Friends, thank you for your patience. I hope I do not disappoint. Many thanks to all who read and review.
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Although the fashion of the day called for subdued and graceful "breakfasts" as the reception of wedding guests, Peeta would have none of it. He wanted a good old fashioned country wedding, "as if it were a Breughel painting come to life," he ordered. Shortly before the eventful day, plans for the feast were made.
"Since I cannot see, I can't think of anything more horrid than having to demurely receive guests as Prim played on the pianoforte. Can you imagine, Katniss? You would have to introduce every single person to me and then I would be trapped! At least with a real party, I can hopefully be entertained by some real music and lively dancing!"
"I couldn't agree more, Peeta. We've never really been people to accede to convention. Plus, I do believe Sae's enormous heart would break if she could not cook for days to bring a fabulous feast out and amaze all who are present!"
Peeta laughed out loud. So it was agreed that there would be a feast good enough for Old King Cole himself, with music and dancing and wine and beer. The location was a bit of a challenge in the planning. Ferndean was certainly large enough to accommodate a breakfast, but dancing? So Peeta did the only thing which seemed reasonable to him. He ordered a building to be built just for the occasion. It was really more of a barn than a hall, but it suited its purpose. Portia and Cinna had done their best to make it look inviting. They made large doors on all sides to allow for a breeze on that warm August day. There were garlands strewn from the rafters. A good sized floor of balsam wood was constructed for the sole purpose of dancing, soft and springy for the feet. In one corner was a long table filled with food. There was so much food, Peeta quipped that there might not be a living creature left in the county. Sae beamed with pride at her feats of hospitality.
In another corner stood the musicians. The third had a good braided rug and a comfortable chair for Peeta and a smaller one for Katniss to receive their guests. In the last corner stood three cakes. A tall fruitcake festooned with white icing in flowers and ribbon patterns. Two smaller cakes stood by, white for the bride and chocolate for the groom. Lanterns hung all around, promising a night of revelries lasting well nigh till dawn.
While Katniss had but a few friends in attendance, Peeta had invited practically everyone in the county. Conspicuous in their absence were Glimmer Ingrahm and her noble mother. Glimmer seemed to have gotten over her infatuation with Peeta soon after he had a rumor spread that he had lost his fortune. She had flitted over to another wealthy single man and had married herself within a month. She and her mother and new husband were touring Europe in as an extravagant a style as anyone might have predicted for the predatory Miss Ingrahm. Katniss was altogether pleased.
The wedding party and the guests had assembled. The musicians had begun with a haunting rendition of "Amazing Grace", played upon the bagpipe by young Rory Hawthorne, Gale's younger brother. There were some lively tunes played thereafter and all sorts of country dances ensued. Peeta sat in his large chair, smiling, holding Katniss' hand, or even placing her on his knee. Occasionally, with a favorite tune, he would keep time with his cane, or encourage one and all to clap along. He had been quite the musician in his day and had missed it bitterly since losing his sight. Katniss told him not to let anything keep him from learning how to play what he liked, since his ears were that much more sensitive. He was still a fine, strong singer, though. When the musicians were resting he delighted the company by standing and singing many of Robert Burns' most beautiful poems set to music. All were amazed when he knelt on his knee and sang to Katniss "O My Luve's Like a Red, Red Rose". She was so affected by it, that she turned a shade as red as a rose itself.
There was dancing and dancing and dancing! The first dance was a sweet waltz with Katniss and Peeta holding each other tightly as they made small circles on the floor. At one time the guests made an archway with their hands and the happy newlyweds marched under. Most often found on the floor were Madge and Gale, who seemed to have struck up an interest in one another almost from the beginning. There was dancing in lines and dancing in circles. Everyone was having the time of their lives.
As the evening wore on, speeches were made. Gale spoke first:
"Good friends and gentle company. As Peeta's best man, I feel it is my duty now to say a few words on his honor. Peeta's heart is so strong that he can see the worth of every man. A man need not have a pedigree to be judged acceptable to Mr. Mellark. He must only have integrity and skill and a heart willing to sacrifice for the greater good and he will be deemed worthy. Peeta gave me a chance when no one else would, including myself. In giving me that chance he gained my lifelong loyalty. In gaining his friendship I have found wealth beyond measure.
I have not been acquainted with Miss Everdeen...pardon me, Mrs. Mellark, before this time, yet I can already see that her heart is as strong as Peeta's. I see their hearts entwine through good times and ill, through joy and worry, through times of plenty and times of want. May they be each other's pillars, upon which a great house shall be built. To their continued good health, good hearts and prosperity! To Peeta and Katniss!" Eveyone raised their glasses and shouts of encouragement filled the air.
But, soon there was a clanging of an empty pot lid and Haymitch rose, none to steady on his feet, but undeniably earnest in his mission to gain the crowd's attention.
"I've known the boy since he weren't nothin' but a sprout. I've never known a stronger hand, nor a kinder heart. You could live a thousand lifetimes and not deserve him. That's the truth, i'n't it? And I've seen his heart tested, aye, and his strength. There were days when I thought...well...I thought he couldn't take no more. Hell! I couldn't take no more!
But then he found this sweetheart, this wee bird. And I saw hope in him again. And no matter how bad it gets after that, through the fire, through his blindness and his leg lost, I kept tellin' him, 'stay alive, boy! stay alive!' 'Cause deep down, I knew that somehow that wee birdie would come back to the nest. An she did. An God bless her, she did...An I seen him come alive again in that instant. Bless 'em both!
So, here's to your very good health, Mr. and Mrs. Mellark. May your cups always be full and your hearts always be merry!" Thunderous cheers and applause followed.
As the noise dulled, a small, shy voice spoke above the crowd. It was Madge. She said with quiet strength:
"I know it's unusual for a lady to speak, but I cannot stop myself from saying what is in my heart. i have heard so many good words in favor of Mr. Mellark, and having met him I know they are well deserved. But I feel I must say something in favor of my friend that was, until this day Katniss Everdeen. Katniss was a mystery when she came to us. She knew not her name, nor from whence she came. As she recovered her memory and health, I could see she had great sorrow in her past. But I could also see great passion, great love. Katniss is the sort of person who you cannot be weak around. Hers is a strength of character, a strength of will, unparalleled to any I have seen in my short, sheltered life. She brings out the very best in everyone because she believes in the equality of all persons. I have never seen a person work harder or more cheerfully to bring enlightenment to dull minds, to see the beauty in every soul.
Many have spoken today of the connection between she and Peeta. I cannot say more than they, except I am glad that Katniss has found her happiness. I can see why she loves Peeta so much and I know why Peeta loves her. And I wish them all the happiness in the world. To your love and happiness!" And the crowd cheered again and more glasses were raised and the musicians began again. The wedding barn was bursting at the seems with joy, as the newlyweds snuck out for a private stroll.
As they walked, Katniss described what she saw. "It's a beautiful night, Peeta. The moon is golden, yellow color and the night sky a deep violet. She hangs low in the sky , the moon, as if she waits for her lover to catch her. She gives everything below a softer glow than the sun, though deeper and richer and warmer somehow. Fireflies are dancing above the grass and, oh! there goes a rabbit!"
"Katniss, my love, I feel the luckiest man in the world, today. I can hardly believe you will be at my side from now on! But I feel remiss in not being able to show you all the wonders of the world as I had once planned." at this he looked sad in a small way.
"O my husband! I shall have to world in your soul, as you shall have the world in mine. I feel God's plan for us has yet to unfold. I know there is much suffering among the poor in this, the mightiest realm in the world. Do you think we could find a way to make the world not quite so harsh for those among us who are downtrodden?"
"Love, I believe we may do anything we like. What precisely do you have in mind?" Peeta queried, rakishly raising one eyebrow. She smiled as she said, " I'm not sure, dear husband. However, I have heard of late of the good works of the Earl of Shaftesbury in Parliament. His causes are many, but most remarkable to me is the work he has done to improve the lot of poor children."
She thought back to the horror that was her life at Panem School for Girls. The typhoid fever that ran rampant through the school had taken away many of her schoolmates, including Delly, the sweetest and kindest girl there ever was. Katniss had counted her as one of her closest friends and the night she died the two girls had clung to each other for comfort. Perhaps if Mr. Snow, the headmaster, had used the funds of the school for adequate meals for the girls, rather than his own comfort, then perhaps not quite as many of them would have died. But, as Snow was greedy and corrupt, his purse was lined with money and the churchyard lined with small coffins.
A tear escaped from Katniss' eye, remembering sweet Delly, her golden shining curly hair laying around her head like a halo, her light blue eyes still glistening with hope, even in that darkest hour. She had not feared her imminent death, knowing that she would be with her beloved father in heaven. Still Katniss had held her hand and cried and said "Don't leave me, Delly!" as she fell asleep next to her friend. In the morning the angel was cold as a stone. Katniss was nearly inconsolable.
Peeta had been mentioning that he felt he knew the Earl through his business acquaintances in London and that perhaps they could visit with him, but he realized she was far away in her thoughts. He remarked, "My dear, is everything alright? You are so still." Even his sightless eyes could see her troubled heart. She had told him of her days at that hellish place but did not now want to blacken this glorious wedding day. So instead she said, "Peeta, husband. You know me too well. I feel the power of a calling toward a life's work; there are so many young and helpless children suffering at the hands of greedy men and women. But, tonight we should be merry! Let us speak on this further tomorrow. Our guests are surely wondering where we've gotten. Shall we treat them to a last dance?"
"My dear wife, I can honestly say our dancing may be no treat to others, but any chance I have to be in your arms will be my treasure beyond compare!" With that, they returned to the guests. As they danced together, Katniss lay her head upon Peeta's broad chest, hearing the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. No where on earth felt as safe as this. Surely no one had the right to feel this happy on earth.
Soon the festivities began to wane and the guests retired one by one. Prim, Gale and Madge were staying at Ferndean with the Mellarks. Although the lodge was not as grand as Thornfield was, it was filled with new life and laughter since Katniss' return. It would prove to be a comfortable home for many years.
The newlyweds made their way to their wedding chamber. Somehow, Portia and Cinna had transformed it into what felt like a secret kingdom of love, strewn with flowers and candles, a warm fire in the fire place. Peeta insisted on carrying his bride over the threshold. With only a small bump in the doorway, Peeta deposited her gently on the bed. He felt down her legs and removed her small shoes. He kissed each foot, then slowly kissed his way to her knee. Katniss giggled and squirmed a bit, suddenly shy for the attention. Peeta felt for the edge of the bed, to get his bearings and slowly sat beside her. When he found her with his hands, he held her. His hand searched for her lips and he recommenced his kissing and she, delighting in his warmth and love, felt the fires begin to burn inside her. They spoke not a word to each other. Such was their awe at having accomplished that which they thought unattainable not a year ago. A year ago each thought life had ripped them apart for ever. Now they knew nothing could take them from each other, except death itself.
Their breaths grew hot as their tongues and lips began a dance of intimacy. They were still fully clothed, Katniss hands in Peeta's golden hair, his surrounding her small frame. After a while, Peeta broke first and said, "My love, this is not the first time we have held each other through the night, nor given each other worldly pleasure. Even this morning we enjoyed each other, but tonight we are married! Before God and and all our friends, we have been joined. So, let us worship each other as God first made us. Let us cast off these raiments and explore each other's bodies as this new country of marriage dictates. Although my sight is dimmed, my heart races as a furnace, I yearn to see you with my fingers, my lips and fill you with my cock. I want to feel us as close as our souls will allow... I fear, however, that the sight of my stump of a leg will diminish the fires you feel for me."
Katniss pulled away in shock. "Good husband, do you still underestimate me? I love every part of you! Your kisses make me burn as well. My very soul cries out in thirst for you. Your wounds do not repel me. And I have noticed your leg has been bothering you, what with all the day's festivities. Tonight is our first night of the rest of our lives together. We shall be joined in every way. Come, let us be naked; devoid of pretense. Our fires are too hot for clothes. Normal mortal senses will only limit our souls' imagination. Come to me and remove my garments and I will do the same for you."
And so, with trembling hands, Peeta reached for her. She caught his hand and brought it to her shoulder. Her skins was so soft! She smelled of everything new and fresh. From there he found the myriad of buttons to loose her from her cloth confines. When he was done, she sat in her corset and shift. "Now for me," she said and pushed him gently to fall upon the pillows. She slowly loosed his cravat. He swallowed hard as she undid his coat and vest and there was an audible intake of his breath as she undid his shirt buttons. Her fingers were light and gentle as she languidly trailed his chest hairs. He grabbed at the bedclothes and arched his back , moaning with delight. She said, "Shhhh, sweetheart. Listen." She knelt next to him and undid her corset, snap by snap. His smile beamed and he chuckled lowly, reaching for the heavenly orbs he knew were just underneath her shift. Katniss laughed aloud and threw her head back as she lowered herself slowly, almost teasing him with her breasts. He found his prizes and held them firmly. Katniss purred at his touch and her hands found their way to his trousers.
Soon there was nothing between them. Katniss sat astride him and gazed at his magnificent chest again. She saw the planes of his muscled form and felt the pulse of his desire. They began slowly, deliciously devouring each other. There were soft moans and prayers, followed by more fervent cries and expressions of love. They rolled and laughed and played with each other.
Hours later they lay together, still. Peeta head was cradled in Katniss' lap as she lazily twirled his golden curls. So satisfied were they that they glowed. It was deep in the night and they were spent with pleasure. Peeta said, "I have travelled the world. I spent years in search of what I thought I might never find. I have done things of which I am not proud. But, in this moment I feel God has blessed me beyond measure. Katniss, I know you do not care for fine things, but we must go to London. I must bring you to see the wonderful gardens and museums and we must try to speak with the Earl of Shaftesbury. You were right when you said this could be our life's calling. Oh my darling, I feel such promise for the future. With you at my side I feel as if we can accomplish anything!"
"Yes, Peeta. I have never known such joy. I fell in love with you when I was not much more than a girl. Now I am a woman and you have given me another life. I do feel hopeful. I do feel as if anything is possible! What shall we do today?"
"Oh, I can think of what I want to do first..." and he grabbed her to be with him. "Peeta! You are insatiable!" she cried. "Why yes, I believe I am!" he cried as they enjoyed each other once again.
And so ends another chapter. Anthony Ashley-Cooper was the 7th Earl of Shaftesbury, who grew up in a cold and unloving home, only to become one of the great reformers of his time. Many thanks for all who have endured the long wait. I really enjoyed writing this and hope you enjoyed reading it.