CHAPTER 3 - ACCEPTANCE
Four Years Ago
Katniss is curled into Peeta's side, her head resting on his chest, trying to catch her breath. They are a mess of tangled limbs. His right arm is wrapped around her, hugging her close. His left hand brushes the hair out of her face.
"Wow. That was amazing," he breathlessly says.
"You always say that."
"Well that's because it's true. There is no woman in this world more amazing than you," he counters with a grin. "Ouch! Why did you do that?" Peeta admonishes after she pinches him.
"I had to make sure this is real and I decided I'd rather pinch you than me," she gives a chuckle.
Peeta squeezes her closer and is silent for a moment before whispering, "How about this? Any time you are unsure if this is a dream you just ask."
"Peeta, is this real?"
"Baby, this is so very real," he answers before tipping her face up. She raises her head and their lips meet in a kiss. Lips brushing on lips. She feels his tongue along the seam and she opens her mouth inviting him in. She tastes him. It is a slow, languid kiss. There is no rush to it. Peeta draws his head back and pecks the side of her mouth before saying, "I love you." Katniss smiles in answer before laying her head back on his chest. They both fall into a doze for a short while.
Katniss wakes and realizes Peeta is no longer in her bed. She blinks her eyes and looks around her small cabin for him. The bathroom door opens and he walks back out. He strolls over to the bed leans down and brushes a quick kiss on her lips.
"Come back to bed."
"Nope. You need to get up. I don't often have the morning off from the bakery and I have plans for you."
"What plans? You have to be at the bakery by two o'clock?
"Yep. We are going on a picnic by the lake. Get up."
Peeta reaches down and grabs her hands. He gently pulls her up from the bed and brings her body flush to his. Then he wraps his arms around her before burying his face in her undone hair. He nuzzles his way to her ear. His breath makes her melt as he whispers, "Let's get dressed," before letting go.
"You tease!" Katniss playfully slaps his shoulder and he laughs. They start picking up clothes from where they are scattered throughout the cabin.
Katniss starts to ask, "Peeta, I can't find…" when he interrupts, "I believe these would be yours," holding up her panties, which somehow ended up in the dining area. But then again her cabin really isn't that big.
Soon they are heading out the door with the picnic basket Peeta brought with him to the cabin. They walk along a meandering path around the lake until they get to their spot. There is a small spit of land that juts out into the lake with a patch of grass. The perfect place to laze a day away. Peeta lays out a blanket on which they settle, Peeta with his sketchpad and Katniss with a book. Neither is quite hungry yet, since it's still an hour or so until lunch.
When they do get hungry, Peeta pulls out strawberries, cheese, various cold cuts, and hard crusty bread. He also brought along a couple cheese buns since they are her favorite.
After lunch, Katniss lies down and settles her head in his lap. He gently runs his fingers through her hair, which she has left unbound for once.
"I wish I could freeze this moment, right here, right now, and live in it forever," he says.
Katniss looks up with him. Her eyes shining and quietly replies, "I'll allow it."
She sits up and she touches his face. He smiles back at her. She thinks he's about to kiss her, but instead she hears, "Just wait till you see dessert."
"Peeta, I'm full. I can't eat another bite," Katniss groans
"No I made a cake especially for you. Just taste it. Let me get it out of the basket."
Peeta pulls out two beautifully decorated cupcakes and signals to wait one more moment still digging through the basket. He asks, "Katniss, can you stand up for a second?"
She stands. "Sure, do you need help looking for something?"
"No, just stand." He suddenly finds what he's looking for and stands too before dropping on one knee in front of her. In his hands is a small red jewelry box. He opens the box where a beautiful ring holding a sapphire bracketed by two small diamonds.
"Katniss, I knew when we were 11 and became friends that you'd always be part of my life. Over the last seven years, you became my friend, my confidant, my lover. I love you and I would love nothing more than for you to become my wife."
There is no hesitation in her voice when she exclaims, "Yes!"
He places the ring on her finger and she throws her arms around him.
"I love you."
Peeta responds, "And I love you."
Present Day
Katniss feels a paw patting at her cheek. She reaches up and bats it away but it is persistent, so she rolls over to her other side. The offending creature jostles her head as he crawls over her pillow and starts bopping her nose. Katniss groans, "Buttercup go bug Prim," despite knowing it is pointless since he wants to be fed. The only time the damn cat is nice to her is when he wants something. "Cat, fifteen more minutes." She rolls over on her back and the cat settles on top of her stomach just to make sure she doesn't forget he is waiting.
Today is the picnic to celebrate the groundbreaking of the art colony. The weather should be perfect as it's early June. Prim graduated a week ago, valedictorian of her class. Katniss was very proud of her. She only has a couple of months before her sister will be leaving. Katniss smiles to herself thinking that Prim is going to be able to realize her dream; she will study to be a doctor. They are both expected to attend the picnic today. A small part of Katniss wishes she could skip it and just spend the day hunting or digging in the dirt of her flower garden by her cabin. Nevertheless, she understands that there is an expectation. This colony will be on her land. She must show support. The truth is that she wants to show support, she really does. It will be a wonderful addition to District 12. Katniss also really enjoys the Odairs, who have become good friends in the last few months since the dinner party.
It's just Peeta. It always comes down to Peeta.
In planning the construction of the art colony, the Odairs have actively sought Katniss' input. Finnick and Annie have worked with an architect to design buildings that blend in with the surrounding landscape. Beautiful cabins with skylights and large windows allowing lots of light to filter through. Some of the land needs to be cleared to allow for the construction of the buildings, but they plan to use the resources of those trees in the construction itself. Katniss was pleased that they sought her approval, despite their not having any obligation. However, working closely with them also meant that she often was also working with Peeta.
It has become readily apparent that he has moved on from anger to complete indifference. He is all business, treating her like any other contractor or business associate. He's friendly but there is nothing personal. She'd almost rather have him be hostile, because at least that would mean he still cared - that he is still hurt - but he has moved beyond those feelings. And so must she. Katniss lies on her bed and unsuccessfully tries to convince herself that she too can be indifferent. "Enough."
Katniss nudges Buttercup off her, crawls out of bed, and heads to the bathroom. She washes her face and brushes her teeth. Occasionally she swears at the cat as he tries to trip her up by walking between her ankles. She pulls on her robe and heads downstairs. "Let's feed you. I'd swear your belly button was rubbing your backbone," she mutters at the rotund beast.
A few hours later, Katniss is getting ready for the picnic when Prim comes running in the house. "Prim, where have you been? We need to leave soon."
"I can't go," Prim says out of breath. She's heading to the pantry where their mother keeps supplies.
"Why?"
"Delly's having her baby. Mama said I could help! But I need to get a few things and bring it over to Delly and Thom's place. Mama is already there."
Katniss sees that she has a list of supplies. Katniss walks over, grabs a basket, and begins packing with the supplies Prim gathers. Once everything is packed up, Prim kisses her on the cheek. "Thank you. Say hello to everyone for me." Prim is dashing out the door when she adds with a mischievous smile, "Don't forget to have fun."
Katniss arrives at the lake and walks to the picnic area in a small clearing nearby. Already there is a crowd present. Besides the Odairs, Peeta, Beetee, and the Hawthornes, the mayor and several of the local contractors and their families are present. Katniss walks over to where people are setting up food.
"I brought a French potato salad," Katniss says as she puts down the bowl. She doesn't consider herself a great cook, but she is capable. This dish has become a favorite to bring to potlucks due to not only the ease, but also the flavors. She can't really screw it up. She just cooks the potatoes until done, and then she dresses the potatoes with homemade vinaigrette and a little stock. She finishes it by adding some fresh dill, basil, and parsley, before letting the salad sit so the flavors can meld.
"Gale get away from Katniss' salad, it's not time to eat yet," Madge hollers from several feet away.
"What?" he innocently shrugs. "Can't a guy give his best friend a hug?"
He bends over and embraces Katniss. Katniss whispers, "She has eyes in the back of her head, doesn't she?"
"Yep, can't get away with anything. Just as well. She is carrying a Hawthorne and we're trouble." They chuckle and Gale lets her go.
Katniss looks over and sees Peeta is chatting with Posy. She's laughing at something he just said. Suddenly Posy stops and lifts her face to him. He reaches out and brushes something off her cheek before taking a step back. Posy lowers her head and says something before stepping forward, linking her arm with Peeta's and leading him toward the rest of the group.
Peeta's eyes suddenly rest on Katniss as they stride toward them and Katniss realizes she has been staring. She quickly ducks her head down and hastens over to Madge and Annie. She exchanges quick hugs with the women. Katniss inquires as to how Madge is feeling. Madge informs her that the bacon ban has solved most of her nausea issues. Katniss compliments Annie on the picnic, before asking, "What can I do to help?"
Smiling, Annie responds, "We've got this. Madge and I are almost done setting up the food. We'll probably serve sometime in the next hour and I would appreciate help then. Why don't you go visit? We've set up some games."
"Okay. Just let me know when I'm needed."
Katniss feels a little bit at loose ends. She strolls away from the food and sees that a lawn game of croquet has been set up. Peeta is currently engaged in a game with Beetee, Posy, and Bristel. She can't really interrupt that.
"Katniss!"
She looks up and realizes Gale is calling and waving at her. Katniss dashes toward him. As she approaches, she notices they've set up an archery range. Gale is standing with Finnick and Peeta's brother Rye. They are obviously joking about something.
"Hello. What am I interrupting?" Katniss asks. Finnick gives her a hug and a kiss on the cheek. She nods at Rye and offers him a tight smile. Four years ago, she and Rye were on very friendly terms, but it's been strained since right before Peeta left. Rye wished Peeta to have the chance to become an artist. He made sure she understood that. Katniss did and she hadn't wanted to stand in the way of Peeta's dream either.
"I'm trying to teach Rye and Finnick how to shoot," Gale informs.
"Any progress?" she laughs.
"Nope. I'm going to have to go search for some of the arrows in the bushes. Why don't you show them how it's done? Shoot straight."
Gale hands Katniss a bow and quiver. She steps in front of the target. It's not even a challenge. Katniss pulls an arrow out of the quiver, positions it and pulls the string taught. She releases it and it spears the center of the bullseye in the distance.
Finnick widely gestures with his arms and yells, "How do you do that?"
She winks at him, "It's nothing."
Rye chuckles, "It's nothing my ass. More likely, she's hunted every week since she was ten and she has better eyesight than the rest of us. Dad has been enjoying her squirrels for years." He pauses for a second before continuing, "Katniss, you shouldn't sell yourself short."
Katniss blushes at this. Peeta and his father enjoy squirrels, so she has always dropped some by the bakery when she could. Katniss hits the squirrels perfectly in the eye. This saves the body allowing it to be roasted, a tasty treat and Peeta's favorite way to eat squirrel. Often when they spent a lazy Saturday in her cabin, she'd pick him off a few so they could roast it over the fire and snack. However, if she misses the eye then it becomes stew meat.
Katniss and Gale spend the next half hour working with Rye and Finnick on their stance and posture. Rye manages to hit the outer circle once. Finnick never comes close, but the truth is he wasn't taking anything very seriously, so it wasn't a shock that he didn't improve. Gale just kept grumbling under his breath about losing his arrows. Katniss is half inclined to believe Finnick was missing on purpose just to perturb Gale.
Annie joins them and watches before telling the men that food will be ready in a few minutes and asking Katniss to join her in setting up serving. They walk back together.
After a minute of silence, Katniss says, "Everyone seems to be enjoying the picnic."
"Yes, I'm so happy that everyone could join us today. Our artist colony is a dream come true. Everyone in District 12 has been incredibly helpful and welcoming."
"You and Finnick have breathed some new life into our sleepy little town. Thank you for choosing us."
"Oh, don't thank me. Thank Peeta. He is the one who told us about this place. About the lake and how magical the setting was. It sounded perfect."
Katniss is unsure how to respond to that, but is saved by their arrival at the food tables. She, Annie, and Madge quickly set up the food stations as people start to filter through. They make sure all dishes have utensils. They help serve a dish if someone has difficulty. Soon everyone has a plate of food and is sitting around the picnic area.
After the meal, Finnick suggests a walk around the lake. A small group consisting of Finnick, Annie, Gale, Madge, Peeta, Posy, Beetee, and Katniss set off on the trail that circles the lake. Everyone is paired off. Katniss is trailing behind with Beetee, watching Posy flirt shamelessly with Peeta as they walk.
Katniss quietly states to Beetee, "I don't know if I said this but I'm sorry about Wiress."
"I'm not."
Katniss gives him a startled look.
"I guess I should explain that. Wiress had a congenital heart condition. I knew that when I met her. I wouldn't give up any time I had with her for anything, even though I knew it would be brief."
She smiles warmly at him, "I can understand that."
"My advice to everyone is that if you find someone you love and they love you back, grab it and don't let go. However long the ride, it's worth it."
Katniss falls silent for a bit, contemplating her conversation with Beetee. Eventually he comments on the weather and she inquires about his art. He asks her about life in District 12, since he is still becoming familiar with the area. Beetee still lives in District 3, but he will be visiting frequently.
They come to an area of the lake that is rocky. Gale challenges Peeta to a stone skipping contest. The group clambers over the boulders to approach the lake edge. Everyone has their turn at skipping stones. The person who surprisingly trounced everyone else was Annie, who skipped her stone seven times, whereas the next runner up Gale could only get five skips. Everyone else was able to get three or four skips, except for Posy who despite trying always sunk each stone with the initial throw.
The group starts clambering over the rocks to return to the trail. Katniss watches Posy try to navigate over a particular rocky area, when Posy requests, "Peeta can you help me?"
Before Peeta can even turn around she takes a step and the rock shifts under her, causing her to yelp. Posy slips, falling, slamming her head into a large boulder, which knocks her unconscious. Katniss rushes forward and Peeta kneels beside her. Gale and Madge, who were a little ahead of the group, turned around at Posy's cry. They scramble back to the group to where Posy is lying.
"Don't move her yet!" Katniss orders. She carefully runs her hands over Posy looking for possible breaks quickly ascertaining that most likely she is only suffering from a head injury, scrapes, bruises, and possibly sprained ankle.
"I think her worst injury is from hitting her head. My cabin is nearby. Let's move her there so I can fully look her over," Katniss informs the group.
"Gale, why don't you help Madge back over the rocks? She doesn't need to fall accidentally. I'll carry Posy back to the cabin," Peeta suggests.
Peeta picks up Posy and the group heads toward the cabin. Once there, Katniss opens the door and Peeta strides through and places Posy on the bed. Gale and Madge follow into the small cabin while Finnick, Annie, and Beetee wait for news outside.
"Madge, in the bathroom there are some towels, a basin and a first aid kit. Can you go get those and bring the basin back filled with water so I can clean up her head wound," Katniss requests.
Madge returns with the requested supplies. Katniss makes quick work of doctoring up the head wound and making sure nothing else appears to be broken. She washes the visible scrapes. Posy doesn't wake. Peeta, Gale, and Madge hover a few feet away.
"Let's join the others outside so we can talk," Katniss suggests.
Once outside Katniss informs the group, "I think Posy has a concussion but I'm concerned that she still hasn't woken up. My mother should examine her. She's stable enough. I think we should move her to her home."
Peeta starts giving orders, "Finnick, Annie why don't you see to your guests. Madge can go fetch Mrs. Everdeen. Katniss, Gale and I will move Posy."
Madge protests, "Shouldn't I see her home. I am her sister and she's stable. I know the house better and can get her comfortable. Also what am I supposed to do if Mrs. Everdeen isn't home?"
"My mother was delivering Thom and Delly's baby. She still might be there," supplies Katniss.
"See? Katniss knows better where to find her. I can get Posy set up," Madge insists.
Peeta attempts to protest, arguing that there is no one more capable than Katniss when it comes to taking care of Posy. Gale is silent on the matter looking pained at Katniss because he knows better than to take a side other than his wife's.
Finally, Katniss ends the quarrel by saying, "I'll go fetch my mother. We are wasting time."
A/N: Thank you to e-marina for pre-reading and victorianoir for being an awesome beta. I don't know what I'd do without their help, and this time they helped me work through the issues in a very messy draft. (Key lesson I learned while writing this chapter: cold medicine + writing can produce interesting results.)
If you'd like more information about my fanfiction please visit my tumblr: dispatchesfromdistrict7
The characters are the property of the amazing Suzanne Collins and do not belong to me. You probably also have noticed I'll occasionally weave in one of the famous lines from her novels. Those belong to Ms. Collins too.