I'm guessing that you enjoyed the first chapter? This has been a lot of fun to write.

I need to thank the fab Norbertsmom! And the amazing pumpking for prereading! And then the amazing loueze! She provided the names of the countries and even the village. Then (if you want) listen to "The Dance" by Bear McCreary during the last section… it was the inspiration for that final scene and there were several hours of listening to the outlander soundtrack also.

I don't own anything! But I do ask that you do enjoy! And let me know what you think, ok?

*I'm not sure if it will help… but here are some of the Gaelic words that I used…

Caipitil- Capital

Dosaen- Dozen, or twelve

Gual- coal which is the name of Katniss' village

And Trideag- Thirteen (yes, they will be making an appearance soon…)


October

Katniss releases the breath she is holding when she lets her arrow fly, hitting the deer right in the eye. She smiles in victory, and hears Gale behind her say, "Good job, Catnip."

She lowers her bow. "Thank you." She glances up at the sun, just starting to make itself known the woods. "I guess we need to get back? We need to get Madge's turkeys to the castle by noon, don't we?"

Gale nods and picks up the herbs he has gathered for his wife and her upcoming labor. "Yeah, we do. Do you think they might want some of this deer? They might like some venison for the wedding feast?"

Katniss shrugs, knowing that she has enough meat for her and Violet drying for this winter. "We can try. We'll have to take the wagon then."

Gale smiles. "That means we won't have to walk back." Katniss rolls her eyes at her cousin while she hides a smile. This time, when Gale speaks, he is very serious, "It's good to see you smile again. I know it's been almost eight months since—"

Katniss wipes the blood off her hands onto her pants. "It feels good to smile again. You know, sometimes when I first wake up, I forget that Mitch is gone. Then it all comes back and I'm numb all over again." They are silent while they finish field dressing the deer, and then Gale hoists the carcass onto his shoulders.

"Time is the only thing that heals a broken heart, Cousin." Gale says softly behind her as he follows her out of the forest. "We both know that too well." They don't say anything, but Katniss knows that Gale's thoughts also go back to that fateful winter's day when they both lost their fathers when the mine they were working in collapsed. "We have both lost so much, but it seems that you have lost so much more."

Katniss blinks fast, swearing under her breath, "Damn it, Gale. I didn't want to cry today."

They have arrived at her back door, where they butcher the rest of their kills. Gale sets down the deer on the butchering table that Mitch made, before he gathers her in his arms. She sobs against his chest for just a moment, willing herself not to cry anymore. She steps away, wiping her eyes on her shirt sleeves.

"I'm proud of you, and I know Mitch would be too. You are providing for Violet, and not falling into the depression that your own mother did. You will make it through this." Gale says, gently.

She offers him a weak smile. "Thank you," she says. "Let's get these animals up to the castle. We have a busy day ahead."


Katniss follows behind the caravan of several heads of cattle, even more sheep, at least 2 dozen turkeys, and a wagon full of chickens along with the deer she shot just that morning. Madge stayed home to watch over the children while she, Gale, Delly and Thom deliver their finest animals to the castle. "Everyone within two hundred miles must be coming for the duchess' wedding," Katniss says.

Delly shrugs. "I'm just glad that the castle wanted our stock, and not anyone else's," she says as she rubs her baby bump. "This will keep us in grain all winter."

Katniss smiles. "It will be good. I need to finish gathering the herbs that mother needs for the winter."

"We all have a list of things we need to do before winter," Gale adds.

Thom motions towards Delly. "I already have too much to do before winter."

Delly rolls her eyes at her husband. "You are just complaining because you have to build another crib."

"Well, we would have a crib if you didn't think you had to give everything away."

Delly stops in the middle of the road, making everyone in their little party stop. "But the Smith's needed it! No one else was offering them a crib—"

Thom interrupts her coming tears when he gathers her in his arms. "And that is why I love you. You are always putting other's needs before your own. I'm proud to build our little one a crib." He kisses her on the forehead, and she dries her wet cheeks.

Katniss goes ahead, driving the cows around the last curve before the castle. The sight of it, always takes her breath away. It's not a big castle, she supposes, since their kingdom is a small one. Ivy grows on the stone walls, almost to the very top. She can see the guards dressed in their blue coats, ever vigilant in their duty. She briefly wonders if Ethan's father is a royal guard, but as quickly as the thought enters her mind, she chases it away, reminding herself that she can't think about him.

"The castle is beautiful, isn't it?" Delly echoes her thoughts, coming up behind her.

Katniss nods, as the men catch up to them. Gale asks, "Katniss, why don't you run ahead to the kitchen and ask for Sae? She is the head cook and will tell you where we need to take the animals. We'll wait and keep them together."

Katniss knows who Sae is, since she has been here to trade many times while Mitch was still alive. She nods and starts down the hill behind the castle. "Don't forget to ask her about your deer!" Gale calls out behind her. She doesn't even turn around, but throws up her hand and keeps on walking.

She has never minded coming to the castle, she needs to start bringing Violet, she smiles thinking about how much she will like to see it. Sae is always so nice, even sending food when she heard that Mitch was killed.

A whirl of strawberry blond hair comes running by her with a litter of puppies chasing him, followed closely by a little girl. Their giggles echo through the back courtyard. Katniss recognizes Ethan immediately. She smiles at their joy while she goes on to the kitchen door.

Sae meets her in the open doorway. "Hey, girl. Are ye' helping ye' friends from the village?"

Katniss nods. "Where do you want us to take the livestock?"

Sae nods and Katniss looks towards where Sae is looking. "See that pen? Put the cattle in there, and the sheep on over there. You brought chickens too, didn't ye?"

"Yes, and turkeys. I also have a deer that I shot this morning. Would you be wanting it for the feast?"

Sae smiles a proud smile. "We'll take it. Where is ye little one? I was hoping you would have brought her by."

Katniss looks down, feeling the gentle rebuke. "I will, Sae, I promise."

Sae touches her arm, and Katniss looks up meeting her knowing eyes. "How are ye? I've been worried about ye' after your husband died."

"We are doing well. I'm hunting and helping Mother when she needs me."

This time when Ethan comes running through he runs right up to Katniss interrupting the women. "I know you."

Katniss greets the boy with a ready smile so she doesn't see Sae's look of surprise at Ethan's words. "And I know you. Who is your friend?"

Her heart stutters when he flashes her his father's smile; the same one she has been dreaming about for months now. "That's Rue. We are playing with the puppies."

"Ethan," Sae cuts in. "How do you know Katniss?"

Ethan grabs her hand and squeezes it. "She shot that old boar that was chasing me in the woods." He brings his hands together mimicking a bow. "The arrows went bing, bing, bing right into that nasty pig killing him dead!"

"Now Ethan, I'm sure it wasn't at all like that," Sae gently admonishes him.

"But Sae—"

"Go play now, Katniss is here to work."

Ethan returns his attention to Katniss. "What are you doing?"

"I'm helping some friends from the village bring some livestock."

"Did Violet come with you? I would like to play with her since I didn't get to yet."

"Oh, sorry. She is in the village. Maybe one day soon you two can play."

"And Rue. She has to come play too," Ethan adds.

Sae chuckles, "Go play." The children run out of the yard. Sae turns to Katniss and says, "Go get ye friends. I'm ready when they are."

Katniss nods and heads back up the hill. It only takes a moment with all of them working together to get every animal where it belongs. Katniss thinks about asking if they need any help butchering, but as soon as Thom closes the last gate, a small army of men and women descent upon the yard.

Katniss watches them for a moment, amazed at their efficiency, when Sae is pressing a small bundle into her hand. She looks down, and Sae pats her on the back. "For ye deer. The king has a fondness for venison. Bring me another one in a week or so?"

"I'll see what I can do," she says with a grateful smile.


Peeta straightens his tunic in his mirror and adjusts his crown; for some reason, it's weighing heavy on his head today. Amelia should be here to see her little sister getting married to her beloved. Ethan comes running in with Rue, seeder's daughter running behind him, distracting his gloomy thoughts.

Seeder, who is Annie's handmaid, comes to the door but doesn't come in. Peeta sees her standing in the doorway, and says, "The imps are in here."

"Daddy!" Ethan says, breathlessly. "I have to get away from Rue."

Rue smiles. She is a much older ten years old compared to Ethan's six years. "He pulled my hair when I was trying to help Ms. Annie."

Ethan has the grace to look sheepish when Peeta turns his attention to his son. "I just wanted her to play with me."

Peeta ruffles his hair. "Son, you will soon learn that there are other ways to get a lady's attention. Pulling her hair is not a good way to do it. Now go apologize."

Ethan lays his arm across his chest and gives Rue a little bow. "I apologize."

"Are you two ready to go to the chapel?"

They both nod, and follow Peeta down to Annie's room. The children run into the room, joining the frenzy of several of Annie's friends helping her to finish the final touches of her dress. Their eyes meet in the mirror and Peeta gives her a reassuring smile. Its then that the rest of the ladies notice him and step away so he can enter.

When Annie turns, and her eyes meet his once more, the steady calm that he has admired in his sister-in-law these months since his wife died falters a little bit. He steps forward quickly and catches her hands in his. He softly asks, "Are you ready?"

She sighs sadly, "Yes, I think so."

"You only think so?" he asks, and the other ladies in the room giggle. "All I've heard is how ready you are to finally marry Finnick."

She smiles and shakes her head at Peeta's teasing. "It's just—"

"Shhh. She'd want you to be happy today she wouldn't want you to still be sad for her."

Annie pats her eyes dry. "You are right." She presses a kiss to Peeta's cheek, and smiles when Ethan is tugging on her hand. She bends down to kiss his cheek, too. Ethan takes her hand, and leads her out to the waiting carriage with Peeta following close behind.


Since Annie and Amelia's parents had passed away before Ethan was born, Peeta had asked if he could escort his little sister-in-law down the aisle to give her away. They follow a proud Ethan down the aisle while surrounded by many other nobles from the surrounding countries. When they reach Finnick, who is standing before Father Plutarch, Peeta stops and turns to Annie. He lifts her veil and presses another kiss to her cheek. It takes him a moment to smooth the veil behind her head, but then he guides her hand to Finnick's.

He sits quietly on the front pew of the church, and watches. He glances down at the wedding ring still on his finger, remembering when it was his turn here with Amelia. He was so nervous, and she was so calm, and happy. He smiles, remembering how big her smile was.

Ethan has done his part in the long ceremony, presenting them their rings. He interrupts Peeta's musings when he snuggles into him. Peeta throws his arm around his son, and tucks him into his side. They have been spending the past several months riding together in the mornings after breakfast, even before Effie starts his lessons. His son has changed, but that is to be expected. He looks down at his strawberry curls, running his fingers through them. Peeta isn't surprised when Ethan looks up and his mother's sea green eyes meet his. In that moment, Peeta knows that the mourning period is almost over and he will be expected to find a new queen, but he wonders if his heart will be ready when it's time.


In the frenzy of wedding planning, Annie left many parts of the wedding to Effie, who reassured her over and over that it will all come together. It had taken her small army of servants to transform the castle that Peeta hadn't opened to anyone outside of his small country, well, since he married Amelia.

In an attempt to get away for a moment from the pressing crowd, he escapes to the kitchens. He greets Sae with his easy smile, and she says, "There is my king. How goes it?"

He sighs and walks over the cabinet that he knows Sae keeps the whiskey that she gets down in the village. He takes a big swig, enjoying the burn as it goes down his throat. "What happened, my boy?" Sae asks.

"How do you know when you are ready to love again? You know, after you lose someone?"

Sae's kind eyes find his. "Who is she?"

He shakes his head. "No one." He admits while at the same time, images of the huntress who saved Ethan flash in his head. "I'm just wondering if I will ever love again."

Sae sets down the towel she is using to wipe down the kitchen. There are maids coming in and out and it concerns Peeta that he doesn't know any of them. He prides himself on knowing everyone who works in the castle. "We had to get some extra help," Sae answers his unspoken question. "Come over here, lad."

He joins her off in a corner where they are out of the way. "I just worry about Ethan—"

Sae shakes her head at him. "I remember that first year after I lost my Blight. I felt like I would never love anyone again, then the queen, ye' mother died. It was a sweet golden haired lad who found me in my kitchens, buried in my grief. Ye' needed someone to love ye', and I was here to do that. Ye helped me to love again and ye will too. It's just not time for ye yet." He wipes his eyes and steps towards her to kiss her on the cheek. "And Ethan, he is stronger than ye think. He is a lot like his father."

Peeta can feel the heat in his cheeks that her compliment causes. "I don't feel very strong. There are moments that I feel so heartbroken because she is gone, then there are other times, I wish more time had passed."

"And all that is part of the grief ye feel in ye heart. Ye are a strong and mighty king but ye also have one of the tenderest hearts I've ever met. That is what makes ye such a great king."

Peeta chuckles, "Well don't tell anyone. They might think that their king having a tender heart would be a bad thing."

Sae winks and says, "Ye secret is safe with me. Why are ye down here with me? Ye have a houseful of guests that ye can be visiting with."

Peeta shrugs. "It can be a little overwhelming." He kisses her on the cheek, and the maids who aren't usual members of his household, he shoots them a confused look. Sae chuckles when Peeta rolls his eyes. "I need to go find Ethan."

Peeta goes back upstairs, nodding at everyone he meets as they bow or curtsy. No sooner than he steps into the ballroom, Effie, Ethan's tutor, is at his side. "Your highness, may I have a word?" He nods once, and she steps closer. "In private, Sir?"

At this, he scowls at her, but still leads the way to an unpopulated corner. He can feel the beginnings of one of his headaches, so he sounds annoyed when he asks, "What is it Effie?"

She steps back, and falters for a moment. "I was just going to tell you that King Snow from Caipitil is here, and he has been looking for you."

"Oh yes, I almost forgot that he is here. I guess I do need to greet him. Can you—" even before he can ask, Effie is nodding towards the other side of the grand room where a white haired man stands surrounded by many.

Peeta stands and watches him for a long moment. King Cornelius Snow is the king his mother's homeland across the icy sea. He never went to visit her family in their country. His father insisted that he stay here in Dosaen. Finnick comes to stand beside him and he whispers, "Are you really going over there?"

The king nods. "I have to, he is a king after all. Come with me."

Finnick shrugs like it's not a big thing, but Peeta can see the worry in his eyes as he walks with him anyway. The people naturally part for the king and the newest duke. When they are almost there, King Snow of Caipitil finally looks up, and the contempt that the two men see there makes them both falter for a moment. Peeta steals a glance at Finnick and finds him looking back with an arched eyebrow, Peeta slightly shrugs and the old friends know what the other is thinking.

King Snow nods to them, and King Peeta and Duke Finnick cross their forearm across their chest and bow their heads. When Peeta looks back up, the look of contempt has certainly changed to one of appraisal.

"My condolences for the loss of your queen. That was tragic to lose her and the princess too," Snow says with what Peeta can tell is false pity.

Peeta nods, and schools his features to keep them neutral. "It was indeed heartbreaking."

"Let me introduce you to my daughter, Princess Cashmere and my son, Prince Gloss. They were gracious enough to accompany me on this trip," Snow gestures for his daughter to come forward.

A beautiful blonde woman steps forward, and bends into a deep curtsy while extending her hand, as the handsome young man bows. Peeta takes Cashmere's hand and holds her steady while she straightens back up. Her eyes meet his, and they are kind, not icy and filled with hate like her father's, but not for the first time in the months since he saw the huntress in the woods, silver eyes flash through his mind.

He still holds Princess Cashmere's hand and protocol demands that he press a kiss upon the hand he still holds, and while she is lovely, even beautiful, he would rather kiss Bishop. He kisses her hand chastely, and quickly drops it. He doesn't miss the look of disappointment on both her and her father's faces.

Cashmere then turns her attention to Finnick. "Congratulations to you and your beautiful wife. May you have many years of happiness together."

Finnick's smile is genuine. "Thank you, your Majesty. I am indeed a lucky man."

After that, the people surrounding them mingle with the other nobles, while Peeta finds himself standing with Snow. Unsure how to excuse himself, he wishes that Ethan would come running through looking for him. Instead Snow interrupts his thoughts, "I think it would benefit you and your kingdom greatly if you would consider the princess when your time of mourning is over. It would be a wonderful way to strengthen both countries."

Years of being taught by his father not to let anyone know what you are feeling finally comes in handy right now. How dare this man even try to arrange a marriage. He can't explain what it is, but even thinking about marrying the princess makes his stomach turn. "Thank you. As you may understand after losing your own queen that I still miss her every day. I will remember your words." Ethan comes running through with Rue at his heels and Peeta has never been so glad to see the prince, except when the huntress saved him. The children come running up to the kings. Rue stops short, but Ethan runs straight up to Peeta.

He sets Ethan back, and crouches down. "Son, this is King Snow of Caipitil."

Effie must be working with him because Peeta's heart swells with pride when Ethan places his forearm across his chest and bows his head. "Welcome to my home, your highness," Ethan greets him.

Snow eyes light up, and Peeta wonders if it's a good idea for him to meet the prince after all. "He's a fine prince. Thank you for welcoming me into your home."

Peeta murmurs, "Thank you and you are welcome." Then he asks, "Would you excuse me, my son needs me."

Ethan follows Peeta out of the ballroom with Rue following behind. "Are you ok, Daddy?"

Peeta stops when they are out of sight of the ballroom. "Now I am. What are you two doing?"

Rue shrugs and Ethan sighs. "This is boring."

Right then Effie comes down the hall from the kitchens. "Your Majesties, whatever are you doing?"

Peeta knows in that moment what he needs to do.


After they all changed out of the wedding finery, Peeta is wearing his riding tunic, Ethan in his, and Rue in her everyday dress; they all sneak out of the castle. "Where are we going Daddy?"

A big smile of relief crosses Peeta's face. It feels good to be out of the castle with a strange family planning his future. "Sae said that they shared the wedding feast with the village."

Rue is excited since she knows several children in the village of Gual. "Can we go? I've been to their feasts before. There is even dancing!"

Peeta thinks his excitement matches the children's. "Yes, let's go. First to the stables for horses. Rue can you ride?"

Rue looks down and toes the dirt. "I've always wanted to, but Mama said we have to walk."

Peeta gather's Seeder's daughter to his side. "You can ride with me on Bishop. Let's saddle up and go then."


Katniss watches her neighbors, family, and friends enjoying the feast that was sent down from the castle. Now she understands why the Duchess ordered so much food. She smiles and watches violet run around with Gale and Madge's son Aaron and the other children in the village.

Prim comes up beside her and links her arm through hers. "The king is very generous." Prim says.

Katniss nods. "Well, he always has been. He doesn't have to do anything but he does."

Prim smiles sadly. "I've heard that he is still mourning the queen. He must have loved her very much."

"I know how he feels," Katniss whispers. She isn't sure if Prim hears her, until Prim lays her head on her sister's shoulder.

"One day you will love again—"

Katniss shakes her head. "Mitch gave me Violet. I will always be grateful for that."

"Katniss, it hasn't even been a year, yet. We know as well as anyone, that it takes time and a lot of love to heal a broken heart." Prim sighs sadly, "I just don't want you to end up alone."

"How am I alone? I have you and Violet and Mother, and then there our cousins. Madge is going to have baby number three any day now, and you will be getting married soon."

Katniss doesn't miss the happy smile that appears on Prim's face. "Cato is a good man. He almost has the cottage finished."

Katniss gives her a small smile as she looks for Violet in the crowd. She has settled down beside her Grandmother Lily, and is talking to her, waving her arms all around excitedly. "He will take good care of you."

Prim tugs on Katniss' arm until she meets her eyes. "And you need someone to take care of you, to hold you in the middle of the night."

Katniss pulls her arm away from Prim. "Little sister, lets worry about your wedding bed and then we will worry about mine." As she turns to walk away she runs into a powerful chest instead. She stumbles back and strong hands catch her before she falls. She can't help but to notice the fine cut of his shirt and his coat. Then she slowly looks up, eyes traveling over a familiar face. It's not until she meets those eyes that have been haunting her dreams for months now. Those same haunted eyes are looking as surprised as she feels, into hers. She steps back and swallows nervously.

Since that day in the woods eight months ago, she has looked for the mysterious stranger. She didn't want to ask anyone, knowing that it wouldn't be proper for a new widow to be asking after a man. The dreams happen every night; she is looking for Mitch in the woods and finds this too handsome blond man instead. At first, he would be so angry at her, and she would react in anger to him. Now in the dreams he looks at her like he is now, eyes soft but questioning, wondering who she is. "It's you," she whispers. About that time, the villagers who can play an instrument, start to play. At first, it's a warm up song that she knows well from hearing her father play it when she was young.

"It's me," his voice sounds so sweet when she hears it this time, unlike last time. They stand there, until Prim clears her throat. Katniss sees, Ethan out of the corner of her eye, and smiles when she sees that Violet sees him too. Her daughter comes running over and throws her arms around the boy. She hears the man chuckle and looks up at him while his attention is on the children. His blond curls are standing straight up, and she wonders if everything is ok because it looks like he has been worrying them. He looks at the villagers starting to dance to the old tune that is one of her favorites. "Will you dance with me?"

Katniss looks for Prim, but she is gone, starting to dance the old reel with Cato. She shrugs. "Ok. Do you know this dance?"

"I do, but you might have to help me. It's been a long time since I've danced it."

His velvet voice touches her places that it shouldn't, places that hadn't been touched since... when he offers her his hand and she lays hers on top of his, her thoughts scatter. She can't take her eyes off of him as he leads her through the crowd. Some of the people jump out of their way with a little bow, while others are enjoying the music so much, they don't even notice who is leading her out among them.

He lets go of her hand, and smiles a nervous smile at her. She returns it and says, "Put your palm against mine." As she holds up her right hand. He mirrors her movements as she nudges him to walk around in a circle. "Now bow," she whispers, and she curtseys. He then surprises her when he gathers her in his arms and waltzes her around the circle with the other couples. She isn't sure which is louder, the beating of her heart, or Thom beating his drum as she gets lost in the intensity of his gaze.

"You remembered the dance after all," she says.

He chuckles, and it lights up nerves that Mitch never touched. "I guess I just needed the right motivation."

She can feel the blush climbing up her cheeks and she wishes she could run away and hide. "Sir?" she croaks.

His grip tightens on her waist. "My apologies. I guess I'm just surprised to see you tonight."

"This is my village. I know you don't live here, are you here for the wedding?"

In the low burning fires of the village she doesn't miss his eyes sparkling. "You could say that. The reception was boring, and I saw the fires burning. Are you glad for the feast the Duchess shared with you?"

She nods. "It means that everyone in my village eats tonight." The song ends and she steps away from him, even though she finds herself wanting to go back. She turns to walk away but he catches her arm.

"Can we talk some more? Or even dance?"

She looks around nervously, and knows that even though the others would look down on her if she danced with him again. Besides, she isn't sure if she likes the way he is making her feel. "I can't. I've got to go—"

"Please, just let me talk with you a little bit longer."

Unwanted tears threaten to escape. She turns to walk away from him, but knows that he follows by his heavy footsteps. She continues to walk past the fires, towards her cottage. She stops and turns without warning, and he has to catch her again. This time when he grabs her arms, she closes her eyes as the warmness spreads all over her, leaving her wanting even more of him that what he is offering her. She reopens her eyes, and he takes her breath away by the way he is looking at her. "Sir, I don't know who you are, but my husband—"

He jumps back, letting go of her like she is burning him. "My apologizes, I didn't know you are married—"

She shakes her head not wanting to cry in front of him. "My husband is dead, gone now for eight months. I can't. I just can't—" and she turns and runs away into the forest knowing that Violet will stay with her mother.