Just call me Casanova.
Peeta leant back in the pool chair, a smug smile appearing. If the last 48 hours were any indication, then his second-longest relationship was going well. He suspected she was waiting for him to change his mind and back out. But that was never his intention. So when she took his hand and marched him into the kitchen, insisting they tell the group straight away, he let her. And when everyone turned to stare at them, he even opened with "We have something to tell you."
Annie had spotted their interlocked fingers first. Her squeal made that clear. Katniss had smiled broadly, and moved away from him to hug her. Peeta moved towards the boys, shrugging.
"Took your time, Mellark." Finnick had slapped him on the back jovially. "Welcome to the Ball and Chain Club. We're getting handcuffs."
After that, it was all a bit of a non-event, really. Nothing much changed. He still did whatever he wanted to.
'Other girls' just aren't on that to-do list.
There was still a part of him that knew it could completely backfire. His ability to turn anything he touched to shit was renowned, after all. But he could finally admit that Katniss made him happy, and he decided that that made the risk worth it.
Plus she'd call me on my bullshit in a heartbeat.
The sliding door behind him creaked as it opened, light footsteps making their way toward him.
"Don't you have work to do, Everdeen?"
She leant over his chair, kissing him lightly on the forehead. "No, don't think so."
"Oh really? Because I seem to recall that the biggest night of our career thus far happens to be tonight. Which would indicate to me that you should be up to your ears in logistical shit."
"Fuck off." She slapped him playfully before lowering herself into an adjacent chair. "You're the one being interviewed."
"Exactly. Which makes you the hired help."
"Want me to throw you a shovel for that hole you're digging?"
"No, actually. I'm going to stand by it."
"I should've known this is what dating a diva would be like." She laughed and leant back, enjoying the sun on her face. "You know, tonight is going to be amazing for you guys."
I would've gone with fucking terrifying.
"Shit. Caesar fucking Flickerman! And HE called US, so you know he's keen." She rolled onto her side, smiling at him. "I wonder what I should wear…"
"Does it matter? Just choose something comfy."
"Of course it matters! Why wouldn't it?"
Peeta shrugged. "It's not like they'll know who you are. No one will even notice you."
Deep breath, Katniss. Let him explain.
Katniss folded her arms, her eyes narrowed. The bewildered look on Peeta's face made it clear he was as surprised by the turn of events as she was.
He probably didn't mean it the way it sounded. Let him try again.
"Elaborate."
"I…I just meant that it's not that much of a drama…" he rubbed the back of his neck nervously, "I mean – they won't even know I have a girlfriend – let alone that it's you."
"You're acting like it's top secret."
"It kind of is."
You're joking.
"But it's sort of more exciting that way, don't you think?"
"Let me get this straight:…you want me to be your secret girlfriend?"
Peeta sat up in his chair, but didn't say anything.
Yeah…no.
Standing, Katniss turned on her heel and marched inside. She could hear Peeta's hurried footsteps behind her as she charged up the stairs.
"I don't want to hear it, Mellark!"
"What I'm trying to say – it's not coming out right!"
"Doubtful – very doubtful."
She turned at the top of the stairs, her body crashing into something solid.
"Jeez, Everdeen." Cato grinned down at her lopsidedly.
"Sorry. Didn't see you."
You should wear a bell.
"Cato!" Peeta stopped beside them, his tone relieved, "Help a brother out here, will you?"
Cato looked between them, taking in Katniss' sullen glare and Peeta's pleading eyes. "Seriously? Already?"
Fuck. Tell me about it.
"I tried to explain to Katniss about keeping the relationship secret…"
"I'm not asking for a fucking coming out party, Mellark. But I'm not interested in public denials either."
"It's not me, Kat. It's the image."
Katniss looked at him, incredulous. "Your image?! That's what you're worried about?"
"Katniss. …He has a point."
Her glare moved the Cato, and he shifted awkwardly under its intensity.
"You said it yourself weeks ago: Peeta's the front-man. His image is integral to the success of Mockingjay."
"I said that because he was being a complete man-whore." She folded her arms, stubborn.
"At least then every girl in Panem thought she had a chance with him. Though why they'd want one is still beyond me." Cato smiled slightly, nudging her. "If they knew he had a girlfriend, they might lose interest in him…and in Mockingjay."
Katniss didn't say anything.
"I'd never lie about you, Everdeen. I just don't think we should announce it."
She lifted her gaze, sizing up her new boyfriend. As much as she hated to admit it, she knew Cato was right. Peeta being publicly available was good for the band.
I just don't know if it's good for me.
"…So if an interviewer asks you if you have a girlfriend, what are you planning on saying?"
"I'd laugh it off and avoid giving a direct answer."
"You wouldn't lie and say 'no'?"
Peeta stepped toward her, a bemused smile on his face. "I may be new to this whole relationship thing, but I'm not a complete fucking idiot."
You sure about that?
Katniss remained silent, shifting from one foot to the other uncomfortably. Finally, she let out a sigh. "It's what's best for Mockingjay. So…okay. No outright denials, no announcements."
Peeta grinned broadly, hugging her. "Deal."
Katniss returned the hug, forcing a small smile.
Two days in and I'm already compromising.
Peeta tugged on his shirt nervously. Twenty feet to his left, Caesar Flickerman was sitting in his armchair, his makeup team fussing over him.
Every bright blue strand counts, apparently.
"You ready?"
Finnick stood beside him, his guitar slung over his shoulder. Peeta couldn't help but wonder if his face mirrored the sheer terror he was looking at. Up until now, the increasing success of Mockingjay had gone more or less unnoticed by Peeta. Sure, they played more gigs, and more people were showing up…but nothing had changed too drastically. Now, standing to the side of the stage, staring at never-changing face of Caesar Flickerman, it hit him: this was it.
"I guess. I mean, it's now or never – right?"
"I just hope I don't make an ass of myself."
"Best not to open your mouth, then." Katniss stopped beside them, her face buried in a bright blue binder.
Ha! Girlfriend: 1 Band mate: 0.
"I wish I had your way with words, Everdeen." Finnick rolled his eyes, "Aren't you supposed to be helping us make this work?"
"I consider myself more in the business of keeping it real."
Peeta felt her brush the back of his hand, her fingers searching for his. Suddenly, Caesar Flickerman looked up in their direction. Peeta raised his hand – the one Katniss had been trying to hold – and waved. Smiling broadly, the TV host waved back before beckoning the boys over.
"I guess it's almost time?" Finnick exhaled heavily.
"I'll go and get Cato, then." Katniss turned to leave.
"Wait-" Peeta called after her.
She turned, smiling.
"Fist-bump for good luck?" Peeta extended his arm, his fingers closed tightly.
Katniss' smile became visibly tight as she met his fist with her own. "You'll do great."
The boys turned and started towards the stage. "…You just fist-bumped your girlfriend."
"For good luck."
"Out of all the physical interactions Katniss would've allowed in that moment, you chose a fist-bump."
"What are you getting at, Odair?"
"I just wanted to make sure you knew."
As they reached the side of the stage, a swarm of people surrounded them. One particularly aggressive woman pounced on Peeta, her hands pulling at his hair.
So two hours in hair and makeup were for what? Shits and giggles?
"C'mon guys – surely they've endured enough torture by now?"
Caesar Flickerman's voice was loud, with a distinct sing-song tone. As the Torture Team began to disperse, he beckoned once more for Peeta and Finnick to join him.
"Weren't there three of you at one stage?"
"Yeah – Cato. He's coming."
Caesar Flickerman nodded. "So. How are you?"
"In the midst of a nervous breakdown." Finnick stammered. The sentence had barely left his mouth before his cheeks flushed a bright shade of crimson.
Should've listened to Katniss, Odair.
A loud bellowing laugh echoed around the stage as Caesar Flickerman sat down in his signature armchair; its royal blue velvet designed to match his hair. "Finnick, isn't it?"
Finnick nodded.
"Finnick you have nothing to worry about. I invited you boys here today because I think what you're doing with Mockingjay is just spectacular. And I want all of Panem to hear about it." He patted the black leather lounge beside him, "So just promise me you'll be yourself and we'll have a great time."
Cato jogged over to the stage, three buttons on his lavender shirt still undone. "I believe he's been advised against that."
Caesar Flickerman laughed again. A burly man with an earpiece approached the stage. He listened intently to whomever was on the other end, before signalling to the host.
"One minute!"
Fuck.
"Here we go, boys!"
Finnick wiped the palms of his hands on his jeans, his face drained of colour. Cato busied himself with his remaining buttons, before turning his attention to his hair. Peeta forced himself to sit back on the lounge.
Look casual. But not too casual. Too casual looks bored.
He glanced across the room and saw Katniss standing between two security guards. Her hands were clasped together tightly and even though she was looking at the ground, Peeta could tell her brow was furrowed.
She must be nervous too…
"Okay everyone – clear the set!" The burly man jogged past them again, herding the remaining crew members to the side.
Caesar Flickerman sat up straight, his regal pose matching his throne. He glanced toward Katniss once more, willing her to look up. She didn't.
No denials. No announcements.
A thin woman moved behind a camera, its red light blinking menacingly. She gave the thumbs up to Caesar Flickerman, before using her fingers to countdown from 5.
Here we go…
Here we go…
Katniss folded and unfolded her arms, the additional limbs suddenly seeming like awkward, unnecessary additions. She thought back to Gale's birthday, when they sat with Prim in front of her mother's small TV. He had been kind, then. She only hoped he would be again.
At least that dick Claudius Templesmith isn't here.
"Good Evening Panem! Welcome to Capitol Corner! I'm your host, Caesar Flickerman." He turned his head to face another camera before continuing. "Tonight: Marvel caught in the act – again! When will he learn? We go behind the scenes of Clove's newest movie. And is Seneca Crane single and ready to mingle? But first! Mockingjay are LIVE in the studio for their first TV interview!"
The camerawoman pulled back, and Katniss could see on her screen that the boys were officially on camera.
"Boys!" Caesar Flickerman opened his arms wide, his signature toothy smile in place. "Thanks for being here."
Cato was the first to respond. "Thanks for having us!"
"Now, I've been raving about you and your music for what feels like forever, but for those playing at home who aren't as familiar – why don't you tell us a bit about yourselves? How did Mockingjay get started?"
It was Peeta who responded this time. "Well, Finnick, Cato and I have all known each other since high school. Cato and I were in the same grade, and we tried to start a band when we were about 14. But it wasn't until we met Finn, who was a couple of grades below us that it really clicked."
Caesar nodded enthusiastically. "And your music – Finnick, can you tell us a bit about that?"
Finnick jumped slightly at the sound of his name. "Well, we write all of our own songs, and play our own instruments…I think having such an organic process really makes our music more personal."
"That's quite rare in this day and age, too. And! What a lovely segue you've just presented me with!" A candid photo of Annie and Finnick appeared on the screen behind them. "Who is this lovely young woman?"
Finnick smiled bashfully, but didn't say anything.
"I believe that would be Annie, Caesar." Peeta grinned, nudging his band mate.
"Annie! What a lovely name! I'm assuming she's rather special?"
Finnick looked at his shoes. "She's pretty wonderful."
Caesar nodded knowingly. "And what about you two? Any special ladies?"
Katniss inhaled sharply, her eyes trained on Peeta.
No denials. No announcements.
They both laughed jovially before Cato spoke. "Not at the moment, no."
"Peeta? What about you? Surely being the front man of a band like Mockingjay has its perks!"
"There are many, many perks Caesar." He winked cheekily at the host.
Katniss remained still, her body refusing to expel any air. She felt her phone vibrate in her pocket, but ignored it.
No denials. No announcements.
"And is a girlfriend one of them?"
Katniss' phone vibrated again. She dug it out and stared at the screen, annoyed.
Prim.
"This had better be important."
"Katniss! Are you watching the show?"
Katniss sighed, frustrated. "Prim, I'm at the show!"
There was a slight pause. "Oh. How exciting! Peeta is going to talk about you!"
Another sigh. "No, he's not. We agreed to keep it private."
"Really? Then why is your picture on this screen?"
Katniss looked up. Sure enough, the screen that just moments ago showed Annie and Finnick holding hands outside of an ice cream parlour now showed her and Peeta laying beside a pool, smiling gleefully at each other.
FUCK.
"Prim I gotta go."
She hung up the phone and inched towards the stage, straining to catch every word.
Peeta forced a short laugh, waving a hand towards the photo dismissively. "Caesar! I didn't realise you were so resourceful!"
The host smiled, though it no longer seemed as genuine. "You look rather comfortable there, with this mystery woman!"
"Her name is Katniss. She works with us."
No denials. No announcements.
"And you two are close?"
"We're all close with her." Finnick interrupted, "She's awesome."
Caesar remained undeterred. "Awesome enough for the Peeta Mellark to make things official? Is this woman – Katniss – your girlfriend?"
Peeta's smiled stayed frozen on his face.
You fucking prick of a TV host!
Milliseconds felt like hours as he weighed up his options. No denials, no announcements. That was the deal. But now he had no choice. He had to pick one or the other. He looked behind Caesar, and his eyes locked onto Katniss'. Her face was blank; her expression unreadable. Less than 72 hours, and already they were here.
After what felt like an eternity, Peeta turned back to face Caesar Flickerman. "Sorry to disappoint, Caesar – but Katniss is not my girlfriend."
Cato and Finnick froze beside him.
"Really and truly? Peeta Mellark is completely single?"
Can't back out now.
"Would I lie to you?"
"Well! I know a lot of ladies will be very relieved to hear that!"
Peeta forced a smile, his gaze once again shifting to where Katniss stood. He was only half surprised to see the spot empty.
I'm so fucked.
"Now, moving on to this upcoming tour!"
The interview with Caesar Flickerman continued for a few more minutes, with Cato and Finnick fielding the remaining questions.
Finally, Caesar Flickerman threw to a commercial, signalling the end of his obligatory stay on the lounge. Standing, he nodded curtly towards the host, before barrelling down the stage and towards their makeshift dressing room.
Fuck. Please be in here.
He took a deep breath and pushed the door open. Katniss was sitting in an old armchair, her hands clasped tightly in her lap. Upon hearing Peeta enter, she looked up. Her expression was still blank, making it impossible for him to decipher her mood.
"You're still here."
"I'm still on the clock." She smiled tightly.
"Look. Kat. What happened out there-"
"Was completely unavoidable."
He cocked his head to the side, confused. "I was going to say completely sucked."
Katniss stood up and moved towards him. She still smelled like fruit.
"We were stupid to think our agreement would've worked."
"We were?"
She nodded. "It's just more proof."
Peeta's brow furrowed. "Of what?"
"Peeta…" she placed a hand on his arm.
Don't say it.
"This whole thing…"
Don't say it.
"I just…I just don't think…"
Don't fucking say it.
"It's not going to work."
Peeta pulled his arm away, his expression pained. "What the fuck?"
"We can't both get what we want by being together." Her tone was resigned.
"Katniss. I fucked up out there. I get that. I had to choose. And I didn't think. But I-"
"Mockingjay comes first. I get that." She reached for his arm again, "And I'm not mad. I promise."
"…Then what the fuck, Kat?!" Peeta's eyes were pleading.
"They took that photo this morning. When we thought we were alone. It's one thing to pretend in public, but behind the scenes, too? I won't do that. But…you will. You'd want to. For Mockingjay; for you…" she trailed off. "Maybe in another time and place, this will work. I hope so, at least. But not here, and not now. You're not ready."
"You're wrong."
"I'm sorry." She turned around and picked up her bag.
"…So that's it. I put my everything into this, and all I get is a lousy 48 hours?!"
"I'm going to go home for a few days. I'll be back before the tour kicks off."
Peeta turned to watch as she walked out of the room, the door clicking shut behind her. And then he was alone. Again.
Well…that's that, then.
