CHAPTER TEN

March

Katniss eased herself out from beneath the covers, careful not to wake Peeta. She stood and looked down on him. His face was relaxed, his breathing even. No nightmares tonight, but then again, he was never one to scream when they occurred. Usually his breathing became labored, his brow furrowed, and his body tensed up as if preparing to fight. If she woke during one of them, she would shake him awake, but more often than not, he would wake on his own and gently pull her into his arms. He told her once that sometimes his nightmares were about losing her, but once he was awake and saw her, he was okay. She was relieved that apparently tonight was a good night despite their new surroundings.

They were staying on the twelfth floor of The Training Center, one of the hottest properties located in the heart of the Capitol, named for the exclusive health club that dominated the ground floor and basement. Portia had arranged the lodgings for their stay during Fashion Week. Haymitch, Peeta, and Katniss had arrived earlier in the day. After joining Cinna and Portia for a nice dinner, she and Peeta had decided to turn in early, for tomorrow was going to be, as her stepmother would put it, a big, big, big day.

Katniss picked up the silk nightgown that had been set out for her on the settee by Lavinia, the pretty, red-haired maid that attended to the penthouse. As she slipped the garment over her head, she smiled. She never did have the chance to put it on earlier. When they had retired to their room, Peeta had stripped her of her travel clothes and then slowly made love to her. Despite that, she had been unable to sleep. Katniss hadn't been able to quiet her mind.

Not wanting to disturb Peeta, she slipped out of the room. Katniss was grateful for her quiet tread as she made her way down the hall, not wanting to wake Cinna or Portia by accident. She wasn't concerned about Haymitch. He was probably dead to the world, having drunk what looked like an entire bottle of wine during dinner. She had thought she might read a book, but upon entering the living room, she realized that what she really needed was some fresh air. After grabbing a throw blanket from the sofa, she climbed the staircase that led to a beautiful rooftop garden and opened the door.

Stepping out into the night, she took a deep breath. This is what she needed. To breath. She walked to the edge of the roof and looked down on the streets below. The party was still going from the first night of Fashion Week. At her current height, with the bright colorful lights bouncing off the mirrored glass of the surrounding businesses, the crowd resembled colorful dancing ants. The wind covered up the music and the roar of the people. It was only around midnight. Likely, it would go on until four in the morning.

Strolling away from the ledge, she decided to settle onto a comfortable chaise lounge. Katniss listened to the tinkle of the various wind chimes that were scattered throughout the garden, willing herself to relax.

Nevertheless, she could not. Tomorrow she would know. She hoped that their careful planning would work, that her father would finally understand.

At the beginning of January, Katniss had called Portia and explained her plan to reconnect with her father. She wanted to have him invited to a charity event, which she would attend. She suggested that they throw a masquerade ball, where she could remain hidden until she was ready to approach her father. It didn't take much convincing to get Portia onboard, since she enjoyed throwing a good party. Portia thought the idea was brilliant, not only because she could help her friend but because they could raise money for one of her favorite causes, feeding the hungry. She had also loved the idea of the masquerade and suggested that they use a Mardi Gras theme due to the timing of Fashion Week in March. She had explained to Katniss that Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday, was an old custom that people used to practice where people would party and eat well before spending a month fasting. They would often dress up and adorn their faces with masks as they practiced one last night of gluttony.

The masquerade was tomorrow night. Her family had accepted their invitations, as she knew they would. Effie would consider their attendance at the event a must and her father was always willing to support charity. He had never forgotten what it felt like when they struggled to put food on the table.

Katniss heard the door to the stairs shut and the heavy tread of feet as they approached her. She chuckled quietly to herself. There was no mistaking Peeta's heavy-footed walk anywhere.

She opened her eyes and saw Peeta looking down at her. He reached out a hand. She grasped it and he pulled her up into his arms. Peeta brushed his nose against hers before angling his head to meet her lips. She felt his lips softly brush her own, once then twice, before he pulled back and tucked her head into his shoulder.

"I woke up and missed you," he murmured as he rubbed her back for a moment before letting go. He took a step back and sat down on the chaise she had vacated. Katniss then curled up onto his lap and resettled her blanket over them. She snuggled into him to ward off the evening chill. She could feel her pebbled nipples press into his chest.

"Can't sleep?" Peeta asked.

Katniss nodded against his shoulder. "I can't seem to turn my brain off." Katniss ran her fingers through the light dusting of chest hair peeking out of his robe. "Peeta, what if it doesn't work? What if my father still won't—"

Peeta cut her off. "It will work and if it doesn't you will be okay." He kissed the top of her head. "We all love you. I'm sure he loves you. He will have remembered that in your absence."

They sat and listened to the wind and the chimes. Katniss loved moments like this where they could just be. After a while, Peeta broke the silence. "We really should try to get some sleep."

"I'm not sure I can," she whispered.

Peeta tilted her head up so she looked at him. She noticed a gleam in his eye when he said, "Maybe I can help with that."

Katniss shook her head and gave him a knowing look before setting the blanket aside and crawling off his lap. Peeta stood, entwined his fingers with hers. They walked to the door that led back to the penthouse.

When they reached the door, Peeta pushed her up against it and captured her lips in rough kiss. He tugged on her bottom lip with his teeth, and then soothed it with his lips and tongue. Katniss ran her fingers through is hair as Peeta's hands kneaded her ass, pulling her tightly against him.

Peeta pulled away and took her hand once more as he went to open the door. They were halfway down the stairs when he turned her, so she faced the wall and leaned against the handrail. Her forehead rested against the wall as he kissed the side of her neck. One of his hands grasped her breast as the other moved down to rub against her mound through her nightgown. She moaned as she rocked against his growing erection. When he backed away suddenly, she protested but he grabbed her hand again and guided her down the remaining steps.

At the bottom of the stairs, he stood behind her once more. He ran his hands up her sides and palmed both of her breasts, squeezing them before brushing his thumbs over her silk covered taut buds. His teeth tugged at her earlobe, eliciting from her a whimper. Peeta teased, "Now Katniss you need to be quiet. We don't want to wake anyone." He pinched her right nipple. She bit her lip to hold in the cry.

The made their way back to their room, stopping every few feet to rub, to tease, to nip, to kiss.

After shutting the door, Peeta shed his robe as Katniss pulled her gown over her head. He stared at her with hunger as he backed her toward the bed. When she felt the mattress hit the back of her legs, he ordered, "Lie down."

She crawled onto the bed and lay down on top of the jumbled counterpane. Her head had barely hit the pillow when she felt Peeta begin kissing her left ankle. He nipped then soothed his way from her ankle to calf to her knee. At his insistence, she opened her legs wider. His tongue teased her as it slowly trailed up her inner thigh, moving closer and closer to where she wanted it most. Finally, when she thought he was going to give her relief, he moved to kiss the side of her right knee, causing her to groan. Peeta looked up and gave her a knowing smile before he reached up and spread her folds. He licked his lips as he bent forward. He ran his tongue up her slit, causing her to keen when he reached her clitoris. He circled it before gently sucking it into his mouth. He continued to lick, suck, and savor her as his left hand reached up to knead her breast. She reached down and held his head to her as she came closer to her climax. Knowing how close she was, Peeta moved both is hands to hold down her hips as he focused on her little bundle of nerves, taking it once more into his mouth to suckle hard. She cried out as the spasms overcame her.

Peeta didn't even allow her to catch her breath when he rolled her over onto her belly. He guided his shaft into her slick folds, as she lay limp on the bed. The position with her legs close together and the angle allowed him to hit just the right spot in her as he moved. One of his hands snaked under to rub at her clit as he continued to pump into her. It wasn't long until she felt herself fall apart in his arms a second time.

Peeta pulled out of her and turned her onto her back again so she was facing him. He entered her with one smooth thrust. He set a fast rhythm as she wound her legs around his waist. She grasped onto his shoulders and ground against him as he continued to pound in her. When he grunted, "Oh, Katniss," she clenched her muscles tight around his length. Peeta thrust a few more times before he climaxed, crying out her name. Katniss nipped at his shoulder as she tumbled into one final release alongside him.

Peeta collapsed on top of her. After catching his breath, he withdrew himself and got up from the bed. Katniss felt boneless. He came back a few moments later with a damp cloth that he used to clean up the stickiness between her thighs.

Peeta then crawled back in bed and pulled her into his arms. She mumbled, "I love you," as she drifted into

They slept in late the next morning, only waking when Lavinia knocked on the door to deliver a light continental breakfast of pastries, fresh fruit, and hot chocolate that Portia asked to be brought up to them. Katniss and Peeta took the gesture as a hint that their presence was desired. Both were known to be early risers, so they had probably been expected hours ago.

They showered together quickly, knowing that Cinna's prep team would be arriving in a few hours to prepare and dress them for the party. After dressing comfortably and eating their breakfast, they left the room.

They found Haymitch and Cinna sitting in the suite's living room, Haymitch reading his paper and Cinna sketching away. Portia wandered in for a moment before retreating out onto the small outside patio attached to the room, while holding a conversation on the phone that sounded like last minute details.

Katniss and Peeta took a seat on one of the sofas. She reached forward and picked up a napkin and cinnamon Danish from the assortment that sat on the coffee table. Despite already having eaten, she was still hungry.

Haymitch peered over his paper at Peeta. "Boy, you really need to learn to close the window," he said before casually returning to reading the day's news. Katniss choked a bit. There was no window in their room. "Sweetheart, are you okay?" Haymitch inquired with a laugh not looking up from his paper.

Peeta poured a glass of water and handed it to her. "Stop teasing her Haymitch. She has a lot on her mind today."

Haymitch looked over his paper, contrite. "Sorry, sweetheart. If Theron is the man I remember him to be, he will be happy to see you. I bet he regrets mightily his own actions."

She nodded as she sipped her water.

When Portia returned, she sat on the other sofa next to Cinna and called Silk, who came running happily. After settling the dog on her lap, she shook her head. "I just got off the phone with the caterer who wanted to argue about the venison tips again." She scratched Silk behind the ears before continuing, "Don't worry, they are cooking them exactly as we asked, otherwise I warned that we would not use them again and neither would anyone else when we were through."

"Thank you, Portia," Katniss said as she tucked her feet up on the couch and curled up against Peeta.

"Is everything else okay?" Peeta asked.

"Yes, yes. It's all ready. The only thing you both need to worry about tonight is getting ready and showing up," Portia answered.

"What about Thursday?" Peeta inquired.

Thursday was the day Cinna's new line was debuting and Katniss was going to be announced as the new face for his design house. There was a second party planned that evening to celebrate the launch of the fall/winter line and introduce the first photo spread that was to appear in one of the top fashion magazines. Back in January, Cinna had brought his prep team and the photographer Messalla to District 12 to conduct the photo shoot.

Cinna looked at his sister, also wanting to know the answer. Portia handled much of the business side of things.

"Everything is set for that as well. Now both of you stop worrying," she assured.

A few hours later Cinna's prep team arrived. He assigned three of them to prepare Katniss and two to work on Peeta and Haymitch together. Peeta squeezed her hand as she rolled her eyes. The men had it so much easier.

Her prep team consisted of Flavius, Venia, and Octavia, three of the most ridiculous people she had ever met. All they discussed was the latest celebrity gossip and beauty trends, but they were otherwise harmless. Flavius, with his orange hair and purple lipstick, tended to grate on her nerves when he chastised her over things like the condition of her nails or hair, but she appreciated Venia's practicality and Octavia's overall sweetness.

Whenever Katniss worked with Cinna's prep team, they lamented about how Cinna wouldn't allow any permanent enhancements. They were only permitted to bring her to beauty base zero. Then Cinna came to ensure they did her hair and makeup to meet his vision. Flavius was the biggest grumbler for the reminder but considering his penchant for the flamboyant, she didn't blame Cinna, whose sense of style was subtle, understated, and exquisite.

The prep team washed her, and then waxed her. She suffered through it and reminded herself that at least this didn't happen every day. They only hair they let her keep was that on top of her head. The first time she had experienced this back in January, she had tried to protest, but they insisted that some of the clothes required she not wear undergarments so they had to do it. She had been mortified at first, but later that night Peeta had been surprised. She smiled to herself at the memory. He found her skin to be incredibly soft and it was hard for him to keep his hands off her all night. Peeta didn't mind the short crop of curls she normally maintained, but he also enjoyed experiencing the occasional variety that the photo shoots provided.

After her skin was buffed and moisturized to perfection, she stepped into a silk robe. Flavius set her hair in larger rollers as Venia and Octavia gave her a manicure, painting her nails a nude color called 'Sand.'

Once they completed their work, they called for Cinna.

Cinna came in with her dress, which he hung on the back of the door. She had yet to see it, but Katniss trusted his taste. He strode back to her and informed his prep team that today he had decided to finish her hair and makeup; however, he wanted them to stay, to watch and learn. She sat as he applied a variety of flesh colored cosmetics to her face. Primers. Concealers. Foundations. Powders. Bronzers. She wasn't really sure what was what since she usually only wore a bit of lip-gloss on her lips, and eyeliner and mascara to play up her hooded eyes.

"Alright, Katniss. Tonight, I think we'll do a subtle, neutral lip and play up your eyes to match the gown."

He heard Flavius squeak in protest in the background. Cinna explained as he lined and painted her lips, "Now Flavius, we want Katniss to be striking but not flamboyant as the representative of my line. Yes, her eyes will be hidden by the mask the first half of the night but after the reveal they will see her glowing eyes."

Katniss saw him pluck three shadows from his makeup case, a nude, a red, and a smoky grey along with eyeliner and mascara. She sat still as he applied the eye makeup.

When he had finished, Cinna carefully removed the rollers and brushed out her hair. He then proceeded to braid sections of it, leaving most of it long but wrapping a portion over the top of her brow and around the back of her head where two heavy braids fell down her back. The remainder of her hair fell in soft waves.

Cinna handed her a mirror when he finished. She had a hard time recognizing herself. He had made her not just beautiful but radiant.

"Now let's help you into your gown," he said as he unzipped the garment bag.

At first glance, the gown left her a little puzzled but as he dressed her and then walked her to the mirror, she understood the gown.

Cinna had turned her into a bird. The shoulders were embellished to give the appearance of red and grey feathers. The remainder of the gown was black with embroidered accents in various shades of grey, again giving the illusions of feathers. Mid-thigh the black silk transitioned to gauzy embroidered silk chiffon. The gown was gorgeous and she had no words when she looked back at Cinna who held a smirk.

"I thought that considering your ruse as 'Mockingjay' this gown was appropriate for a masquerade."

"Cinna…it's beautiful."

"I imagine Peeta will like it as well. He's waiting for you and I need to go get dressed. Here is your mask for tonight." Cinna handed her an ornate silver half mask that complemented the gown and her grey eyes perfectly.

Katniss walked out of the room that she had been using for her prep and into the living room where she saw Peeta standing next to Haymitch. Peeta turned and his mouth dropped, mimicking her own expression. She had never seen him look more handsome. He was wearing a black turtleneck over a gold collar with black leather pants that did amazing things to his thighs. Over the turtleneck, he wore a jacket that looked to be made of a similar material as her chiffon skirt over a white undercoat that barely peeked out when he moved just right.

He strode over to her and grasped both her hands. "All I want to do is kiss you, but I think Cinna would kill me if I mussed your makeup." He grinned.

"You look beautiful," Katniss whispered back to him, causing him to blush.

The clearing of Haymitch's throat broke their trance. Katniss thought that Haymitch looked very handsome in his grey suit. "Sweetheart, would you like a glass of wine to take the edge off before we leave?"

Katniss nodded and accepted a glass as they waited for Cinna and Portia. Cinna came out moments later dressed head to toe in black. His only embellishment was his gold eyeliner, which matched the simple half mask he held. Portia arrived dressed in what looked like spun gold making her skin glow.

It was time to depart for the ball.

"Alright everyone, masks on," Portia said as their car arrived at the venue for the masquerade.

Peeta leaned forward to kiss Katniss' cheek before he assisted her in placing her mask. She then helped him settle his own simple gold mask over his face, fixing the strap so that his hair covered it.

Someone outside approached and opened their car door. Haymitch climbed out first and was followed by Peeta, who then turned around to offer Katniss a hand. When she grasped it, he squeezed her in reassurance. Upon exiting the car, she was blinded by the flash of the paparazzi. She shook her head slightly and gave Peeta a smile.

He chuckled and whispered, "It's ridiculous isn't it. They don't even know who we are."

Flanked by Haymitch and Peeta on either side, they began to walk up the red carpet toward the entrance, stopping when directed in order to allow for pictures.

She turned to Peeta and said wryly, "Give them a few days and they'll know." She looked over her shoulder and saw that the photographers were going wild over Cinna and Portia. "They definitely know who they are. Thank goodness we get to go home to Twelve next week."

Peeta kissed the side of her head, setting off another series of flashes.

"Okay, Loverboy, we need to get this show on the road," Haymitch grumbled.

"Whatever you say, old man. You just want to hit the bar," Peeta teased.

The proceeded through the entrance and entered into a magical world. The space had been transformed. Normally the hall was starkly decorated, adorned with white marble floors and pillars and cream-colored walls hung with modern art. Rich fabrics now draped over the walls in jewel colors. The typical harsh white lighting was dimmed. Lanterns were placed strategically throughout the room making it glow. Not a detail was missed; even the centerpieces on the tables were beautifully executed with candles and orchids floating in crystal bowls.

There was quite the crowd already gathered. People were milling about trying to guess who was who. When they had been planning the party, Katniss had sat in on a conference call with Portia and the party planner she had hired, Plutarch Heavensbee. She had asked him when would be the best time to remove the masks.

He had laughed at her as if it was a silly question but answered, "At midnight, of course! It starts at midnight, dear. The party—the real party, that is. Before that, people will visit and there will be intrigue since no one will know for sure who is who. But at midnight, people get to recognize old friends, acquaintances, they may even realize they snuck off to a dark corner to kiss an enemy. The party gets really interesting then."

At midnight, she would reveal herself to her father.

"Kat, shall we dance?" Peeta asked.

He led them onto the dance floor as the band played a waltz. Three songs later, Katniss said, "Let's sit this one out."

Peeta led her away from the crowds to a small intimate table tucked away in a corner to allow for some privacy. Portia really had thought of everything. "Would you like something to drink?" She nodded. "I'll be right back."

Katniss watched him walk away, admiring his form as he went in search of refreshments. It took her a moment to notice that a young girl had approached her.

"Katniss, is that you?"

She looked at the girl, who was dressed in a stunning bright blue empire waist silk gown. She wore an ornate mask of swirling shades of blue and accented with gold. Her hair had been braided in two Dutch braids, one on each side of her head. The braids had been kept loose at the top of her head but tightened at the nape, and coiled at the back of her head. Katniss recognized that style, she had often worn it herself. The girl wore a simple pair of blue topaz earrings that matched her eyes. Her mother's earrings.

"Prim?"

"It is you! I just knew it when I saw you on the dance floor."

Katniss stood and hugged her sister tightly to her. "You look so grown up. I really haven't been gone that long," Katniss whispered.

"Oh, Katniss. I'm so glad I've found you."

Letting go, the sisters sat at the table. "How are you doing Prim? Catch me up."

"Things are good, but I missed you. And Papa—"

Katniss interrupted, "No. I can't hear that right now."

"But Katniss—"

"No. I will talk to father tonight but I need to hear things from him," Katniss said with a firm voice. Prim's shoulders deflated a little. "Prim, I know you want to try to help fix this, but trust me."

"I do trust you," her sister agreed.

"Good. Now promise me that you won't tell anyone you've seen me here."

"Okay. But when are you talking to Papa?"

"By midnight he will know who I am. Now tell me, how are you doing?"

Prim informed her about school and her menagerie. She shared that she has a crush on a new boy in school named Pollux. She gushed about actually being allowed to attend the party.

"Well the invitation did invite all three of you. It was quite specific," Katniss informed.

Prim looked puzzled. "How would you know that?"

"I may have helped plan this party. Oh Prim, there is so much to catch you up on. I don't even know where to begin."

"Why don't you begin by reintroducing me?" Peeta suggested as he handed her a champagne flute.

She had been so wrapped up in her sister, she hadn't seen him return. Katniss looked at Peeta and smiled while biting her lower lip. She blushed as she turned back to Prim. "Do you remember Peeta Mellark?"

"Isn't he one of the baker's sons back in District 12," Prim answered.

"Yes, I was." Peeta said as he extended a hand, which Prim shook. "Would you like this other glass of champagne?"

Prim scrunched her nose. "No, thank you." She turned back to address Katniss, "So is that where you've been this whole time?"

Katniss nodded. "Yes, I went home." Peeta had taken the third chair at the table and Katniss reached over to clasp his hand. "Peeta has become very important to me."

"I can't wait to hear all about it." Prim grinned at her sister, and then sighed when she looked out into the crowd. She must have spotted something. "It looks like Effie is on a mission. Probably looking for me."

Katniss looked out from their hidden spot and a woman who could only be her stepmother dressed in a highly structured lavender dress. Her dress was so wide that as she made her way through the crowd, people had to take a step back to avoid being hit.

"Well, little duck, you better head back. Now remember to trust me," Katniss advised.

"I do. It was good to see you again, Peeta. Take care of my sister."

Peeta answered, "We take care of each other."

Prim flashed a smile and headed back into the crowds to find Effie.

"Oh, Peeta. Prim looks wonderful."

Peeta slid his chair closer to hers and she leaned her head against his shoulder. "Kat, just a couple more hours."

"Then I'll know," she mumbled into his shoulder.

Peeta moved away from her before bringing his hand to her face, forcing her to look up at him. "No matter what happens, you will survive this. We will be alright."

Katniss forced a smile as she reached up to touch the side of his face. "I love you." She leaned forward and his lips met hers in a light kiss.

When they pulled away, his forehead rested against hers. Peeta murmured, "I love you, too."

Katniss worried her lower lip with her teeth. "I'm just nervous. What if—"

"Kat, don't play the 'what if' game. It won't help. You have to just take it as it comes," Peeta advised as he leaned forward and kissed her gently once more.

This time when the broke apart, she gave him a little half smile. "You're right." She sniffed sharply and shook her head.

"You know, I heard dancing has a great many benefits including curing boredom, getting to know people, and settling nerves."

Katniss gave him a sharp look. "Oh really…and how did you become such an authority on the benefits of dancing? Wouldn't dancing make nerves worse? Especially if you are dancing with a girl you like?"

"Not if it's the right girl." He stood and extended his hand. "Shall we?" She took his and stood, allowing Peeta to lead her back to the heart of the party.

For the next couple of hours Peeta and Katniss danced almost exclusively with each other, the only exception being once when Peeta allowed Haymitch to take her out for a spin. Every once and awhile they would make their way off of the dance floor to partake in the various delectable tidbits being served by waiters dressed in white masks and dominoes.

Each tray of food held some new delicious treat. Garlic stuffed mushrooms. Coconut fried shrimp. Thin slices of bread covered with bruschetta, pate, or a rich creamy cheese and chutney. Between each dance, as Katniss caught her breath, she and Peeta would go in search of the newest delicacy being served. As she was savoring her third bacon wrapped scallop, Peeta pointed out, "It's about a half hour until midnight. We should probably find your family."

Katniss struggled to swallow the scallop. "Yes, we should."

It took about ten minutes to locate her family. Her father and Effie were visiting with someone while her sister hung nearby. Prim spotted them immediately. Katniss gave her a quick shake of the head, which Prim acknowledged with a single nod. Peeta and Katniss stationed themselves at a table nearby to wait.

At ten minutes to midnight, the stranger visiting with her family moved on, just as the waiters began circulating the room with new trays of food. At this point of the evening, everyone who wasn't currently on the dance floor was waiting to try the next culinary creation. The waiters passed out little cups of venison tips. Katniss could hear small grumblings of disapproval as she watched her stepmother, father, and Prim each spear a piece of meat with a toothpick and take a bite. Prim immediately spit it back out into her napkin, looking sheepish as Effie struggled to chew and finally swallow. The only one to chew and swallow normally was her father.

Effie commented, "That meat has an interesting flavor."

Theron closed his eyes and then looked sadly at his wife. Despite the mask, it looked as though her father's eyes were watering. "It's venison and it hasn't been salted. It has no flavor."

Effie's and Prim's eyes widened at realization. Effie gasped, "Katniss."

Prim looked over at her beseechingly. Katniss shook her head again and mouthed, "Trust me."

Theron dipped his head. "I now understand what she meant."

The look on her father's face broke her heart. She was startled as she examined his appearance. He had to be at least a good stone thinner. She was about to approach him when she heard the countdown to midnight begin.

"10…9…8…7…6…5…4…3…2…1…Remove your masks!"

Theron assisted Prim and Effie in removing their masks to prevent mussing their hair as Peeta assisted Katniss with hers before removing his own. Peeta stood behind her and held onto one of her hands, which she held behind her back. Katniss stood facing her father, not ten feet away as he went to remove his own mask. When he looked up their eyes met. He breathed, "Katniss." Causing Effie to turn and gasp. Prim gave her an encouraging smile.

Peeta squeezed her hand and let go. Katniss walked forward and asked, "Can we go somewhere where we can talk?"

Theron eyes remained trained on her. He hesitantly murmured, "I'd like that."

Katniss took his hand and led him away from the party to a private lounge Portia had secured for her use. She sat on the plush red velvet sofa in the center of the room and watched her father walk toward the tall windows on the far side. She waited for him. His head bowed and he scrubbed his hand over his face before he finally turned and looked at her.

"Katniss, I was a fool."

She still doesn't say anything. She blinked several times to hold back tears and worried her lip.

"I knew I was a fool two days after I tossed you out." Theron shook his head and muttered, "When that turkey arrived."

Katniss' brow furrowed for a moment before she remembered the turkey she shot on her father's birthday that she asked to be processed for eating rather than be stuffed, since her father loved turkey.

Theron blew out a long breath and approached the sofa. He continued, "When that turkey arrived, I knew I must have misunderstood you. I started looking for you that day." He took a seat in a leather chair. "But you were already gone. I turned the Capitol upside down looking for you. I even sent inquiries out to the districts but there was no records of tickets sold to a Katniss Everdeen and no one knew of a girl going by that name living in the districts. Katniss, where have you been?"

Katniss closed her eyes to clear her head. Her father's tears made her want to pull him into her arms but there was more she needed to understand first. She swallowed and looked at her father. He really had aged. His black hair had faded to salt and pepper and his eyes looked like they had aged ten years. "I'll tell you my story in a moment. First, I need to understand—" her voice broke before she continued, "How you could think I didn't love you?"

Theron wiped his eyes. "I am a damn fool. I cannot believe I've hurt you like this."

"Papa, please just tell me how you could have believed it," she asked again as she choked back her tears.

Theron squared his shoulders and began to explain. "Do you remember how on my birthday I had to cancel our hunt? I had to go into work."

Katniss sniffed. "Yes."

"Remember the company's controller, Seneca Crane?"

She nodded again. She remembered Seneca Crane to be a charming man. He had been there when her father took over the company, showing him the ropes and teaching him about the financials. Her father trusted him implicitly.

"Did something happen to Mr. Crane?"

"I had hired an auditor to take a look at things, but I didn't tell anyone because something just didn't seem right with our quarterly results. That morning the auditor gave me the report. Seneca had been embezzling money from the company. It turns out he had been skimming off the top for years to manage gaming debts. That quarter he took a little too much."

In a small voice, Katniss asked, "Papa, what does that have to do with me?"

Theron's voice cracked, as he answered, "Absolutely nothing. My tossing you out that day was entirely my fault. I suddenly didn't trust my own instincts about anything. When you answered the way you did and I didn't understand it, I felt stupid. In my vanity, I took my anger out on you when I was really angry with myself and with Seneca. I thought Seneca had made me a fool, but it wasn't until I lost you that I truly realized what a fool I really was." Theron wiped his eyes once more before continuing. "When I couldn't find you, I didn't know what to think." Tears now rolled down his face. "When I tasted that meat tonight, I thought the fates were punishing me. Haunting me. Then I saw you and I was afraid I had seen a ghost."

"Oh, Papa." Katniss patted the spot next to her. "Please sit next to me."

Theron stood and sat stiffly on the sofa. Katniss moved next to him and embraced him in a tight hug. Slowly his arms moved to return the embrace. He kissed the top of her head, and whispered reverently, "My little mockingjay." They held onto each other for several minutes. Katniss cried happy tears into her father's shoulder. Once both had seemed to calm, Katniss sat back up and smiled at her father.

He reached forward and wiped away the residual tears on her face. "Now can you please tell me where you've been?"

Katniss smiled and began her tale, "It started the night you had kicked me out." Theron winced and she gripped his arm in reassurance. "I was walking in the park around four in the morning when I saw a dandelion…"

She went on to tell him about how she met Portia, Cinna, and Rue and how they helped her on her trip to return to District 12. She explained about assuming the name of Mockingjay for months, which was why when her father had searched for her he had been unable to find her.

She told him about how she had dressed in a silly looking woven costume to hide her true appearance when she took a job with his old friend Haymitch Abernathy, going to live in his home with him and Peeta Mellark, the baker's son who had lost his family. She ended by telling him that she was in the Capitol this week to be announced as the new face of Cinna's new line.

Her father listened to it all, asking questions on occasion. When she finished, he said, "I'm so glad Haymitch was there for you when I wasn't. I can't wait to get you home."

"Papa," Katniss said to get his attention as she could see his mind was already thinking and planning. "District 12 is my home, it always has been." He gave her a stricken look. "I've never quite fit in the Capitol. My heart knew that I belonged back in 12. But you need to know this, I'm so happy to have my family back. I'm not leaving you by living there. Working for Cinna means I'll visit often." She hesitated before adding, "And you can come back to visit me." She nudges his side. "Wouldn't you like to really go hunting again?"

Theron smiled at his daughter. "It would be nice to have an actual challenge for once. The game preserve is…"

"Like shooting fish in a barrel," they said in unison and laughed.

"Papa, we should get back to the party. I bet everyone is worried about us."

"Yes, we should," Theron agreed. "I need to go thank Haymitch."

They walked to the door of the lounge, where Katniss paused. "Papa?"

"Yes, Mockingjay?"

"There is someone else you should meet."

Theron turned to Katniss. "Could he be the young man who was standing with you earlier?"

"Yes, that is Peeta," Katniss answered.

"You love him, don't you?" Theron asked as he opened the door.

"I do, with all my heart."

As they stepped through the doorway into the hallway that led back to the party, Theron turned to Katniss and asked, "And does he love you?"

He had not noticed the young man who was standing outside the door waiting anxiously and practically stumbled into him. Peeta answered, "More than anything."

A/N: I hope you like the final chapter before the epilogue. I tried to weave in both canon references and callbacks to the first chapter. When I started this story I had two chapters in mind, the first and the last. Please let me know what you think.

I've already sent the epilogue to my beta's so hopefully it will post early next week.

I'd like to thank Fnur for assisting me with knowledge about the fashion industry and fashion week. As always I thank my wonderful beta goddesses Pookieh and Victorianoir for finding my silly mistakes and making me a better writer.

If you'd like more information about my fanfiction please visit my tumblr: dispatchesfromdistrict7

The characters are the property of the amazing Suzanne Collins and do not belong to me. You probably also have noticed I'll occasionally weave in one of the famous lines from her novels. Those totally belong to Ms. Collins too.