"You realize you're talking about defying the Capital. Out in the open. How do you know I won't go turn you in for being a traitor?" Haymitch asks.
Peeta immediately tenses at the thought. The consequence of this being death, but I'm right there anyway so why would I care?
"You won't." I reply simply.
"How do you know?"
"Well, are you?"
"That's not the point."
"Seems to me like that's exactly the point. You're not going to turn me in as a traitor, and if I had so much as a penny to my name I'd be willing to bet that you're going to help me do this, whether it be because you think we'll succeed or it just gives you something to do, something to distract yourself, something to ease the pain of our deaths if they come, or maybe even you know all his crap is wrong, you'll help."
"You know Sweetheart, there may just be some people you need to meet, but in the meantime, you," he directs at Peeta, "how do you feel about this? You both realize that if you do this. You both make it out, the Capital, government anyway, is going to hate you. Your lives will forever be changed and complicated. How do you feel about that?"
"Will I have Katniss?"
"Yes, I guess you would."
"Then I don't really care."
"You're either stupid, or in love with her. Which is it?"
I'm praying that I imagined that, that Haymitch didn't just actually ask Peeta that out loud. Half of me wants to step in, tell Peeta he doesn't have to answer and tell Haymitch to mind his own business and that Peeta and I are just friends, but that really seems counterproductive to my cause. Plus, the other half of me is dying to know the answer to this question.
"Look Kid, you two have to be honest with me every step of the way, no lying to me, ever, and I won't lie to you. From this moment on, we three are a team. So, which is it? Stupid or in love?"
"Honestly, I'm probably both. But I guess what you're really after is what my feelings for Katniss are. Am I right?"
"Exactly."
"Then yes, I'm in love with Katniss. Have been for 11 years. Happy?"
"I guess that depends on Sweetheart over here's reaction. How do you feel about the fact that Kid over here has loved you for 11 years?"
I'm still trying to process Peeta's response when Haymitch turns to me, so I'm a little slow on the uptake. Peeta is in love with me. Peeta who I've loved for two years, has been in love with me for 11. I mean, this doesn't happen in everyday life right? Well, I mean, I guess it does. People fall in love all the time. I'm almost sad we had to share this moment with Haymitch. I'm even sadder that Haymitch is that one that's getting us to admit our feelings. I turn to Peeta.
"Really?"
"I mean yeah, it's been obvious right? I'm pretty sure the whole district knows."
"You love me? As in not as a bother, you're IN love with me?"
"Yes Katniss. I'm in love with you."
"Sweetheart, you're feelings here?" I send Haymitch the deadliest glare I can for how happy I am right now. I can tell he's just as impatient as I am. That should make our team interesting. I'm seeing a lot of Peeta having to calm the two of us down.
"I'm feeling a little jealous."
"Jealous?" They ask at the same time. I guess it makes sense. A guy says I love you to you and you get jealous, probably doesn't happen every day.
"Yeah, I mean, I've only been in love with you for two years, that means you figured it out nine years before I did. That doesn't seem fair." I smile at Peeta. I starts to step towards me but the train blows it's horn and Haymitch tells us that's the sign to get back onboard. He stops us when we're almost there though.
"Look, this," he points to the two of us," I can defiantly work with, but this CANNOT be talked about with just anyone. Only discuss this when and where I tell you you can. And only with people that I tell you you can discuss it with. Do you understand me?"
"Yes," we both reply.
"Good, now the train is bugged. You can talk about loving each other and that crap but do not mention a word about both of you getting out or anything that could be interpreted as a threat to the Capital or you being a traitor."
"Got it," Peeta tells him, and with that we get back on the train. Haymitch leaves us and goes back to his own room.
"Do you want to come to my room and talk about this? I mean, what we can?" I ask Peeta.
"I think we should."
Once we get to my room we each take a seat on my bed.
"Eleven years Peeta?"
"Since the first day of Kindergarten."
"Why did you never say anything? I mean, 11 years is a long time to want someone but never say a word."
"I was afraid you wouldn't feel the same. I was scared of rejection. Rye has been on me for the last year like crazy to say something to you though. I was just happy that you approached me that day and that we were able to be friends. I didn't want to screw that up."
"Prim has been after me to talk to you too and Rye's comment makes sense now."
"Prim knew? And what did Rye say?"
"Prim figured it out before I did that I had feelings for you. She's smart that one. And when the Peacekeepers were escorting him away when he came to see me after the Reaping he said, and I quote 'And hey, if it comes down to it, don't let Peeta die without knowing that you love him back please. It'd be a real tragedy.'"
Peeta laughs. "Sounds exactly like Rye."
"Oh yeah, he and Wheat got a good laugh about it because I turned a wonderful shade of red." Peeta laughs more.
"So, what does this mean exactly?" I ask Peeta hesitantly.
"I think this means whatever we want it to mean. I would like for it to mean that we're in a relationship, but I'm not going to force that on you. I want you to want that too."
"I do want that."
"In that case, would it be terribly inappropriate if I kissed you right now?"
"I guess not."
And with that Peeta cradles my face in his hands like he's never held anything more precious and softly and sweetly connects his lips to mine. This kiss doesn't last as long as I would like, but I can tell that that's because Peeta's giving me a chance to back out. Instead I put my hand in his hair and pull him back to me. This time the kiss last longer and sets my body on fire. I feel complete being with Peeta like this. Eventually the need for oxygen breaks our kiss and we put our foreheads together and look into each other's eyes for a while. I'm still waiting to wake up and this to all have been an elaborate dream.
"We really should get some sleep. We get to the Capital tomorrow and then the Games are really on."
"I know you're right, but that doesn't mean that I like it."
"I don't either, but there's not much we can do about it." Peeta replies as he gets up. "I'll see you in the morning. With Effie I'm sure it will be bright and early."
"I have no doubt." I laugh. Peeta give me one last kiss and then heads for the door. He turns around, winks at me, and then is gone.
It takes about 10 seconds for my door to open again.
"I almost forgot that I can say this now, I love you."
"I love you too, Peeta."
"That's going to take even more getting used to."
The next morning I wake up exactly how Peeta and I had predicted; bright, early, and to Effie's voice.
"Up, up, up! It's going to be a big, big, big day!" I honestly can't even imagine what goes on in this women's head, today we ride a train. I don't feel as if that warrants one big, let alone three. I groan and roll out of bed. It's no use fighting her.
"Coming." I manage to say, even if all I want to do is get back in bed, pull the covers over my head and sleep. Then the memories of last night hit me and I'm in a much better mood. I think of Peeta telling me he loves me and kissing me and my smile gets much wider. I hurry and dress then head to the car of the train that we ate dinner in. I can only assume they would serve breakfast in the same place. I was right and I can see Peeta and Haymitch sitting and eating breakfast. I guess I should go and eat with my newfound team members. The thought that I'm putting my life and Peeta's life in the hand of a drunk is not a fact that escapes me. For some reason I can't explain I just trust Haymitch. I understand that he has never gotten a tribute out alive, I understand that he drinks away his pain every day, but in my gut I know I can trust him.
"Sit down!" Haymitch says while waving his arm for me to walk in his direction. I take a seat next to Peeta and send him a smile, which he returns. He grabs my hand a squeezes it as I sit down. I look at my plate and again see more food than I've been used to seeing these past years. I see a cup of brown liquid sitting next to my plate and I guess that Peeta can see the confusion on my face because he explains to me that it's called hot chocolate and that he thinks I'd like it. He's not wrong.
"Did you two get the chance to talk last night?"
"Yes! They did! When I told them to get to bed last night they both just told me that they would go later. I mean honestly, you would think they'd realize they need their sleep." This comment tells me something very important, as does the look Haymitch shoots me after. Effie does not know and Effie is not to know. Got it.
Peeta clears his throat and then looks at Haymitch seeming to also be aware that the three of us are having a very different conversation than Effie believes us to be. "Yes Haymitch. We were able to talk," then turning to Effie he adds, "We went to bed right after we talked though Effie and got plenty of sleep. No need to worry." He shoots her a smile and she relaxes. Haymitch nods his head lightly and adds a little bit of clear liquid in his own glass.
Haymitch turns to me then raises an eyebrow and mouths one word while Effie and Peeta are having their own conversation. "Together?" I know what he means, did me and Peeta decide to get together last night. I assume he needs all the knowledge he can get on us so I give him a slight nod, noting that Peeta sees our exchange. Haymitch only speaks one word after. "Excellent."
Effie continues to talk while I eat and eventually Haymitch speaks again.
"Okay, so here's the deal. I'm agreeing to stay sober enough to help you two, but in return you do exactly as I say, no questions asked. Understood?" This does not sound okay to me but I figure now is probably not the time to mention that so I nod my head right along with Peeta.
"In a few minutes we'll be pulling into the station. You'll be put in the hands of your stylists. You're not going to like what they do it you. But no matter what it is, don't resist."
"But" I start to protest.
"No questions asked. Do. Not. Resist."
Haymitch wasn't lying. I don't at all like what they do to me. The maxing and different oils and lotions they rub all over me make me want to scream. The plucking is no better. But I'm a good little tribute and stay quite. My prep team looks just like the typical Capital person, I saw hundred when we pulled into the station. Haymitch had explained sponsors and how important getting people to like us is. So Peeta, thankfully a people person had pulled me to the window and we waves to the people and indulged them in smiles. I never would have made it without Peeta's hand firmly being in mine.
When they finally leave to get my stylist I look down at my body. The only hair I have left is on my head and my eyebrows. My skin is glowing in a weird way too. I try not to think about it and wait for my stylist. When he finally joins me I'm extremely relieved. He doesn't look very Capital, in fact, the gold eyeliner he wears is the only sign he's from here at all.
"Hello Katniss, I'm Cinna, your stylist." He's also missing the Capital accent. I find myself liking him more and more. We have a short conversation. He compliments my hair and when I ask him if he's new, having never seen him before he tells me he is. He does surprise me when he tells me he asked for District 12 though, I had assumed as the new one he got stuck with us. We eat lunch and he tells me he plans on setting us on fire for the tribute parade. I feel silly for worrying about being naked and covered in coal dust now.
"Fire?"
"It's fake fire. You're completely safe I promise." I chose to believe him.
When we get to the parade I finally see Peeta again. He looks as nervous as me about the fire. It's kind of funny. We make a deal to save each other if it comes down to it. Haymitch starts walking towards us but he's not alone. I recognize Finnick Odiar with him, a victor from District 4. I can only assume he's here as a mentor. Even a girl like me has to admit he's beautiful, but I don't find myself attracted to him. I also see a brown haired girl with him, she looks like a mean one though. They reach us and Haymitch compliments how we look. Finnick takes my hand, kisses it and then introduces himself. I see Haymitch give me a small nod. So we can apparently trust Finnick.
"Katniss Everdeen," I tell him. He moves on to introduce himself to Peeta and Haymitch introduces me to the girl. Her name is Johanna Mason, victor/mentor for District 7. She very obviously do not like me. I'm strangely okay with that until Haymitch gives me another nod and I realize that Johanna is now a weird form of an ally.
I slightly wonder if someone is going to think of this as odd, having Finnick and Johanna talking with us, but as I look on the scene I can tell they've set it up to where while Peeta and I understand the importance of this meeting to everyone else it looks like Haymitch, Finnick and Johanna are just catching up. They leave shortly after to see to their own tributes who are just now coming down the elevator. Haymitch, Peeta and I huddle back over by our own carriage meeting up to Cinna, Effie and who I can only assume is Peeta's stylist. She introduces herself as Portia and we shake hands. Portia and Cinna explain the fire to us more while Haymitch and Effie go to take their seats. Cinna also explains to us that he wants us to hold hands during the parade, giving us a significant look. Apparently we have more allies than we realize.
The Capital people absolutely adore us. Their screams multiply when we show up and they chant our names. I hate it but I know that this will only benefit us, so I play the crowd along with Peeta. President Snow gives a particularly boring speech but it seems Peeta and I get more face time than even him. When we get back to the training center the other tributes, mainly the careers are giving us deadly looks. I think it's kind of silly seeing as Peeta and I didn't really do anything, we just have stylists who made us look good. I get the feeling this isn't going to matter to them. We're beating them in popularity right out of the gate and they really don't like it. Too bad. If this means Peeta and I are a step closer to getting home, then I'll take all the glares they want to send. I now also notice that Peeta has yet to let go of my hand. As we walk to the elevators we pass by Finnick and then Johanna, Finnick offers us a wink and Johanna's lips turn up slightly as we pass her. I think she was looking more at Peeta than me though. We get into the elevator with our team and Effie goes on about how we get to stay on floor 12 because we're District 12. It's not nearly as interesting as she's making it out to be.
When we get to our floor Peeta and I are shown to our rooms to change and wash up then join dinner. We celebrate our opening and are complimented on how amazing of a job we did. We say thank you each time. It's getting a little uncomfortable having all the attention zoned in on us all the time. Dinner is even followed up by a cake that's literally on fire.
When we head over to watch the opening parade they can't stop talking about us. It's all about Peeta, me and our stylists. I guess I can see why we got so many looks. This is really going to help us get sponsors. They also want to know why it seems that every time Peeta and I are seen together, we're holding hands. I see Haymitch's eyes dart to our hands, and even now their intertwined. I can see a plan forming in our mentor's eyes but I know better than to ask what exactly that plan is, at least with this big of an audience.
Effie apparently can't keep her curiosity to herself though, and asks us why that is. Peeta and I look to each other and then to Haymitch to see how he wants us to answer this question. He just gives us a look that clearly says it's up to us what we tell the people in this room, though I feel that won't always be his answer. I look to Peeta again and give him a nod letting him know I'm okay with him telling them.
"Actually, Katniss and I are dating. We've been best friends for years who secretly had feelings for each other and recently we were," he pauses to think for the right word, "pushed to admit those feelings to one another."
"Oh well that's just so sweet, and maybe a little tragic. The star-crossed lovers from District 12." Effie says with a sigh. As if this effects her at all.
It's not long before Peeta and I are dismissed for the night, and with a long kiss and a few "I love you"s we are separate for the night. I know that it will only get harder from here on out, but with Peeta by my side, and seeing the amount of allies we seem to have gained, I'm starting to feel like we're going to pull this off.
AN: I set up a twitter and facebook for my fanfiction account under request to keep y'all updated, especially guests who are not able to sign up for facebook and twitter name is Rose White.