First of all, thanks to everyone that is sticking with me while I spin this tale. I promise that future chapters will explore more the very complex relationship between Katniss and Peeta, as well as the challenges that they both face back home as newly crowned Victors. I just feel that these first few chapters, while somewhat tedious, are necessary in setting up the rest of the story. I know this is a kind of lengthy chapter, as well...I will try to be more brief in the future! Thanks again!

CHAPTER 4 - THE VILLAGE

I lay next to the river, my head reeling with fever. The heat radiating from my body is tempered somewhat by the cool mud I have covered myself with in an attempt to blend in to the river bank. Dimly, I can hear the soft gurgling of the water as it flows smoothly past my supine body. The pain in my leg has subsided to a dull ache that's almost bearable...at least until I try to move. Then the white hot agony returns with a vengeance.

I haven't moved for many hours. I don't know how long I have laid here. I know that it's just a matter of time before I die, but I find myself smiling. I did it, I thought. I gave Katniss a chance to win. She has the bow now and with that she is more than an equal to any Career out there. I just hope she realizes that my joining with the Career pack was a ruse...a trick to keep them away from her long enough for her to put together some kind of plan, and to arm herself. I smile to myself again and think, it worked. I gave them just enough to keep trusting me, but not enough to put her in danger.

Another stab of pain lances through my arm and neck. Arm and neck? Oh yeah, where I took a couple of tracker jacker stings. I'm just thankful that I wasn't really asleep when Katniss dropped that nest on us. I shiver slightly as I think of what would have happened if I had been sleeping. I would have ended up like Glimmer, or...what was her name again? The District Four girl? No matter, they were closest to the nest when it exploded after hitting the ground. Neither one really had a chance. I guess I was lucky that I only took a few stings as the rest of us took off blindly towards the lake. Still, just a few stings was enough to give me some pretty vivid hallucinations, not to mention totally messing up my perception of reality. It took everything I had to stumble back to the tree to find Katniss struggling to relieve Glimmer of the bow and arrows that were still clutched in her lifeless hands. Did Katniss realize it was me that came back to warn her?

I look up at the night sky and wonder what she's doing...if she's safe. I only wish I knew for sure that she knows I didn't betray her...that I am doing exactly what I had set out to do from the very beginning. There can be only one Victor, and I fervently hope that it's her. She is tough, and smart, and deserves to live. Besides, her sister and mother need her. No one needs me. How will I ever know if she realized that I truly did sacrifice myself for her? I haven't seen anyone else for days, except maybe the little District Eleven girl, Rue, hiding in the tree line...and even then I'm not sure if that was real or a hallucination. Maybe, I think, maybe if I see Rue again I can get her to come talk to me so I can give her a message for Katniss, to let Katniss know that I truly -

I jerk a little at the sound of the Anthem of Panem being played and know that the faces of today's fallen will soon be projected up to the sky. I turn my head slightly to see who among Katniss' s competition is no longer alive. There's the projection, and it's...no, that can't be right...I blink my eyes to clear them as the anthem continues to play, and stare at the projection of...Today's Fallen. There's no doubt...her Training Center picture is projected, her signature braid tumbling over one shoulder, staring defiantly back at the camera...the words District Twelve emblazoned directly beneath the picture...

My heart thuds in my chest as hot tears spill from my eyes...my hands clutching my face as I shake my head...I fight for breath, my pain forgotten and replaced by an even greater pain as I open my mouth and scream my first word in days: "NOOOOOO!" -

My eyes snap open, straining to see in the darkness. I am soaked in a cold, clammy sweat. Tears flow freely from my eyes as I look up frantically, trying to see the projection, wondering what happened to the anthem, my body frozen in fear, fighting to breathe -

A dream. No, a nightmare. A horrible, horrible nightmare. I sigh heavily as I feel my body relax, my hands unclenching, my heart slowing. I look around the darkened room and try to get my bearings. Am I home? Training Center? Train? No, I finally realize. District Twelve VIP quarters. I - WE - got home earlier today...no, yesterday, as I look at the clock. A little after 1 AM. A sudden burst of panic hits me...Katniss! Is Katniss okay? I reach over and flip on the bedside light. In the soft glow of the lamp I can see my room now. Katniss...is next door sound asleep. In a few hours we will get up, have breakfast, and go downstairs to sign the paperwork for our new homes in Victor's Village.

Katniss and I will soon be neighbors. Katniss...unconsciously my fingers trace over my lips where Katniss kissed me goodnight last night. No cameras, no Games...just her and I standing in the hall in front of our rooms. For us, she had said. How does she really feel about me? I get out of bed to use the bathroom and get some water for my dry mouth. My thoughts continue...she cares about me, I think she has come to like me, can I somehow make her love -

A scream! A scream from next door! Katniss! I throw open my door and step into the hallway as another scream from her room cuts through the night time silence. I hesitate...do I knock, pound on the door, try to kick it in, what? I see another door fling open from across the hall. Effie, standing there, robe clutched tightly around her, wig askew on her head, blinking her eyes as she frantically tries to clear the cobwebs of sleep from her brain. We both stare somewhat stupidly at each other as I suddenly realize I am standing there dressed only in shorts.

Before I can be embarrassed another scream cuts through our thoughts. I step to the door and try the handle. Locked. I figured but it was worth a try. I start to pound my fist on the door.

"Katniss! Katniss! KATNISS!" I yell through the door. The scream abruptly stops and I hear movement in the room. I am just about to pound on the door again when it suddenly opens.

"Peeta? What?" Katniss says, standing there in a t shirt and pajama pants. I can see the sleep creases in her face, her eyes red and teary, hair falling loose...her breath coming raggedly as I see her fighting for control.

"Are you alright?' I ask, even as Katniss becomes aware of Effie standing behind me.

"Oh...yeah...I'm okay. I'm so sorry, I guess I was having a bad dream," Katniss stammered. She dropped her gaze to the floor and I could see a red flush creeping over her face.

"Dear, you were screaming!" Effie exclaimed. "Peeta and I both thought something was seriously wrong!"

"Well, it's not. I'm fine," Katniss snaps. She looks back up at first me, then Effie. The blush is gone. She now looks irritated...even angry.

"Katniss, are you sure?" I ask.

"It's a nightmare. I have them all the time. No big deal, I'm almost used to them," she replied, "Really, I'm fine. Peeta, Effie, it's really okay. I am sorry for waking you."

"Katniss, if you have trouble sleeping, I know a doctor...he can prescribe something for you to help you get a good nights rest," Effie says.

"Thanks, Effie. I'll let you know if I need something to help," Katniss replies, and smiles at Effie.

"Well...goodnight, then, dear. Remember, tomorrow is another big, big, big day!" Effie says goodnight to me and goes back to her room. When her door closes I turn back to Katniss.

"Peeta, I'm sorry for waking you -" Katniss begins, but I cut her off, "I was already awake, Katniss."

"Why?" She asks.

"Um...had to use the bathroom," I stammer out. Well, that was partially true, but why didn't I tell her that I had a nightmare of my own?

"Oh...well, thanks for checking on me," Katniss gives me a small smile, then looks down and I see her smile disappear. "Oh-"

"What's wrong?" I ask. She looks back up at me, face flushing again.

"I've never seen all of your...new leg...before," she stammers.

I smile. "Yeah, it's a real miracle of Capitol...or should I say, District 3...engineering. The doctors tried to explain it to me...see the cap? On the end what's left of my leg?" Katniss nods. "The cap is connected to all my nerve endings through micro surgery. And here -" I point to where the robot leg meets the cap "- is where my body interfaces with the artificial leg. There are micro processors - mini computers - in both the cap and the leg that picks up signals from my nerves and tells the leg what to do. I don't have to think, I just treat it like a real leg and it does everything my old leg could do. Except feel pain," I add.

Katniss looks back up at me. "I did that. It's my fault. If I -", she begins. I cut her off.

"No! Katniss, remember the chunk the mutt took out of me? You did what you had to do to keep me from bleeding to death! You saved my life...more than once!"

I grip her shoulders as I talk to her. I will never understand Katniss Everdeen! She saves my life...twice, no, three times...in the arena and beats herself up because I lost a leg!

Katniss gives me a small, sad smile. "Maybe I did save your life more than once...but I keep hurting you in doing so," she replies. "Goodnight again, Peeta," she says, then pulls away and shuts her door.

I stand there alone for a moment...my head reeling with confusion. I finally shake my head and go back to my room, to bed, and hopefully to a dreamless sleep.

I jerk awake at a sharp knocking at my door. "Up, up, up, sleepy head!" I hear Effie's voice, way too chipper, outside my door, "Breakfast downstairs in 30 minutes!" She doesn't wait for a reply then I hear her knocking on another door, giving Katniss the same message.

I groan and force myself to sit up. Today's the day we get our new homes! I should feel excitement but for now all I really feel is tired. I just want all this to be over so I can get a little peace and quiet. No cameras around, no interviews, no Capitol people buzzing around.

I stumble into the bathroom and quickly brush my teeth, then examine my face in the mirror. Hmmmm, still no beard. I take a quick shower, which does worlds of good in helping me wake up, then get dressed in the other set of clothes that was so thoughtfully placed in my room.

I exit the room for the last time, and briefly consider knocking on Katniss's door, when I hear the sound of her shower running. Nope, she's definitely not ready. I head downstairs for breakfast.

As I enter the small Justice Building restaurant I see Hadrian Clark sitting with Effie. Off to one side I see the usual Capitol style buffet set up. Clark and Effie both wave as I make my way to the buffet to fill my plate before joining them.

"Good morning, Mr. Mellark! Sleep well?" Clark asks.

"Quite well, thank you, Mr. Clark," I answer. I see Effie about to say something but I catch her eye and shake my head slightly.

"Please, sit down. I was just filling in Miss Trinket on how today is going to go." I sit and begin to eat as Clark continues, "I think we will wait for Miss Everdeen to join us so I can explain everything all at once."

I nod and continue eating. I find to my delight that there is hot chocolate and resolve to make sure that I have plenty on hand in my new home after I move in. For the next few minutes there is only small talk as we wait for Katniss.

"Ahh, there she is...the Girl on Fire!" Clark stands up as Katniss approaches the table. I see her eyes narrow just a bit at the Girl on Fire reference, but thankfully she says nothing.

Katniss moves to get her plate and Clark sits back down. Once Katniss joins us Clark begins to fill us in on what will be happening.

"After breakfast, your families will be joining us here. We will all proceed to room 208, where our clerks have prepared the usage documents for your new homes. The signing only takes a few minutes, and we will briefly run over some of the rules for your new homes -"

"Rules?" I look over at Katniss, who has stopped eating and was looking at Clark, "What kind of rules? Why do we need rules?"

"Well, Miss Everdeen, you have to remember that the homes are, in fact, Capitol property, that are very generously loaned to Hunger Games Victors for them to live in for the remainder of their lives. They won't actually belong to you, and as such, there are rules for occupancy that will be explained to you in greater detail later," Clark explains. He looks irritated at the interruption, then continues.

"As I was saying, we will explain some of the rules, and of course there will be a photographer - still only, no television - to take photographs to document this occasion. Now, will any members of your immediate families be living with you? As Victors, that is one of the privileges, you know," Clark finishes then looks at both Katniss and I.

"Of course my sister and mother will be living with me!" Katniss snaps. I look at her sharply. Why is she getting so irritated by all this? For a Capitol citizen, Hadrian Clark is not a bad sort at all...I even think he's on our side. I look back at Clark but he doesn't seem to be offended at Katniss in the least.

"Well, I figured as much, but we still need to ask, Miss Everdeen. Thank you. Now, how about you, Mr. Mellark?"

I hesitate. We had not discussed this at all yesterday. "Um...well...I'm not sure at this time," I answer, "When do you need to know by?"

"Well, of course your families have been invited to attend the signing, so you can check with them then and let us know at that time. Also, any and all members of your immediate family can move in with you at any time if they don't do so from the outset. You simply need to inform me of any changes of residence at the time they occur," Clark answered.

I nod and glance over at Katniss. I catch her eye and she just gives me an almost imperceptible shrug and arches her eyebrows. At that point, we hear voices outside the restaurant...familiar voices...my dad!

I turn in my chair. "Dad!" I call out. I see him hesitate at the door as I gesture him in. He enters the restaurant, trailed closely by Mrs. Everdeen and Primrose. Katniss and I both rise to greet and hug our loved ones.

I look around, and give my father a questioning look. "Dad? Just you?" I ask.

"Well, um, Peeta...your mother thought it best to stay and run the bakery this morning and it was unusually busy this morning, so she said that she and your brothers would come out and check out your house later on," he answered, almost apologetically.

I shrugged, knowing the truth. My mother was about as necessary to running the business as our pigs...she just didn't want to come out this morning. And of course my brothers were so afraid of her that they stayed rather than risk her wrath.

"I'm glad you're here, dad," I say. "Mr. Clark was just asking me if you all will be coming out to Victor's Village to share my home with me. I mean, there is more than enough room for us all..."

My father looked away for a moment, then looked back at me. "Well, son, thank you for the offer...but your mother and I already discussed it...and what with you living in the Village now, and us living right by the bakery, it would make much more sense for us to stay where we -"

"Dad!" I interrupt sharply, "You know that now money is of absolutely no concern anymore. I make enough as a Victor to support all of us at least 10 times over!"

At this, dad drapes an arm around my shoulders and gently leads me away from the small crowd at the table, which by now was paying close attention to our conversation.

"Son, keep your voice down - and, no, don't interrupt until I'm done," he says, seeing that I was ready to keep up the argument, "Believe it or not, this is one time that I agree with your mother. The bakery has been in our family for generations...going back to well before the Dark Days. I'm a baker, like my father, and grandfather, and great-grandfather, plus many more before them. Peeta, it's what I do...it's in my blood. And I know it's in your blood also. You will be baking before long yourself, mark my words. Maybe someday, when we are too old to work any more, your mother and I will take you up on your generous offer...but for now, the bakery is where we belong."

I stare at my father for a moment, my thoughts whirling around in my head. Who said Victors have it made for life? So far, coming home has been one disaster after another. It's almost as though everyone here wrote me off as dead the moment Effie read my name at the Reaping, and now doesn't quite know what to do with me now that I'm somehow still alive.

But, I do my best to swallow my disappointment, and say, "Okay, I understand. But I want you to visit...a lot!"

Dad grins at me. "You couldn't keep me away, Peeta!"

"Everyone, it's time to move upstairs for the signing," Hadrian Clark announces. We all move from the restaurant to the elevator. The Everdeens pass me as we walk across the lobby and I see Mrs. Everdeen and Katniss both give me quick, sympathetic looks. I walk next to Hadrian Clark and quietly inform him that my family will not be moving in with me. He listens, nods once, and, as we reach the office, clasps his hand on my shoulder and gives a firm squeeze. I decide that I like this guy, Capitol citizen or not.

"We had to rearrange the office somewhat, as we weren't expecting two Victors," Hadrian Clark explains, "But our staff has everything ready."

There are two small tables arranged so that whoever is sitting at them will be facing each other. Documents are neatly arranged on each table along with several pens. I see a single photographer standing by and a clerk standing by each table.

"Miss Everdeen, please take the table to your left. Mr. Mellark, the table to your right. Both of you please be seated. Our staff here will indicate where you are to sign and what it is you are signing. You will, of course, be provided with copies when you are done signing," Clark explains.

Katniss and I settle down at our respective tables and begin to sign. The photographer moves around the room silently taking pictures. Hadrian Clark begins to explain the rules to us: the homes are in our names only, if we have family living with us and we die, the family must move out and re-occupy their old home immediately. Any desired changes in architecture or color must be approved in advance by the Capitol Liaison Office first. We are encouraged to have guests, but any overnight guests must first be registered with the Peacekeepers Office. Our guests and residents are expected to follow all applicable laws regarding curfew. Any problems or issues with the homes, including plumbing, roofing, windows, electrical, telephone/digital communications, and all other issues related to the structure of the home are to be reported to the Capitol Liaison Office for appropriate action and contracting of repair work. Under no circumstances were we to contract directly with local labor for any work to our homes.

Katniss finally looks up at Clark. "What about pets?" She asks.

"Pets are perfectly acceptable, but remember, you are responsible for any damage they cause," Clark replies.

I look at Katniss in confusion. Pets? The only animals I have ever seen her with were ones she hunted and killed. She really didn't strike me as a pet person. Only when I saw her sister smile and hug her did it dawn on me. It wasn't for her...but for Primrose! Her sister must have some sort of pet!

"Can we at least rearrange furniture?" Katniss asks rather snidely. I stifle a laugh and give extra concentration to the papers I'm signing when she asks that.

If he caught the sarcasm in her voice Hadrian Clark gave no indication. "Of course you can, but remember, all existing furnishings are Capitol property as well," he answers with a smile. "If you have any furnishings in your existing homes that you wish to bring with you, please feel free to do so," he adds.

I feel somewhat bad for Clark...he has been quite decent and helpful and Katniss seems to be going out of her way to push his buttons. To his credit he has not yet taken her bait. We finish signing and then with a little ceremony and a flourish he presents us with keys to our homes.

"Now, I know you are both eager to see your new homes, but before we head to Victor's Village, we need to stop in to the Capitol Bank on the first floor and make sure that your Victor's accounts have been activated." With that, we head downstairs to the bank. Clark introduces us to the manager and teller staff and presents each of us with an access card.

"Just insert the cards here, in this slot," he explains, "Miss Everdeen, you first." Katniss steps forward and slides her card into the slot. "Now enter a unique access number between 6 and 8 digits." Katniss thinks for a moment then quickly enters a number. "Now, just a moment - there! Your account is activated! Your balance is displayed here, and you can request to withdraw cash here...see?"

Katniss gasps as she stares at the screen. "There must be a mistake," she says, "That's a LOT of money!" Clark steps forward and examines the screen.

"No, that's exactly what your monthly Victor's stipend should be," he explains. Katniss just shakes her head. "Would you like to withdraw some now?" He asks. Katniss just nods and Hadrian Clark shows her how to withdraw some cash. There is a loud "clunk clunk clunk" sound as coins drop into the dispenser. Clark gestures to the coin dispenser and Katniss scoops the money out. "Deposits will be made to your accounts once a month, this time every month." Clark the shows me how to access my account and when the balance flashes up on the screen I can see what Katniss was so surprised about. That IS a lot of money. I withdraw some cash and then we all head out in the direction of Victor's Village...and our new homes.

As we walk towards the Village Clark keeps up a running banter on our new homes. Electricity 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. All Victor's Villages throughout Panem are on a special Capitol grid that provides power constantly. Hot and cold running water. Every possible convenience. Private telephones...the only private phones in District Twelve other than the phone in the Mayors Residence. I glance over at Katniss and her family as we walk to Victor's Village. Even Katniss seems to be getting excited the more Hadrian Clark talks about the homes we are about to occupy.

Quickly, we arrive at the entrance to the Village. Twelve grand homes, all identical. In case anyone was lost or wondering why all these beautiful homes were placed in the general squalor that is District Twelve, an arched sign reading "Victor's Village" stands at the entrance. It's the first time I have ever been here, and I know the same holds true for Katniss. Hadrian Clark points out one of the homes as the one occupied by Kathleen O'Sullivan, District Twelve's first Victor from one of the earliest Hunger Games. Kathleen lived in the Village for well over 40 years and died a few years before Haymitch won the 50th Games and 2nd Quarter Quell. The official cause was an accidental death but there had always been hushed talk that she had committed suicide.

Finally we come to our assigned homes. I see that Katniss has been placed next door to Haymitch and I am directly across from Katniss. I nod and wave at Katniss and her family as they, along with Hadrian Clark, head towards her new house while myself, my father, and Effie turn and head towards my home. As we approach the front door I notice activity going on through the windows of the home and remember that Hadrian Clark has mentioned that domestics were going to be on hand for last minute cleaning. Each home, of course, had both motion and still camera crews ready to record our every reaction.

I stop at the door. "This is it," I say nervously as I insert my key into the lock. Effie and dad both give me reassuring smiles as I turn the key, grasp the door handle, and enter my new home for the very first time.

I stop as soon as I enter. This place is HUGE! Bigger even then the Mayor's residence. A pleasant faced woman is standing in the foyer and smiles as we enter.

"Mr. Mellark...and Mr. Mellark. Welcome, and congratulations! I'm Amica Romaine...Mr. Clark's assistant. I'm here to show you how everything works and answer any questions that you may have," she explains.

I take a moment to examine her. Although she, like Hadrian Clark, is a Capitol Citizen, she definitely has a very muted appearance. Come to think of it, they both don't seem to affect anything outwardly unusual. No elaborate cosmetic surgery, no facial tattooing...nothing other than some obviously artificial hair coloring and a few small facial and ear piercings. Next to Effie they both look positively conservative! I remember Clark's comment about "going district" and wonder if Amica Romaine has been similarly affected by living here in Twelve.

She smiles and extends her hand. Her grip is firm, but feminine at the same time. "Thank you," I say as I return her smile, "There's been a lot to take in over the last day or so."

"I can well imagine," she replies with a laugh as she shakes my fathers hand and introduces herself to him, "And Miss Trinket...a pleasure to see you again!"

Effie offers her a somewhat strained smile and replies, "And you as well, Miss Romaine."

"Yes...well! I am sure you would like a tour of your new home, Mr. Mellark!" With that, Amica Romaine begins our tour. "I'm sure Mr. Clark already explained that the home comes completely furnished?" She asks. I nod, still numbed by the size and opulence of my new house.

From the foyer, we are ushered through the living room and Amica demonstrates the use of the holo-projection television and music center. As I have never been much of a TV watcher (except of course for the programming deemed mandatory by the Capitol...something that apparently I am not exempt from now even as a Victor), I am more impressed by the size of the fireplace. From the huge living room we tour through the dining room and from there into the kitchen. I eagerly examine the ovens and stove, already calculating how many loaves of bread I can bake simultaneously. A refrigerator and freezer (something only the bakery had...even our old home didn't have one), fully stocked pantry, dishwasher, and every appliance imaginable.

Next to the pantry was a smaller room with two square metallic boxes that, Amica explained, were a clothes washing machine and dryer. It must have been pretty obvious by the expression on my face that I was quickly getting overwhelmed, so she quickly explained that all appliances come with detailed instructions.

"Of course, if you are having any sort of difficulty even after reading the instructions, please contact the Capitol Liaison office and we will be more than happy to send out a technician to assist and demonstrate," she says with a smile.

I simply nod my thanks as we move to the next room...the study. A small room off of the living room, simply furnished with a desk and a few chairs. On one wall is a bookshelf stocked ceiling to floor with books. On the desk is a simple blotter, a telephone, a reading lamp and a flat screen with keyboard.

"The telephone is cordless so you can carry the handset with you throughout the house," Amica explains, "There is a phone directory in the desk for both local phone numbers and some numbers in the Capitol that you may need as well."

I stifle a laugh at this. Local numbers? Let's see...three Victors, the Mayor, Peacekeeper headquarters, and the Capitol Liaison office. Pretty short directory. Still, I guess it may come in useful.

"Now, your computer," she continues, "Is directly connected to the Capitol Web. You can use it to shop in Capitol stores for goods that you can't get locally. You simply insert your Capitol account card here -" she indicates a slot in the side of the monitor "- and the money for anything you purchase will be automatically deducted from your account. You can also use it to video conference with those that have the same capability."

She turned the computer on. The screen lit up and Amica shows a tutorial program that automatically starts. "The tutorial will walk you through how to use all of the features."

I nod. "I'm sure I'll need it," I say with a small sigh. Dad looks at me quizzically. "I'm ok...just a lot to take in," I say. He nods and smiles...somewhat sadly, I think to myself.

We continue the tour. A quick examination of a small downstairs bathroom, then upstairs.

"Four bedrooms," Amica explains, "The master bedroom and bath here -" she opens a door to a huge bedroom. I walk in and look around. Enormous bed, dresser, full length mirror, walk in closet. I open the closet and see a row of clothing hanging from the rod. Pants, shirts, jackets, complete suits, shoes...I turn around in confusion.

"Oh, all these are yours," Amica says with a smile, "Courtesy of the Capitol. You will find that the dresser is stocked as well. Of course, you are responsible for any replacements later on."

I nod dumbly. They thought of everything. I step to the window and open the drapery to see that I have a view...of Katniss's new home directly across from mine. I find myself staring, hoping for a glimpse of Katniss...there! I see her drapes open and see her standing at her window. She glances out casually then freezes as she catches sight of me staring like an idiot at her. She casts her eyes down and even from a distance I can see a blush spreading across her cheeks. Quickly she looks up again and I smile and give her a small wave as she does. I see Katniss hesitate for a moment then flash a brief, small smile and quick wave before I see her close her drapes again.

I become aware of Amica Romaine talking as I come back to earth " - course, from everything that I understand, your housing situation may change before much longer!"

I look at her in confusion. "I'm sorry...what?"

"I don't know about anyone else, but I was simply CAPTIVATED by your love story during the Games!" Amica exclaimed, "It was so...uplifting...to see the love that you two share for each other blossom as the Games went on!"

I pause for a moment before replying, "Well, thank you, Miss Romaine," I say. "Katniss and I certainly...appreciate the support that everyone has shown us." I smile, but think...well, NOT everyone, remembering Gales glare at the train station.

"Well, just remember, Mr. Mellark, that, according to law, even if two Victors marry each other you still retain control of both homes in Victor's Village for life. And, speaking for myself, I would love to see a Victor's wedding here in Twelve sooner than later!"

"Um, well...I think Katniss's mother may have a say in that!" I answer with a laugh, even as I could feel my heart sink. Marriage? I didn't know whether to laugh or cry. Katniss as much admitted to me that everything she did in the arena was for the Games, almost everything, anyway. "Not all of it" she had said. What part was real, I don't know...I don't even think SHE knows. And then, there was that kiss last night...no cameras, no Games, no one but us. "For us," she had said then. It was real...not passionate, not sexual in any way...but tender, and warm, and spontaneous. I find myself touching my mouth briefly at the memory.

"Mr. Mellark?" Amica's voice cuts through my thoughts. I blink and focus on her and my father looking at me.

"Sorry," I mumble.

"No worries," she replies, "We are almost done and I am sure you are tired and just want to enjoy your new home."

I nod as we are all ushered out of the master suite and we quickly tour through the three guest bedrooms, all furnished simply but elegantly. Two additional bathrooms upstairs complete the tour.

"There is a basement as well, with your water heater, furnace, and additional storage," Amica explains as we go downstairs, "Accessible through the door between the kitchen and pantry."

We pause in the foyer one last time as the domestic staff assembles to leave. I glance at them briefly...several uniformed young women that had been working to prepare my new home for me. I start to turn when I hear a voice.

"Peeta?"

I see the origin of the voice. One of the domestics...a small, somewhat mousy looking girl, short hair...

"Elizabeth?" I ask, "Elizabeth O'Sullivan?"

She smiles shyly at me. "Hi, Peeta."

Amica steps forward. "Elizabeth, you were informed that you were not to engage in any conversation with the Victors - " she begins.

"It's okay, Miss Romaine," I interrupt, "Elizabeth is an old friend."

"It's Beth, Peeta, remember?" Elizabeth says.

"Oh...right...sorry, Beth," I reply, then continue, "What are you doing here?"

"They were hiring temporary help to get your house...houses...ready for you. And, well, the money was good, and...here I am." Beth smiles warmly at me.

Beth O'Sullivan. Her Great Aunt (or Great-Great Aunt) Kathleen had lived out here in the Village as Twelve's first Victor. Beth's father, I remember, owned O'Sullivan's Pub, a popular miners bar. I had known her practically my whole life. But "friend" was kind of a stretch. Delly Cartwright was a friend. Madge Undersee was a friend. But, Beth was not someone I had ever spent a lot of time with...

Amica Romaine's voice interrupts my thoughts, "Well, I suppose it's alright if Mr. Mellark has no objections. Do try to follow the rules in the future, please, Elizabeth?"

"Yes, ma'am." Beth replies, and smiles again at me. She really does have a nice smile. Why hadn't I ever noticed it before?

"Mr. Mellark, unless you have any other questions, we will be going now," Amica Romaine turns to gather her staff. Across the street I see Hadrian Clark leaving Katniss's new home with his domestic staff as well. Katniss and her family stood at the door saying their goodbyes. I try to catch her eye but she steadfastly avoids making eye contact with me.

I follow Amica Romaine down to the center of the street, along with her staff. My dad and Effie trail close behind. We meet Hadrian Clark and his staff in the street.

"Once again, Mr. Mellark, congratulations!" He states as we shake hands. Amica Romaine echoes his sentiments as we shake hands as well.

"Thank you both," I say, "And my name is Peeta." I smile. I decide that I like them both.

"Peeta, then. Please call me Hadrian."

"And please, call me Amica."

"Hadrian...Amica...thank you both once again. I'm sure I will be seeing you again."

"Goodnight, Peeta," they both reply as they gather their domestic staffs to walk back to town. I see Beth turn once, give me a smile, and wave. I wave back and turn to Effie and my father. As I do I notice that Katniss and her family are already back in their new home.

"Well, Peeta dear, I have a late train to catch to return to the Capitol!" Effie exclaims. "Mr. Mellark, what a pleasure it has been to meet you! Your son is such a darling! Katniss is such a lucky girl to have landed him!"

"Thank you, Miss Trinket" Dad replies with a smile as he offers her his hand.

"Goodbye, Peeta...Mr. Mellark!" Effie hugs me and air kisses both cheeks. Dad chuckles as I roll my eyes at the humorous display of Capitol affection.

"Effie...before you go, I noticed a little...I don't know...tension between you and Amica?" I ask. Effie hesitates for a moment before answering.

"It's nothing, really, Peeta. Amica and I went through Escort training together years ago. There were two districts available when we completed training. Twelve...and Three. She...got Three. Then she resigned after only three games to pursue a career in District Administration! And Three was given to someone else!" As she spoke I could see Effie getting more and more upset, then suddenly she composed herself and said, "As I said, it's really nothing." Effie took a deep breath and smiled.

"I see," I reply, still not entirely convinced, but not willing to pursue it any further.

"Well...anyway...Peeta, please take a few days to get settled. I will be in touch with you after I return to the Capitol. I left some literature for both you and Katniss. I know you will read it but please be a dear and see that Katniss does as well? Sometimes I think that girl is contradictory just to irritate me!"

"Of course I will, Effie," I reply, "Have a safe trip!"

"Thank you, dear! Bye, now!" Effie walks off briskly and soon leaves the Village.

"Well, son, I think I should be going as well...I'm sure you are tired. I'll be back soon, I promise. I would like to talk more...about Katniss," he says.

I look at my father for a moment, startled. Does he suspect something's not right between Katniss and I? And if he can see it, who else can? I take a deep, shaky breath before responding. "Um...okay, dad. See you soon?"

Dad pulls me in for a brief, tight hug. "Goodnight, son." He turns and briskly walks out of the Village. I stand and watch him go until he's out of sight. I sigh heavily and turn back to my huge, lonely house.

I shut the door behind me and feel a wave of exhaustion wash over me. I finally notice that my leg is aching...throbbing insistently. I look at the mantle clock over the fireplace...just about 5 PM.

What a day! I collapse on the couch and sink wonderfully into the overstuffed cushions. I realize that I am really hungry...no lunch, nothing since breakfast, but I can't muster the energy to go to the kitchen to find something to eat. I kick off my shoes and socks, then take off my pants. I sit in my new living room in shorts and a t shirt and laugh slightly to myself. I can do whatever I like, I think. It's my house and there's no one to tell me to get dressed! Still chuckling, I reach down and my fingers find the recessed release switches on my new leg. I depress both switches and twist the robot limb slightly to the left. I hear the metallic click as the limb detaches and settle back on the couch, letting out a sigh of relief. I look at my leg and think, you are gonna take some more getting used to...

I wake up with a start to an insistent knock on my front door. I groggily focus on the mantle clock...a little after 7...but AM or PM? PM, I decide as I fumble with my leg. The early evening sun has set even lower but is still coming through the same windows as earlier. The knocking grows more insistent.

"Just a minute! Be right there!" I call out, irritated. Who could be coming over my first night in the Village?

I stomp to the door and fling it open, not remembering until that moment that I didn't bother to put my pants on.

"Well, welcome to the neighborhood! And next time someone is knocking, you might want to put some pants on before you answer the door," Haymitch chuckles.

"Haymitch? What? Why? -" I stammer.

"Kid, I know you are thrilled to see me...but we need to talk. Put on your pants and let's go for a walk."