Chapter 13
Katniss
Wiress peers out the small round window as the plane begins to land.
"It's so shiny!" she says in awe.
I give her a small smile while Castor rolls his eyes.
"It is just like every other big and heavily polluted city in the US. You don't need to get all gooey eyed over it," Castor grumbles.
"Oh, come on, Castor," Roxy replies. "Can't you show excitement for once in your life? We're about to be the star attractions of a swanky Hollywood event!"
"Don't come crying to me when they all laugh in our faces," Castor huffs.
Cressida lets out a loud sigh and Wiress frowns.
"If you always expect bad things to happen then nothing good will happen to you," Wiress replies.
Castor opens his mouth to argue back but Cressida shoots him down with a glare. I've seen first-hand what happens to Wiress when people get overly negative. She can't cope with it and normally ends up rocking in a corner with her hands over her ears. We don't want a repeat of that on a crowded plane.
I try to distract Wiress with a conversation about her favourite song to play and soon her attention is turned away from Castor. The smile appears on her face soon after as she chats animatedly about chords and rhythms. Her enthusiasm is so infectious that it even distracts me from my own nervous thoughts about being back in LA.
The last few weeks have been crazy. Over the course of two months, Peeta has released teasers of every portrait of the band and the intrigue, particularly in LA, has been huge. I've turned the TV on in the morning to find news anchors and gossip columnists discussing this mysterious band.
In the last month Peeta has also released sound bites of some of our songs and the internet has gone into a frenzy for the thirty second clips. Demand for the full songs are high and Snow Records have been so impressed by the buzz that a meeting with the band has been arranged for the day after Peeta's gallery opening. They haven't even heard a full song yet but Plutarch says they have already drawn up contracts for us to sign.
Peeta's gallery is finally opening on Saturday and he's invited the band to play at the grand opening. It is being billed as one of the events in LA this summer. Numerous famous faces and important music and art executives are due to attend and I begin to panic when I think about being in the limelight again. I thought I was used to this business but it's even more overwhelming than the first time.
The air stewardess announces for everyone to get back into their seats for preparation for landing. Wiress squeals with delight.
"We're almost there, Katniss! Can you believe it! The city of dreams!" she exclaims.
I force a smile and turn away from the window. I didn't think I would ever be back in LA. My last memory here isn't a good one. My heart begins to pound as the LA skyline looms underneath us.
The rest of the band hang out the windows of the cars as we weave through the LA streets. There are squeals of delight every time one of them recognises something they've seen on TV or in a movie. Cressida and Roxy begin to make excited plans about all the things they want to see while we are here. I sit quietly in the back, wondering if I can just hide out in the hotel the entire time we are here.
There are even more amazed looks when we enter the hotel. Peeta insisted on splurging on our accommodation and booked us into a trendy boutique right in the centre of LA. Wiress takes a running jump onto the fluffy king sized bed in our room. She snuggles into the covers and inhales the lavender that has been left on the pillow.
"I feel like a queen!" she declares.
I smile at her fondly as I pull my suitcase into the room. Cressida and Roxy barge into our room a few moments later with huge smiles on their faces.
"Have you seen the showers yet? They have like ten different settings! I'm definitely going to be putting that to good use later," Cressida says, winking at Roxy.
Roxy giggles and snuggles into her girlfriend. She places her head on Cressida's shoulder and Cressida smiles affectionately at her as she tucks a strand of hair behind her ear.
"You'll have to give Peeta a big reward for all this," Roxy adds with a suggestive smile.
"You'll get on with my friend, Johanna. She is always thinking about sex too," I reply.
"Don't be a prude. The moans coming from your room the last time Peeta visited tell us that you have just as dirty a mind," Cressida says.
I blush and look down at my shoes. Peeta and I decided that we were tired of taking things slow on his last visit to Tennessee and he kept me up most of the night. I've never cum so many times in one night and I definitely walked a bit funny the next day.
Wiress giggles when she hears our conversation and sits up straighter on her bed.
"When is Peeta coming anyway? I bought him Skittles," she asks.
I give her a genuine smile. The prospect of seeing Peeta is the only thing I've looked forward to in LA.
"He said he'd make it just before dinner. It's all hands on deck with the gallery opening this weekend," I reply.
Everyone in the room nods their heads in understanding.
"That gives you plenty of time to beautify yourself before he arrives. You stink of plane at the moment," Cressida says.
"I've got some bikini wax strips in my suitcase if you need to use some," Roxy adds.
I shake my head at them as I begin pushing them out the room.
"Get out and go and have sex. I don't need a makeover," I say.
"Suit yourself," Cressida says, shrugging her shoulders. She then turns to Roxy who leans up to place a kiss on her lips. "We've got things to things to do anyway."
I shake my head again before finally shoving them out of the room and closing the door. Wiress grins at me when I turn round.
"Wanna play Boggle?" she asks.
I laugh and nod my head.
"Sure. But go easy on me. You know I suck at this game," I say as I sit down on the bed next to her.
"That's because you go for all the obvious words!" Wiress exclaims.
I smile as she pulls out the game and grabs a pad of paper. Wiress always knows the best ways to distract me when I'm feeling apprehensive.
There is a knock on the door later that evening and Peeta stands on the other side with PK when I open it. I smile when I see the orange tabby cat and pick him out of Peeta's arms to give him a big cuddle. PK immediately begins purring in my arms.
"PK! You've gotten so big? Are you having fun staying with Peeta?" I ask.
PK meows in response and I squeeze him tight before Peeta coughs to get my attention. I look away from PK to look at Peeta. He's wearing a faded grey t-shirt and has dust and paint on his face to go along with his beautiful smile. I gently place PK on the ground and wrap my arms tightly around him before he has time to say anything else.
"I've missed you," I mumble into his shoulder.
I feel him chuckle as I hold him close and he pulls back slightly to look at my face. He reaches out to tuck a strand of hair behind my ear.
"Clearly not as much as you missed PK," he says. "But I couldn't even go home to change before coming to see you. I couldn't wait any longer."
I smile up at him and reach on my toes to place a lingering kiss on his lips. Peeta smiles into it and I relish the warmth that emits from his body. However, we are interrupted by Wiress bounding over to us.
"Peeta!" she exclaims. "I missed you!"
Peeta and I break away and Peeta tucks me into his side. He smiles broadly at Wiress.
"I missed you too. How's learning to play the banjulele?" he replies.
"Going really well. I like that it is so small but still makes a loud sound," she says. "I'm so excited about the gallery opening. When can we see the paintings?"
"Thursday. You guys are going to be the first people to see the whole show," Peeta replies.
"It's so exciting. This is going to be the best trip ever!" Wiress declares.
"I hope so," Peeta agrees. "Shall we go and get the rest of the band. I'm starving."
Wiress nods her head before she skips into the room to pick up her purse. We leave PK playing with some new cat toys I bought him before going to meet the rest of the band. We're going to one of my favourite Italian restaurants tonight and just the thought of the creamy pasta makes my stomach rumble.
Peeta slips his hand into mine as we walk down the corridor.
"I hope you don't mind, but I invited Finnick, Gale and Johanna to join us after the meal. They really want to see you," he says.
My heart clenches with longing when he mentions their names but there is also some apprehension. I haven't treated my friends well since I left LA. I still haven't gained the courage to pick up the phone and call them. I miss them but seeing them again will just remind me how shitty I've been these last few months.
I take a deep breath as I nod my head.
"I don't know how to say sorry to them. I should have called by now," I reply.
Peeta gives my hand a reassuring squeeze.
"We were all hurt when you left but they still care about you. Admitting you were wrong to cut off contact is a good place to start," he says.
I nod my head but begin chewing on my bottom lip. Johanna has always been blunt and won't be scared to tell me exactly how she feels. I've always been crap at talking about my feelings and I just hope that I can find a way to make things up to them.
Peeta squeezes my hand again and forces me to look at him.
"Stop thinking about it too much. Seeing your friends again should be the least nerve wracking thing about this week," he says.
"You're right," I say, nodding my head. "I should be able to enjoy tonight."
Peeta gives me a big smile and nods his head in agreement. At least I know he'll be there to support me.
The band all fawn over Peeta when we meet up and offer him their sincerest gratitude for everything he has done to promote the band. Even Haymitch and Castor grumble a couple of thank yous. I'm so glad that the band accept him so readily. In only a few months they've become like family to me and their approval means a lot.
The food is still good at the Italian restaurant but I spend most of the evening checking the door to see when Johanna and Gale will appear. A nervous knot appears in my stomach as I think about all the brutally honest things Johanna could say to me. My napkin lies in shreds as I use it to try and release my nervous tension.
Peeta notices me glancing at the door half way through and leans over to whisper in my ear.
"I said we'd meet at a bar across the street. Just relax," he says, placing a kiss on my temple.
I nod my head and eat the rest of my meal without looking at the door.
"I think it's time we get the check. I need some higher quality drink," Haymitch declares at the end of the meal.
He waves his hand at the waiter who scurries off to get the check. Both Peeta and Haymitch dig into their pockets at the same time to pull out their wallets.
"Oh no, boy," Haymitch says. "You're not paying for this one. You've done enough for us already."
"It's honestly no problem. I'm happy to pay," Peeta says, removing his credit card.
"No. I insist. We can't take any more money off you," Haymitch replies, placing his card down on the table
"But I want to pay. It's a thanks for inspiring me," Peeta says, pushing his card forward.
"I'm going to slap that card right out of your hand if you don't put it away. You're not the only one who's made money. I've got this and I'm not going to argue any further," Haymitch says.
Tigris and Roxy try to hide laughs as they watch this interaction unfold. I place a hand on Peeta's leg and shake my head at him.
"Haymitch is even more stubborn than I am. Let him pay," I say.
Peeta looks at me for a long moment before sighing and conceding defeat.
"Be my guest," he says, placing his credit card back in his wallet.
Haymitch smiles triumphantly as the waitress comes back with the check.
"You know the Prince Charming routine can get tiring after a while," Haymitch points out.
"If I'm Prince Charming what does that make you? The grumpy troll?" Peeta teases.
"I take it back. You're not charming at all," Haymitch replies.
Peeta grins and the rest of the band begin gathering up their things. Nothing more is said on the matter as we leave the restaurant.
Beetee and Tigris decide to go back to the hotel but the rest of us head to a cosy bar right across the street. It's half hidden in an alleyway and it was always a good place to hide from the paparazzi on nights out.
The bar is just getting busy when we enter and Haymitch and Pollux offer to get drinks while the rest of us squeeze into a leather booth. Wiress barely sits down before she jumps up and grabs Roxy's hand to go and dance. Cressida watches on with an appreciative smile as her girlfriend begins swaying her hips in time with the music. Peeta slides in next to me and slings an arm around my shoulder to keep me close.
"Finnick said they'd be here in ten minutes. Are you still nervous?" he asks.
I nod my head.
"It's silly, I know. But I care about what they think about me. I haven't made many friends in my life and I hate that I pushed them away," I reply.
Peeta nods his head in understanding and kisses my temple to try and reassure me.
I notice them as soon as they arrive in the bar. Most of the female eyes in the room turn to look at Finnick as they enter and camera phones are out moments later as people are eager to snap a picture of the hunky model/actor. Peeta waves them over and Finnick bounds over with a big grin on his face. I get up to greet him and he picks me up and twirls me around.
"Katniss! I missed you! Loving the new hair!" he declares.
I laugh as he puts me back down and tuck my shorter hair behind my ear.
"You haven't changed one bit. And congratulations on the Best Shirtless Performance Award," I say with a grin.
"What can I say? America knows a fine specimen of a man when it sees one," Finnick replies.
I laugh again before I turn to Gale. For some strange reason I was scared they would have all changed. Maybe because I feel like I've changed but Gale is still the exact same. His hair is still short and he is wearing a flannel I have seen a hundred times before.
"Glad to see becoming vegan hasn't turned you into a hippy," I say to him.
He smiles at me fondly before stepping in to give me a hug.
"Good to see you, Catnip. I need someone to help me buffer Jo," he says.
"Please, you crave my wit and sarcastic comments," Johanna says, stepping forward.
Her eyes flick over to me and she gives me a nod in greeting.
"So you finally came back. I really thought this time you had cut us out for good," she says.
I look down, embarrassed, and scuff the ground with my shoe. The truth is, I don't know if I would have ever got back in touch if Peeta hadn't found me. I had planned on putting my life here behind me.
"I'm sorry. I should have called," I say.
"No shit. We didn't have a fucking clue if you were okay and acted like desperate idiots trying to find you. But you didn't think we might miss you," she says.
Cressida and Castor stare at Johanna, unsure what to make of this blunt person who hasn't even introduced herself yet. I feel Peeta slide up next to me and he puts his arm around my waist. Johanna's eyes flick down to look at where his arm lies. She shakes her head.
"Peeta was always going to forgive you after a kiss but I'm tired of you running. You've down it twice now. Why should I bother with a friend I'm not even sure is going to stick around?" she asks.
"I don't deserve your friendship. I've been a shit friend but I love you all. Running is just my fucked up way of not dragging you into my messes," I reply.
Johanna softens slightly and lets out a sigh.
"But's that what friends are for. We're there for you when the shit hits the fan," she says.
"I know. And I'm sorry that I didn't let you in. I was selfish but I want to make up for it. Just name your price," I say.
Johanna stares at me for a long moment and I hold my breath as I wait for her answer. Slowly a smile spreads across her face and she shakes her head.
"You know that drinks and stories of how good Peeta is in bed is all I need. I guess I've always known you were brainless. I should have known you would have made a bad decision after those photos came out," she replies.
"You forgive me?" I ask.
Johanna smiles and nods her head.
"I forgive you. Now get me a drink and tell me about Peeta," she says.
She slides into the booth and I sit down next to her. Peeta takes a seat opposite with Gale and Finnick.
"Do I get a say in what information Katniss relinquishes to you about my sexual prowess?" Peeta asks.
Johanna grins and shakes her head.
"By the end of tonight, I'm going to know every tiny detail about you, Mellark," she replies.
Peeta laughs and shakes his head.
"Fine. But I'm telling Katniss all the romantic shit you've been doing with Blight," he says.
Johanna's eyes widen and she shakes her head furiously. I laugh.
"I heard you got a boyfriend. If I'm going to tell you everything about Peeta, you need to tell me everything about your guy," I say.
"Fine," Johanna grumbles. "But this is going to require even more drinks."
We all laugh and Johanna swipes a drink as soon as Haymitch and Pollux come over with a tray full of them. Haymitch looks a bit startled by my friend as she knocks back a drink without even asking but soon everyone settles in and lots of easy conversations spring up around the table. I find that I am fully able to relax for the first time since I touched down in LA.
The next couple of days are busy as we rehearse for Peeta's gallery opening and visit some of the tourist hotspots in LA. I barely see Peeta as he spends most of his day in the gallery, making sure everything is in the right place and putting the finishing touches to the portraits. But by Thursday he deems the gallery fit for our viewing. I know we will be the first people to see it and I can feel Peeta's nerves when he talks about it.
A hire car drives us to the entrance of the gallery but I cower back when I see the swarm of photographers standing outside, all desperate to get a glimpse of the paintings and the handsome artist inside. The tabloids have been filled with images of Peeta entering and leaving the gallery this week as people speculate the source of his latest inspiration.
"Whoa. I didn't realise your boyfriend was so popular, Kat," Cressida says as she spies the photographers.
I sink further down into my seat and place my hand over my face. This was part of the industry I hated before and it ultimately led to my downfall the last time. The press will do anything to get the story they want.
"Peeta said there's a back entrance if there were photographers outside. We can sneak in that way," Roxy suggests.
I nod my head as Cressida gives the driver instructions on how to get to the back. A feeling of nausea begins to float up through my chest and I don't dare look out the window as we drive past the front of the gallery.
The sick feeling disappears slightly when Peeta greets us with a big smile.
"Welcome, everybody," he says. "I just got everything finished last night. I hope you like it."
Members of the band mutter words of encouragement as they begin straining their necks to check out the paintings on the wall. This place used to be an old warehouse and a lot of the original brick work remains. Peeta's used this as the perfect backdrop for the portraits. Well placed windows and skylights bathe the room in natural light that enhances the images on the walls.
The portraits themselves are huge and each takes up an almost entire section of wall. We all start walking along the wooden floorboards with a look of awe as we take in the gigantic images of ourselves. Peeta follows nervously behind us, chewing on his bottom lip as he waits for our thoughts.
"I didn't expect them to be so huge," Roxy says in wonder.
She reaches out a hand to touch the portrait of Cressida but she stops herself at the last moment and quickly withdraws it.
"Sorry. I don't want to ruin them," she says.
Peeta smiles at her kindly before he comes to stand beside her. The two of them look up at the portrait with a scrutinising eye.
"Don't worry about it. You won't ruin them. Does it scare you that they are so big?" Peeta asks.
Roxy shakes her head.
"No. It makes them more powerful. For so long many of us have hidden in the background. The scale of them just emphasises how we are no longer going to take being ignored," Roxy replies.
"So you like them?" Peeta asks.
Roxy nods as a smile spreads across her face.
"You've managed to capture every detail. Even that mole behind Cressida's ear," she says.
Peeta chuckles and they continue to stare at the painting for a moment longer. Cressida slides up to Roxy and slips her arms through hers. Roxy leans her head against Cressida's shoulder.
"He's captured you at your most beautiful," Roxy sighs.
Cressida smiles before placing a kiss on Roxy's head.
"Maybe his portrait of you will convince you that you are beautiful too," Cressida replies.
Roxy smiles in response before they turn to admire the portrait together. Peeta eventually leaves and wanders over to Pollux. With the help of Castor they manage to strike up a conversation about the paintings.
I meander my way through the gallery by myself, taking in every tiny detail Peeta has managed to capture. I've seen many of his sketches and paintings before but this is the first time I've seen them put together in a show. It amazes me just how well each portrait tells a story.
I hear his footsteps as I stand in front of the portrait of Tigris. The yellows and oranges in this portrait are the most vibrant making it stand out more than the rest.
"So what do you think?" Peeta asks as he comes to a stop beside me.
I turn to him with a smile before I reach up to kiss him on the lips. My fingers tangle in the blond hairs at the back of his neck and I feel him smile into the kiss as he wraps his arms around me. Eventually we break away just enough for Peeta to lean his forehead against mine. I continue to play with the hairs on the back of his neck as he smiles at me.
"They are that good, huh?" he says.
"You've manage to perfectly capture the essence of everyone," I reply, tilting my head to look up at him. "You've portrayed Wiress' happiness and Tigris' bashfulness. I think they are incredible."
Peeta lets out a sigh of relief before hugging me tight.
"I'm so glad you like them. Everything just seems to be falling together," he says.
I nod my head but the nauseous feeling returns to my chest. I'm reminded that in only two days' time I'll be thrust into the limelight again.
"I don't want to mess everything up for the band. They've come so far," I say.
Peeta frowns at me and pulls back slightly to get a better look at me.
"How would you mess things up?" he asks.
But he doesn't get an answer. Instead Cressida's voice floats through.
"You better not be fucking back there," she says as she comes round the corner.
I pull back from Peeta but he still looks at me in confusion. It's clear he's not going to let me forget my earlier comment. But with Cressida here now, he won't push it.
"Everything it very PG through here," I reply as Cressida approaches.
"I'm glad to hear it," she says. "Haymitch just called to tell us he's managed to snag us some extra rehearsal time. He wants us there in twenty minutes."
I nod my head in understanding and Peeta and I follow her back round to meet up with the rest of the band. Everyone quickly gathers their things and Peeta says goodbye with a soft kiss before we get back in the car.
Rehearsal is a lot of fun and we're really beginning to sound great. One of the best things about being in a band compared to a solo artist is there is far more silliness and laughter during rehearsals. Everyone supports and encourages each other and it's good to know that other people have my back.
I get a message from Peeta afterwards telling me he's going to be late as he's still stuck in interviews. I take the time to spend a period on my own. I've constantly been in the presence of other people since I've been back in LA and I need time to think. I hide out in my hotel room with PK, playing a game with him that involves catching a light, as I try to forget all about my worries.
Eventually Cressida, Roxy and Wiress come barging back into the room and Wiress drags me into the bathroom.
"We need to be quick. We don't have much time until Peeta gets here," she says.
"Why do we need to hurry? We're just going for dinner," I reply.
Roxy turns to me with a twinkle in her eye.
"You'll see," she says coyly.
I frown but don't get a chance to ask any more questions as I am told to strip and shoved in the shower. After I've showered Tigris appears to prod my face with make-up brushes while Roxy stands behind me to untangle the knots in my hair. Cressida and Wiress ransack my suitcase to find a suitable outfit to wear.
"I can dress myself, you know," I say.
Cressida turns to me with a smile.
"This isn't for you. It's for Peeta. To thank him for all the work he's done for us. And no offence, Kat, but if we left things to you, you would just wear jeans shorts and a t-shirt," Cressida replies.
I huff and slouch back in my chair.
"I don't like not knowing what is going on," I grumble.
The girls just share a smile before telling me to shut up and let them get on with their work.
Forty minutes later I am groomed to perfection and wearing a sunset orange dress with a high neckline that falls to mid-thigh. I run my hands over the material as I look at myself in the mirror.
"This is Peeta's favourite colour," I muse.
Wiress smiles at me as she comes up to put on some simple gold earrings.
"I know. He told me. He's going to love you in this dress!" she exclaims.
I smile at her gratefully before turning to thank the rest of the girls. Wiress then picks up my hand to lead me out of the room and to some secret destination. We meet Peeta at the bottom of some stairs and he looks handsome in a pale blue shirt and beige slacks that hug his ass in all the right places. His eyes light up in awe when he sees me and he rushes over to me to give me a kiss.
"You look beautiful," he says once he's pulled away.
I smile shyly at him and reach down to take his hands.
"Do you know what is going on?" I ask.
"Not a clue. Beetee just called to say the band have a surprise for me," he replies.
I sigh, still frustrated that things are not any clearer. All the rest of the band are here too and Pollux gestures with his hand for us to follow them up the stairs. Peeta and I follow closely behind while the band keep throwing us secretive smiles. I get impatient as we climb the stairs.
Eventually we reach a door at the top and Pollux pushes it open so we can go out on to the roof. Peeta and I gasp in surprise when we see what they have done for us.
The roof of the hotel has been transformed. Small white lights have been strung up around the decking area and dozens of candles of varying heights circle round a small round table in the centre. Rose petals are scattered on the ground and a bottle of champagne waits on ice. Platters of food sit on the table alongside two tall candles. It's beautiful.
Cressida smiles at us excitedly as she comes over to us.
"We wanted to thank you, Peeta, for everything that you've done for the band. The portraits are incredible and we wouldn't be in LA right now if it wasn't for you. You have a good heart and we wanted to do something to thank you. When we tried to think what to get you, we realised the only thing you really want is Katniss. So we did this for you both," Cressida explains.
Peeta shakes his head in disbelief.
"You didn't need to do this. I should be thanking you for giving me the inspiration," he replies.
"Just shut up and accept our gift. We could stand here all day arguing you needs to thank who," Castor says.
Peeta and I turn to each other with a smile.
"Thank you," Peeta says. "This is perfect."
The band all beam in pride and then turn to walk back down the stairs.
"Enjoy your evening," Beetee says as she walks past.
Peeta and I smile again as we watch the band leave and promise to see them tomorrow. Pollux is the last to leave and finally we are alone together. We stand staring at each other for a moment before either of us speak.
"You really didn't know anything about this?" Peeta asks.
"No," I say shaking my head. "I'm just as surprised as you are."
We smile again before we walk over to the small table. Peeta pulls out my chair for me before turning to pop and pour the champagne. Once he's filled both glasses he sits down and we raise our glasses to clink them together. We take a sip and Peeta smiles back at me.
"You know our first kiss was on a roof," Peeta says. "I think I'm beginning to like them."
I laugh.
"I suppose this means we should get married on a rooftop as well," I reply.
Peeta raises his eyebrow at me.
"So we're getting married now? I didn't realise I had proposed," he says with a cheeky grin.
I blush and look down at my lap.
"I didn't mean it like that," I reply.
Peeta chuckles and then I feel him reach across to take my hand. I look up at him as his fingers slip through mine. He smiles at me when I look up.
"I know exactly what you meant. We'll take things in our own time," he says.
I relax and smile back at him.
"You mean a lot to me, you know that?" I say.
"I know. And the band were right when they said the only thing I want is you. I just want to spend every possible moment with you," he replies.
Normally words like this freak me out. I've never been one for commitment but for the first time I see my future with another person. I may not have found the courage to tell him I love him but I've been falling slowly for him from the moment I met him.
"Things are going to get crazy after the gallery opening. I'll be back in the public eye again. I'm scared that's going to affect me. Affect us," I admit.
Peeta looks concerned and squeezes my hand tight.
"Is that what is worrying you? The press and what they will say?" he asks.
"The press didn't exactly like me the last time they wrote about me. I don't want that ruining you or the band," I say.
"Katniss, everyone has already forgotten about those photos. There have been so many other stories since then. Your past isn't going to ruin me or the band," he says.
"That's not true. It's always going to be brought up whenever something is written about me. I've liked being anonymous these last few months. I'm not sure if I can handle dealing with the press again. It's burned me too much already," I admit.
Peeta gets off his chair and comes to crouch down in front of me. He grasps both of my hands tightly in his.
"You love to sing? You love performing with the band?" he asks.
I nod my head in agreement. The last few months have been some of the best in my life. I've always enjoyed singing but performing with the band has been something even better. We just have so much fun and our songs mean something.
"Then that's all that matters. The press sucks but you learn how to cope. And you aren't going to go through it alone. You've got me and the band," he says passionately.
I smile at him and reach out to brush a strand of hair off his face. This is the price I have to pay for doing what I love. I'm never going to like it but Peeta's right. I'm not in it alone.
"Thank you," I say.
Peeta smiles, relieved that he's managed to placate me for now. He reaches up to kiss me firmly on the lips. I wrap my arms around his neck and force my worries out my head.
Eventually he pulls back and gets up to serve us some food. I laugh as he puts on a French accent and pretends to be some fancy pants French waiter. He has always known the best ways to cheer me up.
The night on the roof is close to perfect. We gorge ourselves on the delicious food and then spend some time looking up at the stars as I sit with my back pressed against Peeta's front on a small picnic rug. We feed each other strawberries and then kiss away all the juices that dribble down our chins. We end the night with my back against the floor and Peeta's head between my legs as I desperately try to bite back my moans.
We walk back down the stairs with our hands swinging between us and dopey smiles on our faces. When we get back to my hotel room we find a note on the door from Wiress saying she is sleeping in Tigris' room tonight. Peeta smiles at me suggestively as I open the door. He takes my head in his hands and presses me back against the door before I have even had time to drop the key card on the table.
"You only just gave me an orgasm twenty minutes ago," I say as Peeta begins planting kisses on my neck.
"Which means I am due you at least three more," he says as he reaches up to grope my breast over my dress.
I let out a content sigh as Peeta's hands begin to dance over my body. I quickly lose myself in his gentle caresses and hot kisses. But I'm abruptly broken out of my trance by the sound of my phone. I'd left it here while we were on the roof and reluctantly push Peeta off me to go and answer it.
"Don't answer it now," Peeta whines as he wraps his arms around me from behind. "It can wait."
"It might be important," I reply trying to ignore his kisses on my neck.
When I pick up my phone I see I have a new message. My blood runs cold when I see the identity of the caller. Cashmere. With a rapidly beating heart I open the message. My heart stops at the sight of it.
I know you're in LA
A/N: Just time for one last drama before the end! The next chapter will be the last. I hope you enjoy how it all ends. :)