I'm back! I know it's been awhile and the first chapter wasn't great, but my intention was to write this entire story, and then post chapter by chapter. But I just couldn't stand keeping the Peetato fluff to myself, so here you go!
Thank you so much to my favs and followers!
Massive shout out to my reviewers:
Cabin12: I am so glad you liked it!
meredithmadness: Aww...I love you too! In answer to your question, this story is extremely AU. Every 74th Hunger games tribute that we know the name of WAS NOT IN THE GAMES! (Except Katniss, who won with Gale instead of Peeta) Cato,Clove,Marvel, and Glimmer were going to volunteer for the 75th games(but victors were reaped), and Foxface, Thresh, and Rue weren't reaped. Rue and Thresh are also siblings.
Once you're done here, check out these two's awesome stories. Cabin12 has recently closed an SYOT and started a 75th games AU, featuring my tribute, Barley Furrow! Read 'Tick Tock: The 75th Hinger Games' and join me in cheering, GO TEAM BARLEY! If you love Everlark kids, meredithmadness has the story for you! Read 'Gotcha', where Katniss and Peeta's son and daughter end up in the 77th Hunger Games!
Alright, I'll shut up... On with the story!
Chapter Two- The Party
A few hours later, the first annual Panem Liberation Day party was in full swing, and all of the guests were thoroughly enjoying themselves. The grand hall of President Paylor's townhome was elegantly decorated, and a selection of food ranging from across Panem was laid out on several tables. No suspicious glasses of clear liquid were present, however.
President Paylor had given a short but heart-felt speech thanking the citizens for their patience and resilience, and commemorating the sacrifice of those who had given their lives during the battle. Everyone who had taken part in the rebellion had been invited to attend, though many had chosen to remain in their home districts to celebrate.
Former Capitalians such as Effie and Plutarch Heavensbee could be seen amongst the throng of people as well. Despite the fact that fashion was much less extravagant than before, Effie, in a bright yellow frock, still couldn't help but try to stand out in a crowd. In the center of the room was a large circular dance floor, where several District 12 residents, including Prim and Rye, were leading a lively group dance.
With so many colors, sounds and movements in the grand hall, it wasn't surprising that almost no one noticed the young man leaning against the wall closest to a small stage. He watched the festivities through cold blue-grey eyes, his defined face a mask of indifference. Cato Hadley groaned, dragging a hand through his spikey blond hair. Even though it had only been a few minutes, he felt as though he had been watching the happy crowds for hours. It made him furious to see their smiling faces, to watch them put two District 12 nobodies up on a pedestal. It should be him getting all this attention, only a victor deserved this kind of celebration! Cato crossed his arms, refusing to let his anger get the better of him. He was here to put a stop to this frivolity, and make those responsible pay for what they had done to him and his District.
Just then, a short, rather rotund man with grey hair gave the microphone onstage a light tap. The dance and chatter died down as everyone turned towards Plutarch.
"Good evening everyone. How are you enjoying yourselves?"
A cheer rose from the crowd. Cato groaned again. How long was this going to take? Patience had never been his strong point, but Clove assured him they needed to wait until the moment was right.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, it is my great pleasure to present to you Katniss and Gale Hawthorne!"
An even louder cheer burst forth as the couple stepped into the center of the dance floor, the guests forming a circle around them. Katniss looked stunning in a forest green off the shoulder dress, while Gale wore a black suit with a matching green tie. Taking his wife's hands, Gale pulled her into a loving embrace. Quite a few women, including Effie, began to weep in happiness.
"For this dance, Mr. and Mrs. Hawthorne have requested for their song to be sung by a close friend and fellow Star Squad member. So please put your hands together for Peeta Mellark!"
Cato shook his head in disgust and turned to enter the hallway through a nearby door. But he stopped when he saw the awe-struck expressions on many of the men's faces. Cato turned back to face the stage, muttering under his breath.
"What's so interesting about-Oh."
The young man standing on the stage gave off a radiance unlike anyone he'd ever seen. His blond hair swept gracefully across his forehead, and he wore a blue and white suit that set off his sparkling blue eyes. But what was most noticeable to Cato was the air of innocence that surrounded him. His eyes swept the crowd shyly, and it was clear that the boy would rather be anywhere else. An adorable blush formed on his face when a party-goer shouted over the applause;
"I love you, Peeta!"
An unexpected flare of jealousy jolted Cato out of his stupor. What did he care if Peeta had a lover? He had known the boy for what, two minutes? Still, he reasoned, there was no harm in watching the dance. He had to make sure that ditz Glimmer did her job properly anyway.
Peeta nervously gazed out at the party, feeling his heart start to race. Since Katniss and Gale had yet to start dancing, most of the guests were looking at him expectantly. Then he spotted his brothers near the stage, giving him reassuring smiles. Gale looked over Katniss's shoulder to nod at him, too.
"You can do it, Peeta!" a voice hissed from directly below him. The blond startled when he realized it was Rue speaking, her head barely visible over the edge of the stage.
Peeta looked over to the live orchestra sitting behind him and indicated that he was ready. A hush fell over the crowd as a soft intro began and Gale offered his hand to Katniss. As the two started their waltz, Peeta stepped up to the microphone and began.
You're in my arms, and all the world is gone.
The music playing on for only two…
So close together, and when I'm with you
So close to feeling alive…
Peeta held the note, feeling his confidence grow. He took the mic in his hand and sang out stronger.
A life goes by, romantic dreams must die.
So I bid mine goodbye, I never knew
So close was waiting, waiting here with you.
And now, forever I know…
All that I want is… To hold you… So close…
As Katniss and Gale spun gracefully around the dance floor, they invited other couples to join in. Peeta saw Gale's brother Rory lead a blushing Prim into the dance, and Effie tugged a playfully protesting Haymitch out with her. Peeta caught Thresh's eye, and saw the proud smile on his friend's face. He smiled back, enjoying himself more than he had in years.
So close, to reaching that famous happy ending.
Almost believing this one's not pretend.
And now you're beside me, and look how far we've come.
So far…We are… So close…
Peeta stepped back from the microphone as the orchestra began an elegant interlude. He chuckled softly as Haymitch clumsily attempted to dip Effie, causing her to shriek and clutch his shirt. But when they pulled back up, both were laughing. Peeta wondered if there was more between them than met the eye.
Cato stared at the stage with wide eyes, not fully believing what he was hearing. The angelic boy had a sweet voice to match and a smile that lit up the whole room. He had heard "So Close" before, but no singer had ever done it justice the way Peeta did. The feeling and emotion in his voice was mesmerizing, and Cato felt as though he could stand there for days if only the boy would keep singing.
He noticed Peeta making eye contact with a dark-skinned young man standing farther down the wall from Cato. The District 2 wondered if this was his boyfriend. He looked strong, and he was fairly good-looking. He was at least an inch shorter than Cato, however, so the trained killer would most likely win in a fight to see who would take home the beautiful blond… He shook himself. Where had that thought come from?
At that moment, a curvaceous young woman with flowing blond hair and emerald green eyes sauntered into the room past Cato. She wore a sparkly green dress that hugged her curves, accenting her gorgeous body. Slipping confidently through the dancing crowd, she walked right up to the guests of honor.
"Mind if I cut in?" The blond asked politely, gesturing to Gale. The grey-eyed man looked like he was about to decline, but Katniss stepped back with a smile.
"Go ahead, Gale. I need a break, anyway." She kissed him on the cheek and slipped away through the crowd as the pretty blond took Gale's hands.
"What's your name?" he inquired.
The girl grinned. "Glimmer."
Peeta picked up the song again at the bridge.
Oh how could I face the faceless days
If I should lose you now…
We're so close to reaching,
That famous happy ending.
Almost believing this one's not pretend.
Let's go on dreaming… To Cato's astonishment, Peeta reached his high notes flawlessly.
For we know we are…. He held the note as the music slowed. Softening his voice, he sang the last few lines.
So close
So close… and still…
So far…
For a moment there was silence as everyone reveled in the moment. Then, in one motion, the whole room turned to Peeta and burst into thunderous applause.
Cato couldn't help but join in, though he told himself it was only not to arouse suspicion. With a meaningful glance at Glimmer, who was saying goodbye to Gale, he walked out of the room and waited for the fun to begin.
As soon as Peeta stepped off the stage, he was surrounded by his friends and brothers, all of them cheering and complimenting his performance.
Peeta glanced at Gale. "Where'd Katniss go?"
"She needed to take a breather." The brunette replied with a shrug. "She'll be back soon."
An upbeat song began to play, and Rue grabbed Peeta by the hands.
"Don't even pretend you aren't dancing with us!"
Before Peeta knew it, he was pulled into the throng of dancers. After a few minutes he began to relax, and let the music take over him. His friends exchanged proud looks when they saw the blond smile for the first time in months.
Peeta took hold of Madge and spun her around, both of them laughing joyfully. He grinned at her as if to say that she had been right, he had been foolish to dwell on his fears and let them consume him. Standing on the dance floor, surrounded by his loved ones, Peeta felt completely and blissfully happy.
And then Primrose Everdeen started to scream.
Song Credit: 'So Close' by Alan Menken. (I recommend playing it while you read)
So we finally see our favorite bloody career! But what is he up to? And why is Prim so upset?
REVIEW AND FAVORITE TO FIND OUT!