We're back in D12 for this one. I have read this, and edited it, and probably over-edited it, so I decided I might as well post it. I hope you like where it's leading!
Once again, thanks to ct522 for her friendship, her encouragement, and her faith in me!
Thank you dear readers and commenters and followers! Thank you for your encouragement!
And, of course, Thank you to Suzanne Collins for Katniss Everdeen.
Chapter 10
District 12- Socializing
If being in the woods has helped Katniss feel more like herself, then her continued talks with Anya have helped her focus her mind and her daily routines. They help remind her of her need for an "outward" life- whether Katniss wants one or not.
"No woman is an island, Katniss," Anya has told her. "We are all a part of this community. And you are no exception. You may want to go it alone, but you can't. People aren't built that way. We all need each other."
So, with thoughts of Anya encouraging her to open up to others, Katniss opens her front door to welcome Rhea in.
Rhea is just as pretty as she was when Katniss first saw her. She also seems very kind.
"I'm so glad to be here Katniss. Thank you!" she says, not as exuberantly as Delly, but bubbly nonetheless.
"Um, sure." Katniss replies. Remember what Anya says, "Be open, be friendly. People want to like you."
Rhea hasn't come empty handed, either. She hands a box stamped with Mellark's to Katniss.
"I stopped by the bakery on my way here," Rhea tells her. "When Peeta found out where I was going, he made sure to put in some treats he knew you'd like."
Sure enough, when Katniss peeks into the box she sees cheese buns and some cookies. This simple gesture makes her smile.
"He also said to tell you to stop by sometime," Rhea finishes.
"Oh? He did?"
Rhea just smiles, still standing in the doorway.
It's been so long since Katniss has been in a situation like this; she's not sure what to do. It's not like she was very good being a hostess in the first place. Her mother was the one who always knew what to do.
"Won't you come in?" She finally offers, leading Rhea into the kitchen. "Would you like some tea?"
"Sure, thank you!" Rhea says, perhaps a little too loudly. "Oh, sorry that was loud. For some reason, I'm kind of nervous."
"Oh. Well, don't be." Katniss says so bluntly that that both start to laugh. Well, Rhea laughs, Katniss smirks.
It starts off awkward, but little by little they both start to relax. Once they do, they start to enjoy each other's company.
"I've been wanting to introduce myself since you came back to the District, Katniss. So yesterday, when you came with Janie I just took advantage of the situation. I hope you don't mind."
"No. I'm supposed to 'get out more' and 'meet people', or at least that's what Haymitch, Sae, Thom, and Anya keep telling me. It's just kind of hard. And it looks like so much has changed in 12." Katniss answers, hoping she isn't giving away too much about herself. She's still working on that balance of sharing and keeping information.
"How do you find life in 12? Is it different than where you're from?" she asks Rhea.
"Oh, it's been really good. Everyone's worked so hard to clean up and move on. I'm glad to be able to do my part." Rhea answers enthusiastically. "I grew up in 6, so the hills are a lot higher here, but people are people everywhere."
"How did you get here from 6? Or better yet, why move here from 6? I would think there might be more to offer you there?" Katniss wonders.
"Well, the war is over and it's a 'new day in Panem'. I've always wondered what life was like in another district, so when this opportunity came up, I jumped at it. It's been one of the best decisions of my life."
"Really? Moving to a bombed out district with hardly anyone here?"
"Yes," Rhea smiles back. "I mean, at first it was kind of lonely. But as time passed, more and more people moved here. It didn't take too long to get to know others. And once people realized the Home would be different than it used to be, they opened up more."
Rhea goes on to explain the new model for the Community Home system in Panem, where four or five children live in a home-like environment, "District 12 only has one home, but some of the larger districts have many. They thought for a while it might be hard to find people willing to do the job, but so far it's all working out."
"Do you manage the home all on your own?"
"Oh no! Leevy, you know Leevy, right?"
Of course Katniss knows Leevy.
"Well, Leevy and I work together. All of our children are now primary school age. Leevy and I take turns with the cooking and cleaning and managing the home and the children. We both live there, but I'm the main caregiver.
"It works well," Rhea continues, " and we even have some who like to come and give us a break some evenings. Sae always enjoys a visit, and she brings her granddaughter. Peeta's great about volunteering. He always sends baked goods, comes to play with the kids, and tells them stories." At this, Rhea's voice fades out.
If Katniss notices a slight change in Rhea's voice, she says nothing other than, "So, that's how Janie's learned so much about me!"
"Yeah. Now that I think about it, you were always a favorite topic when Peeta came to talk with the little ones."
Katniss starts to feel a bit uncomfortable with the direction of the conversation, so she begins to change the subject. "Sounds like you've really become a part of 12." She says politely.
"At first, some of the natives were a bit stand-offish, but once they realized I cared about this place, they accepted me. Of course, I think Peeta helped with that. Well, Peeta and Delly. They really welcomed me first. Then Leevy started working with me and I think that made me 'official'."
"What about the Home though? I remember what the Community Home was like before… well, before everything. It wasn't a very nice place."
"It's not perfect, but I'd like to think we're doing some things right. We seem to get a lot of community support. Peeta with the baked goods, the people on the construction crew make sure everything is always up to code. Even Greasy Sae cooks for us sometimes."
Katniss thinks on this. It seems 12 is really pulling together, becoming a real community. It's so different than before the war. Back then, you hardly knew your neighbor. Now, it seems that they all depend on each other. She thinks this is one reason Anya wants her to get to know more people. It seems that being a hermit won't get you too far in 12 these days.
"You know," Rhea continues after taking a sip of tea, "Janie hasn't stopped talking about you since yesterday. I think she fell asleep telling everyone about you."
Katniss smiles at this. A real smile too, not just a smirk, because if the truth were told, Janie made a pretty big impact on Katniss too.
"Miss Katniss was so nice," Rhea says in Janie's voice, and she tells Katniss about some more of what Janie had to say. "Miss Katniss listened and held my hand… I thought she might sing, but she didn't… And did you know she really doesn't have wings?"
Rhea laughs. "Oh Katniss, if you only knew the effect you have had on her. She never used to smile that much. We didn't even know she could talk so much! She came from a pretty bad situation. She wasn't even two, but there are some things that impact us all, even babies.
"So, when she snuck away after school yesterday, we were so worried, not sure what she was doing. But to find out she followed you home, and now she just won't stop going on about you, well, that's just something we didn't expect."
Katniss finds herself overwhelmed by the thought of what she's learned. Poor Janie. She just needs someone to love her. Really love her.
"Katniss," Rhea interrupts her thoughts. "Would you ever…hmmm, I know this might be overstepping my bounds here… but when I see how Janie's responded to you after only a few hours, when we've had her for over three years…Well, would you consider spending more time with her?"
This takes Katniss aback. It's totally unexpected, and she wonders if it's even allowed.
"I'll have think about it and let you know." Katniss says, a little unsure. She doesn't want to have to tell Rhea that she needs to speak to Thom about this, but that is her first thought.
Relief floods Rhea's face, "Just think about it, OK? I care so much for that little girl, and I really think it might be good for both of you."
As they finished their tea and talked about little things like gardening and the weather, Rhea notices the time, "Oh! I'd better get going. I have some errands to do before school lets out. Thank you so much for letting me stop by. I've really enjoyed getting to know you, Katniss!"
"Yeah," Katniss finds herself smiling a bit, surprised that she really did have a nice time. "I've enjoyed it too. It is nice to meet you."
"Um," Rhea begins as she steps out the door, she seems unsure if she wants to ask the next question or not, but seems to decide to ask it. "Um, there's a group of us that get together for meals every couple of weeks. Tonight is our night to meet. Umm. Would you join us? Please? I know everyone else there would love to have you!"
Katniss isn't so sure about this. Going out with a bunch of people she may not know.
"It's really just myself, Leevy, Thom, Peeta, Delly, and even Haymitch joins us. Sae usually cooks something for us and then watches the kids so Leevy and I can both go. Please join us!"
Since it seems Rhea is the only one that Katniss hasn't known before now, she thinks about what Anya might say. She thinks about the district today- how people are depending on each other like the never used too. And against the anxiety she's starting to feel, she hears herself say, "OK."
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Later that afternoon, the phone rings, "Katniss!" Thom says on the other end of the line. "I'm glad I caught you at home."
"Well, since I had no other plans, I thought I'd just stick around," Katniss attempts to joke.
"Well," Thom laughs a bit, " first things first. I hear from Anya that things are going well?"
"Yes," she replies shortly, realizing that though she is free, not everything in her life is private.
"She doesn't go into detail, don't worry," Thom says, sensing Katniss's reticence. "I'm just glad you're going to see her and you're doing fine. Now the next thing. I ran into Rhea this morning."
"Uh, yeah, she was here today."
"That's what she was saying, that she was going to see you today. That's great Katniss; Rhea's a really nice girl. I'm glad she reached out to you. She was also talking to me a bit about you and Janie."
"Yeah, she told me that too, only, I wasn't sure if, um, I'm allowed to do anything like that."
"Katniss, you have never hurt children. There is nothing in your terms of release regarding this type of situation. Now, I've spoken to some others just to be sure, and everyone agrees this would be good, not only for Janie, but for you."
"Everyone?"
"Yes. People in 12, authorities in the Capitol, everyone. We want you to have a good life Katniss. You're a part of 12. If you want to spend more time with that little girl, then you should do it."
Katniss realizes, in that moment, how happy this makes her. She did enjoy her time with Janie, and she suddenly realizes it's time for her to do something for someone else. "OK Thom. Thanks. I'll talk to Rhea about this later."
"Good, good! And I also hear I'll see you at Peeta's tonight?"
This takes her by surprise. "Oh?" She forgot that Thom may be there.
"Don't worry, I'll be 'off the clock'. It's purely social. 12 is too small to keep our official distance."
"Well then, yeah. I guess I'll see you at Peeta's" she says a bit unsure.
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Later that evening, Katniss stands by the door. She's having an intense argument with herself. It's time to go to Peeta's, but she can't seem to put her hand on the doorknob.
Haven't I done enough socializing for one day? They might not even miss me… But I did tell both Rhea and Thom I'd be there…but it's at Peeta's. Peeta's! I haven't said more than a few words to him since I've been back. In some ways, it's like we're in school again. He looks at me, and I'm tongue-tied. For pity's sake. It's not like I don't know him. It's Peeta… She's embarrassed, and flustered and anxious.
As she stands behind the door, Haymitch opens it. "Well then, Sweetheart! There you are, let's go!"
And without giving her a chance to say anything, Haymitch ushers her out the door and over to Peeta's house.
Once they get to Peeta's, Katniss realizes she and Haymitch aren't the first ones there. Peeta, Delly and Thom are in the kitchen, talking and making last minute touches to the food.
"Katniss!" Delly exclaims, as only Delly can. "It's so good to see you! I'm so glad you're here!"
"Hello Katniss," Thom chuckles kindly, smiling at Delly. "It's good to see you here. And remember- off the clock!"
Katniss smiles at this, she feels more comfortable now that Thom has acknowledged this.
"Hey Katniss!" Peeta says warmly. "I'm so glad you're here." He smiles at her, looking directly in her eyes, like he wants to make sure she knows just how wanted she is here. While they've shared hellos in passing, they still haven't really spoken. It seems that Peeta is trying to make up for that this evening.
"Why don't all of you go have a seat in the living room while I finish up in here," Peeta suggests. "We're just waiting for Rhea and Leevy."
No sooner does Peeta say this, then the girls come in, "Hey! We're all here now!"
"Sae volunteer to watch the kids so you ladies can get out?" Haymitch asks.
"Of course," Rhea replies. "Just like she always does. I wonder where half of this district would be without Sae."
"I'd say the end of the Revolution brought out the best in that woman," Haymitch agrees.
Leevy makes her way over to Katniss, and sits by her quietly, gently squeezing her hand. "Hey Katniss, I'm so glad to finally see you again."
Katniss smiles shyly at Leevy. The girls were neighbors growing up, and though they weren't exactly friends, they do have a bond. After all, it was Leevy who helped out when Gale was whipped, and it was Leevy who stood up for Katniss at that meeting in District 13.
"So, you work with Rhea at the home?"
"Yeah. It's really good. I'm glad to have something to do, and the kids are great. I was so glad when Rhea brought me on," Leevy volunteers. "We both get along really well."
The meal goes on successfully. Lot's of talking and laughing. At first Katniss feels as if she doesn't belong, but soon she begins to realize something. They all want her here. No one is ignoring her. They all give her space, but they also include her in their conversation.
All in all, Katniss enjoys herself. Before the end of the evening Rhea pulls her aside, "Have you thought anymore about Janie?"
"Yeah… yes I have. I think I'd like to be her friend," Katniss says nervously.
"Oh Katniss! That's wonderful! What would you say to picking her up after school and hanging out with her until suppertime?"
"I… I guess so?" Katniss answers, a bit surprised at how quickly this is all going.
"Oh that's great!" Rhea says, then calls Delly over to join their conversation. "Katniss will be picking Janie up after school tomorrow."
"That's great Katniss! School lets out around 2:30, will that work for you? I am sure that is all she will talk about tomorrow. You were all she spoke of today!"
As the evening starts to close, she prepares to leave. "Hey Katniss!" she hears Peeta call. "Let me walk you home."
"Um, sure?" she answers. Although she's not sure, not really. She hasn't been alone with Peeta in over five years, let alone had a conversation with him that lasted more than a few words. What will she say? What will HE say? She's a bit overwhelmed, with all of the events of the day, and now this. She supposes it's time she actually put a little effort forth with Peeta. Now is her chance to make up for the way she's been acting when she sees him in town.
"Great! Just give me a second!" he answers, not really seeing Katniss's reaction.
"Katniss," Thom stops her. "Since you'll be by to get Janie after school, why don't you come by my office, say around noon? I have some papers for you to sign, regarding Janie and I'd like to go for a walk in the woods. I'll bet you'd be the perfect tour guide."
At this, Katniss begins to get nervous for a different reason. What would Thom want to go to the woods for? What if he finds my bow and arrows?
Noticing Katniss's discomfort, Thom gently adds, "I just want to see about some district boundaries. Everything's OK, I promise."
With that, Katniss takes a calming breath. She has no reason to doubt Thom, and she doesn't want to start now. "OK. Noon then?"
"Yeah, let's have lunch too. And you can save yourself a phone call tonight and tomorrow morning. I know where you are, and I'll see you tomorrow," he smiles and turns around and calls to Delly, seeing if she's ready to leave.
"Ready Katniss?" Peeta asks.
"Um, yeah, I guess?" So much has happened this evening, it's left Katniss a bit breathless.
It's a short walk over to Katniss's, and she wonders why Peeta feels the need to walk her home.
"Thanks for the vegetables, Katniss. It was a nice surprise to come home to."
"Well, since you planted the garden, I suppose you should get some of the bounty, right?"
"When you put it that way," he smiles in response, rubbing the back of his neck nervously.
Now is her chance. "Thanks for all of the bread, and the baked goods too."
"Oh, you know I always have a bunch left over. I couldn't think of anyone better to give it to."
She smiles and looks down shyly, "Thanks anyway."
"I'm really glad you came tonight," Peeta says softly. "It's been really good seeing you. Maybe I can stop by sometime?"
"Sure Peeta, anytime." she responds quietly, thinking they've said more in this five-minute walk then they have since the fall of the Capitol.
"Whew, good! I've… I've missed you," he says with a huge grin. He then turns serious,"I know I haven't said too much since you got back. But, I wasn't sure what to say, and I didn't want to be overbearing. I know that sometimes I can do that. Plus, the last time we saw each other, we didn't exactly finish off on the best terms," he smiles sadly.
Katniss remembers the panic, the fear she saw in his eyes back in the Capitol and after the assassination. She also remembers how she felt those same things.
"I guess I just didn't want to scare you, Katniss. That's all. But I do want to see you, to talk with you. I've missed talking to you."
Katniss thinks of all of the things she knows he's done for her. Taking care of her house, and of Buttercup. Planting a garden. Bringing her bread. And she also realizes he's right. She knows how scared she was when she first returned to 12. She knows that she needed to become more grounded and settled here before she could even think about anyone else.
"OK Peeta. Tomorrow after supper?"
Peeta smiles, "You'll allow it?"
"Yeah. I'll allow it." She smiles back.