AN: I changed the rule of waiting 6 weeks in the Capitol, I thought it was too much. I moved it down to 3 weeks. So far, they've been in the Capitol for 4-5 days.
Disclaimer: The Hunger Games Trilogy belongs to Suzanne Collins.
"I didn't care much how long I lived
But I swear I thought I dreamed her
She never asked me once about the wrong I did."
Hozier – Work Song.
Katniss' P.O.V:
"If you aren't careful Peeta, you might just burn holes in my head." I warned him, trying to lighten the mood.
And failing miserably.
Peeta's loud footsteps bounced off the penthouse walls as we exited the elevator.
His glare only intensified. "He – He kissed you." He stated. It's not like I don't know already, I thought slightly irritated. I grimaced.
"I know."
"You know? He shouldn't touch you, Katniss!" Peeta exclaimed loudly.
I glared at him. "And let me guess, Gale too? Really Peeta? Oh I see, you're the only male that should touch me, right fiancé of mine?" I asked bluntly. I huffed when he began to disagree weakly.
"Peeta, stop with this nonsense already. You know how Finnick is," I told him firmly and then paused. "I shouldn't even have to explain myself or his behavior to you." And veered off towards the kitchen, leaving him in the hallway.
I grabbed a bottle of water from the pristine white refrigerator, and watched as Peeta shuffled in looking ashamed.
His clear blue eyes found mine. "Look Katniss, I just can't seem to keep myself from acting out. I'm sorry," He hesitated for a second. "You… You know how I feel about you. I guess I get jealous when I see him act like that towards you."
I sighed. He always had to bring that up. "It's fine. And besides, he's just a tribute trying to cause trouble and bring attention to himself." I lied.
Peeta nodded. After a few seconds of silence, he looked up at me with a bright smile. "How about we head up to the roof tomorrow in the afternoon? Please? He asked sweetly. I exhaled loudly. It was hard saying no to him.
"Sure Peeta," I smiled slightly upon seeing his joy.
The next day, I arrived at the roof and after a few minutes of looking around, I found Peeta standing near the garden.
"Hey," I say, startling him.
His face breaks out into a grin. "Hi."
A small flicker behind him catches my eye. I tilt my head to the side to get a better look.
My eyes widened at the sight laid out behind him. A blue blanket had been decked out near the garden. Candles, assorted fruits, junk food and a puzzle occupied it.
"What's this?" I murmured quietly.
I looked at Peeta. A light blush had taken over his handsome face.
"Uh… well, I-I," He stuttered. I bit my lip to keep from laughing. "I just thought we could have a little picnic, relax a bit and get a few things off our minds for a while.
I nodded. "Were the candles necessary?" I waved my hand towards them. "We're out in broad daylight, and you lit candles."
His blinked. "I didn't think of that." He said, slightly mortified.
I patted his shoulder and laughed. "Its fine, Peeta." I said. "Now, is that pizza I smell?"
-U-S-
We stayed on the roof for a few hours. It was nice to let go and enjoy Peeta's company for a while, and let our worries fade away.
"So what do you think Prim is doing?"
I pursed my lips then shrugged after a moment. "I don't know. Probably helping my mother with her patients. Or babying Lady and Buttercup." We shared a laugh at that. Internally I crossed my fingers, praying that damn cat had been cooked or something.
"What about your family, Peeta?"
He sighed after a moment. "I don't know," He said. "I don't visit the bakery or talk to them anymore. Only my father bothers to visit."
I turned my head and watched him carefully.
"I'm sorry." I said sincerely.
He laid his hand atop mine and smiled. "It's okay."
He suddenly stood up, pulling me with him.
"Now how about we go and watch TV?" He offered hopefully.
I stared at our clasped hands uncomfortably. They didn't look right. It didn't feel right.
I looked at him, his eyes reflecting off the affection he held for me.
I realized I was giving him hope that there would be a future for us. Together. But even with the games looming over our heads, there would never be a future for us.
I forced a smile and nodded weakly. "Of course."
We heard Effie before she appeared, courtesy to her loud clacking heels.
"Aren't you two excited?" Effie's shrill voice echoed as she entered. I had to blink twice when I noticed her ensemble, which was entirely too bright. Not waiting for an answer, she continued on. "I know I am, President Snow's home is much alike to a palace!" Followed by a squeal of excitement. My face scrunched up in confusion as I watched her make herself comfortable on the couch. I sat up.
Peeta's expression mirrored mine. "President Snow's place? What are you talking about?" I demanded.
Effie looked at me as if noticing my presence only now. She crossed her leg over the other.
"Katniss dear, I'm talking about the ceremony that's being held in President Snow's home. So considerate of him, don't you think?" She gushed.
"Didn't I tell you this? I remember doing so. You never listen to a thing I say." She scolded me, her gaze disapproving. I didn't even respond. The moment she said we would be in that snake's habitat, my blood ran cold.
I did not want to go there.
Hell, I would not go there.
The only way to even get me through the gate, was if I was drugged and dragged there. I wouldn't be surprised if Haymitch pulled a stunt like that.
"You told us there would be a Welcoming of Victors ceremony. That would be held at the City Hall." Peeta replied calmly. "You never mentioned visiting the President's house."
"You mean being held hostage there." I stated dryly.
"Katniss, don't be rude!" Effie yelled. "I suppose there was a slight change of plans. Be grateful that our President is kind enough to open his home to us."
My eyebrows shot up. "Grateful. I'll never be grateful to that bastard." I barked out a laugh. "The only person I'll be grateful to is the person who manages to drag him under."
Peeta tensed up beside me. He never did like me talking about murdering someone so easily. I jumped when I heard Haymitch's cackle and approaching footsteps. Effie gasped loudly, fear in her eyes. "I am ashamed of you!" And turned to the large flat screen.
"Sweetheart, you crack me up." Haymitch declared as he threw himself on the sofa next to ours.
I turned my glare towards him. "You knew about this?" I asked, already knowing the answer.
He snorted. "Obviously."
"Well, I do not want to go. You'll have to take me kicking and screaming." I threatened him.
He smiled coyly. "That's what I intend to do, so don't worry that pretty little head of yours," He said sweetly. He stared at my face for a few seconds. "Wait no, scratch the pretty part."
I blankly stared at him until he saw I wasn't in a joking mood.
He groaned. "Ugh alright. Look," He began. "We're going to show up there, dolled up and we're going to play the part. You two are engaged, so everything is rainbows and sunshine." He advised. "You're going to behave and act like you're having a good time, which I know is hard for you. Try not to cause any trouble too, that'll help."
I knew all of that had been directed at me.
"Venia, you're pulling too hard." I pleaded as she pinched my eyebrows.
"It's called plucking, honey. And I'm almost… done." I flinched as she plucked another stray piece. "Wonderful."
"Cinna's going to show up any minute," Flavius piped up while he fluttered around, his curls bouncing. Venia stepped back and examined her work.
"That's about it. Cinna will be doing your hair and makeup, as well as dressing you. We'll see you at the party, Katniss." Venia said quietly and walked out with Flavius following closely behind.
Octavia stopped on her way out and smiled at me. "You look so beautiful Katniss." She praised.
"Than-"
"Although, you would have looked even better if we added an orange tint to your skin." She countered and walked out as fast as her portly body would allow.
I turned and laid my head on the vanity counter, the cool surface easing the headache that had taken residence there for the past few hours.
My moment of peace was disturbed by Cinna coming in, carrying a huge garment bag and a box. He then proceeded to lay them carefully on the couch before turning to me.
"Katniss," He greeted me warmly before embracing me. "When last did I see your pretty face?"
I genuinely smiled at Cinna. "It's been two days, Cinna."
"Much too long then," He said and shook his head sadly. "Now sit down and close your eyes. Don't peek."
-U-S-
"You can open your eyes now Katniss." Cinna said. Finally. I opened my eyes and nearly fell off the platform.
Wow, I thought as I looked at the mirror.
Usually I would think, I barely recognize this girl.
But this time, I could. This time, Cinna had brought out my features instead of concealing them. He'd placed my hair in a bun atop my head, with intricate braids woven into it and left a few tendrils hanging around my face.
He hadn't applied any powder to my face thankfully. The only thing that graced my face was gold and black eyeliner and a dark shade of lipstick.
The dress… The dress was one of the most beautiful designs Cinna had ever made. It was a red, backless lace dress with long sleeves and was high-necked. It clung to my body like second skin up until it hit my knees, where it flared out.
And when Cinna motioned for me to spin, little flames licked at my feet.
It was undeniably gorgeous. It made me feel almost as good as it looked.
"Cinna," I said as I looked at his smiling face. "This is… I can't even… Thank you. This has got to be the best you've ever designed." He was silent for a few moments, his intense gaze roving over my form as he stood near my platform.
"Girl on Fire," He breathed. "You're the only one who can make my designs come to life. My burning muse."
I'm sure I was as red as a tomato by now. Cinna certainly had a way with his words.
"Thank you." I said quietly.
Silence engulfed us for a moment before Effie, Peeta and Haymitch arrived. The last to enter was pulling at his tie uncomfortably.
"Come on sweetheart, let's get this show on the – whoa." Haymitch snapped but stopped when he saw me.
"Oh Katniss, you look stunning!" Effie sweetly said and looked about ready to cry. "You'll be the best dressed, as usual. After me of course."
"Peeta, you'll have a hard time batting away her suitors. I'm sure they'll be wanting to f…" Haymitch explained to Peeta, only to be cut off by Effie's purse.
"Class. It's all about having class tonight, Haymitch!" She hissed to which he smiled cheekily.
Cinna rushed forward and helped me into the red high heels he'd brought along. Noticing my unsteadiness, he helps me down the steps and goes about cleaning the room.
"Katniss, you look exceptional." Peeta said endearingly with a grin on his face. I laughed nervously. "It's all Cinna."
Cinna looked up for a moment. "I'd have to disagree with that."
As we entered Snow's mansion, I could hardly contain my disgust. Of course it was beautiful, but it still belonged to that devil who probably did nothing to earn it.
Haymitch took advantage of my backless stat and pinched, causing me to nearly fall flat on my face. I swiveled my head and glared at his innocent face. Peeta's firm grip on my hand kept me from smacking him.
"Remember what I told you," He reminded me. I raised my eyebrow. "Behave."
"Stop it you two." Effie hissed then smiled brightly at those watching our entrance with hungry eyes. "Everyone is watching. Smile, walk straight and hold your head up high as if they're beneath you."
The last one I could do with no problem at all.
Effie and Haymitch wandered off as soon as we reached the ballroom, which looked different from the last time I was here. Gold, white and black were the main colors this time.
Victors, Capitolites and stylists were spread about, mingling with one another.
Peeta squeezed my hand to get my attention. "I'm going to go greet the other victors, I'll be back in a few minutes okay?" I frowned. He was speaking to me as if I was a child. I nodded my consent.
I moved off to the sides and stood there awkwardly, until I felt his presence behind me. So far, he was the only one I knew who could awaken these feelings inside me just by being near me.
"Kat, Kat, Kat." His voice was husky as he came closer, until I could heel his hot breath on my neck. I shivered slightly and turned to face him.
I frowned when my heart started beating rapidly at the sight of his cocky smirk and sea-green eyes.
"Where have you been all my life?"
And since entering here, I sighed in relief.
AN: I haven't updated in over a month! I'm really sorry I have been too busy to write, but I promise you'll be receiving more updates now that I'm on holiday.
I hope you enjoyed this chapter, I'll be posting Part II in a few hours' time. And thank you for your reviews.