4: That Would Be Enough

Rehearsal the next afternoon was very efficient, as it only ever could be under Mrs. Trinket. While she worked privately with the kids playing Caiaphas and his high priests, Katniss and Peeta went off alone to practice the segue into Katniss's solo. This time, Katniss came in on her cue and sang every note perfectly. Peeta actually smiled at her in approval.

"That was very good," he told her quietly, and he meant it. Katniss appreciated that he described it that way and not as, say, 'much better' or something like that. She mumbled a thanks.

"Why don't I restart the CD and we can take it from 'Heal Yourselves!' again?" Peeta walked towards the player. Katniss suddenly felt something she had never felt before: embarrassment.

"Peeta!" He turned.

"…. I'm sorry."

He cocked his head, as if he had misheard her, smiling. "What?"

"I'm sorry," Katniss got out.

Peeta grinned. "I heard you the first time. I just wanted to hear you say it again."

He fiddled with the player, and they re-did the scene. Katniss was again on-point. As they packed up to rejoin the others for rehearsal notes, Katniss asked:

"Peeta. How can I…. prove myself to you and the rest of the cast?" Her cheeks burned even as she said this, the mortification at her behavior still unfamiliar.

Peeta smiled gently at her. "Be reliable. Show that you care. Even more importantly, be kind." He nodded to her. "That would be enough."