8. A Little Surprise Party

Haymitch sat glumly at the dining room table, his expected liquor bottle placed right next to him. He played with his glass with one hand while the other held his head. I could tell that he was not excited to be at this party that Effie so generously decided to organize. The others, however were chatting happily, waiting for the birthday boy to arrive.

Effie managed to call some of Peeta's old school friends and present employees, and get them to come to the party. The only thing that I was worried about was the amount of people present. I was hoping it wouldn't intimidate Peeta. Ever since Peeta and I had come back to District 12, Peeta became more of an introvert and liked to keep to himself. He liked to have company, of course, but only in small numbers. He wasn't used to bigger crowds.

"Okay, everyone! He's coming up the street!" Effie whispered excitedly throughout the front room. People hid behind couches and chairs, some hid behind the coffee table. I knelt down by the dining room table.

"Dress a little short there, Sweetheart?" I heard Haymitch ask. He was still sitting at the table even though Effie was motioning for him to get down. He ignored her, which was quite difficult, as she was waving her arms in every direction.

"Effie chose it for me. I would be wearing pants and a simple shirt if it were up to me," I grumbled in response as I tugged down the bottom of my dress, trying to cover my exposed skin.

Haymitch shook his head, a faint smile creeping upon his face. "Just because Eff chose it doesn't mean you have to wear it, Princess."

I let out a frustrated sigh and mumbled, "You wouldn't understand."

Haymitch let out a dry laugh and a sarcastic remark. "Oh, right. Like I wouldn't understand. It's not like I've spent several years with the monstrous woman."

I couldn't help but chuckle at his words. "Monstrous woman." It had a nice ring to it. However, I wasn't as cruel as Haymitch, and although she really could get under my skin at times, I appreciated everything Effie did for me. I would never admit it aloud, but in a way, she was like family. Just like Haymitch finally was. There was a sort of understanding between Effie and me where she knew that I was thankful to have her in my life, but that she still made me cringe in annoyance.

I was suddenly aware of the doorknob turning and Peeta opening the door to find everyone screaming out, "Happy birthday!" Approximately five seconds later - probably delayed because of his drunk state- Haymitch gave a sarcastic cheer. "Happy birthday, Peeta!" He then proceeded to get up and mumble something that included the words "more" and "drink."

Effie, completely astounded by Haymitch's rude behavior, quickly regained composure and beamed at Peeta. "Peeta!" she said cheerfully, continuing to wave her arms like a maniac. "Katniss and I decided to throw you a... little surprise party!"

I immediately turned my head and glared at Effie. ME? This was not my idea at all. In fact, I was the one who repeatedly protested against this ridiculous plan, and now she wanted to just dump this blame on me? I was fuming. Effie glanced at me and gave me a questioning look with her eyes, yet her beaming smile still remained on her face. I was so tempted to wipe it off.

There was an awkward pause as everyone stared at Peeta, who had not moved. We were all waiting for his response, and I started to worry, biting my lip in the process. Soon enough, Peeta finally shuffled his feet and gave a small smile. I could see through it, though. I knew something was wrong.

"Wow, Effie. Katniss." He slowly nodded at Effie and then me. "This definitely was a surprise, and thank you very much. I appreciate it."

This made everyone satisfied, and a crowd of people went to go see the birthday boy, while the rest stood in the house and chatted. I squeezed myself through the groups of people, trying to reach Peeta, hoping he wasn't anywhere near to having an attack.

However, once I finally reached him, I saw him raise his hands in the air and quickly smack himself on the forehead. "I'm sorry, everyone. I forgot that I had left one of the machines on at the bakery. I will be back and then get a chance to thank everyone personally." I knew he was lying. There was no doubt about it. And before I knew it, Peeta was out of the house.

I quickly walked by everyone, trying to make it out of the house before Peeta was too far away to catch up on. Luckily, I saw his small figure almost running down the street. "Peeta!" I yelled, trying to get his attention. This only made him walk faster.

I tried to sprint so I could finally catch up with him, but I couldn't because of my horrendously short dress that kept riding up. I made a silent reminder to kill Effie the next time I saw her. Finally, though, I was able to catch up with Peeta and stop him.

Peeta glared at me. "You know big crowds make me nervous. Why would you do this to me?" His sharp tone made me flinch.

"Peeta, the party was not my idea, I swear. I was the one who was completely against it," I tried to explain. "I have a feeling Effie wanted to give me credit, too, but I swear it wasn't my idea."

"Then why didn't you stop it? Katniss," Peeta hissed quietly, glancing around him, paranoid that someone was listening even though there wasn't. "What if I had an attack right then? You know how unpredictable they can be. I could have had one on the spot."

I nodded my head. "I understand, Peeta. I really do. But I couldn't change Effie's mind. You know how she is," I explained. He shifted his gaze down towards his toes. "Besides, if you had felt an attack coming on, you could have just left. There would have been enough time. Effie and I were thinking that this could possibly help, but I wasn't expecting Effie to invite so many people, and personally, I preferred not having a party at all."

Peeta sighed and looked at me. "I think that would have been the better choice." I nodded. There was a long pause before Peeta said, "What should we do?"

I held his hand and gave a reassuring squeeze. "Why don't we just see how it goes? If you feel too uncomfortable at any time, let me know, and I'll have Haymitch take you out of there. By the looks of it, I think Haymitch would love to have an excuse to get out of that house."

Peeta gave a little smile and a chuckle. He lifted my hand, pressing it to his lips and then sighed. "Fine, but let's wait a bit so they're not suspicious about the fact that we had just left and are now all of a sudden back. If I start to feel an attack coming on, you better get me out of there or lock me in a room. I can't control myself after that." He still looked apprehensive about going back to the house, but at least he was willing to give it a try.


We waited outside for a few minutes, walking around the block. It felt so nice and simple to be talking with Peeta about normal things, to be holding his hand, to be laughing at his jokes. By the time we got back to the party, people were already eating, and someone had put some soothing classical music on. The only person who really seemed to be missing us was Effie.

"Take all day, why don't you?" she hissed at us when we came back in.

"Sorry, Effie. Thank you so much for planning this for me. I'm utterly surprised!" Peeta said, being the gentleman he always was. This made Effie relax a little. She clapped her hands and smiled at us.

"You're very welcome, Peeta. It was my pleasure!" She whirled off, in search of something to nit-pick about. I didn't care what she did. As long as Peeta didn't have an attack, I would be happy. While holding his hand, we went around thanking people for being there, making general small talk. I was no good at it, and I was still a little tired from my bout with the flu, so Peeta did his best.

I watched his eyes carefully; they were a dead-giveaway for an attack coming on. I paid more attention to the tenseness of his muscles than the conversations we were having. To me, it didn't matter. It was Peeta's birthday and I would worry for him if I had to. Eventually, we made it to the table where Haymitch, yet again, had a drink in his hand. It never ended with him.

"How's it going, Haymitch?" Peeta asked, sliding into the seat next to him. I could tell that this was where he needed to be: With me and Haymitch. Talking about the present while avoiding the past because we all hated it.

"It's going..." Haymitch replied, taking another gulp of whatever alcohol he had managed to procure. He set his drink on the table and slapped Peeta on the back. "Happy birthday. You're another year closer to death." He mumbled this second part, trying to be funny, but instead only making Peeta uncomfortable.

"Thanks..." Peeta said, carefully and slowly moving Haymitch's drink away from him.

The party continued, and everything was fine until Peeta spoke again. "Katniss?" Peeta was suddenly still. He sounded scared, not entirely himself. I watched Peeta warily. I reminded myself how quickly the attacks could come on. Not only did it scare me, but it made me feel guilty. He was right. Too many people wasn't good for him, and it was my fault for letting them into our house.

"What?" I asked. Was it going to happen? Right now?

Peeta glanced at Haymitch. "Do you mind if we go upstairs? I want to show Haymitch the paintings I've been working on," Peeta continued. I nodded. It was a good excuse, and Haymitch agreed to go upstairs. I stayed sitting at the table, not really sure what to do next.

All of a sudden, Effie appeared at my side, trying to entice me to help set out snacks and desserts. I didn't want to do it. She started the party, and she could set it up. I was more focused on Peeta and the fact that an attack was imminent. I sat down, my hands shaking in my lap as I silently prayed to whichever god would listen to me.

"Fine, Effie," I said, giving up when Effie asked me- once again- to help with the preparation of the snacks. I needed to busy myself anyway. Who knew how long this would take?

"This has been so successful. I honestly don't understand why you are not enthusiastic at all, but I am sure that you are on the inside. You are just not wanting to show it because, for some unfathomable reason, you just enjoy being so grumpy and miserable all the time..." I knew Effie was getting rather annoyed, but I didn't feel like explaining Peeta's situation, so I just remained silent, letting her vent about how strange I was. I was surprised and a little glad that she was stating what she disliked about me to me. I mean, if she wanted to say something, it was better to just tell the source straight away. She was getting bolder and more comfortable, and I was glad that she was finally able to stand up for herself. It might have been just in front of me, but it was a huge step, and I was glad that I could make someone stronger instead of weaker for once.


Hello, hello!

I'm such a nice person because I'm updating so soon! I only got one review on the last chapter, so I'm gonna give a sort of "honorable mention" to the person who reviewed. Thanks so much, ilikebread1! YOU ARE AWESOME. Honestly, you deserve an award. ^.^

By the way, from now on, I'll do this with anyone that reviews. Hopefully that will get you guys to review more! I know you're out there because there are at least 20 people following this story.

Anyway, hope you liked this chapter. Ohhh. What's gonna happen to Peeta Chip? :D And yes, guys. Katniss IS better. And I WILL explain what happened to her... later. ;)

Lots of love, guys.

tonks-quinn57 & Hillary Izzy Blair