Chapter 2
Just Like a Doll's House

All that it took for Peeta Mellark to fall hard and fast for Katniss Everdeen was a simple song. Just one tune and he knew that he was goner. It happened in the very first day of school, he was five back in the day and he had insisted so much to attend the small school from their province, but as heir of a great fortune such as the Mellark's, he was among the very few privileged ones whose parents could send to study at the Capitol, in fact, both of Peeta's older brothers, Rye and Luchi Mellark were attending the boarding school. However, something deep within Peeta was curious about the other kids in town, the fact that home tutoring did not appealed to him also helped in the decision, which lead to a heated argument between his parents, Lord Mellark triumphed in the end.

Peeta never regretted the choice.

Their teacher had asked for someone who could sing the valley song. A small hand went upward, the owner, a small girl in a plain red dress, hair in two dark brown braids over her shoulders and a voice capable of silencing all the birds in the sky. Just like that. He knew that was love at first sight.

He was a goner.

A day like any other, the exception is the growing throng in the town square. Usually this sort of things doesn't interest me, but Lavinia and Leevy dragged me to hear the announcement that was being made. Apparently it involves some member of the royalty, an official messenger was sent to deliver whatever news they had for us, the proletariat.

It was Claudius Templesmith, the well know official royal family messenger, "Ladies and Gentlemen from the Province of Twelve, it's with unmeasured pleasure and honor that I came to announce that the royal heirs are coming to your reign, in the searches for a suitable bachelor," he pauses, letting the news sink in. A part of me doesn't really care about such information, another is curious, because if the princesses are coming to Twelve in the hopes of finding a partner they must be pretty desperate. But there is also another part of me feeling different, and I can't exactly pinpoint what is feeling…

Claudius tries to finish his announcement, but his voice is muffled by the chatter that spread like wild fire all over the square.

"Who do you think that they're going to choose?" Lavinia asks, this strange curiosity that people all over the kingdom have for the lives of others unsettles me.

"Of course is going to be one of the merchants," Leevy intervenes, and there it is again, my ears perk up, the third part of me that feels somewhat split from the rest is stirring again, "It could be one of the Mellarks," she concludes.

"But the princesses are so young, only the youngest of the Mellarks would be suitable, I guess," the red-haired maid points out.

I feel sick. They wouldn't choose Peeta. Of course not, no, no, no. My mind chants, trying to calm down. There are plenty of other merchant boys that could charm the daughters of the king.

"Or could be one of the Cartwright, or Donners," I offer, trying to cover the fright in my voice and to take Peeta out of this conversation.

"Hmm… I doubt, none of them have a noble lineage as the Mellarks, and besides," Leevy cheeks rose up, "Lord Peeta is so handsome, and completely unimpeded,"

My stomach clenches. She is right, Peeta is handsome, and talented, and polite, and gentle… and his not mine, so why am I getting frustrated like this? Yes, he showed affection towards me, and kindness, but it would never lead to anything. He is a noble merchant and I'm just a mere maid from the Seam. Even if in an alternate universe he had feelings for me, his family would never approve.

Besides, what could possibly bloom from that? It's not like I love him or whatsoever, romance only leads to a heartbreak, and a future with someone leads to matters that I rather not think about.

"Girls, you come back here right now!" Atala's voice booms at the front door of the Undersee mansion, we turn to see her leering at us. She is the governess of the house, usually she doesn't have to reprimand us, but for some reason she is more nervous than usual.

We all scurry inside and find all the cleaning apparatus waiting for us in the main hall. The three of us exchange some glances, but Atala's gaze freezes us all.

"We are going to receive the heirs of the king soon, and we're going to show our best, Leevy, I want you to arrange their rooms," the girl nodded nervously, "Lavinia, the second floor is all yours, and Katniss takes the first, are we clear?" we say yes in unison and hurry with our tasks, the girls vanishing upstairs, while Atala roams to the kitchen.

We have never received the royal family before. The last member of the royalty that appeared in Twelve was the king himself, decades ago. No wonder Atala seems a bit stressed with the visit.

The floor is reflecting my figure, the windows are crystal clear, all the furniture is free from dust, the lamps shimmering like new. I always do my best in daily basis, but today I excelled. Even Madge's piano is sparkling. Atala compliments me and orders for me to get earlier for the princesses arrival tomorrow.

I don't see Leevy or Lavinia when I leave. The street lights already illuminating my way, just a few late workers are on the streets, many of them heading towards The Hob, a small restaurant that Sae runs. I decide to pay her a visit, in the hopes to score a meal in the meantime.

The place is packet, miners and peasants filling the tables, at the counter I spot Gale and Prim talking. I approach them, being greeted with smiles from both, "My, Katniss, look at your hands!" Prim shouts.

My hands are wrinkled and flushed. I must have scrubbed too hard, so I just shrug at her, "All for the princesses," my tone sarcastic, although they're the reason for the poor state of my limbs.

Gale scoffs, "What a joke, they treat us like garbage and expect us to receive them with open arms?" is not much of a question, just Gale in his usual bitterness towards the Capitol and everything and anything that comes from there.

"Better than the alternative," Sae says from across the counter, placing a bowl of noodles in front of me, "Sit down and relax, girl," she orders and I do as she commands, "Tired, hum?"

I nod between bites, "Atala was extra ruthless today, she has her reasons," I turn to Prim, she is wearing her red cloak, basket under the counter, "So how was your day, little duck?"

"More of the same, too many arthritis and dentures to count," she says tiredly, something hidden in her phrase, "A woman was attacked today," her voice in a low tone, my eyes drift immediately to Gale.

"A wolf, she was found alive, but didn't make it," he explains.

"I didn't make it there on time," Prim whimpers. Before I can say anything Sae intervenes.

"Listen to me," her voice harsh and soft at the same time, a tone that she uses only with us, "You did what you could, it was that poor woman's time, you have nothing to be blamed for, do you understand?" she points a finger to Prim, who nods slowly.

I put an arm around her tiny shoulder and squeeze, my noodles gone, "Come on, let's go home, see you at home Sae," she waves in dismissal, but still takes one last look at Prim before going attending her customers, "Gale, are you coming with us?"

He finishes his drink in one gulp and takes his game bag along with his quiver and bow, axes secured in his belt.

"Hunting the wolf?" I ask him, mainly because he never uses blades in his hunts, the only exception is when the prey can advance with a threatening speed, as the wolf in case.

"I've never seen one around these parts before," he has more to say, but I don't push it, he is probably worried about Prim, she seems shaken by today's events.

We make our way to the Seam, Gale being greeted by lots of girls the entire way. I spot Leevy – probably passed out – in her porch, she is slumped in a chair and when I shout at her good night she only waves, I chuckle to myself, she never gets used to Atala.

When we reach our house I wait for Prim to get inside before talking with Gale.

I turn on my heels, but am surprised to see he standing way to close; I even take a few steps back, "What is it?"

"Definitely not a wolf," his voice matter-of-factly, "You had to see that, the woman was torn apart, almost slaughtered, Katniss," this piece of information sends a shiver down my spine, and he even uses my real name to show how serious it is.

"So what is it?" I try to not show my nerves.

"Not really sure, I've seen a few things like that in Five, where those steam scientist make this abnormal experiments, but this happened in the south area, near the frontier with Thirteen," the though scares me, we hear about these mutts, feral creatures developed with orders from the king himself, some say that he has a personal army of lizard-men made especially made for him, scientists from Five use steam and clockworks in order to bring those things to live.

"There is nothing in Thirteen, Gale,"

He shakes his head, almost nervous, "I used to think the same, until this," he takes a letter from his bag, the paper is black with a silver 13 stamped on it, "An invitation, a witch is requesting my services,"

My eyes widen, my throat treats to close and my heart sinks a bit, "And are you going?" an entire set of questions cloud my head, until a few seconds ago the resurgence of Thirteen was just a rumor. But there are many stories of how it rekindled from the ashes after King Snow's devastating attack.

"You know that I never decline a good job, and the payment will be in gems," the magical stones from Thirteen were used as jewelry in the Kingdom, but they had magical properties, one of the reasons of why the witches lived there, they were powerful enough to challenge the king, and yet they failed.

"But what about Hazelle and the kids?" my voice weaker by the second, Gale never leaves them behind.

"That's where you step in," he says quietly and I immediately understand, "You have to support them while I'm gone, okay?" I nod, this is an old arrangement of ours, if something happens to one of us, we are supposed to help the other family.

Before I've been employed in the mayor's house I used to hunt along Gale, being a better archer than him I could her Sae and dismiss Haymitch's help, but hunting didn't provided a regular in come as domestic services, and although Sae enjoyed the fresh game that I brought home she never liked the idea of me being in the woods, she used to get very angry sometimes, she never explained why though.

Archery was always something that I felt drawn to. It was inexplicable, holding a bow and shooting arrow feel like a second nature. My first bow was gift from Haymitch; he gave me after two weeks of pleading. I remember watching an archery tournament with him at the town square, years ago now.

Sighing and looking back, my answer comes, "I will. When do you leave?"

"Tomorrow," I gasp, it's soon, too soon, "She has being quite… eager to meet me," there is the thing with witches, they can be very tempered, if they don't get in their way you better be out of sight.

"Please be careful, I would hate to see you being turned into a frog," we exchange a look and then we crack laughing. Sometimes you have to keep laughing from crying.

"I will be just fine, Catnip," he pinches my cheek, his hand lingering for a moment. He has his hunter look on his face and an unsettling sensation starts to creep upon me.

I duck my head and open my door, breaking the physical and eye contact altogether, "Goodbye, Gale,"

"Goodbye, Katniss,"

I don't say it, but the way that the words are exchanged is as if was a definitive farewell.

Prim is setting the table for us in the kitchen when I find her, an aloof look on her face, "So, how was your day?" her voice somehow more distant.

"The princesses are coming for Peeta," the words leave my mouth almost in reflex, and I regret each one of them. Prim's lips quirk up, her demeanor changing by the second.

"Is that so? I don't see why you would care," her tone clearly teasing, she even chuckles. I love my little sister more than anything, but right now I could easily slap her, "Don't worry, the whole wide world knows that he has only one girl in his heart,"

I can't help the blush that takes over my cheeks. Prim always insinuates this, not only her but Sae and the rest of the province as well. It has caused enough ruckus and embarrassment already, but I still get nervous about it. Peeta and I never talked about it though. His mother despises me; she made it very clear one time in a party at the mayor's residence.

Sae arrives a few minutes later, complaining about how boring the whole princesses' arrival in town is the only subject that her customers are talking about. They spare me from more teasing.

That night I have one of my recurring dreams. I can see the dense tree canopies, the sound of a crying baby and the gallops of a horse echoing around. I am in the arms of knight in a shiny armor, he is making soothing sounds for me and the baby, the baby… it's Prim…

It's not even dawn when I wake up. But I'm not tired at all, actually my body feels well rested, sometimes this happens when the dreams come. Remembering that Gale has probably gone already, I prepare myself for some hunting in the early morning.

My hunting gear consists in a pair of leather boots, cotton pants, a black shirt and a leather jacket too fancy for someone like me to afford, the jacket is the only memento that I carry from the day that I arrived in 12, when Sae found Prim and I at her porch I was wrapped within the jacket, no one knows the real owner of it, a part of me likes to think that belonged to my father.

The sun is barely showing, the sky in a pale blue. Most creatures in the woods are still asleep, which makes me feel crueler about shooting them down, but needs to be done. Soon enough my game bag is packed and I head for the Hawthorne's. The smell of coffee is exhaling through their window.

From the open back door I see that Hazelle is at the kitchen, setting their large wooden table, the matriarch acknowledges me and invites me in. She tells me of Gale's departure and how his siblings, especially Rory – the oldest – didn't accepted very well. I give her most of my game, sparing a pair of squirrels that I intend to give to someone else.

Arriving at home, I skin the squirrels and salt the meat, storing it in small plastic containers, then rush to take a bath and get ready for work, the princesses should be arriving at any time now. I basically shove a piece of bread down the throat during breakfast, receiving a signature Sae's lecture about eating properly.

The entire province seems to be in bustle, people rushing everywhere to anything and nothing at all. Is almost embarrassing, what sort of impression the princesses are going to have? Frankly, I hope that a very bad one so they decide to leave us alone…

Before making my way towards the Undersee's mansion I make a brief stop at the Mellark bakery, after all these years the noble family name remains at the façade, the memory of my first encounter with Peeta always crosses my mind when I pass by.

I knock at the back door, and Mr. Mellark appears, as usual wearing a bright smile at my sight. Since I can remember, Mr. Mellark works at bakery during early morning, not because he needs, but because he loves it, just like his young son. During this time he ditches the regal clothes and always wear a simple white shirt with beige pants, both worn out, his apron wrapped around his large torso, much like his sons Mr. Mellark is broad shouldered and strong, and the jovial grin is never far from his lips.

The fact that the entire Mellark lineage is famous for their cooking and baking skills, never caused exacerbated hubris to rose in him, like it did to his wife - they are so famous that their pastries are somewhat legendary in Panem, their make fortunes selling delicacies to noble families and the king himself.

"Miss Everdeen, what a delight, you sure come in an excellent time," he seems happier than usual, he glances his back a few times, "Come on in; I bet that you have squirrels for me,"

I nod and make my way in the backroom of their enormous kitchen, "Indeed, my lord," I hand him the containers and he raises his hands.

"It's not for me," is all that he says before disappearing through the door that leads to the front of the store. I remain still, looking silly holding the squirrels, until Peeta emerges from the same door. I almost gaps at his sight, the fact that he is wearing a fleece shirt that clung to all his muscles and his ashy blonde hair was adorably falling over his eyes, was not helping my cause.

"Katniss!" his blue eyes widening, "What are you doing here?"

My mind is racing, trying to grasp an appropriate set of words, "L-Lord Peeta," this is one of the most awkward moments of my life, "Squirrels!" I nearly shout, handing him the small plastic containers.

"T-Thank you," he stammers.

As response I turned on my heels and ran…again…

Atala and the rest of household are already waiting at the servants hall in the mansion, the footmen and drivers seem groggy, the girls in no better shape, just Atala seems well-disposed. She ushers inside and informs me that the carriages will arrive soon.

Soon, meaning almost two hours later.

"They are here!" one of the drivers barge in the hall, his exclamation creates a small pandemonium in the house, which seems a little bit ridiculous and exaggerated. Madge appears with her arm laced with her mother's, Lady Undersee wearing a pale blue dress, while Madge is using one of her grey sailor dresses, her usual navy blue tie bringing her eyes out. The mayor appears beside them at the hall.

Atala and two footmen wait with the family. Lavinia, Leevy and I peek through the kitchen door, trying to have a glimpse of our guests. The footmen take dozens of bags and suitcases upstairs and then they appear.

A petit brunet, probably fourteen, with a sullen look, freckles that grace her features and dark eyes. She is in a bright orange dress with black lace that hurt my eyes. She emanates this eerie sensation that is quite unsettling.

Then the sister appears. My stomach drops to the floor and heart sinks. Long blonde hair, plump rosy lips, green emerald eyes, voluptuous body and all of that enveloped in a stunning golden dress that shows a lot of skin. She emanates this sensuality that is too unsettling.

The girls whisper next to me, appraising the girl asserts, while I observe the princesses brief conversation with mayor. Madge seems completely unfazed by the guests. Atala hears one of our whispers and shoots a glare at our direction, makings us gasp and scurry back to the kitchen.

"Oh my, she is beautiful!" Lavinia comments.

"I know! Oh, and that dress…" Leevy sighs, "And how old you think that her sister is? I mean she looks so young,"

"Yeah, but still, she seems a bit sullen to me,"

I keep listening, not really interest in being part of this conversation. A few minutes later Atala enters the kitchen, she address Leevy to the younger sister, who is named Clove, and Lavinia to the older, which has the ridiculous name of Glimmer – I barely suppress a laugh of my own at this point –, and I'm with Madge, gladly.

The girls seem more than satisfied to spend time with the guests, their contentment is not only bigger than mine, Madge and I get along better than me with some princess. We receive our orders to attend any of our guest's demands, no matter how extravagant, and leave Atala whisks us away from the kitchen.

I find Madge in the living room by the piano, the younger princess stands next to her and I see that Clove is saying something to her. The moment that I step in the room both turn to look at me, the princess lets out a huff and pass by me wrinkling her nose.

"Classy," I turn to see Madge with a downcast expression, "What was that?"

"Nothing," he voice betraying her, but is not my business, however, Madge and I are friends and friends look out for each other.

"That is a lie," her eyes fall to her hands, which are resting in her lap, "What she did to you?"

She sighs heavily, "Nothing," I scowl at her and she cringes, "Really, Katniss, is nothing," her tone pleading. I won't push any further, but I am keeping a close eye at her still, "Do you have an evening dress?" she asks out of the blue.

"Of course not," my voice comes in a mixture of confusion and annoyance.

"You better get one; the princesses are going to throw a ball, and you are coming,"

Yes, Peeta Mellark never regretted the choices that he made.

He never forgot the way that she looked at him the day after their first interaction. Her eyes landed immediately in the bruise located in his cheek. His mother was furious when she discovered that the missing bread was given to a Seam girl, and punished her son for doing so.

The little girl took slow steps towards him and raised a hand to his damaged face, and he winced when her fingers gently grazed his bruised skin, but he still leaned to the touch.

"It is my fault," she whispered and then started sobbing.

What Peeta did not know was that the beautiful girl that he admired hated seeing people suffering because of her. Her sobs were quiet and he hated that he was the reason behind it. He hated seeing her sad.

"Don't be sad, it's okay," he took her hand in his and looked at her right in the eye, her impossibly beautiful pair of steel grey eyes, "I'm strong," he tried to convince her that everything was okay.

"But you're hurt, because of me…" she whimpered.

He didn't know what to do to make her laugh, to make her smile, so he did the only thing that popped in his head. He teased her, "They say that a kiss makes everything better,"

And then he fell in love with her scowl.

A/N: I simply adore writing this fic! I just can't get enough, merging the characters is being awesome! Thank you to all who reviewed the first chapter, and signed for the alerts and picked as favorite, and the viewers!

And I have to ask: Do you know who is supposed to be the evil witch? (And who is the lovely Snow White?)
Also, many thank to everyone who signed up for alerts, the favorites and the awesome reviews, I love when you guys show how much you dig this!
One more thing, chapter 3 is almost done, the update will basically depend of you, the readers, leave a review and amuse me *evil mode on*