Destiny - Heart of a Baker, Soul of a Hunter

by SalaciousNothings

Peeta Mellark, the baker's son saved Katniss Everdeen's life at the age of eleven when he threw the burnt bread one rainy day. She never thanked him let alone acknowledged his existence. She hated owing him but knew there would come a day when she would repay him. Little did she realize that her life was bound to his forever. It was inevitable. AU HG, OOC Everlark

21. Chapter 21 - Aftermath 1, Celebration

Chapter 21 – Aftermath 1, Celebration of Youth

AN: Thank you for all those who left a review, alert and favored 'Destiny.' Special thanks to MaidenAlice, pistonsfan75, pumpkinking5, LACR, hawaiiangrl, jmjames, IcyPinkLemonade, Nai1987, jroseley, J, B Dizzy, Dizzy and guests. Your comments and reviews meant a lot to me and are greatly appreciated. Writing this fic relaxes me during my down time. This chapter contains POV's from Agatha Berridge, Haymitch and Katniss and is rated R for strong language. The Hunger Games belongs to Suzanne Collins. My apologies for not posting sooner than I anticipated, needed a few fixes but alas, if you find any mistakes, please forgive me.

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Agatha Berridge ––

"I don't get it," I said as I wrung my hands together slathering jasmine lotion on my hands. "I mean she's not at all that pretty." Mother nodded her head in agreement as she helped button up my dress.

"Peeta is obviously bewitched," Mom added. "You know her mother is a healer. Who knows what kind of herbal concoction she's slipping in his food and drink. I bet you it's a drug. I mean do you see the way he looks at her like he's enchanted or mesmerized. She's drugging him."

"I know, I thought about that," I said flapping my hands in the air for the lotion to dry. "It would explain what he sees in her––her eyes are too small, nose too pointy and lips…thin. And her hair, don't get me started with her hair. It needs lots of conditioning for that frizz."

"Even if he's not drugged, darling. It's just phase, darling," mother insisted. "If he's not under the influence of some drug. Once he had his fill with her, he'll wise up. You know how these Merchants boys are…sowing his oats. " What a disgusting thought? My Peeta debasing himself with a Seam girl.

"How long do you think that'll take?" I asked sighing in frustration. "I'm not getting any younger, mother. I mean, Delly Cartwright snatched Rye just like that before I had a chance with him." By the time, I thought I had a chance with Mr. Mellark's second son; Rye was dating Delly when they both turned sixteen. As for Peeta he was scrawny little boy––he didn't at all appeal to me as his brother Graham and Rye was stocky, tall and well built.

It wasn't until this year that I took notice of the youngest when my cousin Dottie, a classmate of Peeta's forced me to attend the school's wrestling match. Oh my, oh my, how little Peeta grown. I didn't recognize him wearing the teams' singlet.

"That's…that Peeta?" I asked my mouth open. Peeta was no longer the little timid boy I remembered as he stood with hands on his hips assessing his opponent. He wore a black tight forming singlet that displayed his 'assets.' And when I mean his assets I also meant his other manly attributes. The bulge underneath his uniform gave me hours of pleasurable fantasies. He wasn't tall or stocky like his brothers, but he was gorgeous with his lean, well muscle toned arms, leg and butt. Though he was three years my junior I could live with that fact if I wanted a well matched and suitable husband and father to my children. I envisioned our curly blond hair and blue-eyed offspring. Tyler Graham's first-born son was an example of combining our gene pool. With his physical attributes, we would create beautiful children together.

Since the age I understood the prospects of marriage, mother instilled in me the notion of finding the right young man. First, he must have a pedigree. At school I gauged my male classmates suitability. My mother spoke of families who had ascendants dating back since the establishment of District 12. They must have a prestigious ancestry. There weren't many since a few left for other districts. The Allens, Lockharts and, Cartwrights male offspring were already married or much too young for me. I had originally wanted Graham but my chance to snag him was cut short as he already been courting Sonja Edgewood, the butcher's daughter. I was too late for Rye as his mother informed me that he was dating Nathan Cartwright's daughter. So when I saw Peeta that day I knew I wanted him.

His mother and mine were friends. So my introduction was already planned once Peeta turned sixteen. We were to write up our contract on his birthday, court me for two years as long as he wasn't reaped then marriage once he turned eighteen. It was all set.

However, my plans were foiled as Mr. Mellark refused to contract Peeta for the state of matrimony. For two years I was told to be patient as the arrangement was kept a secret until Peeta's sixteenth birthday.

I will never forget that day. It was supposed to be the happiest day of my life.

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Flashback ––

"Mother, where is my necklace?" I asked her. My nerves were frazzled; as I had waited for this day for two years. It was Peeta's birthday. I especially wanted to look beautiful for him.

"Here, darling," mother answered back as she placed the jewelry on me. "Don't forget to use the perfume." Once necklace was in place, she handed me a dark blue bottle. The fragrance itself wasn't appealing to me but I was told that it had…qualities to entice men's olfactory to distraction driving them wild. It had worked on my first boyfriend, Henry. He had taken me to the slagheap introducing me to the world of physical pleasure. We were both fifteen.

When my mother and Mrs. Mellark informed me that I was to be contracted to Peeta years before I was not at all pleased. I had hoped to marry Henry Poole, the nephew to Mayor Undersee. The Undersees family were amongst the original settlers of District 12 close to 200 years before. Henry was Heath Undersee's sister's eldest and only son. For years our would-be union was regaled and admired by all of the Merchants families. We were hailed as a perfect and enviable match. I simply adored him.

At fourteen we were contracted and to be married once we both turned eighteen. Though I had informed mother that I couldn't wait she insisted that we wait until our reaping years were over. She didn't want me married with child and a dead husband. No man would consider marriage to a widow with a child. She was right for on our seventeenth birthdays, Henry was reaped.

I was heartbroken until I remembered that mother had wanted me to be contracted to Mellark's youngest son, Peeta. For years after Henry's death I couldn't find a suitable and equal match. Peeta at the time was fourteen so I never paid attention to him. I had visited a cousin in District 6 to sooth my broken heart. During my time of bereavement, I was courted by a few young men in that district. None suited me. I also knew that I was not willing to live in District 6. Their industry bored me. With a heavy heart I returned o 12 thinking that I was going to live a lonely spinster life until I saw Peeta in a wrestling tournament two years later.

We were invited to dinner the night before Peeta's birthday. That night Peeta wore a dark blue suit; it was given to him as a present from his mother. He looked so handsome with his hair trimmed and slicked back. During dinner his mother arranged for me to sit next to the birthday boy. I at first I thought he was shy and nervous, as he looked straight ahead and he hardly engaged in conversation with me. He was adorable as he stumbled with his words. My beauty must have stunned him for the more I pressed the more flustered he became. I resolved once we were engaged I would cure of him of his shyness and his stuttering with my experience and maturity. I would be patient and loving as I would be the perfect wife and mother.

As the dinner moved forward, my mother stood up and made the announcement with Mrs. Mellark's encouragement. "I would like to express my thanks and gratitude to the entire Mellark family for having us for dinner this evening. James, Evelyn you have a beautiful family." She eyed Graham, Sonja and little Tyler, then she turned to Delly and Rye. She turned her eyes to mine and nodded. "Happy Birthday, Peeta. May you have many more years of success and prospects of a happy future."

My mind envisioned sitting with Peeta and our children in moments like this to celebrate birthdays and special events in our lives. My heart skipped a beat just thinking about it.

"As you well know that my daughter Agatha had the misfortune to lose her beloved Henry a couple of years ago. His death struck her hard that her heart could not let him go for sometime. She had a difficult recovering from her loss. However, as the saying goes, 'time heals all wounds.' After having a few discussions with Mrs. Mellark, Evelyn and I decided that it would beneficial for both our families to be united as one. So as Peeta will be turning sixteen tomorrow––"

Peeta gasped besides me. There was a look of wonder on his handsome face as he looked between his father and mother.

"Dad, you…ca..ca..can't let h..er––"

"Peeta, mind your manners," his mother scolded him. "You interrupted Mrs. Berridge."

"Mother, you are not suggesting to…contract Peeta to Agatha," Graham blurted in shock. He seemed upset, displeased with the match. Was he sorry he overlooked his chance with me…uhm…maybe feeling jealous of our match?

"Peeta, has no prospects," she announced. "The match with Agatha is best for him."

"No," Mr. Mellark said. His head was down and eyes closed. "How could you do this without consulting me?"

"You would have objected and I was right," Mrs. Mellark started. Mother sat down looking puzzled.

"I thought…Evelyn, you told me that you talked about this with James."

"She didn't," Mr. Mellark added. "And even if she did. She was correct to assume I would wholeheartedly refused to contract Peeta's love life."

"James, you're being unreasonable. Agatha would make a wonderful wife for Peeta." Rye snorted as he sent a dirty look at his own mother. 'How rude and disrespectful of him,' I thought. I am so pleased that I was spared from having him as my husband.

"No," Mr. Mellark insisted. "I would never force my youngest son to such barbaric practices. He will marry for love."

"Love? You mean the infatuation he's had since he was five?" she spat. "That will never happen for I forbid it."

Infatuation? Who was Peeta infatuated with? Why was I not aware that I had competition? Well, if Peeta's mother disapproved of his choice then I still had a chance.

"Mr. Mellark," I said with a soft tone. "I think if given a chance in time Peeta would grow to love––"

"My son is not for sale, Agatha," his father insisted. I snorted in an unladylike manner. I didn't meant to but it happened to my shame.

"Why don't we ask Peeta," mother suggested.

"He's too young to know what's good for him," Mrs. Mellark scoffed.

"I believe that his is old enough to know what he wants, Evelyn," his father sneered at her.

"Please, Mr. and Mrs. Mellark, I think we should let Peeta speak his mind," I stated as I turned to him. Peeta looked stunned. His face and tip of ears turned pink.

"I…I…," he started. His Adam's apple bobbed up and down his throat. "I'm so…so… Miss Berridge…" How cute. He was so polite and soft spoken. He didn't bluster like most boys his age. Young men his age spoke loudly asserting their masculine superiority. I hated boys who spoke loud and crudely and that was the majority of the young men in District 12. The Mellark boys were sought after. I wasn't surprised they were already taken. I wasn't about to let Peeta get away from me.

"Agatha, Peeta. You can call me Aggie if it pleases you," I giggled. I felt giddy with excitement as he finally was speaking to me. I love the timber of his voice. It was low and soft but very masculine.

"Miss Berridge," he stumbled. "I…I'm flattered that y…you…yo––"

"For heaven's sake, Peeta," his mother said in an impatient manner. "We don't have all night."

"Please, Mrs. Mellark, let him continue." Peeta looked at his father and two brothers, then back to Mr. Mellark. He nodded his head to Peeta as if giving him permission to continue. He was such an obedient and dutiful son. He would make a wonderful husband for––

"Miss Berridge, I…I am flattered that you con…cco…considered me but…" I held my breath. "My…my heart belongs to another."

"Oh for crying out loud, you cannot be serious," Mrs. Mellark screeched as she stood up from her chair. "When are you going to get into that thick head of yours that 'she' is just an infatuation?"

"She? Who's she?" I asked bewildered and surprised. I checked and asked around if Peeta was dating anyone. All my sources said he was available. Didn't even have a girlfriend. I looked forward to being his first if I had my say.

"That slut from the Seam."

"Evelyn!" Mr. Mellark berated her. "You don't even know Katniss to call her names."

"I know that she is with that…that whoring Hawthorne boy," she answered back. "Rumor has it that he practically bedded half of his classmates."

My mind ran in circles––Katniss, as in Katniss Everdeen. She was Seam. "I wouldn't be surprised that she bedded half of classmates as well."

"No," Peeta said his voice firm but cold. There was a glint in his eyes. They were hard and angry. "Katniss is not a slut."

"Do not take that tone with me, young man," she returned. "Nothing will ever happen between you and that Seam brat."

Peeta then stood up and walked the room heading down the stairs and out of the house without so much of good-bye.

"Peeta, get back here this minute," Mrs. Mellark bellowed.

"See, James this is what happens when you indulged him with that fantasy of his," she turned to Mr. Mellark.

"Leave him alone, Evelyn," Mr. Mellark sighed.

"Well, that was rude," I said displeased at Peeta's departure and behavior.

"Excuse me," Mr. Mellark stood up as well as he threw his napkin onto the table.

"Where are you going?" Mrs. Mellark spoke in anger.

"After my son, Evelyn," he stated.

"Just let him sulk and brood, James. He'll eventually come back." She turned to my parents. "I'm sorry, please forgive my son's rude behavior.

"Evelyn, you had no right to do that to him," Peeta's father spoke. "And to do it in front of everyone without consulting me."

"I have every right to see to my son's future," she said. "He's impressionable and too soft. I was just looking out for him."

"And contracting him to…her…." He pointed to me. "Was your way of looking out for him? And…to announce it without even telling me."

"A dad," Rye spoke soft and calm. "I'm going to find Peeta."

"And I'm going with him," Delly said as she stood up pulling Rye with her. "He's probably really upset right now."

"We're leaving too," Graham announced. Both of them hugged him goodbye then acquitted the room. The argument between the Mellarks became unbearable and uncomfortable that mother and father suggested we leave. With a heavy heart, we left without me having the opportunity to see Peeta open my gift to him––a gift I toiled and spent hours of finding the perfect gift to my future husband. I had given him a beautiful handcrafted silver watch created from District 1 since no watch was good enough unless I had brought it from there.

End of Flashback ––

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To say I was disappointed of the outcome was an understatement. Since then I have not given up on him even when he was whipped by that horrible Peacekeeper. What was his name? Jay or something. I wanted Peeta and I was determined to get him.

Mother advised that I be patient and let nature takes its course. That eventually as Mrs. Mellark would predict that Peeta would lose his interest with the Everdeen girl. So I stayed away. However, when he was injured, I couldn't anymore. The incident was a perfect opportunity for me to show him that I was the right woman for him. That Katniss caused nothing but misery in his life. So with his mother's permission I persisted as I continued to pursue him. He would relent, eventually.

He would see that I have more to offer to him––a life without scorn, humiliation and ridicule. That is what Katniss Everdeen would bring into his life. So tonight before the next reaping all of the districts were allowed to have "Celebration of Youth" night. It was formerly called the 'Spring Fling.' This year Snow announced renaming it to an appropriate title in celebration for the youth in Panem. One night each year Snow allowed the school children to have a party of eating and dancing––a last celebration before two our own would be reaped. It was all paid for by Snow's generosity. I was pleased that he had renamed it since the other sounded crass and provincial. Celebration of Youth added class.

I was lucky that my name was never in the lottery. It was one of the privileges of being a Merchant. Only a handful had that honor. I was surprised when I was told that the Mellarks boys were participating in the lottery.

Anyway, back to the topic at hand. I digressed. Let me get back to Peeta. Sweet Peeta. He's so perfect for me, so good-natured, kind and suitable to my temperament. So…with what's at stake my future with Peeta, I volunteered to be chaperone for the party that was being held tonight at the Justice Building courtyard. The area itself was large enough to accommodate all the students with chaperones and teachers to monitor them. It was out in the open not enclosed with twinkling lights for illumination and the moon hovering above. The setting was perfect. Romantic. This was my opportunity to present myself to him, to let him see I'm better suited to be his partner in life. I am, after all Merchant. With my beauty, status and pedigree how could he continue to resist me?

And most of all since he is his nephew's legal guardian I would become Tyler's aunt by marriage. He couldn't possibly raise Tyler on his own.

With the party in full swing, I'm disappointed that Peeta was not at attendance. The party was mandatory for all Merchants and Seam, boys and girls from ages 12 to 17 so I was surprised he wasn't here yet. 'Where' is Peeta?'

After twenty minutes of straining and staring at the courtyards entrance, I decided to walk around and do my 'chaperoning' duties. This duty entailed making sure the refreshments wasn't spiked and cleaning after the mess the attendees left behind. I did neither but just wandered about since my whole purpose was to talk to Peeta.

Several Peacekeepers were in attendance to ensure that no trouble arose. They were equipped with tasers instead of their usual assault rifles. In the course of the evening, a Merchant classmate was already tased for disorderly conducted. He was escorted to his home immediately.

I sighed in frustration and impatience. Then I saw him. Peeta wore a pair of dark gray pants and a light blue shirt. He looked…handsome, scrumptious. The pants fitted him well as it displayed his slim waistline and round muscular butt. However, I'm displeased to see that he needed more meat on his bones. Once we're married I'll make sure that he ate well and properly.

To my dismay he was with…that Everdeen girl––the one that his own mother disapproved of. Had she been Merchant then I understood the attraction. I, for the life of me couldn't see what he saw in her. She wore a dark blue dress that had to have been handed down from her mother. It was plain and did nothing to accentuate her skinny body. My ire grew as I watched them walked together hand in hand while who I assumed was her little sister had her hand tucked into the crook of his elbow. Their display and appearance did little to discourage me. Also, walking besides them was Delly Cartwright, Peeta's future sister in law. I had forgotten that she was still eligible for the lottery since Rye had just turned 18 earlier this year. Damnit he was surrounded as another of their classmates appeared beside him.

It was the mayor's daughter, Madge Undersee. She too hung around him all night. Also, why was Victor Haymitch Abernathy with them?

I waited for an hour hoping to catch Peeta alone for what I have to say to him was private. Impatient, Katniss, Delly and her sister never left him out of their sight. At first I watched, as Peeta was reluctant to dance with any of them. Not even Katniss. I wondered if it was because he didn't know how to dance. If that were the case, then as soon as we are engaged I would enroll us for some dancing classes. I would insist on it.

However, after a bit of coaxing from Katniss' little sister, I watched as he was dragged to the dance floor.

On the dance floor I could hear them. "Prim," he smiled and laughed as she pulled him to the floor. "I'm not really good at this." His words sounded above the music. Prim? What woman in her right mind would name their daughter Prim?

"It's not that hard, Peeta. Come on," she said as she twirled around him. "Just copy and follow me." I had to admit it was cute and sweet of Peeta to surrender as watched her for a few seconds. He looked awkward, stiff and adorable as he tried to mimic her steps and dance moves. If he wasn't dancing with Prim he was dancing with Madge and Delly.

I noticed when he took a break Katniss handed him a cup of refreshment and handed him a green pill. I knew it. She was drugging him. No wonder he was so entranced by her. I knew that I had to save him but didn't know how to get to him without Katniss hovering over him every minute. My poor Peeta was being drugged right in front of every to see.

At one point, he crashed into another dancer. He apologized profusely as his ears and cheeks turned pink from embarrassment. Then, Prim grabbed him by the hand and continued to dance. By the sidelines, both Delly and Katniss laughed at him at his attempt. Next, Madge dragged him onto the floor. After her, Delly pulled onto the floor again. He needed my help.

"Delly, stop laughing and making fun of me," he said with a twinkle in eyes and smile that showed of his toothy grin. Dear lord, he had dimples etched on his face. The pill made him loopy like as if he was drunk.

"At least you're better than Rye," she chortled back. "He has two left feet. I'm going to have sore feet after our wedding dance."

"I know," Peeta agreed. "But at least he didn't make a fool of himself like I did at Graham's wedding." Peeta's demeanor faltered once he mentioned his brother's name. He stopped and danced to the edge of the dance floor.

"Don't be sad, Peeta," she told him. "He wouldn't want you to be sad right now." I turned my head to find Katniss staring at the both of them. She looked worried.

It was endless. He was then dragged onto the floor with Katniss' little sister.

Then the tempo of the music changed from fast to slow. Before I knew it Katniss was at his side. This time, Peeta wasn't dragged or forced to dance as he led her to the dance floor. I seethed with rage and fury as I shook my head in disgust. How could he dance with her? My rage festered as I watched him pull her closer to his body until there was no space between them her head resting on his lean shoulders. She had a smile on her face. Why shouldn't she?

I looked around me wondering if anyone saw or cared. I noticed a few of his classmates whispered to each other while others showed their disdain on their faces. I was surprised that no one approached them as if their 'relationship' was accepted. I waited for his teacher to separate or scold them. No one did. It was obvious that Peeta was under her spell. I couldn't stand it any longer something had to be done to finally end this ridiculous infatuation he had for Katniss. He was under being drugged right before my eyes and no one was doing anything about it. This was unacceptable.

I edged my way towards the couple when suddenly Mr. Haymitch Abernathy and Delly blocked my path. 'Huh?'

"And where do you think you're going, Agatha?" Delly asked her hands akimbo while Mr. Abernathy arms were crossed on his chest.

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Haymitch POV ––

A ball of air gathered in my throat. Then it rose through my mouth sending an airy explosion that it surprised me. "Blurgh," I expelled as I lifted my shirt and scratched my belly. The past few days since the attack were quiet and uneventful. Thank God. So for a few days I stayed away from everyone. I did however, spied Peeta sneaking into my home late night after curfew. At first I was pissed at the invasion of privacy. Then I realized that he needed time and space. Albeit he lingered for an hour, but it was enough for him to have some peace away from the bakery and his new responsibility as sixteen-year old Peeta Mellark became a parent the day he buried his eldest brother Graham. The decision shocked everyone with the exception of Mrs. Edgewood who knew what was written in his son-in-law's will.

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Flashback ––

"Peeta," I announced myself hoping not to startle him as he carried little Tyler in his arms. His eyes transfixed on the baby who was now his responsibility. He looked natural and at ease with his nephew in his arms.

"Hey, Haymitch," he answered back. I noticed a look of panic, awe and anxiety on his young face. When Heath announced that Peeta was Tyler's legal guardian I was livid at Graham for giving Peeta the task of raising his son. How could Graham do that to his youngest brother? What was he thinking? It was irrational and irresponsible of him to make him shoulder that kind of responsibility.

"How you holding up kid?" I flinched realizing that I asked a stupid question.

"I…I don't know…if I can do this," he confessed. I didn't know if he was talking to me or more to himself.

"Quite a surprise being named as Tyler's legal guardian?" I intoned with a bit of pity.

"Surprise?" Peeta returned his eyes wide. "Shocked, confused and…and…" He was speechless. "What am I going to do? Mom's right. I'm too young to do this. I wouldn't know where to start." Tyler whimpered and fussed. "Shh…shh…hey, Tyler. What do you need Ty? Are you wet, hungry?" He spoke to his nephew soft and calm. For someone who admittedly stated he as unprepared to take care of Tyler he knew how to calm, comfort and support him.

"Eww…do you think he needs to change his diaper?" I winced. Babies are cute and adorable but at a distance. When they start to cry I'm clueless as to how to respond to them. Leave me in a room with a woman crying my first instinct is flight. I'm not good with people and I can admit that.

Behind me Mrs. Edgewood and Katniss appeared. Peeta was oblivious to their appearance as he had his back turned to them.

He raised Tyler close to his nose sniffing at his bottom. "He smells okay." Then he pressed his lips on Tyler's forehead. "He doesn't feel warm." Both Mrs. Edgewood and Katniss smiled at him. He handled Tyler as if he knew what he was doing. I was impressed.

"Maybe he's hungry," I suggested.

"I think Delly said the last time he ate was hours ago," Peeta added. "Oh, God, Haymitch. This can't be happening." I didn't know how to comfort him as he started to panic again. "I love Tyler, he's my nephew. I just don't understand why Graham…and Sonja would do this. Give Tyler to me to raise. I'm only sixteen. What do I know about babies? What were they thinking?"

"I'll tell you what they were thinking, Peeta," Mrs. Edgewood spoke startling Peeta as he turned around.

"Mrs. Edgewood…I'm sorry. I just don't understand. Why me? Why not Rye?" His voice was laced with panic as his nephew continued to fuss.

"Katniss, why don't you prepare a bottle for Tyler?" she directed her. "He's hungry if Delly fed him hours ago." Without any hesitation Katniss went straight to the kitchen to prepare Tyler's bottle.

"Peeta, sit down," she instructed him. She sat next to him watching Peeta rock Tyler in his arms. "As I said downstairs when Sonja and Graham informed that they were writing up a will, I was shocked and disturbed by their decision. It didn't made sense to me at the time. But your brother Graham explained that it was necessary. It was a responsible thing to do."

"It's not uncommon Peeta to have one written up," I added. It wasn't but assigning your sixteen-year old brother as legal guardian was…extraordinary. "Your dad has one, you know? He had one written up since the moment you boys were born."

Peeta looked surprised. "And it's not just ownership of the bakery. If in case something happened to him until you come of age to be responsible for the bakery, he made provisions for your welfare. For all three of you." I rubbed my chin. "Just so you know, he made changes to his will recently." Do I tell him that he rewrote his will after his incident with Cray?

"So your brother was being responsible," Mrs. Edgewood stated. "Naming you as Tyler's guardian was agreed by both Graham and Sonja. I was totally against it from the start. Why name you when he has another brother, older and marrying soon. You're right you are too young for Tyler."

"Why me?" Peeta inquired.

"Peeta, you have to understand that when he had it written up, he never expected that both he and Sonja would died at the same time and…so soon." Mrs. Edgewood had tears in her eyes. "They had expected to live a long time barring sickness or an accident. They never anticipated for you to be Tyler's guardian at all."

"I don't know if I can do this," he admitted. "I'm not…I can barely take care of myself."

"You're wrong, Peeta," she disagreed with him. "I've been watching you for some time now. I wanted to see what Graham and Sonja saw in you to leave Tyler in your hands." Katniss sat next to Peeta handing him a bottle. He extended his arms and splashed a few drops on the back of his hand. Then he placed the nipple upon Tyler's lip. His nephew greedily accepted the bottle sucking the nipple between his lips. Peeta smiled as his nephew made humming sound as he drank his milk.

He continued to watch his nephew in rapt adoration and wonder. "He's so beautiful, Peeta," Katniss complimented Tyler. He nodded his head in agreement.

"Dad said that he's looked exactly like Graham at that age," Peeta uttered his voice shook remembering his older brother.

"He's a beauty all right, but Tyler has Sonja's nose and ears," Mrs. Edgewood added and sobbed. "They were talking about having another one a year from now." For a few minutes I watched Peeta tend to his nephew. When Tyler was done, Mrs. Edgewood taught how to burp him.

"See you're doing fine, Peeta," she said as she wiped tears tracking down her cheeks. "When I look at you, I see why they chose you and not your brother Rye. Not that I have anything against him. You two are after all brothers. But a few weeks ago it became clear to me why he chose you."

"Why?"

"I was there…on that dreadful day when Head Peacekeeper Cray… But even before that day, I knew that you were a thoughtful, kind and a loving boy; boy who was dealt with a mother like yours. Even with the abuse you endured since you were young, you remain untouched by anger, bitterness and cruelty. I've watched you defend a Seam girl against bullies. I've seen you volunteer tutoring those who didn't share the same skin tone and hair color. There is kindness and understanding in the way you speak or act with the people around you whether you are Seam or Merchant. You are your father's son. Just like Rye and Graham. But with you, what makes you stand out better equipped to raise my grandson is that you are strong, honorable and courageous. Qualities that I too want Tyler to possess."

"But…I'm only sixteen," he reminded her.

"Yes, you are young. You're a great son and brother. But who's to say you cannot be a good father to Tyler? I've known boys just as young as you become fathers not by choice but by circumstance." Every year there were many unplanned pregnancies which resulted to many forced marriages. Peeta became a father in an instant.

"I didn't choose this." He winced as he realized that he was admitting that he didn't want Tyler to be his responsibility.

"No you didn't, but Graham chose you, trusted you to take care of him." There was no anger on Mrs. Edgewood's face. There was acceptance and trust. "Are you saying…telling me that you don't want Tyler?"

Peeta stared at his nephew as he lay in his arms. He looked at his nephew from head to toe. "How am I supposed to raise him alone?"

"You are not alone," she said. "You have your father, Rye and Delly. You also have Mr. Edgewood and me. You have a lot of support around you. All you need to do is ask and we'll be there for you."

"And you have me," Katniss announced as she placed a hand on his forearm.

"Just because Graham made you his primary caretaker, it doesn't mean you have to raise Tyler by yourself. It takes family to raise a child and I will be here to help you when you need it. The document is just a formality to ensure that Tyler belongs to someone. And that someone is you."

"I'll mess up," Peeta admitted.

"You will mess up, and it's inevitable," she said. "When Sonja and Katja was born, we made a lot of mistakes. Parents are not perfect. There is no handbook to help you. You'll learn along the way."

"I'm scared."

"As you should be. Raising a child is scary and also the most rewarding and important thing you'll ever do in your life. I have a lot of faith and trust in you, Peeta. You'll be fine. Just trust yourself."

Peeta sighed. Tyler rested on his arms while Peeta absentmindedly picked up his tiny hand. Tyler opened his fist and wrapped his tiny hand around Peeta's finger.

"What if I hurt him?" Mrs. Edgewood shook her head while Katniss gasped in horror. "What if I get mad and hurt him like…" Peeta closed his eyes as tears brimmed his eyelids. I shook my head as well. 'How could he think he was just like his mother?' He didn't even come close.

"Peeta, you would never hurt Tyler," she said her voice and firm. "I would not have agreed and fought against naming you Tyler's guardian if I believed you were capable of hurting him that way."

"You're not like her, Peeta," Katniss reinforced. "You're not." Peeta looked conflicted. I could tell he was warring with insecurity and doubting of his own character. He didn't trust himself; he lacked the confidence to believe that he wouldn't hurt Tyler. Then, it dawned on me…this was his greatest fear. That he was just like his mother.

What could I or anyone for that matter…what could I say to him to convince him he wasn't at all like his mother? The fact that he wasn't was a miracle. He didn't have her fiery temperament, her vicious mind and acid tongue. Peeta would hurt himself before he would hurt anyone.

"I've known your mother most of my life, Peeta," Mrs. Edgewood stated. "I've seen her at her best and definitely at her worst when it came to raising you boys. I know for a fact that as a mother, you would never hurt Tyler even in your worst days. And I believe I have seen them. With everything you experienced from your mother's wrath to Cray's treatment of you, you have remained kind, sweet and loving."

I remembered those days seeing him with some injury or another. As early as the age of four, when a feint bruise appeared on his cheek to the time he accidently fell on broke his arm. I knew what she was doing to him. And through it all, Peeta never reacted or grew up to be angry, hateful or bitter.

"You will do right by him," Mrs. Edgewood said. "And you will be fine. I trust you."

"But my mom––"

"You take care of Tyler. I'll speak to your mother," she said. "Don't you worry about her. She won't cause you any trouble, I promise. Just take care of my grandson and raise him to be a fine, young man like his daddy and his uncles Peeta and Rye."

Peeta was resigned to his fate. I knew him enough to know that he would never hurt Tyler. If only he trusted himself to believe it.

End of Flashback ––

---

My stomach grumbled. "What time is it?" I asked no one in particular. The clock read 3:30 pm. I missed lunch; then again I also missed breakfast as I slept through the morning.

I stood up and stretched my arms and legs listening to my joints crack. The smell of bread filled the air. Everyday after school Peeta would come by and drop off a loaf of bread. Feeling hungry all of a sudden, I was about to walk over to my kitchen when someone knocked on my door.

I was surprised that whoever it was actually knocked instead of barging through my house like most of my visitors––Jay and Garrett. "Hello, Jimmy," I said in a surprised tone as he appeared on my doorstep.

"Sorry, to come uninvited but…" he muttered. For a second he looked and sounded like Peeta when he stumbled with his words. "Can I speak to you for a few minutes?"

"Of course, Jimmy," I extended my house to him. "Is there anything wrong?" 'Please don't tell me something happened to Peeta? I don't think I could handle any more incidents,' my mind screamed. I appraised his demeanor realizing that Jimmy didn't appear disturbed or worried.

"No, nothing's wrong," Jimmy sighed. "For once it's been very quiet for the past few days." I nodded my head in agreement.

"How are you guys doing?" I asked.

"It's been hard, Haymitch," Jimmy said. "Everyday I wake up remembering that Graham is dead. Tyler is missing his parents. Rye is so angry at everyone and Peeta…"

"Peeta? How is he?" I gesture for him to sit down.

"Scared, exhausted, in pain and overwhelmed," he answered back. "I'm just thankful that he's alive. I thought I lost him." I didn't know how Jimmy would have reacted if also lost Peeta. He still had Rye but he would have lost his oldest and youngest. "Right now, he so tired. He still has school, then a few hours at the bakery while he's trying to raise Tyler. It's too much for him."

"What can you do? Graham wanted Peeta as his legal guardian? It's a done deal."

"That may be the case but I want to make sure it stays that way. I need your help."

"What do you need?" I asked confused over the matter. What did he need help for?

"I was wondering…if…you have any influence in the Capitol. I need you to help me speed up my divorce."

"It's only been a month, Jimmy," I told him. "You know it takes six months for your divorce to be final."

"I know that why I just need to see if you can get it speed faster. I need it finalized now."

"Why?"

"Evelyn, she's contesting Peeta's guardianship over Tyler," he said. "She's contesting Graham's decision." God damnit, that woman just never gives up.

"And who does she thinks should raise Tyler? Rye?" He shook his head. "The Edgewoods, his grandparents?" He shook his head again. Then a horrible thought struck me. "No, no way."

"Evelyn wants to raise him." Jimmy winced.

"Fuck, no," I roared in anger. "Why should she want to raise Tyler when she barely raised..." I stopped myself from completing my sentence. I admired Jimmy for having great and kind boys but he did nothing to stop the abuse they endured for years, especially to Peeta. What does one say to a man who let that abuse continue––that he was a good man, but a lousy father.

"Now you understand why I want to speed up my divorce?" he explained. "I need to show to the courts that she is unfit to raise Tyler. That I finally divorced her for her treatment of Peeta. For all the abuse he received from her. I had it all written out as one of the reasons why I'm divorcing her."

"I see." If his divorce was final and recorded, the document would show why he divorced her and no judge in Panem would allow her to become Tyler's legal guardian. If Evelyn petitioned to take Tyler away from Peeta before the divorce was finalized, she had a chance to take him away from Peeta since he is single, sixteen years old and still eligible for the arena. Tyler would once again be orphaned if he were chosen. "I can't make any promises but I'll see what I can do."

"Thank you, Haymitch," he said with a smile on his face. "This will be one less thing that I don't want Peeta to worry about. After seeing her reaction, I knew she going to after Tyler."

"So you're okay with having Peeta raise Tyler then?" I had to ask.

"It's not like I have a choice now, do I?" Jimmy said. "Evelyn right about one thing––Peeta is too young. But I'm not about to argue with Evelyn over it. Tyler belongs with Peeta now. And I'm going to make sure it stay that way." He paused and opened his mouth to say something then stopped.

"What, Jimmy?" I inquired. "What else is bothering you?" I felt like a therapist. Since when did I involve myself with people's issues and problems? This is what happens when I stick my nose into other people's business.

"I was wondering if you had any plans for this evening," he started.

"Not really, just me a bottle of whiskey to keep me company." Not that I planned anything but my nights were usually quiet and uneventful, I hoped.

"I was wondering if you could do me a favor?" he inquired. This didn't bode well with me. "I was wondering if you could…attend the 'Celebration of Youth,' party this evening?"

My brows furrowed. No way in hell…

"I know that it's a lot to ask." You're damn right. "But…it's just that…I would go myself to chaperone but you know parents are not allowed to attend." Which was a bunch of bullshit if you ask me. "Rye is out of reaping age and he can't attend either. Peeta's going with Delly, Katniss and Prim. I just would feel better if someone was there incase you know…something happens."

"You want me to volunteer as a chaperone so I can keep an eye on Peeta?"

"Yes, it's just that Graham's gone and…I'm…really afraid to let him out there where anything can happen." With Peeta's luck something was bound to happen. The kid was a magnet for trouble, not causing it but trouble seemed to follow him. And with Snow threatening his life?

"Of course, you'll feel better if you have someone to watch over him without making it too obvious that I'm hovering."

Jimmy sent me a faint smile. "I know I'm being paranoid." I didn't blame him. "Rye would have a better choice but like I said he can't attend either." I had forgotten the 'Celebration of Youth,' party that Snow forced each district to have. I knew what he was doing. The celebration was his attempt to give the future tributes their last days in Panem before sending them into the arena, a chance to enjoy the last few days of their lives.

"What time is this party suppose to start?" I sighed realizing that I was going to spy on Peeta.

"The party starts at 7 and ends at 10." Great, I had enough time to medicate myself for a night of listening to loud music, watch a bunch of obnoxious teens misbehave while trying to avoid the rest of the chaperones that would be in attendance. There goes my night of solitude and peace with my favorite bottle of whiskey as my companion.

---

Katniss POV ––

"Stay still, Katniss," Prim scolded me again as I fidgeted in my seat for the umpteenth time. I'm nervous. Scared actually if you asked me. Tonight Peeta had asked me to attend the 'Celebration of Youth,' party as his date––a formal date that would confirm our relationship to everyone, Seam and Merchant. I was reluctant at first. Peeta took my rejection so quickly that I was angry for a few seconds.

He didn't ask why but accepted my hesitation as an answer. "You didn't ask why I'm reluctant to go with you." He shrugged his shoulders.

"You don't have to explain anything to me, Katniss," he stated in a calm voice. "It's just a stupid party anyway. I don't want to go but I have to." He was right. It was a stupid party that I attended year after year because it was mandatory. He, Delly and Prim had to attend. "It's dumb to bring a date anyway."

Now that made me mad. "And why not? You're classmates are bringing their dates."

"Why are you mad?"

"I'm not mad. I'm upset, frustrated" I said. He waited for me to continue but words failed me. I'm confused and irritated with myself. I want to go with him but I also didn't want to be scrutinized and gossiped over. And it was a guarantee that would happen if I attended the party with him.

"Are you mad that I didn't force you to go with me?" He looked confused. "Why are you mad? You just too admitted it was a stupid party."

"Yes, but I had reasons not wanting to go and you didn't even ask me." Peeta raised a hand to his head scratching his forehead which was lined with creases. I was confusing him and I knew it. Holy cow, I didn't want to be that person anymore. You know the kind of person that couldn't make up their mind and not be able to explain themselves without using anger to hide their frustration.

"I don't understand," he said. 'Me too, Peeta. Me too.'

After the revelation that Peeta was now Tyler's legal guardian, the news broke throughout school the next day. Peeta was in attendance and so was Rye. It was the newest gossip that ran rampant in school for several days.

Also, the fact that Peeta sat with Madge and me under our tree was another new topic to discuss. During lunch I waited for him at the playground entrance, grabbed his hand and led him to my eating spot. Madge and Prim had of look of amusement on their faces as I dragged a confused Peeta to sit next to me.

What prompted me to act decisively and impulsively was the fact that his 'fans' hovered at his locker when he first arrived at school. Mind you, you can hardly guess who those 'fans' were as the same brood of girls that wanted and flirted with him even knowing that I was his girlfriend.

So I guess I understood Peeta's state of confusion. I clearly stated my intention during school but now I was reluctant to attend the party with him as his date. How could I explain it to him when I couldn't explain it to myself?

Then I recalled my conversation with Prim.

"Well, if you go with Peeta, you can finally have some time with him. I mean, it is a party but you get to dance with him and spend time together for a few hours."

"But I already spend time with him after school at the bakery."

"Yeah, with his dad and Rye hovering while you both work? That's not spending time together, Katniss. Then he's doing his homework and taking care of Tyler. When was the last time you got to be with him and just enjoy each other's company? I mean, Katniss. You get to 'dance' with him. Do you remember the last time you were at a dance with Peeta?"

I flinched and my stomach dropped as I remembered that fateful night. It was the evening of President Snow's grandson's party. He asked me to dance and I cruelly rejected him. It was same night that started Peeta's road to hell.

So now here we are with Prim brushing my hair as I prepared myself for my date with Peeta. Everyone was excited with the exception of me. Mom prepared my bath while Dad teased me all night long.

"My little girl is growing up," he teased me. "You just make sure that Peeta behaves himself. I know how boys are at that age." I guess Dad doesn't know Peeta like I thought he did. For if anything were to happen between us I'm pretty such that it would have to be me to instigate anything between us. Peeta has yet to kiss me.

"Garrett, stop that," Mom admonished him. "Peeta is not like those other boys." I agreed wholeheartedly that Peeta wasn't like other boys. He had experienced so much trauma in his young life and yet, he still retained his goodness and compassionate nature to everyone around him.

"I know, Lily. Peeta's a good boy. He knows that if he misbehaves, Katniss will put in his place." Little do they realize the dreams and fantasies I've been having about my new boyfriend. Even I wasn't about to admit to Prim that I lusted after him. "I trust him to take care of Katniss and Prim."

The walk to the bakery was long. It didn't help that the new shoes Mom bought me was taller than I was accustomed to wearing––two inches high. Prim laughed as she watched me stumble when I wore it the first time.

To make matters worse, Peeta's dad suggested having dinner with all of us before the party. That way afterwards, mom and dad could walk us home. I had hoped that Peeta would walk us home but…oh well, at least I would spend extra time with him even it was in the company of our family.

Entering the bakery, I was surprised to find Mr. and Mrs. Cartwright joining us for dinner as well. It made sense since Delly was attending the celebration with Peeta, Prim and me. Jimmy made the meal a whole family affair but it was obvious that he, Rye and Peeta felt Graham's absence as they kept their eyes on Tyler who slept nearby in his bassinet.

Dinner was delicious and surprisingly nice for a change. I felt comfortable and at ease sitting next to Peeta. I wasn't at all nervous like the last time we shared a meal together just a couple of weeks ago.

"Thank you for my flowers," I told him as his Dad served dessert and coffee. Upon arriving upstairs, Peeta stepped forward and handed me a bouquet of flower he personally handpicked.

"I didn't get a chance to give you one on our first date," he admitted. Surprised and pleased, I wrapped my arms around him squishing the bouquet between us. Prim laughed and Delly giggled at our display while Dad pat Jimmy's back. With their reaction, you would have thought Peeta had proposed in front of them and I accepted. I blushed in embarrassment but took the flowers from his hands and kissed his warm cheek. He in return blushed a bright red.

Peeta looked handsome as he wore a pair of dark gray pants and light blue shirt. He had unbuttoned the first two buttons revealing his upper chest which was still red from scratches he received from the dog attack. Had that incident just happened a week ago? It felt longer.

His choice of clothing complimented my dark blue dress that once belonged to Mom. After dinner we lingered upstairs until it was time to leave for the party. During the wait, Peeta held Tyler in his arms comforting his nephew. It was obvious that he was missing his parents as he kept looking around the room for them.

Peeta was loathed to leave him when it was time to go. "I don't know if I should go, Dad," Peeta said as Tyler fidgeted his arms. "Shouldn't I stay and take care of him? I mean, I'm his…his…caretaker now."

"Peeta, your attendance is mandatory you know that," his father reminded him. "I'm here and so is Rye. You need to go."

"Hey, it'll be all right," Rye spoke as he took Tyler from him. "Go has some fun. Take your girl out for a change." Rye snuck a look at me and winked. Then leaned own and whispered into his brother's ear while he slipped something inside his pant pocket. What he said and gave to Peeta embarrassed him as he turned bright red from ears to cheek. I would ask what he said later when no one was around us.

Reluctantly, Peeta waved goodbye to his family as mom and dad hugged Prim and I before he left. Rye kissed Delly on the cheek and bade her good by as well. But before departing, Mom handed him a small vial containing tiny green pills. I knew what they were but was surprised that Peeta was taking them.

"Prim told me that the herbal drink I gave you to drink upset your stomach. Take this if your feel soreness on your shoulders. It'll help numb the pain for a few hours." He pocketed the vial in his pant pocket and thanked Mom in return.

The walk to the Justice Building was short. The closer we got to the building the more nervous I felt. Prim and Delly talked besides us as they gossiped about our classmates. I was pleased to see that they got along together. Looking at them you would have thought they were sisters as they had shiny blond hair and blue eyes. I tightened my grip around Peeta's hand as we approached the entry into the courtyard. I turned to look at him looking for any signs of distress remembering that this place held no fond memories for him. He looked relaxed and at ease. I released a breath I didn't realize I was holding until now. "Katniss, Delly," a voice disrupted my train of thought.

"Hey, Madge," Delly greeted her with a hug and a kiss on the cheek. Madge turned to me as well treating me with the same greeting. It shocked me for a moment as I returned her hug as well.

"Hi, Peeta. Hi, Prim," she said to them. "Well, doesn't everyone look very nice this evening?" She eyed us from head to toe her eyes lingering at Peeta.

"Hi, Madge," he returned. "You look very pretty as well." She blushed and turned to me. Just as she was about to open her mouth Haymitch Abernathy appeared standing next to Peeta.

"Hey, Peeta." Haymitch looked ill at ease with his hands in his pockets. At least he had combed his hair back and looked presentable; other times when I saw him his clothes were rumpled, his hair in disarray and he smelled of alcohol. He even smelled like he took a bath for once.

"Haymitch, what are you doing here?" Peeta asked in surprise and shock.

"This is a Capitol funded event so…I have to be here," he responded. While they conversed, Madge pulled me aside without a warning as she grabbed my arm.

"What the hell, Madge," I said as I yanked my arm from her grasp. I didn't want to be too far away from Peeta.

"Glad you made it, Katniss." My brows furrowed. "I know that you said you weren't sure you wanted to come but you'll be glad that you did." She pointed her head to a group of girls behind her.

I looked over her shoulder to find a group of Peeta's female admirers staring at him. "Ever since the video, his fan base has…um…gotten fanatic and bigger." I scowled in disgust. "They've been waiting for him to show up."

"Even though he has a girlfriend?" Everyone knew by now that I was his girlfriend. I didn't know what to do stop these girls from stalking Peeta.

"Well, I think you need to do something drastic to convince them to leave you both alone." She shrugged her shoulders.

For the rest of the evening Prim, Delly, Madge and I kept him busy. Each of us took turns dancing with him. At first he resisted. Even I couldn't convince him to dance with me. I scowled, pouted and flirted with him, nothing worked. But of courses it just took Prim to convince him and off he went to the dance kicking and screaming but trailed behind Prim regardless.

I laughed so hard watching Peeta with Prim and I knew why he was reluctant to dance with anyone. "Oh my God, Katniss," Madge spouted between gulps of air that she forced through her mouth from laughing so hard. "What is he doing?" My stomach ached from laughing as I watched Peeta dance. There were no words to describe it. His feet were planted on the ground while his body swayed to and fro and side to side. It looked as if he was having a seizure with his arms planted to his side. I giggled with glee.

Another wave of laughter burst through my mouth. He looked adorable, awkward and sweet as he tried to mimic Prim. He was trying so hard to enjoy himself knowing that he looked silly.

"Now you know what you're dealing with Katniss," Delly said. "Peeta is sweet and wonderful but he can't dance as you can see."

"I don't care," I said. 'He's mine,' my head and heart shouted. "I don't know how to dance either." So we're well suited for each other.

"Yeah, are you sure because…you got to be better than that," Madge pointed to Peeta. He was lifting his feet, first right then left like he was climbing the stairs or riding a bike. Was he marching in place? Oh my God, he was concentrating looking at his feet. We looked at each and burst into laughter our eyes stung with tears.

After his hilarious dance with Prim, his shoulder started to ache so I grabbed a cup of water and handed him his pill my mother just given to him.

"Are you sure you're okay?" I inquired. "Because if you're not feeling well, we can go home––"

"No," Peeta blurted. "I'm okay. As long as I don't strain my shoulder too much, I'll be all right. Besides, I don't want to disappoint Prim." He turned around and watched her as she danced with her girlfriends. "She looks really happy and I don't want to ruin that." Just as I was about to grab him for myself, Prim ran up to him and grabbed his hand.

"Peeta, come on," she screamed in joy. "I want you to meet my friends. They've been dying to meet you."

"Excuse me ladies my dance card is filled up," he said. And off they went leaving Delly, Madge and I at the sidelines. Delly took a turn after Prim reclaimed him and before I had a chance to dance with him.

"It's very nice of you to share your boyfriend," Madge snickered. "I'm surprised that you let Prim monopolize all his time."

"If she was anyone but my sister, Madge," I stated. "You know me enough to know that I let her dance with Peeta because she is my little sister and she adores him." I adore him.

"Does that mean I can't have a turn with him?" she challenged me. "Because if you look around us, the other boys don't have any interest in dancing unless they are with their girlfriends." I looked around the dance and sure enough she was right. Our male classmates that didn't have a date or girlfriends were bunched together mingling with each other. The single girls with no dates danced amongst themselves. I guess Peeta became our designated dance partner. I didn't mind sharing him as long it was only Prim, Delly and Madge. They had no designs on him and I trusted them.

"I'm glad that Peeta's having a good time," Haymitch said. His appearance at the dance shocked me. "It's about time that something nice happened to him for a change." He was staring at my profile and I could feel it. I nodded my head. I wasn't accustomed to speaking to him. We weren't friends or acquaintances but he was my father's friend so I was civil to him.

"Whatever happens next, Katniss. Think before you act. Don't say anything in the heat of the moment that you can't take back," he said in a mysterious tone. I knew he didn't know me well and to give out advise when I didn't need or ask for it pissed me off.

"You don't know me," I started.

"But I know, Peeta," he interjected. "He's not fragile or weak like most people thinks he is. With a mom like his, he had to be strong not to end up like her. But that doesn't mean he not vulnerable."

"What point are you trying to make?"

"Listen, I don't if you ever knew how long he's been…attracted to you," he said. His tone was serious. It's not like I didn't know he was attracted to me. I always felt his stare whenever he thought I wasn't aware of it. Even when I decided I didn't want to fall in love and get married, I wasn't completely oblivious to guys who tried to flirt with me or tried to get my attention. I just didn't want it.

"Be patient, understanding and…try not to be…you."

"What the hell does that mean?" I spat back. I was just insulted and I knew it.

"I'm just saying that just because you're two years older than him, he's more emotionally mature than you when it comes to dealing with people especially if they are in a relationship. He's always knew what he wanted."

'What the fuck.' I glared at him for a few seconds. I was about to argue back when I considered his words. He was right in some aspects. Even Prim had to lecture me when I started to doubt my feelings for Peeta. I was ready to step back because I started to feel things for him that scared me. I wanted to be with Peeta but didn't want the complications that came when you were in a relationship––the crippling fear that I would turn into my mother. I was an emotional mess when dealing with relationships. Take Gale for example.

I knew he made plans for us even without consulting me. He took it for granted that my feelings for him were sisterly. I ignored all the signs and clues he sent my way because I didn't want to deal with them. So when he finally stepped up I did what I did best––got angry, defensive and ran off. I mulled it over for a few minutes and silently admitted to myself he was half right.

"Oh dear God, someone take that boy out of the dance floor before he hurts himself," Haymitch chuckled as he watched Peeta dance with Prim and her classmates. Just looking at him make a fool of himself to please Prim made me happy.

Delly took pity on him and danced with him next. She grabbed his hands and twirled him around showing a few dance moves. After a few minutes, Madge interrupted them. "My turn," she announced before I could stop her. When Delly returned with Prim guiding her by the elbow, she looked sick and nauseous.

"Are you okay, Delly?" I asked. She looked pale as she lost her rosy complexion from all her exertion dancing with Peeta.

"Yeah, I shouldn't have done all that spinning," she said as her face turned pale white. "I think I need to sit down."

"I'll go sit with her, Katniss," Prim stated. "We're going to get a glass of water and take a break. I'm thirsty."

"Just stay away from the punch bowl," I warned her. At last year's party, someone spiked the refreshments and Prim came home intoxicated. I should have warned her to stay away but I was too busy hiding in the corner away from the festivities. I kept my eye on her but it was too late as she drank two cups of punch by the end of the evening. Rory was there to watch her to my relief. Speaking of Rory, I caught sight of him in the opposite end of the courtyard.

He looked sad, bored and disinterested with the activities around him. I didn't blame him since it was just only a few days ago that he buried his brother in an empty casket. Since he body wasn't found, he was declared dead just like four others.

Suddenly the music changed from fast to slow. Madge returned with Peeta right behind her. She leaned over and whispered in my ear. "This is your chance," she said soft and low as she gestured to the gaggle of girls eyeing my boyfriend. Before I had an opportunity to ask Peeta to dance he extended his hand towards me. My heart leapt and my eye misted as tears threatened to fall.

He looked scared and hopeful at the same time. I knew he was thinking of that night when I cruelly attacked him for bothering me. I felt sick to my stomach thinking about that moment. He only wanted to talk to me and I verbally slapped him for even trying. It was that night that started his nightmare––encountering me being attacked by Ivan, being accused by Cray for killing his nephew and on this very court yard, he was stripped to his waist and whipped without any proof or evidence.

For a few seconds my mind said, 'If only.' The list started in my head. If only I had spoken to him for a few minutes without having a mental breakdown and acted like a complete bitch to him. If only I didn't argue with Gale that night? If only I didn't deny my feelings for Peeta, where would we be now? If only I wasn't a coward.

I looked at his hand. He was afraid to ask remembering that night when all he did was inquire if I was I cold when he saw me shiver. I smiled at him. Fear turned to relief as he smiled back.

Without any words spoken between us, I grabbed his hand and he led me to the dance floor. The air around us felt hot all of a sudden. I could feel my heart beating across my chest. The cadence was hard and loud against my ears. I looked at the corner of my eyes and found Agatha Berridge staring at me with a look of scorn and disgust written on her face. I smiled in triumph. Then I wondered what the hell she was doing at the party. I ignored her as Peeta pulled me towards him.

'He's mine,' the words echoed in my head as his classmates sent daggers of hate and disdains towards me. Peeta was oblivious or chose to ignore them. It didn't matter. He was making a statement for all his classmates to see. 'I am his.' His words spoken in silence as he placed his hands on my waist. There was a space between us––a distance I wanted to breach but was too shy and nervous to do anything about it. As the music continued to play I lost sight of everyone around us as they disappeared from our own little bubble we created. I only saw and felt him. His warm hands wrapped around my waist. His breath tickled my face. I closed my eyes and cleared my head––nothing mattered but feeling his strong arms around me. I felt safe and happy.

"Katniss?" Peeta uttered my name as he broke my trance.

"Yes," I whispered back. I looked up and stared into his crystal blue eyes. He swallowed once, then twice. I hid my smile as I realized he was nervous.

"I wanted to tell you something when you first arrived but…" he started. "I didn't want anyone to hear me…and I didn't want to embarrass you."

"What?"

"You look…beautiful….and…" He stumbled with his words. When he said 'beautiful' there a look of awe on his face.

"Thank you," I returned. Heat rose to my face as the air around me felt warm. I blushed. I felt beautiful around him. My inner female instincts kicked in. I wanted to look beautiful for him, fought to find words to be sweet and kind to him. I wanted to be a girl he deserved.

"And thank you for coming with me." His eyes twinkled with gratitude.

"I'm glad I came too," I admitted. I was having fun and it completely shocked me. "It wasn't because I didn't want to…"

"I know, Katniss. I know," he voiced what I clearly couldn't explained to him. Somehow he figured that my reluctance to be his date wasn't because I didn't want to go with him but because I didn't want to add fuel to the fire––the fire of burning the lines between Seam and Merchant. Being together was forbidden, wrong and unacceptable. We were defying the social divide between Seam and Merchant. My mom married my father and she suffered for it as she was disinherited and abandoned by her Merchant relatives. Peeta was doing the same as he's taking chance having a relationship with me.

Suddenly, the space between was gone as I felt his strong, lean chest against my mine. I sighed as I lay my head on the crook of his shoulder. He winced and gasped in pain.

"Sorry," I said flinching as I remembered the wounds the wild dog inflicted on his shoulder.

"It's okay, Katniss," he said. "My shoulder is still tender. You didn't hurt me."

So instead of laying my head on his shoulder he pressed his cheek against mine. His five o clock shadow grazed my soft skin. He smelled of flour and…I sniffed. I didn't know if he wore cologne or it was just the smell of his sweat radiating from his body. It was distinctly him that I smelled on his skin.

I tightened my hands around his neck causing him to clasp his fingers together behind my back. With my head tilted towards his fans, I watched as they whispered to each other talking about us. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. Nothing mattered at the moment, not his classmates or the fact that half of the people in attendance was staring at us. I knew that being with Peeta wouldn't bridge the gap between Seam and Merchant. That was not what we were about. We were not making a statement. I wanted to be with Peeta not because he was blond hair and blue eyed. I wanted the boy whose heart was bigger than anyone I have ever known, who loved passionately and not discriminately.

Suddenly, the sounds of yelling and screaming disrupted our happy blissful bubble. I recognized one voice who was calm but firm. I rolled my eyes as I recognized the other voice yelling at Delly.

"Move aside, Delly Cartwright or I'll––"

"Or you'll what?" Delly interrupted her. "You need a reality check if you think that Peeta after all this time ever wanted you. I don't know what Mrs. Mellark has been telling but you should know by now that Peeta won't be or will be contracted to you no matter how much you want it to happen."

"Get out of my way."

"No," Delly stated her hands on her hips.

"What are you afraid of?" Agatha inquired. "I just want to talk to him."

"You really need to leave Peeta alone, Agatha," Madge suggested she stood next to Delly. "It's pathetic that you're chasing after him when you know he already has a girlfriend."

"A girlfriend that his own mother disapprove of," she stated.

"A girlfriend he chose willingly and he doesn't need his mother's approval," Delly retorted. "And that girl isn't you." She pointed out to her.

"I want to speak to Peeta myself and see what he wants," Agatha returned in a smug manner. Besides me, Peeta sighed as he took my hand and led me to Delly and Agatha.

"You don't have to talk to her if you don't want to," I said. I hoped that he didn't want to but Peeta had other ideas.

"I really should, Katniss," he sighed. "I don't know what my mother keeps telling her. She's not going to stop bothering me until I tell her to her face that I'm not interested in her not now, not ever."

"She really is persistent, I give her that," I said. "And I really don't blame her, you know." I spoke the truth for I really understood why she wanted him. He was one of the last decent boys I knew. Yes, there are probably some nice guys in District 12, but none of them was Peeta. He was perfect for me.

"I really don't like the attention I'm getting lately," Peeta admitted. "I'm not some hero, or catch that should be fought over." So he wasn't oblivious to the rumors and girls that flirted him. "I'm just…me." Sweet, humble Peeta. He didn't realize the affect had with the people around him.

"Peeta, those girls have been after you even before…you know…Cray happened," I stated. He flinched as I reminded him of his time with Cray.

"Just let me get this over with," he said. "Before she make a scene and embarrasses herself." 'Let her embarrass herself,' the vicious words echoed in my head.

"Peeta, sweetie," Agatha gushed as soon as she set her eyes on him. "I would really like to speak to you. Alone." 'Over my dead body,' my mind screamed. I could not believe the audacity or nerve she had thinking that Peeta ever wanted or speak to her alone.

"Why don't we go someplace less…crowded and people away from hearing distance," Peeta suggested. "No, Katniss." He spoke just as I was about to follow him.

"Peeta?" 'He's got to be kidding me.'

"I need to talk to Agatha alone." He looked calm and serious.

"But––"

"Katniss, trust Peeta to talk to her alone," Haymitch advised. This was not happening. "He really needs to do this." Prim grabbed my hand.

"Let him go," she said. "Trust him." Trust him? It wasn't about trusting him as it was about trusting her.

"Peeta, just don't go too far," Haymitch advised him. "Just far enough so we can see you."

"That's not what I want," Agatha said in frustration.

"Well, you're not getting what you want because Peeta is not going anywhere with you alone and away from me where I can't see him," I told her.

"Who care what you want," Agatha said with disdain. "Who the hell do you think you are?"

"I'm his girlfriend," I said in clear and firm manner. "I have every right to protect him."

"Protect him from what? I know, Everdeen," she said. "I know what you're doing to him." Huh? My mind went blank all of a sudden. It sounded as though she was accusing me of something.

"Okay. That's enough," Peeta said in a firm tone. Before I could ask what she meant, Peeta hugged me as he wrapped his around my waist and whispered in my ear.

"Trust me. Let her have her piece. Nothing will happen." His lips grazed the outer shell of my ear causing me to shiver. I held onto him digging my nose onto his shoulder smelling the essence of him. I nodded my head.

Agatha had a look of disdain and disgust on her face but she quickly dropped her facial expression once Peeta turned to face her. "Thank you, Peeta."

He was quiet as he led her toward the edge of the courtyard. She wanted to go further but Peeta stood his ground shaking his head.

I couldn't hear what they were saying. The music and people talking around muffled their voices but I could distinguish his voice.

She spoke for a few minutes as Peeta listened attentively with hands in his pockets. During the conversation she reached out to touch his chest. Peeta stepped back. She moved and stepped towards him again making him step back until he placed a hand in front of her motioning her to stop.

"I can't believe her," Delly sputtered. "She just doesn't get it." I agreed. No one knew what they were talking about but it was obvious she was trying to entice and seduce him with her feminine wiles.

Then I gasped and my anger grew as she had the audacity to reach into the front pocket of his dress pants. "That bitch," I seethed in fury. Peeta was my boyfriend but even I knew my boundaries. I was livid as she kept pointing to his pants pocket that hid the bottle of pills mom had given him. "She better stop trying to touch him."

Peeta finally took it out to show her and she quickly grabbed it. She threw on the ground and stamped the small vial with her foot. All of us, Haymitch, Madge, Delly, Prim and I were stunned.

"What the hell was all about?" Madge asked, puzzled and confused by Agatha's strange behavior.

I was about to give her a piece of my mind and sample my fist when Prim pulled me back. "Don't interfere with them, Katniss. You don't want to make things worst for Peeta." I knew Peeta could defend himself.

"That bitch just destroyed the pills mom made for him." I was livid. What the hell did she think she was accomplishing. Peeta was dumbstruck as well as the look of confusion surfaced on his face.

In the meantime, Delly felt sick and nauseous. " Watching those two makes my head spin. What's she going on about?"

"Who knows? I just want to get Peeta away from her because if she touches him, I swear I don't know what I would do."

Agatha pointed to me as Peeta looked in return. He looked confused and flustered. By this time, she appeared desperate as she went on talking while Peeta listened. During her rant, he looked between Agatha and me several times. I couldn't read his body language but hers was loud and clear as she lifted her chest upward showing off her cleavage and her feminine curves. She was dressed in a tight fitting dress that outlined every curve in her body accentuating her ample breasts.

Peeta then crossed his arms over his chest and tilted his head. He shook his head once then twice.

"She really needs a reality check," Haymitch commented. "I don't think she knows who she's dealing with." I looked at Haymitch and wondered what he meant. "It's obvious that Peeta's is gently turning her down and she's not having it. Look." Peeta's posture and demeanor was someone who was uncomfortable and feeling trapped.

"What can I do?" I was frustrated and irritated with myself. I wanted to be there for him but I knew he had to handle Agatha himself.

Suddenly, Peeta was talking. It was about time since all she's done was monopolize their conversation and forcing herself upon him. I trusted Peeta to find the right words to say. He wouldn't deliberately hurt her feelings because that's not who he was. We waited as he kept talking to her. I didn't know how long he talked but suddenly, Agatha sobbed.

"Oh shit," Madge blurted here eyes wide as saucers. "Is she…is she crying?" I looked at Agatha closer. Her eyes were crinkled…tears brimming from her eyes as they tracked down her red cheeks. She placed the back of her hand in front of her mouth. Good God, such dramatics and melodrama, she playing the spurned lover well. Not that she was ever Peeta's lover to begin with.

Then, he did something I never expected him to do; he extended his hand out to her. She wiped her face and squared her shoulders. After a quick handshake Agatha nodded her head. I was anxious as they walked back towards us. Peeta immediately took my hand.

"I'm sorry, Katniss," she started. To say I was startled and gobsmacked was an understatement. "Peeta explained everything to me. I didn't know." 'Huh, didn't know what?' I wanted to laugh at the Madge and Delly whose faces displayed incredulity, disbelief and shock. With Haymitch, I would guess suspicion. Only Prim's reaction showed acceptance. She saw the good in people.

She extended her hand to me just as she did with Peeta minutes ago. I narrowed my eyes waiting for a knife on my chest.

"I don't understand," I said clearly I was missing something.

"Me too," Haymitch added in sarcastic tone. Madge elbowed him. He grunted. "What?"

"Shut up," she responded.

"I didn't understand and now I do," she said with a sad teary smile on her face. "You're a very lucky girl." I knew that but it didn't explain her change of heart. Why she apologized and obviously accepted my relationship with Peeta. "It seems that I never had a chance to begin with. I can't compete with that." My brows furrowed as I looked at Peeta for an explanation. He wasn't forthcoming to explain how he dissuaded Agatha to pursue him.

"It's been a long day. I'm going home now," she announced. "Thank you, Peeta. You've been kind and patient with me. I don't understand why your mother is…very hard on you. Just…good luck with Tyler." Then she turned and left.

"What did she mean 'good luck with Tyler?' " Haymitch asked before I did.

"And what did you say to Agatha to leave you alone," Delly inquired. "I mean, she's been pursuing you for weeks and you have one conversation and…that's it?"

"I don't want to talk about it right now," he returned. Peeta looked tired and worn out all of a sudden.

"Let's get something to eat," Delly announced. "I'm hungry all of a sudden."

"Delly, you had dinner and dessert two hours ago," Prim reminded her.

"So what? We've been dancing and expending energy," she said back. "I hear the Capitol pastries are to die for."

"Let's go and see if there's any left," Madge concluded as she grabbed Delly's hand. "So Delly, are you excited getting married next week? So you already have your dress?"

"Katniss?" Peeta spoke his thumb rubbing the back of my hand. "I need to speak to Haymitch for a few minutes."

"Oh, why?" What did he need to talk about without me present?

"I need to verify something that Agatha told me. Family stuff," he explained.

"Katniss, let's go," Prim said as she tugged my hand.

"We won't take too long," Peeta stated.

"Go on, Katniss," Haymitch ordered me. "I'll keep those hyenas away from Peeta if that's what you're worried about." He pointed a group of girls huddled at the other end of the courtyard. I relented and left.

"We'll be over there," I pointed to the direction where Madge and Delly were located.

"Katniss, stop pouting," Prim reprimanded me ten minutes later. I was out of patience as I stared at Haymitch and Peeta converse. What they were talking about? It must not have bee a good conversation as Peeta looked somber and sad. 'Great,' my mind yelled. 'Peeta was having a great time until Agatha disrupted us.' I hated that look of despair on his face.

"What the hell did Agatha say to him?" Delly voiced as she stood next to me. Her mouth was filled with…a strawberry tart compliments from the Capitol bakery.

"I want to know what he said to Agatha to make her back off," I returned.

"Yeah, that was kind of creepy," Madge added. "I've never seen her back off that fast. I mean, when she wants something she's like a dog with a bone. She never quits."

"Well, for as long as I've known Peeta, he's got quite a silver tongue," Delly admitted. "I mean he could easily talk any girl out of her panties if you know what I mean." She winked at me. I gasped horrified and was turned on at the same time. I hoped my cheeks weren't red from embarrassment.

"Delly," I blustered.

"What? It's the truth." I narrowed my eyes in suspicion.

"And you would know of Peeta's silver tongue because?"

"Not that he ever did that with me––" I glowered at her some more. "Or that he did with anyone I know. I mean not that I know of." She took a step back with her hands in front of her. "Hey, don't forget I'm engaged to Rye. Remember? Peeta's older brother, the guy I'm marrying in a week. I'm just saying that Peeta is charming when he wants to be and getting a girl out her panties would be easy––"

"Stop talking Delly," Madge laughed, loud and boisterous while Prim joined her. "You're making it worse."

"Delly, stop talking like that in front of my little sister about my boyfriend." Prim giggled as placed a hand over her mouth.

"What's so funny?" Peeta asked. His sudden appearance startled me. Haymitch was right behind him.

"Shit, Peeta," I yelped my voice loud enough to be heard above the music. "You scared me." One brow lifted touching tips of his bangs.

"Katniss, are you okay? You're face is all red." I tried to calm my heart as it raced hard against my chest. Girls, panties, Peeta's tongue––the words echoed in my head. I hoped that Delly's insinuation didn't mean that he…he…had been with other girls that way. Had he been? I thought that he never had a girlfriend before? I mean, I never saw him with one and Prim all admitted that he has had a crush on me for along time. But how long? He was a red-blooded boy with…argh! I mean, just because he had a crush on me, a Seam girl it didn't mean he didn't play along with way. It wasn't likely that he was waiting for me.

I stared at the group of girls at a distance eyeing Peeta. Were any of them––

Suddenly, the courtyard monitor flickered on. Snow's infamous icon flashed on the screen. "God damnit, I forgot about this part of the evening," Haymitch said between clenched teeth. As a video played on screen, four groups of Peacekeepers surrounded the courtyard. It was expected formation but seeing them flanking us was still scary and daunting. I reached out for Peeta's hand. They were cold and clammy. Sweat dotted his forehead. I could see his chest rise and fall as his eyes were glued to the screen.

Prim grabbed my other hand. President Snow's image appeared on the screen. He wore his typical all white suit behind a glaring white background with two pristine white Peacekeepers flanking him.

"Good evening, children of Panem," he announced. Peeta stiffened his chest jutted forward and face upraised. It's the first time I have ever seen him in a posture of defiance and…anger. An emotion I've never seen Peeta project towards Snow.

"On this night two weeks before the reaping, I am pleased to join you in your celebration for your sacrifice and bravery," he said. He went on and on of how proud he was for the next tributes to be selected on Reaping Day.

"God I feel sick," Delly announced.

"Me too," Haymitch said in a sarcastic tone. "He's up there pontificating, fattening up the fatted calf ready to be slaughtered. I'm quite sure he appreciates the sacrifice that––"

Suddenly the screen changed and flickered. Peeta gasped beside me as there was a collective reaction from the party revelers as well. A bird, a MockingJay appeared on the screen removing Snow's image.

"This is the voice of the MockingJay," a disguised voice spoke. Peeta's hand went slack, his eye wide filled with disbelief.

"No, no, no, no, no," he repeated so soft but I heard his chant. Delly grasped his upper arm while Prim wrapped an arm around my waist.

"What the fuck," Haymitch screamed at the screen. His teeth gnashed together.

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AN: Thank you for reading this chapter. I hope you guys are still with me and enjoy reading 'Destiny.' Thanks again for those who took time to read and leave a review. You guys are awesome. Have a great week.