Alright everyone…you all wanted to know what was going on with Peeta. Well, here it is. I hope you enjoy the next chapter! I continue to be overwhelmed by all the reviews and positive support. You all are amazing!
Win a Date With Peeta Mellark!
Chapter 7
There were too many choices here. How was he ever going to decide which one to pick for her? Peeta looked down at the variety of rings sparkling in the cases. It wasn't as if he had any experience picking an engagement ring out before. He sighed as he began to look at the rows of diamonds again. They were all beautiful, but he wanted it to be perfect.
It had been about two months previous when Peeta knew that he wanted to marry Katniss. She was everything he could ever want, and he wanted to share and spend the rest of his life with her. In thinking about how and when to propose, he remembered the premiere of his new movie. It would be a glamorous event in the first place. Katniss would be all dressed up for it. They could walk the red carpet, and enjoy the movie and after party. What better way to cap off what would already be a great evening by taking her aside and asking her to be his wife. Peeta smiled as he thought about it and the plan formed in his mind.
So, here he was at the premier jewelry store in the Capitol, trying to pick out the perfect ring to give to Katniss. He just didn't know how to choose. He must have looked completely baffled, because an employee finally came over and asked if she could be of assistance.
"I'm trying to pick an engagement ring for my girlfriend," he told the woman.
"Of course, why don't we come over-." Peeta looked up as the woman suddenly stopped talking. He knew what that meant. She recognized me. She gave out a quiet "Oh my" in her astonishment. Peeta tried to plead with her.
"Please don't tell anyone. I want this to be special without the gossip magazines finding out. Can you keep it a secret?" The employee happily nodded and clapped her hands together in excitement.
"Of course. I would be happy to help you." She took him over to a desk where she explained about the different colors, cuts, and sizes of the diamonds. They looked over many choices until Peeta was satisfied with a 1 carrot pear shaped diamond set in a simple gold band. It was very nice, but not too flashy. It would look amazing on Katniss' hand. He paid and thanked the attendant for her help. Walking out of the store, he was so anticipating the moment that Peeta could only wish that the day would get here.
It was another week before Katniss was scheduled to arrive, but finally the day came. In his own excitement, Peeta woke up early, and prepared for an interview on one of the morning shows. He wouldn't be able to meet her at the airport, but planned to be back at home when she got there. He did his duty promoting the movie, and then made his way home. Within fifteen minute the door opened and there she was. She ran over and he twirled her around, followed by a lingering kiss.
They made their way to a lunch he planned out with Finnick and Annie. Peeta was happy when he saw the two women talking together, as he knew Katniss would need a friend to help her navigate this crazy world he lived in. They seemed to hit it off really well. He smiled a secret smile at how well his plan seemed to be going. Finnick gave him a quick thumbs up before they parted showing his approval.
Peeta left Katniss to get ready for the evening, and he went through his own ritual of dressing for the special occasion, putting the ring box in his inside jacket pocket. Excitement filled him at the thought that they could be engaged by the end of the night. When he picked Katniss up in the limo, she looked stunning, and Peeta made sure to tell her so. He could sense her nervousness throughout the ride, and he tried to ease her mind.
"It will be okay." Peeta kept repeating to her while rubbing her hand with his thumb.
Eventually they made it to the theater. Peeta got out of the car and took Katniss' hand to help her out. As soon as she emerged, he felt her tense up completely. Her hand was like stone in his. She seemed frozen in place, but once he led her to walking she gave a small smile. He saw this as a sign she had calmed at least a little.
Peeta was about to say something to her, when his arm was taken and he was turned abruptly towards a camera. A microphone was pushed in his face.
"How are you enjoying the evening so far Peeta?" the male reporter asked. "Everyone is saying the movie is fantastic."
He tried to turn to see Katniss, but people were blocking him. So, he decided to answer the question to try and get it over with. "It's great," he noted. "I hope that everyone likes the film. It was fun to make."
The reporter asked a few more questions, and then mercifully let him go. He finally was able to catch Katniss' eye and try to let her know to come to him. He just wanted her by his side. She started to walk towards him, when Peeta was all of the sudden surrounded by a crowd of people. He couldn't see the familiar dark hair anywhere. Where is she? He was so frustrated, but there was nothing he could do to get out except try to work with the people. He put on his smile and began signing pieces of paper and shaking hands. By the time he made it through, and walked down the carpet, he couldn't find Katniss at all. Haymitch met him near the entrance to the building.
"She's already inside," the agent told him. "Someone told her she needed to go in and wait for you there."
"They shouldn't have done that." Peeta grumbled. "I wanted her with me. She's probably in there alone. I should talk to her."
The older man nodded his agreement. "You better get in there. The movie is going to start."
Peeta made his way into the theater and found his seat. Katniss was already there, and he could tell she looked lonely and lost. He wanted to talk with her so badly, let her know how happy he was she was here, that he had wanted her by his side out there with the crowds. But, he sat in his chair and the movie began. All throughout he heard Katniss laugh a little, so Peeta knew she was enjoying it. At the same time, though, he could still see the tension in her body. Something was definitely not right.
At the end, he made his way to the stage and took his bow with the cast. He tried to catch Katniss' eye, but couldn't' see her with all the lights. The group was led backstage and through hallways to a waiting area outside the doors to the ballroom. Peeta could hear music already playing and people talking, so the party was already underway.
"They want all of us to make a grand entrance in a few minutes," the director told them all. And as the song ended, a DJ introduced each of them as they entered, with Peeta and his female costar being last. He felt like finally he had met all his obligations, when the DJ once again spoke up.
"And now it's time for the first dance of the evening. Will our two stars of the evening take their partners and lead us?"
Katie, the female lead, found her husband and they began swaying to the waltz. Peeta searched the room for Katniss. He couldn't find her anywhere. Finnick was already dancing with Annie. Where is she? Finally, a voice called out next to him.
"Dance with me?" Glimmer Stone asked. Peeta tried to dismiss her. He had done some movies with the pretty starlet, and had taken her out once. It had been the most miserable night of his life, as all that she talked about was herself and all the high society friends she had.
"Glimmer," he began. "I'm sorry, but I'm looking for-" He was still gazing around the ballroom when the girl just took his hand and almost dragged him out on the floor. She had her hands on his waist, and there was nothing he could do but begin dancing. He could only pray that the song would end quickly and he could finally find and talk with Katniss.
Things got worse, though, as all of the sudden, his dancing partner grabbed him around the neck and kissed him. Immediately, he could see the flashes of the cameras go off. He pushed at Glimmer and broke away.
"What are you doing?" Peeta asked her.
"A little publicity never hurt," she purred. "Come on, you know you liked it."
He stared down this girl at her complete lack of respect. "Not interested. Not now, not ever. Even for publicity. Got it?"
Glimmer gave a "Hmph" and stormed off. Good riddance. He looked furiously for Katniss, but could only find Annie.
"Annie," he asked as he was now worried. "Where's Katniss. I can't find her."
Peeta knew it wasn't good by the sad look in her eyes. "She left. I don't' know what just happened there, but Katniss felt pretty alone tonight, and then she came back from the restroom to see you and that girl out there. As soon as I saw Glimmer kiss you, I looked over at Katniss as she was rushing out of the room. I would have stopped her, but she was too far ahead of me. You are going to have to do a lot of explaining."
He felt all of the shame come down on him. He could only imagine how bad tonight must have looked from Katniss' eyes. He had told her he would be by her the whole night, and he didn't keep that promise. Then, he went and got himself hooked in by another woman. I've hurt her. Badly. I've got to go after her.
Unfortunately, the producers had other plans. They grabbed him before he could get out the door and pushed him around to meet and greet all the guests. It took at least forty five minutes before he was able to finally get away. Peeta got into the limo and asked to be driven to the hotel where Katniss was staying. He was so anxious he couldn't keep still, and literally jumped out when they arrived. He found his way to her room and knocked. There was no answer, so he finally used the extra key that Katniss had given him.
When he walked in, the room was empty. All he found was her dress and shoes placed neatly in the closet. Peeta went down to the lobby and asked the reception desk when she had left.
"It was twenty minutes ago, Mr. Mellark. Miss Everdeen seemed very upset. She left a note here and instructed us to give it to you." The man handed Peeta an enveloped marked with his name in hurried handwriting. He gratefully took it with his thanks.
On the ride back to his house, Peeta silently looked out the window and continued to wonder how things had gone so wrong. He tried to call Katniss' phone, but as he expected, only got her voicemail. She wasn't responding to any texts either. When he finally got home, Haymitch met him as he walked in the door and slumped on his couch and placed his head in his hands.
"Well? the agent raised his eyebrows in question.
"She's gone." was all Peeta could say.
"What in the world were you thinking tonight, boy? The girl was left all alone to fend for herself, and then you let that Glimmer step in. You know that kiss will end up in the papers tomorrow, right?"
"I know." he said regretfully. "Things were so crazy out there that it got out of hand, and Glimmer just dragged me out there before I could do anything. She just wanted free publicity. I can explain it all to Katniss, but she ran off instead of staying and talking to me. Now she won't answer any calls or texts. If only I could talk to her…" Peeta's thoughts trailed off.
"Just keep trying," his mentor told him. "If you love her that much, then don't give up. Let me know if I can help." With that, Haymitch left him to his own thoughts. Peeta paced back in forth in his living room and continued to try and contact her. He went up to his bedroom and sat down to finally read the note Katniss had left.
Peeta,
I'm going home. After tonight, I don't think I belong here. You were so busy with all of the fans and reporters tonight, and I just stood there, pushed aside. I just wanted to be with you, and then to see you kissing that girl. It just hurt too much. I love you, Peeta, and you deserve the best. Someone who can understand all of this more, like Glimmer Stone. So, I'm leaving so that you can find that someone.
Good luck, Peeta. After everything, I'm still glad I won.
Love, Katniss
Peeta just stared at the paper in frustration. He could imagine what she had felt from her point of view. He should have been there for her. If only she had talked to him and not run off, he knew they could have worked this out.
Peeta eventually went to bed, but sleep wouldn't come. Every half an hour he would punch in her number or send a quick note.
-Please call me. I'm worried about you. We need to talk about this.
His phone remained silent from any response. He saw the video footage from the premiere on the late night news and cringed as it highlighted the kiss with Glimmer and speculation how they would be the perfect couple. He groaned as the situation just kept getting worse.
Finally, he decided to call Katniss' house number in District 12. It was 2:00 in the morning, but Peeta didn't care. The phone rang, and on the fifth ring there was an answer. His hopes were raised, until he heard that it was Prim's voice.
"You better have a great explanation as to what happened tonight," the girl fumed. "All I know is the footage I just saw on the news and the little bit I got out of Katniss when she got here. It looks bad, Peeta. She's upstairs and don't ask me to try and get her to the phone. It won't happen."
"Prim," he began. "I know what you saw, but it wasn't as it seemed. Things did get out of hand tonight. I let things happen that shouldn't of because of the nature of the world I am in. I can explain it to Katniss if she will only talk to me."
The girl gave a sigh over the phone. "I believe you, Peeta, but Katniss is stubborn. I'll try to help, but I don't think I can get her to talk to you. If you want her to hear what you have to say, you will probably have to get creative."
"I understand," he said in resignation. "Thanks for letting me know she is safe…and for believing in me. I just hope Katniss can believe again, too."
"I know," she replied. "If anyone can do it, you can. She loves you."
With that, they said their goodbyes and hung up. Peeta knew there was no more he could do that night, so he tried to get what sleep he could. His mind was so active. Prim's words about having to be creative to get Katniss to listen to him kept the wheels turning in his head. As the sun rose, though, an idea hit him like a ton of bricks. It could work. He began to feel his hope rise again as a new plan formed.
He couldn't wait as he first called Haymitch. His agent grumbled about being woken up so early, and that it better be good. Once Peeta told him of his plan, though, the older man finally agreed to help. He was to call Prim and get her to make sure Katniss was watching The Caesar Flickerman Show tonight.
Haymitch did have some reservations. "Do you think he would let you on so quickly?"
Peeta smiled, "I am Peeta Mellark, movie star. This is one of the few times I going to use that fact to my advantage. I think once he hears what I am planning, he will definitely be willing to let me on the show."
"OK, kid. Good luck." Peeta hung up, then immediately dialed another number. A receptionist answered, and he asked to speak to Mr. Flickerman. After being put on hold, a charismatic male voice answered. As Peeta played with the ring box in his hand, he began his pitch.
"Hello Caesar. This is Peeta Mellark. I need a favor from you."
WOOHOO! Another chapter down. I hope everyone is continuing to enjoy the story. We will be back with Katniss next, and see the plan come into action! I continue to appreciate all the reviews and support you have given this story. You all are the best! Please continue to review. It makes all the work worth every minute. : )
