A/N: I'm back from my holiday and had a great time. Thanks for being patient with the update. I hope it's worth the extra long wait.
Chapter 6
Peeta
Cashmere and Katniss sit at opposite ends of the white leather couch. Katniss looks nervous as she jiggles her left foot up and down and chews on the end of her nails. Meanwhile Cashmere looks almost regal as she sits straight backed with her legs elegantly crossed. My sister seems to be doing her best to pretend that Katniss isn't even here.
Plutarch sits across from them both looking a bit flustered. He's wearing another bright outfit today, a pink and blue patchwork shirt with matching pink corduroys. He fumbles with some papers as he prepares to speak to the two singers in front of him.
I quickly type a reply to my buddy, Thresh, in Tennessee, stating I'll call him later to arrange my next visit to see him. I need to stay here and make sure World War III doesn't start. I drop down to play with PK, who is playing with some sort of light up ball, while casting glances over to check everything is still calm.
When I first heard that Plutarch wanted to meet with Katniss and Cashmere together I was instantly nervous. Tensions have been rising between the two in the house ever since Katniss got back from touring her single. Cashmere didn't take too kindly to an article stating that Katniss is going to be the biggest female star in the music industry and my sister hasn't be subtle in her dislike of her.
Plutarch manages to gather all the papers together and clears his throat before he starts speaking. Both Katniss and Cashmere look at him expectedly.
"Snow Records are pleased with the buzz for both singles. Katniss, your profile is really rising and Cashmere, the critics are calling this your best single since Victory Tour," Plutarch begins.
Cashmere smiles smugly and flashes Katniss a triumphant look. Katniss seems unperturbed by it all and ignores my sister.
"However the record company feel that even more can be done to ramp up the hype. The comparisons between you two have not got unnoticed and they want to encourage it. So they have made the decision to release your singles the same week. They want to pitch it as a battle between the two most important girls in Heath's life," Plutarch adds.
Cashmere's eyes immediately go cold and Katniss is shocked into silence. I abandon playing with PK on the floor and get up to try and help Plutarch diffuse the situation. No wonder he looked nervous when he came in.
"I don't need this kind of cheap gimmick to sell records," Cashmere says coolly.
"The internet is already pitching the battle. The company are just building on it," Plutarch replies.
"There is no battle. I am the established music star. She is unproven. To suggest otherwise is an insult to me," Cashmere snaps.
"No one is suggesting you are not talented," I say, placing a soothing hand on Cashmere's shoulder.
However it doesn't calm her and she shoots a glare in Katniss' direction.
"No, but they are suggesting that she is more talented than me," Cashmere says with disgust. "She would do well to remember her place."
"I have a name. If you are going to talk about me then I would prefer you would use it," Katniss bites back.
Cashmere's nostrils flare and I can practically see the steam coming out of her ears. My grip on her shoulder tightens, stopping her from getting up and making things worse. It forces her to settle back into the couch and turn to face Plutarch again. He's gone pale and it's the first time I have seen him anything other than upbeat. He knows the dangers of Cashmere's wrath too well.
"I want to speak to Snow himself. I deserve more respect than this. Remind him that I know secrets that he wouldn't want exposed," Cashmere threatens.
"I'll call him but remember he knows secrets about you too," Plutarch replies before getting up and going outside to make a call.
Cashmere looks appalled as she watches him walk out the room and I give her shoulder a squeeze to calm her. It stops her from saying anything else that will get her into trouble but once we hear the door slam shut she whips her head round to look at Katniss coldly.
"I've let you play popstar long enough. You are never going to emulate me. All you'll ever be is Heath Everdeen's daughter. You'll never walk out of his shadow," Cashmere says callously.
For the first time I see Katniss's shoulder's deflate. I know this is her biggest fear. She wants to forge her own identify and be more than Heath's daughter.
"Stop these petty jealousies, Cash!" I exclaim. "You are both very different artists and there is room in the industry for both of you. Katniss is just trying to carve out her own place in the market."
"Where is your loyalty? Remember it was me that gave you a place to stay when you came back from France penniless. I was the one who funded those early few years when no one would buy your work. You would be nothing without me," Cashmere sneers.
Her words are a knife to the gut. I've heard her be mean to other people but not once have her acid words been aimed at me.
"Careful, sis. I'm beginning to not like you," I reply coolly.
Katniss gives me a sympathetic look but this just angers Cashmere more. She turns her attention back to Katniss.
"You may have charmed my brother but I know the real you. I have some photos that I know you wouldn't want people to see," Cashmere says.
Katniss goes pale and shakes her head.
"If you are that confident in your talent you wouldn't feel the need to blackmail me," Katniss replies.
Cashmere narrows her eyes but Katniss, to her credit, doesn't back away. They stare intently at each other for a long moment before Cashmere snaps her gaze away and pushes herself off the couch.
"Don't dare try to play me at my own game. I've been playing a lot longer than you and know how to crush you in a matter of seconds," she says.
She fires one last glare in Katniss' direction before sweeping out of the room and up the stairs.
Katniss and I are quiet for a long moment and in that time PK comes scurrying over to us. Katniss smiles fondly down at him as he bangs into her leg before bending down to pick him up. She scratches the top of his head as he swots at the fluffy cushion. I let out a heavy sigh and ruffle my curls before coming round and collapsing down next to Katniss.
"I think you are doing a great job at keeping calm round Cashmere. Most people would have been dragged into a catfight by now," I say.
"I'm not going to win in a fight with her. It's better if I just try to ignore her," Katniss replies with a shrug of the shoulders. She's quiet again for a moment before speaking again. "At times it's hard to comprehend that you two are related. You're so different."
"Cash had the hardship of living with her mom," I say with a shrug. "She spent her whole life being told that she is not beautiful or talented or smart enough. When her mom died she strived to be the best of everything. And that makes her a bitch sometimes."
Katniss raises her eyebrow as if to say "only sometimes?" I chuckle and shake my head.
"Okay more than just sometimes," I reply. "But someone's got to care about her."
"You're a loyal brother," Katniss states.
"I know that deep down Cashmere knows that too. She'll come and apologise later but I might make her grovel a bit more than usual," I say with a smile.
Katniss smiles too and the conversation comes to a natural end. For all Cashmere says and does, blood is thicker than water.
Not wanting to dwell on my sister any longer, I get up and go searching for my good sketchpad. I have something I want to show Katniss. She watches me curiously as I locate it and pad across the room to sit back down next to her. PK raises his head as I sit down and sticks out a paw to swot at the creamy pages.
"I think after this morning's revelation this is the perfect thing to show you now," I say flipping through the sketchpad until I find the page I'm looking for.
My heart begins to beat rapidly as I get nervous about Katniss seeing it. I so desperately want her to like it and wait with bated breath to see her reaction. She leans forward to get a better look and her eyes grow wide in amazement.
"Since I did the album art for Cashmere's album Plutarch asked if I would do the same for you. I hope you like it," I explain.
Katniss doesn't say anything for a long while but she stretches out her hand to trace the outlines of the picture I have drawn. It is a simple black and white sketch of Katniss and her dad, embracing and looking at each other with eyes full of love. I found a photo of this image down in the basement and knew instantly it was the perfect image to reflect the tone of Katniss' album.
Katniss traces their smiles and one begins to form on her face.
"It's perfect," she says finally looking back at me. "I remember the day this picture was taken. Dad had blown a day off recording so he could spend the whole day with me. We went hiking and fishing and spent the whole day laughing. Dad even toppled into the lake at one point!"
I let out a huge sigh of relief. I know how important her dad is to her and am glad that she can look at this image with fondness and not grief.
PK still paws at the paper and causes a little tear in the corner. Katniss reaches down to gently scold the cat.
"No, PK! You can't ruin Peeta's beautiful picture," she says.
She picks PK up and puts him down on the ground before he can do any more damage. He scampers off to some corner in the house while Katniss' eyes are drawn back to the image. She can't stop looking at it with a smile and I'm glad I can make her so happy.
After studying the picture for a long time, she sighs contentedly and hands the sketch pad back to me.
"Thank you," she says. "You keep on doing these thoughtful things for me. First PK, then the mockingjay pin and now this. I don't know what you're getting out of this friendship."
"True friends don't expect anything in return. I just like hanging out with you," I reply as I put the sketchpad down.
"I still feel bad. I really do nothing for you. How about I cook for you? I can make a mean chicken parmesan," she says.
I chuckle but a thought begins to present itself in my head. I've been too scared to ask her after what happened in the nightclub in San Francisco. I almost over stepped my boundaries there and I don't want to do it again. I value our friendship too much.
I shift a bit awkwardly and run a nervous hand through my hair. I cough lightly before I gain courage to say the words.
"You really don't have to do anything for me but if you are insistent there is one thing I was wondering if you would like to do with me," I say.
Katniss waits patiently for me to explain further and I swear that my heart thuds so loudly that she can hear it. I wipe my sweaty hands on my jeans and my foot jiggles slightly on the floor.
"I won this fancy art award and I'm allowed to bring a guest when I go and accept it. I was hoping that you wouldn't mind coming with me," I say.
Katniss is still for a moment as she lets my words sink in and then her eyebrows shoot up in surprise. Slowly she edges back from me and looks down as she plays with the end of her braid.
"I don't know, Peeta. Wouldn't everyone think it was a date? I don't want people talking about us like that," she replies.
My heart sinks a little at how easily she seems to dismiss the idea of the two of us going on a date. We both get on so well so why is that such a ridiculous thought? But I would rather her come as my friend than not at all.
"People make assumptions all the time. But we know what is real. It will be a lot more fun if you come with me. It's free bar and we can sit at the back making fun of all the ridiculous outfits people are wearing. You could even attempt to teach me to dance again," I say trying to sound light heartened.
"Couldn't you ask Finnick? Or Cashmere? I really don't know if asking me is the best idea," Katniss says.
My heart sinks further and I drop my eyes to look into my lap. I can't force her to come with me but there is no one else that I want there with me.
"You don't have to come if you really don't want to but it would mean a lot to me if you did," I say.
Katniss chews on her bottom lip and I can almost see the dilemma running through her head. After what seems like an eternity she reaches out and gives my hand a gentle squeeze.
"I'll think about it," she says.
I smile at her gratefully and she gives me a shy one in return. She then lets go of my hand and disappears off into the house. I turn to watch her leave before my attention is distracted by Plutarch opening the front door. He sighs heavily as he comes back in and sits down next to me.
"It's alright for Snow. He doesn't have to deal with Cashmere's temper. He's still wants the singles released at the same time," Plutarch says.
"I'll speak to Cashmere once she's calmed down. She'll listen to me," I reply.
"Thank you. You are the only person she does listen to," Plutarch says. "How's Katniss?"
"I think she's fine about it. I don't think she cares if she beats Cashmere or not. She just wants people to enjoy her music," I say.
Plutarch nods his head.
"There is not a diva bone in that girl's body. She's so much like her father," Plutarch says.
He then sighs again before sitting up straight and pulling his tablet towards him.
"I'm not going to waste any more time on your sister today. Let me focus on one of the few clients I actually like," Plutarch says. "I've got good news on that space for your gallery. The sale has finally come through and the builders will be in on Monday."
I lean forward to join Plutarch as he flicks through plans for my art gallery. I'm hoping to open it next summer and am eager for development to start. I just have to think about the prefect first show of paintings to display. We talk for a few moments about ideas and time frames before Plutarch pulls up my itinerary for the month.
"You're talking at the university next Thursday and teaching a masterclass at the end of the month. Oh! And I need to confirm your guest for the award show at the Getty Center," Plutarch rattles off.
Plutarch looks at me expectedly as he waits for my answer. I can't look at him in the eye as I reply.
"I'll have to get back to you about the award show. I'm still waiting on an answer," I say.
"Well at least you've asked someone. You haven't started seeing anyone that I don't know about, have you?" Plutarch asks.
I shake my head and pick at my nails.
"I asked a friend," I reply.
"Finnick, I suppose. Not a bad choice. You always get a few column inches when you appear together," Plutarch says as he begins tapping something on the tablet.
"It's not Finnick," I reply.
Plutarch stops what he is doing and looks up at me surprised. Finnick is my go to plus one whenever I'm not dating anyone.
"Who then? Is it someone I know?" he asks.
"I asked Katniss," I admit reluctantly.
Plutarch's eyes light up immediately and he almost knocks his tablet over in excitement.
"Peeta, you're a genius! I can't believe I didn't think about it before!" Plutarch exclaims.
"I'll take the compliment, but how am I a genius?" I ask confused.
"I can present you and Katniss as an item! The record company have been nagging me to find a suitable candidate for Katniss to be linked to and you are perfect. The tabloids will go crazy over you two!" he says enthusiastically.
"No way, Plutarch," I say shaking my head furiously. "I'm not going to pretend to be Katniss' boyfriend."
"Come now, Peeta. You know how Hollywood works. It won't be the first time you've exaggerated a relationship. At least you actually like spending time with each other," he says.
"Exactly. I don't want to ruin our friendship," I argue.
"Nonsense! You'll be gold. I just know it," Plutarch replies. He then fumbles for his phone and begins dialling a number. "Old man Snow will be in a much better mood with me after I tell him my idea."
I watch on hopelessly as Plutarch begins speaking to the head of Snow Records. I know with the old man on board Katniss will have no choice but to go to the award show with me. This is the last way I wanted her to agree to come with me.
When the night of the award show arrives I think I am more nervous about the fact I have to take Katniss than I am about actually accepting the award. She was pretty angry when she was told she would have to go as my date. Apparently there is a clause in her contract that allow Snow Records to have control of her public image, including the men she is presented as dating.
I sit waiting for her in a tux with my hair slicked back. PK chews a mouse toy by my feet and I bend down to scratch is head before looking at my watch nervously. Cashmere appears at the door and leans against it with her arms crossed over her chest.
"You would have saved yourself all these nerves if you had just asked me first," she says.
I turn to her with a heavy sigh. Cashmere is still angry with me although she did apologise for the way she spoke to me last week. But she sees this "date" with Katniss as choosing Katniss over her. I don't know how to explain things to her.
"I'll invite you to the next one," I say trying to placate her. "Besides you have a date with Gloss tonight."
Cashmere smiles and relaxes her arms across her chest. In a bid to try and beat Katniss in the battle of the singles she's now managed to manufacture a relationship with her duet partner, Gloss. I don't care if it is genuine or not. If my sister is getting laid it might lighten her up a little and she'll give me less trouble about Katniss.
But I don't get to say anything more to Cashmere as I catch sight of Katniss walking down the stairs. Her escort fiddles with bits of her hair and Katniss grips tightly to the railings as she struggles to walk down in the tight fitting dress.
I am left speechless at the sight of her descending towards me. The dress is figure hugging with a sweetheart neckline that highlights Katniss' modest cleavage. The colour of the dress is a metallic silver that makes her smoky eyes sparkle like gems. Her hair is up in some complicated braid but loose tendrils fall around her pretty face. I am left staring at her like an idiot as she gives me a shy smile as she walks down.
Cashmere watches Katniss with a critical eye but I don't let her say anything as I approach Katniss. I can tell she is a little uncomfortable in the dress and she tugs on the top of it to try and cover her modesty.
"You look beautiful," I say in awe.
"I feel like a fraud. I wear jean shorts and boots. Not pretty dresses," Katniss replies.
"You are going to be the star attraction at the awards! You're going to steal hearts!" her escort, Effie, exclaims.
Katniss goes pale. We've talked about how she just wants to go to this thing as undetected as possible.
"I still can't believe they are making us go together," Katniss mutters as she wipes a bit of fluff off her dress.
I take a step towards her and gently place my finger underneath her chin to tip her head up to look at me. I stare deep into her beautiful grey eyes and she doesn't flinch away from me.
"It doesn't matter what they write about us. We know what is real," I say earnestly.
I uttered these words to her when I tried to convince her to go as my friend and I will keep uttering them until she feels comfortable with the whole situation.
Katniss holds my gaze for a long time and nods her head before quickly dropping her eyes and looking away. My heartbeat beats quicker from the intensity of her stare and part of me wants to pull her back to me and kiss all her worries away. But I can't freak her out any more than I already have.
Effie puts the final finishing touches to Katniss' outfit before the car arrives and we step outside. Cashmere doesn't wish us luck or offer any form of goodbye as she watches us, with a cold glare, get into the car.
Katniss is clearly nervous on the car journey over to the Getty Center, the location of the awards show. Her foot jiggles up and down and I can guess Effie would scold her for biting her nails. I reach over to gently take her hand. She jumps a little at my touch but turns to face me.
"You'll be fine. I'll do all the talking," I say reassuringly.
"I'm not very good at lying. I can't convince these people," she replies.
"Then don't lie. Just miss out the bits that aren't true. For example, if they ask you what you think about me tell them that I make great cheese buns. Technically not a lie but they will fill in the blanks themselves," I say.
I get my first genuine smile since we left and Katniss relaxes back into the leather seat. She gives my hand a grateful squeeze as we continue to navigate the LA traffic.
"If I had to fake a date with anyone, I'm glad it's you," she replies.
My heart does a little flip. It's far from a declaration of love but I'll take anything at this moment. Katniss doesn't let go of my hand for the remainder of the journey.
When the car eventually pulls into the Getty Center, Katniss gets nervous again and starts fidgeting in the car. I give her hand another reassuring squeeze and she turns to look at me.
"Remember, we know what's real. We'll do it together," I say.
Katniss nods her head in agreement.
"Together," Katniss repeats and I give her a comforting smile.
The door of the car opens and I step out onto the red carpet with a wave to the crowd. There is a roar in approval and I turn to wave at the fans at the back before ducking down to look in the car and give my hand to Katniss. She still looks terrified but I smile encouragingly at her and it seems to give her enough confidence to come out. She takes my hand and I help her out. She wobbles slightly in her high shoes and sticks close to my side, her hand gripping mine so tightly that I feel the circulation begin to cut off. There is a short pause as the crowd take in who I have brought with me before the screaming starts again and they demand our attention. I'm more used to it so smile widely as I turn to wave again. Katniss is more intimidated by it and smiles shyly as she gives a slightly awkward wave and keeps close to my side.
We spend a couple of moments waving to the crowd before some event organiser rushes up to us and directs us to a spot to take photos. She arranges us on our designated spot, smoothing down my tux collar and directing me to put my arm around Katniss' waist. I pause momentarily before I do to turn to Katniss.
"Is this okay?" I ask her.
"We know what's real, right?" Katniss replies.
I grin at her broadly before pulling her in close to me and she settles into my side. We turn to face the cameras and all I can think about is how perfectly she seems to fit with me.
After what seems like never ending photographers we are freed to go and sign some autographs. At first Katniss follows closely behind me but at some point we lose each other and I strain my head to look over the crowds of people to try and spot her. But there are just too many people and the popular music band that are performing tonight arrive, whipping the crowd into a frenzy.
I don't spot Katniss again until I reach the press section and I spy her happily signing autographs for a section of fans that have been missed by the majority of famous faces tonight. The smile on one young woman's face shows just how much she appreciates Katniss' effort to reach them.
However I can't stand and look at Katniss for long as I'm ushered in front of Caesar Flickerman and he sticks a microphone in front of my face.
"Congratulations, Mr Mellark! You have won the Trailblazer Award for art this year. You have certainly made art cool and attractive for the all the young folk in LA," Caesar says.
"Thank you, Caesar. I hope my paintings inspire other people to paint, even if it is just painting by numbers," I joke.
"That's about the only painting I can handle!" he says with a laugh. "But tell me, your latest work has got quite a natural feel to it. Lots of images of birds and storms. Any particular inspiration for these. Or should I say anyone?"
I've been in the spotlight long enough to know how to play the game. I know this is my cue to start talking about Katniss. I twist my head round to catch another glimpse of her before I turn round to face Caesar with a coy smile. My glance in her direction hasn't gone unnoticed by him.
"A very special person has entered my life recently. She's at home in the natural environment. I hope to have her in my life for a very long time," I reply.
I can tell Caesar is itching for more details as he leans in closer to me.
"Peeta! So secretive. We want more details!" Caesar exclaims, almost bouncing on his feet. "Who is this amazing girl that seems to have taken your heart?"
I give him another coy smile before I turn, ready to leave after my answer.
"Let's just say, she came here with me," I reply before turning to look one last time in Katniss' direction and then leaving Caesar, who is desperate for more information.
The rest of the reporters all ask similar questions to Caesar and I find fifty different ways to talk about Katniss without actually admitting we are dating. Many of the female reporters swoon when I talk about how beautiful Katniss is and how she is my favourite thing to see first thing in the morning. As I speak to all these people I realise that none of what I say about Katniss is untrue. I'm in deeper than I thought.
I finally manage to escape all the photographers and reporters and find Katniss in the lobby of the center. She looks a little overwhelmed by it all and I slip my hand into hers without evening thinking.
"I don't even know if I was making sense by the end. I just rambled on about your paintings and how you're such a nice guy," Katniss sighs as we follow the train of people into the main exhibition room.
"Well, you don't have to do anything for the rest of the night. Just sit, get drunk and cheer me when I accept my award," I say.
"Damn, I was planning to heckle you once you got on stage," Katniss replies with a grin.
I look at her with my eyebrows raised as I dig my fingers a little into her hand.
"I'll get on social media right now and tell everyone Katniss Everdeen is mean and not even that good a singer," I reply teasingly.
Katniss winches when she feels my nails dig into her skin but then laughs as she squeezes my hand gently and we share a grin.
"I might just make you dance for that comment," Katniss replies. "I'm sure the sight of your dancing will lose you some admirers."
I smile and shake my head before I lean in to whisper in her ear. I promised myself that I wouldn't say or do anything that would make her uncomfortable but I find my resolve weakening as I see her so playful.
"If you are up there dancing with me no one will be looking at me. All eyes will be on you and the men will all be jealous of me, dancing with the most beautiful girl in the room," I say.
The hairs on the back of Katniss' neck stand on end and any words are taken from her throat. Slowly Katniss twists her head round and my eyes become locked onto hers. For a brief moment I think she is going to reach up and kiss me.
But then a waiter approaches us, stating he will take us to our table and the moment is gone. Katniss turns away from me and I follow behind as we are shown to our seats.
This awards show is one of the ones where they sit you at round tables and feed you as the night goes on. Each table is named after a famous contemporary artist with the name labels showcasing some of their most famous art. There are huge vats of ice on each table, filled with champagne and white wine and I know I'll have to be careful if I don't want to be slurring in my acceptance speech later.
There are already four other people at our table and I recognise two of them, Portia and Purnia. Portia is a well-established fashion designer that specialises in haute couture dresses while Purnia is a well-respected art critic. I stick my hand to introduce myself to the other two members of the table, who turn out to be Purnia and Portia's husbands, before stepping back and pulling the chair out for Katniss. She smiles at me as she takes her seat and I wait until she is seated before sitting down next to her.
"Great to see you again, Peeta," Portia says. "Your mockingjay picture has been a great inspiration for my next show."
"You should really thank Katniss. She was the inspiration for that painting. She has a mockingjay tattoo on her right shoulder blade," I reply.
I reach out to trace the outline of the bird tattoo that rests just above the line of her dress. Katniss looks at me stunned while Portia raises an eyebrow in surprise.
"Of course. You're Heath Everdeen's daughter. I've seen you wear the mockingjay pin on stage," Portia replies.
"Dad loved mockingjays," Katniss replies. "Peeta gave me the pin and it makes it seem like Dad is with me."
"Oh, how adorable," Purnia exclaims, placing her hand on her heart. "You are lucky to have such a loving and thoughtful boyfriend."
Katniss stiffens at the use of the word boyfriend and she drops her eyes quickly to play with the napkin in front of her. I put my hand on her bare shoulder to try and comfort her but we are all interrupted by Plutarch announcing his arrival to the table.
"Portia, Purnia! Always a delight!" Plutarch exclaims.
He's wearing a very eye-catching purple velvet suit tonight and his hair has been freshly dyed so it is as bright as the sun. The two ladies stand to greet him and they exchange exaggerated air kisses. The two husbands offer polite handshakes before Plutarch takes a seat next to me. He grins broadly and he slaps me on the back while bouncing up and down in his seat.
"And how are my two lovebirds? You are all the internet is talking about!" he exclaims.
Katniss scowls at him and I shift away slightly from him. I drop my arm from Katniss' shoulder and instead place it on her knee, giving it a gentle squeeze to calm her.
"And what exactly are they saying about us?" I ask.
"They all love you! Hashtag Everlark is trending!" Plutarch replies.
"Everlark? What does that even mean?" Katniss asks with a frown.
"Everlark. Everdeen and Mellark. It's your names combined together!" Plutarch says with a flourish. "Can't believe I didn't think of it myself."
Katniss shakes her head and a waiter comes up to offer her a drink. She accepts and swallows a large mouthful of champagne in one go. I smile at her sympathetically before turning to the waiter to accept my own drink and then pick up canapes off a tray that is being brought round. Katniss is in a bad mood and refuses to talk to anyone as Plutarch chatters on nonsense to the rest of the table. I take a bite of the canape and it is some sort of scallop and Italian ham thing flavoured with the sharp taste of lemon. It is delicious and greatly appeals to my ravenous stomach. I gobble it quickly before summoning the waiter again and taking another two off the tray.
"Katniss, you need to try this," I say offering her up the bite size piece.
Food is one of the few things I know will cheer Katniss up. She turns to me and reluctantly takes a bite out of the canape in my hand. Immediately her features soften and she moans as it passes through her lips. I drop my hand once she has eaten it all and she reaches up to discreetly wipe off some excess lemon juice.
"Do you think we could make some at home? I think I could live off those," she states.
I grin, happy that I have managed to distract her from the gossip tonight.
"It looks pretty simple," I say, placing my arm on the back of her chair. "We could try making them tomorrow afternoon."
Katniss looks pleased and nods her head eagerly. I summon the waiter once again and tell him to just leave the tray as Katniss begin gobbling as many as she can. I laugh as I see her eagerness to eat them all but she does allow me to take a few for myself. It is only as Katniss nears the end of eating them all that I notice that all eyes are on us. Purnia has her hand on her heart again and looks at us affectionately.
"You two are just so precious! Seneca doesn't even know where the oven is, let alone offer to cook with me!" she exclaims.
I smile politely back at her but can sense Katniss getting uncomfortable again. She fidgets in her seat and stops eating as all the attention is put on us. I give her knee a gentle squeeze to let her know that I'm still here and will help her and she turns to give me a weak smile.
"How did you two meet anyway? I need a good romance story after twenty years married to Seneca," Purnia asks.
Plutarch looks at us expectedly and I know he wants a good show. I take a moment before putting on my most winning smile and throwing and arm around Katniss' shoulder, drawing her in closer to me.
"Katniss actually walked in on me half naked in the kitchen. She couldn't take her eyes off my well-defined chest," I reply.
Katniss rolls her eyes and shakes her head. At least talking about that incident relaxes her. She still makes fun about it three months later.
"I've never met anyone who has such an aversion to shirts. I don't know why you bother having a closet full of them," she replies.
"No other animal on earth cares enough to cover up, why are humans so sensitive about partial nudity?" I say cheekily.
Katniss shakes her head again. I grin broadly as I turn to look at her and squeeze her closer to me.
"Katniss thought I was a pig-headed idiot after meeting me. I've spent every day since trying to convince her otherwise. I think I'm finally winning her over," I say.
Katniss turns to look at me with a small smile on her face.
"I guess you're not so bad," she replies.
We share a smile and the rest of the world seems to disappear. Dating her would be so easy. I can see it now. The lazy Sunday mornings where we don't get out of bed. The hikes in the hillsides when life in LA gets too much. Standing backstage as I cheer her on loudly. I've never pictured my life with someone so clearly.
Katniss is the one to eventually break away and I swear I hear Purnia sigh at the sight of us. Katniss then begins to gather up her purse as she looks to go somewhere.
"I'm going to try and pee in this dress before the first course arrives. If I'm still not back in twenty minutes send in someone to rescue me," she says.
"I've got the emergency services on stand-by," I reply with a grin.
I then reach out to take her hand and bring it up to gently place a kiss on it before she leaves. Katniss smiles back at me before gathering her purse and standing up to go to the bathroom. I drop her hand as she turns and leaves and watch her as she navigates the cluster of tables. I'm still grinning broadly when I finally turn back to talk to the rest of the table.
Purnia and Portia are both engaged in other discussions now so I am left with just Plutarch staring at me. He has a strange look on his face when I turn back round.
"Oh, Peeta. I've made a big mistake. I shouldn't have made you pretend with Katniss," he says.
"Why?" I ask, confusion evident on my face.
"Because you want it to be real," he replies.
