don't know, Peeta…" I hesitate.

He doesn't move his hand. "Please Katniss. I promise I'll let you choose the restaurant." He wiggles his eyebrows suggestively.

I scowl at him just to spite that cocky grin he has now. I decide that I might as well give in. I give a huff. "Alright. Fine. Friday night."

"Is 7:00 okay?" Peeta asks. "I can pick you up here if you need."

"That sounds fine." I say and finally smile. "I'm off at 6:30 so I can change and wait for you."

The giddy grin that lights up Peeta face honestly melts my heart. His blue eyes sparkle with happiness, and somehow that makes me happy too.

"Great!" he calls out as he picks up his dinner. "I'll see you then. And I'll be in touch about the position, too."

I nod and watch as he walks out the door. I pick up the coffee pot and head back over to fill up Haymitch's mug. I pour the brown liquid and notice that same cocky grin Peeta had that drives me crazy.

"So I'm guessing it's a safe bet you're going to get that job." The old man chuckles under his breath.

I roll my eyes. "Eat your sandwich, Haymitch," and I unceremoniously walk away.

Hours and hours later I complete my shift. It hadn't been a bad night. There was only one small dispute over a bill which was easy to handle. Most of the customers had been regulars who I know well. But, it has been such a long day and it was twenty minutes later than I was supposed to be off. I am not looking forward to the long walk home.

I say goodnight to Sae and put a sweater on as I walk out into the cool spring night air. It's not that long of a walk, but it seems like forever in my state. At least I had good shoes on.

Exhausted, I finally reach the house half an hour later. I open the door and walk through the door. I kick off my shoes first thing because my feet are killing me. I lay down my purse on the kitchen counter and only then do I practically run up the stairs. I pass by the open door of Prim's room and see my sister taking off the ear phones and pause whatever music she had been listening to.

"You're finally home," she calls out. "We were getting worried."

"Sorry about that," I sigh. "We had quite the late rush tonight."

Prim nods. "I understand. How did the interview go?"

"It was good." I say. "Surprising, if nothing else."

"Really?" she is sitting up in curiosity now. "How so?"

There is no point hiding anything from my sister. I go ahead and lay it out there.

"Peeta was the one interviewing me." I tell her.

Prim's eyes widen like huge saucers. "Oh wow," she says. "He's really here."

"Yeah," I nod. "I was so shell shocked at first seeing him that it took me a moment to tell myself that I was there to interview."

"I'm sure you made a great impression," Prim says is all seriousness but with that wicked look in her eyes. "Did you…?" she asks, and I know exactly what she is inferring to.

"No, I didn't. It wasn't the right place or time." I explain.

"You're going to have to face it sometime Katniss," Prim states. "It's not fair."

"I know." I say guiltily. "Look, there's more, but right now I need to go see Willow. I'm so exhausted." Prim glares at me as I walk towards the stairs, stopping at the first step. I turn back to my sister. "I promise I will tell you everything in the morning."

"You better." Prim scolds, her hand motioning upwards. "She's waiting in there for you with Mom."

I nod and keep on walking down the hallway until I reach the last room on the right. I give a little knock and then open the door. And I see her. The light of my life sits in her little twin bed. Her dark curls cascade down her back and her blue eyes sparkle as they take me in.

"Mommy!" Willow calls out.

"Hi Sweet Pea." I reply. "How are you?"

She picks up the book lying beside her. "Great! Grandma read a book."

"That's wonderful." I say as I look at the cover of a Dr. Seuss classic. "It's a good one too."

"We just finished it," my mother chimes in as she gets up from the bed. I walk closer until I stand next to her.

"Thanks, Mom." I say as I give her a hug. "I've got it from here."

"You're welcome sweetheart. Anything for my girls." She ruffles Willow's hair and quietly walks out. I finally turn and slide under the covers next to my daughter. I wrap her small body into mine and begin to stroke her hair.

"I'm sorry that I am late Sweet Pea." I tell her.

"It's okay, Mommy," she says and gives me a little kiss on my cheek. I am not worthy to be this beautiful angel's mother. On that thought, I know I need to tell her the most important fact of the day. To prepare for what I know is coming.

"Something interesting happened, though." I continue in conversation.

Willow's eyes widen in excitement. "What?"

I give her a kiss on the forehead and look straight into those eyes that I know so well.

"I saw your daddy today."