Chapter 11 – You Belong to Me
AN: Many thanks for all those who alerted, favored and reviewed the last chapter. A shout out to my readers who took the time to write a review [wonderishome, pistonsfan75, Nenaah, Shellibug, IcePinkLemonade, hstrywlk, Tributevictor1, Lhaine07, J, jmjames, LACR, avidFanficFanatic, pumpkinking5, Nai1987,insidejokepartyof1, Dinkydi, beckyike and guests] Your comments and reviews are greatly appreciated. This chapter contains Garrett, Prim, Delly and Katniss POV and is rated R. Hunger Games belongs to Suzanne Collins. Now on with the show….
Garrett POV ––
I rubbed my right thigh above my fake leg. It was ten minutes before closing time at the mine. I knew that Gale would head right home after his shift. After last night's incident I knew that I had to have a talk with him. I couldn't put if off any longer as my anger and mistrust for Gale grew.
He was determined to cause trouble for Katniss and that was something I wouldn't stand for. It saddened me that I couldn't recognize the boy I knew. Gales' father, Charles Hawthorne was my friend. When he died I promised myself to ensure that his family was provided for. I was proud and pleased that even at young age, Gale took it upon himself to be the head of his family. He had grown up to be a decent and kind young man or so I thought.
But last night, the incident with Cray was an act of betrayal. His obsession and jealousy over Katniss' relationship with Peeta had turned him into someone I never knew existed. He was bitter, angry and surly. Before the incident with Ivan, I wasn't concerned when he railed against the Capitol and the injustice. It was a common consensus. I envied his spirit, energy and drive. He wanted something better for his family and for himself. Oh, I would give anything to be young again.
We all hated the Snow and the Capitol. So I encouraged him to volunteer––give him some purpose in his life. And what did he do?
He turned on Katniss?
I sighed as I closed my eyes. I debated as to whether I should speak to him, man to man. I almost faltered at my decision. No, he needed to prioritize what was important to him. Time and again Katniss had informed him of her decision. She didn't see him as a lover in any capacity. He was her best friend. Once Katniss made a decision she stuck to it. There was no force on earth or person who could make her change her mind.
"Is there anything I get you while you're waiting for Gale," Hazelle Hawthorne asked.
"I'm good," I answered back. I wasn't looking forward to this confrontation but it needed to be done. The air between us was thick. She knew why I was waiting for her son.
"I'm sorry, Garrett," she apologized in Gale's behalf for his behavior. "I don't know what is happening to him," she confessed. "He's so angry all the time. Ever since the night of the celebration, he's been short and quick tempered. I just can't believe that he would hurt Katniss in such a way."
"He's angry at Katniss for rejecting him," I imparted. "It didn't help that her boyfriend is a Merchant."
"Did you know about Peeta?" she asked. "That they were together?" I bit the inside of my mouth. I knew I had to lie to Hazelle to protect Peeta and Katniss. I had no choice.
"I didn't," I admitted.
"Are you okay with…Peeta with Katniss?" I was more than okay for I knew that if their relationship was real, Peeta would take care of my girl.
"Even if I wasn't. Do you honestly think I could stop her from seeing him?" I snorted. She smiled back. She knew my daughter's temperament and strong personality. When Katniss set her mind on something. There was nothing I could do stop her.
"I shouldn't be surprised since I knew that James' youngest son has always been kind to everyone. He really is a sweet and gentle boy," she added. "I just never thought that he was attracted to Katniss." I harrumphed and chuckled.
"You don't know the half of it."
"If Katniss is happy, then good for her."
"Gale didn't take it too well when he found out. We all know that Gale had his eyes set on her." She nodded in agreement. "I just didn't think he would react the way he did."
"He's loved her for awhile," she confessed. "I don't think he realized it until now. I had hoped that they would get together since they grew up together."
"Well, Katniss didn't see it that way." It was easy to compare the difference between Gale and Peeta's affection for Katniss. Growing up, Gale had always treated her like a sister. They went to school and hunted together. Then, suddenly he saw her in a different light. At the age, when boys and girls discovered each other Katniss was busy providing for our family. She had no time for girlish dreams and romantic fancies.
As the years passed, Gale's attraction grew. He loved Katniss but was he in love with her? Yet, in that time, her affection remained the same––sisterly affection not one of love or desire.
As for Peeta Mellark, I smiled at a memory. One I could never forget even until this day.
Flashback ––
"How about three loaves for one rabbit and a squirrel?" Jimmy bartered as we stood at the back of the bakery. He wore n dirty apron stained with flour and grease over his light blue shirt and dark brown pants. Besides him stood little Peeta. He was eight years old wearing the same outfit matching his father's attire to a tee with an apron, shirt and pants in the same colors. He looked adorable with flour smeared across his cheek and hair.
"You got yourself a deal," I agreed. A handshake wasn't necessary our word was enough.
"Give me a minute while I pack the bread," he said as he disappeared back into the bakery leaving Peeta standing by the doorway.
He had hands inside his pockets. "Mr. Everdeen?" he said his voice low and soft.
"Yes, Mr. Peeta," I returned. He blushed and giggled revealing the dimples on his pink face.
"When I get bigger and stronger, can I marry Katniss?" he asked. I was dumbstruck by his question. Since the age of five, I knew of his crush with my eldest daughter. I often teased Jimmy saying that Peeta was going to be my son-in-law one day. Jimmy chuckled and said to make sure he never mentioned that in front of Evelyn. I never did since I knew of her reaction––a new bruise on young Peeta's face.
I didn't want to lie or encourage Peeta. Marrying Lily was the best thing that had ever happened to me. But we struggled. We struggled against the prejudice and social barrier that existed between Seam and Merchant. I didn't want that kind of heartache for my daughter.
"Well, Peeta,' I started. "You know there are a lot of girls out there. What if you change your mind when you get bigger?"
His eyes grew wide. There was a tinge of hurt and anger behind his crystal blue eyes. They were mesmerizing as his brows furrowed in defiance. With pouted cherry lips, he squared his shoulders and crossed his arms against his chest. "I don't want anybody but Katniss. All the other girls are icky."
I laughed so hard my cheeks hurt. "What's so funny, Garrett," Jimmy asked as he appeared by the doorway with a large bag in his hand.
"Nothing, Jimmy." I swiped the tears from my eyes. "Just having a private conversation with Mr. Peeta." Gauging Peeta's stance and reaction, he didn't look pleased. "Tell you what, when you get older you can ask me again at the right time."
"When is the right time?" Peeta asked, encouraged by my answer as he gave me a big toothy smile.
"You'll know, Peeta. You'll know."
End of flashback ––
Suddenly the door opened wide. Gale still suited in his mining gear walked through the door. He was smeared with coal dust from head to toe––not one area of his skin and clothing wasn't covered with the black soot.
"Mr. Everdeen," he croaked. There was a bit of anger and fear in his eyes. 'Yeah, you better be scared,' the protective father inside me spoke.
"Gale," I greeted him.
"I'll leave you two to talk," Hazelle announced.
"Why don't we go outside," I suggested as I left no room for him to argue. I headed out the door. Gale followed right behind me. I walked to the edge of the Seam. The distance was far enough from prying neighbors. This was a conversation that didn't need an audience.
I stared at Gale for a moment to collect my thoughts. I loved Gale like a son I never had. He was family to me but by betraying my daughter the girl he swore he loves diminished any fatherly affections I had for him.
"Mr. Everdeen. I truly am sorry for causing any problems to your family," Gale stated. "I didn't meant to get Katniss in trouble with Cray?"
"Then why did you do it, Gale? Why would you hurt Katniss––"
"Because she belongs to me not to that spoiled Merchant," Gale screamed. It didn't take much to get him riled up but this was…new.
"Who she belongs to is not your decision to make," I said. I kept my temper in check for I felt sorry for him. Katniss rejected him that stung and bruised his ego. I wondered why he was so hung on up Katniss when I knew he had many girlfriends.
I knew about the girls he took to the slagheap. But Gale knew to respect Katniss to never take her there––willingly or not. I also knew that Peeta never ventured into the heap with anyone. What would I have done if he took her there? The idea never crossed my mind for Peeta would never cheapen his love for Katniss. I was sure of it. For there was one thing I was certain, that Katniss would control the nature of their relationship with Peeta. God help him when it happened.
"I loved her before he ever did," he spat. I knew that wasn't true. "He just comes along and steals her from me." Even underneath the soot and grime, the heat and anger radiated from him with such fury. This was not the type of man I wanted for Katniss. She needed someone gentle, patience and kind, someone like Peeta Mellark. "What could she possible see in him?"
At first, I could admit that Peeta was not the kind of man that I would pick for my daughter. He wasn't tall, muscular, strong, confident or manly. But the fact he grew up to be sweet, generous and loving despite having Evelyn Mellark as his mother, was a miracle. He could have been a bully; bitter, angry and hot headed, but he wasn't. He was perfect for Katniss.
"I could ask the same for you, Gale," I said in a cold manner. "You know what I see? I see a young man who's been knocked down all his life by a mother who cared little for his welfare. Yet, he remained kind, gentle and strong." Gale scoffed. "He's loves without being possessive, he cares without being smothering and most of all he has the patience of a saint. All the qualities you lack."
"I love Katniss, I would have taken care of her better than he would," he boasted.
"I believe you would have," I said back. "But that's not the case, is it? She made her choice and you can't accept it."
"We would have been good together. We were friends and good hunting partners. We were a team," he rambled. He wasn't listening to me. All his arguments were based on his ideals––what he thought that made them a couple, not of her feelings or wishes.
"Stop, Gale," I said in stern manner. "Not once had you asked how she felt or her feelings for that matter. Did it not occur to you that he never thought of you as a boyfriend? You're basing your wants and needs over hers. How many times does she have to hurt you, to listen to her and tell you that she doe not feel the same way about you in the same way you feel about her. Love can't be forced or coerced. You love who you love."
"She's in love with…Peeta Mellark?" His face was stricken with pain, rejection and hurt.
"I don't know if she's in love with him but I do know that she likes him. Likes him enough to call him her boyfriend," I lied. I had to end his obsessive with feelings with Katniss. I really didn't know how she felt about Peeta. However, I was certain that she missed her friendship with Gale. "Listen, you really need make up your mind what is important to you. You have things to…take care of before, you know? We need you, Gale." I needed to motivate him. "Your feelings for Katniss…you have to get over them. You're integral to our mission. I need you focused on the task on hand."
"You're making me choose between Katniss and the mission?"
"There is no choice for you. Katniss made her decision and it wasn't you," I reminded him.
"I refuse to believe that she chose him. I would have known about it," he said. He talked like he knew Katniss as if he knew her mind and her heart.
"You really don't understand the inner workings of woman's mind or heart," I lectured him. My daughter may not be a typical girl who dreamt of marrying and having babies, but she thought, hurt and felt like any female around. She was no exception.
I had enough. I didn't know if I got through to Gale but at least I tried.
"Gale, you listen to me and listen good," I said. "I don't know where you're head is but you better get your head screwed on right before your mission. Because is you don't we can easily find another volunteer."
"You wouldn't…I'm the only one qualified," he raged. "I know the District 12 like the back of my hand."
"You're not the only one," I said with finality. "Stay away from Katniss." I turned to walk away. "And, Gale. You stay away from Peeta Mellark. If I hear one words of you harassing either of them. You're done."
Prim POV ––
I stifled the laugh that was caught in my throat. Poor Katniss. I never seen her so frustrated in my entire life. How did she expect for Peeta to react around her when she was anything but friendly the last times they met? How could he forget her hostility at the bakery incident and how she treated him during the celebration? As far as Peeta was concern she hated him and wanted nothing to do with him. Then to be whipped and accused of murdering Ivan, it was a lot for Peeta to process.
The scowl on her face never left as we returned home from the bakery. "The lines on our face will become permanent if you keep looking like that," I teased her. She hated it whenever I told her that she was brooding or scowling.
"I'm…just so…frustrated," she whined. I giggled. Katniss never whined. This was a first.
"I know."
"He's driving me crazy."
"I know." I repeated as I sucked both my lips into my mouth from laughing.
"He won't even look at me," she said in an aggravated tone. "He used to look at me all the time. Now…all I see is the side of his face." She took a deep breath. "He's driving me crazy." I couldn't contain it any longer as I burst out laughing.
"It's not funny."
"Yes, it is," I returned.
"Why are boys so complicated?" She gnashed her teeth in frustration.
I laughed hard. "Katniss, boys are not that hard to understand," I told her. "If they like you, they like you. Peeta still likes you."
"No, Peeta used to like me," she pouted. This really hurt her. She had Peeta's devotion and now he barely looked or talked to her. Granted, he was still sick and drugged up most of the time but his interaction with her was…minimum––I sometimes think he can't believe she's there talking to him. Suddenly he's gun shy with her.
"I don't know what to do."
"Just be patient and keep trying," I recommended. Patience was the one virtue my sister lacked when it came to people. She was great hunter out in her in element but when it came to socializing she…sucked at it. Watching her flirt with Peeta was something that was painful to watch.
"I just want him to…like me again. Like he used to," she said her voice soft and wispy. She needed encouragement.
"You said that he liked you since he was five, Katniss," I reminded her. "He's not just going to stop. He waited all this time for you."
"Yeah, he did. He waited and I…now he knows what a horrible person I really am," she said. I looked at her. She was dressed a simple dark blue dress and boots. It was the first time in ages since she wore anything besides a pair of dark brown pants and green shirt. It was the most unfeminine ensemble in her wardrobe that she wore to school. A dress only appeared at my request when it was her birthday.
"Why should I wear a dress to school. It isn't as if I'm going to impress anyone nor do I want to," she once said.
She even woke up early to fix her hair in a neat, single braid. I was surprised by her dedication to impress Peeta––to show him her change of heart.
"Katniss," I stopped her as I placed a hand on her arm. "He still likes you, okay? Don't give up."
"I don't know what to do," she repeated.
"Just don't give up on him because if you do," I stated. "There are plenty of girls out there both Merchant and Seam that…" Oops. I hadn't meant to say so much. Peeta was the talk with both Merchant and Seam. Her eyes narrowed.
"What both Merchant and Seam girls what…?" she seethed.
"Well, you know. Now that everyone thinks that you're together," I started to explain. "And he's Merchant and you're from the Seam…" I flinched as I recalled one girl talking about Peeta in the most inappropriate manner.
"What, Prim?" she said in a cold tone. "What are they saying about my boyfriend?" Wow, when did that happen? She was already claiming him without Peeta knowing that they're together. Geez, possessive much?
"Once he gets his infatuation over you," I gulped. "They think they have a chance with him."
"Are your kidding me? I want to know who these girls are, Prim," she asked rage in her eyes. I sighed. She was so oblivious sometimes. Girls have been fawning over Peeta for years.
"You know who they are," I repeated. "Katniss, you know who they are. You go to school with them everyday." She was that clueless to the activities and gossip that had been around since we started school.
"I want names."
"Katniss, you can't be oblivious to the traffic that bakery has gotten for the past few days."
"You mean––"
"Yes, all the girls…your classmates that paid the bakery a visit."
Everyone knew that Peeta was back home at the bakery. Every day he had visitors leaving presents hoping to see him. One girl even wrote him a poem. It was pathetic and sweet at the same time. Katniss wasn't pleased with all the attention he was receiving.
Flashback ––
The day after the Justice Building questioning for Peeta, Mr. Mellark and Katniss
Katniss twisted and turn all night after coming home from the bakery. Her restlessness kept me up as well. I sighed in relief once the sun hit the horizon as the rays shimmered through our window. In a flash she was up, bathed, dressed and had breakfast hours before anyone was up for the day. I used that time to catch up on some sleep. I had no idea why she was up so early since I knew that she couldn't go hunting as the fences were still up.
She was impatient as she waited for me to exit the house. "Katniss, what's the hurry?" I asked in annoyance. I should have known something was up since she wore a dress she reserved for special occasions. The last time she wore a dress was on her eighteenth birthday. In her hand was a small pot.
"I want to stop by the bakery before going to school," she explained.
"Why?" I asked. This was new. Before she avoided going anywhere near the bakery.
"I made Peeta soup this morning. I want to make sure that Mr. Mellark gets it so he can have it for lunch," she continued. Wow, okay.
At the bakery, I wasn't surprised that Peeta was still asleep but for Katniss, she was disappointed that she couldn't see him. "I had to give him some sleep serum. He was up half the night." The telltale signs of bags under his eyes confirmed his appearance. He looked dead on his feet.
During break and lunch, I kept my eyes on Katniss. She was, as usual scowling at anyone who approached her. Everyone knew to keep their distance. Well, not everyone. A Seam classmate approached Katniss as I waited for her at her locker.
"Hey Katniss," she greeted her. I didn't know her name but I've seen her hanging onto Gale when he was in school last year. I think Katniss had mentioned that she was one of his 'conquests.' At the time, I didn't know what it meant but now I did.
"What do you want, Stella?" Katniss returned suspicion and wariness on her face.
"How's Peeta?" she asked.
"Why are you asking?" Her brows were furrowed and her lips in straight line.
"Is it true that he's––"
"Yes, he's my boyfriend," Katniss finished. "Do I have to make a district wide announcement or something?"
"Don't be mad, Katniss" Stella returned. "All this time we thought you were Gale's girlfriend. I mean, he told every guy that even tried to talk to you that you were his."
"What?" Katniss bellowed. "I'm going to say this once and for all you can tell anyone who wants to know––I was never Gale's girlfriend. We've never been anything but friends. And while you're at it, you let everyone know that Peeta is off limits to everyone." She slammed her locker and headed out the door leaving Stella and I speechless.
"Katniss, wait for me." She didn't slow down as she reached the bakery. Once inside, she approached Mr. Mellark
"Hello, Mr. Mellark," she greeted him.
"Hello, Katniss. Since you're going to work here," he said with a tired smile on his face. "You can call me Jimmy."
"Oh, okay, Mr. Mellark. I mean Jimmy. Before I start to work, is it okay if I go upstairs to see Peeta?" she asked. "I mean if he's asleep I won't bother him. I…um…just want to see him."
Mr. Mellark was startled and amused. He looked around the bakery. There were two Merchant customers in line.
"I think he's still asleep but it wouldn't hurt to check up on him," he told her. "Just hold on a second. Rye, can you come up front for a few minutes?" Rye appeared.
"Dad? I thought you wanted me to start the new batch for tomorrow?" Then he noticed us. "Oh, hi Katniss, hi Prim."
"You can start after you help these two ladies." He pointed to the customers. "I'm taking Katniss and Prim upstairs to check up on Peeta."
We headed up the stairs. The second floor residence wasn't large, but it was much larger than my home at the Seam. "He's had a really bad morning." I placed my school bag by the couch in their living room. The house was a mess. I guess having Mrs. Mellark had some advantages. However, Peeta was an exception; he kept his room clean and tidy.
"What happened?" I asked as the healer in me kicked in.
"You know the side effects your mother mentioned?" he exclaimed. I nodded. Katniss gasped. "He woke up vomiting bile this morning. I tried to give him the soup you made for lunch but he only had two spoonfuls. Then, he got stomach cramps. All he had today for the rest of the day is tea."
We entered his room the window was wide open. Peeta was on his side wearing only his boxer shorts––they were dark orange this time. With a pillow cushioned between his legs, he looked at peace his breath soft and his face relaxed. Without a sound Katniss immediately walked over and knelt before him, I reached down and checked his forehead.
"He's not too warm which is a good sign," I reported in a whisper. Katniss followed suit and cupped his check with her hand. He had hair on his face, a five o'clock shadow as what they called it. She lightly rubbed her thumb on his gruff cheek in a reverent manner. It was the first time I had ever saw her touch him in such an intimate way.
"I'll head downstairs and relieve Rye," Mr. Mellark announced. "Come down as soon as you can, Katniss." He turned and left.
"He's okay, Katniss," I said. "Peeta will probably sleep for the rest of the afternoon," I informed her. "You should go downstairs to work." She cleared her throat and stood up. She blushed when she realized that I had caught her touching Peeta in such a way. She cross the threshold to Peeta's room then stopped as she looked back one last time before exiting the room.
For an hour or so, I kept my eye on Peeta incase he needed me. I was so engrossed with my homework that I was surprised when he appeared by his doorway. "Dad," he said as he rubbed his eyes with the back of his hand. He had one arm leaning on the doorway.
"Peeta, what are you doing up?" I gasped in horror. He struggled to stay on his feet.
"I gotta pee," he announced. I blushed as I tried not to stare below his waistline. Katniss would kill me if she knew I was ogling at him. I couldn't help but be impressed with the way he filled in his boxer shorts. I may be fourteen but I could still appreciate a yummy boy even if he was my sister's boyfriend. I smiled at the thought. Peeta Mellark was my sister's boyfriend. How cool was that? "Can you get my dad?" His pained expression disrupted my thoughts.
"Sure, Peeta." I ran down the stairs. "Mr. Mellark, Peeta…um…needs your help," I announced to a room full of customers––four to be exact. Katniss was at the front but Mr. Mellark was not in sight.
"What's wrong, Prim?" she asked with concern on her face. I ran passed her. "Prim?"
"Mr. Mellark?" I inquired. He wasn't in the back of the bakery and neither was Rye. "Where is everybody?" I noticed Delly Cartwright as she removed a loaf out of the oven.
"Oh hi, I'm Prim Everdeen," I announced myself.
"I know who you are," Delly gushed as she walked over and hugged me. I never knew Rye's fiancée but she greeted me as if we were close friends. "I'm Delly, Rye's fiancée."
"I know," I said with a smile. She was sweet as she returned a smile my way.
"It's really nice to meet you."
"Likewise." I liked Delly. She was a Merchant that wasn't mean or rude to any Seam. The Cartwrights were good and decent people who didn't have any hang-ups about the Seam and Merchant divide.
"Mr. Mellark should be back in about twenty minutes. Anything wrong?" Delly asked.
"It's Peeta," I stated.
"What's wrong?" Katniss asked
"Peeta woke up," I stated. "And he's up and he needs to use the bathroom." Katniss opened her mouth and closed it. "He was asking for his dad."
"Rye went out for a delivery and Mr. Mellark went to the Justice Building," Delly said.
"The Justice Building? Is everything okay?"
"He went to sign some paperwork." Oh, okay. I thought that maybe he was in some kind of trouble again.
"Oh, I guess. I'll help Peeta then," I said in a nonchalant manner. It was just Peeta. Katniss gasped.
"What? Oh no, you're not," she exclaimed a look of determination on her face as she ran up the stairs.
"Hey, what about the customers downstairs," I said as I looked into the front of the shop.
"Go ahead, Prim," Delly said as she wiped her hands with a towel and returned to the front of the bakery. "I'll take care of things down here until Mr. Mellark or Rye comes back. Go take care of Peeta."
I shook my head in amusement as I watched my sister disappear upstairs. Was Katniss really up to…I mean was she going to help Peeta? Did she know what kind of help he was asking? I guess she'll find out.
"Where's Peeta?" Katniss asked as she walked into his room and looked around the second floor. "Peeta?"
I felt her panic. "Peeta?" she cried out again as we stepped into his bedroom. It was empty. The pillow that cushioned his legs was on the floor next to his bed.
"He's probably in the bathroom," I suggested. How he made it over there without any help astounded me.
Outside the bathroom door, I knocked. "Peeta are you okay in there?" Silence. "Peeta?" I waited a few seconds. There was no sound coming from the room. "Peeta, are you okay?"
Katniss clutched onto the doorknob, twisted the knob. It was locked. "Peeta? Um…it's me Katniss. Are you okay?" She placed her head against the wooden panel pressing her ear on the door.
"I don't like this, Katniss." The silence scared me.
"I know. Peeta, please answer me." The next moment we heard the toilet flush then water flowing in the sink. We waited with bated breath as time passed two minutes later. "Peeta," she repeated. "Open the goddamn door now." Her hand gripped the doorknob so hard that her knuckles were pale. She looked scared.
"Peeta, please open the door and let us know you're okay," I said. "Katniss––"
The door flew open. Peeta held onto the doorknob, as he was unsteady on his feet. Sweat beaded his forehead. Katniss and I quickly grabbed him by the arms. "Sorry, I couldn't wait," he sighed. "I didn't realize going to the bathroom would be so tiring. I'm so exhausted."
"You shouldn't have gone alone. You should have waited for us. What if you fell in
there?" Katniss berated him her voice hard from fear and worry.
"I'm fine. I didn't hurt myself––"
"What if you hit your head?" Peeta winced at her tone. His lip trembled as I felt his body stiffen. "You could have injured yourself. What is wrong with you that you couldn't wait for help? You're not strong enough yet to be walking on your own."
Shit, Katniss. Way to go.
In Peeta's eyes, she was yelling at him as her fear was interpreted as anger directed towards him. I cringed. I had to remember that she lacked patience and proper bedside manners. She lashed out when she was scared or cornered. Her concern for his welfare scared her.
"Katniss?" I uttered my voice calm.
"What?" she snapped in return. I gave her a look of impatience and frustration. She meant well. She didn't mean to yell at him.
"Shouldn't you go back to work? Peeta is okay."
"What?" She looked puzzled. Peeta shrugged his arms from us.
"I can make it on my own," he said between clenched teeth. "I don't need your help." My heart broke as he struggled to walk by himself to his room. He felt embarrassed for being scolded by Katniss. "I can take care of myself. I've been doing it for years without you."
"Peeta––" Katniss cried out realizing that she had hurt him with her tone. "I didn't meant to––"
"Leave me alone." He dropped on his bed face down on the pillow. The stitches on his back were healing but he looked paler than usual. "Go away," he whimpered.
"Peeta?" Katniss was beside herself with sorrow. I felt bad for her. Peeta didn't know that her anger wasn't because she was mad at him, but out of concern and fear. He only experienced anger with her.
"You can go now," he said with finality as he turned his head away from us. Katniss bit her lower lip. She messed up and she knew it. "Leave me alone."
"Come on, Katniss. Peeta needs to rest." She bit her lip and exited his room.
That night she was in a funk that I couldn't comfort her. She was inconsolable. Dad noticed her behavior.
"What happened today?" he asked.
I explained as best I could without making Katniss appear cruel and mean to Peeta but it was not necessary since Dad knew Katniss' temper.
"She was scared for Peeta," I explained. "She didn't mean to yell at him."
"I know, Prim. When she gets scared she gets defensive," Dad sighed. "Poor Peeta. He's vulnerable right now and anything she does with him could be taken as being mean and spiteful."
The next day, it didn't get any better, as Peeta remained quiet when we arrived at the bakery after school. I knew something was wrong but held my tongue. Mom came over and gave him a sponge bath. Downstairs, Katniss' demeanor was stuck between anger and frustration as two more of Peeta's classmates arrived to visit him. There wasn't a ploy of gifts this time as they gathered at the display case.
"Prim, tell Mr. Mellark that Peeta's hungry and wants cheese bun," Mom ordered. Peeta was hungry? Awesome, I skipped down the stairs and told Mr. Mellark the good news.
"This is a good sign, right?" he said as he handed me a plate. I nodded my head. "Why don't you let Katniss bring that upstairs?" I lifted my brows in surprise. It seemed that he too was playing matchmaker.
"Katniss," I cried out as I reached the reception area of the bakery.
"We came by to see how Peeta was doing" a short petite Merchant girl asked. She was a friend of Delly's as another girl stood with her.
"Peeta is doing great, Amelia," Delly answered. Katniss brood beside her.
"Since when did she..." She pointed to Katniss. "Started to work here?" There was a sneer in her face. She objected to Katniss' presence in the bakery.
"Well, you know that I'm getting married soon and Graham left to work at his in-law's butcher shop. Who else would work here but Peeta's girlfriend?" Delly supplied as if it was the most natural thing in the world. "You know this is a family bakery."
The implication was obvious that not only was Katniss was Peeta's girlfriend but part of the family. The idea warmed me. Katniss hid the look of surprise and gratitude on her face.
"Hey, Katniss," I interrupted. "Peeta is hungry. Mr. Mellark said you can take a 10 minute break and give this to him," I said. Katniss smiled, a big toothy smile I hadn't seen in days or rather in weeks since the Ivan incident. She grabbed the plate and walked up the stairs as I followed after her. I'll never forget the look on Delly's face and her classmates. One was amused while the others were indignant and scandalized.
We barged into Peeta's room just in time to watch mom helped Peeta into a new pair of boxer shorts. I held my breath as Katniss gasped besides me. At the last moment, I saw two muscular well formed ass cheeks. His underwear snapped into place onto his lean waist. Wowie, boy was he…I turned my head to see Katniss staring back at me. She wasn't amused that I have yet again ogled at Peeta. I think that I've seen more of Peeta that I have of any male near my age.
"Uh, mom," Katniss started. "I bought food for Peeta." Her face was red. Mom continued to dress Peeta as she slipped a shirt onto him. Damn, no more half naked Peeta. With the look that Katniss sent me I guess it was for the best.
He sat down on his bed looking forlorn. He didn't look up to acknowledge us…Katniss or me. He seemed upset as his lip shook. "What's wrong?" I asked. Katniss knelt before him. He was oblivious to her presence. His eyes were blood shot and bleary as tears brimmed his eyes.
Mom sighed. "Peeta woke up with a headache. His vision is blurry." Another side effect he experienced from the withdrawal. "I can't give any medication until he has something solid in his stomach."
"It's not permanent though, right?" Katniss asked her voice tinged with panic. "His blurry vision. It'll clear up soon."
"We just need to keep the room dark so it doesn't aggravate him more," mom said. "Peeta, Katniss has a plate in front of you with a cheese bun. I want you to eat it. You probably have a headache due to not eating." He extended his hand in front of him missing the plate as his fingers landed on top of her hand.
Katniss gasped as his hand made contact on her skin. He pulled his hand back as if he burned it.
"Sorry," he said in a whisper a he bit his lower lip. " I didn't mean to––"
"It's okay," Katniss' voice was soft and calm. She grabbed his hand. He tugged it back as if he was trying to free himself from her grasp. Once the bread was in his hand he bit it slow. He flinched.
"Rye made this," he stated his nose scrunched and took a whiff from the bread. He made a disgusted look on his face. "Blech."
"How can you tell?" I asked. He shrugged his shoulders
"Doesn't have enough salt and too much garlic," he continued.
"At least your taste buds are not affected," mom stated. "You need to eat, Peeta. You're out of morphling. You won't recover fast if you keep losing weight."
"I don't have any appetite, Mrs. Everdeen," he stated. "I don't want to vomit anymore. When I eat it makes my stomach hurt."
"Just try, Peeta. You need to gain our weight back. Well, it's time for me to leave. I'll see you girls at home."
"Mrs. Everdeen," Peeta spoke. "Thank you for everything."
"No need to thank me, Peeta," she said. "Just get better that's all thanks I need." Peeta sighed. She left the room leaving us alone with him.
"You're mom is really nice," he said in a wistful manner. "I…" He stopped and took another bite of the cheese bun. We knew what he meant knowing what kind of a witch Mrs. Mellark was to him. She didn't deserve him for a son.
Before going home, I noticed that Peeta kept scratching his head. Katniss appeared at his doorway. It had been days since I washed his hair. He fidgeted the same way when his hair needed cleaning. "Peeta when was the last time you had your hair washed?" I asked him.
"Since the last time you gave me one." He shrugged his shoulders.
"Do you want my help before I go home?" I asked him.
"No, it's okay, Prim. I'm hoping that Delly will help me today after her shift at work." The look on Katniss' face was one of jealousy and irritation.
"I can wash your hair if you want," I insisted. "I can help you wash your hair before I leave."
"No, no." He shook his head as he rubbed his eyes. As he looked up, he blinked twice focusing his vision. I could tell his head was still hurting. When he noticed that Katniss was right in his line of sight he turned his head. He looked embarrassed as if he was caught staring at her.
The hurt on Katniss' face was apparent. It annoyed her once when she thought she caught him staring at her. Now he barely looked at her. These two were going to drive me insane.
End of flashback ––
"Katniss, just please calm down," I comforted her. "You have to remember that Peeta doesn't know how you feel about him now. The last time you talked to him, when he remembered. It was at the celebration. Since then, he's been whipped and drugged for so long. I doubt he knows what day it is." She had time. Time to adjust and realized what had been in front of her.
But with Peeta, time stood still for him. Any memories of her brought back feelings of rejection. Katniss had told me of what had happened when Cray interrogated Peeta again. How he thought of her as his girlfriend, a dream or fantasy from a boy who adored her. He was confused and in pain. He didn't know what to believe. And with her lack of patience and temper, it didn't help her with Peeta. The space between them was bigger than ever.
"Just be patient and talk to him," I advised. She took a deep breath.
"How am I supposed to talk to him when he won't even look at me?" she cried in earnest.
"Just give him time. He's on the mend," I reminded her. "He'll be more cooperative once he's better." At least, I hoped he would be.
"What frustrates me as well as are all those girls who keep coming by at the bakery," she admitted. "They have to know I'm his girlfriend but they still keep coming to see him." She gritted her teeth. "You know, once you find out that the boy you like has a girlfriend it means you should back off. He's taken."
"Katniss, I don't think you realize why they have a sudden interest in Peeta," I said. "I mean, I know that girls talk about him all the time but…" There was a rumor about him. One I ignored since I knew the truth about him.
"What do you mean?"
"Because he didn't show any interest with any of his classmates. Everyone assumed that…you know? He's…"
"What? Assumed what?" She lost patience I could tell by her demeanor.
"Because he didn't chase anyone," I continued. "And he likes to paint and draw, his classmates thought that he's…you know, gay?"
"What? I never heard that before?" She was flummoxed by the rumor. "Why that's ridiculous. I never showed any interest in anyone either, did everyone think I'm gay too?"
I winced. "Well…"
"You got to be kidding me," she seethed in anger. "So because I don't sleep around like half my classmates, I'm gay? And if I did, I'm a slut. Unbelievable!"
"That and boys stayed away because Gale threatened them."
She flinched at the mention of Gale's name. "I still don't understand what all that has to do with Peeta's flock of admirers," she said in a frustrated tone.
"Well, if you're his girlfriend, it means he's not gay and…" I chose my words carefully. "They think you're some passing fancy he'll get over. Merchants girls wanted him before and Seam girls they think they may have a chance with him since you're…"
"I'm what?" She stopped and faced me. We were so close to home I wanted to finish this conversation elsewhere and not in the middle of the road. But Katniss was persistent. "I'm what?"
"Not good enough for Peeta," I cringed. Katniss' eyes grew large, her mouth opened as I waited for a long string of expletives to leave her mouth. She closed her eyes and opened them again. "Katniss?"
"And they would be right," she confessed. "Why would someone like Peeta want someone like me? I'm surly, impatient and suspicious of everyone." Her shoulders drooped. "The two times he talked to me…I was mean, cruel to him. Why would he want me now, now that he knows the real me? Not the version he made up in his head."
"Katniss?" My heart felt for her. "You're being hard on yourself." She sobbed then walked away leaving me to catch up to her pace. "Katniss, stop for minute." I grabbed her arm tears brimmed her eyes.
"You are good enough for Peeta," I told her the truth. "You are. Don't listen to what everyone is saying. You're better for him than any girl in school. Peeta knew it."
"But I was so mean to him," she sobbed.
"Just tell me something," I asked her. "Do you want Peeta? Honestly, be truthful with me. Do you want him?" She nodded her head. "Because if you give up now, someone like Agatha or anyone in your classmates will try to take him away from you."
"They wouldn't dare," she spat back. "I dare them to try." Her breath was hard and ragged. "Damnit, he's not even mine to lose in the first place."
"Don't you think he's worth fighting for?" I could see the cogs in her head working. There was fear, doubt and anger on her face. "Don't give up, okay? He's been attracted to you since he was five, Katniss. He wanted you from afar."
"But now he knows the real me."
"The real you that is kind, devoted and protective to people she loves," I reminded her. "Peeta saw that too. Don't let him get away. He's hurt, help him heal." I hugged her. She trembled in my arms for a few seconds.
"Thank you," she said as she pulled back.
"For what?" I was puzzled by her gratitude for I merely spoke the truth.
"For being my sister and for helping me," she said. "And for telling me not to give up." It was official, those two are definitely going to drive me insane until they both get their act together.
Delly POV ––
"Peeta," I gasped in horror was I watched him walk to the bathroom. There was no other reason for him to be out of bed but for that purpose. "Call me or someone to help you to the bathroom."
He flinched. "I made it there by myself this afternoon, Delly," he said with pride, a small smile on his face. "Shit!"
"Yeah, how's your eyes by the way," I snickered as he bumped on to wall stubbing his toe.
"They're fuzzy but I can still tell where I'm going," he answered back. I grasped onto his elbow. He tugged my hand away from him. "Delly, you're like a sister to me but that doesn't mean that I'm letting you help me when I need to use the bathroom."
I chuckled. He had a point. What would Rye say if he found out I 'helped' Peeta in the bathroom? I had to admit I was a bit curious after all they were brothers. The idea was scandalous.
Though I wouldn't be surprised since I knew that Rye and Peeta pretty much were impressive with the Mellark…um…appendage. I would have to have been blind not to see the similarities in the way their pants bugled in a certain area.
I'm a very happy and satisfied fiancée for having Rye Mellark as my future husband. Though it does make me wonder if Peeta was larger in girth and length...
"Thanks for the help, Delly but no thank you," he said. "I don't want Rye to beat me up." I knew he meant to tease but there was truth in his statement. When Rye and I first started dating, he was very jealous of my friendship with his little brother. We had several classes together that we hung out a lot. One day, Rye caught me comforting Peeta a few months after our engagement announcement. Peeta had heard that Gale was warding boys away from Katniss claiming her as his own. It was rumored that they were together, but that day Gale had confirmed it. I was in the midst of comforting Peeta as I gave him a peck on his cheek when Rye pulled me away from him and punched his brother in the face leaving him with a black eye. The next day everyone assumed his mother gave it to him.
Rye apologized forever in which sweet and kind Peeta forgave him. It was just a misunderstanding. As for Rye, he never forgave himself for his jealousy and his reaction knowing that it was unfounded. Even though he knew that Peeta loved Katniss. And Peeta would never betray him.
A few minutes later, he exited the bathroom. I looked at him for a few seconds and noticed that he seemed agitated. "Are you okay?"
"My head still hurts," he said as he rubbed his eyes. I can't help but admire the muscle on his stomach. He was lean not like Rye and Graham who's stocky in build. Katniss would be a very lucky girl if she only admitted to herself that she was attracted to Peeta. What's not to love about him? Peeta was sweet and gentle. Any girl would be lucky to have him.
Unfortunately he only wanted Katniss. She was…work, a lot of work that it took a boy like Peeta to understand and be patient with her. I knew he loved her; it showed in his eyes in the way he looked at her or spoke about her.
"Delly? Do you have to go soon?" he asked. Peeta was adorable when he wanted to ask me something but was afraid to ask in fear his request would bother me. I'm going to be a part of his family soon, for crying out loud and unless it's…
"I feel kinda icky," he started as he scratched the side of his head. "Mrs. Everdeen gave me a sponge bath but…"
"Yes?"
"My hair is all oily and my head itches. Do you think you could help me wash my hair before you go home?" Oh, I could do that for him––wash his hair. But then a brilliant idea struck me.
"Oh, Peeta," I said. "I can't right now. How about this? Wait until tomorrow to wash your hair and I'll even cut it." With everything that's been going on, I had not been able to cut his hair since the last time he asked. He wanted a hair cut before the Snow's party but we were busy baking throughout that week. He sighed.
"Okay, it's not like I have a choice," he pouted. "Maybe I'll ask dad." He sighed then flinched. "I've already asked too much from him. I know that he's busy with the bakery and taking care of me. I guess I'll wait until tomorrow."
"Peeta, just wait one more day," I suggested. You'll love my plan. I hoped that it would work.
The next day, I greeted Katniss and Prim as they entered the bakery. I was early since my last class was after lunch. "Hi Katniss, Prim," I nodded towards them. Prim returned my greeting while Katniss barely acknowledged me. Prim went straight up the stairs while Katniss' eyes lingered as she watched her sister ascend to the second floor. It was time to do my magic.
"Did I ever tell you that I'm glad that Mr. Mellark hired you?" I said in a nonchalant manner. I didn't want to spook her or make her suspicious of me. I had been playing matchmaker for Peeta for years but when Rye finally told me that he had a crushed on Katniss Everdeen. Somehow, that announcement surprised me. Out of all the girls in District 12 that Peeta was enamored with…he had a crush on Katniss Everdeen––the elusive Seam girl that befriended no one but the Mayor's daughter. Peeta couldn't have picked someone so opposite of him.
Katniss was stunned at my admission. "With Graham gone, it just made sense that he hired someone to help us. And why not Peeta's girlfriend?"
"Delly, you do know that I'm not really his girlfriend," she confessed. There was a look of sadness on her face. Hmm…that's interesting. After the way she treated Peeta, I was surprised she accepted Mr. Mellark offer. How do you avoid a boy you don't like if you start to work at the boy's work place? Maybe she had a change of heart?
"Girlfriend or not, I'm really glad that Mr. Mellark hired you anyway, Katniss," I said. "I know that we're not friends but that doesn't meant we can't be." She smiled. A rare smile coming from her was progress. I didn't know how she felt about Peeta but I was about to find out.
At first I was surprised that evening when Katniss confessed that she was Peeta's girlfriend. Rye later explained why she lied. She lied to protect Peeta. If that wasn't a sign that she at least cared for him, I didn't know why else she would lie for him. And admit that they were 'together' that night.
Still, I was uncertain of her true feelings for him. Until, a slew of classmates visited the bakery asking for Peeta. The look on her face told me everything I needed to know.
"Don't mind them, Katniss," I said as soon as one of Peeta's admirers exited the bakery. "You'll need to get used to Peeta's friends coming over. You know he only has eyes for you." Katniss' face grew crimson.
"I don't know what you're talking about, Delly," she blushed further. "Peeta and I are just friends. I know that Rye told you everything. How he saved my life. It doesn't mean anything. I returned the favor pretending to be his girlfriend…just to save him from Cray." She rambled. It was the first time I've ever seen her unsure of herself. She either was in denial that she didn't want Peet or she didn't really want him at all.
"Oh, I'm sorry," I said. Hmm… I needed to up the ante. I guess it was time to test out my theory. An hour before closing time, I asked Mr. Mellark time to assist Peeta.
"Dad, since it's slow right now can I go upstairs to help Peeta," I said in a clear and loud tone so Katniss can hear me as she swept the reception area.
"He wanted me to wash his hair today and give him a haircut." I kept my back to her but I could feel the vibes emanating from her body. I was sure she was dissecting my head with her grey steel eyes. "I thought I can get Prim to help me." Katniss gasped. 'Gotcha,' I said in my head.
"Oh, Prim is in the back with Rye," Mr. Mellark stated. "She wanted to know how to make Peeta's cheese buns. So she's helping Rye." He was oblivious to my plans as he encouraged me in front of Katniss. "Go ahead I'm sure Peeta's been dying to get his hair washed for days now." I turned to Katniss who had a look in her eye.
I would have been dead had she had her bow and arrow with her. But I ignored her. "I'm going to be upstairs with Peeta. I think, he said something about needing a shave too so I might be a while."
At the top of the stairs Peeta stood leaning against the wall. "Peeta, what the hell are you doing standing there?" I asked in concern. My voice must have alerted Katniss as she ran up the stairs.
He wore a pair of loose fitting dark pants with no socks on his feet and a dark green-brown plaid shirt. His hair was in disarray as spikes protruded from his head. He was a beautiful mess as the front of his shirt was open. If I didn't have Rye, Katniss would have competition for Peeta's affections. What? I love Rye with all my heart but it didn't mean I couldn't appreciate a sweet guy like Peeta.
His eyes grew wide as he noticed Katniss behind me. "How's your head, any more headaches?"
"No, no more headaches," he confirmed. His eyes looked clear and bright but when he saw Katniss it grew wide like saucers.
"You ready for me to wash your hair." He nodded, dumbstruck as his eyes lingered on the girl behind me. Then suddenly he turned his head as his examined the floor. Aw, he's shy around her.
"Katniss if you're not busy, can you help me?" I asked with as much innocence and calm I could muster.
"Ah…sure," she stumbled. "What about downstairs? No one is––"
"Dad," I yelled towards the first floor. Katniss winced.
"Yes, Delly. Anything wrong?" he returned.
"No, since it's not busy downstairs is it okay if Katniss helps me with Peeta," I asked.
"It's been quiet all day I don't see why not," he shouted back.
"Thank you. Just holler if you get busy," I said.
"Delly, why don't you wait until after the bakery is closed," Peeta rambled. "I mean, I'm not in any hurry and I can wait. You're…I mean you and Katniss are still working and…I can wait. You don't have to do this now––" 'Idiot' my mind echoed. 'Here your chance to have Katniss touch you; be near you, Peeta.'
"Don't' be silly, Peeta," I said. He was backing down now that I involved Katniss. I couldn't understand his hesitancy or the chance to be near here. What happened? He was skittish and wary around her. He looked like he was about to pass out. "I'm sure that Katniss wouldn't mind helping, right?" She nodded her head.
"Okay, how are we going to do this?" I asked myself. "You can't lay back or you'll aggravate you stitches." I looked at the two idiots before me. Katniss' eyes were glued to Peeta as he bit his lower lip. A habit I knew that meant he was nervous and anxious. His hand rubbed the back of his neck. "Katniss why don't you take Peeta to the bathroom while I get some things together."
They disappeared in the room leaving them for a few minutes alone. When I walked in both Peeta and Katniss had their arms crossed their chest. I winced as I noticed their posture. It wasn't good sign as Katniss looked defeated and Peeta's face was turned towards the wall.
"So I was thinking Peeta could kneel so he wouldn't be standing too long." It's been almost two weeks since the incident. He managed to remain upright without stumbling but his endurance was still sketchy. Kneeling was the best option.
"Prim and my mom washed his hair while he laid on the table face down with his head at the edge," Katniss suggested. "That might work better for him."
"That would work."
"No," Peeta exclaimed disrupting Katniss and me.
"Peeta?" I inquired.
"I didn't have a choice then," he said. "It's too uncomfortable lying on my stomach like that. I rather be in the bathroom kneeling in front of the tub."
"Okay, if that's what you want."
I peeled Peeta's shirt off of him. "Kneel down, Peeta," I instructed him as Katniss placed a towel on his shoulders incase water dribbled down his back. It shouldn't take two people to wash his hair but I needed to find a way to get the two together in the same room somehow and at close proximity.
Because he lacked strength Peeta barely held himself up by the side of the tub. Katniss grabbed him by the shoulders to make sure that he didn't slip as he leaned his head over. I made sure that I took my time as I watched the two interact. Peeta was stiff while Katniss' eyes roamed over his face. It was odd seeing the change between them.
After a few minutes I was done. Since Peeta couldn't extend his arms to rub his hair. I made Katniss dry his head while I gather scissors, and shaving paraphernalia. She stood in front of him as he sat down on a chair. I noticed how gentle she was while scrubbing his head. He had his eyes closed but I could tell he was trying to calm himself as he took deep breath through his nose. They were adorable together.
I was about to comb down his hair when Katniss grabbed the comb from my hands. She took her time brushing the comb through his thick locks. I could tell she was enjoying herself. When she was done, I was surprised at the way she styled it––like she knew where to part his hair and how to press the comb on the side of his head.
"Peeta, are you okay?" I asked. His breath was hard and choppy as if he had exerted himself.
"I think…washing my hair tired me out," he confessed. He looked and sound winded.
"Oh, are you too tired for a haircut and a shave?" He was spoiling my plans if he wanted to quit now.
"I don't think I have the energy for both," he admitted. "The hair cut can wait." He rubbed his chin and right cheek. "I really want a shave though. I feel rough and unclean." I disagreed. He looked…sexy. The scuff made him looked older than his sixteen years. "I feel itchy with it."
There was a look in Katniss' face I haven't seen before. I was so accustomed to her scowl that the look surprised me. I couldn't identify it.
"Oh," I said. "I never shaved anyone before." It was an intimate interaction I looked forward to doing with Rye once we were married and living in our own home. I couldn't wait to get married.
"I have," Katniss said. "After my dad's accident, I learned how to shave his face when my mom wasn't available." My inner cheerful Delly pumped my arms in the air. Yes, this was the moment I was looking for––physical contact in an intimate level between them. I held back a smirk as Peeta's Adam's apple worked up and down his neck. He looked––scared.
"You don't have to––" he started as he attempted to rise. I pushed him down back on the chair.
"Sit down," I commanded. Peeta looked lost and unsure of himself. He fidgeted on the chair shifting on the seat. Katniss first placed a soft warm towel on his face to soften his skin. "Sit up Peeta and stop moving."
He sat straight up and moaned. "Don't strain yourself. You asked for this remember?" He mumbled something underneath the towel. After Katniss unwrapped the towel from his face, she lathered his cheeks and chin with a brush tilting his face with a finger. She was methodical and thorough not missing a spot. I smiled when she was done as he looked like a little boy who was caught with a face full of butter cream frosting that he licked off a bowl.
"Peeta, just relax," I chortled. He grimaced. As for Katniss, she was quiet and gentle with him. Peeta's hands moved from lap to knee in nervous tension. I have never seen him react like this with anyone. One knee bounced in place.
Noticing his uneasiness, Katniss grabbed his hand on top of the fidgety knee. "Peeta, relax. I won't hurt you. I promise. Please trust me." I could tell that there was hidden meaning behind her words. Peeta sighed with a look of uncertainty on his face.
"Up or down?" she asked. 'Huh, up or down?' Well, that sounded dirty until I realized that Katniss had a razor in her hand.
"Down first then up," Peeta answered. He was clearly uncomfortable with the turn of events. There was a bowl of water on the table next to another towel. I memorized a list of items in preparation for when I would shave my future husband Rye. I mentally noted a razor, towels, bowl of water and shaving cream. That's it?
I watched with complete interest as Katniss moved the blade down his cheek with a light gentle stroke. She passed the blade down first then up for a second pass. After two or three strokes she'd rinse the blade to prevent buildup. During the whole time, Peeta had his eyes on Katniss. Instead of joy, there was sadness and weariness behind his crystal blue eyes, like he couldn't believe she was there in front of him touching his face.
Watching the two of them together, I felt as though I was intruding into something that was private and intimate.
As for Katniss, I recognized the look on her face that I couldn't identify earlier. It was vulnerability. She was opening her self to Peeta, but after two attempts and her cruel rejection, he was wary of her intentions. Their timing sucked. Throughout the whole ordeal they were quiet, but their eyes spoke to each other yearning for answers both were afraid to ask. It was heartbreaking. Watching them was better than any televised show from the Capitol––they exuded longing, hurt, devotion, rejection and fear.
After Katniss rinsed off the razor one last time, she placed another towel on Peeta's face to wipe off the residue. Peeta closed his eyes and cleared his throat. "Thank you, Katniss," he said. His voice was low and soft. He opened his eyes and looked up at her. There was a tender smile on his face. 'Oh, God.' The puppy dog expression and smitten look on his face was obvious. It was the Peeta that disappeared a couple of weeks ago before he was rejected and tortured by Cray. He was back.
"Peeta," Katniss started her tone but a whisper wispy and soft. "I––"
"Hey, Delly," Rye appeared at the top of the stairs. 'God damn it, Rye,' my mind exploded. The moment was broken as Peeta turned his head. Katniss looked as though she was about to cry. "Is everyone okay up here?"
"We were fine, Rye," I snapped at him. Peeta stood up and stumbled to his room.
"Peeta? Are you okay?" Rye asked as he watched his brother hid in his room. "What's his problem?"
"I said we were fine," I repeated my tone tinged with irritation. 'Until you interrupted a precious moment between Katniss and your lovelorn brother, you moron.' I was frustrated.
"You don't sound fine," Rye retorted. I glared back at him daring him to contradict me. He raised his hands in surrender. "Geez, okay. You're fine."
I harrumphed and took a deep breath as I leaned over to whisper in Rye's ear. "You have shitting timing, Rye," I sneered.
"What?" He looked confused. I shouldn't be mad at him. He didn't know any better.
"Never mind." I blew a breath from frustration. Katniss recovered as she picked up the bowl of water, towels and razor and headed towards the kitchen. I sighed, all that work and effort with nothing to show for it. I guess I'll have to figure out plan B.
Katniss POV ––
My bedroom was pitch black. It's how I felt since returning home from the bakery. A weight of blackness and misery weighed down on my body. I felt heavy and encumbered.
I sniffled as breeze skims my warm skin. "Katniss, are okay?" Prim asked as she shifted beside me. I could barely see the outline of her face.
"Yes," I uttered with frustration. "I'm fine."
"You can't sleep?"
"No," I muttered. I hoped that she would stay quiet. I wasn't in any mood to talk. I was sulking and I knew it. "Just don't mind me, Prim. Go to sleep."
"I don't mean to be nosy but Delly…"
"Delly?" I asked. "What about Delly?" Great, now she has my curiosity peaked when I didn't want to talk about anything.
"She told me that you and…Peeta had…a moment." I closed my eyes as I thought about that 'moment' before Rye ruined it. But like a coward, I was relieved that he interrupted us. 'What's wrong with me?'
Prim would be so disappointed if she knew the thoughts that ran through my head. I guess I should explain myself. I was relieved because what I wanted to say to Peeta shouldn't have an audience with Delly looming in the background. It would have been embarrassing for both Peeta and me. I had so much I wanted to say but I knew it was the wrong place and time. I haven't had a moment alone with him. I wanted, I no needed that.
"It was nothing," I assured her.
"Are you sure because the way she described it," she started. "Something…epic was about to happen when Rye interrupted you and Peeta."
"Epic?" I laughed. Leave it to Delly to make it more than what it seemed. "Delly was exaggerating. Nothing happened, Prim. Besides, what I want to say to Peeta was private and personal. I didn't want Delly or anyone to be there."
"But, you admit that you had a moment," she asked. "If Rye hadn't barged in, there was something going on between you and Peeta?"
"Yes," I confessed. "It was only a moment." I sighed at the memory. "He was looking at me like he used to. I was so surprised that I forgot that Delly was there. I only saw him."
"Sounds romantic," she exhaled. I chortled. Prim was the romantic, not me. There was nothing romantic about it. My legs trembled, sweat dripped from my neck to the middle of my chest, my breath caught in my throat and words failed me. I felt chills run up and down my arms and legs. 'Yeah, it was so romantic.'
"It was hardly romantic with Delly watching," I scoffed. My mind flashed different scenarios in my head of how I could have handled it better. Surprisingly, the next thing I knew it was time to get up.
The next day, Peeta was up sitting on a sofa when we arrived at the bakery. His presence surprised me since I thought he would avoid any contact with me. I should have known that his attitude remained the same as he avoided looking at my direction. "Peeta, it's good to see you up and about," Prim exclaimed. "Are you in any pain? How are your eyes? Do you still have headaches?"
Peeta smiled back at her. "Prim slow down," he said, a shy smile on his pale face. He didn't looked any better as his face was sallow. On the coffee table before him was an array of food––soup, bread, fruit, muffin and tea. With the exception of the tea all was untouched to my dismay.
"Peeta, why aren't you eating at the dining table?" Prim asked.
"The chairs are too hard," he answered. I looked at the seats. They were wooden with no cushion on the seats or backrest.
"Looks like you haven't eaten anything," she observed. One brow was raised. Peeta flinched. "At least eat the soup."
"I don't like lima beans," he reported.
"Oh, then why do you––"
"Josie Main made it and dad gave it to me," he whined. "I think he's so busy that he forgot that lima beans…I don't like lima beans." I took notation of that for the future. Peeta doesn't like lima beans.
'Oh, hell Josie Main? What the hell?' She was a year older than me. She had the reputation of being the class skank in her grade as she was still unmarried. Even Graham was rumored to have taken her to the slagheap.
I gritted my teeth. There had to something I could do to stop the swarm of admirers that Peeta attracted. Even as his fake girlfriend they kept coming.
"I haven't heard that name in a while," Prim added. "Anyway, is there anything you want to eat? You're recovery is too slow, Peeta. If you keep this up, mom won't take off the stitches next week." Peeta looked stunned as he bit his lower lip. "Promise me that you'll eat."
He looked at Prim. "Okay," he said. The next few days passed with the same result. I worked the bakery while Prim watched over Peeta. Nothing was mentioned between Peeta and me. The more I tried to interact with him the more he was aloof and reticent with me. It hurt. With Prim's help and insistence, Peeta ate his meals that mom removed his stitches the following week.
Mom arrived minutes after my shift. "We can remove the stitches today if you want, Peeta," she announced after checking the progress on his back. A big smile appeared on Peeta's usually miserable face.
"Please, thank you, thank you, thank you." He stood up from his bed and wrapped his arms around mom. He startled her.
A few minutes later, Peeta straddled a chair while mom proceeded to remove the stitches. The process was slow that it took her an hour when she finally removed the last stitch on his back. "How does it feel?" mom asked as she cleaned up after herself.
Peeta stood up from the chair and stretched his arms over his head. I tried not to ogle at his stomach as his six pack contracted. "It feel good to finally stretch my arms over my head." He stretched his neck in circular motion then suddenly winced. "My back itches all over though."
Mom then lathered the scars with lotion. "You need to apply this ointment twice a day. Once in the morning after you shower and before you go to bed." He sighed in relief.
Before mom turned to leave, Peeta startled her again as he wrapped his arms around her waist. "Thank you, Mrs. Everdeen. Thank you for everything." I thought I saw tears in his eyes. How I wished I could I strangle his mother as Peeta sought comfort from mom.
Mr. Mellark or rather Jimmy entered the room. "Peeta!" he cried out to his youngest son. The look of joy on his face was contagious.
"Mrs. Everdeen took out my stitches today," he exclaimed. He ran to his dad and hugged him.
"That's wonderful, son," his dad said. Rye and Delly walked up the stairs and joined in their family hug. It was a joy to watch them. "This calls for a celebration." He turned to mom. "Lily, come by tomorrow night for dinner, please."
"It's not necessary––" mom started.
"No, you cannot refuse my invitation, I insist," Jimmy stated. There was lightness in his face that I haven't seen in a while. Peeta's ordeal weighed heavily on him. A celebratory dinner was what we all needed. Too bad I didn't think it through when mom accepted Jimmy's invitation.
The dinner meant not just only Prim, mom, and dad and me but the whole Mellark family. Oh, shit. The odds were definitely were not in my favor.
AN: Thank you for reading this chapter. I hope you enjoyed it. Have a great week.