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Next morning at breakfast, everybody sits quietly. I'd feel more suspicious if everybody, even Effie herself, wasn't sporting a look of utter fatigue. So to make things less awkward (at least on Katniss' behalf, who looks like she's literally sitting at the edge of her seat), I decide to strike up a little bit of conversation.
"So, Effie... have fun last night?" I casually ask as I butter a piece of toast.
Katniss gives me a look that clearly says "are you out of your mind?!" but I give her the most patient expression I can muster before turning back to Effie.
"Oh, yes! It's one of the most extravagant Capitol parties I've attended. If you're somebody, you're guaranteed an invitation," she winks at me. "Of course, some people use this as means to show off their dowdy garments..."
She shudders visibly before taking a dainty sip of coffee.
Well, Effie, it's not as if you have a "normal" sense of fashion either... I'm not even sure she knows what the meaning of the word is.
"I realize that even to you, my attire must seem queer at best; but there are people who just have zero sense of fashion," she shakes her head tragically. "Ooh, did you see Philomena's feather and sequin headdress?"
I know she's not addressing me so I just inwardly sigh with relief and sit back as Portia and Cinna chime into the conversation. Portia clicks her tongue and Cinna shakes his head sadly as more names are brought up.
For the life of me, I cannot imagine a woman with more outlandish taste than Effie. I know that the people of the Capitol have an eccentric taste in everything but it's not as if I was keeping an eye out on their fashions. Still, I've got to give credit where credit is due: Effie pulls off every single piece of clothing she dons magnificently. There have been times when I've wanted to paint her but then think of how strange it might be to have a portrait of Effie in my house... so I toss the idea away.
I just cannot imagine her wearing plain ol' pajamas to bed... I wonder what she deems as appropriate sleepwear.
"I'm just so lucky that I have you two on this wonderful team," she simpers, beaming at them.
Portia waves her hand airily as if to say "it's nothing" but Cinna merely smirks, which causes Katniss to giggle. This, unfortunately, brings her back into Effie's focus and Katniss herself seems to realize it because she cringes into her chair, clearly wishing she could vanish into the upholstery of the chair.
"Katniss, are you feeling better now?" she asks, a genuine look of concern appearing on her face.
As though sensing what was coming, Katniss hastily raised her cup to her lips and choked on her tea at Effie's inquiry; Cinna thumps her back gently while I manage to stay seated and not jump out of my chair to make sure she's alright.
Overreact much, Mellark?
Luckily, Katniss thought to cover up the bruise with makeup because it would keep from unleashing a multitude of questions that would be downright tricky to answer.
"I'm feeling much better, Effie, thank you. Everything was so delicious that I ended up overeating," she says, grimacing as if to prove her point.
But Haymitch just keeps staring at us, an unconvinced look in his eyes.
"Oh, that reminds me! My, how could I have possibly forgotten? I suppose the festivities must have gone to my head. President Snow has invited you two to stay in his mansion for a few days! How wonderful is that?" she smiles, looking as if it's the highest honor somebody could receive.
Katniss and I exchange a quick look of horror, one that goes over Effie's head. Haymitch, however, is quick to catch it.
"W-why would he do that, Effie? He's never shown us any preference over any other district," Katniss tells her, face gone pale.
"It's not unheard of that he invites victors and their escorts to stay," she replies placidly, cutting a piece of fruit in half.
The panic that I'd been struggling to rein in last night is now on the loose, digging its venomous claws into me.
"Can we say no, Effie? I have business waiting for me back home," I lie swiftly.
Effie looks up from her plate and frowns at me now.
"You too, Peeta? Don't you understand what a privilege it is? Besides, I've already answered on your behalf," she tells us haughtily.
I look at Katniss and watch as she lets out a tense breath, feeling precisely the same way. I clasp my clammy hands under the table, knowing there is no getting out of this.
"Well, that's that," Haymitch tells us gruffly before excusing himself.
I watch Haymitch, getting the feeling that even he knows this invitation can't possibly be good for us.
"We're expected at noon, so get ready," she chirps, clapping her hands lightly. "Remember to look and to be on your best behavior. This isn't just another District we're visiting: it's the President's quarters."
"Excuse me," I mutter, feeling as though the toast I just ate is going to make a re-appearance soon.
Before walking away, I chance a glance at Katniss, who still looks dumbstruck. As much as I'd love to stay and try to comfort her, I feel as though I'm about to come undone myself. I can't have Effie suspecting anything is wrong; she can't know just how deep in shit we're about to be in. I need to be alone with my thoughts, to think up some kind of plan to let Katniss off the hook...
I barge into my bedroom and see Haymitch leaning against the closet door, arms crossed with an exasperated look on his face.
"Haymitch," I say, closing the door behind me quietly.
"What happened last night?"
"I don't know—"
"Don't lie to me, boy. Tell me what happened last night," he demands.
I sigh frustratedly, glaring at my mentor.
"Can the attitude boy. You and the girl practically run out of a party hosted especially for you and President Snow invites us to stay at his mansion the next day? Not a coincidence," he says, scowling deeply.
"I… stopped a man from raping Katniss," I tell him in a low voice. "We got into a fight. He slapped Katniss, throwing her on the ground and I wasn't going to let him get away with that. What kind of cruel, sadistic, vile excuse of a man does that to a woman? He finally gave up and warned us that we hadn't heard the last of him."
Haymitch's eyes widen for a moment and twists his mouth to the side, looking away from me. Seconds pass by before he finally clears his throat and forces himself to look at me.
"Son, you do know he wasn't really raping her, right?"
"Haymitch, Katniss was whimpering and trying to push him off!" I seethe, banging my hand against the door.
"Katniss is a—"
"Prostitute, yes, I know," I answer briskly.
"Well, at least the cat's out of the bag."
"What are we going to do, Haymitch? We just can't let—"
"Stop right there, boy. Once Snow sets his mind on something, there is no dissuading him. You can bet the bastard who hurt the girl snitched on you. This is not good," he sighs, rubbing his face wearily.
"I know what happened to her family," I whisper.
"It was terrible. She was on tour and when we got back… well, they didn't even bother picking up after themselves," Haymitch tells me in a low voice.
My heart tightens in my chest, making it difficult to breathe.
"At least she doesn't have anybody left," I cringe, knowing how awful it sounds.
Haymitch gives me a peculiar look.
"That's not quite right boy. She still has the Hawthornes," he shrugs. "And then there's you."
I straighten up, tilting my head slightly.
"Come on, kid. Anybody can see how hard she tries to stay away from you. Not to mention the little looks she gives you when she thinks nobody's looking," he snickers. "Besides, you can't fool me. I know you two slept together last night."
Heat rises to my face and so I shake my head vehemently, needing to clear things up for him.
"Yes, but it's not what you think! We merely shared a bed. She asked me to stay," I tell Haymitch, softening my voice.
"What you two do behind closed doors is none of my business, but you really need to be careful," he advises.
I nod distractedly, remembering what Haymitch said before embarrassing me.
"Hold on… she… looks at me?" I sigh, feeling my heart jump to my throat.
Haymitch merely rolls his eyes.
"Figured you'd obsess over that," he smirks.
"Well, excuse me Haymitch. I thought she hated me and to find all of this out…" I shake my head numbly. "But I need to put my happiness on the backseat for now. What can we do for her? Is there even anything we can do for her?"
"We can just wait it out, kid. I know you won't like this, but please, try to keep your distance from her. Anybody can see you love her but that will only hurt you in the end, especially if it gets back to Snow. When we arrive to the mansion, try to be aloof to her. Don't stare at her for too long and don't initiate conversation."
"But Haymitch…"
"It's the best plan we've got, kid," he sighs, looking not so happy himself. "Don't worry, I'll make sure that we all get to spend time together. You can talk to her then."
I nod thankfully, biting my lip.
"You should start getting ready. I'm sure Portia will be here soon to help you pack. I'll make sure to have a few words with the girl as well. See you," he tells me, giving me a brief nod before slouching out of the room.
I let out a pent up breath and collapse back on the bed, staring up at the ceiling.
How am I going to get through this? Easy, Mellark. Think of Katniss. Of the consequences she'll have to face if you don't get this right. She's lost so much already, I couldn't bear to see her lose anything else. I can't believe she feels something for me. But I need to push it aside for now. Nothing is more important than her well-being, not even my selfish emotions. Maybe there'll be a day when I can freely pursue her… but for now, I must keep my distance.
An attendant waits for us at the entrance of Snow's mansion, welcoming us inside.
"Mr. Mellark, President Snow requests your presence," he tells me.
I feel myself become rooted to the spot and chance the briefest of glances at Haymitch.
"Right now?" I ask stupidly.
"Yes, sir."
I swallow anxiously and nod, plastering a pleasant smile on my face.
"Lead the way," I gesture.
I see Katniss staring me from the corner of my eye, her eyes round with terror with her mouth gone slack. As much as I want to look at her, I know it wouldn't help us in the least so I follow the attendant.
He leads me through a long hallway before it starts to curve confusingly and I try my best to remember the turns. He finally stops in front of a tall, ornate door and bows, leaving me alone. Raising a trembling hand, I knock on the door once before I hear the President biding me in. I gulp nervously and take a deep breath before opening the door and stepping into Snow's office. The scent of roses assails my senses and I struggle not to make a face at the overwhelming smell.
"Mr. Mellark, what an honor is it," President Snow bows his head at me from his desk.
Okay, Peeta... showtime.
"Thank you, sir. For inviting to your beautiful home and for receiving me here," I smile, sitting down before him.
More like forcing us to bend to your vindictive will.
He gives me a pleasant smile and nods, watching me silently.
"The odds were certainly in your favor, were they not Mr. Mellark? But I myself don't believe in luck. Funny, isn't it? I prefer to make my own future, my choices," he tells me silkily, rolling a pen deftly between his fingers.
It's a shame that a lot of us don't have the luxury to make that choice, Snow.
"But you became a victor nonetheless. Your district must have been proud."
"They were, sir. So soon after Katniss' victory, too," I tell him jubilantly, softening my expression as to not look smug.
Snow's white eyebrows rise on his forehead, watching me with a measured look.
"Ah, yes… Ms. Everdeen. What a magnetic and beautiful young woman. Am I right, Mr. Mellark?" he asks me softly, placing the pen carefully on his desk.
"Very much so, sir."
Snow continues to look at me with his cold, pale grey eyes while I try my best not to squirm in the overly cushioned chair.
"Last night's altercation in my garden was brought to my attention," he says softly, lacing his fingers together.
Of course it has, these people are your lapdogs.
"I must commend you on your right hook, Mr. Mellark," Snow smiles, looking anything but impressed.
"Thank you, sir," I say, giving him my best winning smile.
"What I don't commend you on is forcing yourself into my personal affairs," he says coldly. "I understand that you did it out of chivalry. You must have believed Ms. Everdeen to be in real trouble because I'm sure that you would not have involved yourself otherwise. Am I right?"
"That is correct, sir," I answer truthfully.
"I know she confided in you," he says after a moment's silence.
I open my mouth to speak, not quite surprised, but Snow raises his hand to stop me.
"I have eyes and ears everywhere, Mr. Mellark. It will be most futile to lie to me."
I didn't intend to lie to Snow, I know things wouldn't have ended well for us if I did. I'd merely tried to justify ourselves to him, not that the man would have understood.
"She did, sir," I tell him simply.
Snow gives me a satisfied smile; one I want nothing more than to punch off his face.
"See? Was that so difficult? You will find that being honest with me will have its benefits, Mr. Mellark."
I seriously doubt that.
"Of course, should you ever lie to me… you'll find that your choices will always affect those you love."
We stare at each other, his pale eyes hard and focused on my face. I force myself not to look away, knowing it would show him that he's won and I won't give him that satisfaction. But the question slips out before I can choke it back.
"What about you, sir?"
A corner of his lips curls up as he shifts his position.
"What about me, Mr. Mellark?"
"How do I know you're not lying to me?"
"I've found that in the end, lying gets you nowhere. It only wastes time and I loathe having my time wasted."
His cold eyes asses me, waiting for some sort of reply.
"You killed her family," I spit out at him.
A look of authentic remorse crosses his face before he shrugs his shoulders.
"It had to be done. It does not bode well for my reputation for someone like her to undermine me and get away with it."
"Perhaps, but that doesn't excuse the fact that you took the person she loved most away."
"Maybe a different punishment could have carried out. It might have been a precipitous decision, but it all happened in the heat of the moment," he shrugs easily.
I close my hands into fists and force myself to count down from 10 in my head.
"Besides, she still has her... cousins," he smiles mockingly. "I'm sure she knows better now and won't do anything rash to bring them harm."
Katniss would die if something happened to Gale.
"But I'm afraid that I'd been focusing too much of my attention on Ms. Everdeen when it seems that I should have been paying more attention to you, Mr. Mellark."
I stare at him, feeling my blood drain from my face.
"You are altogether too willing to put yourself in danger for her. It's obvious you are besotted with her, even a blind man could see it. I'd hate to see the day when your heroic action goes wrong."
He's threatening me. If he has zero repent over sending out a hit to kill her family, what does that mean for my family? I can't put them in danger and Katniss is in enough danger as it is...
"What do you want me to do?" I ask, resigned.
"That's more like it," he says proudly. "You'll stay out of my business transactions featuring Ms. Everdeen. Not only will you stay out but you will speak of it to nobody. Should you not follow my advice, then… your fate will be the same as Ms. Everdeen's."
I frown, not quite understanding what he's talking about.
"I'm sorry, sir. I'm afraid I don't comprehend."
"You're a very appealing young man. Everybody loves you," he smiles nastily.
I merely stare at him until something in my brain clicks, piecing two and two together.
"You don't mean—"
"Oh, yes, Mr. Mellark. You'll be surprised at how many women and men would love to get their hands on you," Snow tells me shrewdly.
"Is that your brilliant solution, sir? Forcing me into prostitution?"
To my surprise, Snow laughs.
"You've got a fire in you. It's not as obvious as Ms. Everdeen's but it's there. You sure would be popular with the crowd. Even more popular, I daresay," he says, staring at me contemplatively.
I try my best to remain in the chair, glaring at the man sitting before me.
"But if you give me no reason to, then you will continue to live as you have so far. I imagine your house in Victor's Village is much larger than your house over the bakery?"
"Yes, sir. My home in Victor's Village is everything anybody could ask for," I answer through clenched teeth.
"Very good, I'm pleased to hear it. I suppose the money you'll receive every month for the rest of your life isn't so bad either, is it?"
"Not at all, sir."
"Jolly good. Well, that is all, Mr. Mellark. I'm afraid I must travel for the next couple of days, but make sure to enjoy your stay here," he smiles, showing off his unbelievably white teeth at me. "My home is your home."
"Thank you, sir. Enjoy your travels," I tell him stiffly, standing up and starting to walk away.
"Mr. Mellark?"
I turn around instinctively, as if jerked by strings with Snow being the puppeteer.
"Be careful not to get too close to her. She's a heartbreaker," he smiles cruelly at me.
I nod quickly and walk out, feeling his eyes stare into the back of my head; believe me, it's more uncomfortable as it sounds.
Once outside Snow's office, I heave a sigh of relief. I close my eyes and rub my forehead, still trying to wrap my head around the conversation we just had and Snow's threat.
I better go to my room and stay there. It wouldn't be good to see Katniss or Haymitch, especially with him around. Even when he's gone I'm sure he'll be informed of everything that goes around here. There is just no winning with you, is there, Snow?
-x-
Without his knowing, I've been waiting for him to leave. As soon he walks away, I stride into the President's office with a determined look on my face.
"What did you say to him?" I demand, gripping the back of the chair tightly.
President Snow looks up from the paper he was about to sign and smiles lazily at me.
"Well, good afternoon to you too, Ms. Everdeen. As always, it's such a pleasure to see you."
"What did you say to him?" I repeat, having little interest in manners at the moment.
The man leans back and licks his puffy lips, watching me attentively.
"I merely asked him to stay out of my personal businesses," he shrugs.
I let out a sigh of relief, closing my eyes for a moment to savor his safety.
"He, unlike you, knows his place. I appreciate that very much."
I open my eyes and glare at him, twisting my features with deep dislike.
"I don't particularly care what you appreciate, President," I spit out to him.
Snow's stark white eyebrows rise onto his forehead, staring at me with his snake-like eyes.
"You better watch your tongue, young lady," he clucks softly, a threat lurking beneath his words.
I clench my jaw, knowing I'm in enough trouble as it is; I don't need to be in any deeper with this man.
"Mr. Mellark, what a bright, virtuous handsome young man, don't you think?"
I nod stiffly, gripping the back of the chair so tightly my knuckles turn white.
"It would be a complete shame if something were to strip that morality, don't you agree, Ms. Everdeen?" he asks me softly, enjoying the way I wince. "And what a way with words he has. Wouldn't it be terrible if something were to happen to his voice? If he were left silent and powerless?"
My blood grows cold as I recognize the meaning behind his words.
He's threatening to turn Peeta into an Avox.
"It would be the utmost shame, sir," I mutter sincerely, clasping my hands tightly to keep them from shaking.
He assesses me silently, pressing his fingertips together.
"Ms. Everdeen, I have decided that we are to wed."
My jaw drops open, staring at him as though he just grew a second head.
"E-excuse me?" I stammer, my body going cold.
"Like you heard, my dearest Ms. Everdeen. This was a subject that was much debated between my advisers and I but I'm glad to say that they ended up seeing things my way. You see, you are coveted by many and though few have had their way with you," he smiles unpleasantly. "You're still something of a rare jewel within the citizens of the Capitol and by extension, Panem. I need you firmly under my control and what better way than to marry you? I will tell Flickerman that I'm a lonesome old man and you're the young, bright and vivacious woman who captured my heart. They'll eat it up faster than a man eating his first meal after months of starvation."
"But you don't even like me," I whisper, feeling faint.
"I don't need to like you to marry you, Ms. Everdeen," he scoffs. "I merely need to control you. Something I thought I'd been doing until last night's… brawl."
I feel the blood drain from my face, so I take a seat in the very spot Peeta was probably sitting in just minutes before.
"This is my punishment," I whisper distractedly.
"Aren't you relieved that Mr. Mellark didn't take the brunt of your misbehavior, Ms. Everdeen?" he asks cheerfully.
"Yes. But it never occurred to me that you would ask me to marry you," I admit, looking down at my hands.
"You are mistaken. I'm not asking you to marry me; I'm forcing you to marry me. There's a difference."
"You don't even find me… desirable," I argue, hoping to change his mind.
He merely laughs, throwing his snowy head back.
"Oh, Ms. Everdeen, you sure are naïve. While I can see why the men love and flock to you, I just don't find you attractive. You're far too small and dark for my taste," he shrugs indifferently.
Despite his offensive words, I can't help but feel comforted that he wouldn't dare try anything with me.
"I'll probably announce the engagement when I get back."
I just nod, losing my will to speak.
"But you're free to tell your group. I really couldn't care less."
"Thank you, sir," I answer awkwardly.
"You should be thankful, Ms. Everdeen. It is not every day a woman will marry into riches. You will have everything you can possibly dream of and more," he tells me, straightening up in his chair.
"I seriously doubt that," I mutter, feeling disgusted.
"You will, of course, have your own room. Along with your own guard and your own attendants."
"Thank you," I repeat, mustering as much graciousness as I can into my tone.
"That's better. You will soon be a First Lady, Ms. Everdeen. It would be wise to polish up on your manners."
"I will start working on that immediately, sir," I nod automatically.
"I suppose you'll have to call me by my first name when talking to others. If you merely call me 'President Snow' they might start to suspect something is awry."
I nod once more, wanting nothing more than to leave this forsaken place and to be back in my woods.
"If that's all…" I say, standing up quickly.
"Wait. I forgot one thing."
"What is it, Coriolanus?"
He gives me a startled look and it's so different from the usual smug expression on his face that I try my best to hold my laughter back.
"Just practicing," I tell him innocently, giving my shoulder a shrug.
"You'll sing."
I blink in confusion, staring at the man in bewilderment.
"Your wedding vows, Ms. Everdeen. You'll sing them," he tells me with a malicious smile.
"But, sir… I—"
"No excuses, Ms. Everdeen. I've already made up my mind."
I just stare at him, knowing he must have paid attention to me singing to Rue. Not only that, but of my fierce determination to keep my singing hidden from Panem. But now he knows and not only is he going to make me sing, he's going to make me sing in front of the whole country.
"One more thing before you go, Ms. Everdeen…" he says, rifling through his desk for something.
He finally sets a black velvet box on his desk, pushing it towards me with a finger.
"Your engagement ring. I trust you will like it," he leers.
I reach over and hesitantly grab it, the box feeling heavy as lead. I merely hold it in my hand, staring at Snow.
"Thank you, sir."
"Aren't you even the tiniest bit curious?" he asks with a malignant sparkle in his eye.
I sigh inwardly and slowly open the box, looking down at the giant shining rock nestled in the white satin. My mouth falls open, my heart accelerating with surprise.
"Just a little token of my affection, my dearest," he tells me, something dark hiding in his tone.
I stare down at the gleaming ring, unable to believe my eyes. A giant diamond rests at the center with smaller diamonds surrounding it, like rose petals. I bring the ring closer to my face and see that I'm mistaken; the petals are merely encrusted with hundreds of tiny diamonds. I swallow heavily and look at Snow, who's watching me with genuine interest.
"Do you like it?"
"It's beautiful, thank you. It could not be bestowed upon a more grateful woman."
Snow smirks and nods his white head.
"You may go now, Ms. Everdeen."
I shut the box and hold it tightly in my hand. I turn away from him and start to make my way out of his office, feeling lightheaded.
"By the way, Ms. Everdeen. It would be wise to be on your best behavior while I'm gone. As you're well aware, I have eyes and ears everywhere," he speaks to my back.
I turn my face nod quickly, feeling desperate to get out of this damned place, which reeks of roses.
"How I'll miss you, my future bride," he laughs sadistically.
With that, I practically bolt out of there and all the way to my room.
My life is doomed. It's practically over if I have to marry that vile man. At least Peeta didn't get hurt. Oh, Peeta… I'm so sorry. I'm so, terribly sorry. What a disaster this is turning out to be. But I do suppose it's for the best. What kind of life will I lead by his side? Sure, I'll be rich beyond imagination… but at what price? I'll be giving up what little freedom I have. I'll be giving up Peeta's companionship. No, that's not quite right. I'm being forced to give those things up. Because as screwed up as my life is right now, I much prefer living like this than being shackled to that horrendous man for the rest of my life. Of course, I've never had much of a choice since volunteering for Prim. Not that I regret it, not one bit. But that only afforded her protection for a few precious months. If only I hadn't been so stupid… maybe they'd be here with me now. What's done is done, Everdeen. There's no use wallowing in 'could-have-been' and 'I wish.' I've got to face the consequences now. The dire consequences of my careless actions.
I arrive to my room, breathless and lock the door behind me. I throw the velvet box at the wall with impressive force, not caring if it gets damaged. It feels like my knees are about to give out so I fall to them, tears falling freely from my eyes. I crawl to a chair, resting my head over my folded arms and sob into the fine upholstery for the atrocious turn my life has taken.
Never think life couldn't get any worse. Because it's a statement that could come back and bite you in the ass.
Womp womp womp. :(
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See you on Monday, darlings.