A/N: I'm so glad lots of you are enjoying the story so far. Time is going to pass quite quickly in this story as I have almost 10 years to cover and there will be some big time jumps between some of the chapters. This one takes place about 8 months after the end of the last one. Hope you continue to enjoy.
Chapter 4
June 2010
I focus my eyes on the target and draw my bow back. I take one short breath before firing the arrow through the air. The arrow soars and lands smack bang in the middle of the bullseye. I raise my arms in triumph and Gale groans from beside me.
"One of these days I'm going to beat you," he grumbles.
I grin broadly and do a silly victory dance around him. Gale rolls his eyes and puts down his bow.
"And there is such a thing as being a humble winner," he adds.
I stop my dance and raise my eyebrow at him.
"Says the man who still boasts about how he climbed Ben Nevis in an hour quicker than me," I reply.
Gale chuckles as we both turn to leave the archery centre.
"The fact we are both competitive was one of the problems in our relationship," he says.
I nod my head in agreement.
"We're definitely better as friends," I agree.
We share a smile before we hand our archery equipment back to the girl at the desk and walk out the building.
The fact I have been able to stay friends with Gale has been one of the positives in this new life. It's been a busy year since we broke up with my work and his masters and sometimes we go a couple of months without seeing each other but it's always easy when we get back in touch. I haven't completely forgot what he was like in our previous life but I can admit now that we were both at fault in that life. Sometimes it hurts to look at him because he reminds me so much Hunter. I may be enjoying my life and my new found freedom but there are times I admit to myself that I miss my son. Whenever I'm around Gale I remember that.
However, Gale is the only one of my friends that has taken a liking to archery as well. When we are both stressed with work it's great to have a buddy to fire pointy objects with.
We stroll out into the typical grey summer's day and head towards my recently purchased second hand car.
"Did you hear back from that job yet?" I ask.
Gale's face breaks into a grin as we slide into the car.
"I heard yesterday morning. They're offering me a permanent position in the firm," he says proudly. "I start in September after I've completed my masters."
I smile back at him, genuinely pleased for him. He's worked so hard this year to complete his masters and intern for the biggest structural engineering company in Edinburgh. The company have been so pleased with his work that they offered him an interview last week. With jobs for new grads still thin on the ground and the uncertainty in the country after the recent formation of a conservative/lib dem coalition government, getting a job of that standard is impressive. He's finally getting a chance to succeed in a job he truly loves.
"Congratulations! Drinks on me the next time we're out together," I say.
"I'm not going to say no to free beers," he says.
"I'll make sure to bring my purse," I reply.
We grin at each other as I start the car and drive off. There is a moment of silence before Gale speaks again.
"What's happening with your job? Madge said you got a promotion and are off to Copenhagen," he asks.
"Yeah. I'm off to Demark in a couple of weeks to shadow their team over there. They've got a lot of big ideas and I'm excited to finally try out my Danish," I reply.
"I still can't believe you speak Danish and Spanish now. You used to struggle with the pronunciation on an Italian menu," he chuckles.
"I'm a very cultured and well-rounded person," I say.
Gale laughs again.
"You certainly have been embracing lots of new experiences recently. Madge says she is struggling to keep up with you" he says.
"I don't want to miss out on anything. Life is too short to have regrets," I reply.
"I totally agree with you," he says.
We share a smile and spend the rest of the journey talking about our latest TV show obsession, Breaking Bad. It's all very relaxed as I pull up outside Gale's flat.
"So I'll see you at Rue's welcome home party on Saturday," he says.
I raise my eyebrow at him.
"You mean Cressida is actually letting you out?" I tease.
Gale rolls his eyes. Against Madge's prediction, Gale and Cressida are still together all these months later. I've met her a couple of times now and always got the impression she is unimpressed with our supposed immaturity. But she seems to be making Gale happy and I'm not one to judge other people's relationships.
"I don't need her permission to go out," Gale responds.
"No. But she calls and you go running," I reply with a smile.
Gale shakes his head.
"I don't reply every time she texts me," he says.
I laugh.
"I'm just teasing. Do whatever makes you happy. I think we're both in a place now where we want that for each other," I say.
Gale smiles gratefully.
"Thanks. And I agree. I would offer to set you up but I think that is a step too far for an ex-boyfriend," he replies.
"Probably. There are still some boundaries," I laugh.
We share another grin and then Gale reaches for the door handle of the car.
"See you Saturday, Catnip," he says.
I nod my head as he gets out the car. Once he's out he ducks down to look at me through the open door.
"And I'm not going to forget that drink you promised me," he says with a grin.
I laugh and say one more goodbye before Gale turns to leave. I turn the keys in the ignition and drive off back home.
When I push open the door to my flat I hear the sizzling of the frying pan and smell fresh spices wafting from the kitchen. My stomach grumbles as I follow my nose to the kitchen.
I find Prim and Rye standing side by side at the counter and Prim has an exasperated look on her face.
"How many times do I have to show you how to cut an onion? Every single time you do it wrong!" she exclaims.
"Have you ever thought that maybe you're the one that is cutting it wrong?" Rye counters.
"Everyone else cuts it the same way as me, Rye. Even your brother, who is a professional chef, agrees with me," Prim replies.
"Then why do you keep giving me the job to cut the onion if I keep doing it wrong?" Rye asks.
"Because you'll never learn otherwise!" Prim says.
I laugh and shake my head as I enter further into the kitchen.
"Is Rye still cutting the onion in a cube shape?" I ask.
Prim lets out a sigh as she puts down her own knife and turns to me.
"I think he continues to do it to annoy me," she says.
Rye grins as he pulls her towards him and places a kiss on her temple.
"Our sex is always best after we have just had an argument," he says.
I roll my eyes. Rye and Prim have been dating for nine months and they are definitely one of those couples that seem to bicker all the time. But it does seem to weirdly turn them on.
"I'm not sure that's a good reason for having arguments," Prim replies.
Rye shrugs his shoulders and then swoops down to place a kiss on her lips. It doesn't take long for Prim to melt into him.
I clear my throat to remind them I'm still there and they pull back with soft smiles on their faces.
"Are you making enough for me?" I ask.
"Always. I know what you're like when you've not been fed," Rye replies.
I scowl at him but then my phones buzzes and I look down to see that it is a message from Peeta. I smile as I go to open it but then raise my eyebrows in surprise.
"Oh shit! Peeta broke up with Delly," I say.
Rye snaps his attention to me and then frowns.
"Why didn't he text me?" he says, a little put out.
"Probably because he knows my advice won't be to get drunk and go to a strip club," I reply.
"Hey!" Rye exclaims. "I'm a happily loved up man. I would never suggest a strip club. The casino on the other hand is a perfectly viable option."
Both Prim and I roll our eyes. Peeta and I have become pretty good friends over these last eight months. Peeta and Rye live together and because Prim and Rye spend so much time together it means we hang out a lot together too. We have a lot in common, from our love of food to our taste in TV shows. And with his easy-going nature and self-deprecating sense of humour, it's been easy to become his friend.
"It's not like we didn't see it coming. They've been drifting apart for months," Prim says.
I nod my head in agreement. Delly and Peeta spent the first three years of their relationship doing the long-distance thing. When Peeta finally moved back to Edinburgh after cooking school, they found the reality of being together full time difficult.
"I'll invite him round to join us for the curry. I think we're the best people to cheer him up," I say.
"Good idea. And Rye might have actually cut the onion properly by then," Prim replies.
Rye rolls his eyes but we all turn to prepare for Peeta's arrival. I grab some beers and store them in the fridge before digging in the cupboard to find some comfort food.
It doesn't take long for Peeta to arrive and he steps into my hug as soon as he gets through the door.
"How are you feeling?" I ask when we pull apart.
"I'm not sure. Part of me is sad but on the other part is relieved," he replies.
I nod my head and Rye comes through to hand his brother a cold beer.
"Don't be down, big brother. Delly had great tits but the girl thought the Bermuda triangle was a type of triangle," he says.
"You didn't need to mention her tits. That wasn't the thing that made her great," Prim scolds as we all take a seat in the living room.
Rye shrugs his shoulder but my attention is firmly on the other Mellark in the room.
"And Rye wonders why you didn't text him," I say.
Peeta smiles at me before he takes a sip of beer. He lets out a sigh as he brings the bottle away from his lips and sinks further into the sofa.
"I always knew she was lacking knowledge in certain areas but I used to actually like her little blonde moments. But when I was living them every day it got a bit grating," he says.
"Relationships are always going to be different when living situations change," I say.
Peeta nods his head.
"They do say absence makes the heart grow fonder. Once we were living in the same city we just both annoyed each other," he replies. "It was only after I moved back that I realised her desperate need to document every day of our life through facebook. We couldn't even lie in bed without her taking a picture."
"You made the right decision. There's no point clinging onto something that has stopped feeling right," I say.
Peeta sighs as he leans his head back against the sofa.
"I know. I just suck at being single," he replies.
"Whenever I feel down I tell myself to hold my head up high and reach the top. Let the world see what I have got and bring it all back to me," I reply.
Peeta turns to me a grin.
"Are you quoting me S Club 7 lyrics?" he says.
"I will have you know that Bring it all Back has got me through some tough times," I say with a smile. "Let me just find it on my ipod."
Peeta chuckles and I jump off the sofa to fiddle with my ipod. Seconds later the cheesy 90s song starts blaring out the sound system. I offer Peeta my hand and drag him to his feet.
"The song works best when you sing it as loud as you can," I declare.
Peeta chuckles as I start singing along with the upbeat song and force Peeta to dance around the living room. It takes him a moment to join in fully but soon we are both shaking our hips wildly and he's singing at the top of his voice. He spins me out and then I twirl under his hand. Prim and Rye cover their ears at the sound we are making but I don't care. Peeta doesn't look right without a smile on his face and I need to fix that.
We finish we a flourish as Peeta dips me back so my hair sweeps the ground and we're both laughing when he pulls me back up.
"I'm not going to doubt you again," he says as he looks in my eyes. "That was the perfect song to cheer me up."
"I keep telling you I am the brains in this group. We only keep you around to feed us," I say with a grin.
Peeta laughs as he sweeps a strand of hair that has fallen from my braid.
"I knew you were taking advantage of me," he replies.
Prim rolls her eyes.
"Thank God that ended. I feel like I was watching one of those comically bad dances on Strictly Come Dancing," she says.
Peeta squeezes my hand before turning to Prim with a grin.
"You're just jealous of our moves," he says
Rye shakes his head.
"That is the first time I have not looked up to my big brother," he says.
We all laugh as Peeta and I take our seats again.
"Then I have been failing in my role as big brother. It's my duty to make you feel embarrassed," he says.
There is more laughter and Peeta turns to catch my eye. He reaches out for my hand and gives it a quick squeeze to say thanks.
I continue to message Peeta over the next two days as he tries to come to terms with single life again. I've now been single for over a year and have a wide range of advice for him including how to make the most of a double bed to yourself and the best meals to cook for one.
But by the Thursday my attentions turn away from Peeta as Rue finally returns from her travels. Madge and I meet up after work and buy balloons before we head round to Rue's family home.
"Welcome back!" Madge and I exclaim as soon as Rue opens the door.
Madge pops some streamers and I present the balloons and some cake to Rue. Rue laughs as she lets us in and we all share an embrace once I have let go of the balloons.
She looks different from the girl that left. Her skin is obviously darker and she has chopped her dark curls close to her head. But it is the air of confidence that now seems to hang off her that is the biggest difference.
"I can't believe I'm back," Rue says. "Though typical of Edinburgh for it to be raining when I landed."
"You missed the rain really. And the fact it can be four seasons in one day," Madge replies.
Rue smiles and shakes her head.
"I did miss you guys though. I've got so much to tell you," she says.
We all share a smile and then Rue's mum comes to take the balloons and cake away. We follow Rue through to the living room where some of her younger brothers are play wrestling on the floor. Rue turns to them with her hands on her hips.
"There's cake in the kitchen. If you leave now I'll let you eat it all," Rue says.
The two boys stop fighting immediately and jump to attention.
"It better not be carrot cake," the elder one says.
Rue rolls her eyes but her two brothers are already rushing out the room to grab a slice. Once they're gone Rue turns to smile at us again and we all take a seat.
"Tell us everything," I say.
"I don't even know where to start," Rue says.
"Start with your favourite place. You must have the most stories from there," Madge suggests.
"I think it has to be Ghana. I don't know if it's because my family comes from there but as soon as I stepped off the plane it felt like home," she says.
"That's cool," I reply.
Rue nods her head.
"I spent most of the time building a school out there. I can't even describe how rewarding that was. To know that I've left behind something that is going to change lives of children. Their enthusiasm for school was infectious. I wish you could have seen the excitement when I gave them all pencils and notepads," Rue says.
"That sounds amazing. They must have been sad for you to go," Madge says.
Rue nods her head.
"It was the only place I considered not leaving. I just felt part of something there," she says.
Madge and I nod our heads.
"But it did make me realise something while I was there. I want to teach. I'm already looking into doing the post grad in primary teaching here," she says.
My face lights up when I hear her words. Back in my old life Rue was a primary teacher but she didn't train to be one until a couple of years later. The recession meant she found it difficult to get a job after first graduating and worked as a manager in a restaurant for a couple years. It was only when she realised that her career was going nowhere that she decided to give teaching a chance. Rue is an amazing teacher and I'm so glad she is going to train to be one sooner.
"That's fantastic! It seems the perfect job for you," I say.
Madge nods her head in agreement and Rue grins in excitement.
"You guys were right. The trip was the best thing I could have done," she says.
We all smile again and then Rue launches into more stories about her travels. We laugh about how she got chased by an alpaca in Peru and marvel at her bravery for sky diving in New Zealand. There are tales of skinny dipping in coves in Greece and canoeing down rivers in Cambodia. She slept on beaches in Thailand and next to couples having sex in youth hostels. She made proper sushi in Japan and ate crickets in the Amazon. It sounds like one hell of a trip.
"What about boys? Did you meet anyone interesting?" Madge asks.
Rue smiles coyly.
"There were a few romantic interests. Including an Italian man who couldn't speak a word of English. He made me wet by just opening his mouth," Rue replies.
"As long as he used that mouth for other things than speaking," I say suggestively.
Rue barks out a laugh and Madge grins.
"His tongue was very talented too. But I didn't want anything serious. That's why traveling is the perfect thing. In a few days you leave and never see them again," she says.
I smile and look for any hints that she still misses Thresh. But there is no sadness hidden there. She's put that dick firmly behind her.
"What about you two? Are we all single?" Rue asks.
"Katniss and I went speed dating last week but it wasn't exactly a good pick of men," Madge replies.
"I don't know. What about the farmer who hadn't taken a day off in four years and could only talk about cows? Or the guy that spent the entire ten minutes talking about how his ex was going to call him any minute to take him back?" I say with a grin.
Madge groans as she leans further back into the sofa.
"You forgot about the guy that said fuck in every single sentence," she replies.
"Maybe I shouldn't have come back. Edinburgh men don't sound appealing," Rue says.
Madge nods her head in agreement.
"I'm just so sick of boring first dates. They are all the same. It's always dinner or drinks and polite small talk. There's not one person I have been on a date in the last year that has excited me enough for a second date," Madge moans.
"Maybe you're being too picky," I say.
Madge sighs and shrugs her shoulders.
"I probably am. But you don't have to worry about it anymore. Not now that Peeta's single," Madge says with a cheeky glint in her eye.
I knit my eyebrows into a frown and Rue raises her eyebrow in intrigue.
"Who's Peeta?" Rue asks.
I throw Madge a scowl, annoyed she's implying something that just isn't true.
"He's the brother of Prim's boyfriend. And we're friends," I say, emphasising the last word.
Madge rolls her eyes.
"Yeah. Friends that flirt," she teases.
"That's not true. He had a girlfriend until two days ago," I say.
"You didn't flirt when Delly was there but you were always finding ways to touch each other when she wasn't around. Plus he brings you food every time you see each other. I know neither of you thought it was serious but I kind of always thought you guys would be a good couple ," Madge says.
"Anyone who knows me knows how much I love food. And he just brings me leftovers from the restaurant," I argue.
"It's not always from the restaurant. Remember the time he made you that amazing chicken soup when you were ill?" Madge counters.
"Peeta is just kind. He would do that for any of his friends," I say.
"Does he ever bring Rye chicken soup?" Madge asks.
She's got me there. Only a couple of weeks Rye got a really bad cold and Prim had to nurse him back to health. But Peeta didn't bring round any get well soon food.
I duck my head and I don't reply. I don't like what Madge is implying. Peeta is my friend and that's it. I don't want to see him as anything else.
"Is he hot?" Rue pipes up.
Madge nods her head.
"Very genetically blessed. I think you're a fool for not going there," she says.
I let out a loud sigh as I bring my head back up to look at them.
"I don't want a boyfriend right now. I'm doing so well at my job and I don't want the distraction. I've enjoyed being able to do what I want when I want this last year. I'm not ready to give that up yet," I say.
Madge nods her head in understanding.
"I get that. But don't rule out a relationship completely. Guys like Peeta Mellark don't stay single forever," she says.
I try to ignore Madge's comments for the rest of the week. In my old life I spent my entire twenties tied down to a man and I'm achieving so much more now that I am single. There is plenty of time for relationships in a few years' time.
By Saturday night I'm not thinking about Peeta and getting ready for Rue's welcome home party. I invite her round to the flat for a few pre-drinks and pour her a glass of wine as Prim and Rye get ready behind us.
"So that's Peeta's brother?" Rue says after we have clinked glasses together.
I nod my head as I take a sip.
"Well if he looks anything like him, I totally agree with Madge," she says.
I roll my eyes.
"Not you too," I say.
Rue grins.
"I'm just looking out for you. Gale's moved on," she says.
"I'm not replying to that," I say.
Rue laughs but then goes quiet.
"Thresh texted me this morning," she says.
Anger flares up inside me.
"He couldn't just leave you be," I say.
Rue shakes his head.
"It was all soppy about how he missed me and regrets not coming on the trip. He said I was the only girl he would ever love," she says.
"Bullshit!" I exclaim. "He's just jealous that you actually did it and moved on. Please tell me you told him to fuck off?" I say.
Rue smiles.
"I put it a little bit nicer. I don't need him in my life. While travelling I realised there are so many better people out there," she says.
I grin back at her and raise my glass towards her.
"Let's cheers to that," I say.
We smile as we clink our glasses together and then take a sip of our drink. Just then Rye appears from Prim's bedroom and shouts through to her in the bathroom.
"Babe, where's my checked shirt?" he asks.
"I put it in the wash," Prim calls back.
Rye immediately huffs and runs his hand through his hair.
"Why did you do that? I was going to wear it tonight," he says.
Prim appears in the doorway of the bathroom holding a make-up brush and looks crossly at her boyfriend.
"Because it was lying on my floor for four days. How was I supposed to know you wanted to wear it tonight?" she says.
"If I wanted it washed I would have asked you!" Rye exclaims.
"You don't mind when I wash your dirty boxers without asking! I'm not a mind reader, Rye!" Prim declares.
"Then next time ask!" he says. "What am I going to wear now!"
"You have so many shirts here. Wear one of them," Prim says.
"But none of them fit the vibe of the pub!" Rye replies.
"Then go topless for all I care. You are being overdramatic!" Prim says.
"Maybe I will go shirtless. Then I might actually attract a girlfriend who doesn't wash my shirts without asking!" Rye exclaims.
"Fine. But she won't give you as good head as I do and you know it," Prim replies.
Rye lets out a frustrated groan as Prim walks back into the bathroom to finish her make-up. Rue turns to me with a raised eyebrow.
"Are they always like that?" she asks.
"Yes," I reply. "But they'll be dry humping in half an hour so don't worry too much."
Rye does actually manage to find a shirt to his liking and goes to apologise to my sister. It only takes a few kisses for the argument to be forgotten and we head out to the pub where the party is being held. When we arrive I'm pleasantly surprised to find Madge already there with Gale. I pretend to look at my watch as I approach her.
"Just checked the time. You're actually here on time," I say.
Gale laughs as he turns to look at me.
"I suggested we share a taxi together so she had to be ready when I went to pick her up," he says.
"I don't know why you all complain. I always turn up," Madge replies with a grin.
We all laugh and Gale turns to head to the bar.
"Welcome back, Rue. I think it's time to get the drinks in," he says. "And don't think I've forgotten your promise to buy me a drink, Catnip."
I shake my head.
"You can't remember your own mum's birthday but you don't forget an offer of free beer," I say.
There's more laughter as we make our way nearer the bar.
Rue has a great time seeing all our friends again and keeps everyone amused with her adventures. Gale and Madge team up to challenge Rue and I to a game of pool and it's made even more fun by the opposing team having to take a drink every time a ball is potted. Everyone leaves their stresses behind and it's the most relaxed night we've had in ages.
Peeta's working at the restaurant tonight so doesn't make it until after mid-night. He texts me when he's on his way and I buy him a beer so it's ready for him as soon as he walks in. When he finally does we both grin broadly at each other.
"I got you a beer already," I say as I hand it to him.
"And my favourite. You're too good to me," he says.
"I rate myself highly as a friend," I reply.
Peeta laughs before taking a sip and then digging into his bag to pull out a carton of food.
"Leftover lamb stew from the restaurant," he says. "I can be a good friend too."
My stomach rumbles as I lift the lid and inhale the sweet smell. I let out a sigh of content as I shut the lid and place it next to the pile of coats we have in the corner.
"Thank you! I think you're one of my favourite people," I say.
Peeta raises his eyebrow.
"Only one of your favourites? Why am I not number one?" he asks.
I laugh but someone tries to walk past us and ends up knocking me. I stumble towards Peeta and he laces his fingers through mine to help steady me. I feel a little jolt and give his hand a squeeze in thanks as I straighten back up. Peeta smiles warmly at me as I get ready to answer his question.
"A few more compliments thrown my way would help," I tease. "Oh and your jokes need to get better."
"I don't know what you are saying. My jokes are amazing. I won the school talent show with my jokes in Primary 6. What is brown and sticky? A stick, is a classic," he replies.
"Exactly. Your jokes have not changed since you were ten," I say.
Peeta grins and shakes his head at me before bringing our joined hands up and twisting my finger back.
"Ow! That hurts!" I exclaim.
Peeta just grins at me as he lowers his face nearer to mine.
"I'll stop when you say my jokes are funny," he says.
His nose is just in front of mine and this close I can see tiny flecks of purple in his otherwise clear blue eyes. My heart beats faster as his smell of spices from the kitchen invade my nostrils.
I shake my head.
"Nope. Torture isn't going to work on me," I reply as I hold his stare.
Peeta laughs and then bends my finger back further. I let out a yelp of pain and Peeta looks at me expectedly.
"Okay, okay. Your jokes are funny. You are the funniest person I know," I concede.
Peeta grins as he releases my finger and then brings it up to give it a kiss.
"I knew you were clever enough to see sense," he says.
I sigh and shake my head but can't stop the smile that spreads across my face. Rue then comes up and looks Peeta up and down.
"You must be Peeta. Katniss has told me a lot about you. I'm Rue," she says.
Peeta turns away from me to shake Rue's hand.
"Nice to meet you. I've heard a lot about you too. Katniss has been counting down the days until you got back," he says.
"I am very missable," Rue replies. "Hopefully we'll get to know each other better so you understand that as well."
"I look forward to it," Peeta says. "But right now, I really must go to the toilet."
I smile at him and he smiles back before giving my waist a little squeeze and then heading in the direction of the toilet. I feel the heat of his fingers long after he has left.
When I look at Rue she is grinning broadly at me.
"I've just spent the last ten minutes watching you two together. If that's not flirting, I don't know what is," she says.