A/N: Ahhh! Only 2 more chapters left in this story after this one. I have the next chapter done already but I'm going to work on writing the final chapter and wrapping up this story before I give you guys the next post. Then, the last chapter will already be ready and you won't have to wait long. I feel like I've been working my butt off to get this story done. I'm both sad and excited to see it come to it's conclusion and I'm really interested to hear what you guys think about the direction I take it, especially in this and the next chapter. Please let me know your thoughts! I've decided to wait until this story is in the can to get started on my new AU fic...especially because it still needs some planning out before I can start it and I want to take a little breather between this story and the new one. Read and Review! ;)
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Everything happens so fast.
When we get to the multi-purpose room the next day before the start of the competition I barely have a chance to glance around the room at the survival skills setup before Effie is pulling both Peeta and I to the Capitol's table.
Confused, I stare at the woman in charge of running our district's programs, watching the words coming out of her mouth, but not really comprehending what she is saying.
Finally, I'm broken from my stupor when I hear her ask a question and then look between us excitedly, waiting with bated breath for our answer.
"So, was it love at first sight?"
"Umm...what?" I manage to get out.
I look at the woman standing in front of me, dressed in a ridiculous pink jumpsuit and a matching wig. Already I can see it happening. She is enthralled by our romance. The idea that, through the Capitol's program we found one another and are now in a dizzyingly, passionate love affair.
"Something like that," Peeta answers evenly, grabbing my hand.
I can tell from the look in his eyes that he realizes what is going on as well. That the exact thing Haymitch warned us about is unfolding.
"Well, I think it is just so wonderful!" Effie says, clasping her hands together with a smile. "I mean, what better example of the importance and benefit of the Capitol's programs in the Districts. Our audience back in the Capitol will just love it! The idea that you two, coming from different worlds, a poor girl from the Seam, a handsome merchant's son, fell in love during the training sessions leading up to the competition."
Effie smiles so wide at us she almost looks insane. She then goes on talking about how she'll want to introduce us to the crowd today and if we could maybe hold hands and kiss a lot that would be especially great.
I stop listening to her though because my mind is too preoccupied with other things. Suddenly, I'm worried about what this means. If I were to somehow win the competition, or even if I don't, the Capitol knowing about Peeta and I means that when this is all over, my relationship with the Capitol might not be.
I hear Haymitch's words ringing clearly in my head. Once they get their claws in you, once the Capitol decides they want to use you for any reason, you don't really have a choice.
I feel sick and terrified at the thought of what I have with Peeta - the intimacy, passion, and love - being exploited by these people. Peeta, the only person in my life who has ever made me feel important, desirable, worthy of affection, is too special to be treated like a piece of entertainment for the benefit of the Capitol.
I'm overwhelmed by everything I'm feeling, the fear, anger and disbelief, over this latest development. One thought however, suddenly becomes too strong to ignore and I'm consumed by it, rattling around in my head. How on earth did Effie find out about us?
I contemplate the thought for a moment, and no sooner then when I start to feel genuinely perplexed by the question, do my eyes scan the crowded room over Effie's shoulder and I get my answer.
My eyes land on Madge Undersee, in one of her nicer dresses, standing off to the side of the stage where I once kissed Peeta in front of her, smiling smugly as she watches Effie continue to talk our ears off.
I barely mumble an 'excuse me' before I'm pushing past Effie and heading straight towards the Mayor's daughter. I hear Peeta apologize quickly to Effie before following me.
Madge looks so genuinely pleased with herself as I approach her my temper snaps and I can't control my anger.
"I'm sorry, did you not want Effie Trinket finding out about you guys? I must have accidentally let it slip..." she says, faking sincerity.
When I reach her I do something I should have done a long time ago. Something that I've been holding back for a while.
I raise my hand and slap her hard across the face, feeling my palm sting from where it made contact with her skin.
She immediately grabs her cheek, looking at me in shock and horror as she processes what just happened.
"You're lucky that's all I'm going to do," I snarl at her and I can actually see the fear in her eyes. "If you ever come near Peeta and I again, or if I find out you're talking about us, I'll put my new combat skills to use and really teach you a lesson."
She actually recoils a little bit, looking at me like I'm a monster. I don't regret it though. In fact, I feel glad to finally have confronted her for all of the awful things she's done to me.
Finally, Peeta grabs my hand, interrupting my thoughts. "Come on, Katniss," he urges, pulling me away.
"Sorry," I mumble not meeting his eyes when we move far away enough from Madge. I'm not sorry about what I did, but I hope I didn't embarrass him.
"Don't be," he laughs, taking my hands in his, "that was hot," he adds, smiling when he sees my look of surprise.
After a moment, he pulls me into his arms and just holds me, saying more in that embrace than he ever could with words. Finally, he pulls away, but keeps his lips close to mine.
"Don't worry about Effie or anything else right now," he tells me in a hushed voice. "Just get through today and we'll worry about what comes after later."
"Okay," I agree, leaning in to give him a quick kiss.
"Okay," he smiles before we break away.
The second half of the competition is a joke.
It's a joke for two reasons. The first is because I so clearly and easily have every competitor beat when it comes to survival skills. The second is because it quickly dissolves from, a competition where our abilities are evaluated and judged, to a mockery of Effie's apparent obsession with Peeta and I.
At first, I just try and ignore her and move from station to station, doing everything the judges ask of me.
The first station involves being able to identify edible plants and insects, sorting out poisonous ones from those that are safe to consume. Luckily, they don't make us actually eat the things because if that were the case almost every boy in my group would be dead. I pass with flying colors, thanking the mental images I have locked away from my father's additions to our family book.
In the middle of my turn to separate the poisonous items from the edible ones, Effie Trinket saunters over, actually leaving the Capitol table to get involved in the action. She watches me excitedly and when the first judge declares I have gotten them all right she jumps up and down and claps happily. Then she proceeds to ask me if Peeta helped me study for this particular skill.
I pretend I don't hear her and we move on to the next station.
We're each given a flint, steel, and charred cloth and are asked to get a fire going. Some of the boys look at the objects in their hands like they're from another planet.
When I get to work trying to produce a spark I see they have all copied my exact motions and now it's just a race to who gets lucky enough to make fire.
Effie unfortunately has followed our group to this station and she shouts encouragements at me the entire time. I roll my eyes. This woman could not be any more clueless. She also has no common sense. As a Capitol official she should be at least trying to show some restraint. It's not exactly appropriate for her to so clearly be rooting for one of the competitors in what is suppose to be a completely unbiased competition.
I sigh as I remember our conversation with Haymitch. Apparently Effie isn't too worried about what people might think. Or maybe she really does have no idea how the winner is determined.
Her words of encouragement as I'm trying to start my fire annoy me.
When she starts shouting for Peeta to come over and watch, I'm infuriated.
My anger, however, turns out to produce enough friction for a flicker of a flame that burns steadily for a few moments or so before dying out. After a while, since no one seems to be even getting close, they move us along to the next station and I'm still the clear favorite.
Peeta reluctantly appears at the last and final station, tired of Effie's incessant calls.
He shakes his head and looks as annoyed as I do.
They ask us to use the knives, ropes and branches to create any sort of trap for predators or animals. The irony of these skills being completely useless to all of these boys from the Town, who have never had the need or audacity to go beyond the District's borders and into the woods, only just now hits me. I wonder why they possibly would have chosen something like this for us to compete against one another and be judged on.
Again, I'm so clearly ahead of the group it's almost comical. I set to work sharpening a branch and using the rope to replicate one of Gale's perfect snares. Some of the other boys are attempting to fasten a knot that traps a predator and leaves them hanging from a tree, but it just looks like a giant knot of ropes so far.
I'm just about finished when Effie decides she hasn't been annoying enough for the day.
"This way, this way," she gestures a man carrying an odd, black contraption that I slowly recognize as a camera.
"Now Peeta, darling," she says, bringing Peeta over to where I stand, setting up the snare. "If you could maybe stand beside Katniss, look like you're helping her...maybe put an arm around her, that'd be fantastic."
"What? Why?" I protest.
"Because you two are going to be the faces of my new plan to flaunt the success of the Capitol's programs," she explains, trying her best not to looked annoyed that I would have the audacity to question her. "Who knows? If it goes well they might move me up to a better district," she adds as if she really doesn't know this might be considered rude or offensive.
She takes a few steps towards us and arranges Peeta's arms on my arm, positioning us in an unnatural, odd looking stance that she thinks looks good. The man with the camera takes 3 quick shots before we even have a chance to protest.
Effie puts her hand on her chin, appearing to be deep in thought.
"Yes, okay, I'll introduce you two after the results are announced," she finally decides. But then she leans in towards me and gives me a small wink. "Although, I think we both know who is going to come out on top."
She then turns on her heel and walks away, finally, heading back over to the Capitol table.
I turn to Peeta, my mouth hanging open in shock. He looks equally as disturbed and upset over these latest developments as I'm sure I do.
He can only shake his head, confirming what I fear, and yet know to be true in my mind.
That I was wrong in thinking I could just go along with the Capitol's unfair, controlling programs and hope to come away only reaping the rewards. That the Capitol has now demonstrated it's control over my life and they're going to manipulate my relationship with Peeta for all it's worth.
Even though I know it's coming, the nerves I'm feeling won't go away.
"This year's winner of the District 12 Capitol Competition: Katniss Everdeen!"
I struggle to maintain my composure, nervously touching my braid and smoothing out my shirt, and then make my way on stage. The lights are blinding and the cheers from the audience are thunderous. I force a weak smile.
It's funny. I thought if I found myself here at the end of this, named the winner and ready to be rewarded with food and money that will provide for Prim in the years to come, I would be ecstatic, relieved and triumphant.
However, I feel none of those things at the moment.
I feel sick knowing this is just the beginning. I try and avoid the eyes of my fellow competitors, most who are looking up at me on the stage in anger and disbelief. I especially make sure not to look at the boy, Ren, who I tied with during hand to hand combat. He never stood a chance in this thing because the Capitol decided it wouldn't be interesting enough.
I only now realize that Effie just asked me a question and the entire room is waiting eagerly for my response.
"I'm sorry, what?" I ask.
She laughs and the crowd joins in with a good natured chuckle.
"I said, what does it feel like to have beaten out all these boys?"
"Um...good," I mumble, dropping my gaze to the floor.
Like I needed to give them all another reason to hate me.
I catch Effie's exasperated sigh and slight roll of her eyes, clearly not too pleased with my lack of charm or personality.
She turns to the crowd. "Well, next I would like to bring out the young man who was so integral in your success, the student leader in charge of training all of our competitors leading up to this competition, Peeta Mellark!"
Peeta makes his way on stage, waving once to the crowd and coming to stand beside me. He shoots me a small, reassuring smile, reminding me that despite everything, I am not alone in this.
"Now don't be shy Peeta, feel free to kiss your girl!" Effie encourages, back to smiling like a maniac at the idea of us together.
Peeta shuffles awkwardly on his feet and I know he feels as uncomfortable with this as I do. Our relationship was never meant for the public's entertainment, I hate the thought of so many people knowing about what we have.
Eventually he slides his arm around my waist and pulls me into his side.
Effie sighs dramatically. "Aren't they wonderful together?" She asks the crowd. "A poor girl from the Seam and a boy from Town finding love with the Capitol's help." She gets weepy and takes a moment to recover. "Let's give them a round of applause."
It's only then I notice the crowd's expressions of surprise. People are quietly murmuring to themselves and others around them, they clap slowly and softly at first, but then eventually give us a full round of applause.
It's obvious the idea of Peeta and I together, Seam and Town, is shocking and even a little hard to accept for most of the people of District 12. They, however, seem to shrug it off after a moment and accept it, not really thinking twice about it, except maybe for why Effie is showing us off like her prized possessions.
I have to laugh at myself now. All that time I was so worried about what people in the district would think about Peeta and I being together. Madge calling me a slut, Karrick and the attack, but those incidents seem trivial now in comparison to what I can only imagine lies ahead. The people of 12 might be surprised and even a little disconcerted by us being together, but people from the Capitol are clearly infatuated with the idea.
It's the perfect, extravagant kind of thing the Capitol usually eats up. Two kids from different worlds, being together despite what everyone else thinks.
"In honor of Ms. Everdeen's victory, and to celebrate these young lovers who have found each other despite all odds, there will a dinner and rally tonight in the town square after sunset," Effie explains. "All citizens are welcome!"
For the first time I don't feel quite as awful about winning. At least the District will get a good meal for once.
The crowd cheers and Effie leads us off stage.
"Now you two come with me," she starts, "we want you both dressed for the occasion."
Effie escorts us to the Justice Building and up a few flights of stairs until we are both ushered into separate rooms. I wonder how they had the foresight to have all this ready for the victor, especially the tools the prep team brings out - waxing strips, makeup, curling irons - which seem a little odd given this was a competition mainly involving boys.
Then I remember that my victory was probably decided a while ago and I feel my insides twist uncomfortably.
The trio of odd Capitol assistants that have been assigned to get me ready for this appearance all talk loudly and animatedly, complaining about my body hair and how I bite my nails. After a few hours of pain, trying to sit still, and smiling and nodding at my prep team, I'm finally left alone, naked except for a light robe.
They told me to wait for the stylist that will bring me my dress, but I'm too anxious to stay seated any longer. I get up and wander around the room, velvet covered pieces of furniture, mirrors and paintings hanging from the walls, and a few windows that overlook the town square.
I think about how this is probably one of the nicest places in all of District 12. It only makes me feel uncomfortable though. Since I've been named the winner, since I discovered Effie found out about Peeta and I really, I've had this fear in the pit of my stomach I can't seem to shake. I back away from the windows, realizing I don't want anyone to see me, especially dressed in nothing but this thin robe.
I wander over to the side of the room noticing for the first time an outline of a door blended in with the wall. I hesitantly grab the knob and twist, surprised to find it unlocked.
When I pull the door back I'm greeted with quite the sight.
Peeta stands in front of me, wearing nothing but his boxer shorts.
His eyes go wide when he sees me. "Katniss..." he breathes out and we don't hesitate to go straight into each other's arms.
I wrap my arms around his neck and his arms snake around my waist. I bury my head in the crook of his neck, finally feeling a little tension leave my chest. I remind myself that through whatever comes next, at least I'll have Peeta by my side.
Finally he pulls back, his arms still wrapped around me.
"You okay?" He asks quietly.
I shrug, not really sure how to respond. "I guess...I'm just nervous. I mean...you remember what Haymitch said. And I can already see it happening, the way Effie acts around us..."
Peeta sighs, rubbing the curve of my hips where his hands rest. "I know, I know...let's just try and get through tonight and see where we go from here. I don't know what else they could do though. I mean you won, that's it. It's over now."
I nod my head in response, still feeling a little unsure, trying to ignore the uneasy feeling in the back of my mind that is telling me it's not over yet by a long shot.
I lean in and kiss him softly and only then realize what little clothing stands in the way of us being completely naked together. His boxers are thin and my robe is tied loosely around my waist.
He seems to figure this out at the same moment I do because his hands move down to cup my behind, squeezing gently. I moan a little and then break away from our kiss, smiling sheepishly. "Not here," I tell him, but my grin makes it pretty unconvincing.
Just then, a door on the other side of his room bursts open and a dark skin woman with yellow hair comes in holding a black suit with red flame details. Effie Trinket follows close behind her.
Peeta and I immediately spring away from one another like guilty children.
I chastise myself, realizing this is the absolute last thing we needed.
"Oh, look at these two, they can barely keep their hands off each other!" Effie squeals with delight and I can only roll my eyes.
"Now get back in your room Katniss, your stylist will be there any moment with your dress. You two will see each other later tonight," Effie commands.
Peeta shoots me an apologetic look and I just shrug, making my way back to my adjoining room through the door I came in from, and closing it behind me.
Just as I do, a man enters my room holding a red dress with orange and yellow accents sewn into the fabric. "Katniss...this is for you," he smiles, holding it out to me.
"Um...thanks," I reply, taking the dress from his hands.
"I'm Cinna," he introduces himself. "Here, let me help you."
He helps me get into the dress and then offers me the heels I'm suppose to wear. I then stumble over to the mirror with his help and we take in my appearance.
"Little nervous?" He questions, noticing my expression.
"A little," I admit.
"Don't worry, just smile and wave a lot. You'll be great."
I can only hope it's that easy.
As the sun sets they bring Peeta and I down to the main floor of the Justice Building, keeping us off the side and preparing us for our grand entrance.
I catch sight of Haymitch staggering towards us, clearly drunker than usual.
"What the hell happened? I told you to keep it a secret, didn't I?" He asks, his breath reeking of alcohol.
Peeta puts a protective arm around my waist and answers for both of us. "Someone told Effie."
"Yeah, I can see that," Haymitch returns. "That woman is going to turn this into a circus. Good luck."
He turns, like he's about to walk away and I instinctually reach out and grab his arm to stop him. He looks at me strangely and I know how helpless and lost I look. He softens.
"Haymitch...what are we going to do?" I whisper.
He pauses for a long moment and then can only shrug in response. "Get through it," he finally replies.
The answer does nothing to calm my nerves.
I can hear the crowd that has already gathered outside in the square. Effie starts making preparations, informing us the order that we'll be introduced and where to go when we get outside.
Everything goes by very fast. When we get outside there are pretty lights hung up around the stores that border the town square. There are tables set up among the crowd where Peacekeepers hand out pre-packaged meals to the long list of residents that just want food but have to pretend to be enthralled by our romance. Peeta, Haymitch, and I, along with all the other Capitol and District officials, are seated along one long table on the stage in front of the Justice Building.
Effie makes a speech and the fact I won the Capitol Competition becomes secondary to the fact I've managed to find love. She makes Peeta and I stand and the crowd cheers less than enthusiastically, still unsure why they're expected to care about our relationship. Luckily we're allowed to eat in peace and not much else happens the rest of the night as soft music starts playing from the outside speakers.
Effie insists we dance in the spotlight, and the only good thing is that as the song ends we're able to melt into the crowd and have a few moments of peace from that wretched woman.
I'm holding Peeta's hand tightly, determined not to let go as a small pair of arms wrap around my middle and a tiny body slams into my side.
"You won! You won!" Prim shouts ecstatically.
I can't help but smile, laughing as I lean down and hug her, picking her up and swinging her around as she squeals in delight. Finally, I set her down and turn to see my mother, looking timid and unsure of herself.
"Congratulations, sweetheart," she says and we hug.
"I knew you could do it!" Prim declares, smiling so wide it makes my heart swell.
Suddenly, I've forgotten about Effie Trinket and the Capitol and all I can focus on is the beaming face of my little sister. Maybe it is worth it, I decide. Having to endure the public eye is surely worth the reward of knowing my little sister will be taken care of for the next several years.
"I'm glad I could prove you right then," I tell her, leaning down to plant a kiss on her forehead. "Go grab some food before they run out," I instruct her, "I'll be home later tonight."
She obliges and her and my mother go off together, disappearing through the crowd.
Peeta and I take our time navigating through the square, not in any hurry to get back to the stage. I see a familiar face approach and I squeeze Peeta's hand before letting go.
"Hey Catnip," Gale says, and we hug.
"I knew you could take those boys from Town," He smiles and then I notice the way his eyes flicker over my shoulder to Peeta.
"Thanks," I smile at him and then turn back to Peeta, gesturing for him to come stand by my side.
Gale sighs a little wearily and I know he's trying to decide whether or not to really trust Peeta. Well, maybe not whether to trust him, but if he even really likes him all that much.
"Hey man," Peeta speaks first, holding out his hand to shake with Gale.
After a moment, Gale relents and shakes Peeta's outstretched hand.
"So you two seem pretty popular," Gale muses, raising his eyebrows at me.
I roll my eyes at him. "Don't get me started," I huff.
"If you aren't careful you'll end up like Effie Trinket," Gale starts, "wigs, makeup, bright pink clothes."
I gape at him, narrowing my eyes in annoyance.
"Don't worry," Peeta speaks up, "I won't let that happen.
He slips an arm around my waist and pulls me against his side. I look over to see he is staring down at me, a smile tugging on his lips. He presses a kiss to my forward.
When I turn back to Gale I can see he is eyeing Peeta carefully, surveying him.
Finally, Gale takes a step forward, placing his arm on Peeta's shoulder and locking eyes with him.
"Take care of her, alright?"
"Alright," Peeta agrees and just like that Gale disappears into the crowd.
I have a funny feeling of changing tides. Like that in a way, I'll always remember this moment as when Peeta took over for Gale as the most important person in my world, my best friend in life.
And the thought, among the stress and worry that plagues me at the moment, calms me and makes me smile.
I know that this was how it was meant to be all along.
Effie finally gathers us back to the stage and when we start to make our way back inside the Justice Building I can't help let out a sigh of relief. This day is finally over I realize. I've gone along with their show and let them dress me and show me off and maybe they'll be happy with that.
Just as we get inside however, Effie turns to us, a wide smile on her face. She has that maniacal look I've come to recognize with her. I also know that nothing good usually follows that look. I grab Peeta's hand, preparing myself for the worst.
"I have fantastic news, you two!"
I grimace, waiting for the bomb to drop.
"I've just received word from the Capitol that they are doing things a little differently this year! They want to celebrate all of the Capitol Competition winners from the various districts this year by doing a sort of victory tour that will conclude in the Capitol with a special event in your honor!" Effie actually claps her hands together and and bounces on her feet as she says this.
"Obviously, as Katniss' trainer you'll be expected to come along as well, Peeta," Effie adds.
I open my mouth to respond, but before I can, Haymitch, who I hadn't even realized followed us back inside, speaks up.
"Well, of course the boy's coming!" He slurs, only slightly less drunk than he was earlier today. "You wouldn't want to miss the chance to show them off to the whole damn country. Parade them around like those freak shows you have in the Capitol."
I gape at Haymitch, surprised to hear him actually saying these things to Effie's face.
Effie narrows her eyes at him, looking at him like he is a very unpleasant pet.
"I don't expect you to understand young love," she says, turning her nose up at him.
"Yeah, I'm sure that's it," Haymitch laughs. "You just care about them so much! Definitely doesn't have anything to do with promoting the Capitol's agenda."
Effie starts to respond, hurling insults and getting worked up, but I stop her before things can escalate.
"Okay Effie, we'll go," I say tiredly, knowing it is a lost cause to try and argue otherwise.
"Great," she smiles, returning to her earlier state of cheerfulness.
"The train leaves tomorrow morning, so pack your bags!"
And I know, without understanding how or why, that after this train ride nothing will ever be the same.