Hi everyone! Here we go. Onward to the finals of Duets. What will our favorite pair do? Thanks to everyone who has been reviewing and reading. You have been amazing.
Once again, I do not own these amazing characters.
Sing With Me-Chapter 10
The sun was up, and Peeta decided to put his legs over the edge and get out of bed. He ran his hands through his blonde locks and sighed. It was extremely early, but he was awake, and he hadn't gotten much sleep anyway. The dark circles definitely showed as he looked at himself in the mirror.
This last week had been probably one of the longest of his life. It all started the moment that he was paired with Clove for the competition. In his trying to be nice to her, Peeta now knew he had probably created a disaster for himself. All of these weeks, the teenager had noticed her flagrant attempts for his attention. Of course, he wasn't interested. He had Katniss. But, being who he was, instead of just telling her to back off, Peeta just attempted to ignore the District 2 girl. Once he found out he had to sing with her, though, this was impossible. He agreed to meet with her to pick and work on their song.
When Peeta arrived at the rehearsal room, Clove was there, and had already picked out a song that she wanted to do. He looked over the lyrics, and thought it was way too romantic for what they should do. Trying to be considerate, he agreed to it, though. Clove wanted to practice every day that week, and each time they met, she would keep him for hours saying that they needed to be perfect. They worked so long that he wondered how she got to practice with Cato. All the while she would get closer and closer to him. He was frustrated by it all, but decided that he only had to last until Monday night and then it would be over. This was the same reasoning that he used in his decision to not telling Katniss about what was going on.
He breathed a sigh of relief when Monday finally arrived. He just had to get through the show then he could be free of the girl. Everything went smoothly as they went through the usual pre-show process. He even gave Katniss a quick kiss and told her good luck before she went off to find Finnick.
Peeta watched Cato and Annie's number, and then he reluctantly sought out Clove. She was waiting in the wings with a slinky red dress on.
"Hi there!" she smiled at him, "I'm so excited. This is going to be a great number. We sound so good together."
"Yeah," Peeta replied halfheartedly, "I'm sure it will be fine. We sure practiced enough." Clove grabbed his hand and practically dragged him on the stage. The number started and they began. He tried to think of Katniss as he sang, and managed to look his partner in the eyes. It was okay, but nowhere near the connection he had when he truly had his girl with him. It seemed to take forever, but finally the song mercifully ended, and they got their remarks from the judges, who thought they had done a great job. Peeta was grateful to get off the stage for once.
He enjoyed watching Katniss and Finnick have fun with their number, and it was almost over when Clove was once again next to him.
"Peeta, I can't find Cato," she was talking hurriedly, "Can you help me find him?"
She seemed genuinely worried, so Peeta said, "Sure." and followed her down the hallways as she thought her District partner had gone to the rehearsal rooms. They entered the area which seemed empty. Clove walked into one of the rooms and as he came through the door with her, she suddenly turned around and grabbed his shirt. Peeta felt himself pushed back to be pinned to the wall, then felt Clove place her lips on his. It had all happened to fast and he was so stunned by it, that it took a moment for it to register what was going on. Once it did, Peeta gathered himself together and pushed Clove away.
"What are you doing? I thought you were looking for Cato." he almost yelled at her.
"Oh, I am, but I just wanted to take a minute to let you know how much I like you," she smiled a fake little smile at him.
His eyes were now truly open as he answered, "Well, just so I'm sure you understand, I like and am with Katniss. I'm just not interested, Clove."
Peeta started to walk away, but she yelled back at him, "Oh, I understand, but just in case things change, I'll be around." He saw the girl's face and noticed her smile again; as if there was something she knew that he didn't. He decided to get as far away from Clove as possible, and go find Katniss.
When Peeta reached her, he immediately noticed the change in her demeanor. She had a scowl on her face and a pained look in her eyes. He tried to be light in his tone as he asked her if she was ready to sing, but she pulled away from him in anger, walking out to the stage. There wasn't time to figure out what could be wrong before they had to perform. As they sang, he could feel the difference between this and all the others that they had sung. There was no emotion from Katniss. Although her notes were perfect, it was just that…notes. Peeta tried his best to compensate, but it just didn't work, and the judges definitely noticed. He hung his head as they left the stage and watched as Katniss left him behind.
Peeta eventually made his way to the suites, and went to Katniss' closed door. It was locked, and when he knocked on it, there was no answer. He called out, trying to get her to respond, but it was silent. After some time, he decided to give up and head to bed, sure that she would have to come out in the morning and they could talk then. He had to know what had happened. She seemed so hurt. He went to bed and everything that happened whirl through his mind, making sleep almost impossible.
So here he was, determined now to find out what was going on with Katniss. As he walked in the hallway to find her, he was assaulted by Mr. Abernathy.
"What did you do to her, boy?" he growled at Peeta. "I have never seen you two sing like you did last night. You were like two different people up there."
"I don't know what happened, Haymitch," the teen pleaded, "all of the sudden she was upset, but I didn't get a chance to find out, and then later she wouldn't answer her door. I was just going to try and find her."
"Well, forget it," the mentor said, "She's gone."
"Gone?" Peeta was scared at his words, "What do you mean?"
"I mean that she has left, and from her note, doesn't want us to find her at this moment," the older man explained and handing him a small sheet of paper. Peeta took it and read the words.
I've gone out and won't be back today. Please don't worry. I will meet you tonight before the show. –Katniss
Peeta knew this was Katniss avoiding him. She couldn't' do it forever, though, and would have to face him eventually. He started to think about what he could say when the music teacher spoke again.
"Was there anything you did that could have upset her?" he asked a little more calmly.
The boy thought over everything that had happened, and it didn't' take long for him to realize what must have shaken her so badly. But, that's impossible. She wasn't there. Clove and I were alone, weren't we? He admitted that he wasn't sure, but if Katniss had seen Clove kiss him, it would explain everything.
"I think I know, but I have to talk to Katniss to be sure," he replied.
"Well, we know she will be at the show, so try to find a way to get to her then," the mentor advised. But that wasn't a possibility, as Katniss only showed up mere moments before the program was to begin. She took Peeta's arm, but did not speak nor look at him. There was again no time as they had to sit in the chairs for the eliminations. Peeta was not shocked when Cato and Clove were announced to be the couple who were safe. They went back to their seats with smug satisfied smiles. Caesar Flickerman had Peeta and Katniss, along with Finnick and Annie come down to the middle of the stage. He kept the drama for as long as possible, and Peeta was almost sweating with the tension, but at last the host announced that Finnick and Annie were the ones to leave the show.
He couldn't believe it. As badly as things had gone the night before, the viewers must have voted, still wanting them to stay on. He felt badly for the two from District 4, as they had become friends over the week. He hugged Annie, and shook Finnick's hand before the left. Finally, when it was over, Katniss looked at him for a moment. They walked, continuing the silence until they once again reached their rooms.
As they entered the door, a voice yelled out at them, "You two are very lucky tonight. With that performance last night you should have been out of here." Haymitch came towards them and continued on, "Now you are in the finals. So, I am going to put you both in that room, lock the door, and not open it until you have worked out whatever is going on." He grabbed them both by the shirt, pushed them toward the study door and then through it. The older man quickly closed the door, and the pair heard the lock of the door.
There was silence for a few moments before Peeta finally spoke out. "I know you are angry at me, but if I am going to be able to say anything to you, I need to know exactly what you are upset about."
She hesitated for a moment, as if deciding what to do, then quietly said, "You kissed her," looking back out at the window.
Peeta looked down as she confirmed his suspicions. He needed to apologize, yet she needed to know everything that went down. "I don't' know what all you saw, but I'm pretty sure you don't have the whole story."
"What's there to know?" she lashed out, "I walked into the rehearsal hall and saw you and her kissing. Isn't that enough?"
Peeta tried to keep his own composure calm, "Did you also happen to see that I pushed her away?"
Katniss blinked in confusion, "No, I didn't."
"Well, I did. She just grabbed me and before I could react started kissing me. When I came to my senses, I pushed her away and told her I wasn't interested because I wanted you," he explained.
"You told her you wanted me?" Katniss said almost in disbelief.
"Of course I did. After the past few weeks, I would hope you would believe that, "and Peeta touched a stray hair on her forehead. "I'm so sorry for what happened. I misjudged Clove and her intentions. I was being nice, although her attentions were getting to me. I should have told her from the start to back away. It's my fault that it went as far as it did."
Katniss took a while to let what Peeta had said sink in. Finally, she looked at him and said, "She must be the most conniving person I have ever met, "and he could see the anger on her face.
"So, you believe me?" he asked hesitantly.
"If it's a choice between believing you and believing her, I'll believe you any day," and for the first time a smile lit up her face. Peeta felt his body relax, and grabbed Katniss, putting his arms around her. She melted into him and they stood there for a while, full of wordless apologies and acceptance.
They knocked on the doors, and Haymitch let them out and commanding, "Now that you've both got your heads on straight, let's talk about the finals." The pair learned that they would have to sing three songs. One would be the judge's choice, a song picked for them by the panel that they would have to sing. The second would be a duet for the girls, and one for the boys. Peeta could see Katniss cringe at the thought of having to sing with Clove, but surprisingly she relaxed quickly. The third song would be their choice, and this is where "the song" would come into play. "I hope that you two have been working on it like I told you," the mentor grouched, "No matter what, we need to get to work now."
Katniss stopped him, "You're right, but before we do, there is one thing we need to take care of first."
The teacher was curious, "And what's that?"
Peeta saw her smirk, "We need to pay our District 2 competition a visit." Haymitch smiled back knowingly at her and let them go. They walked down the hallway to the door marked 2. They knocked, and Cato quickly answered the door.
He was obviously surprised to see them, and said, "To what do we owe the pleasure?"
Katniss answered, "It looks like us girls and you boys are going to have to sing together in the finals, so we came to talk about song choices. Plus, I believe I have some unfinished business with Clove."
At that moment, the girl herself arrived at the door. "Oh, how sweet," she said in her honey filled voice, "you two are back together. I was so worried after last night."
"Yeah," Katniss replied, "Like you really care. Peeta explained to me how things went down with you. Pretty sneaky trying to take him away from me."
The smile trickled up Clove's face, "Wasn't it, though? I thought that trying to break you up might do the trick of getting you off, but I underestimated the audience affection for you two," The two gaped at the openness about her deceit. She continued, "Doesn't matter. Cato and I are going to win anyway."
Peeta could see the anger rising in Katniss. His own was flaring as well. But, his girl composed herself to say, "Well, all I have to say is that you have a lot of guts saying that, but let's just say we will settle this on stage at the finals. Here," and she harshly handed Clove some papers, "you and I are going to sing this for our duet. No need to practice. It will be better that way, I promise." The District 2 girl looked at the song and immediately nodded and agreed. "Excellent choice," she said.
"Great," Katniss replied not taking her gaze of the girl, "I'll see you on Monday night. Until then, stay away from us."
Clove returned the steely glare, "No problem."
Peeta had his own private conversation with Cato, and then the two of them left the rooms. As they walked out, he asked Katniss, "So, what shall we do now?"
"What shall we do?" she asked her eyes ablaze with fire, "Let's get to work and win this thing."
And that's just what they did, furiously working with Haymitch on "the song" and their judge's choice which they found out the following day. They only really stopped to eat and sleep, both driven to outdo their competition.
Monday arrived and the audience was packed early for the finals episode. The prep teams had worked on them since the morning, and they were more than ready to go. The familiar walk down the stairway was quickly followed by the judge's songs. Seneca Crane had chosen I've Got You, Babe for Cato and Clove, and they didn't disappoint. They smirked as they passed Katniss and Peeta, and the duo tried not to let it get to them as they walked on stage.
Caesar spoke to the audience. "For Katniss and Peeta, ladies and gentleman, Judge Snow chose for them the song Unforgettable. Let's hear it for District 12!" The crowd erupted in its applause and the orchestral intro began. Peeta looked at Katniss, raised his microphone, and sang.
Unforgettable, that's what you are
Unforgettable, though near or far
Like a song of love that clings to me
How the thought of you does things to me
Never before has someone been more
Unforgettable, in every way
And forevermore,
Katniss finally entered
And forevermore
That's how you'll stay,
that's how you'll stay
Once again, he could feel that the magic was there. Now it was only time to combine their voices.
That's why darling it's incredible
That someone so unforgettable
Thinks that I am unforgettable too
They listened as the judges were once again happy with them. They noted that the District 12 pair seemed to have found their connection again. Although, Snow had to say that he thought the first round slightly went to Cato and Clove.
The surprise of the evening came next, as all of the contestants previously eliminated returned to sing on the show. Peeta and Katniss were happy to see them all again. Rue once more enchanted with her sweetness, and Johanna rocked out with Blight to U Got the Look, and winked at them as she passed by. Finnick and Annie let everyone know that they were engaged.
Next came the most tension filled part of the evening. Peeta and Cato went together on stage to croon You've Lost That Lovin Feeling. They had only practiced a couple of times, but had bonded over sports talk. Their singing was smooth and made the young girls in the audience catcall and whistle. The judges heaped on praise of every kind. After that, Peeta went backstage to watch Katniss and Clove. The two entered the stage form opposite sides. Meeting in the middle, they began to stare each other down as Caesar introduced them. The intro was short as the two girls battled it out.
You need to give it up
Had about enough
It's not hard to see
The boy is mine
I'm sorry that you
seem to be confused
He belongs to me
The boy is mine
Clove started the verse with a voice willed with venom
Think it's time we got this straight
Sit and talk face to face
There is no way you could mistake
Him for your man are you insane
Katniss held her own in return.
But see I know that you may be
Just a bit jealous of me
But your blind if you can't see
That his love is holding me
Back and forth they went, even so far as to begin circling each other. Their eyes never left each other as they continued with each line. When it was over, it was clear that both were drained, but they managed to make it to the judge's area. Praise again was the call of the day. Plutarch's comments were straight to the point, "That was like a magnificent catfight in song. Well done!" he said in glee.
Both girls separated afterwards, and Katniss immediately found him. She smiled at him and asked, "How did I do?"
"If that was a catfight, then you most definitely won," and with that they both laughed. She left then to prepare for the last song. There was again time, as more of their former castmates sang. Caesar finally announced, though, that it was time for their final choice songs. The District 2 pair was up first, looking radiant in gold and the lights dimmed and spotlights put on each of them as the music played.
I thought that dreams belonged to other men
Cause each time I got close
They'd fall apart again
I feared my heart would beat in secrecy
I faced the nights alone
Oh, how could I have known
That all my life I only needed you
Whoa-oa
ALMOST PARADISE
We're knocking on heaven's door
ALMOST PARADISE
How could we ask for more?
I swear that I can see forever in your eyes
Paradise
Even Peeta had to admit they were truly great singers. He could see next to him that Katniss agreed. They watched as the pair once again enchanted all. The judges lavished no end of praise to how marvelous they were, and the two left the stage hugging and smiling as if they owned the world.
Peeta could see the doubt creep into Katniss' face. He turned to look at her, and knew exactly what to say.
"Sing with me?" he asked her softly as he took her hand. Her grey eyes met his and Katniss didn't say anything but nodded her head. He led her to the stage and fell behind as she went to the center. She was beginning the song on her own, so there she was a spotlight flooding around her. He was starting at the top of the stairs. He could see her breathe in as a note played.
I do swear that I'll always be there. I'd give anything and everything and I will always care. Through weakness and strength, happiness and sorrow, for better, for worse,
I will love you with every beat of my heart.
The true music began, as she continued.
From this moment life has begun
A spotlight then came on, illuminating Peeta himself.
From this moment you are the one
Right beside you is where I belong
From this moment on
Together, they continued on, their feelings somehow magnified ten times more than ever before. Every feeling pouring out of them as they sang solely for each other. Peeta slowly began walking down the stairs.
From this moment I have been blessed
I live only for your happiness
And for your love I'd give my last breath
From this moment on
He had reached the lower level and was by her side as he took her hand in his.
I give my hand to you with all my heart
Can't wait to live my life with you, can't wait to start
You and I will never be apart
My dreams came true because of you
They both turned toward each other and blue eyes met grey as they gazed together.
From this moment as long as I Iive
I will love you, I promise you this
There is nothing I wouldn't give
From this moment on
As the music swelled to the instrumental part, Peeta raised her chin and mouthed "I love you" to her, and in return, Katniss said "I love you too." They readied for the final push of the song.
You're the reason I believe in love
And you're the answer to my prayers from up above
All we need is just the two of us
My dreams came true because of you
From this moment as long as I live
I will love you, I promise you this
There is nothing I wouldn't give
From this moment
I will love you as long as I live
From this moment on
As the final note finished, it was as if time stopped. For almost a few seconds, you could hear a pin drop, but all of the sudden, and enormous rupture of cheers flooded the auditorium. People everywhere stood up applauding, and it was that which brought the two teenagers back to earth. They smiled at each other and walked to hear from the judges, who, for the first time, seem to have words escape them. They all said that it was unlike nothing they had ever heard before, and that they might have just won themselves the competition, and that it was up to the voters now.
The program was ended with the entire group of contestants coming together for a lively rendition of We Go Together, and after goodbyes all around, Katniss and Peeta went to their rooms. Haymitch was there and giving them a hug, said "Great job out there. You made me proud." Exhausted, they went to bed to sleep before the long wait.
Peeta suggested a picnic the next day as a diversion, and finding an area nearby, they walked there with a lunch. They ate, and found themselves talking about their plans, hopes, and dreams. As Katniss had her head in his lap, Peeta twirled his fingers in her hair. His still had some lingering thoughts.
"I can't believe you forgave me so easily for what heppened. I was a naïve idiot for not seeing what she was trying to do, and I thought I had ruined things for good with you. I'm glad Haymitch had us work it out." he told her.
"Me too. Consider it a lesson learned for both of us, and it was easy to forgive you, because in the end I knew I loved you, and that's what you do for someone you love. You forgive," and together they leaned in a kiss for their future. They continued to enjoy the day, until it was time to be prepped by Cinna and the team for the last time. Their dressing room was filled with telegrams of all kinds form people wishing them well. The ones they cherished most were the ones from home. There were messages from their family and friends on how proud they were of them.
Finally ready, they went to the familiar stage for the last time. Meeting Cato and Clove in the wings, the two couples had one last stare off, before nodding at each other. The theme music played and they all went to sit in their seats. Caesar started the show by interviewing each of them, followed by talking with audience members and the judges on their take of the evening and predictions of the winner. It was all filled to drag out the drama to the end, but eventually, the host called both couples down to the stage. Picking up a card, he read.
Katniss and Peeta. Cato and Clove. Millions of viewers around Panem voted last night and the results are in. The couple with the most votes and the victors in Season 5 of Duets is…." Peeta squeezed Katniss' hand.
"District 12, Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark!" the host shouted, followed by the roar of the crowd. Both teenagers were stunned for a moment, but soon realizing that they had indeed won. Peeta turned to look at Katniss and she literally jumped into his arms, placing her arms around his neck. They embraced, then he decided to be bold and kissed her deeply right there in front of the cameras and the country. Katniss blushed beet red, but Peeta didn't care. He got as much satisfaction from the kiss as he did from the shocked looked on Cato and Clove's faces. Balloons floated down from the ceiling as Caesar brought over the winner's trophy. He put the heavy object in their hands and they looked at it for a moment.
Katniss looked at him, smiling as she said, "We did it."
"We sure did," Peeta agreed, and together, they lifted the trophy up in the air.
WHEW! That was long, but there was so much to get out. There will be one more chapter that will be an epilogue taking place about five years later. Thank you again to everyone who has been reading and reviewing. You are the best!
SONGS:
I've Got You Baby by Sonny and Cher
Unforgettable by Nat King Cole and Natalie Cole
You've Lost That Lovin Feeling by The Righteous Brothers
The Boy is Mine by Brandy and Monica
U Got the Look by Prince and Sheena Easton
Almost Paradise from Footloose
From This Moment On by Shania Twain and Bryan White