CHAPTER 9- MEMORIES
PART I
A nightmare seizes me in the middle of the night. As usual, I awaken quietly - as much screaming and thrashing around that Katniss does during her nightmares, I'm just the opposite. I awaken tense, heart pounding, sweating - but I rarely, if ever, wake Katniss.
I become aware that Katniss is not in bed with me. I roll over and glance at the bathroom door, looking for the telltale strip of light leaking out from the bottom of the door, but it's dark. Now I begin to feel a little concerned - it's really not like Katniss to be able to slip out of bed without me noticing.
I roll out of bed, debate on whether or not to turn on a light, then head for the bedroom door. In the upstairs hallway, I glance around, looking for any signs of lights being on anywhere in the big house. I see nothing, not even coming from downstairs. Sometimes after a really bad nightmare, I will go downstairs with Katniss and we will have tea or hot chocolate together. But there's no sign of her.
The light from the full moon shines through the windows, giving me enough light to be able to make my way carefully down the hallway. For some reason that I can't entirely explain I don't turn on any lights. Now I'm playing a sudden hunch that popped into my head. One bedroom door in the hall is slightly ajar, where the others are all closed.
Prims old room.
I carefully push the door open. In the dim moonlight I can just make out a form curled up on Prims bed. Katniss is laying on her side, curled up in a tight ball. I can just make out that she has something clutched in her hands tightly. As quietly as possible I creep a little closer to the bed until I can make out that Katniss is holding a hooded sweater that I knew was a favorite of Prims. Her face is buried in the fabric and I can just make out tear tracks on her face.
I retreat from the room and return to Katniss's bedroom. I quickly snatch a light blanket off the back of a chair and carry it back to Prims bedroom. As carefully and as gently as possible I pull the blanket over Katniss's sleeping form, then back out of the room and go back to bed.
I can almost hear Galen telling me to "Let Katniss grieve in her own way." And that's exactly what I intend to do. I roll over to go back to sleep and instinctively reach out for her, grabbing one of her pillows instead. I pull the pillow close to me and bury my face in it, inhaling Katniss's familiar scent. At that moment I realize that's what Katniss was doing with Prims sweater - inhaling her sisters unique scent, trying to find some part of her that still lives, that she can call up and bury herself in.
Holding her pillow, I understand completely now what she's doing.
"Goodnight, Katniss," I murmur into her pillow, as I slowly drift back to sleep.
PART II
I awaken the next morning, still alone in bed. The rest of my night was uninterrupted by any dreams - good or bad. Katniss's side of the bed is as it was last night when I first discovered her gone, so I know she didn't come back to bed at any time during the night.
I slip out of bed and head down the hallway to Prims old room. The door is closed once more. Carefully I push down on the latch and open the door, only to find Prims bed as undisturbed as it usually is. The only evidence of Katniss's presence there last night is the blanket that I covered her with, now folded neatly at the foot of the bed, and the sweater that Katniss was so desperately clutching last night draped over a chair.
Leaving the room, I close the door carefully and search the rest of the house quickly, although I already knew what I'd find. Nothing. Katniss is gone. Her fathers old leather jacket is gone as well, and when I check the coat closet downstairs her bow and arrows are missing as well.
So, she's gone hunting. And, from her spending the night in Prims room, clutching Prims favorite sweater to her, it seems that she's not handling her grief quite as well as she let on last night. Sighing deeply, I go upstairs to get dressed. I have to talk to Haymitch and Galen before it gets too much later in the day.
Heading outside, I turn to go to Haymitch's place first. I'm surprised to see him up and outside already, sitting morosely on his front steps staring blankly at his small flock of geese pecking at some feed that he had scattered on his front lawn for them. I stroll over to his house and sit down next to him on the steps.
"Up early," I say cheerily, belying the dark feeling welling up inside me.
"Hmmpf," Haymitch grunts, not even glancing in my direction.
"Dinner tonight at six," I say. "Roasting the turkey Katniss shot yesterday."
"We'll see," Haymitch says dryly, reaching into an inner vest pocket and pulling out a small flask. He unscrews it and drinks deeply.
"What's that supposed to mean?" I snap, irritated.
"Oh, just that I saw Miss Sunshine storming out of her earlier this morning, black cloud hanging over her head, with bow in hand," Haymitch replies. "Seems like maybe she's not handling things as well as you thought."
"Today is her sisters birthday, after all," I say.
"I know," Haymitch says. "Believe it or not, kid, but I really do feel bad for her. Everyone loved that little girl." He reaches over and pats me awkwardly on the shoulder. For Haymitch this qualifies as a tremendous outpouring of compassion.
Quickly I bring him up to speed on what had happened the night before, with me finding Katniss sleeping in Prims room. As I'm telling him what was going on the previous night, Galen walks over and joins us. Grateful that he's here, I fill him in on what's been happening with Katniss as well.
Galen pulls up a lawn chair and sits in front of us, unmindful of the geese busy feeding around and under his chair.
"Boys, do you know what the absolute strongest sense is when it comes to triggering memory?" Galen asks us.
"Uhhh...sight I guess," I answer tentatively. Haymitch nods, "Yep, sight. That's what I was gonna say also."
"While sight is a very powerful sense, it's not the sense that triggers the strongest memories. Smell is," Galen explains. "Think about it. Peeta, when you smell baking bread, what's the first thing that usually pops into your head?"
"The bakery," I say automatically. "And when I smell cinnamon, I always think of...my Dad."
"Yet, you can look at a loaf of bread, or a container of cinnamon, and it doesn't trigger the same, intense memories," Galen explains. "Katniss is using her sisters sweater to try to capture and hold a memory of her that she fears is fading. By holding it close to her and inhaling Prims scent she keeps that memory fresh."
"But, eventually, that scent will be gone," I say.
"Yes...but there's other ways. Video footage of Prim during your first Games, when you were down to the Final Eight - when she was interviewed. Interviews with her before and during your Victory Tour. It's not the same and the scent, but hearing her voice and seeing her move will help hold those memories immensely. Katniss was very close to her sister...her grief will most likely last a lifetime," Galen says somberly.
"Katniss was telling me yesterday that she 'talked' with Prim - in her mind," I say.
"Peeta, she's doing her best to come to grips with her loss. In time, these occurrences will be less and less frequent. In fact, considering all that you both have been through, you've both made remarkable progress," Galen says.
"They've helped each other, Doc," Haymitch says. I had almost forgotten that he was here. "I really had my doubts about Katniss when she and I first came back. She wasn't eating, wasn't interested in doing anything, just sat and stared at the wall all day. When Peeta showed up, she started coming out of her shell that same day - starting when you planted those bushes by the side of her house."
"Bushes?" Galen asks.
"The day I got back - for some reason, I wandered a bit into the forest. Through the old district fence - the one they used to keep electrified," I explain. "I found the bushes growing right at the edge of the forest. Evening Primrose bushes. So I came back, found a shovel and wheelbarrow, and dug them up. I transplanted them at the side of Katniss's house. She came out while I was working."
"And it wasn't exactly a joyful reunion, either," Haymitch interjects. "More like two stray dogs circling around each other, neither one sure of what the other is gonna do."
"And why did you plant those bushes?" Galen asks me.
"I - I don't know. For Katniss. For Prim. For both of them," I stammer.
"And for you, too," Galen says gently. "Look, I'm not a trained psychiatrist - but I had years of on the job training here during my posting as the mine company physician. I never had any way to adequately treat the people that came to me for help...at least until the Typhoid epidemic...so I turned to treating their minds. Aurelius calls me the best unlicensed psychiatrist he's ever met." Galen chuckles a bit at this revelation.
"So here's my analysis, for what it's worth. Katniss comes home to the district, both physically and mentally scarred. She spent years taking care of her family. Forced to grow up at the age of eleven. Losing her father - a man she loved deeply - to a mining accident. Survives not one, but two, back to back Hunger Games. Becomes the reluctant symbol of the Rebellion. Sees you, Peeta, mentally broken and brainwashed by the Capitol. Fights a brutal, bloody war. Watches her sister die and is unable to do anything to stop it. Assassinates the new President of Panem when she finds out that Coin was directly responsible for Prims death. Blames her best friend, in part, for designing the instrument of Prims death. Comes back to the district after being found not guilty of murder, having, in her mind, lost EVERYONE that she's ever cared about." Galen pauses for a moment before continuing.
"Everyone. Her father, her sister, her mother - when she decided to go to Four instead of coming back here - her friend Madge, killed in the firebombing - her best friend Gale - and most of all, Peeta - you. She felt she had lost you forever - not to death, but to something that she couldn't understand - she felt she lost the person that you were. So when you showed up here - well, she wouldn't admit it, but she suddenly had a glimmer of hope. No offense to you, Haymitch - but Peeta was what she really needed."
"None taken," Haymitch says dryly. "I was just here to keep an eye on her until this guy -" he jerks a thumb at me "- came back anyway."
I sit, stunned and confused by everything that Galen has just said. I know my return had sparked a change in Katniss - it sparked a change in me too. And I know that, in spite of literally starting over with each other, we have both become very close - the closest we have ever been. But I never thought of myself as someone that she truly needed - despite what she's told me to the contrary.
Galen stands up. "Well, boys, I'm heading into town. The new Liaison wants my opinion on where to locate the new district medical and dental clinic. Oh, that's right - before much longer we'll have a fully staffed clinic here," Galen says with a smile.
"See you at dinner?" I ask.
Galen winks. "Six sharp. I'll be there."
"You too, Haymitch," I say firmly.
Haymitch throws up his hands in mock surrender. "Who am I to turn down a turkey dinner?"
PART III
Katniss returns while I'm busying myself in the kitchen. The turkey is roasting in the oven. I'm working on bread and a cake when she comes in. I notice her game bag doesn't seem as full as normal. She tosses the bag on the table.
"Hey," she says softly.
"Hi," I answer, turning from the counter. We both stand there awkwardly for a few seconds then Katniss turns to her game bag, emptying the contents on the table.
"So, I went to the pond and got some wild katniss, and picked some wild onion as well. I got some strawberries too, even though I figured that you would be making a cake - we can eat them for breakfast or something. There's some dandelion for salad also. I didn't really hunt but there were a couple of rabbits in the snares I set, so I dropped them off with Sae, I figured she could stew them up, and -"
I come up behind her and gently put my hands on her shoulders. I feel her flinch slightly at the contact. She draws in her breath sharply and I feel her whole body stiffen and shudder.
"Katniss," I say gently. She spins around and looks up at me. For a brief second I see a flash of fire in her eyes - anger, maybe - and then her expression immediately softens. I can see every freckle on her face, dusting across her nose. Her chin trembles slightly as she collapses against my chest and finally a huge sob tears from her throat.
"I miss her so, so, much!" is all she says, gripping my arms tightly in her hands. I wrap my arms around her, hands gently rubbing her back, making soft little comforting sounds as she cries. We stand like that for endless minutes until she finally takes a few gulping breaths and wipes the heel of her hand against her eyes.
"I was afraid you'd be mad," she finally says.
"Mad for what?" I ask, still holding her.
"For - sleeping with Prim. For - running out of the house this morning. For...for lying to you," she says haltingly.
"When did you lie?" I ask.
"Yesterday," she says quietly. "When I told you that...things were better with me...about Prim. They're not. And I can't stop thinking about her. And it hurts SO MUCH!" Another loud sob. More tears - from both of us. Both of us holding tightly to each other.
"Look at me," she says with a tearful laugh. "Look at you! We're both such a mess!"
"Yes, we are," I agree. "But maybe - just maybe - between the two of us, we can put each other back together again."
"Maybe," Katniss whispers. "But what if we -" I cut off whatever she was going to say with a kiss. A gentle, loving kiss. Not hungry - a kiss that says I'm here for you. One she returns with enthusiasm. I break the kiss and look down at her.
"And no, I'm not mad," I say with a smile. After a moment, she smiles back.
"Thanks for covering me up last night. I was cold," Katniss finally says.
"Anytime," I say as I feel her arms tighten around me once again.
PART IV
Dinner that evening was relaxed and pleasant. Thom was probably the most uncomfortable person there, given our good natured joking with him about his new relationship with Leevy, and about agreeing to becoming the new Mayor. In fact, he was still trying to convince Haymitch that he was not the right person for the job.
"But Haymitch, I'm only twenty! And what do I know about being a mayor?" Thom protested again.
"Karl Undersee was twenty-two when he was appointed mayor," Haymitch points out. "Age has nothing to do with it. People respect you and you've already proven yourself a good leader."
"Yes, but - well, aren't they supposed to choose mayors differently? Doesn't everybody pick the person they want and the person with the most picks wins?" Thom asked.
"It's called an 'election' Thom, and yes, we will eventually have open elections here in Twelve - just like we did when Paylor was elected President," Haymitch explains patiently. "In fact, I understand that the new government will soon reinstate the District Congress and we will be having elections for people to represent Twelve in the Capitol."
I had heard of the District Congress before, during one of my conversations with Haymitch. He knows an amazing amount of Panem history and even some history of what things were like before the Catastrophes. Haymitch had told me that the Capitol dissolved the District Congress during the Dark Days and the First Rebellion, and never reinstated the Congress once the Treaty of Treason was signed. It was a heady thought that soon each district would have an equal voice in the affairs of Panem.
"I still don't that I'm qualified. I mean, I used to be nothing but a coal miner," Thom says.
"Karl was a handyman and gardener before he was chosen. Sorry, Thom, but your arguments aren't valid," Haymitch says with a grin.
"Fine. I'll do it! But only until we can have one of those elections and choose a qualified mayor," Thom says stubbornly.
"But what happens, Thom, if we have this election and you are chosen?" Katniss says. I look at her in surprise. I wasn't even aware that she was following the conversation.
"You mean - if I get enough picks?" Thom asks in surprise. It's obvious he never thought of this angle before.
"Votes, Thom - they're called votes. And yes, you could get the most. What then?" Haymitch says.
"Umm - Well, in that case...I guess I'll continue being mayor," Thom says sheepishly.
"Atta boy," Haymitch says.
The rest of the evening went much like that. Easy, relaxed conversation, the meal got raves from everyone, and district gossip was traded back and forth. There was one bit of news that surprised me - the next train coming into town would be bringing two more residents back - Delly Cartwright and Rory Hawthorne. I watched Katniss carefully when she heard the news about Rory. Not only is he Gales brother, but he and Prim and become exceptionally close. But Katniss seemed to be genuinely excited to have him coming home.
When dinner was over, before we brought the cake out, I take Katniss aside.
"Are you sure that you're up to this?" I say with concern.
"Peeta...yes. It's something that I have to do - and need to do. Everyone has been so good about not mentioning why we're all here tonight. I can't promise that I won't cry, but I want to do this," she says.
I give her a quick hug in response.
We assemble everyone in the living room for the cake. I carry the cake into the room, followed by Katniss carrying plates, forks, and a serving knife. After I place the cake on the table, and after Katniss places the plates and silverware down, she steps forward and takes a deep breath.
"I want to thank all of you for coming tonight," she begins shakily. Speaking to a group of any size is not her strong point. "As you probably all know, I've been a bit...emotional...these last few days, because of today. Today, my sister Prim," at this point I hear a slight hitch in her breath, and glance at her quickly, but she gamely continues on, "My sister Prim would have been fourteen years old. When she was little she would beg me to stop at the bakery to look at the decorated cakes in the window." At this she stops and gives me a little smile that I immediately return.
"Prim will always be the most important person in my life," she continues, "Someone that I loved more than anything. And when I lost her," another hitch in her voice, "Well, it was like a part of me died. I've spent a lot of time lately thinking about her. And I know what she would want me to do. She would want me to live my life and be happy. So that's what I'm going to try to do. When I told Peeta that I wanted to have this dinner, and I named all of you, I told him that I considered you all my new family. So thank you all for being here, and I hope that you all enjoy the cake."
As she finishes with her speech, she suddenly turns to me and buries her face in my chest. As I hold her, everyone else comes up to speak a few words to her. She doesn't cry very hard, or very long, but I knew how emotional it was for her to tell everyone her feelings.
The rest of the evening was more somber, but still pleasant as everyone enjoyed the cake - the first birthday cake Prim ever had - and even laughed a bit at some stories we told about our experiences with Prim. Finally, though, everyone left, and Katniss and I quickly finished cleaning up and putting everything away.
As we were getting ready for bed, I reminded myself that tomorrow I need to speak to Katniss about Plutarchs idea to have a ceremony on Reaping Day. I sigh. Convincing her won't be easy, but I did promise both Haymitch and Plutarch that I would speak to her as soon as Prims birthday was over. And tomorrow is that day.
I hear water running in the bathroom as I lay back in bed, my fingers laced together, my arms behind my head. I wince a little as I shift in the bed - lately my Robo-leg has been bothering me. I make a mental note to talk to Galen about it tomorrow. For now, I'm hoping that the deal I struck with Plutarch, and already approved by President Paylor, to give Twelve rebuilding priority would help sway her opinion.
The bathroom is quiet now, then the door opens and Katniss comes out, ready for bed. She gives me a quick smile as she climbs into bed next to me, then snuggles next to me.
"You've really been wonderful these past couple of weeks, you know that?" she asks me.
I shrug. "I know how hard it's been for you. I was just trying to give you whatever you need," I say with a smile.
Katniss turns her face up to me and gives me a quick kiss. "You did just that, Peeta. Thank you," she says.
I reach over and turn out the light. In the darkness, I say, "Anything you need me to do, I'll do, Katniss. You know that."
"It's nice to hear, though," she says as she snuggles even closer to me. I'm not sure which of us fell asleep first. All I know is that both of us slept the night through, with no nightmares.
PART V
I wake up the next morning before Katniss. I look over at her, and see how relaxed and peaceful her face looks. I gently kiss her forehead, making her smile a bit, and slip carefully out of bed. I pull on a shirt and shorts and go downstairs.
As I get to the downstairs landing I hear the sound of the front door opening. I glance at the door in alarm until I realize that it's only Greasy Sae. She's been away for a few days taking care of her sick granddaughter.
"Peeta!" Sae says in surprise. "I wasn't expecting you up this early."
"Good morning, Sae. I just woke up. Katniss is still sleeping, though," I say.
Sae looks at me in surprise. "She's not sick, is she?" Sae asks.
"No, no," I laugh. I quickly explain the rough time Katniss had been having the last week or so, and the dinner that we had last night. "She needs the sleep. I was just coming downstairs to fix her breakfast."
"Sounds like you two don't need me coming around any more," Sae says with a smile.
"Sae, you know you mean the world to both of us," I say, "But I enjoy taking care of Katniss. No one can cook like you, though! I do know of someone that can use you, however."
"Haymitch?" Sae asks with a grin.
"Haymitch," I say. "Hazelle Hawthorne was keeping house for him last year, before - well, before the Quell. He really does need the help."
"I'll talk to him this morning," she says, "In the meantime, let me make you one last breakfast."
"Be my guest," I say with a smile. Soon Sae is bustling around the kitchen, putting breakfast together for us. As usual, she has enough food to feed ten people. That gives me an idea. I excuse myself and head over to Haymitch's house.
Haymitch, as usual, is passed out on his kitchen table. After carefully waking him up, and earning a few curses as well, I invite him to breakfast.
"Haymitch, I think I have a solution to your - housekeeping - problem," I say. I explain that Katniss no longer needs Sae to cook for her, and that he may be able to use her help around his place. To my amazement, I see Haymitch nodding thoughtfully.
"Okay, I'll go have some breakfast with you," he says. "By the way, have you talked to Katniss yet?"
"Not yet," I admit, to Haymitch's knowing smirk. "She was still asleep when I came over to get you."
"So, kill two birds with one stone, huh?" he says. "I get a housekeeper and you get moral support from me when you talk to Miss Sunshine."
"Well, it would help, you being there," I say.
Haymitch stands up with a grunt. "Okay, let's get this over with," he sighs. I try not to let him see my relief as we walk back to Katniss's house. When we get there, I see that Katniss is up, sitting in the kitchen, chatting with Sae over a cup of tea. She smiles warmly when I enter the room, then stands up to give me a quick hug and kiss before giving Haymitch a hug of his own, much to his - and my - surprise.
"Sae was just telling me about this new arrangement," Katniss says. "I think I can trust you enough to keep me fed now."
"As long as Haymitch agrees to it," Sae says with a smile.
"We'll talk business after breakfast," Haymitch says.
Breakfast, as usual, was delicious. We all ate with good appetite and soon we're all leaning back in our chairs, sipping tea contentedly.
"Sweetheart, could I borrow your study while Sae and I talk business?" Haymitch asks.
"Of course," Katniss says. "Sae, make sure you get a good deal from him!"
"Oh, I will, dear," she says as she and Haymitch disappear into the study. I stand up and begin to clear dishes away, and soon Katniss joins me. Together we quickly clean up the breakfast dishes and I pour us both another cup of tea. I take a deep breath. It's now or never.
I sit down at the kitchen table with Katniss. Handing her the cup of tea, I say, "I need to talk to you about something."
She looks at me over the rim of her cup and arches her eyebrows inquisitively. Taking another deep breath, I quickly launch into the conversation that Haymitch had with Plutarch a few days before about the one year commemoration of the ending of the Games, including when they wanted the ceremonies to take place. I assured her that I've made no commitment without her and mentioned the deal I had made regarding the rebuilding of the district being the Capitols top priority. When I finish, I sit back in my chair and wait for her reaction.
"So, they want to have some sort of 'closure' ceremony and parade us out in front of everyone again," Katniss says in a remarkably even tone.
"Yes," I say.
"And, you managed to get them to promise to rebuild the district quickly if we both agree to participate," she adds.
"Yes," I say again.
Katniss ponders all this for a few seconds, then says, "Okay. But I have conditions also. They'll have to agree to mine also or no deal."
I find that I've literally been holding my breath. I slowly let it all out. "I'll talk to Haymitch as soon as he's done with Sae."
"I'm done," I hear Haymitch say from behind me. "Sae starts tomorrow. Well?"
I glance at Katniss. "Would you like to give him the news?" I ask.
She nods and looks at Haymitch. "I'm in. I agree. With conditions."
Haymitch, at first looking relieved, suddenly looks wary. "What conditions?" he asks.
Katniss stands up. "You'll find out when we talk to President Paylor," she says as she walks towards her study.
"What? Paylor? Listen, Sweetheart, I don't exactly have her number, you know!" Haymitch says sharply as we follow her into the study. I notice Sae coming along with us. I share a look with Haymitch and he just shrugs. I smile. If Sae wants to be a witness, then she can for all I care.
Katniss sits behind her desk. "Then call Plutarch and get it from him," Katniss says sweetly. It's all I can do to not laugh. Katniss has Haymitch in an awkward position and she's enjoying it.
Haymitch grumbles and picks up the phone. He dials a number from memory. In a few seconds, he's talking.
"Fulvia? No? Oh. hello, Effie," he says as he pushes the speaker button. Effie's voice is soon heard by everyone in the room.
"- to hear from you, Haymitch!" Effie trills.
"You too, Effie," he says. "Listen, I need to speak to Plutarch. It's urgent, so we'll have to talk later."
"Oh, I understand completely...and I will be seeing you soon! I'll connect you now," she says. We hear a brief burst of music, then the sound of a phone being picked up.
"Did she agree?" we hear Plutarch ask.
"Not entirely," Katniss says. "But I'm not negotiating with anyone other than Paylor."
"Katniss!" Plutarch says with false enthusiasm. "I can speak on the Presidents behalf."
"Plutarch, all I need you to do is connect me with President Paylor," she says.
"Katniss, you know I speak for her. My word carries -"
"No weight with me, Plutarch. I deal with the President or with no one."
There's a brief pause then Plutarch comes back on the line. "Fine," he snaps. "I don't have her number, so I'll have her call you."
"Fair enough," Katniss says. "Goodbye, Plutarch." She stabs the "End Call" button with her finger and sits back.
In less than five minutes the phone is ringing. Katniss answers it and presses the speaker phone button again.
"Miss Everdeen, please stand by for President Paylor." A voice says over the speaker, then -
"How may I help you, Katniss?" President Paylor's voice says.
"Hello, President Paylor," Katniss says. "I've been told about the one year commemoration of the Games and the deal that was struck with Peeta, about rebuilding the district."
"I will dispatch work crews and building supplies just as soon as you give me your commitment to participate," Paylor says.
"I have two conditions of my own," Katniss says with a grin.
Paylor pauses for a moment, then says, "Go on."
"I would like Cressida and Pollux to do the filming and the live feed from District Twelve. I know and trust them." Katniss says. I smile when she says that. Cressida and Pollux are part of our team.
"Done. Anything else?" Paylor asks.
"Just one more thing," Katniss says, and proceeds to outline her other condition. When she's done, she asks, "Did you get that, ma'am?"
Paylor hesistates for a moment, then says, "Yes. Yes I did. Agreed."
Katniss smiles. "Thank you, President Paylor."
"I've already given the order for a special cargo train to head to Twelve, loaded with building supplies. It will be there tomorrow morning, along with construction crews," Paylor says evenly.
"Thank you, again, ma'am. I promise that Peeta and I will give our full cooperation to the ceremonies," Katniss says.
"Goodbye, Katniss...and thank you," President Paylor says as the line goes dead.
We're all looking at Katniss in amazement at her revelation on what her other condition was. Haymitch is shaking his head in admiration.
"Sweetheart, that has to be the best thing I've seen you do since you shot that apple out of the pigs mouth," Haymitch says.
"Well, spending years at the Hob taught me how to negotiate," Katniss says with a smile.
I can't wait to see Katniss's other "condition" come to life - all I know is, I am so very proud of her!
Thanks again for reading and reviewing, everyone! I hope that you are all enjoying the story so far! Next up is the Reaping Day commemoration!
