Chapter 9: Funerals & Quid Pro Quo
It is a slow afternoon at my home in the Seam. I am peeling squirrels for tonight's dinner meat in silence. Suddenly, the peace is interrupted by the telephone ringing. It is both a rare blessing and an infernal curse, having a telephone in the Seam. Most of the time, it is only Victors and Merchants who can afford such a luxury. But my father worked hard enough to afford it. And it's a godsend in notifying my mother of patients.
That must be what this is about, as Mother dashes to pick it up. "Hello, Everdeen residence... Oh, hi Julie... What? Oh, no... I'm so sorry... Of course, I understand why Peeta couldn't tell us... I'll send Katniss along... Bye."
Upon hearing Peeta's name, the squirrels are forgotten. I run to my mother. "What did Julie say?"
Mother just looks at me, and I am surprised to see tears in her eyes.
"Steffan's dead."
I didn't know Peeta's father all that well, at least beyond our occasional trades in the back of the bakery. But, I am nonetheless absolutely shocked. Add in the factor of Peeta, whom I care for deeply, and I am devastated.
Mother sends me to the funeral with a small condolence gift, wrapped. I don't know what's in it; Mother picked it out herself.
As I approach the group, I see the Witch turn up her nose in disapproval. I knew she would. She can't even bring herself to tolerate the few Seam folk who would actually care about her husband's death. So I hand the present to Julie instead. "We're very sorry for your loss," I mumble. Then, I go to find Peeta.
He is off away from the group, standing over his father's freshly erected tombstone. I place a tentative hand on his shoulder.
"You came," he stares.
I shrug. "You need me." I present him with a gift of my own. One last squirrel. A little crude compared to whatever my mother whipped up but still. He accepts it silently.
"I owe you anyway," I say softly. "For Prim's wedding. For baking the cake."
Peeta just sighs. "Katniss, does everything have to be a quid pro quo with you?" He almost sounds annoyed.
I suspect he must be acting this way because he's mad with grief, but still I blink in surprise, my mouth open in shock. "Yes," I gasp. Overwhelmed with concern, I dare to peck his cheek. "You came to Gale's funeral. It's only fair -"
"Life isn't fair, Katniss," Peeta shakes his head angrily. "You think watching your father die is fair? You think killing in an arena and living with the consequences is fair? No, nothing in this world is fair - and only a fool would think that it could be made so with a trade here or there!"
My eyes fill with tears. "Fine. If that's the way you see it... fine."
Peeta turns away. "I just need to be alone, Katniss."
I run all the way back to my house so he doesn't see me weep.
