Hi Everyone, Thank you so much for the outpouring of interest in this story, for all of those who reviewed, followed and favorited you are amazing!
It was pointed out to me by a reviewer that Peeta would not have referred to Canada as Canada in 1769. I did the research myself and that is correct, so I apologize for the mistake. With that said I am sure that I will get lots of things incorrect along the way, though I will try my best not to, but I hope regardless that you still enjoy the story.
This chapter literally took until this evening to write. I don't know why it gave me such trouble, but because it took so long my editing team (My husband and I) had very little time to edit, but because I didn't want to fail on my update timeline right off the bat I am posting this anyways. In the future I hope to have the chapter done earlier in the week, and possibly get a 3rd set of eyes to use for editing. I do hope tho that this chapter isn't a grammatical nightmare.
Also besides any story by HGRomance, please also for your sake check out "Stories of Us"by Ameiko - absolutely fantastic...
Until then please enjoy!
July 1769
I suppose in a way I am lucky that my mother, who cares so little about people, cares a great deal about what people think. I had been allowed to remain in the house until my mother left. She did not want to risk anyone finding her son begging on the street. It has been three months since that day where the lines of our beliefs had been drawn. The Cartwrights moved last month, but Delly and I had not spoken since we gave our farewells in my bedroom. It was simply too painful.
I did not return to college after the spring recess, but I did correspond with my good friend and roommate from my dormitory, Finnick Odair. My mother chose not to take any of her servants with her to Nova Scotia besides Richard, her groundskeeper, and his son Thom, the stable boy. I wanted to beg her for at least Annie and Sae's positions, as it is hard to find work for house servants nowadays, but my mother hasn't entertained an audience with me since our argument and the following disownment. So I wrote Finnick hoping for his help.
Finnick's family made their wealth in ship building. Their massive estate and business lies in the farming community of Tiverton, RI. It was a long shot when I asked Finnick if he could find positions for Sae and Annie at his residence, but I was pleasantly surprised when he said his family would be more than willing to take both of them on.
This is where the three of us head to now. Our carriage has just passed the town limits of Fall River, Massachusetts, so I know we are not too far off now. The trip has taken us less than two days. I was able to secure us lodging at a farm along the way. The elderly couple who lived there did not want much, simply the company. They in return were more than generous with the meal this morning.
We pull up to the Odair residents about mid-afternoon. Sae doesn't seem at all phased by her sudden change of residence, but I can tell Annie is very anxious. She sits stiffly next to me, wringing her shaky hands in her lap. I let out a sigh before placing a hand over hers. This action seems to snap her out of the thoughts that plague her. She looks at me, and I can see nervous tears glaze over the emeralds in her eyes.
"It will be ok Annie, I promise you." I try to ease her with a smile. "The Odairs are a kind family, you will never have to serve someone like my mother again." This statement makes her smile slightly. Her shoulders seem to relax. She breaks her hands apart and grabs mine. She brings my knuckles to her mouth and kisses them lightly.
"Thank you so much Peeta. Thank you for what you have done for Sae and I. We would have been lost without your kindness." I simply shake my head, taking one of her hands in mine and repeating her actions, kissing her knuckles.
"You and Sae are the only family I have left. I love you both. I would do anything for you. I will always make sure you are safe." I held her hand for the rest of the trip.
As we pull up to the front of the off-yellow mansion, I realize I am excited to see my friend. I also realize this is the first stop on the road to my new life. I am no longer the boy who grew up in the lap of luxury. I am now Peeta Mellark; the man who has nothing. I have never been so scared and thrilled in my entire life.
As the horses pull to a stop, Finnick comes running out his front door, followed by his parents, who I had met once before on holiday the previous year. Finnick runs up behind me as I help Annie and Sae out of the carriage. When I spin around to greet Finnick I am pulled into a strong hug instead.
"Peeta my boy, we miss you in Cambridge. School is not the same without you." I pull back and pat my hand on Finnicks shoulder repaying his smile with one of my own. I spin around to grin at Sae and Annie, who regard the two of us with amusement.
"Finnick Odair, let me introduce to you Sae Bowman... ", Finnick bows to her, a smile on his face, "...and Annie Cresta." Finnick looks as though he may bow to her but stops suddenly, and proceeds to stare. His jaw slack and his sea green eyes wide. Annie looks down immediately, blushing from the attention.
"Mr. Odair.", she says with a curtsy. The sound of her voice seems to jostle Finnick. In school, Finnick was always very friendly with any ladies we would encounter while mulling around town between classes. They always seem to find him debonair, dashing and suave. Yet in this moment I see none of those traits in Finnick Odair.
"M..M..Miss Cresta, its a... pleasure to me...meet you." His reaction to Annie threatens to overcome me with laughter. I walk up next to Finnick and face Annie.
"At Harvard they call him 'The Man with the Silver Tongue'." I jest as a pat him hard on the back. I watch as the corner of Annie's lips turn up into a smirk.
"Peet...", Finnick breathes, "Please do not shame me in front of this beautiful girl." My laughter will not be held back any longer, it comes out loud and boisterous as I make my way to Finnick's parents.
"Mr. and Mrs. Odair.", I bow, "It is so wonderful to see you again. Thank you so much for taking in Sae and Annie, they mean the world to me." Mrs. Odair approaches me taking one of my hands in hers. Her eyes are the same sea green as Finnicks, but her hair is a dark brown, unlike the copper hair of her son and husband.
"Oh Peeta, we are so happy we could help you. We are very sorry for what you are going through and we were devastated to hear of your father's passing." I bow my head as she speaks. "We hope that we can convince you to stay with us for as long as you need." I look up at her again, and begin to feel the slight sting of tears forming at her generosity. I clear my throat.
"Thank you so much, your family has always been so kind to me." I smile to both of them, then turn back around to watch a still-tongue-tied Finnick try to have a conversation with Annie. Sae couldn't look anymore amused.
The night turns into days and the days into weeks and suddenly I have found myself here for a month. It is not that I do not enjoy my time here, I certainly do, and it has been lovely to be here while Sae and Annie adjusted to their new positions. The Odairs have been beyond generous to all of us, yet I am starting to feel restrained. I realize that as much as I love it here, this is not where I belong. I think it is time to start my life.
That night Finnick and I sip rum and smoke cigars from New York.
"Finn.", I begin
"Hmm?", he murmurs into his half filled cup.
"I think it's time for me to head out on my own."
"Peet, you know you can stay with us as long as you want. We really enjoy having you here."
"I know Finn, I know. You have gone above and beyond for me and I cannot begin to show my gratitude, but I have to do this."
"But where are going to go? What are you going to do?", there is a slight desperation in his voice
"I figure I will head to Boston and go from there." Finnick seems unconvinced by my plan.
"Peet, living costs money, and you have been cut-off. How do you expect to survive? Winter is just around the corner."
"I'll be fine, Finn." He cocks an eyebrow at me. "No, seriously, I have some money and when I get to Boston I will find work." Finnick lets out an exasperated sigh.
"I won't be convincing you to stay will I Peeta?" I simply shake my head. "Well you'll come visit me at school won't you? So I can check on you?" His statement elicits a laugh from me.
"Fine Finn. I promise to check in."
I appreciated Finnick's concern, but I know I will be alright. My father had insisted on paying me when I worked at the bakery. I had thought the idea ludacris because I had never wanted for anything material in my entire life. When I explained as much to my father he tilted my chin up so that my eyes could meet his and he said.
"Peeta, a man should be paid for the work that he puts in." I knew in my heart he wasn't just referring to payment in coin but I took the pay anyways, and now I was glad I had.
I decided finding work may not be so hard either. My writing and reading was excellent and I could speak and write almost perfect french. I was of an above average height, and broad like my father, not to mention the years of working in the bakery defined my body with muscle.
Two days later and I was ready to make my way out into the world, my destination was Boston, where I would find honest work and a place to live. The whole Odair family had tried to convince me to stay, but I managed to calm their disappointment with the promise of a visit at Christmas time if the weather permitted.
I had said my goodbyes to Annie and Sae that morning. Knowing I had done right by them, knowing they both had a good life ahead of them; especially Annie, whom I had witnessed more than once over the past month locked in meaningful gazes with Finnick.
I took both Sae and Annie into my arms, kissing them fiercely on the top of their heads, replacing my lips with the tears I found myself shedding during the goodbye. They both left my shirt equally as wet. We whispered "I love yous" and I promised to write as soon as I found a place to reside.
My carriage is packed and my horses are well fed. I walk around giving my thanks and affections to those standing out front to see me off. I come to Finnick last who takes me into a hug. I hear his whisper.
"I think I am in love with Annie." I can't help but laugh out loud.
"I know.", I whisper back as I gaze over his shoulder, my eyes meeting Annie's. She smiles sadly. "Promise to take care of her."
"With my life Peeta, with my life."
With my farwell's bidded, I climb onto the carriage grab the reins, waving my hat before placing it on my disheveled hair. With a twitch of the wrist the horses move and I begin the trek back to Boston, back home.
I arrived in Boston the following evening. I hadn't bothered to stay anywhere on the way now that I was alone, sleeping a couple of hours in my carriage. When I arrive the streets seem particularly quiet for Boston. I room at an inn near the harbor. Upon mentioning to the innkeeper, a large man named Brutus, that I was looking for work, he told me to head to Griffin's Wharf the next day and ask for a fellow by the name of Hawthorne.
I fell into a fitful sleep that night, I don't know if it was nerves or sheer excitement that kept me tossing and turning, when I finally did find a moment of sleep I dreamt of her.
Her hands are on my face as she hovers over my form, straddling me at my waist. The sapphires in her eyes glisten and her lips turn up in that shy smile that is quintessentially her. She leans over and her lips meet mine. My hands unconsciously move up and down her sides, gliding over the curves of her body. She pulls away from me, and I hear a whisper of my name. It is like she is praying to me.
"Delly." I breathe back, but before my voice could carry to her ears she is gone. I groan at the loss, and what the dream has done to me. I look out the small window to my right. It overlooks Boston Harbor. In the horizon I can see the first rays of light crawling their way out of the ocean. I sigh, closing my eyes for a moment just to capture her face again, before getting out of bed.
After grabbing a muffin made by the innkeeper's wife, I make my way to the docks. Keeping an eye out for any mention of Griffin's Wharf. The morning had not yet truly started and the light was still new, but it was already exceptionally warm and the streets near the docks were already bustling.
I finally catch a glimpse of a sign indicating I am in the right place. I see a dark skinned man about my age and height walking down a plank placed between the dock and the side of a ship. The man carries a large parcel and from the sweat on his brow and the concentrated look on his face I assume it to be heavy. I let the man place the parcel down before approaching him.
"Excuse me sir?" The man turns to me silently, a confused look on his face. "Can you tell me where I might find a Mr. Hawthorne." Apparently my question is found to be amusing because the man simply chuckles and points to another man behind him. The gentleman he gestures towards has very short black hair. He is at least a head taller than me, but just as broad. He is overseeing two other men unloading the same ship using a different plank.
"Mr Hawthorne.", I approach. He turns to face me quickly. Cocking an eyebrow as his steel eyes meet mine.
"Yeah, who's asking?", his tone is impatient
"The name's Mellark sir, I was pointed in this direction hoping I may be able to find work with you."
"Is that so?" The man puts his hands on his hips. His eyes move up and down my person, scrutinizing every inch. "We don't get many of your kind here."
"What kind is that sir?" He snorts at my question
"A pretty boy Mister Mellark." He begins sizing me up again, his face alive with amusement. I feel my cheeks burn with embarrassment and mentally scold myself for dressing so well off. Ironically these are the only clothes I have. I will have to remedy that soon.
"Looks can be deceiving Mr. Hawthorne, I am strong, a hard worker and a fast learner." The man no more than two to three years my senior continues to gawk at me in amusement. His mouth obviously holding back a chuckle. I inwardly sigh and am about to give up and walk away with my tail between my legs, knowing I am getting nowhere, when I am shoved backwards. A British soldier pushes between the man and I without even a slight acknowledgment. I find myself glaring at the soldier as he nonchalantly walks off down the dock.
Everytime I see a British soldier I can't help but think of my father and the talks we would have about not having our fair say in the government. How we were being treated like children, held accountable for our wrongs, yet not being allowed to grow up. I realize I have been glaring at the soldier for an inappropriate amount of time. I quickly look back to Mr. Hawthorne. I am surprised to find that his face no longer harbors its earlier amusement, but instead he regards me curiously, his head cocked to one side.
"Your name's Mellark you said?"
"Yes sir, Peeta Mellark."
"Well Peeta,", his hand lifts to rub his chin, "I've decided I will indeed need another set of hands around here, so the job is yours under two conditions." I give him a silent nod urging him to continue. "One, you need to change out of those clothes." He smirks at my outfit. "I think I have an extra set of clothes in the supply building up there, and two, you cannot call me Sir or Mr. Hawthorne ever again, understand?" I nod again, and he gives me a warm smile, "The name's Gale." He puts his hand out to me and I grasp it for a strong handshake. "Welcome to the docks."
Gale does indeed find me an extra set of appropriate clothes and I am put to work. The work is hard, but I am more than capable. Not that I would let Gale know if I wasn't, especially since "Pretty Boy" seems to be his pet name for me. There is something so satisfying about working with my hands. Unloading and loading the ships reminds me of working in the bakery, bringing 100 pound sacks of flour up and down from the attic. Gale introduces me to the rest of the crew. I learn the dark skinned man I had spoken to earlier goes by the name Thresh Attucks, a runaway slave trying to make a life for himself and his wife Rue. I also learned that the quiet gentlemen was also one of Gale's best friends.
Gale is the head of this specific dock crew. It is his job to keep us in line and negotiate and distribute our pay. He was good at his job, tough but also genuinely concerned for the men that worked under him. When it was revealed that I had no food for the midday break he was more than willing to share with me, noting he couldn't have the Pretty Boy fainting on his first day. I could tell it was more than that when he gave me an equal portion of his goose, bread and berries.
Towards the end of the work day Gale and I were quietly unloading a ship called The Mockingjay. The ship contained spices and herbs of a wide variety. I hear Gale clear his throat in my direction, I look up to catch his eye.
"So where are you living?", he asks
"I just got into town last night. Currently I'm staying at an inn up the street." My answer seems to put Gale into deep thought. He begins rubbing his chin again.
"Do you have any family in this area?", he looks at me thoughtfully.
"No.", I shake my head and look down. "My father died about half a year ago, and my mother... well... no... no family." I look up at Gale to find a look of resolve in his eyes.
"Well you happen to be in luck Pretty Boy, because you are coming home with me to have dinner with my family." He gives me a warm smile, and I can't help but smile back. I nod my acceptance to his offer.
About an hour later we are walking through the streets of Boston. I didn't think to ask where he lived, but I am enjoying walking the lively streets. We are about to walk past a row of merchant shops when Gale stops abruptly at my side. He is staring down the street. I squint my eyes trying to see what he could be looking at in the mass of people walking in every direction, but can't seem to pinpoint where his gaze falls. Suddenly he looks to me and groans in frustration.
"Can you try not to be a Pretty Boy for a few moments please?" I look up at him and shrug not understanding what he is talking about. He groans at me again, rolling his eyes. "Pull down your hair over your face, and keep your head down, and whatever you do don't be charming." I can't help the bubbling confused laughter that escapes my lips. Gale gives me a pointed look and I quickly comply to his requests. I feel foolish, but Gale seems satisfied by my efforts and we begin walking again.
Just moments later Gale's pace slows. My eyes peer through curly bangs to see a lovely young woman walking our way. She is blond, with bright blue eyes, curvy in all the right places. An absolute beauty.
"Good evening, Miss Undersee.", Gale says with a small bow, his cap removed from his head.
"Good evening, Mr. Hawthorne.", she returns with a slight smirk. She pays no attention to me.
Once we are a good enough distance away, I raise my head and flip my hair back again. I look up at Gale who seems to have a lost look on his face. I clear my throat.
"Well she was beautiful." This seems to snap Gale out of his reverie as he looks at me seemingly trying to dissect my words. after a moment he sighs out loud.
"Margret is the most beautiful girl in all of Massachusetts Bay, and most likely all of the world, and when I save up enough I'm going to ask her to marry me." I can't help but smile at his admission.
"Well good for you, Gale.", I pat him gruffly on the back of his shoulder. He looks down at me and grins, after a moment he cocks his head at me.
"Do you have a girl from where you're from?"
"I did.", my words come out wistfully, "But.. she moved... she moved to Nova Scotia with her family."
"Ahh, a Tory." I wince at the semi-derogatory term for loyalists. Not because I don't disagree with the ideals of loyalists, but because I don't like Delly perceived in any sort of negative light. She was after all to be my future wife. I can't do anything but sullenly nod at Gale's observation. he returns the pat on my shoulder as we continue.
The house we stop at is a modest two story dusty rose colored house, with a small sign labeled Apothecary. I notice the shades are pulled in the front windows as Gale directs me towards the back of the house. We walk through a backdoor and immediately head upstairs to the second floor. Gale leads me into a small eat-in kitchen area.
"I'm home." Gale bellows into the house from in front of me. He steps aside to let me move to his left side. From a sitting area straight ahead of us a slight woman who looks to be in her forties appears with pale eyes and almost white blond hair which is hanging freely under a bonnet. She is trailed by a younger girl who looks to be an exact replica of the older woman.
"Glad to have you home, Gale." Her smile is loving and kind. The small girl sprints up to Gale wrapping her tiny arms around his waist, hugging tightly. Gale immediately reciprocates
"Hi Gale.", she speaks enthusiastically.
"Hi Prim.", he whispers back. Suddenly both blonds look to me with curiosity.
"Aunt Lily, Primrose, this is Peeta Mellark. He just started with my crew today, staying at an inn near the docks. He's got no family around here, so since I know how much you like strays, I figured I would invite him to dinner." As if it was planned a scruffy orange cat jumps up onto the wooden table in front of me, his yellow eyes menacingly staring in my direction. I almost jump at the cat's sudden appearance, having never seen a cat who came indoors before. The only cats I had ever come across were barn cats on my family's estate.
"Mr. Mellark.", Lily says before both blonds curtsy in unison, "It is a pleasure to meet you, welcome to our home."
"Thank you so much Mrs... "
"Everdeen.", she finished.
"Mrs. Everdeen, thank you for having me in your home on such short notice. I do hope my presence does not inconvenience you in anyway."
"Not at all, Mr. Mellark."
"Peeta, please."
"Peeta.", she smiles graciously. "We enjoy the company."
"I'm Prim.", the smaller blond stands in front of me with a sparkling smile on her face. I can't help but smile back.
"Hello Prim."
"And this is Buttercup.", she gestures to the cat on the table. I nod to the cat, only to have him hiss back. Prim giggles at the interaction. "Be nice Buttercup.", she scolds before smiling apologetically at me.
"Hey where's...?", Gale's question is cut off by his own loud chuckle. I look up to see him shaking his head at something. I then hear a gasp come from Mrs. Everdeen.
"Katniss!", she wails. "We have company!" My gaze finally settles on who is causing the upset. A slender young woman with long loose hanging hair, the color of a moonless night. Her skin is a light olive like Gale's. Her eyes are similar to Gale's as well, but while his are a straight steel, her's are more like the color of the sky before a storm, smokey gray over a canvas of blue. They are stunning. I find myself staring into those eyes, while hers widen while looking into mine.
She is the first to look away, and I feel a subtle heat in my cheeks. It is at this point I observe the rest of the woman. I am shocked to see that she is wearing an outfit similar to what Gale and I are wearing. I assume the clothes are in fact Gale's as she is swimming in the shirt and her trousers are rolled up at the bottom, yet still fall around her ankles, her feet, I then notice, are bare. I have never seen a woman dress like that in my entire life.
"Katniss.", Mrs. Everdeen hisses, "You go change immediately, before you offend our guest." I start to shake my head to let her know that it is fine.
"But Mother, this is much more comfortable, and it is not like our guest is dressed any differently."
"Katniss.", the word is a warning. I watch as the young woman visibly deflates. She immediately turns on her heel and huffs before storming off from whence she came. Once she is out of sight I realize that she seems to have taken all the air in the room with her.
Mrs. Everdeen looks mortified, while a blushing Prim giggles next to Gale. Gale is still chuckling as he leans down to my ear.
"And that, Pretty Boy,", he whispers, "is my cousin Katniss."
Your fun fact this week is also kind of a spoiler so I'm not posting it here, but for those who are interested see if you can find out why Thresh has the last name he has... Feel free to PM me if you find out...
Also... What is the most effective way to avoid a love triangle... Yup that's right... Make him her actual cousin
Thanks for reading
