Chapter 21 – One Step Closer…

AN: Thank you to all my faithful reviewers. You don't know how wonderful you are or do you? Lol. I would like to take time to write back to each of you but work keeps me busy and I'm in the process of helping my brother renovate this new home. And I'm helping my other brother edit his new manuscript. Busy, busy. Thanks to those favored and alerted my story and me. Now, on with the show.

Haymitch POV –

'Okay, what's going on?' my mind wondered. I enjoyed having dinner with my 'new family' even if that meant including Effie. We arranged family dinner every Sundays at Peeta's house and Thursdays at Delly's. However, since Peeta no longer had a home, Sunday dinners were now at Katniss', which meant dinner with Effie as the hostess. And how did Effie manage that? I don't know. So having dinner at Katniss' also meant dressing for the occasion as if we're in attending a Capitol dinner. It was froufrou and so like Effie to enforce her will. At least Peeta was polite enough not to commandeer my home for dinner. Unlike Ms. Trinket who took over Katniss' home.

In all the years I've known she still remained a mystery to me. She isn't a bad person just misguided with her Capitol manners and ways. Just because she's different, it didn't make her an enemy I had to remind myself. She has been a constant and comforting companion in the worse times of my life in my mentoring years. Though I would never admit that to her face. Even now without all that gaudy makeup she's quite a looker. Until she opened her mouth and her accent pierced my aural senses.

Over the extravagant floral arrangement sat Peeta and Katniss who were making goggling eyes with each other. Bron sat at one end of the table beside Delly with Effie at the other end with Johanna to my left. For dinner, Effie served braised lamb with sautéed vegetables after a light salad with greens I have never eaten in my life. I think Katniss said they were dandelions. Who knew you could eat a weed accompanied with some croutons and vinaigrette? I passed the soup since eating the weeds was enough for me. I'm a meat and potatoes guy. Throughout dinner a smile was affixed on Katniss' face. It disturbed me as she leaned over and whispered to Delly. Her cheerful countenance remained through the four-course meal Effie arranged. By dessert time, my curiosity was peaked and gnawed my mind.

"As usual, dinner is delicious, Effie," Katniss complimented as she finished off her dessert of chocolate mousse. I twisted my neck so I fast I was afraid that I strained a muscle. Her comment surprised me to no end. She sat so close to Peeta, which was no surprise but to watch her giggle and whisper to Johanna and Delly, now that perplexed me. Who was this girl in front of me? Where was the sulky and scowling teenager I've known since the games? I glanced at Peeta who appeared shell shocked and subdued. I'm going to find out what turn of events caused this personality shift. All three girls giggled, startling me from my musing. Even Johanna had a smile on her face. Johanna, the only girl I knew who slept with an axe or any sharp object that can be used as a weapon.

"All right, what have you three been up to?" I asked in exasperation.

"Excuse me?" Katniss wondered as her brow furrowed but smile remained. Ugh, all three stared back at me causing me to wince. Delly's eyes twinkled as Johanna smirked back at me. "What do you mean?"

"You're giggling and whispering like…" I muttered as words escaped me for a moment. "A girl."

"If you failed to notice, Haymitch, Katniss is a girl," Effie quipped. "What is your problem?"

"She's my problem," I added as I pointed to Katniss. To my frustration, all four women laughed as if I lost my mind.

"Leave her alone, Haymitch," Effie defended her. "You would think that you would recognize happiness if it slap you in the face." I'm shocked and surprised.

"What are you so happy about?" I inquired. Really, if Katniss was happy then I'm elated for her but why? I'm not being nosy but just curious. It looks good on her. As for Peeta, well, he's a different story. He gazed at her throughout dinner as if she going to disappear or believe that she's not real. He touched her a lot; a slight pat on her arm each time she placed food on his plate. Despite looking at her with googly eyes, he scowled at her as she replenished his plate with all four courses.

"I can't eat all that," he whined when he completed the main dish and was served a large portion of dessert.

"Eat," she commanded as she returned her scowl right back at him. He in turn caved and ate his food like a lovesick and obedient boyfriend. Boy, was he whipped. Kidding aside, it was nice to see that kind of interaction between them. Especially from Katniss, who had ignored or avoided any contact with Peeta after the first game. It still didn't explain her uncharacteristic girlish behavior unless…

"You two finally had sex," I pronounced and assumed as if it was a normal dinner conversation. "Well, it's about time, damnit. I thought poor Peet was going to die a virgin."

"Haymitch, manners!" Effie gasped in disgust. "That was vulgar." Johanna burst into a loud rolling laugh, while Delly smiled as her eyes twinkled in amusement. Bron stood and patted Peeta on the back.

"Atta boy, Peet," Bron applauded as he sat back on his chair. Katniss blushed bright red from neck to forehead. Peeta's mouth opened and closed in shock like he was gasping for air. He looked like a golden fish with his eyes wide and mouth opening and closing. His long locks covered his bright red ears. He really should cut his hair.

"What?" I exclaimed. "It's not like a big deal. I'm happy for you Peeta." I snickered at him hoping to rile Katniss. "She's a completely different person now. Look at her. She's actually likeable and pleasant." It worked.

"We didn't have sex," Katniss screamed at me, throwing her dinner napkin in my face. Her aim as usual was on target hitting right dead center. "Even if we did, it's none of your business."

"It's okay, Katniss," Peeta soothed her as he takes her hand. "He's just trying to upset you." He placed a tender kiss to her knuckles causing her to calm down. She was love struck too. They were adorable and disgusting at the same time. "We had the best nap this afternoon. No nightmares," he replied back.

"Right, a nap," I scoffed at him. Soon after they entered my home, Bron and I headed towards his home to guarantee them a bit of privacy. "Seems like you did more than take a nap if she's looking and acting like that."

"You're an asshole," Katniss sneered as she gritted her teeth.

"Katniss, please," Effie begged. "Don't pay attention to him."

"He's just jealous," Johanna interjected. "It's probably been decades since he got laid." Everyone laughed at my expense even Effie, but it was worth it watching Peeta and Katniss together as they were fated to be. I had to control my impulse to stare at her as she continued to give moon-eyed glances at him. Yuck!

After dinner the girls disappeared into the living room dragging Katniss by the arms much to my relief. "We have to go shopping tomorrow," Delly gushed. "You need a new dress and maybe get a hair cut. We can have a 'Spa day."

"Oh my, girls," Effie interjected. "You leave that up to me. Tomorrow bright and early we…" Their voices faded into the background along with their chitchat.

Us men, we left to drink and passed time in my viewing room. I made sure to not turn the monitor on just in case Gale appeared on screen. I learned my lesson the first time. With a glass of scotch on one hand I addressed Peeta. "So, Peeta want to tell me what the fuss is all about? What's up with your girlfriend acting all girly and soft?"

He looked at Bron and me. "I asked Katniss out on a date," he explained, as he turned pink, blushing to his ears again. "And she said yes." He smiled, a shy smile. "I didn't think she would," he added with surprise and awe. I still don't get what he saw in her.

"Of course, she said yes," I scoffed. After all this time, did he really think that Katniss would reject him? I eyed him with concern. It seemed after years of avoidance and rejection, Peeta still was unsure of Katniss' feelings for him. A part of him that his hijacked mind would sometimes questioned the validity and sincerity of her intentions.

"I just don't know if I asked too soon or if…" his voice grew small.

"What, Peeta?" I inquired. He looked pale of all a sudden.

"What if she changed her mind and…" he returned. His gaze was unfocused as he stared at the floor in front of him. "What if I mess up?"

"You won't," Bron interrupted. "She's been waiting for you to ask her for some time."

"She has," Peeta asked in wonder as he looked up to face him.

"Yeah, Delly said that she can tell that Katniss has been anxious for you to ask her," he concluded. "You got this, Peet. You finally got the girl." He High-fived Peeta, who didn't understand what the gesture meant. So Bron took his and slapped their hands together.

"I've been waiting for this all my life," he admitted. "I just don't want to mess up. What if she finds out she doesn't really want me after all?" His confidence and self worth was beaten and abused during his days at the Capitol. This young man was not the Peeta I knew that fought for what he wanted. He fought for love even if it meant rejection from the girl of his dreams. He loved her with a devotion unlike I've ever seen or known. He was willing to die for her, twice.

"Peeta, you're going to be okay," I assured him. "Just be yourself and you'll be fine."

"But that's the problem," he confessed. "I'm not sure who I am anymore. What if she doesn't want me, this version of me that survived the Capitol and the rebellion. What if she needs the Peeta that she knew? What if she only feels sorry for me?"

"Peeta, you're still you inside," I said. If there was on thing I was certain of, it was that deep inside he is the same boy I met. Losing his leg, the hijacking and the torture he endured only solidified what I already knew. Snow couldn't kill his spirit or his soul. He just needed time and care with people who will remind that he is worth it and that he is loved. I wish I had this kind of support after my first season. Maybe I would have ended up being a different person who didn't rely on alcohol to bandaged my tortured soul. "You wouldn't be asking and questioning yourself. You're still the Peeta I remembered before the games. The Capitol didn't erase that away. You've grown up and lived through a lot. You have age and experience behind you. Snow didn't win, Peeta. You deserve this."

I let Peeta mull it over when a loud giggling sound echoed in the living room. It was Katniss screeching with joy. "She sounds really happy," Peeta observed, his voice wistful. Her laughter along with the rest of the girls echoed in the air.

"You hear that? You did that," I confirmed. "No one can light her up the way you can. Just be happy together."

Peeta shook his head. "I need to go to town tomorrow." He rubbed the back of his neck. "My hair is getting too long and there are a couple of errands I need to do before my date."

"Let me know what time," Bron said. "Remember you can't go anywhere without me."

"How is that going to work with my date with Katniss?" Peeta asked.

"Oh, didn't Delly tell you?" Bron returned. "We're double dating tomorrow evening. So it won't look suspicious with Delly and I hanging about."

"That's not how I envisioned my first date with Katniss," Peeta snorted.

"Take it or leave it, Peeta," he added.

"I don't know if Katniss will like this," Peeta said.

"I don't think Bron and Delly doubling dating will stop Katniss from going out with you tomorrow. I promise she won't care," I assured him as I raised a glass to salute him. "This is for you, Peeta. You are one lucky son of a bitch. You're a better man than I will ever be. The strongest and bravest person I have ever met. Not just for surviving but for daring to date Katniss Everdeen. You don't' need good luck for the odds are definitely in your favor, boy." Bron and I tipped our glass to him. He winced but smiled back at my salutation.

An hour later, the women appeared. "Peeta, you ready to go home?" Katniss said as she extended her hand to him. She was cheerful as light filled her eyes with joy.

"Yeah, good night everyone," he said as he took her hand and Katniss led him out the house. It amused me to watch her pull him by the hand like a woman possessed. Delly sighed at the sight of them leaving as Johann smirked back.

"Don't you think its kind of odd that they're on their way home to sleep together when they're about to have their first date tomorrow night?" Johanna guffawed. "Love is weird."

It's four in the morning and I can't sleep. Two hours earlier I first had awoken to a sound from upstairs. It was subtle but evident that one of them was having a bad night. It was Peeta. I heard Katniss comforting him, her voice soft and soothing. Then, a loud thump and frightening scream pierced the air. It sounded like a wounded animal. I rushed up the stairs two at time and I opened Peeta's bedroom door. He was huddled in a corner, facing the corner with his hands over his head. He must have crawled his way to the corner since his prosthetic leg was leaning against a nightstand. Katniss was at the edge of the bed with tears streaming down her cheeks; her hair was mess and her eyes bloodshot.

"Peeta," she whimpered as she knelt on the bed with a hand to her mouth to stifle her sobs.

"Are you okay?" I asked her as I searched for any injury. "Did he hurt you?"

"I'm fine, Haymitch," she sneered. "It's Peeta you should be concerned about. Does it look he hurt me?"

"Don't touch me, don't touch me," Peeta repeated at the corner. "Don't hurt me anymore." He continued to wail to himself unaware of our presence.

"I can't get him to stop," Katniss cried. "He's been having nightmares all night. I don't know what to do." She was panicked and felt helpless. They were a pitiful sight in contrast after seeing them hours before. It was heartbreaking. Peeta jumped as Effie, Bron, Delly and Johanna showed up in the room. Like a good soldier, Bron showed up with a gun in his hand. Johanna equipped with her trusty axe.

"What's going on?" Delly asked as he stared at Peeta. "Peeta?" She approached him only to have him fold into a ball hugging his knees tight.

"You're not real," Peeta said as he blinked a few times at Delly. He turned to Johanna. "I am 12, I am no one. No one needs me." Katniss sobbed with uncontrolled tears.

"Oh, shit," Johanna swore. "It was what the tormentors had us repeat when they were beating us. He thinks we're in the Capitol."

"What happened?" Delly asked. "He hasn't had this kind of breakdown in months. Unless he was triggered by something or someone."

She stepped forward but stopped when Peeta screeched, "Stay away from me."

"What did you say to him?" Johanna accused Katniss. She reacted in puzzlement then anger.

"I didn't say anything. He was already acting odd when we got home," Katniss sobbed. "I didn't cause this. I asked him if something was wrong and he said he was fine. We were fine."

"Well, he wasn't obviously fine," Johanna seethed.

"It's no one's fault," Delly interrupted. "I think after his last ordeal, something or someone has triggered Peeta in some way. He's been moody, snapping at people and fidgeting. It's unlike him. I suspected something was off about him since he came back."

"He's not getting better," Katniss said. "I want him to get better. We need to help him." I walked over to Peeta to comfort him when he unfurled himself and pushed me away.

"You stay away from me," he yelled. "You don't care about me. You only cared about her." He pointed into the air. "I'm nothing to you so don't pretend you care." I shocked and pained from his rant. "You didn't come for me. You left me to suffer and die. You left me and Johanna to die while you played mentor for your Mockingjay." He spat at me. I couldn't argue back because it was true. I left him and Johanna at the Capitol. The rebellion and keeping Katniss alive were all that mattered at the time. Peeta and Johanna was a casualty I was willing to sacrifice for the sake of Panem's future.

"Peeta, Haymitch is our friend, remember?" Johanna interjected; sorrow filled her eyes. "He's been taking care of us since we came home to 12." She grabbed him and wrapped her strong arms around him. "Shh, we're home, Peeta. We're home," she repeated several times.

"What if they're dead?" he panicked, his eyes wide were filled with terror.

"Who, Peeta," Johanna asked.

"Finnick and Katniss," he returned. "Snow wants all of us dead. I couldn't keep her safe."

"If they're together, Finnick will take care of her," she comforted. "He will, Peeta. I promise you that he will."

"We're all alone," Peeta continued. "They won't come for us. Haymitch abandoned you," Peeta cried. "I know that I'm not important but he left you too. How can he do that?

"He had no choice," she explained as she rubbed his back. "And what about Katniss, are you mad at her too. She left us too." Katniss' face turned white as a sheet. I guess Johanna still held some form or resentment and bitterness for being an afterthought to the rebellion. It was because of Katniss they were rescued. Other than that, we were willing to sacrifice their lives for the rebellion.

"No, never," he said. "He's using her. He doesn't care about her. He just wants her to be their Mockingjay." He said in a sad tone. It was true. The years of waiting for the rebellion took a toll on me. I was tired and weary. I used and manipulated anyone to end Snow's tyranny, even if it meant using two young kids from 12 to ignite a war. I did care for them but for my own selfish reasons. "We need to get out of here to help her. We need to escape." He's panicked, anxious and lost in his delusion as he tried to free himself from her grasp.

"Peeta," she shouted as she cupped his face with her hands. "Look at me." He stopped struggling. "You trust me, right?" He nodded without any hesitation. "You know that I would never lie to you? You trust me?"

"Always," he reminded her. "I trust you with my life. If anything happens, we die together." Their interaction gutted me. They only had each other back then and they were prepared to die. Everyone around them cried in sorrow and pain.

"I want you to look behind me," she instructed as she turned her head. "What do you see?"

He squinted his eyes as if he's trying to focus. "Delly, Haymitch, Effie and a Peacekeeper." Bron gasped in shock, a pained look in his face.

"And what about over there?" she pointed to Katniss who stood up to confront us.

"Katniss," he sighed with sadness and longing his blue orbs. "But they're not real. The Capitol wants us to believe they're real."

"I'm real, Peeta," Katniss spoke as she wiped tears from her face and smiled at him.

"You're so beautiful," he said with such longing "Even in my dreams you're always so beautiful."

"His thoughts and his memories of Katniss were the only thing that kept him alive," Effie observed. "It's no wonder that he's alive today."

"She is real, Peeta. Just reach over and touch her," Johanna added. "We're home, Peeta. Wake up from wherever you are and you'll find Katniss waiting for you." He took a tentative step towards her. He looked around and focused his eyes on everyone including Bron. Then refocused on Katniss, reaching for her. Katniss without any hesitation grabbed his hand.

"I'm real, Peeta," she said as she grabbed hold of him and wrapped her arms around his lean waist. He struggled against her for a moment then calmed. They sought comfort from each other for a few minutes as we stood watch. He pulled himself from her grasp, cupped her face for a few seconds then collapsed in her arms. "Peeta!" With quick reflexes, Johanna helped Katniss lay him on the bed.

"Just give him a moment, Katniss," Delly said as she reached over and placed her hand on his forehead. "He's a little warm but otherwise okay." She touched his wristband and looked at the display.

"What happened?" Katniss asked as she took his hand and placed it over her heart.

"He entered a dissociative state after a nightmare," Johanna explained. "It happened a lot after he was returned from the Capitol. You've seen one a few months ago." I knew that he still suffered from his trauma, but with his new relationship with Katniss I had hope that he was slowly recovering; that his experiences were being replaced with new and happy ones. "I think Delly's right, he has new triggers; something that happened to him during his abduction." The realization and revelation left me angry and helpless. I needed to find this bastard soon and fast. My eyes looked over to Johanna who nodded her head in understanding.

Peeta lurched into awareness. "Katniss!" he yelped. "Where's Katniss?" He reached out his arms to find her.

"I'm right here, Peeta," she said as she hugged him. "You're just dreaming, Peeta. I'm here with you, see?" He looked at her placing his hands on her face. Then, his eyes grew wide when he saw all of us in his room.

"I'm sorry if I worried all of you," he lamented. "I'm sorry, Katniss." He laid his head on her shoulder. "I'm sorry I keep waking you up with my bad dreams."

"I have them too," she said as she pushed him to lie down next to her. He spread himself half on top of her seeking comfort. I blushed at the intimacy of their embrace as he laid his head on her shoulder and grasped her waist. "You always take care of me when I have my nightmares. Let me take care of you." Peeta took a deep breath and closed his eyes.

"Sorry for waking everyone," Katniss apologized to everyone. It wasn't necessary.

"No need to apologize," Delly said. "We're just glad that he's okay. You take good care of him." She walked straight into her boyfriend's arms. "We'll leave you two alone." She left with Bron's arms wrapped around her waist. Johanna was about to leave the room when Peeta called out to her.

"Johanna," he croaked, his voice shaky as he sat up. She walked over and placed a kiss on his forehead as Peeta grabbed her hand. "Thank you, Jo," he said with tears in his eyes and lay back down. She glanced at Katniss with stern look in her eyes.

"Don't cancel your date. Either of you," she demanded as she walked out of the room. Tears trailed down her cheeks.

"Come on Haymitch. It's time for all of us to return to our own bed," Effie announced as she shoved me out of the room.

"Good night, Peeta. Katniss," I said as she shut the door behind us. "I didn't think you approved of them sleeping together." I trailed behind Effie as we descended the stairs.

"I can't deny them their time of need and comfort for each other," she admitted. "Besides, Katniss would rip my head off if I tried to separate her from Peeta." That was a fact that would not be challenged by any of us.

The next morning, I'm bleary eyed as pain shot through my body stemming from my neck. Having slept the rest of the morning on my armchair wasn't a bright idea as sunlight blinded my vision. "Oh, hell." I croaked.

"Haymitch, are you all right?" a voice sounded in my ears. It was Peeta; elbow deep in flour and dough sticking all over his fingers.

"What are you doing up so early?" I said as I squinted at my clock. It was 5:30 am. Shit, didn't he ever sleep? I closed my eyes for a moment.

"I couldn't sleep anymore so I decided to make some bread this morning," he announced as he shrugged his shoulders. "I'm making Katniss' favorite, Cheese Buns." I opened one eye at his announcement. 'Katniss is not the only one that loves his Cheese Buns' I cackled to myself.

"Is Katniss still sleeping?" I asked. Peeta nodded his head. He was quiet and shy with me. "How are you feeling?" I inquired and then winced as I realized how stupid I was to ask him.

"Tired, I guess," he said as he played with the dough stuck on his fingers. "I'm sorry, Haymitch." I reeled from his apology. Why was he apologizing? "I remembered what I said you to this morning." Oh, that.

"Don't Peeta," I said with enough strength I could muster in the early morning. "It's all right." Because it was all right. He voiced what I couldn't admit to myself. There was truth to his accusations. "No need to rehash it, we move forward, Peeta. We need time to forgive ourselves as well." I needed to forgive myself.

"Okay," he accepted.

"Are you sure you're ready for your date with Katniss this evening?" I asked. "Maybe you should postpone it?"

"Why" Peeta asked.

"You're too tense and agitated right now. Why don't you wait until after your session," I said. "Get that out of the way so you can fully enjoy your date with her."

"I don't want to disappoint Katniss by cancelling it," he said. "She so happy right now, I don't want to spoil it. Besides, Johanna will strangle me." He smirked. "I've waited for so long for this. I want to take her out on a date. In case something happens to me after my sessions with Dr. Aurelius, I want to have one good, carefree night with her. I may never have another chance."

"Don't talk like that Peeta," I scolded him. "Nothing bad is going to happen to you."

"I'm just being realistic, Haymitch," he confessed. "I don't know what's wrong with me. I feel like I'm losing myself, like something really bad happened and my mind shut it out. What if I finally lose it and never recover?"

"You won't Peeta," I assured him. "And do you know why I know you won't? Because you've suffered through the worse thing that happened to any human being and you survived it. What you experienced and lived through, it's a miracle, Peeta. You beat it."

"I'm not sure I have," he said. "I feel like I'm slipping."

"And we all will be here to catch you," I said. "Never forget that we're here to support you. That we are here waiting for you. You are not alone anymore. Katniss will be waiting for you. Do this for her if not for you."

"I don't want to do this," Peeta said. "I'm afraid of what I'll remember during the session."

"You have to find out, Peet," I advised. "You don't want to feel like that forever." I didn't want to reveal what Delly told us last night; that he may have a new trigger. "Not knowing will drive you out of your mind. I promise you, that we will take care of you. Just be strong to come back to us, to Katniss." I knew that if there was one thing that he couldn't deny, it was that he would do anything for her. To face his fears and beat it. For Katniss. Without her, he would have died a long time ago.

"I need you to promise something, Haymitch," he said, his eyes bored into mine. I hated when he did that. Every time he made me make a promise, something bad happened. "You swear to me that you will take care and watch over Katniss if something goes wrong with my session. Even if it meant ending my life to protect everyone from me."

"You're going to be fine," I uttered. My gut and mind ached at the possibility of something going wrong. Fear and anger lodged at the pit of my stomach.

"Swear to me and don't lie this time. Swear to me, Haymitch," he demanded. "I know for a fact that you'll protect her, but if I'm not me anymore and become a mutt version of myself, you swear that you will not let me live like that."

"I'm not going to kill you, Peeta," I sneered at him. "Katniss will never forgive me." My words choked me. How could he ask that of me?

"Promise me," he demanded. "Swear to me, Haymitch. Swear that you'll end my misery if I'm not me anymore. I never want her to see that side of me again. I remember her disgust and her hate."

"She didn't hate you," I admonished him. "She thought she lost you forever. She lost herself when you came back altered."

"And if I become that person again, you will make sure that I never hurt her again," Peeta stated. "If I'm lost forever, I can't live like that, like some animal whose dignity and choice was taken from him. You will end me."

"I can't, I won't," I continued. I started hyperventilate. My hands shook with anger and frustration.

"Don't panic, Haymitch," he said in a calm manner. "I know that when the time comes, you'll make the right decision for me and for Katniss." A ding sound startled the both of us. "That's my timer, I need to put the Cheese Buns in the oven." He turned to exit the room. "I'm thinking of making some cinnamon rolls too."

"Peeta?" I called out to him.

"It's going to be a perfect day," he said with a smile on his face. "I'm going on a date with the girl of my dreams." He turned and walked away. Delly was right, his mood swings were erratic and frightening. I'm shocked by his behavior. I shook my head to clear my mind. At least for today, I'll ensure that his date with Katniss will run smoothly and problem free. They both deserve it.

Katniss POV –

I woke up aching and heavy from lack of sleep as I reached over for Peeta. My hand landed at the empty and cold space besides me. I looked around in panic as I found a note stuck on his pillow, 'Went to town with Bron. See you later. Peeta. PS, I made you breakfast. Hope you enjoy.' I rushed out of bed and ran downstairs to Haymitch's kitchen. Two platters of cheese buns were set in the center of the table; another plate of cinnamons next to it. Near the plates lay another note, 'Thank you for agreeing to go out with me this evening. I look forward to our date tonight. Peeta' it read.

My chest burst with joy and elation when a voice startled me. "It's about time you got up," Haymitch sputtered as he entered the room. "Peeta wouldn't let me have one until you did. He's evil that boyfriend of yours." I smiled so wide as Haymitch called him my boyfriend. "Get one already so I can eat."

"I need to wash my hands first," I teased as I left the room. Hands washed and tea brewing, I grabbed the top Cheese Bun and took a bite. It's still warm and gooey inside as the cheese melted in my mouth. "Hmm," I sighed. Haymitch snatched the next bun and followed suit. As I was about to reach over to pick up another piece, Delly, Johanna and Effie barged into Haymitch's home.

"I knew it," Delly squealed. "Peeta baked his Cheese Buns. And he made cinnamon rolls too. I could smell it all the way over my house." She and Johanna reached over and took a bite. Effie with her doe like way picked up a bun, sniffed then took a tiny bit. Her eyes grew wide.

"This is simply marvelous," she commented as she bit off a piece. "Delly and Johanna kept going on and on about these, but I never knew how delicious they were."

"I bet the cinnamon rolls are awesome," Haymitch added. "I'll eat those later."

"I've only eaten this," Johanna gestured towards the buns. "I can't wait to sample of rest of his recipes. He's an awesome baker for someone so young. I'm really glad that he gets to continue his craft for all of District 12 to experience."

"That's why Peeta should open up his family's bakery," Delly said. "Peeta wants to share it with those he loves." She winked at me.

"Where are Bron and Peeta, by the way?" Johanna asked with a mouth full of Cheese Buns.

"Manners, Mason," Effie scolded her. "You may live out here away from civilized life, but etiquette and manners must be maintained in a thriving society. Without it we would flounder back to the Dark Ages."

"Effie," Haymitch tuned in. "Shut up."

"Well I never," Effie responded in shock.

"Anyway, Bron picked up Peeta this morning," Haymitch continued. "Peeta said that he had several things to do before the date."

"Once you finished eating, Katniss, we should be going soon," Delly suggested. "I know this little store that has the perfect dress for you that Peeta would just die for."

"And I made an appointment with your beauty salon," Effie added. "You both need a lot of work." She eyed Delly and me as she raised our hands for her inspection. "When was the last time you both had a manicure? You're a mess too."

"Why does Delly need to go?" I asked ignoring Effie's insult.

"Oh, didn't I tell you?" Delly said. "We're double dating this evening. It's the only way Bron can shadow you and Peeta without looking suspicious. We are going to have so much fun."

I pouted and folded my arms across my chest. I had hope that Peeta and I would have a night by ourselves without anyone keeping us company. But then, if it were to ensure Peeta's safety, I would accept the security measure. We can both relax without having to look over our shoulders every minute of our date. "That's doesn't sound fair for you and Bron, Delly. I want you to have a good time too."

"I've been in tons of dates with Bron," she assured me. "I'll gladly tag along to make sure you and Peeta has a perfect night." I almost stumbled and broke down into tears. "You both need this. Besides, what Peeta had in mind for your first date, I wouldn't want to miss it. You're going to have the best night of your life." The more Delly talked about it, the more excited I got. The more excited I got, the more nervous I got. It was a vicious cycle. I didn't want to mess up. I wanted our first date to be perfect.

An hour later as I'm prepared to leave with Delly and Effie, Haymitch and Johanna appeared at my door. "Can we talk to you before you go into town?" he asked. With a tentative step they both entered and situated themselves in my living room. I noticed that Johanna was carrying a small metallic case.

"I don't know how to say this without being indelicate as Effie would say," he said. "So I'll just say it. I've decided that all of us have to take extra measures to ensure our own safety as well as Peeta. That's why sent Johanna to meet with Beetee in 13 for a reason." As he spoke Johanna opened the metallic box revealing a few items, several small capsules and an injector."

"I told Haymitch that everyone should be given a choice to pick which option that is best for them," Johanna added. "What we decided was to equip everyone with a GPS devise that will either be injected on your person or wear an accessory that must be worn at all times.

"The injection is something that Katniss, Johanna and I are very familiar with," he said. I remembered the feeling of the injection that was inserted on to my forearm without my consent for the games. I felt violated and angry at the Capitol for taking liberties with my life. "You have a choice to wear an accessory or have it inserted in your forearm."

"Will it hurt?' Delly asked.

"It will sting for a couples of minutes," Haymitch admitted. "The sensation wears off as soon as your body adjusts to the foreign object. In time, you won't notice that it's there." I rubbed the scar still apparent on my forearm. Johanna watched me with an apologetic look on her face. I smiled back to assure that all was forgiven. Her removing it was a necessary measure that ensured me from being captured by the Capitol. Peeta was not so lucky.

"Or I can give you these…" he said as he picked up a necklace with a one inch medallion. "I had Beetee create a copy of Bron's Military tag in place of a real one. This is for you, Delly." He handed the necklace to her. The chain and medallion were stainless steel with a yellow Delilah flower underneath a clear enameled shell.

"It's beautiful," Delly complimented. "There's a GPS chip inside?"

"Yes, on the back," Haymitch acknowledge. "If the idea of injecting a foreign object is horrifying to you, I had him design these; something innocuous that wouldn't be obvious to anyone. Johanna has been wearing hers since she arrived back at 12." She lifted her necklace to reveal a medallion with a Sunflower. Haymitch was keeping in mind the cake that Peeta had designed at his competition. The three layered cake that was designed for us.

"Katniss, I had Beetee create this for you," he lifted a necklace off the box with a design of a primrose. I almost broke down and cried. "As for Effie, well I hope that you wouldn't mind if you wore this."

"For me?" she said in shock. The necklace had a golden Dove. "I think that Katniss would agree with me that if it wasn't for you, she wouldn't have been able to handle the propos without you. You're presence in 13 was critical to the war as you still are important to us. You were her strength and support when she needed it." I nodded my head in agreement. Haymitch may have been my voice of reason, Prim my safe harbor and Peeta my motivation. Effie provided me strength to carry my role as the MockingJay. "Thank you, Haymitch," she said. "I don't know what to say." She wiped a tear from her cheek.

"Effie, speechless? That's a first," Johanna teased.

"So keep in mind, please wear this at all times, if you refused to be injected," Haymitch demanded. "I have also implemented other security measures that we will discuss when we are all together."

"What about you? What is your GPS?" I asked. He didn't appear to wear a tag or necklace. He pulled on his shirtsleeve to reveal a small scar on his forearm.

"I refuse to wear jewelry so I had Johanna inject mine into my arm," he answered. "These can be deactivated once we catch Peeta's stalker."

"Haymitch, I know that these are necessary," Effie stated. "Why isn't the local law enforcement involved to protect Peeta?"

"I don't trust anyone," he answered. I wouldn't trust Peeta's safety to anyone either.

"Surely, the more people to help you, the sooner you can catch him," she insisted.

"The Local enforcement here is run by a former Peacekeeper," Haymitch said in disgust. "Do you honestly think that he cares about Peeta and any of us; former tributes and Victors who were involved in the rebellion? Paylor may have pardoned them in return for granting them their freedom without retaliation. But I don't think that years of ingrained values and ideals can be forgotten or ignored. There are still a lot of resentment or hatred for upturning their lives and their way of life." Paylor believed in giving people a second chance. That doesn't mean that I would trust a stranger to make Peeta a priority. He is still labeled a traitor and a cowards on both sides.

"What about the Guardsmen?" she questioned. "Bron is a Guardsmen."

"I trust him only because he is Delly's boyfriend," he confessed. "Besides do you remember who is the head of the Guardsmen?" he asked and answered his own question. "Gale Hawthorne. No, we are better off dealing with this on our own with people we trust impeccably. I only trust everyone here with my life and Peeta's life. Outside of 12, I trusted Beetee and few Victors left. Everyone is suspect."

"That's a rather paranoid way of thinking, Haymitch," Effie said.

"I rather be safe then sorry," he said. "I'm not going to gamble Peeta's life and place him into other people's hands. I lost him twice before and it's not going to happen again." I felt his sorrow and regret for the decisions he made, and the promise he broke to protect Peeta while I broke my own by leaving him with Beetee. Our decisions resulted with Peeta coming back broken, damaged and weary of our intentions. We both had a lot to make up for.

However, my sins weighed heavily than Haymitch. With a light heart, I'm determined to see Peeta through his ordeal; the stalking, his nightmares and his weary heart. I knew what is it was like to live without him. I envisioned a lonely and self-destructive future filled with resentment, fear and bitterness. I would forever push people away and lived a life of solitude, an empty life without friendship, family and love. In essence, I would live without Peeta and the people who I cherish. I can't live like that, I won't.

"May I?" Haymitch asked as he appeared before me with the necklace in his hands. I turned around and let me fastened it behind my neck. It felt cool and light against my skin. I watched as Johanna fastened Delly's necklace on to her while Haymitch proceeded to Effie's when she shrieked from his advance.

"Stop," she shouted as she raised a hand to ward him off. She looked frightened, appalled and horrified.

"What?" Haymitch sneered. He looked embarrassed and defensive.

"You can't," Effie shouted. "It's inappropriate."

"For crying out loud," he whined. "I was only going to put this on you."

"And you would be making a big and irreversible faux pas," she corrected him. "Capitol tradition would dictate that if you did that, you would be binding yourself to me."

"What do you mean by 'binding'?" I asked.

"Oh hell," Johanna cackled. "What Effie is trying to explain is that by Haymitch fastening the necklace to her, he would basically be asking her to marry him by Capitol tradition. You almost accidentally got engaged."

"I can't believe you, Abernathy," Effie groaned. "You've lived in the Capitol long enough to be acquainted with the traditions and ceremonies."

"Effie, don't be an idiot," Haymitch bellowed as his eyes grew wide. "It only works if I was a Capitol citizen."

"But I am. Hand that over," Effie commanded as he dropped into her hands as if she burned him. She walked over to a mirror and fastened it onto herself. "That tradition is important to me. Of course, you wouldn't think that it as important to me."

"Oh, you mean like our toasting in District 12," Delly commented as she grasped the meaning of the necklace fastening.

"Yes, all Districts have some sort of private wedding ceremony besides signing a marriage contract," Johanna added.

"But does that mean Haymitch is engaged to Katniss?" Delly screamed. I gasped in shock and horror.

"No, not quite" Effie stated. "It's a Capitol tradition. It's exclusive to the citizens like the other Districts." I looked at her in puzzlement. "I would wear the necklace for months during our engagement. Then I would place a necklace around his neck in the wedding ceremony. Thus sealing and finalizing the marriage ritual."

"Haymitch isn't from the Capitol," I mumbled. "And neither am I, thank God."

"Hey, I'm a great catch," Haymitch balked at my insult.

I hated to think that I got engaged accidently. Though one fake engagement was bad enough, if I ever got engaged I wanted it to be real. Like Peeta wanted all those months ago. Peeta and I never took that engagement seriously.

"It works the same between districts," Johanna added. "If I got engaged to someone here in 12. I would do a toasting as well as my own District 7 tradition to finalize a private marriage ceremony."

"Oh, so if I married Bron. I would do the necklace fastening ceremony with him and he would have to do a toasting for mine," Delly wondered. "It's a dual ceremony to complete both traditions."

"Exactly," she confirmed. Johanna narrowed her eyes to Delly. "Is there something you want tell us, Delly?"

"Oh, no," she said as she turned a faint pink. "I was just wondering if you know…if Bron and I got married. I was only talking to myself really." She sighed. Poor Delly, I wondered if she wanted to marry Bron. It seemed like a foregone conclusion to me that she would. They loved each other. They were so perfect with each other.

"So swapping the necklace is a Capitol tradition. What is District 7's tradition?" I inquired. Johanna's eyes wandered to Delly but before I can get an answer Effie interrupted us.

"We're burning daylight and so many things to do, ladies," Effie clapped her hands together with a gleam in her eyes.

"Have fun, ladies," Johanna cackled as she shoved Delly and me out of my own home.

"What are you going to do while we're in town?" Delly asked her eyes gleamed. She was so excited. I never had a day of shopping or a spa day with 'the girls' before. I didn't have the heart to tell her what's in store for us with Effie commandeering our day.

"I'm going to sleep all day," she added as she walked over to the house she shared with Delly and Bron. "Then this evening I'll have the house all to myself for some peace and quiet." It sounded like a great plan.

"Me too," Haymitch reiterated. "Sleeping all day sounds like a great idea." He continued to walk to his own home.

I sighed as I walked along side Delly and Effie as we approached the town. I don't know what she has planned for us but I knew that Delly and I were in trouble. A day with Effie meant a day of 'ouch and holy shit that hurts' kind of day. I really hope that Peeta appreciated what I'm putting myself through for our perfect date. He's so worth it.

AN: Sorry to have left it there, but if posted the rest, it would be have been too lengthy for one sitting. I learned my lesson the first time. Thank you for reading this chapter and for hanging on. It's a great pleasure writing this story. Have a great week.