Katniss' POV

It was strange to be in the President's mansion without the fanfare of a party. Sure the place was buzzing with people coming and going for the victory party that would take place later this evening but that was nothing compared to the hundreds of Capitol citizens that has been here on our previous visits.

The wedding planner was everything I was promised by Effie. Her name was Serena and was white from head to toe, clothes, skin even her pupils were white. She had so many ideas and every one of them was outrageous.

Peeta and I just smiled and said that they sounded great. We had come to the agreement this was not our wedding and just part of the never ending show we were preforming.

Not real.

This new understanding between us was just what I needed. I no longer felt guilt over leading Peeta on. Peeta knew I had some feelings for him but he also knew I was unsure about them. The freedom of honesty had me giddy.

I was holding Peeta's hand swinging it between us as I smiled at him. We were following Serena not really paying attention when a voice stops us dead in our tracks.

"The happy couple," I look up shocked to see Snow himself. "How are the plans coming along?"

I know we are technically in his home but I had not anticipated seeing Snow.

"To say that we are out of our league planning a wedding fit for the Capitol is an understatement sir." Peeta is so good at this, he was meant for the Capitol.

"Well if you need anything don't hesitate to ask." Snow sounds sincere but I can't help be repulsed by him.

"Serena has been most helpful but it's your house and if anything is not up to your standards or your liking we would be happy to change anything." Snow smirks at Peeta's reply and I could smack him for looking at Peeta so disrespectfully.

"I have no doubt the wedding will be spectacular." Snows words were polite but it still felt like a warning.

As Snow left us I realised all my happiness from before was gone.

I hate that man.

-0-

The victory party was unbearable.

Peeta and I had to take turns dancing and as a result conversing with the Capitol VIP. Each asking questions about our relationship and upcoming wedding. My robotic well-rehearsed answers kept them happy and convinced I was indeed a blushing bride.

It was not a surprise Peeta did better than me with his partners smiling and doubling over laughing at times. I gave him a look of false jealousy whenever our eyes met.

The song ended and I was released from my current admirer. A thought suddenly accrued to me, these are the men that would happily pay for me if it was available for them to do so.

"Is it my turn for the pleasure of your company sweetheart?" Haymitch brought me back to reality.

"Nothing would make me happier." My sickly sweet voice I normally reserve for the people from the Capitol makes us both laugh as he takes me in his embrace to dance.

"You look almost happy tonight." I consider what he is saying and as I always tent to do with Haymitch I answer truthfully.

"I am almost happy, I think it must be going home tomorrow." He looks over his shoulder to Peeta.

"Nothing like a cosy train ride to make you happy." He can read me like a book, he always knows what's going on in my head, maybe even better than I do at times.

My blush is all the answer he needs to continue. "I have to say I can't wait for the wedding either. Make him happy sweetheart, he deserves a good wife. Unfortunately, he is getting you."

"Shut it, Haymitch and let me dance with my girl." I hadn't seen Peeta approach us but was glad to be rescued from another one of Haymitch's talks of how Peeta is better than me.

Still stinging from the insult I practically push Haymitch away. Scowling at him I reply. "Be careful or I will marry you."

"Now that is a threat even I would heed." Haymitch leaves grinning in the direction of the bar and I turn to Peeta, both of us beaming.

Like magic the music slows and Peeta holds me closer. I place my head on his shoulder and we sway to the beat. Closing my eyes I can almost pretend we are not at this party and relax in my perfect moment. A ball of energy is stirring deep down in my insides. Every time Peeta lets out a breath of air into my hair it gets more intense.

I am nearly completely lost in us when a small weasel of a man interrupts us. I blink my eyes open as he speaks. "The President would like to see you both right away."

"Of course," Peeta answers, takes my hand and leads the way.

We are led to a large office where the President is sitting behind a hefty desk. The weasel man leaves us and closes the door. I look at Peeta for some answers but he just shrugs in a reply.

"Come in, take a seat." Snow's friendly exterior is not convincing me to relax.

We sit in the two chairs in front of his desk but remain holding hands.

Snow smirks at the connecting limbs. "It certainly is hard to separate you two." I just nod and wait for him to continue. "I am afraid that is precisely what I have asked you to see me about."

"I'm sorry sir, I don't understand." I am so happy with Peeta. I hear people say all the time that he would not have survived the games if it wasn't for me but I would not have survived the Capitol without him.

"I need one of you to help here in the Capitol for two weeks." He looks smug. I would kill this man if I could.

"Help with what?" I spoke up this time but I forgot my sweet voice in my irritation.

"The wedding of course, I have a long list of interviews and appearances. I have managed to fit them into a two week period for your convenience but I am afraid it is necessary. The citizens are intrigued by the planning process." I couldn't argue with him, all anybody has been interested in all night is the wedding.

"Why only one of us, can't we both stay?" an amused expression flicks across his face. Snow had anticipated my question.

"I am afraid not. Katniss I need you in District 12. We are going to do some promos of you getting ready with your mother and sister. Also preparing your new home for Peeta's return, I understand that is a tradition in 12?" he was right the women of the bride's family usually cleaned and prepared the new home before the couple moved in together.

I just nod but its Peeta's turn to question. "Its three weeks till the wedding and you said I am only needed for two. Do I stay here now or come back next week?"

"I think a week in District 12 will refresh you nicely for the upcoming events, you will return in a week." Snow had an air of finality to his voice and looked pleased when we didn't argue. I wanted to argue but it would do no good and we both knew it.

Peeta would come home with me tomorrow for a week and then he had to return to the Capitol alone. I squeezed his hand as if I could somehow keep him safe by doing so.

-0-

It was always a strange sensation of leaving the Capitol. I knew the next time I would do so I would be legally Mrs Mellark but that would be "not real." If and when we are ready to get married Peeta and I will have a traditional toasting and that will be "real."

We were hidden away in our room just like on our arriving journey. Only this time instead of Peeta sketching away and me napping, we were stealing kisses from each other between sentences.

"How are we going to sleep alone again?" I leaned in to kiss him each time we did so the heat was building and it was taking us longer to break apart.

"I know we have never spent so long in the Capitol before. It is going to be harder to adjust again but it will only be three weeks."

I am on his lips as soon as he finishes talking. My hands are attracted like magnets to his hair. Peeta's hands are on my face. His lips are so sure and familiar now parting mine and slipping his tongue into my mouth. It's slow and sensual. The jolt in my insides bursts into flames, I am getting so hot.

Peeta is the one that pulls away first but as soon as I get enough air I crawl on top of him and attach myself to his lips again. I am so eager for his touch I let out a moan as his large hands move down my back. I can feel him smile against me lips and I am suddenly embarrassed by my actions.

I slow my kiss to a stop, giving him one more peck before I open my eyes.

I hope I remember this view for the rest of my life. Peeta looks so happy lying under me his blue eyes are heavy and relaxed. I kiss him softly again.

"Can we just stay in this room forever?" he just laughs off my question and adjusts me as he sits up so we are side by side with his arms around me on the bed.

"I thought you wanted to take it slow?"

"I do, we are taking it slow, aren't we?" I am not sure anymore I never had a relationship before but I am comfortable with the speed we are travelling at. At least I am comfortable with the speed of our real relationship.

"Katniss, if we stay in this room much longer I will not be able to promise you anything." His voice is husky and I bit my lip at the thought of the link between his tone and his arousal.

Peeta stands and gives me a light kiss on the forehead. "I am going for a cold shower before dinner." He heads for the bathroom and I lay back on the bed happy that I may be able to figure out men after all.

Gale?

Why did he have to pop in my head when I am so happy? I would be home tomorrow and I would have to see him. That's if he wanted to see me.

How do I tell him my relationship with Peeta is now real? Haymitch had warned me Snow has cameras and spies everywhere even in the Districts. So a conversation about how my relationship was false, but now is real will be impossible. Maybe it was even my conversations with Gale and my mother about it when we returned from our games originally that had given Snow his suspicions about it.

I am pretty sure my mother will still not let Peeta sleep over either way. I can see myself spending time with Haymitch in my near future especially, when Peeta returns to the Capitol alone